Along Came A Box

Lace Top.  Similar Pleated Leather Skirt.  Similar Pleated Leather Skirt.

Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lashes)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Just over a year ago, I launched TheCashmereGypsy.com with a very specific idea in my mind; one inspired by all of you. I pictured today’s woman; a versatile gypsy in her world, transforming effortlessly from role to role in her life. She could be a sister, a student, a mother, a businesswoman, a philanthropist, a wife, a designer, a creator. She’s probably many things and will be many, many more as the years pass by.

The term ‘gypsy’ made me think of travel and of course I wanted to incorporate my travel into my new blog but more importantly, I wanted a name that reflected what I feel and see in so many of the wonderful women I meet on a daily basis;   that we are truly impressive at wearing many hats and being many things at any given moment. If you take a look at the women who raised you and the women you love, I think you’ll agree that we ladies are incredible sources of inspiration.

So I launched The Cashmere Gypsy as a gathering place for all my creative ideas infused with heavy doses of dreamy, feminine inspiration and touches of romance. When you visit my site, watch one of my videos, read my newsletter, or visit any of my social media channels I want you to feel inspired, happy, and uplifted. I want my content to be something you look forward to seeing during your day.

In the past year, this site has become so much more than just my creative outlet. It’s become a wonderful little meeting spot where we can share our ideas and input, whether it’s here or on the TCG Facebook or Instagram. I’ve shared so much of myself with you and I feel as if I’ve gotten to know many of you as well. I so look forward to reading your comments and interacting with you each and every day; I hope you know how much your support and encouragement means to me. Most of all, I like hearing that I brightened your day or made you laugh… Or that I inspired an outfit you wore or saved you a little time/money by showing you a makeup trick.

If I’m having a bad day, it’s 3 AM, I’m exhausted, and I can’t figure out how to fix a tech issue, I’m endlessly energized by your kind comments and sweet words of positivity and the problem doesn’t seem quite so awful anymore. I can have tears rolling down my face and see one of your funny Snapchats you’ve sent to me and my mood feels instantly brightened. I just want to thank you for that. And thank you for each time you’ve clicked over to this blog to browse around, thank you for each time you’ve liked one of my photos on social media, and thank you for being there for me. You are wonderful and your kind of light is the kind we need more of in this world of ours that often seems so dark. So keep being you.

To celebrate TCG’s first birthday, Along Came A Box sent me a box full of goodies to open! Each gift came in a little drawstring pouch with a clock’s time displayed on the front; the first gift is supposed to be opened at 9 AM with another present being opened each hour throughout the day. I opened their Oh So Classic Birthday Box – Full Day in the Rose version and it couldn’t be more perfect for me; it was filled with the most adorable little gifts like a pink watercolor ring dish, dainty gold necklace, and rose hair pins.

I love the idea of opening little gifts throughout the day and making birthday excitement last all day long. Along Came A Box also offers Christmas and holiday boxes, as well as bridesmaid and maid of honor boxes for weddings.

Be sure you’re following me on Instagram @brittanypillard… This Wednesday, you’ll have a chance to win your very own Along Came A Box gift box to give to one of your friends!

Sunnies.  Hair Bow.  Dress.  Wallet.  Shoes.  Similar Shoes.

Hair, Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lash Application)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Sometimes you find the best outfit in the most unexpected places. That’s how this outfit came to be; my friend was visiting from L.A. and we were doing a little shopping but nothing seemed to look right on me and I was getting frustrated. Then I tried on this little black dress and was pleasantly surprised with its Parisian girl vibes. There’s something so unique and special about it and I think I’ve worn it at least five times since I purchased it.

The matte leather bow I’m wearing is from the same place as the dress but I wasn’t able to find it online, so I’ve linked a similar one. It’s the final touch to this look and I really think it finishes it perfectly; each time I wear this I get so many compliments and it’s such a simple look.

ONE – “Eat, Drink, Be Thankful” Dish Towels.  TWO – “Give Thanks” Dish Towels.  THREE – Antler Bottle Stopper.  FOUR – Copper Mug.  FIVE – Chalkboard Wine Tags.  SIX – Autumn Wreath.  SEVEN – Pumpkin Chai Candle.  EIGHT – “Gather” Wooden Tray.  NINE – Accent Pillow.  TEN – Cable Knit Blanket.

Looking for a little something to bring to the hostess cooking up this year’s Thanksgiving feast? Maybe you’d like a little something to add festivity to your own autumn tablescape? I’ve got you covered. And all of the above items are under $100. How will you be spending the holiday?

Foundation.  “Mood Light” Powder.  “Luxor” Highlighter Stick.  “Vintage Vamp” Palette.  “Color 4 Medium” Brow Kit.  “Whirl” Lip Liner.  “Broadest Berry” Lip Crayon.

Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o  Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Blog for $50 Off Lash Application)

Four Seasons Hotel – Downtown Denver, Colorado

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Sometimes you just need a little girls’ time to chat, relax, and recuperate. My friend Samantha and I recently tried out  a Premier Corner King Room at the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Denver. We enjoyed the office area for blogging, large bed for sprawling out and watching our favorite girly movies, and an extra-large bathroom for primping… In fact, we didn’t want to part with our fluffy robes and leave! In case you don’t want to leave either, the Four Seasons is offering a special ‘third night free’ offer.

The Four Seasons has everything you need on-site, so you don’t even have to leave. Take a personal training session or work out in the fitness center, get a blowout or makeup application in their Level 3 Salon before going out, or have dinner in their newly-renovated EDGE restaurant.

Girls’ Weekend Essentials:

• Create a Spotify playlist to play in the room’s Bluetooth speaker.
• Bring a selection of movies to watch in case your favorites aren’t on TV or in the hotel’s DVD library.
• Don’t forget workout clothes to take advantage of the gym overlooking the outdoor rooftop pool.
• Order champagne and desserts from room service for a truly decadent girls’ night in.
• Pack all your favorite makeup products and skincare treatments to do a little in-room primping and spa night.
• If you want to indulge, book hair/makeup/spa treatments at the Four Seasons’ salon and spa.
• Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch at EDGE restaurant.
• I recommend touring the Molly Brown House or visit the Denver Art Museum for a little local flavor.
• Take a complimentary town car service to do a little shopping at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

Sunnies.  Similar Vest.  Dress.  Rose Gold Necklace.  Granite Necklace.  Bag.  Shoes.  Similar Shoes.

Hair, Lashes, Tan, Nails c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention Me for $50 Off Lash Application)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

I love a particular high-end designer brand this season… Everything they’ve done from dresses to shoes to handbags are quite literally perfect; romantic, feminine, and dreamy. But the prices of their dresses start at four figures and I just can’t justify it. So… When I saw this lookalike dress for $50 I couldn’t wait to order it. I’ve blended it with some designer accessories for a luxe look with lots of texture.

Lately I’ve been trying to sift through all the holiday emails while I play “Gilmore Girls” in the background. Still not sure how I missed this cute show the first time around; it’s lovely. However, I’m not sure I’ll ever get the opening theme song out of my head. You win some, you lose some.

Essentials:  Highlighter/Blush Compact.  Beauty Blender.  Cheek Palette.  Almond Coconut Honey Bath.  Philosophy Hollyberries Set.  Lancer Skincare.  Dry Shampoo.  Eye Cream.  Fragrance Set.

Gift Ideas:  Nail Polish Set.  Silk Pillow.  Eye Shadow Palette.  Brush Set.  Hair Treatments.  Body Cookie Ice Cream.  Screen Wipes.  NuFace Anti-Aging Device.

Beauty lovers rejoice because it’s your favorite time of year; Sephora’s VIB holiday shopping event is in full swing! From November 4th to November 7th VIB Rouge members get early access to the sale and can take 20% off their orders with code 20ROUGE both online and in stores.

VIB members gain access to the sale November 11th through November 14th and can take 20% off with code 20VIB both online and in stores.

I’ve put together a collage of beauty products for both you and your loved ones. Whether you’re stocking up on essentials or purchasing your holiday gifts ahead of time, I think I have you covered. Let me know if I’ve missed any treasures… And if you shop, share your goodies with me!

Kitchen Towel.  Steel Mixing Bowl.  Glass Measuring Cup.  Baking Sheet.  8-in Bowl.  Small Bowl.

Jars with Red Lids.  Jars with Chalkboard Labels.  Kraft Paper Tags.

Ingredients

1 (12.1 oz.) box Gluten-Free Vanilla Chex Cereal

2 ½ cups gluten-free pretzel thins, broken in half

1 ½ cups sliced or slivered almonds

1 cup toasted coconut flakes

4 cups white chocolate chips

4 tbsp. coconut oil or butter, melted

2 tbsp. Mt. Baker Chai Spice Seasoning (click here)

2 tsp. fine Himalayan pink sea salt

2 tbsp. Spiced Vanilla Bean Sugar (click here)

Directions

1. Toast coconut flakes on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for 5-10 minutes, monitoring closely and flipping flakes frequently.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cereal, pretzels, almonds, and coconut.
3. In microwave or double boiler, melt white chocolate chips then stir in coconut oil or butter until smooth. Stir in Chai Spice Seasoning and Himalayan Salt.
4. Pour melted mixture over the cereal mixture and gently toss to coat the dry pieces. Spread coated mixture out evenly onto two large baking sheets and sprinkle with Spiced Vanilla Bean Sugar.
5. Refrigerate for at least an hour until mixture hardens. Break into pieces and place into jars or sealed container in cool, dry place.