There’s something so perfect about the ruffle detail and starry lace of this gorgeous green dress. It’s perfect for your holiday events this season and into the winter months.
I loved the belt detail with grommets so much and I wanted to play up that touch of edginess, so I went to our local Kendra Scott shop for a little help from the girls there! Right away, we found these amazing earrings and necklace that have both blue and green inside them. They bring out the colors in my outfit and they’re also reversible, with a glowing moonstone-like appearance on the other side. We added the cuff bracelet to highlight the black belt on the dress.
TIP: Remember Topshop is in UK sizing, so be sure to read the measurements in the size guide before you order. I found the US sizing/measurements true to size. I’m 5’7″ for reference.
GIVEAWAY CLOSED!! CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLI CRISS!!
Hello darlings. If you know me, you’re probably well aware that I love being cozy when it gets chilly outside and the holidays are near. I wanted to gift one of you something you can share with friends, then cozy up and enjoy. (If you enjoy it while watching cheesy Christmas movies, I won’t judge… I’m totally doing the same thing.)
Please take a moment and enter the giveaway via the widget down below; it means so much to me that I’m able to send this to one of you! There are so many ways to get extra entries, so complete as many as you can. This giveaway is open to anyone 18 years of age and older and I am opening this up to my international followers as well. The giveaway will only last for two days, so I will draw the winner on Friday, December 16th and will post it here and on my Instagram account.
Wishing you the best of luck! And stay tuned, because there are more giveaways coming to my Instagram and blog very soon.
We were invited to experience Halcyon’s holiday Style Social and have a little staycation at their new hotel in the Cherry Creek neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Since the holidays make things a bit hectic, we were more than happy to escape and relax at a beautiful hotel nestled in one of our favorite neighborhoods. Which, I might add, is currently twinkling away with holiday decor on every corner.
Our night began with a tour of Halcyon’s property and I am still dreaming of their rooftop pool with scenic views of the downtown Denver skyline and Cherry Creek neighborhood. After our tour we attended Halcyon’s Style Social; a gathering of local businesses complete with live music, cocktails, and light bites. There were styled holiday looks from A Line Boutique, beautiful jewelry pieces from Gnat Jewelers, and makeup touch-ups by Live Love Lash.
After the Style Social we had dinner at Departure, a Pan Asian restaurant located in Halcyon. The restaurant space is designed to feel like an airplane. And the cuisine is just as creative as the interior design. We started with the Departure Wings, Steamed Short Rib Buns, and the Beef Rendang Samosas. For our second course, we ordered the Big Eye Tuna Poke and Thai Sausage + Egg Fried Rice.
We walked through the holiday lights outside and enjoyed a cappuccino and crêpe at one of our favorite spots, Crêpes ‘n Crêpes (see the exterior in my blog post here). And we finished the evening with champagne at the cozy hotel bar just inside the entrance.
The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast in bed while we listened to the record player in our room. It was actually my first time playing a record on a record player so I was quite intrigued. After getting ready, we were given the opportunity to borrow some goodies from Halcyon’s “Gear Garage”; a collection of things like bicycles, activity kits, and even a Vespa to make your stay at Halcyon even more personalized and special. I chose to experiment with the Leica camera and capture some film photography of the snow-dusted trees and twinkling holiday lights outside before checking out.
All in all, my favorite feature of the hotel is how cozy and relaxing it feels. The fireside room on the main floor is incredibly inviting and intimate. There are books stacked all around the room and I would love to spend the day just reading by the fire. There are complimentary light bites served throughout the day and each floor is equipped with a little tea bar near the elevators. These little touches are what make a hotel feel comfortable and what make a homebody like myself feel that much more at home even while traveling.
Have you ever done a staycation before? Any stories about a hotel or place that went above and beyond to make you feel at home? If so – where was it? I want to visit!
The other day, my friends and I were discussing how expensive the holiday season can be. There are lots of events, some of which require new or special outfits. Something inevitably goes wrong with the furnace/roof/car this time of year. Lots of big holiday meals to buy for and prepare. And then there are all the presents for family and friends on your list. Before you know it, you’ve racked up quite the holiday tab!
This inspired me to challenge myself to find a nice gift under $10. This is perfect for a sweet friend, a stocking stuffer, or secret santa or gift exchange present. During the hectic holidays why not gift someone something that encourages them to sit down, cozy up, and enjoy.
The mug ($5.99), two cocoa packets ($0.99 each), and a mug cake mix ($1.66) together come to 9.63, keeping you under any $10 gift exchange limit. If you add in the third cocoa packet I’ve shown the total still only comes to $10.62. And the blush + gold gift bags, tissue paper, both ribbon spools, and both sets of gift tags only come to $28… You will have plenty of tissue paper, ribbon, and gift tags left over for other presents!
Any other $10-$15 gift ideas you can share with us?
I always find the men on my list the most difficult to shop for. So I looked forward to creating this gift guide because it will help me finish my shopping too! I’ve rounded up some really lovely pieces I think any man would appreciate; beautiful accessories, curated boxes, things to stay warm outside, and things to stay cozy inside.
I’d love to hear your gift ideas for the men on your list; what will you be gifting them this year?
Sometimes I just want to be cozy in this crazy Colorado weather that’s been up and down lately. I discovered this gorgeous gray off-shoulder sweater dress that looks completely different on the body than it does in a flat photo or on the hanger; it’s so flattering and feminine. The color pairs beautifully with my tan scarf, which I can’t rave enough about. Two people have asked me if it’s cashmere but the scarf is actually under $50 and is the longest, coziest scarf I own. I currently have my eye on the blush version!
Hope you are staying warm and cozy this weekend! I am tucked inside by the fire, watching far too many Hallmark holiday movies and working on gift guides and posts for next week. How are you spending your weekend?
This is my favorite gift guide to create because all the items are so dreamy! Whether you’re feeling a little spendy or just in the mood to drool over pretty things, I’ve gathered all my favorite luxe holiday gift ideas for 2016. These are perfect gifts for the people who have everything or that special woman in your life. I promise whoever receives any of these options will be thrilled. Feel free to send this to your significant other if you have your eye on one of the items!
If you could have any “dream” item, what would it be?
Taking you to another one of my favorite Denver spots today… Crêpes n’ Crêpes in Cherry Creek North. We love coming here for breakfast or for dessert and coffee after dinner. The ambiance always reminds me of Europe; sitting at tables outdoors, soft music playing, and everyone quietly talking for hours. It’s different than any other spot in Denver and it makes me remember many similar post-dinner moments with my family in London. I always order the sugar and blueberry crêpe but my husband insists the Nutella crêpe is the best. Either way, I don’t think you can go wrong!
I have a bit of bad news… This adorable bow sweater I’m wearing in this post is currently out of stock. It’s currently on sale and the sale price made the sweater sell out incredibly fast before I could even get these photos up. I’m hoping the sweater is restocked and I’ll keep you updated in this blog post and on Instagram.
On the bright side, I’ve searched all over online to gather my favorite similar bow items in this post. Above, I’ve linked a selection of pieces with the most darling bow accents. A cozy knit beanie, a beautiful lace sleeveless top, a short-sleeve sweater in the same colors as the one I’m wearing, a crisp ivory bow blouse, and a gorgeous gray sweater with rosette bow detail. I think they are perfect and I hope you have fun shopping them!
We are back from our Thanksgiving road trip and Denver has officially turned chilly… No more mid-80’s fall weather. I’ve been indulging in my favorite almond milk latte from Cherry Creek coffee spot Aviano a little more than usual lately and my fluffy slippers have been making a daily appearance. Still, I’m not complaining because I love changing seasons and feeling cozy inside while the weather is blustering outside.
I adore this outfit because it is so classic and timeless; whenever I wear it I feel polished and put together. I purchased this camel coat last year and it’s quickly become one of my favorites due to its classic style and luxe look. It runs true to size and is currently close to selling out, although I think they will probably restock after the craziness of the sales has died down. I did link a very similar one that’s on sale and offers more sizes if you’re looking to purchase soon.
My tweed dress is no longer listed on the J. Crew Factory website… It either sold out or they have taken it down while the deep sitewide discount is going on. Either way, I’ll keep you updated on this post and via my Instagram @brittanypillard. I really like this similar style that’s on sale. And if you love tweed as much as I do, take a look at this dress that would be stunning paired with the winter white coat I’m wearing in this post.
By the way, I finished my Gilmore Girls marathon just in time for the reunion episodes over Thanksgiving. We drove a total of 34 hours in six days and I just tethered my laptop to my phone and watched episode after episode. I thought they were wonderful, I was stunned by the ending, and I’m wishing for a new Gilmore Girls season! In the meantime, we’ve started watching The Crown which requires a bit more attention and I’m not able to work and write emails while I watch like I do with other shows… But it’s fascinating and the costuming is incredible. It’s one J will even watch with me because he loves British history. Any shows you’ve been addicted to lately?
