We took these photos at my house before Christmas. I love this dress because of the incredible details; the beaded neckline, the sheer back and tiny buttons, and the beautiful bell sleeves. I’m wearing it with a lace bralette that peeks through the sheer back. This is one of those versatile pieces I mentioned in my last style post that you can wear now with tights and boots (over-the-knee boots would look incredible too!) and later with bare legs and booties or strappy sandals. Take a look at the beautiful blush color it comes in as well.
Fit Details: The description calls this dress a “mini dress” but I’m 5’7″ and I didn’t find it to be as short as my other “mini” dresses from this brand, in fact I wouldn’t call it a mini dress at all. As you can see in the photos, when I’m sitting down the dress comes to my knees. If you’re between sizes, you should go with the smaller size.
I was reading an article about organization the other day and in it the author described the way that a living space becomes disorganized so perfectly. He said people are in a rush and instead of going through each piece of mail they just stack the pile on the kitchen counter. Then holiday decor gets placed downstairs, but not in the storage room tubs where it belongs. And before long, a lot of the house feels cluttered and the task of organizing it all seems overwhelming. This definitely happens to me; does this happen to any of you too? One of my goals in 2017 is to beat the “clutter cycle” and stay organized.
My organization goals don’t just correspond to home life; I’d like to be better organized when it comes to work as well. I’ve found that an old fashioned paper planner works best for me in terms of organization. Last year, my husband gifted me this leather one from Hermès and it’s worked perfectly to track my daily to do’s and appointments. I like planning out blog posts, photo shoots, and events on a big desk calendar like this one so I can see my month at a glance.
Home Decor Projects
If you’ve followed me for long, you know I have a love-hate relationship with home decor right now. We purchased a home to grow into right after we got engaged and we’ve been tackling one area at a time as our time and budget allows. One problem in particular has been my pickiness; it takes me ages to decide on something, and I frequently find that I don’t like the item when I see it in the space or in person if I ordered online. As you can imagine, this has created some significant delays. Take, for example, my closet. After waiting 6 months for backordered curtain hardware and 3 months for backordered curtains, I found that the curtains were 5 inches too short and the hardware didn’t look as nice as it did online. So it was back to the drawing board, and after another 3-month wait I finally have the new curtains and am waiting on the next set of backordered curtain hardware. Rinse and repeat.
My goal for 2017 is to finish decorating my closet space and to begin tackling my home office. I find that organizing both of these spaces contributes directly to the overall organization of our home since much of my work revolves around clothes, accessories, computer time, photography, and filing paperwork. I can’t wait to share each step of the decor process with you!
I made this custom iPad Mini case on CaseApp.com – Take 20% off with code CASHMEREGYPSY20 (valid until 1-12-17)
Read More
I have a stack of unread books about two feet high next to my bed. I’m well aware that my nightly late-hour Instagram scroll is not beneficial to my already-sporadic sleep habits, so my plan is to transition to reading before bed. I know a lot of you are interested in books too… Would you be interested in seeing a blog post sharing my latest reads and book reviews? I’d love to share! And if you have any must-read titles for me to read, please share them down below in the comments.
Invest in Key Pieces
There’s nothing I love more than a nice shopping day with a friend or my mom; grabbing lunch together then chatting as we pick up a few things. As my tastes change and develop, I’ve found that investing in high quality pieces is more important to me. I really appreciate having a few luxe items I can mix and match with all my outfits.
My favorite 2016 investment pieces? The adorable Chloé bag J gave me last spring; it was my most-worn bag this year because the style looks amazing with literally any outfit and the pretty neutral color is so versatile. The sleek Prada tote I got last summer was also a favorite because I found it to be the perfect everyday bag; once again, the color seems to go with everything and its different pouches and compartments make it perfect for organization. Last but not least, I had been saving up for these Stuart Weitzman boots for months… When they finally went on sale this winter, I snapped them up. They are one of the only boots that fit my calves, the suede material is absolutely beautiful, and they are so sleek and flattering. The price point is so steep, I would just bookmark that page and keep checking to see if they go on sale again. But… If you’re feeling spendy, they are a boot I really think you’ll find yourself wearing again and again.
I made this custom iPhone case on CaseApp.com – Take 20% off with code CASHMEREGYPSY20 (valid until 1-12-16)
Be Healthy
Because of what I do, I can be extra hard on myself and my body; it’s difficult to analyze photos all day, every day! Instead of a size or weight, my goal this year is to simply be healthy. To get up and get moving before or after I spend my day on the computer. To think about what I put into my body and nourish it with nutritious food and natural body products. It’s not about a number; it’s about feeling better and having more energy. My goal for 2017 is to get into an exercise routine and to use exercise as a stress release.
Skincare Routine
You know the situation; it’s late at night, you’re tired, and your skincare routine seems like the easiest thing to skip. Too many nights of this and my skin ends up extra dry and irritated. Along with nourishing my body, I plan to nourish my skin in 2017. I’ll be sure to share my skincare favorites with you as the seasons change and new products come out.
Say ‘No’ More Often
This one sounds odd, doesn’t it? But I find it to be one of the most important resolutions I have this year. You know when you’ve taken on extra work projects, one relative asks you to help them move, a friend asks you to travel across country for an event, you say yes to them all, and suddenly you are so overwhelmed your life feels like it’s in total chaos? I feel like we women are especially guilty of wanting to please everyone and do everything. Our American society has come to value being busy and living in chaos; in fact, we are expected to be connected and reachable at all times. I used to think if I got everything done perfectly I would be happy, but I wasn’t. Instead, I felt exhausted, stressed, and out of shape.
You know when I feel most fulfilled? When I’m taking a walk through the woods with my husband and our pups. When I take time to draw myself a hot bubble bath before bed. Or when I sit down and catch up with my mom on the phone. There will always be times I have to be busy and get things done, but this year I’m making a conscious effort not to make “crazy” or “chaos” my normal. I’ll have to say ‘no’ to things, but when I say ‘yes’ I’ll be doing them without resentment and with a clear head.
Grow, Develop, Improve
One of the best pieces of advice my father has given me is to “never stop learning”. I’m a naturally curious person and I always want to learn, improve, and better myself. This year, I’d like to learn more about business and photography. I’d like to pick back up on my French lessons. And I’d like to improve personally as a wife, daughter, and friend. I hope to stretch and challenge myself with regard to my content right here on TheCashmereGypsy.com. And above all, at the end of 2017 I hope I can look back over the past year and feel proud of what I’ve accomplished.
The holidays are officially over and I’ve felt a bit melancholy lately. I think it’s a mixture of cozy holidays and time with family being over for the time being… And a general reluctance to attack my email inbox and tend to my to-do list. But I’m looking forward to tackling new projects and new goals. And I’ve been working on plans for 2017 that have me all kinds of excited.
And while I’m running errands and getting caught up on tasks for the new year, I love wearing outfits that are comfortable, functional, and allow me to go from day to night seamlessly. If I were to suggest one versatile clothing piece to invest in, it would be a beautiful wrap like this one from St. John Knits. A wrap in a neutral tone can be worn loosely as an outer layer or secured with a belt to become part of the outfit. It will keep you warm without being overwhelming, allows for easy hands-free movement, and looks effortlessly chic. It can be paired with anything from a dressy silk blouse to a simple knit tee.
Wishing you a few more cozy days at home if you’re lucky enough to have them… And if not, we’ll get through these post-holiday blues together! Can’t wait to see what 2017 brings.
One of the things I look forward to most each holiday season since we’ve been engaged is sending out Christmas cards to our friends and family. I didn’t expect to be quite so busy this fall and winter, so our Christmas card photo session ended up getting delayed over and over again as new projects and deadlines came through. Finally, my husband and I were able to find a time that worked for us both and we took our photos in front of a beautiful Colorado backdrop lightly dusted with snow.
I looked online and saw I could get the Christmas cards rushed… (And then I would no doubt be rushing to stamp them all and send them out.) One of my goals this holiday season was to stop stressing and to consciously take time to enjoy the little things that make this time of year so special. Curling up with my husband and our pups by the fire. Watching cheery, slightly cheesy, Hallmark movies while I wrap gifts. Enjoying one too many chocolates. And spending time with friends over a hot cup of cocoa.
So I ordered New Year’s cards. Cards that would arrive after the New Year and wish our family and friends a beautiful, blessed 2017. Cards that wouldn’t get lost in the Christmas chaos and would perhaps even brighten someone’s day after the glow of Christmas ends and the dreary January weather sets in. New Year’s cards were what we needed, what I needed, this year… So that’s what I did.
It’s Christmas Eve and time to be cozy. But just because you’re cozy, you don’t have to give up your sparkle. I paired these super-soft swan print pajama pants with some seriously glam Kendra Scott jewelry.
I was so impressed with their fine jewelry collection. The beautiful pavé pieces are so well-made and incredibly sparkly; they’re the perfect jewelry to layer and mix with your current favorites. My favorite pieces in the collection are the necklace and bracelet in yellow gold. For a statement NYE look, I would layer the necklace with this multi-strand necklace with lots of light-catching crystals and add the chandelier earrings to match.
I am so thankful for each and every one of you. As a thank you, I am hosting a Chloé card case giveaway right here. I draw the winner on Christmas Day and I can’t wait to see who gets to start 2017 with a brand new blush pink card case. I wish every entry could win; I would love to gift you all with something wonderful to thank you for all your love and support this year. But for now, I get to send one lucky person a little Chloé and it makes me so happy. Good luck!
I am so excited to be able to offer you this giveaway. This is an item I’ve had my eye on for months and even included in my Luxe Gift Guide. It’s this beautiful blush pink Chloé Card Case that holds four cards and has both an open pocket and a zippered pocket for coins or receipts. I think it’s darling and I hope you like it as much as I do.
I apologize for not filming a video to reach my YouTube followers and show you the product up close. I was packing and doing laundry until 1 AM last evening and I just needed to close my eyes and rest before our drive today… This holiday season has been a busy (but wonderful!) one. Video aside, I can assure you that the card case is beautiful and well-made and will be the perfect addition to your handbag and may even become your go-to piece when you’re out and about or running errands.
Please enter through the giveaway down below in the Rafflecopter widget. The giveaway begins Thursday, December 22nd at 12 PM MST and will end Sunday, December 25th at 12 PM MST. This giveaway is open to international entries as long as you are 18 years of age. If the winner does not email me (brittany@thecashmeregypsy.com) within 24 hours of the announcement another winner will be chosen.
Wishing you the best of luck… Thank you in advance for entering and participating! I hope you have safe travels this holiday week and take time to make beautiful memories with your friends and family. And thank you so much for supporting and encouraging me throughout this year… I appreciate each and every one of you so very much.
During the holiday, this a-line plaid skirt is my go-to piece. I can pair it with anything from a turtleneck to a moto jacket or this cape jacket and it always looks pulled together. This one I’m wearing is two years old from Kate Spade, but this one is similar. And I just bought this shorter plaid skirt I’ve been loving as well.
I just shipped out my first giveaway of the holiday season and Glamour Bar is currently giving away a free mani + pedi to one lucky Denver girl on my Instagram! They do my beauty prep for all my shoots and they’ll have you looking great for New Year’s Eve too. Be sure to enter because it is only open for one day! And check back soon because another big giveaway is coming to the blog this week.
I know it sounds a bit silly, but every year I looked forward to the Oprah’s Favorite Things episode on TV. I loved seeing all her favorite items and the gifts she planned on giving that holiday season. Even after her show is gone, I still buy her Favorite Things magazine issue to see the items she’s picked. I was inspired by this idea and I wanted to share my own Favorite Things with all of you. Luckily, my favorite ladies were up for it and we started planning.
So I hosted a holiday party (TCG’s second annual – see the first one here) where we shared our favorite brands and goodies and we wrapped them up to give to our friends and family. There was plenty of girl talk and laughing as there always is with these sweet girls I’ve found in Denver! And no holiday party of mine is complete without a hot cocoa bar and sweet treats, so we had those too. Keep reading to learn about my favorites and why I love them so much.
The science behind Biossance is pretty incredible and I would highly suggest checking out their website or this informative little video I made a while ago. Their collection of skincare products is based around one special ingredient: squalane; a natural, plant-derived version of the moisture our skin used to make naturally when we were young.
Their skincare has changed my life – making my skin blemish-free, hydrated, and supple. (This is not an easy feat here in dry and sunny Colorado!) My favorites? Their makeup-removing cloths that utilize squalane and antioxidants to create a cleansing cloth that’s also hydrating and beneficial to skin. And their precious rose facial oil that I use as a moisturizer, lip balm, sleeping mask, and even split-end serum on my hair.
Get 15% off your Biossance purchase using CASHMEREGYPSY at checkout, now until 12-31.
I met jewelry designer Lindsay Bloom at an event here in Denver and instantly fell in love with both her personality and her beautiful jewelry. Her pieces are so dainty and delicate; they’re easy to wear and to mix and layer with your current collection. My first Bloom purchase was one of her Pave Diamond Delicate Necklaces and I didn’t take it off for two weeks!
The black diamond jewelry is my absolute favorite – it gives gorgeous sparkle, but still looks casual enough to wear with tees and sweaters. I also love the stone pieces; her moonstone ring being my favorite. Most of all, I appreciate the price point on Bloom Jewelry… I love being able to purchase fine jewelry without feeling guilty for spending on myself. The holidays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day are soon approaching and any of the Bloom pieces would make a perfect gift.
Usual production time is one week, but you can email sales@jewelrybybloom.com if you need your piece ASAP!
I discovered Royal Scout and Co. last year and their Faux Fur Wolf Neck Wrap has been my go-to for spicing up any look. I can throw this on with something as simple as a long-sleeve thermal or a fitted sweater and it instantly looks pulled together. I just love the texture and luxe feel it adds to all my outfits.
The quality is beautiful and right now the Royal Scout and Co. Faux Fur Wolf Neck Wrap is discounted to $50 from the original retail price of $90. By using my discount code you can take an extra 15% off that, making them a lovely gift for anyone this winter season.
Get 15% off your Royal Scout and Co. purchase using CASHMEREGYPSY, now until 1-31.
If you’re a reader of mine, you’re probably aware of my long-time love affair with Yours Truly Cupcake. They were a major favorite at the bachelorette party I hosted for my bestie. What I love about their treats and sweets is that they are always just as delicious as they are cute and I find that to be so rare when it comes to desserts. They go above and beyond when it comes to making creative and picture-perfect desserts.
For our party, Yours Truly Cupcake made Rice Krispie Treat Pops, Snowflake Sugar Cookies, and Hot Cocoa Mini Cupcakes. Between the glitter and those tiny little marshmallows, I was honestly about to faint from cuteness. They were perfect and not a single one was left by the end of the evening.
If you’ve never seen or heard me gush about Glamour Bar, you’re probably new to my blog and social media because I adore this Denver salon and the people who work there. They keep me looking put together for my shoots and if I don’t stop in to see them before shooting photos, I always regret it! The best part about Glamour Bar is the one-stop-shop factor. I can pop in to one place and get my hair blown out, lash extensions applied, golden spray tan, and mani-pedi. In one afternoon, they have me ready for my shoots and events.
If you’re in Denver and want to try lash extensions, just mention my blog and you’ll get $50 off your lash extensions. Trust me – they’re wonderful. “I woke up like this” becomes a real thing. I love having them because I can get on Snapchat and Insta Stories and chat with you completely makeup-free.
I finished up my Christmas shopping this weekend at Cherry Creek Shopping Center. I love the atmosphere there; the holiday decor is beautiful, soothing music echoes through the stores, and there are plenty of options for food and drink when I start to feel tired. When I’m struggling to get into the holiday spirit, it’s always my first stop to improve my mood. After finding a gift or two and seeing happy kids leaving their Santa visit, I find myself feeling so excited for Christmas and everything that goes along with it. Do you have a special routine to put you in the Christmas mood?
I wore this cozy outfit and it turned out to be perfect for a shopping day. The poncho can be belted to show a bit more of your waist or left loose like a wrap. I love it paired with the black drusy earrings and ring and hematite necklace by Kendra Scott. If you wear a lot of dark clothing for work, these pieces will give it texture and shine without looking too loud.
