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

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nyc. holiday. recap.

Because I'm so NOT ready to leave Christmas behind just yet (is it really over?!), I've rounded up some photos that I took during a recent trip to NYC. Speaking of which, it's true what they say: No one does the holidays like the Big Apple. Just when you thought that the the city couldn't get any more magical, it totally does. From the holiday markets and stunning window displays to festive decorations around every corner, it's safe to say that I came home in a holidaze. I especially lucked out with the unseasonably warm weather, which made roaming the city even more enjoyable. Scroll down for some of my favorite snapshots (read: photo overload) that best capture the city's holiday charm.

C'ville --> NYC via Amtrak.

THIS view. The #NewWhitney has easily become one of my top favorite museums in NYC.

Checking out Frank Stella: A Retrospective.  

Holiday cheer wherever you go... Can you believe that I went sans tights during December in NYC?!

Run, run as fast as you can... A close-up of one of Lord & Taylor's holiday windows.

Marimekko, it's always a pleasure.

But seriously, when can I move in? 

New pizza spot? Check. For pizza by the slice, Joe's Pizza is the place to go.

SoHo afternoons + architecture around every corner. You know that you're a tourist when you can't stop looking up.

Two words: Holiday. Markets. I had so much fun browsing the holiday vendors for unique trinkets and local goods while snatching up the occasional molasses cookie.

DO make a pitstop at every holiday market that you stumble upon.

Hey there, Charlie Brown, Sally + Franklin... The Peanuts gang took over Macy's and it was basically the cutest thing ever.

A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life.

I can't even. Macy's seriously outdid themselves this year.

Strolling along Fifth Avenue at night, and naturally, I had to snap a photo of Henri Bendel's festive window display.

Snapped along the edge of Central Park. I'm pretty sure there's nothing better than quiet NYC mornings.

NYC's equivalent of decking the halls in style... as seen at Columbus Circle.

Christmas scene at Bryant Park. Not photographed: Ice skating + a scrumptious waffle from Wafels & Dinges.

A peek inside Henri Bendel during the daytime.

Rockefeller Center and the Christmas tree of all Christmas trees.

Unintentional photobomber in the background, but hey, here's a cute snapshot of my #OOTD.

I think it's safe to say that an annual trip during the holidays to NYC is definitely going to become a new tradition of mine. I quite honestly couldn't have asked for a better Christmas present! Stay tuned for a roundup of photos from my evening at the Whitney Museum — I decided to write up a separate post for that since this one's already super long.

What are your favorite things to do in NYC during the holidays? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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merry. merry.

Merry, merry! I hope that everyone had a joyous holiday season filled with good company + plenty of sugar cookies to go around. While I continue to take a brief "pause" from the blogging world, I'll def be back before the new year with fresh content and a fun recap from my NYC trip. In the meantime, you can stay in the loop by following me on Instagram (@a_wilmer) for fun holiday snapshots and the occasional ice cream cone (or two!). 

'tis the season,

A

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kate. spade. // the. joy. ride.

If you weren't already beginning to slowly get into the holiday spirit (one Starbucks red cup at a time), then Kate Spade's latest installment of the #missadventure series is sure to bring on the holiday cheer. Starring Anna Kendrick and Zosia Mamet, The Joy Ride definitely leaves me lusting for all of KS's seasonal goodies — some of which I've rounded up below! Between the extra sparkly party heels, taxi cab clutch and cheeky Goreski glasses ring, it's safe to say that I want everything. Sigh.    

What are your favorite items from Kate Spade's holiday collection? Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

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fourth. of. july. weekend.

R, W + B hues.

Hope everyone enjoyed their Fourth of July weekend!  For the most part, I took it easy, which was absolutely fine by me.  I hit the outlet malls with the fam on Friyay (a tradition of ours every July 4th holiday) and stopped by Sonic on Saturday for half-price slushes during Happy Hour.  (I mean, is there anything more all-American than Sonic?  I think not.)  Out of everything, I'd have to say that my favorite thing about July 4th would have to be wearing head-to-toe red, white and blue.  Call me cliché, but when it comes to navy + stripes, I think more is more.  Besides, since when is dressing patriotic not considered the ultimate fashion statement?  In addition to my outfit, I also shamelessly opted for a festive, if not very minimalist, mani.

While July 4th may be over (cue very sad face), I'm not ready to put away my R, W + B hues just yet. Thankfully, I don't have to — and neither do you!  As someone who believes that these three hues can be worn all summer long (Memorial Day, Labor Day, just for fun!), I've rounded up a handful of items to invest in and wear right NOW.  Let the shopping spree begin!  

one. // Hello, perfect striped tee for summer.  The slouchy fit is on-point.

two. // When chambray meets scallops, you get the quintessential pair of shorts.  I want. 

three. // I'm not going to lie, I've been swooning over this dress forever.  If it weren't for the price, trust me, it would already be mine. 

four. // Loeffler Randall can do no wrong as far as sandals are concerned.  These star ankle wrap sandals are e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.

five. // To be worn w/ jeans, a white eyelet dress — you name it. 

What's your favorite thing about July 4th?  Do you have any festive red, white and blue attire that you know you'll be wearing all summer long?  Tell me in the comments below!

xo,

A 

PS- You can check out my recap of the Fourth from last year here!

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valentine's. day.

Fact:  I love every holiday unconditionally.  It could be something completely off the wall like National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day or a universally celebrated holiday like Valentine's Day.  In my world, a holiday is a holiday... so I might as well celebrate it, right?! While some people get bummed by the idea of V-Day (single or not, it's not anything to stress about!), I actually don't mind it one bit.  Conversation hearts.  An excuse to paint my nails every shade of pink and don heart printed clothing for a week straight. That doesn't sound all that bad to me!  Whether you love it or hate it, here's to hoping that Valentine's Day treats you well!  

xo,
A  

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merry. merry.

Wishing everyone a merry, merry holiday season filled with much peace + happiness.

xo,

A

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kate. spade. // the. waiting. game.

H-a-p-p-y Thanksgiving!  Thanks to the month of November for being insanely busy (particularly last week), it's been quite a while since I actually sat down to write a blog post. It's been so nice having this entire week off to be productive relax and catch up with odds and ends.  I'm hoping – fingers crossed – that December will prove to be a more productive blogging month.  We shall see...  

Besides checking in to wish everyone a happy Turkey Day, I also wanted to share Kate Spade's promotional holiday video.  If you haven't seen it yet, then you're in for a special treat. KSNY enlisted actress Anna Kendrick to star in it and... yeah, it's pretty perfect. Check out "The Waiting Game" below:

'Tis the season... #missadventure

xo,
A

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fourth. of. july. recap.

While July 4th may have come and gone, I’m not ready to let go just quite yet.  Though summer only began a few weeks ago, we all know that the Fourth of July is kind of like the halfway point. It’s bittersweet, really. Echoing a sentiment that I’ve heard a lot lately, at this moment in time, I never want summer to end.  Can we make that possible?

To capture the spirit of our country’s most patriotic holiday, I thought it would be fun to do a photo post recapping my weekend (or rather #ootd).  Speaking of the Fourth, mine was super chill – shopping, watching fireworks (kind of…) and relaxing.  I couldn’t have asked for more!  

Naturally, I opted for a navy blue fit-and-flare dress (with a white panel on the back) by Eight Sixty and a cute nautical anchor charm necklace.  My red-and-blue striped Clare Vivier zip-wallet ended up being the perfect accessory to my dress.  To top it all off, I kept my manicure nice and simple. Red nails, a blue accent nail and glittery tips!

How was your Fourth of July weekend?  If you did a recap post, then share it below in the comments, I’d love to see it :)

xo,

A

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holiday. recap.

As you may have noticed, it’s been kind of quiet here at bitte. und. danke. these past few weeks.  And I do apologize for that!  Let’s just say that I got a little too wrapped up in the holidays and then January hit (aka: my least favorite month of the year).  Before I officially jump headfirst into 2014, I wanted to reminisce over the joys of Christmas one more time.  I’m a tad late...but for today’s post, I thought I would share some photos that best capture the spirit of the season.  Merry, merry!

It's hard not to feel holly-jolly when wearing a red sequined sweater.

One holiday-inspired mani coming your way!

...and the ornaments were hung.

Twinkle, twinkle.  

Let the gift wrapping begin!  Take note, this was prior to my epic pom-pom making party...

As you can see, pom-poms are my specialty :)

"Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl

Christmas Eve attire = perfection.  (I spy chambray too…)

Pinterest-inspired photo op on Christmas morning.  I’m obsessed with that red polka dot wrapping paper!

xo,

A

P.S.- To make up for my blogging absence lately, I’ll be posting more frequently throughout the week.  Make sure to check back soon!

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december. the. list.

Christmas is only a week away and there’s still so much left to do.  Shopping, gift wrapping, pom-pom making, decorating cookies...the neverending list goes on.  Just as I wanted to push pause during the week of Thanksgiving, I’m really wishing that time could freeze now.  This is my favorite time of the year and, unfortunately, it’s also the most fleeting.        

It’s a tad late (we’re halfway through December already!), but here’s my second installment of “the. list.”  If you remember from last month, this is just a compilation of some items that I currently have my eye on.  As it is the holiday season, don’t be surprised if you see a few stocking stuffers mixed in!

1. Wool-Felt Duffle Coat (Burberry Brit):  Two things that I love: Burberry and toggles.  Enough said.    
2. Epoca Cardigan (Anthropologie):  Though emerald may no longer be “the color of the year” come January, that doesn’t change how I feel about this cardigan one bit.  It’s festive and oh-so-perfect for every holiday function ahead.

3. Bayard Blouse (Aritzia):  I don’t care what anyone says, I’m still having a major peplum moment. I have a feeling this blouse from Aritzia is one that I would wear again...and again! (Not to mention that shade of beige/pale pink – gorgeous is an understatement.)

4. Scallop Ring (Kate Spade):  Oh scallop, oh my!  Right behind bows, scallops are quickly becoming a close second-favorite of mine.  

5. Eat Cake For Breakfast Mug (Kate Spade):  Besides the fact that this is pretty much my life philosophy, I wouldn’t mind having one more mug to sip tea from.     

6. Matilde Flat Boot (Loeffler Randall):  It’s about time (actually, waaay past time!) that I invest in a nice pair of boots.  Available in brown or black, these Loeffler Randall beauties would be the perfect addition to my winter wardrobe. 

7. FaLaLa Set (Twistband):  I swear by Twistband’s hair ties.  They don’t dent or damage your hair and this holiday-inspired set is too cute.

8. Color-Stripe Trouser Socks (J.Crew):  Anyone who says that socks make a bad gift is surely mistaken.  Here’s to hoping that Santa brings me at least a few new playful pairs on the 25th! 

9. 2 Park Avenue Lacey (Kate Spade):  If I can’t have the beau bag, then gosh darn it, I’ll just have to get the next best thing.  Enter in Kate Spade’s “2 Park Avenue Lacey Wallet” in macchiato/black.  Did I mention it comes complete with a bow? 

10. Crepe Boatneck Dress (J.Crew):  Ironically enough, I hate the color red...but I have an affection for dresses with a drop-waist silhouette. #gofigure Although this J.Crew boatneck dress also comes in black, the bright red is just speaking to me (blame it on the holidays, I guess!).

11. Nail Polish Set (Kate Spade):  What better way to start off the new year than with a fresh mani?  I call dibs on the sparkly pink polish appropriately titled, “All That Glitters.”  
12. Idiom Pencils (Kate Spade):  I spotted these “Idiom Pencils” at a local stationery store and boy are they cute.  With witty expressions like, “so well composed” and “55 words per minute,” writer’s block ain’t got nothing on me! 

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

xo,

A

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slm. holiday.

As it’s the start of finals week (for me anyway), I’m keeping today’s post short and sweet.  If you woke up this morning and instantly thought, “oh, just another dreary Monday,” think again!  Today, Sweet Lemon Magazine debuted their holiday issue and, as always, it’s p-e-r-f-e-c-t-i-o-n.  If it doesn’t get you in the holly-jolly spirit, then I don’t know what will :)  

Adam Braun of Pencils of Promise is on the cover so, what are you waiting for, check it out (linked below)!

Sweet Lemon Magazine:  Issue 12

If you're not familiar with SLM, then the following quote pretty much says it all:

“Sweet Lemon is the space for the food truck lovers, and fine dining connoisseurs; the backpackers, and the jet-setters.  We believe in being tech-savvy, well-informed, and capable of getting the job done – especially when life gives you lemons.”

Basically, SLM covers everything that is of interest to the millennial generation:  politics, technology, philanthropy, fashion, music...and more!  

I’ve been part of the Sweet Lemon team for a little over a year now and contribute weekly to the website as a staff blogger.  It’s truly a pleasure to be associated with a magazine (and amazing pool of writers from around the world!) that is so inspirational and full of entrepreneurial spirit.

Show your #lemonlove by checking out Sweet Lemon Magazine on the following social media channels.

Facebook.  Twitter.  Instagram.  Pinterest. Sweet Lemon TV. 

xo,

A

P.S.- Leave a comment below sharing your favorite features from the #SLMHoliday Issue!

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holiday. outfits.

So, it’s officially December!  Yay!  To be honest, I’m not sure where Thanksgiving Break went...it just flew on by and here we are.

Personally, this is my favorite time of the year.  I’m a big fan of the holidays – I live for all things ho-ho-ho.  From the wrapping of presents to the shopping (duh!) to the festive decorations, I just love it all.  The worst part is when it’s all over…let’s not even go there.

With the holiday season fast-approaching (actually, it’s already here!), I thought I would share a few of my most seasonal outfits from last weekend.

Christmas is so much more than the typical red and green that it so often gets associated with. Fair Isle sweaters, pretty black patent ballet flats, bow headbands (heck, bow-everything!), wool skirts and sequins galore are just a few of the things that come to mind when I think of the holidays.

black. friday.

While some people bundle up in their warmest (and often frumpiest attire) for Black Friday, I did quite the opposite.  Take note, however, that I didn’t have to stand in any annoying lines waiting to get inside anywhere.  Nope,  I went outlet shopping with the fam in the wee hours of the night (or should I say morning?!).  It was super cold, but I simply cannot bring myself to not dress cute when I know that I’m going to be popping into stores like Kate Spade.

My outfit consisted of my favorite J.Crew black-and-white striped shirt, a red corduroy skirt and boutique necklace.  Oh, and I can’t forget my black sweater tights and coat which kept me warm and cozy!  Don’t be surprised if you see this exact same ensemble showing up on my Instagram feed in the coming weeks.

small. business. saturday.

Nothing starts the holiday season off right like a preppy tartan print (take note, I live for J.Crew’s city mini paper-bag skirts!).  Even better when you have a glittery skinny belt to add some dazzle.  Classic black ballet flats = standard.     

sunday. funday.

For outfit-number-three, though a tad cliche, I kept it casual in green denim by Blank.  To my defense, however, it was December 1st.  To achieve that effortless look that I so often strive for, I threw on a chambray shirt (yes, I finally got one - more on that in a future post!) and slipped into my sequined, peep-toe bow flats by Kate Spade. #bowsonthetoes    

What’s your go-to attire for the holidays?      

xo,

A

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