1 – Frye Addie Hiker Boots.  Flat Version.  2 – Hunter Rubber Care Kit.  3 – Moncler Blanche Boot (See Below for More Colors and Sizes).  4 – Tall Charcoal Socks.  5 – Short Cable Knit Fleece Socks.  6 – Hunter Short Original Boots.  7 – Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots.  8 – Shearling Insoles.  9 – Hunter Balmoral Adjustable Boots.

1.  Best Heeled Boots: Frye Addie Hiker Booties

Available Here.  Flat Version.

Faced with a full day of bitter cold Chicago weather over the holidays, I snapped these hiker boots up to protect me from that Lake Michigan wind while still looking stylish around the city. The hiker style, weatherproof leather, and rubber lug soles conjure images of après-ski mountain activities while the 3.5 inch heel lengthens the leg and makes these booties appropriate for even the most discerning city slicker. My favorite feature? The cozy shearling that lines the opening and tongue of this boot. Style them with black or red laces; these darlings come with both. Prefer flats in the winter? Take a peek at this flat hiker style from the same brand.

2.  Hunter Rubber Care Kit

Available Here.

While I love a good wellie, the white residue these charming British boots create can be rather (rawther) frustrating. Once you’ve invested in a pair of great wellies, this rubber care kit under $25 just makes sense. The kit includes Hunter’s boot shine spray, a shine-soaked sponge, and polishing cloth to keep your wellies clean and residue-free.

3.  Best Investment Boot: Moncler Blanche Boots

Black Leather: Size 35, 38. Size 35, 36, 37.5, 39.

Brown Leather:  Size 36, 38, 40. Size 37, 38, 39. Size 36, 37, 38, 40, 41.

Tan Suede:  Size 35, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41.

Named after the French mountain village of Monestier-de-Clermont, Moncler’s history as a luxe ski and outerwear brand goes back to 1952. Their hiking boots are designed to worn and enjoyed on all your wintry adventures for years to come. But they’re not all about function; with buttery-smooth vachetta leather exterior and a rubber tread sole emblazoned with the colors of the French flag these boots make a fashion statement as well. Despite their lofty price tag, these boots are selling out quickly everywhere. If you’ve been looking for the perfect investment boot, don’t wait too long on these beauties!

4.  Best Socks for Tall Boots: Hunter Mid-Calf Charcoal Socks

Available Here – 50% Off.

There’s something incredibly perfect about this pair of mid-calf socks in cozy two-tone charcoal yarn peeking out of a tall pair of boots. My favorite boots to pair these with are the Hunter Balmoral and Sorel Joan of Arctic options I’ve included in this collage.

5.  Best Wellie Socks for Short Boots: Cable Knit Fleece Socks

Available Here.

While the shorter wellie style is my favorite, they can be a bit chilly since there’s a gap between the leg and the boot. These cozy fleece socks fill up the gap with a delightfully charming cable knit overhang around the top.

6.  The Essential Boot: Hunter Short Original Rain Boots

Available Here.

If you add one pair of winter boots to your collection, let these short Hunter wellies be them. While these charming boots aren’t intended to be winter boots, it’s their waterproof quality and tread soles that make them the perfect boots for trudging through snow and ice. Wondering how to make them a little cozier? Add the shearling insole into the bottoms and tuck in the fleece wellie socks. Suddenly you, my brilliant darling, have both charming rain boots and cozy snow boots in your weatherproof arsenal.

7.  The Warmest Boot: Sorel Joan of Arctic Boots

Available Here.

These boots are for those of you bracing sub-zero temps this winter; I honestly don’t think I’ve ever worn a warmer boot! Their waterproof construction keeps snow and slush out and their rubber soles provide traction on icy surfaces. Faux fur cuff and washable, recycled felt inner boot provide extra warmth. And for being so functional and warm, I have to admit, they are pretty cute with leggings and a giant, cozy sweater or parka.

8.  Shearling Wellie Insoles

Available Here.

I was so thrilled when I found these shearling wellie inserts I immediately took to Instagram Stories to share my discovery with you! I’ve loved wearing my wellies for years but their one downside was, despite the easy-to-clean waterproof exterior that begs for snow and slush, they remained too drafty and uninsulated to wear in the winter. These insoles correct that problem, making our beloved wellies appropriate for all seasons and even more comfortable.

9.  Best Boots for Exploring: Hunter Balmoral with Adjustable Sides

Available Here.

My husband and I often comment that we feel so at peace when in wide-open spaces with lush trees and dogs hopping through the tall grasses beside us. Even if we’re not trudging up hills every weekend, I can still dress the part with these Balmoral boots. Though admittedly not the most feminine selection from Hunter, these boots caught my eye for both their function and British countryside style and I’ll go so far as to say they make a better investment than the original tall Hunter rain boots. Why, you ask? The more sturdy exterior and lug soles withstand a more rugged environment. Neoprene lining provide a slightly warmer, more comfortable, and definitely more water-resistant experience. Adjustable sides allow you to snug the boots up around cozy socks or let them out to provide room for wide calves (up to an extra 4″ inches of room, to be exact). Lastly, these boots have a padded footbed to make them more comfortable for all-day wear; add the shearling insoles on top and you, my dear, will find your feet outlasting even the most adventurous outdoorsmen in your group. Pair them with a cozy fisherman’s sweater and skinny jeans or leggings for a just-back-from-the-Highlands look that would impress even Her Majesty.

Chelsea28 Top Sold Out (Currently Loving This One).  Faux Fur Wrap.  Black Denim Flares.  Velvet Platform Heels.

Sheer Black Tops:

Black Flares:

Red Plaid Top.  Similar Black Fur Vest.  Faux Leather Leggings.  Over-the-Knee Boots.

Tan and Nails c/o Glamour Bar Denver (Mention My Website for $50 Off Lashes)

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Miranda L. Sober Photography

When I saw this top and the teensy, tiny golden sequins sprinkled across the fabric I knew it had to accompany me on our holiday travels. I’ve worn this exact outfit many times since and it has become one of my favorites. The top is flowy and comfortable; perfect for throwing on with jeans and leggings. But the light, airy fabric and hint of sparkle make it something really special. I think it would make a really cute Valentine’s Day top for dinner with the girls or a more casual date, but there are two other color options if you’re looking for something a little less festive. I’m wearing my usual size, but you could definitely go one size down because the top is designed to be oversized and flowy.

Merry Christmas Eve!

Classic and Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa.  Marshmallow Letters.  Marshmallow Stockings and Trees.  Marshmallow Snowmen.  Salted Caramels.  Santa Sleigh Iced Cookies.  Similar Santa Mug.

Hosting a hot cocoa bar is one of my favorite things to do over the holiday season and even into the winter months. My mother keeps a stocked hot cocoa bar in our home throughout the holiday season and everyone looks forward to making their own perfect cup with all the extras. If you’re hosting one for children, offer cold milk to dilute strong hot chocolate or cool a cup of extra hot cocoa. If you’re hosting one for adults, offer a creamy liqueur like Bailey’s or Godiva. Then bring on the cheesy Hallmark movies and a few holiday classics too!

Sunnies.  Jacket.  Similar Jacket.  Skirt.  Heels.

This outfit came together a bit randomly… As the outfits I love most often do.  I have been loving jackets and coats with cozy fleece and sherpa lining and details; they feel so wintry. The jacket I’m wearing is nearly sold out in all sizes, but they have been restocking so if you’re interested I would suggest bookmarking and checking back again soon. I found this similar jacket that’s on sale and a less expensive option if you need it now!

I didn’t expect to love this black and burgundy pairing so much, but it feels edgy and just a bit sexy. This outfit would look fantastic with a dark, vampy lip. This tulle skirt has a hint of fullness but not so full that it will make you look like a huge cupcake; it still sways and moves with me and is flattering on the body.

Fit Details:  Jacket and skirt both run true to size.

Lace Bell Sleeve Dress.   Clutch.  Faux Fur Wrap.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Hustling and bustling between our families for the holidays and the Christmas parties don’t seem to stop! And NYE is just around the corner. If you’re still looking for the perfect holiday dress, this one is polished and just a bit sexy. I love the little peeks of skin through black lace and the flattering bell sleeves. This dress would be perfect for NYE and you can always add a red lip or sparkling heels for a Valentine’s Day date as well.

Hope you are enjoying your holidays!

Fit Details:  This dress runs true to size. If your measurements are between sizes, order one size up.

Sweater.  Skirt.  Clutch.  Boots.  Similar Boots.

Finding a holiday look that’s equal parts warm and festive can be difficult. I fell in love with the ease of this beautifully slouchy sweater; mine is a rust color which is currently sold out, but it’s still available in a bright red and three other color options. This maxi is really flowy and flattering; little flashes of metallic gold catch the light as the skirt swirls around your feet.

Fit Details:  Both the sweater and skirt run true to size. The skirt’s waistband is stretchy so you have some flexibility when it comes to fit.

Sunnies.  Similar Sweater Dress.  Pantyhose.  Boots.  Similar Chanel Boy Bag.

Location:  Cherry Creek Shopping Center

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Cherry Creek Shopping Center is by far my favorite place to shop for the holidays. They offer valet parking, there is a gorgeous 60-foot Christmas tree outside, the most beautiful holiday decor inside, and some great restaurant options to meet my husband after our shopping is done. Of course, any holiday shopping can get a bit tense with shopping lists a mile long and all the hustle and bustle around us. So I wanted to share with you my little secrets I often do while at Cherry Creek Shopping Center to keep my stress down and pamper myself a bit.

Coffee Break

I love starting my shopping with a coffee or tea in hand to give me a little energy boost. For coffee, I like Ebar just outside Nordstrom on the lower level of the mall. I often order a seasonal drink like their Pumpkin Spice Latte with almond milk, but my year-round favorite is the Almond Roca Latte.

Tea Time

In the summer, I like to order iced tea instead of a hot coffee. The Sparkling Hibiscus Tea Cooler from the Ebar just outside Nordstrom on the lower level of the mall is one of my favorites. But I also like stopping by Teavana near the West parking deck. I can stock up on loose leaf tea and order a Winterberry Tea with added Silver Yin Zhen Pearls for a little boost of caffeine.

Brow Maintenance

My favorite places for brow maintenance are both in the mall. My brows can be really difficult to shape and Stephanie at the Anastasia counter in Nordstrom is a brow goddess (BOOK HERE) – she always makes mine look incredible and makes it easier for me to trace and pencil them in between appointments. If Stephanie can’t get you in, go to La Biotique on the lower level near the West parking deck and get your brows threaded; they can always get me in and they never take too much brow.

Shoe Shine

This is something I often forget to do until I look down at my leather boots and leather shoes and realize there are little scuff marks all over them. If you head toward the restrooms on the lower level just past Neiman Marcus, there is a little shoe shine spot down the hall. It’s nice to sit your bags down, rest, and get your shoes cleaned and polished mid-shopping spree.

Smoothie and Wheatgrass

By the time I’m nearly done with my Christmas shopping, I’m usually quite tired and my feet are killing me. So I make sure to stop at Fresh Healthy Café where I pick up a Pitaya Passion smoothie for an afternoon snack, as well as a wheatgrass shot to boost my immunity. I feel as if I’m always trying to dodge colds and flus during the holiday season, so I definitely take advantage of extra vitamins and health benefits when I can!

Do you shop at Cherry Creek Shopping Center for the holidays as well? Where are your favorite spots?

1. Silk Hair Ties.  2. Le Labo Lys 41 Perfume.  3. Eyeshadow Palette.  4. NuFace Facial Toning Device.  5. Estée Lauder Powder Compact.  6. Dermaflash Exfoliating Device.  7. Slip Silk Pillowcase.  8. Henri Bendel Train Case.  9. Facial Rolling Device.  10. Age Delay Pillow.  11. GloPro Microneedling Device.  12. Mason Pearson Hairbrush.  13.  Facial Steamer.

How to Shop:  Click one of the links under the collage above, click any of the links in the text below, click any of the “Available Here” links under the numbered list of items after the text below, or click any of the images in the shoppable slide at the bottom.

My Beauty Gift Guide is my favorite gift guide I look forward to curating each year. I have always been interested in skincare, hair, and makeup and I think deep down if I had to choose one thing to blog about it would be beauty. I was always mesmerized by the beauty books I would beg my mother to buy me as a little girl; I remember poring over every detail of Kevyn Aucoin’s “Making Faces” book and the way he would transform people’s faces into another person, another character.

This year, my guide focuses on skincare because it is the foundation of everything else beauty. I’ve learned that the more care and love I put into my skin, the better my makeup looks. Plus, there are so many incredible new tools and devices on the market for us to take advantage of. I really wanted to showcase that this year and share some of these miracle workers with you!

But before we swoon over all the pretty things… We are all incredibly fortunate to have the things we truly need and have a bit extra to give back. If you want to do some good instead of or in addition to your Christmas gifts (this will make your mother extra happy, I promise) I suggest the following:

Heifer International: Purchase a farm animal and this organization will give it to an impoverished family around the world. My favorite gift I’ve already purchased this year? A hive of honeybees. Animals not only feed and sustain the family they are given to, they help feed that family’s community and give the family a new stream of income.

Adopt-A-Family: So many families are struggling to make ends meet this holiday season and many elderly people will be alone on Christmas. I simply searched “Adopt a Family for Christmas in Denver” to find opportunities. Be quick because most Denver programs have already filled their donor lists. The Parker Task Force still needs donations and DHS is still accepting donations. Check your neighborhood within the Be a Santa to a Senior program to help a senior in need.

Within each gift guide, I try and give my shopping tips for the person the gift guide is dedicated to. That way, if you don’t like any of my picks you can still walk away with some tips. For the beauty lover, you’re in great hands because I have done my skincare and beauty research for you! You can’t go wrong with any of these items. Is your beauty lover a traveler? Then gift her this lovely train case to keep all her treasured products safe. Is she a more mature woman? She will appreciate the NuFace Facial Toning Device for giving her skin a little boost. Does she love anything haircare and have an enviable mane – or want to? Then give her this luxe boar bristle brush. Is your beauty lover a mask devotee? She’ll love you forever if you gift her with this facial steamer to assist in her spa regime. Looking for a stocking stuffer? Easy – these silk hair ties will do the trick.

Be sure to check out my Men’s Gift Guide, Moms and Mother-in-Laws Gift Guide, and for more gift guides and holiday content, take a look at my website’s Holiday section. Happy Shopping!

1. Silk Hair Ties

Available Here.

No tangles, no problems. Besides being incredibly beautiful, these silk hair ties help protect your strands.

2. Le Labo Lys 41 Perfume

Available Here.

I fell in love with this beautiful fragrance when Le Labo sent over a discovery box of their fragrances. It’s a powerful yet creamy white floral with a top note of tiare flower; mid notes of jasmine, lily, and tuberose; and base notes of wood, musk, and Madagascar vanilla.

3. Marc Jacobs Eyeshadow Palette

Available Here.

When everyone began raving about these eyeshadow palettes I thought they were crazy. Then I bought one. The powder shadows are soft and creamy; they blend beautifully and can effortlessly create many different eye shadow looks.

4. NuFace Facial Toning Device

Available Here.

This little gem sends gentle microcurrents through the skin, toning and tightening underlying facial muscles. Use it consistently and you’ll see improved facial contour, tone, and reduced wrinkles.

5. Estée Lauder Powder Compact

Available Here.

Luxury jewelry designer Monica Rich Kosann designed this beautiful compact exclusively for Estée Lauder. It’s meant to celebrate 2018, the Year of the Dog, but its elegant design makes me think of a vintage Art Deco piece.

6. Dermaflash Facial Exfoliating Device

Available Here.

Have you ever gotten a dermaplaning treatment? They are typically only offered at medical spas, but this tool allows you to have all the benefits from the comfort of your own home. Dermaplaning sweeps away dead skin, product buildup, and facial fuzz to reveal a glowing, smooth complexion.

7. Slip Silk Pillowcase

Available Here.

These pure silk pillowcases reduce tugging and friction on delicate facial skin to prevent and reduce wrinkles and bedhead. Silk fibers are less absorbent, so the luxe products the beauty lover in your life uses will stay on her face and not on her pillow.

8. Henri Bendel Makeup Train Case

Available Here.

My mother always travels with her skincare products in a beautiful little train case. While my products are sloshing and tumbling around in a soft-sided cosmetic bag, hers stay upright and easy for her to reach while she’s getting ready. Lesson learned, mama… Your way is the right way. Once again.

9. Facial Roller

Available Here.

One of the lovely benefits of having severe allergies is that I experience a lot of puffiness in my face, especially in my eye area. If I forget and pet our shedding dog, then rub my eyes, you can bet my eyes and cheeks will be swollen the next day. One thing that has helped? Rolling out my skin. It sounds silly, but this is an ancient Asian beauty trick. Rolling the facial skin with a tool like this reduces puffiness, increases circulation, and helps to smooth and contour facial muscles. It’s nothing crazy complicated or permanent; it’s just a great way to energize and refresh your skin in the mornings. And it works.

10. Age Delay Pillow

Available Here.

This pillow is designed to encourage more restful sleep positions and it cradles the face to avoid sheet marks and scrunching that can cause premature aging.

11. GloPro Microneedling Device

Available Here.

If you’ve never used a microneedling device, they’re not as scary as they sound. Tiny needles roll over skin, creating mini “wounds” and the body tells skin cells to regenerate from the inside out. Since our skin naturally slows regeneration as we age, microneedling turns back the clock and this version also incorporates red LED light therapy to help boost regeneration and healing.

12. Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush

Available Here.

I love these brushes; I’ve had mine for almost seven years now. The boar bristles are gentle on hair and scalp and are designed to evenly distribute the hair’s natural oils while gently exfoliating the scalp. I can tell a difference when I use this brush; my hair is more voluminous and shiny.

13. Dr. Dennis Gross Facial Steamer

Available Here.

Ever notice how much better it is to tweeze or do pore extractions after a shower when the bathroom is all steamy? It’s even better to let facial masks and treatments soak into pores under a nice steam. As a beauty addict, I would love this little steamer designed specifically for use on the face. I don’t think you can go wrong with this one; it’s like giving someone a mini spa in their own home.

Similar Moto Jacket.  Sequined Dress.  Ankle-Tie Heels.

This is my first post after starting my transition from blonde balayage back to brunette and I was a bit nervous to post these photos! After being blonde so long, my hair doesn’t hold color well and it’s been struggle to keep it dark. We took my blonde extensions out so I am extension-less in these photos and that has been a difficult transition as well. Not to mention I took a quick break from my lash extensions too; it was my first break in over 1.5 years! Needless to say, Glamour Bar has always kept me looking put together and it’s only when I went without the hair extensions and the lash extensions that I realized what a difference it makes in my appearance… And how bland I feel without them! I’m planning on going a bit darker with my hair (closer to my natural color) and then will consider adding in some extensions for volume and a bit of length.

One thing that isn’t making me feel bland is this incredible cranberry sequined dress. Please trust me when I say it is the most flattering holiday dress I tried on this year. The bodice is fitted, hugging the body and showcasing arms and shoulders, but the skirt billows out into a flattering a-line with a subtle ruffle at the bottom. The sequined florals cascade down the dress and seem to float over the body on a sheer fabric layer over the legs. Best of all? The dress comes in seven color options – there’s a stunning emerald green and a breathtaking sapphire blue too. The black, gold or platinum options would be perfect for New Year’s Eve.

Fit Details:  I found this dress to fit very true to size. Keep in mind this is fitted over the shoulders, chest, and rib/upper stomach area, but is flowy and loose everywhere else. If this is your largest part and you go between two sizes, I would go with the larger size. Overall, I found the measurements in the size guide to be very accurate.