A Merry Little Christmas Dress

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas! These past two weeks have been a blast getting together and relaxing with family and dear friends.
I saw this dress at LOFT this past October and immediately knew I needed to snatch it up for the holidays. I love the dark green and the leopard print is just a fun bonus!
The dress has the most feminine silhouette, reminding me of a Kate Spade design. The seaming beautifully emphasizes your waist, while the pleating conveniently hides that extra piece of pie ;) 
 This dress is currently 50% off, which makes it even more attractive to snatch up for that big countdown to the New Year!

Dress, Cardigan (Similar), Patent Pumps (Similar), Coat (Old Ann Taylor Factory, Similar), Scarf, Old Coach Purse (Similar), LOFT Earrings

Cozy Up for the Holidays

 When I found out where we were going to shoot our Christmas Card, I thought would be fun to play with texture a bit. Fur is way out of my comfort zone, but when I saw this infinity faux fur scarf at LOFT, I just had to try it! Not only do I love the golden under tones, but it's the perfect "Let's snuggle up infront of the fire" type of cozy :)

The sweater is a cream cable knit, with a faux black leather trim along the neckline and a mini moto inspired zipper on the shoulder. This sweater doesn't have a lick of wool in it, making it a super comfy and a new major staple in my closet.

I grabbed my favorite burgundy skinny cords and riding boots to finish off the look. I really love how it all came together! It's seasonal, but doesn't scream Christmas (aka red and green).

If you're looking for a seasonally inspired outfit for that Christmas picture with family or the gift exchange with your girlfriends, snatch up some of these pieces - you'll love them :)

Oh and I'm pretty sure there's a sale going on at LOFT right now- like 60% off sale and 50% off tops and sweaters- Have fun ;)

 Check out the details below!

 LOFT Sweater, LOFT Scarf, LOFT Corduroy Pants in Darkest Cranberry, Enzo Angliolini Boots (Similar), LOFT Earrings

Photo Credit: Elle Meredith Photography
Hair: Carissa Thorns, Master Stylist at PR at Partners in Gainesville, VA

Christmas Picture Worthy by accessorizewithme featuring a white sweater

The Ole Christmas Card

"I'm a-gonna wrap myself in paper, I'm gonna daub myself in glue,  Stick some stamps on top of my head; I'm gonna mail myself to you."
~La la la~
Do you do Christmas cards? 
We do. 
Yep, this is our 5th Christmas as a married couple and 3rd Christmas as canine parents, so once a year we have fun coming up with a way to document our little "family."
Here's a trip down Memory Lane....
2010 "Our First Christmas"
I was busy doing "Thank You" cards, so needless to say, Christmas cards didn't happen :) But for kicks, here's what it would have looked like :)

2011

2012

2013

And Drum roll please......
2014

Phew time flies! It's so fun to look back and see how we've changed! 

Note to self: There is such a thing as too blonde!

The last two year's we've had so much fun taking our Christmas pictures with Elle Meredith Photography !

My husband and I went to high school with Elle, so it's always a blast getting back together and reminiscing while she and her husband, Andrew, capture our memories :) They are so much fun and always make my crazy Pinterest inspired ideas come to life!

Check out her webpage Here and Facebook page Here. 

So here we are in 2014 and how our Christmas card will turn out is still a mystery. However, I'm excited I have so many photos to choose from!

  I've used Costco, Tiny Prints, and Shutterfly in the past to create our card, and I've always enjoyed their variety in templates.

Do you have a favorite company for your Christmas card? I'd love to hear it! 

I hope you and yours are enjoying this Christmas Season! We only have 2 weeks left! 

Girl on a Budget Gifting Guide

This time of year I always find myself wanting to get my friends or coworkers cute gifts that I know they'll enjoy, without having to break the budget. Since that's easier said than done, I thought I'd put together a gifting guide with some of my favorite items! I would love to receive any of these from friends or even as stocking stuffers from my hubby! The prices range from $5-$38, but they don't have to know that ;) 

Girl on a Budget Gifting Guide by accessorizewithme featuring stoneware mugs

(Pictured left to right. All products Linked above)

1. Scarf- You have to be hiding under rock not to notice the popularity of the plaid scarf this season. Keep your friend on trend and snatch up this adorable option at Target for only $17.00.

2. Teacup- I love this darling little teacup from Anthropologie. The best part? It can double as a jewelry bowl on her nightstand or vanity and it's only $12.00.

3. Gold Stud Earrings- These little square studs from LOFT are the perfect little accessory. They are simple and will match everything in her closet. Currently priced at $15.00, but look out for sales!
*Since I wrote this post, these little suckers have sold out! Here is an identical option, but with rhinestones, priced at $24.50. Keep a look out for a sale!

4. Royal Apothic Lip Tintie- How cute is this packaging!! I found this lip balm at Anthropologie a few weeks ago and it was love at first sight. It comes in a few different shades, all with a slight tint, making the colors perfect for any skin tone. Priced at $14.00.

5. Rifle Paper Co. Lucere Floral iPhone 6 Case- Rifle Paper Co. always carries the most darling little accessories, and this iPhone case is no exception. This darling case is the most splurgey item on my list priced at $38.00.

6. Socks- You can never have too many cute socks! These polka dot knee high socks are the perfect accessory to layer under her winter boots or to lounge in by the fire. They are currently on sale at LOFT for $5.00. I'll take 3. :)

7. Smith's Rosebud Salve- I love lip balm so much, I just had to include 3 on this list! This rosebud salve is a minty every so slightly tinted balm that she can easily throw in her purse or coat pocket for on-the-go moisturizing. You can pick it up year round at Anthropologie for $6.00.

8. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment- I adore all of the Fresh Sugar lip treatments, but when I saw this one in Plum, I knew we'd be friends. The Plum shade adds the perfect amount of color to my lips, without looking over done. Bonus? It has SPH 15! You can pick it up for your BF at Sephora for $23.00.

9. Golden Monogram Mug- I love these limited edition holiday mugs from Anthropologie! I mean, seriously, it's a cream and gold mug with a monogram! Enough said. It could be her morning coffee buddy, or a home to her makeup brushes. For just $10.00, this is a fantastic personalized gift for anyone on your list.

10. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream- This is hands down my favorite facial moisturizer. It is safe for sensitive skin and is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalates. Not only does it zap dry skin overnight, something about it's creamy texture makes it feel luxurious on your skin. You can find this moisturizer at Sephora for $28.00.

11. Nail Polish- Nail polish is the gift that keeps on giving. I chose the color "In the Cable Car Pool lane" by OPI (via Ulta). It's a gorgeous Fall color that will take her nails right into winter. Word to the wise, if you're going to gift nail polish, pick a good quality brand. It makes all the difference and your friend and budget will thank you at just $9.50.

Do you have any budget friendly gifting ideas you can share? Leave them in the comments! :)