just. another. holiday. gift. guide. (*wink*)

...and so it begins. I'm probably in the minority when I say that I much prefer the 24 days leading up to Christmas than the actual day itself. From Small Business Saturday onward, I find myself immersed in all things holiday. From shopping for stocking stuffers to decorating cookies to fastening velvet bows in my hair for that extra zhoosh factor, I'm like the holiday version of the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going… and going… and going.
 
Whether you're shopping for yourself, a suitemate, a co-worker, your BFF or stylish sis, I've got you covered with 12 pretty rad gift options for everyone on your list. Think of it as a subtle wink-wink-nudge-nudge to ensure that you get exactly what you want this holiday season. Happy shopping ;)

1. Esplar Low Sneakers in Embroidered Stars (Madewell x Veja) // Seeing stars is an understatement. These party-ready celestial-inspired sneakers from Veja are simply a must — whether you intend on channeling your inner Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century or not.

2. Half Zip Wallet (Clare Vivier) // Gift the Parisian in your life one of Clare Vivier's signature half-zip wallets. Um, but seriously, how cute is that blush interior?

3. Ice Cream Cone Ornament (Biscuit) // How about a keepsake ice cream cone ornament for your kid sister with a sweet tooth?

4. Seth + Summer Sweatshirt (Tictail) // A Seth + Summer sweatshirt does exist, as does a Blair + Chuck and Carrie + Mr. Big pullover. And they said love was dead.

5. Mini Kit Zip Satchel in Sweet Lilac (OAD New York) // Treat yo'self to one of OAD New York's functional + commuter-friendly satchels. This one's designed to fit a Moleskine notebook, a spare pair of flats, your metro card — you name it. I just may be smitten with the sweet lilac hue.

6. The Pointe (Margaux) // Are these pretty tartan ballerinas from Margaux < on point > or what?

7. Candy Stripe Anklet (Hansel from Basel) // Wah, these festive candy stripe anklet socks are ho-ho-holiday ready in every possible way. C'mon, peep that lil' scalloped trim!

8. Lovecats Ring (Catbird) // Perfect for stacking or wearable on its own, Catbird's dainty lovecats ring 10/10 gets my vote. I have one and can attest that it's the cat's meow (sorry, had to).

9. Snow Bunny Kit (Pinch Provisions) // When you're in a pinch at the ski slopes (or après-ski), allow this snow bunny kit to come to the rescue with everything from a mini ice scraper to cuticle oil.

10. Lip Tint (French Girl Organics) // For the girl who keeps a chapstick in every purse (lol, we all have that one friend), you can't go wrong with a tinted lip balm. I'm new to French Girl, but when even Madewell's carrying their line, it must be worth the hype.

11. Leather Bow Hair Ties (J.Crew) // Cue the happy dance, 'cuz bows are back. Trust me: All your ponytails and topknots will thank you.
 
12. Fred & Friends Desk Donut (Ban.do) // Donut tell me your cubicle buddy doesn't need this sprinkle-topped push pin holder sitting pretty on their desk.

What's on your holiday wish list? Comment below!

xo,
A

1

the. short. list. // v-day. gifts. you'll. heart.

Comin’ atcha on this frigid February Friday (try saying that three times fast!) with a new series. I was hoping to share a larger roundup of Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day gifts, but with the date fast-approaching, I’ve put together a short list of gifts to treat yo’ self to this February 14 (and beyond). It goes without saying that you deserve it, boo!

1. Pizza Sweatshirt (ILY Couture) // Pizza is bae. That’s all I’m sayin’. I may or may not already have this cheeky sweatshirt on standby just waiting to be incorporated into an #OOTD (or two). You best believe I’ll be sharing the outfit snapshots when I do. 

Photo via @sleepyjones

2. Marina Pajama Shirt (Sleepy Jones) // Fancy pjs are pretty much expected come Valentine’s Day, especially when they’re this cute and playful. Sleepy Jones recently teamed up with artist, stylist and illustrator, Kate Schelter, on a custom watercolor heart print set. While I’m eying the oversized Marina pajama shirt, the Jasper boxer shorts and matching Marina pajama pants are also noteworthy. 

3. Be Mine Card Holder (Kate Spade) // Kate Spade seriously has so, SO many cute heart-themed accessories right now. This “be mine” heart-covered card holder is my fave though. Not only is it functional (hello, small purses that hold *only* the essentials), but the price point is just right if you’re on a $50 or less budget. 

4. Mani Kit (Pinch Provisions) // As far as pampering goes, nothing says treat yo’ self to a single ladies vino night like an at-home mani kit. You can thank the geniuses behind Pinch Provisions for this gem of a gift idea. Inside your kit, you’ll find everything from clear nail polish and nail polish remover pads to emery boards.

5. Striped Wool Sweater (Comme Des Garçons Play) // If you’re looking for a well-calculated splurge, then I can’t think of anything more It girl-approved than this Comme des Garçons PLAY striped sweater (I die) featuring the brand’s iconic heart and eyes logo. (I'm also partial to this striped long-sleeve tee that's a bit more on the budget-friendly side.) 

6. Blush Lipstick Clutch (Ann Howell Bullard) // You had me at blush pink lips printed clutch inspired by “Andy Warhol and pure sass.” Add instant swag via a tassel or pom keychain for a whole lotta YAS. 

7. Valen-mine Package (Packed Party) // If anyone knows how to throw a Valentine’s Day-bash-for-one, then it’s the folks over at Packed Party. Think: care packages delivered directly to your doorstep. While the contents may vary, this one reveals Fatty Sundays sprinkle-coated pretzels, customized stationery and a polka dot makeup pouch. 

Which of these gifts will you be snagging for Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

PS: Need more Valentine’s Day inspo? Check out my recent write-up for Brit + Co for more ideas!

7

must. have. v-day. essentials.

The countdown until Valentine’s Day is officially on! Whether you’re coupled up or flying solo, there’s no better time than right now to stock up on a slew of swoon-inducing heart-printed goodies. From quirky accessories and dainty jewels to the occasional “pop” of red, I’ve rounded up 13 V-Day must-haves that every girl needs come February 14. Enjoy!

1. Secret Admirer Heart Crossbody Bag (Kate Spade) // Not just restricted to Valentine’s Day, this Kate Spade heart-shaped crossbody bag can definitely be sported year round. From work to play, it’s guaranteed to add major panache (and whimsy) to every #OOTD.

2. Playful Heart Tights (ASOS) // Plain ol’ black tights simply won’t do when you have heart-printed ones on standby. Just how ah-mazing would this party-ready pair look with a fit-and-flare dress and some classic ballet flats? Major swoon.

3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Mini Notebook (ban.do) // Stationery hoarders everywhere rejoice! Printed with all sorts of rad scribbles and doodads — pizza, rosé, and heart-shaped sunnies — this ban.do notebook is simply too fun.    

4. #ColorCurators: Song of Style Edition Nail Polish (Formula X) // Chipped nails be gone! Pair this lovely shade of pink (which is basically Rose Quartz in disguise) with a sparkly accent nail for the ultimate Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) Day mani.

5. Smitten Emoji Heart Earrings (Kate Spade) // I’m crushing hard over these heart eye emoji stud earrings (despite the fact that my ears aren’t even pierced). When chandelier earrings feel too fancy, and your go-to diamond studs just aren’t cutting it, these will always do you right.

6. Sweet Dream Ring (Free People) // SO, so pretty! This dainty heart ring is extremely sweet and minimal — and in the best possible way. Major bonus: The sparkly stone makes it appear so much more expensive than it really is.

7. Classic Red Betty Sunglasses (J.Crew) // J.Crew’s latest collection of in-house designed sunnies is serious #goals. These high-drama, poppy red stunners are practically guaranteed to turn any blasé winter day upside down (especially when paired with a striped shirt and a statement-making coat in true Jenna Lyons fashion). I’ll take one in every color, please!

8. Idania Lip Print Pajama Set (Joie) // For your upcoming girl’s night in, a pair of these cheeky lip print pjs is obligatory. Taking you beyond lounging, this set is almost chic enough to wear IRL alongside an oversized cardi and knee-high socks.

9. Rose Bib Necklace (BaubleBar) // This J.Crew-esque rose bib necklace is just the thing to take your outfit A-game up a notch (or two). Toss it over a chambray shirt, a LBD or a navy cashmere sweater — the sartorial options are endless.

10. Stubbs & Wootton for J.Crew Velvet Slippers (J.Crew) // If you know me at all, then you know that I’m on Team Flats. (Sorry, heels!) While these velvet smoking slippers are more-than-just-a-little out of my budget, I think they would look perf with skinny jeans or a wool mini skirt and tights during the winter months. I digress…

11. Cozy Heart-Printed Jumper (Topshop) // Why wear your heart on your sleeve when you can cozy up to a heart-printed sweater this chic? It can be dressed up with a tulle skirt or pared down with black jeans + ballet flats for an off-duty look.    

12. Valentine’s Cupcake Kit (Anthropologie) // Come party time, these Valentine’s Day cupcake liners will be a hit. The snazzy wrappers and decorative toppers are perfect for the hostess with the mostess.  

13. Sweetheart Minimergency Kit (Pinch Provisions) // When in a pinch, a miniemergency kit will save you from every potential wardrobe conundrum or fashion fiasco under the sun. No joke: These cute pint-sized pouches come equipped with everything from clear nail polish to double-sided tape.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

PS: Don’t forget to check out my latest Brit + Co article featuring 25 Valentine's Day gifts under $50 your BFF will love.

1