What I Wore

I just love fur!

The Goods:

Fur- Vintage Collar

Skirt- Elevenses- Anthropologie

Blouse- Target

Shoes- Banana Republic

Bracelet- J. Crew

Watch- Raymond Weil

Belt- Vintage

Neckace- J. Crew

My Wish-Gift List

One thing I try to live by when it comes to giving gifts, especially to my sister, momma and friends is "The best gift is the one you'd like to keep." Every year around my sister's birthday and Christmas I have an internal conflict over whether to actually wrap up and give the present I've chosen or to eke it for myself. I know it's sort of horrible and selfish but it also means that I'm giving something that is more than just an obligation or last resort; it's something that it is nice enough, special enough and stylish enough that I would like it for keeps. With that being said, this is my "Top 5 List of Fabulous Gift Ideas" that you'll be so excited to give (or keep)!

1. Gift Cards! They seem sort of lame but the truth is there is nothing nicer than being able to get what you really need or want. Gift cards to places like Sephora, Origins, M.A.C. and Lush are great for those on your list who use higher end skincare and make up. Wrap it in a garment box with a sparkly lipgloss or tube of mascara (my favorite is BadGal by Benefit).

2. Cashmere: If you want to make sure that you buy something your recipient will love and keep for years, give them a cashmere sweater in a staple color like navy, black, camel or heather grey in a classic and versatile silhouette (think, crew or v-neck, long sleeve or a cardigan). It will be a little pricier but they will thank you for it every year. Add a little bonus by including care instructions on a neatly printed notecard. TJ Maxx usually has a cashmere rack this time of year where you can find beautiful options for under $100.00

A Cashmere Kid!

3. Gold Link Bracelet - It's both classic and edgy! Go chunky and oversized for your more trendy, edgy loved one and a little more understated and elegant for your classic, sophisticated friends and family. J. Crew has several beautiful examples as does Nordstrom. Etsy has a few really beautiful options and your purchase will support a small business person/ artisan. The picture below is linked to an Etsy shop that I personally love and trust.

YuniKelley on Etsy.com

4. Charitable Donation: Every year I give a donation in honor of each member of our family. I also give them to my girlfriends. It's fun to choose something that the person in question will really connect to (A microloan in honor of my Dad the entrepreneur, Art Supplies and lessons in my friend the art teacher's name). It's amazing how much it means to the person you've given in honor of and most places will mail a card telling them about the gift (the amount given remains anonymous) so you still have something to actually give to them.

5. A Glossy: A magazine subscription is truly the gift that keeps giving all year. Choose something that you know they will appreciate and draw inspiration from based on their interests or hobbies. This is a great gift for sometimes hard to shop for men.

• Robb Report- All things luxury living- perfect for the ambitious business man or woman
• Cooks Illustrated- Amazing tips and tested recipes- Great for amateur and gourmet chefs alike.
• People StyleWatch- More than Celebrity outfits, more than trends; it's a perfect balance of the two.
• Outside Magazine- For the rugged, stylish man in your life.
• Architectural Digest- For those that love fine décor and refined tastes.

What I Wore

These sneaker wedges are so comfortable! I wore them all day without a hitch in my step.

The Goods:

Jacket- J.Crew

Blouse- Vintage

Tee- Old Navy

Jeans- Levi's 524- Dillard's

Purse- Rioni

Shoes- Rampage- T.J. Maxx

Bracelet- J.Crew

Watch- Raymond Weil

Sunglasses- Tory Burch- Nordstrom Rack

Better Than a Birthday Suit!

Sunday was my birthday and I wore this outfit celebrating several gifts that I was lovingly given.

I got this fabulous Cashmere Coat in Pagosa Springs this past summer. Our unseasonably warm weather has meant that this was the first day I got to wear it outside of the closet! The dress is so versatile! I've worn it alone, with tights and boots, over a turtleneck, over an oxford shirt, with heels, you name it.

Birthday Shoes from my Sister!

The Goods:

Coat- Vintage

Dress- Gift from a Friend

Tights- Spanx- Bloomingdales

Shoes- Nine West- TJ Maxx

Bracelets- Vintage, J.Crew, World Market

Necklaces- Vintage, J.Crew, Forever 21

DIY Pearl Party Necklace

Pearls are the ultimate in classic glamour and perfect for every occasion from vacuuming your living room to walking down the aisle. If you are looking for a super quick and easy update for your pearls or in need of a statement necklace for yet another holiday party this is the perfect DIY for you.

All you'll need:

• A few strands of pearls- long or short, it works either way.
• About 2 feet of pretty ribbon
• A sharp pair of scissors
• A lighter or flame to singe the ends of your ribbon and prevent fraying.

I have had this collection of long and unfinished pearl strands for a long time. I rarely wear them but have never even considered getting rid of them.

Twist them in half and in half again until all the strands are close to the same length. A little variation is fine, it makes the layering a little more pleasing.

Cut the ribbon into to two equal pieces according to how long you want your necklace to be. Tie the strands around the pearl loops.

Voila!

I'm really pleased with the outcome and excited to wear them with something that needs a little glamorous edge.