merry and bright

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas! I spent the day with my family and my boyfriend's family eating (and eating, and eating), exchanging gifts and drafting teams for our Fantasy Basketball league that our families are doing together. Since I. Do. Not. Care. I drafted Lamar Odom first, then Kris Humphries and threw Tony Parker in there somewhere. It's the Varsity Reality TV Squad. Kind of regretting my horrible picks now, because I'm going to lose every week by insane amounts, but whatever.

I am happy to say that I made out pretty well this Christmas! Not surprising since people find me difficult to shop for, so I end up giving them a list of things to choose from. Oh, and there's also this thing I do, where I post styles I'm into and things that I like on the internet and include a link to where to buy them...

While most of you are recuperating from the weekend and enjoying the day off (maybe even settling into a little extended vacation!), I've been at work since 4 a.m., like always. The news doesn't care if it's Christmas (it's so inconsiderate). So enjoy and don't take it for granted! Have some hot cider and slip in some tequila, for me.

wish i was wearing: christmas eve eve

It's Christmas Eve Eve! This outfit represents the other side of holiday dressing. The focus is usually put on sparkly party dresses and fancy brunch outfits but there's another side to style of the Christmas season. With all that family time, you want to be comfortable but not look like a schlub. On a day like today, you're winding down and settling into relaxation mode. There's nothing worse than seeing pictures from past holidays where you're eating breakfast in your oversized sweats, or taking a spontaneous trip to see the Christmas lights wearing your Ugg slippers and spandex.

This outfit has it all: plaid, suede, tweed, velvet, waxed denim, sparkle, leopard print, cableknit. It's texturally rich and full of mismatched, but complementing patterns. To keep it all tied in, the colors are mostly navy blue and neutrals (leopard is a neutral to me... I have a problem). The exception is the small pop of pink in the gloves. With a classic silhouette and familiar pieces, it won't elicit any comments from your older relatives, but the unexpected way everything works together makes it modern and stylish

J. Crew Boy Shirt
Aubin and Wills Midgrove Satin-Trimmed Velvet Blazer
Juicy Couture Cotton Twill Trench Coat
Rag and Bone Waxed Denim Leggings
Charles Philip Sophie Wool Tassel Loafers
J. Crew Edie Purse
Tasha Crystal Honeycomb Hinged Bracelet
Asos Suede Gloves
All Saints Origin Beanie

merci beaucoup

My mom used to give us all a set of stationery every year for Christmas. At the time I was all "Ugh, I hate thank you notes. Why can't I get another Tamagotchi or pair of jelly sandals?" Her thinking was, if she got us excited about the gift, we'd be more prompt in writing our thank you notes. It's funny how now I'm obsessed with paper goods and love sending and receiving cards. That poor woman.

These particular cards are from Ink Meets Paper's Etsy shop. I think letterpress stationery looks so substantial and sophisticated. The sweet French message and simple but elegant design adds to that sentiment. I'm sure any gift givers would be so happy and grateful to receive a thoughtful note on one of these beautiful cards in return.

love, diane

When thinking of gifts, Diane von Furstenberg is not the first thing that comes to mind. She has beautiful dresses, and in the past few years, her collection of separates and sportswear has really become impeccable but who knew she had an accessories collection that rivals Kate Spade?

I was spurred to write about this by the ping pong set. How adorable is that? And there is nothing more chic than having a good time. If you gave someone all four of these gifts, it's like packaging up the perfect party. A chic scarf, great bag, coasters and entertainment.

decker the halls

Brooklyn Decker looks so festive in this outfit in a refreshing, unpredictable way. The black lace and tulle is classic for the holidays. But the bright pink lips and yellow shoes are a welcome departure from the season's typical green and red. She looks classic and appropriate, but with a young, flirty edge.

Get the look with this LC Lauren Conrad dress and ASOS shoes. Top it off with a tan and fuchsia lips and you can look as hip as Brooklyn as holiday party season reaches its peak.

shopping well

While shopping for Christmas gifts for my little sisters the other day, my mom declared that she was moving on from J. Crew to Madewell. I'm not sure I'm willing to cast aside one of my favorite retailers, but I do agree that Madewell may soon own a larger piece of my closet.

Today, if you order online you get 30% off plus free shipping. It's really the last push for Christmas presents if you are shopping online.

Above are some of my favorite pieces that are in stores now. I'm particularly fond of the flats and the dress. It may look like a homecoming dress, but don't let the online image confuse you. This dress was gorgeous. I wanted to, at the same time, get it for my bridesmaids for my (hypothetical) wedding, and throw a denim jacket and flat boots on with it.

1) Belle by Sigerson Morrison Pony Flats
2) The Leather Caravan Satchel
3) Sparkler Pencil Skirt
4) Over-The-Knee Cableknit 1937 Socks
5) Storybook Dress
6) Silk Leaflet Blouse
7) Super Sunglasses Panama
8) Hunter Brixen Wellies
9) Foxtrot Ring
10) Spotted Snowfall Scarf

joy to the world

How lovely is this ornament? The Vintage Globe Ornament is by Eliot Raffit, and is sold at Saks. The glass bulb is decorated like a globe, with the continents in glitter. It hangs from the tree with a perfect satin bow. It has such a whimsical, old-fashion look to it. And I can't really say no to glitter. My mom is uncharacteristically sentimental about her ornaments. I know she (and I!) would love to have this hanging from the tree.

proper presents: the traveler

Traveling can be so unpleasant, which is unfortunate since it happens a lot around the holidays, and the holidays should not be unpleasant! These gifts are great for someone who may be traveling to see you over the holidays. It's also great for someone flies a lot, or has a big trip planned. These items will keep your loved ones comfortable while adding a dash of glam to the very un-glam task of flying and traveling.

1) Clinique 3-Step Home and Away
2) Mary Green Sleeping Silk Eye Mask
3) Victoria Beckham Modern Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
4) MARC by Marc Jacobs Knit Sweater-Cape
5) Cole Haan Air Morgan Ballet Slipper
6) Eskuche 33i Headphones
7) Lord & Taylor Manicure Set
8) Michael Kors Passport Holder
9) Pieces Helfried Little Tartan Suitcase
10) Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo

tiny tinsel trees

I always struggle with finding holiday decorations that aren't kitsch. When it comes to Christmas, I don't like red and green. My mom does garlands, white lights and gold accents, which I love. I'm not that dedicated, but I want to add some spirit to my apartment. For some reason, I can't get tiny tinsel trees off of my mind. I would love to cover a mantle or small table in little trees in different shapes and colors, like the girls at Glitter Guide. I just hope I don't look like a crazy old lady.

style files

Coffee table books are a classic Christmas gift. I love reading about old-school style and classic glamour. The subject matter of these books keep them from being "how to's". They're inspirational and would be beautiful accents in a home. I've been looking forward to reading "Preppy" for a while.

Jeffrey Banks Preppy Cultivating Ivy Style Book, Susanna Salk Celebrating WASP Style: A Privileged Life, Jean-Pierre Dufreigne Hitchcock Style, Elizabeth Walker Style Book

proper presents: college coed

Christmas is a great time to restock and revamp the essentials for college kids. The key for students is to be comfortable in their living space and clothes, without compromising style. On-trend, cozy items that make a dorm feel homey and inspiring can be reenergizing come second semester. Simple luxuries such as candles and lotions give students an opportunity to feel pampered in an environment where shoes are required for bathing. There are certain basics all students need, like boots, bags and jackets, but choosing stylish versions help them stand out and feel more put together. College students aren't known for taking great care of their things, so high quality items that will hold up are good investments.

1) L'Occitane Hand Indulgences
2) Spumante Sequined Pillow
3) World Market Chocolate Faux Fur Throw
4) Old Navy Shiny Frost Free Vest
5) Mindy Kaling Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me
6) Sperry Top-Sider Albatross
7) Robert Farkas Sunny Leo Art Print
8) Juicy Couture Wanderlust Twill Eleanor Backpack
9) Bond No. 9 New York Park Avenue Candle
10) Farhi by Nicole Farhi Black Motif Quilted Pea Coat

christmas countdown

I went to Catholic school for 14 years, so I'm a firm supporter of an Advent calender that doesn't involve cardboard and old chocolate. Etsy store EcoMonster's DIY Advent calender kits are the perfect, modern alternative.

Every day leading up to Christmas, open an envelope filled with little craft supplies, like beads, glitter, stickers and stamps. The insides aren't the only treats, as the clothespins and envelopes give Christmas decor a nostalgic twist.

For those that aren't as religious (or are just behind the ball!) there's even a "12 Days Till Christmas" version.

proper presents: manly man

Presents for guys can be challenging. There are a bunch of things out there that scream GIFT FOR MEN! but whatever you give should still be personal, useful and special. These gifts are all super-manly but aren't cliché.

1) Dean and Deluca St. George Absinthe Verte
2) Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Buffalo Check Button-Down Shirt
3) Woolrich The Cordura Field Jacket
4) Michael Kors Chronograph Watch
5) Jack Spade iPhone Cases
6) Tereforma Whiskey Stones
7) iBright iPod Docking Station
8) Bed Bath and Beyond Coasters with Holder
9) Land's End Mariner Knit Throw

proper presents: beauty babe

This installment of Proper Presents focuses on gifts for the girl who loves to get gorgeous. These presents are all under $150! Giving beauty gifts can be difficult because every gal has their own routine, but these are all universally helpful items that any girl would be happy to have in her get-glam arsenal.

1) Bliss Fabulips Treatment Kit
2) Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Age Defying Hand Remedies
3) Clinique Total Moisture Set
4) Lancome Powder Blush Maison
5) Estée Lauder Compact
6) Bobbi Brown Mini Brush Set
7) Butter London Holiday Collection
8) Sedu Revolution Pro Tournaline Ionic Hair Dryer
9) Clairsonic Mia 2 Next Generation Sonic Cleansing System
10) Forever 21 Cosmetic Bag

so clutch

How adorable are these Refinery 29 + Clare Vivier clutches? The leather looks so soft and the dimensions are perfect. They were originally created to hold laptops, but I think they would be just as amazing as a day-to-night handbag. The prints are right on. I love the neon on neutral leather, and of course, the animal prints.

The clutches ship by December 12. Just in time for Christmas! I know what I'm putting on my list.

proper presents: fit friend

Gift giving can be expensive and exhausting. Sometimes it's easier to just give up, and get generic, impersonal gifts for the special people in your life. But the best part of Christmas shopping is knowing you can make your loved ones feel special! Over the next few weeks, Doux Rousse will be featuring gift guides that focus on different categories of presents. Hopefully it will be the inspiration you need!

There are sure to be guides like this all over the blogosphere, so Doux Rousse will provide a unique selection at a variety of price points, from retailers that are easy to access and order from.

The first round of Proper Presents is all about the fitness fiend. Encourage a friend or family member's enthusiasm for exercise with fun, feminine, workout-friendly gifts that range in price from just $13 to $560.

1) Nirve 3-Speed Women's Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
2) Adidas by Stella McCartney Running Snake Anorak
3) Victoria's Secret Water Bottle
4) LeSportsac Patent Round Shoulder Duffle
5) Sports Aunthority Stamina Folding Mini Trampoline
6) Transform Exercise Ball
7) Target Savasa Hand Weight Set
8) Crescent Moon Faux-Croc Mat Sling

oprah's favorite things

As promised, I've got the update on Oprah's favorite things. This year, she obviously chose some glamorous as comforting items to give as gifts to loved ones and yourself. She also enlisted her team of personalities and friends to choose some of their favorite things.

Besides the amazing duffel bag, Oprah mentioned this amazing cashmere robe by Marigot. I love the keylime color to brighten up a cozy day spent inside. I also can't promise that I wouldn't sneak out of the house with it still on. The Carriere Freres botanical candles look like the come in amazing scents that are unique and won't overpower.

Besides Oprah's picks, Gayle's were by far my favorite. Of course they were; I love Gayle. She picked a  delicious and adorable 7-layer caramel cake with polka dot butter cream frosting from Caroline's Cakes. On the other end of the spectrum, the awesome Asics sneakers would (almost) make me excited to run that cake off. And of course, afterward, I'd have to luxuriate with these sweet cupcake bath bombs made with essential oils and Dead Sea salt. It's like the perfect day, brought to you by Gayle.

she rides coach too, right?

Without a doubt, the saddest part about "Oprah" going off the air earlier this year was the thought that there may never be a "Favorite Things" to salivate over. Oprah didn't disappoint though, including her list in the December issue of O, The Oprah Magazine.

To get people excited, the Oprah team released a sneak peek of what would be on the list this year. Most of the items were fairly vague and I had trouble finding them online. However, the most amazing thing I found on the list was the Deux Lux 'Felix' weekend duffel bag.

I don't even know where to begin. A sequin and leather duffle is just to good to be true. I adore the gold sequins and the green leather, but love the sophistication of the black on black. Personally, I would use this as a carry-on for traveling. Because of my small stature, it's best for me to not have the option of packing a large bag to the brim and trying to drag it from gate to gate. Taking this adorable duffel would make traveling seem more like the glamorous pictures of Victoria Beckham at Heathrow and less like the pre-dawn, mad search for McDonald's coffee and uncomfortable sleeping mayhem that it actually is. There's a smaller size too, that would be great motivation if used as a gym bag.

The fact that it's only $145 makes it truly amazing. A favorite thing for sure.

When the full list comes out, you can bet that I'll dissect  it here so check back.