Stylish For Less: 15 Sweaters Under $100

I am someone who expects a white Christmas or at least a Christmas that calls for roaring fireplaces, hot chocolate, and bundling up. I couldn't have been more disappointed over the holiday season when the temperatures where nearing 70 degrees every single day. I love sweaters and they are likely one of the items of clothing I own the most of. We are finally experiencing some winter weather and I have pulled all of my sweaters from the back of my closet and have been constantly rotating them so I can wear as many as possible during this cooler weather. Above are 15 of my favorite stylish for less sweaters all under $100.

Christmas Pajamas

Classic Tartan Flannel Pajamas / Cotton Yeti Pajama Set (these are adorable!) / Dreamy Cotton Pajamas / Stella McCartney Pajamas / Cotton Textured Dot Sleep Set / Stripe Sleep Set / Medallion Pink Sateen Pajama Set / Sparkle Plaid Pajamas
I know so many people who have a Christmas tradition of the entire family receiving pajamas on Christmas Eve so they will have them to wear on Christmas morning. Does your family do this? Christmas pajamas isn't something my family ever did but I think it sounds wonderful. Buying or receiving new pajamas is always a special treat. I have rounded up a few great options above. My favorites are these classic tartan pajamas and these pajamas with adorable little yetis on them.

Stylish For Less: Party Dresses Under $100

I attended my first Christmas party of the season last Saturday and had an incredible time. One of my favorite things this time of the year is all of the gatherings, festivities, and events where we come together with those we love and those that are important to us. Dressing up for all of these holiday celebrations is part of the fun. I have rounded up 20 party dresses under $100 because we are all watching our budgets this time of the year.

Still stumped on what to wear to all of the holiday parties this season? Look here.

What To Wear: To A Christmas Party

Collarless Coat / Embellished Sweater / Flute Glass / Flower Drop Earrings / Crystal Bracelet / NARS Lipstick - Jungle Red / My Burberry Festive / Gold Pleat Midi Skirt / Evening Belles Lucinda Clutch / Bow Pumps
Wow, the first few days back at work after a holiday are rough. Now I am officially in the mindset where I want to be doing nothing but relaxing and celebrating the holidays not stuck behind a desk for hours and hours. Not to mention that I am not a fan of 5 am wake ups.

This upcoming Saturday Jessica and I are traveling out of town to attend our first Christmas party of the season. Over the last month I have been collecting a sizable amount of holiday party appropriate attire, including a skirt similar to this gold pleated midi skirt. It looks so pretty on and the gold is so festive. I have been swooning over this clutch for months. It also comes in several other colors.

My social calendar is booked until mid-January. It is going to be busy but this next month is going to be fun. Plus, only 3 more weeks of work and then I have a full 2 weeks off to relax and enjoy the holidays. Will you be attending any Christmas parties this year?

Gift Guide For The Sophisticated Socialite

Belted Coat (on sale!) / Tassel Earrings / iPhone Case / Elements of Style / Rose Quartz Bookends (these are amazing) / butter LONDON Set / Round Sunglasses / Tortoise Box / Bag Charm / Pom Pom Slippers / Trunk / Fringe Top / Faux Fur Stole ($40) / Earmuffs / Gold Picture Frame / Tassel Key Chain (personalized!) / Jewelry Box / Tory Burch for Fitbit Bracelet / Elie Saab Coffee Table Book / Nespresso / Leopard Booties / The Lip Scrub / Tassel Pouch (love this!) / Leather Gloves / Present Studs / Handbag / Padfolio / Silk-Satin Playsuit
This gift guide includes gifts for that stylish it girl you know, the girl with an impeccable sense of style, she is trend-setting, she always surrounds herself with the finest in all aspects of life, she leaves the best impression on everyone she meets, and she is often described as iconic.

A few of my top picks for the sophisticated socialite are these statement making tassel earrings, this useful suitcase for traveling the world, this versatile clutch, and these stylish leather gloves.

Some more gift ideas for the sophisticated socialite under $30!

P.S. There is still time to join our Christmas Card Exchange. Don't miss out.

Gift Guide For The Rocker Chick

Debbie Boy Print Tee / Body Chain / Booties (love these!) / Studded Clutch / Cuff Bracelet / Statement Ear Cuffs / Stamped Lips Print (fun) / Alexander McQueen: The Life and Legacy / Studded Leather Gloves / Turntable (available in 9 colors) / Lara Lip Sweater / Marianne Faithfull: A Life on Record / FRENDS Headphones (on my wish list) / Notebook / Cracked Leather iPhone Case / Hanging Tag / Chain Skinny Heels / Velvet Studded Jacket / Leather Mini Skirt / Crystal Skull Trinket Box / Diptyque Tubéreuse scented candle
This gift guide includes gifts for the girl who always has that cool-girl style, has an extensive music collection, loves leather and studs, the girl who is not afraid to standout and has a little attitude, the girl how hangs out with the band (or maybe she is in her own band), and who is always a star.

A few of my favorite gifts for the rocker chick include these chic headphones, this stylish sweater, this leather iPhone case, and these sparkly ear cuffs.

Some more gift ideas for the rocker chick under $30!

P.S. There is still time to join our Christmas Card Exchange. Don't miss out.

What To Wear: Fall Uniform

Field Jacket (love this $64 version too) / Striped Tee / Constellation Necklace / Beanie / Double Pearl Earrings / Fox iPhone Case / NARS Lipstick - Scarlet / Satchel / Jeans / Thin Ring Set / The Happiness Planner / Ankle Booties / Thermal Mug
I am one tired girl. I started off this week yesterday thinking that it was going to be a quieter week but it seems that I was wrong. I have been working nonstop for the last few weeks and I could really use a little downtime.

I have several days scheduled off in November and I cannot wait spend some lazy days enjoying fall before it zips past me and is gone. Above is a typical fall uniform for me. Flat ankle boots and a field jacket are fall essentials that I think every girl should own. I shared this iPhone case yesterday but I love how adorable the little fox is.

On another note have you started your Christmas shopping yet? So many people that I know have already began picking up gifts but I haven't had time to even start thinking about it. I suspect that I will wind up doing most of my shopping online the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Ear Crawlers

1 Ice Sawtooth Ear Crawlers / 2 Crystal Ear Crawlers / 3 Joslyn Ear Crawlers / 4 Pave Spike Ear Crawlers / 5 Crystal Triangle Ear Crawlers / 6 Tapering Triangle Ear Crawlers / 7 Open Tear Ear Crawlers / 8 Crystal Baguette Ear Crawlers
I am an accessories girl. I have a huge collection of sparkly pieces and they are one of the first things I look for when shopping. Speaking of accessories ear crawlers have been popping up every for months. This is a trend in accessories that I am loving. They are feminine and just a little edgy. These are my current favorites and they are on sale! Is this a trend that you have gotten on board with?

Stylish for Less: Under $50

Stone Statement Necklace $14.50 - White Collar Dress $27 great for work - Cropped Jacket $45 so versatile - Fringe Bag $20 - Black Lace Up Boots $38 perfect for Fall - Flower Midi Dress $29 - Floral Crepe Trousers $29 great print - Kate Spade Glitter Earrings $38 - Striped Dress $30 half off! - Blazer $50 classic piece - Blush Clutch $14 - Pendant Necklace $36 - Striped Top $38 love the stripes - Floral Peplum Top $27 - T-Rex Tee $40 love this! - Plaid Sweater $35

When I go shopping I always have my eye out for a stylish piece that will easily incorporate into my wardrobe. Not only do I want beautiful pieces but I also want to get them at a steal. A teacher's salary doesn't allow me to just go wild when shopping for clothes. I need quality pieces that are versatile and fit my budget. I want to look good but appropriate for work. I also want pieces that are fun and more casual for life outside of school. What kind of pieces do you look for when you go shopping? So this stylish for less incorporates some of all of that with great pieces for under $50!

All of these pieces could easily fit into my closet. Some of them would be perfect for work like this dress with this jacket. Some of the pieces are perfect for after work like this tee and these boots with some black jeans and a jacket. What's your favorite items above?

Stylish For Less: Under $100

Wine Red Coat / Suede Coat / T Shirt Dress / Split Back Sweater / Lace Swing Dress / Cheetah Dot Boots / Beaded Strands / Chandelier Earrings / Geometric Sweater / Blue Trench Coat / Pom Bag Charm / Crystal Studs / Initial Bracelet / Knot Front Dress / Tory Burch Stud Earrings / Colorblock Tote / Loafers / Bucket Bag / Boyfriend Blazer
These last two weeks have been crazy and I have to say that I am kind of crushing it. If I can just keep this pace up until Monday then I should be able to relax a little and start getting ready for my Halloween party. My plans for the next four days include nothing but work. If I can manage to get finished a little early I hope to have a few hours to start picking up supplies for the party.

Above are a few recent finds under $100. My favorites include these dotted boots and this knot front dress. They would look great paired together.

Capes For Fall

Toggle Button Cape / Blazer Cape / WAYF Cape / DKNY Ribbed Cape / Burberry Wool Cape / Burberry Wool Cape / Cashmere Cape / Blazer-Style Cape
I have loved capes for the last few years but I still have not purchased one. They seem like a fun alternative to a fall jacket. I am currently on the hunt for the perfect cape for when temperatures are a little cooler. Above are a few of the options. This one is my favorite. I love the color and the classic shape. Do you own a cape?

Some more finds:

20 Great Dresses For Fall

I have been wearing dresses a lot more than usual lately. I have found that getting dressed up helps the day feel a little better. I have already purchased several new dresses to add to my closet. I have rounded up 20 other of my favorite dresses from around the web above. Have you made any new purchases lately?

Most Wanted

Silk Pants / Lace Pencil Skirt / Suede Ankle Wrap Sandals (so pretty!) / Fringe Earrings / Tote / Waterfall Front Coat (love this color) / Ponte Dress / Striped Top / Sweater (fun!) / Feather Mismatched Earrings / Watch / Denim Dress / Gloves / Fold Over Clutch / Booties / Pom Pom / Garnet Ring / Plaid Jacket
It is busy, busy, busy this week so I am going to keep it short and sweet today.

I have been doing way too much shopping lately. I am going to have to reign that in soon because the holiday season is quickly approaching and I have a big family and lots of friends that I love getting gifts for. My favorites right now are rather eclectic but that is rather fitting for my personality. The more I look at this denim dress the more adorable it becomes. I've been all about skirts and dresses lately but I cannot help but think these pants are basically perfect in ever way.

How is fall shopping going for you? Oh and don't forget to check back tomorrow for another great Career Spotlight post.

A few more of my current favorite finds:

Career Spotlight: Courtney Kates // Maison Du Soir

If I were to create a list of the best things in life sleeping in and pajamas would be right at the top of my list. When not at work I spend a lot of time in my pajamas so you can bet I want my pajamas to feel and look great. For years I was baffled by the lack of elegant, stylish sleepwear on the market until I was introduced to Maison Du Soir. Maison Du Soir is an American made luxury sleep and loungewear line based in Southern California and created by founder and designer Courtney Kates.

Courtney has made it her mission to create high quality garments in flattering silhouettes out of buttery soft, luxurious fabrics. Each item is also designed to be mixed and matched and suitable for both sleeping and wearing out so you no longer have to be ashamed or avoid wearing your pajama shirt out for your Saturday morning coffee.

I am amazed by Courtney's branding, her attention to detail, and the high quality of all of her garments. I am convinced that after slipping into one item from Maison Du Soir every woman will refuse to ever settle for sub-par sleepwear again. My favorite item from Courtney's current collection? The Melbourne with Piping, which is a chambray shirt dress inspired piece with a modern fit and classic white piping trim.

We are thrilled that Courtney took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Read on to learn more about Courtney and Maison Du Soir.

What is your background?

I was a ballerina for 13 years until I entered the workforce. Prior to founding Maison Du Soir I worked for 10 years in merchandising & Design. In my last 2 years, I helped the company that I worked for launch new brands.

What is the story behind the concept for Maison Du Soir?

Maison Du Soir was born sometime after I purchased my first quality, matching set of sleepwear. When I slipped it on, I looked better which made me feel better and consequently helped me sleep better. I was hooked and wanted more. After looking online and heading to some favorite department stores, I realized there was not much out there that I really liked. I'm not a lace and bows girl, lingerie is uncomfortable and most of the classic sets that are somewhat affordable have wide legs and boxy tops. Being in the fashion industry, I didn't understand why it seemed the sleepwear market wasn't paying attention to our changing needs and trends. Everything seemed dated, boxy or cheesy sexy. The wheels started spinning as I envisioned what would be so much cuter to sleep in and became obsessed with so many designs in my head. Maison Du Soir took flight and I haven't turned back since.

When did you know it was time to launch your business and what steps did you take?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit but could never put my finger on what it was I wanted to do. That passion combined with identifying a niche as well as having merchandising and design experience was the perfect recipe to launch. I started with all the necessary legalities – trademarking a name, forming a corporation and immersing myself in product research and design.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned since launching your business?

It’s a roller coaster. You just have to stay on and ride the ups and downs.

What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?

The financial aspect is a constant struggle. Developing a collection is incredibly expensive as well as putting out the capital to produce the pieces.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I always start at my computer and get organized for the day. Then I’m anywhere from planted in front of my computer ALL day to running around LA to meeting with accounts up and down the coast.

What is the best part of your job?

Meeting incredible new people like you two!

And to keep it real. what is the worst?

Counting in inventory. I’m the worst. I have to recount like 3 times and for some reason, it’s still wrong.

Looking back is there anything you wish you had done differently?

Yes and no. I believe everything happens for a reason and you learn things as you need to. I do wish I would have had a better handle on Quickbooks prior to even selling one piece.

What is a goal you have for your business that you hope to accomplish in the next year or two?

More exposure – I’ve worked incredibly hard creating a high quality line of sleepwear that fits well and can cross over into loungewear/daywear now it’s just a matter of letting people know I’m here.

Being a busy business owner how d you stay organized?

I write everything down. When I feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, I stop everything and clean my desk. I also have a lot of spreadsheets!

What has been one surreal moment you've experienced since launching Maison Du Soir?

When I heard I was a Martha Stewart American Made finalist I got kind of teary I must say. (See it here)!

What is your best piece of advice for others who hope to someday be a business owner?

⋄ Be prepared to work and push yourself.
⋄ Being an entrepreneur takes incredibly hard work, sacrifice and patience all at the same time.
⋄ Keep your day job as long as you can.
⋄ Many successful companies have started with nothing – so that means you can too.
⋄ There is always an up after the down.

Connect with Maison Du Soir: Pinterest // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram

images provided by: Maison Du Soir

What To Wear: Fall Vibe

Moto Jacket (a fall essential) / Plaid Shift Dress / Sunglasses / Ear Crawlers (perfectly dainty) / Ciaté London Nail Polish / Allie Ring / Cuff Set / iPhone Case (adorable!) / Satchel / Booties / Necklace
Happy fall everyone! I am so happy to be entering my favorite time of the year. I have been busy make a to-do list of things I want to do this fall and it has me excitedly looking forward to the upcoming months. Jessica and I have also stated planning for our Halloween party and hope to get invitations out this week. Am I the only one that loves Halloween more as a grown up than I ever did as a child?

Meanwhile, I feel like the weather is being cruel to me. It gave me several glorious fall like days several weeks ago where it encouraged me to pull out the jackets from the back of my closet, allowed me to have lunch outside so I could enjoy the crispness in the air, and urged me to end the day snuggled up with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. Now here we are on the first day of fall and it feels almost like we are in the middle of summer outside. Come on, Mother Nature, work with me. In the last few weeks I have purchased so many great pieces for fall and I want to be able to wear them without sweltering.

I was evaluating my closet the other day and realized that I do not currently own a single plaid item. I have convinced myself that a plaid dress like this one is a necessity. I have been flipping out over these Satchel / booties since I spotted them earlier this week. The cutouts on them are perfect.

Have you been doing a lot shopping for fall? What great items have you purchased?

Weekend Style Rules

After getting dressed for work all week on the weekends I find it so easy to feel myself reverting to how I dressed in my college days. I seriously have a few pieces of clothing that are so comfortable and that I love wearing on the weekends but they should never be seen outside my house. While I fully support being comfy it doesn't hurt to also put a little effort into your look. Over the last few months I have developed a few weekend style rules that I have been practicing. I have found that following these few simple rules I feel more posh, put-together, and more confident when I run into people I know.

ONE// Restrict "house clothes" to the house. Leave ratty sweats and faded, stretched out shirts in the house. Even if you are just running to the grocery store take a few minutes to put on some jeans, a clean shirt, and some lipstick.

TWO // Use Saturday and Sundays as days to experiment with your style. Weekends are great times to try out new looks, pieces, and accessories. It is kind of like having fun playing dress up while testing items to see if they fit your personal style and can be incorporated regularly into how you dress.

THREE // It is also the time to try out new hairstyles and makeup. I love finding tutorials for new hairstyles and makeup. On the weekends I can find a little extra time to give them a try.

FOUR // Don't go the oversized route. Fitted and body-skimming shapes are always more attractive than baggy.

FIVE // Have at least four good quality, basic t-shirts that fit well and feel great. I think at a minimum you should have at least two white, one black, and one gray basic tee in a cut that flatters you best. These t-shirts can be worn alone or layered under basically everything.

SIX // Other basics are important too. Stock up on other basics. Items I consider necessities are dark jeans, boyfriend jeans, nicely fitting pants in a print, a striped tee, cotton sweaters, a simple dress in a playful color, and a casual jacket.

SEVEN // Avoid black. I love black and it is my go to when I need to be more dressy but weekends are a good time to move away from the formal connotations associated with black and have fun wearing colors and prints.

EIGHT // Keep your toes pretty. Having well pedicure feet and painted toes (a bright pink is my typical go-to) makes me feel so pretty even when I am running around barefoot in a tee and shorts at home.

NINE // Switch up your handbags on the weekend. During the week I usually stick to structured totes but on the weekends I like switching up to fun clutches, bucket bags, and crossbody bags.

TEN // Stay true to what fits your body. This is the most important rule. While weekends are about being relaxed, having fun, and experimenting stick to pieces and trends that look good on your body and flatter you.

Do you have your own weekend style rules? If so please share.

P.S. Needs some ideas on what to wear on the weekend? Check here, here, and here.

image via: 1

Fall Finds

Leather Pleated Skirt / Shirt Dress (under $50!) / Dress with Lace Overlay / Plaid Pullover / Fringe Earrings (for a touch of sparkle) / Felt Fedora Hat / iPhone Case / Booties / Blonde Waterfall Coat / Pleated Midi Skirt / Lace Panel Top / Stud Earrings / Leather Jacket (an essential) / Smoking Slippers (love these) / Belted Coat / Quilted Weekender / Aviator Sunglasses / Oversized Stone Cuff
Getting back to work after a long holiday weekend is never easy. After reviewing my calendar for the rest of the year this morning I was surprised to realize that it is quickly becoming completely booked up. No matter how many plans and appointments I have to fit into my schedule in the upcoming months I am determined to make time to enjoy the rest of the year especially since we are heading into my favorite time of the year.

Over the weekend I noticed that there are a few leaves that are already beginning to change color and I am looking forward to a drop in temperatures at the end of the week. I recently baked carrot cake and oatmeal bars and soon I plan to whip up a batch of my famous pumpkin whoopie pies. Plus, Jessica and I have been making plans for Halloween costumes and our Halloween party. To say that I am ready for fall would be an understatement.

I have also been doing some shopping in anticipation of cooler weather. I have said it on here before but it still holds true: fall fashion is my favorite. I will take cable knit sweaters over shorts and boots over sandals any day. I just purchased a midi skirt similar to this one that I cannot wait to arrive so I can start wearing it (the pleats are so feminine). Last year I realized how much I love ankle boots like these and they quickly became my most worn shoes in the fall and winter. Currently, however, I am obsessed with these smoking slippers and want to own them in every color.

Have you made any purchases for fall?

Some more favorite fall finds:

P.S.: Don't forget we can also be found on Instagram // Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin'

Laced Up

Alice + Olivia Lace Top / Self-Portrait Lace Dress / Embroidered Lace Dress / Embroidered Blouse (sexy!) / Soft Cup Bra / Midi Dress (so pretty) / Lace Midi Skirt / Lace Crop Top / Scarf / Gray Lace Midi Skirt / Ganni Lace Dress
Are you a fan of Project Runway? I love it, mainly because I think Tim Gunn is amazing. I once saw on an older episode of Project Runway where Tim was telling one of the designers that they needed to be careful with lace or it would look matronly. I am sure Tim did not mean all lace because I have always felt that lace is extremely feminine and charming. I also think it is incredibly sexy without revealing too much, like this blouse.

Lace fashion is going to be a huge trend this upcoming fall and I have been looking for just the right lace pieces to add to my closet. Although it is trend I think that if you get the rights pieces in classic silhouettes that they will remain pieces that you can wear over the years and always look sophisticated. Lace was already on my mind almost a year ago when I suggested wearing a combination of leather and lace.

More favorite lace pieces:

Stylish for Less: Under $50

Floral Bow Peplum Dress $35 so gorgeous - Black Quilted Crossbody $35 - Coral Midi Dress $37 - Biker Jacket $49.99 add some edge - Blazer $34.99 - Bow Flats $28.33 - Bird Patterned Blouse $24.99

Let's face it, we all want to look good. When you are beautifully dressed, you just feel better about yourself. Being in an outfit that you love just gives you a little confidence booster that helps you all day long. Don't you have that favorite look in your closet that you wear when you know you are going to need a little boost that day? Why not make all your looks favorites? Well, for one thing clothes are expensive and not all of us have the adequate funds to just go out and buy everything we love. That's when you have to get creative. Check out all of your favorite shops and even try some new places. Look online for the best deals. Check out secondhand stores for great buys.

I think all of the above pieces could be incorporated into looks that would definitely boost my mood. The best thing about all of them is that they are all under $50, with the majority of them being under $35. My absolute favorite item in the collage above is this dress. At under $40 it is an absolute steal, don't you agree? With some great black heels, a black bag, and some simple gold studs it would make a perfect look for work. Maybe even add a black blazer. My second favorite piece above is this. It wouldn't really be for work, but I could definitely see myself wearing it all the time outside of work. Running errands, going to a concert, hanging out with friends- all of these would be perfect opportunities.

5 Denim Must Haves

Denim is a closet staple for everyone and I'm not just talking about denim jeans here. Denim comes in all different shapes and colors. It's a fabric that can be very casual or dressed up depending on the wash and how you form the rest of your look. I believe that there are 5 denim must haves that every girl should have in her closet. These 5 pieces are necessary for a well rounded closet because they can be used to create so many different looks. Another great thing about denim is that it is a material that we wear year round and these must have pieces work year round too.

I know denim jeans are a staple in my closet. When I'm not going to work or off to one of those rare occasions that requires a dress I'm in jeans. Most family get-togethers or casual evenings with friends finds me dressed in jeans. So out of these 5 pieces, jeans are the most important to me. What denim pieces are a must for your wardrobe?

ONE // Denim Button Down Shirt. These are perfect on their own or layered over another top. When layering I like to use a print like a stripe or a floral for underneath.

TWO // Denim Jacket. For me this is more of a Fall or Spring piece, but it also works on cool Summer nights or in a layered look for Winter. I love a denim jacket over a cute dress. It just provides a little toughness to a feminine dress.

THREE // Denim Shorts. Definitely a Summer staple here. Throw on a casual tee and slip on sneakers and you are good to go.

FOUR // Denim Skirt. A skirt is one way to wear denim to work on a semi-casual day. Whether you pair it with a tee or a nicer top it works either way.

FIVE // Denim Jeans. I'm sure most people own at least a half dozen pairs of denim jeans in different cuts and washes. For me, out of all the choices, every girl should have a nice dark wash jean. A good dark wash is very easy to dress up for work or to wear in a casual look when hanging out with friends.

More Denim Button Down Shirts here:

More Denim Jackets here:

More Denim Shorts here:

More Denim Skirts here:

More Denim Jeans here: