Gild Collective

Last night, my friend and fellow blogger Semi-Sweet Tooth hosted a group of girls at her place for a fun, holiday-themed Gild Collective party.

Gild Collective provides perfectly-portioned, beautifully curated DIY kits for hosted craft nights. How does it work? The hostess of the group picks her favorite project or two, books a party, and invites her friends to join in the experience. If she’s unsure which project (trust me, it’s a tough decision) her friends will want to do, there’s a voting tool for taking a poll of her friends’ favorites. Her friends order their kits and the kits arrive at the hostess’s doorstep before the party.

Are you a person who struggles with their craft game? Not to worry. Gild Collective kits include step-by-step detailed instructions, complete with photos. Gild even offers video project tutorials and has someone available via live chat or phone during your party to walk you through any missteps.

Most of us chose the set of five gemstone cluster earrings for our craft. We had so much fun creating the earring designs as we sipped our champagne and chatted. I adore how sparkly and colorful mine turned out… I love being able to make a craft I’ll actually use.

I think this is a perfect activity to do with girlfriends, coworkers, or with family during the holidays. Interested in hosting your own Gild Collective event? Simply click here to book your party and get started! After your party, don’t forget to tell me how it went and share a photo or two with me!

ONE.  TWO.  THREE.  FOUR.  FIVE.  SIX.  SEVEN.  EIGHT.  NINE.  TEN.

ONE:  Smith & Cult ‘Shattered Souls’ Nail Polish

While the name is slightly concerning, this glittering gold polish isn’t. Paint on bare nails for a subtle sparkle; layer over jewel toned polish for a fierce look.

TWO:  Smith & Cult ‘Dark Like Me’ Nail Polish

One of the darkest, sexiest oxblood polishes I’ve ever seen. Exactly the type of deep burgundy I was thinking of when I mentioned it going perfectly with camel + black looks.

THREE:  Ringly ‘Into the Woods’ Emerald Smart Ring

You know when you’re in a meeting/having dinner/at a gym class and you’re feeling a bit disconnected? This ring connects to your smartphone and subtly flashes colors that correspond to different alerts.

FOUR:  Aquazzura Tie-Back Metallic Sandals

Do these even need a description? They’re stunning. And I can attest to the investment; anything I’ve ever purchased from this brand has fit like a dream and lasted for years.

FIVE:  Halston Heritage Fox Fur Collar Coat

Winter white is such a trend this season; I love all-cream looks with pops of camel accessories. While the color is fresh and current, the style of this coat is incredibly classic and timeless.

SIX:  Swarovski Coffee Table Book

You can’t go wrong with a book covered in bling! The beautiful book “celebrates a history of collaborations in fashion, jewelry, performance, and design”.

SEVEN:  Oliver Peoples Jade Cat-Eye Sunglasses

Of course the eyewear artists Oliver Peoples would come up with a stunning cat-eye design. I’m picturing these with a wool fedora and scarf in winter, floating polka-dot sundress in the summer.

EIGHT:  Byredo ‘Gypsy Water’ Perfume

Luxury perfumers Byredo created this scent to capture a romanticized version of the gypsy lifestyle. “The scent of fresh soil, deep forests, and campfires illustrates the dream of a free, colorful lifestyle close to nature.” Amber, vanilla, and sandalwood keep the scent soft and sexy.

NINE:  Stella McCartney Panther iPhone Case

Complete with teeth surrounding the phone screen, this case is a conversation piece in itself. As soon as I saw the luminous green crystal eyes I knew I had to add it to my list.

TEN:  Balenciaga Papier A4 Zip-Around Tote

This tote is for the edgy fashionista; the ruby red color is anything but shy. I also wanted to add the Goyard Marie Gallante GM Tote in black/tan to this guide, but I was unable to find a great photo online. It’s the classic counterpart to this feisty Balenciaga tote and even comes in a shade of red to match.

Speaking of luxe gift ideas, be sure to enter my Christian Louboutin lipstick + Starbucks gift card giveaway. The giveaway ends in just three days… I’ll draw two winners this Sunday December 13th.

Stocking Hat (Similar Here and Here).  Camel Blazer.  Turtleneck.  Jeans.  Boots (Regular and Wide Calf).  Necklace.  Celtic Emerald La Dauphine Bracelet.  Metallic Coco Bracelet.  Ring.

I love blending camel + black. I think it always looks polished and expensive, even when you’re wearing inexpensive pieces. I purchase nice (but moderately priced) pieces that have tailored lines, then pair them with sleek, polished accessories. It makes any outfit look timeless and rich. This color combo is my go-to for traveling and the winter months.

These photos were taken in South Dakota and I’m already missing the cold weather and snow here in sunny, 60-degree Denver. Leigh and I were testing out Dad’s new corral… I can tell Leigh totally approves. Just as long as she gets to go on a wintry hike after.

Tips:

• Find a camel blazer with tailored lines to mix with black shirts you already have.
• Be sure your black pieces are not faded or pilled. Update your closet with inexpensive black basics.
• Add a timeless quality  to this look with a vintage-inspired statement necklace.
• Try adding one item with leopard print to this look – a scarf, bag, or flats – for a little pop.
• A deep burgundy lip looks amazing with this combination – try MAC’s “Media”.

Silky Satin Lip Color in “Tutulle”

Christian Louboutin Lipstick Collection

The holidays are right around the corner and I thought of no better way to celebrate than with the sexiest lipstick on the market! TWO winners will be extra-festive this holiday season when they win these stunning Christian Louboutin Silky Satin lipsticks in the color “Tutulle” – a beautiful, creamy, nude-pink.

These gorgeous metallic vials can double as statement necklaces – as evidenced by the golden ribbon peeking out of the boxes in the images above. Your lipstick never has to be too far away. And while your pout looks stunning, you might as well treat it with a holiday coffee on me. Each lipstick will come with a $5 Starbucks gift card.

So sign up through the entry widget down below… All the rules and details are there. Be sure to read the information carefully… Some entries can be completed every single day for more chances to win. All entries and winners will be verified before the drawing. On Sunday December 13th I’ll announce the winners and I’ll ship your goodies anywhere in the U.S. for free.

CONGRATULATIONS TO KELLI C. AND SAMANTHA S!!

ONE: Coordinating Sock & Tie Set.  TWO: Classic Aviators.  THREE: Dopp Kit.  FOUR: Watch.  FIVE: Wood-Scented Candle.  SIX: Waterproof Coat.  SEVEN: Bluetooth Speaker.  EIGHT: Teakwood Water Bottle.  NINE: Mac & Cheese Cookbook.

The most difficult people to shop for on my Christmas list are always the guys… My dad, my uncle, my husband, my father-in-law, and my brother-in-laws. And it’s not like these guys don’t have hobbies or passions to give me ideas; some like hunting, some enjoy fishing, and some are really into photography. The problem actually seems to worsen the better my gift recipient has become at what they love to do; they have all the gear, are well-versed in their pastime, and their coveted accessories become more expensive.

My solution is to steer clear of tricky hobbies and sports (aside from the occasional gift card) and focus instead on items with well-made, handsome functionality. I’ve curated a gift guide with items just about any guy in your life will appreciate and love. A warm, waterproof coat ready for the winter months. A sexy, wood-and-ash scented candle for his office. A masculine and eco-friendly water bottle. Just to name a few.

Click any of the links under the gift guide to shop the items. And be sure to scroll through the photos down below. I’ve compiled all my favorite gift ideas and stocking stuffers for guys… Including items not pictured in my gift guide above! Click on the arrows to scroll through and when you find something you like, simply click to shop!

Cardigan.  Long Sleeve Tee.  Jeans.  Boots.  Tote.  Fragrance.

I think I mentioned in a previous post how I’ve been on a sweater mission lately… In chilly-but-sunny Denver they are the perfect pieces to layer with a scarf or vest for running errands and dashing around town on a daily basis. Ever since I found this handy little sweater shaver, my sweaters seem to have no expiration date and I’ve been stocking up like a crazy woman.

This sweater (designed by a fellow fashion blogger) is the latest addition to my sweater collection. I adore the Western pattern and the super soft material that feels like wearing a cloud. If you’re in the market for a new open cardigan be sure to check out this similar design by the same blogger – but now on sale for 40% off. I also bought this one and will be styling it here on the blog in the next couple weeks.

I just adore the ease and wearability of this style sweater… And I think they look so effortless with jeans (these are 25% off), cozy socks, and booties like these adorable bootie-wedges I recently picked up. They elongate the leg and are extremely warm – I even tested them against the bitter South Dakota cold this Thanksgiving. And… You’ve already met my new chain tote in this post.

One last thing… I’ve been using up my half-gone fragrances and have rediscovered Flowerbomb. I especially love this little $50 bottle – perfect for a Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for the feminine woman in your life. I also recently tested out a sample of Marc Jacobs’ new Decadence fragrance and loved it. It’s a sexy, timeless, woody blend of wonderful. Dear Santa…

Do you have a favorite winter style? Have you tried any new fragrances lately?

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Lately, I’ve been getting lots of hair comments on my Instagram profile. I’ve been growing my hair out for years now, love my current hair color, and have finally perfected my hair routine for soft everyday waves so I’m guessing that has something to do with the comments as of late. In this article, I share the six easy steps for my go-to look and the products and tools I use to get it.

Since I used to live in a high-humidity climate, I’ll give you humidity-suffering girls a couple little modifications. Spritz a little setting spray on each section right before you curl. And if your curls typically fall, try switching to a 1-inch barrel curling iron instead for this look.

All the products I mention are listed out throughout the steps and down below in one comprehensive list. Let me know if you try this look and what you think. I’d love to hear if it worked for you!

Lastly, be sure to check out my new Holiday page for holiday gift guides, the latest sales, and festive holiday looks. And… Enter my latest holiday giveaway if you haven’t yet!

Step 1:  Prep

Towel dry hair. Apply Kérastase Densifique Densimorphose Thickening Mousse to roots and work halfway down hair for volume. Apply Kérastase K Forme Fatale to ends and work halfway up hair for silkiness and shine. Using a detangling comb or pick, gently comb out any tangles.

Step 2:  Blow-Dry

Spray hair with Kevin Murphy Damage Manager Heat Shield, concentrating on ends. Use a blowdryer and dry hair 3/4 of the way. To dry the remainder, use a round brush and the blowdryer, focusing on lifting the roots. I like BaBylissPRO blowdryer for everyday use and T3 blowdryer for traveling… But it would be perfect if you are tight on bathroom storage space.

Step 3:  Tease

Brush hair to smooth – my favorite is the Junior Mixture Brush by Mason Pearson. Then lift a small section of hair and using a tease brush, tease hair by brushing hair down toward scalp. I do two small sections on each side and two small sections at the back of my head. Lightly spray teased sections with hairspray (try this or this).

Step 4:  Curl

Use the round brush to gently smooth top layer of hair after teasing. Working section by section from the front, I wrap a small piece of hair around a 1.25-inch ceramic barrel curling iron with a clip/clamp. When I have more time, I’ll curl smaller sections but most days I just do about 3-4 sections per side. For this look, I always curl hair away from my face and keep the curling iron parallel to my head (pointing toward ceiling).

Step 5:  Style

Once one half of hair is curled, spray with hairspray. When both halves of the head are curled, spray all over with hairspray and let dry. (I’m currently using this hairspray for weakened hair, but for an affordable option I really like this one.) Tip head upside down and spritz Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish all over while you gently tousle curls with fingers. Flip head back over and use the round brush to gently smooth top layer of hair.

Step 6:  Finish

Give ends a dose of shine and nourishment (and a little golden shimmer) with Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine spray. I usually concentrate the spray on the ends, but finish by giving the top of my head a couple spritzes for extra shine. You’re done!

List of Products:

Kérastase Densifique Densimorphose Thickening Mousse

Kérastase K Forme Fatale Voluptuous Blow-Dry Gel

Detangling Comb or Pick

Kevin Murphy Damage Manager Heat Shield

Ceramic Round Blow-Dry Brush

BaBylissPRO Blowdryer

T3 Folding Blowdryer (for travel or small spaces)

Mason Pearson Junior Mixture Brush

Conair Slim Teasing Brush

Kèrastase Double Force Hairspray (for weakened hair)

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Hairspray

1.25-Inch Ceramic Barrel Curling Iron

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish

Kevin Murphy Shimmer Shine Spray

Gingerbread Man Thermal Sleep Shirt

Miranda L. Sober Photography

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Makeup Organizer

Miranda L. Sober Photography

I recently discovered this CosmoCube makeup organizer during the Sephora VIB First Access Sale and knew it was the perfect addition to my bathroom. I had been keeping my “everyday makeup” in travel organizers and it was becoming a bit sloppy and disorganized.

This organizer is sized perfectly and the clear acrylic allows for great visibility. It fits all my products and brushes easily, but CosmoCube does make a separate brush holder that can sit on top or to the side of the acrylic organizer.

I also found this beauty blender ring that allows my makeup sponge to dry while I’m not using it. I finally feel as if my bathroom counter is under control and organized, which has made getting ready go much more quickly as of late. I just wanted to share my finds with you because I thought this makeup organizer would make a great holiday gift for someone who enjoys makeup and skincare products.

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