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?
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.
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.
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!
Toast coconut flakes on a baking sheet at 325 degrees for 5-10 minutes, monitoring closely and flipping flakes frequently.
In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: cereal, pretzels, almonds, and coconut.
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.
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.
Refrigerate for at least an hour until mixture hardens. Break into pieces and place into jars or sealed container in cool, dry place.
Happy Halloween, darlings! I hope you all have consumed far too much sugar and have a silly costume to wear. This dress makes me feel like a glamorous Morticia – and I mean that in the very best way possible because I am in love with this dress. I think I’ve worn it about three times now. It’s flattering with just a hint of sex appeal in that dramatic side slit. And the burnout velvet floral pattern makes it on trend.
Did you see my glittery burgundy nails I posted on Instagram? Well add those to this incredible dress and you have yourself one seriously gorgeous holiday party look. Pair this dress with a fur vest and booties and it goes a bit more casual for date night. Trust me when I say the options are endless!
Now… I need to hear about all your costumes! What are you going as this year?
I love the combination of navy + mustard this fall. (Mustard also looks pretty amazing with burgundy, by the way!) This outfit makes me want to walk along a tree-lined street and sip apple cider while window shopping. It’s comfortable, versatile, and classic with a trendy touch. The jacket is currently 25% off; it runs true to size but if you’d like it to be slouchy and roomy to wear over a sweater or across your shoulders, order a size up.
Instead of walking down 5th Avenue, I’ve been playing major catch-up lately. On Snapchat, I mentioned my reading marathon I did while I had the flu last week and many of you seemed interested, so I wanted to share my latest favorites here. I suggest The Girl on the Train for a thriller, Dollface for historical fiction, and Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children for fans of the supernatural; I just ordered the second book in the Peculiar Children series.
Now that I’m feeling better and sifting through a crazy inbox, I’ve been playing Gilmore Girls in the background. How did I miss this TV series when I was growing up?! Have you ever watched it?
I’ve always loved Halloween; getting dressed up in costumes and becoming a different character with makeup and accessories. Our close family friend owned a Hallmark shop and she would always send me (and still often does!) the cutest Halloween cards, filled with confetti and glitter. I adore all the classic Halloween movies. And getting candy at every turn isn’t bad either.
If you’re like me, you don’t want to spend too much on your costume… They can get so expensive! So here’s an affordable costume you can easily put together at home that gives a nod to one of my favorite films, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Can we ever forget Holly Golightly opening her apartment door after a late night, vintage tassels dangling from her ears and a quirky eye mask perched atop her forehead?
If you want to recreate the look, here’s what you’ll need…
Tassel Ear Plugs: These vintage-inspired tassel ear plugs were designed to make any sleeping beauty look glamorous while getting her rest. Holly Golightly wore them during the day while catching up on sleep after a long night out. I found mine here and they can be purchased as a set with the eye mask or individually.
Felt Eye Mask: In my opinion, the most important part of this costume! (Of course, that could be because I’m also fascinated with wearing it to bed!) Holly wore this felt eye mask with gold details to sleep. As I mentioned above, you can purchase the eye mask here as a set with the ear plugs or by itself.
Men’s Tuxedo Shirt: If you can, borrow a tux shirt or dress shirt from your favorite guy. You can also buy fairly affordable tux shirts here and dress shirts here. For sizing purposes, J told me he has a 42/43 inch chest and his tux shirts are perfectly baggy on me. You really can’t go wrong… The baggier, the better as it will make for a more dress-like outfit. If you find that the shirt is too short, simply add opaque tights with heels as if you’re half-dressed from the night before.
Cat Eye + False Lashes: Holly wore winged liner and thick false lashes for most of her looks. Get her look by lining your top lid with liquid liner and adding dramatic lashes. Tease the top section of your hair and pin it back for a half-up do with lots of volume on top.
I apologize for the little hiatus in blogging… I hope most of you have kept up with me via my Instagram @brittanypillard, but I’ve missed sitting down and typing out a post so very much. First, let’s discuss this outfit… Then I’ll tell you what I’ve been up to lately.
It’s no surprise that fashion is giving a major nod to the 1970’s this season. And there are so many easy ways to work this vintage style into your current wardrobe. I love this wine-colored cold shoulder top because it embraces the shoulder-baring trend in a really beautiful, feminine way… And because the stunning silk fabric catches every breeze to create dramatic flow and movement. The top runs true to size, but if you’re in between I would suggest ordering up because this top looks amazing when it’s loose and flowing.
An easy way to create that 1970’s look I mentioned previously is to pair a flowy top like this with flared denim and block heel or platform shoes. It feels just a little boho and vintage without feeling as if you’re in costume… (I mean, it’s Halloween but let’s not go overboard.) This is a look that’s very wearable; you can easily top this with a moto jacket thrown over the shoulders or with a shearling vest as the days get colder. Wear it to date night, happy hour, or to your weekend events.
Speaking of weekend events, I’ve had a lot lately and that’s why I haven’t been able to sit down and write a full blog post lately. I’ve mentioned before that one of my goals is to find a work-life balance (is it ever really achieved?!) and it’s definitely been difficult for me to manage lately. I had a friend visiting from Los Angeles, then friends visiting from New York and Hong Kong… And when they’re here, I never want to tuck myself away with work; I want to spend as much time as possible with them! I truly enjoy showing friends around Denver and taking them to my favorite spots. They even came to support me as I took over Southland Shopping Center’s social media accounts during their 10th Anniversary Celebration.
A couple days after my friends left, we flew to Las Vegas for my best friend’s wedding. I was so nervous to give my Matron of Honor speech… Thank you for your kind good luck wishes on Instagram; they worked!! My friend was beautiful, her groom was handsome, and we danced until our feet hurt!! We hurried back to watch Colorado University’s homecoming game with my husband’s family, and the next day I got very sick.
I have had so much going on since New York Fashion Week the beginning of September and I think my body just got tired before the rest of me did. How many of you encourage self-care and taking a rest day to others, but have difficulty following it yourself? I know I’m guilty of that. I feel there’s so many goals I’d like to reach and so many things I’d like to do that I often feel guilty whenever I take a break or a day off. But getting so sick was a gentle reminder to take on a little less, say ‘no’ a little more, and remember to take care of myself more often.
I know it’s difficult to do, but maybe we can promise each other to take a few hours for ourselves each week? Whether it’s to read a book, take a bubble bath, or just watch some trash tv… It’s so important to unwind and relax. What’s your favorite way to rejuvenate each week?
