New Year's Eve Hair & Beauty Ideas

With New Year's Eve just a day away, the party dresses and sparkly pumps are probably already bought,but the hair and makeup still needs to be sorted out. I love the beauty aspect of getting ready to go out on New Year's because it's a fun reason to get all dolled up and rock the big hair, big lashes and hopefully some sparkle.

When I'm working my "party hair," I usually break out the hot rollers and go for big volume with some lose curls, but a fun updo is also a great option because (with the right hairspray and bobby pins) those styles can last you way past midnight, which isn't always the case with my curls. 

These are some fun hair ideas that I have been loving:

Hair Inspiration

Shop This Sale: Cynthia Rowley Boston for NYE Dresses

I featured a big post last week on festive outfits for New Years Eve, but I saw this in my inbox and just had to share.

Cynthia Rowley's Boston boutique (on Newbury Street) is having an amazing sale right now with tons of great dresses for NYE that are priced up to 80% off! If you're in Boston and still looking for a festive outfit for Wednesday, head over to Cynthia Rowley and take a look.

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Try a Little Harder

The Week in Fashion

Lacoste to Push Fashion Over Athletic Wear - Fashionista

Enter 2015: Flares Are the New Boyfriend Jeans - Style.com

Victoria Beckham’s fashion sales double to £30 million - The Telegraph

Vivienne Westwood Presenting Red Carpet Collection - Women's Wear Daily

5 Highs (and Lows) From the Year in Fashion - New York Times

The Best-Dressed Street-Style Stars of 2014 - The Cut 

9 Rising Model Stars to Watch in 2015 - Vogue

Happy Saturday!!

The Best of the After Christmas Sales

Brooks Brothers - Save up to 50% off, plus an extra 15% on December 26-27

Ralph Lauren - Get an extra 40% off sales styles 

J. Crew - Take 30% off regular priced items and 40% off sale items

J. Crew Factory - Take an extra 30% off clearance items with the code HAPPYSALE

Madewell - Take an extra 30% off sales styles with the code FORYOU

Club Monaco - Take 30% off sale and 50% off clearance with the code HOLIDAYS

French Connection - 40% off all sale with the code FC40XS

Piperlime - Take an extra 60% off final sale items with the code CHIC60

Bloomingdales - Save up to 70% on sale items 

CUSP - Save up to 60% on sale items 

Nordstrom - Save up to 50% on select items

Neiman Marcus - Save up to 60% on sale items

Saks Fifth Avenue - Take up to 70% off sale items

Lord & Taylor - Take up to 80% off sale and clearance items

Splendid - Enjoy 50% off select sale items

Calypso St. Barth - Take an extra 50% off all sale items

Kate Spade - Take an extra 25% off sale items with the code JINGLE25

Anthropologie - Take an extra 25% off sale items with the code INAFLURRY

New Year's Eve Worthy Outfits

We're not even through celebrating Christmas yet, but New Year's Eve is just six days away, so it's time to get our festive outfits together! Those close to me know that nothing makes me happier than glitz and glitter, so picking out something to wear on NYE is always a treat.

Ringing in the new year is the perfect excuse to get a new party dress, so I  rounded up my top picks along with a few mix and match separates options. And we can't forget the accessories! Keep scrolling for a festive mix of bags and shoes that are perfect for a fun night out.

Dresses

Gold Brocade Dress // Blue Metallic Dress // Silver Sequin Dress // Embellished Silk Dress

Embellished Crepe and Tweed Dress // Pink Lace Dress // Green Shift Dress // Gold Embroidered Dress Bead Embellished Gold Dress // Gold Rosette Dress // Dip-Dye Fringe Dress // Draped One-Shouldered Dress

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!

Festive Christmas Eve Cocktails

The Christmas holiday is finally here! It's time to kick off the celebrations with a fun festive cocktail to enjoy with family and friends.

These are some great cocktail recipes to get the Christmas festivities started.

Sparkling Spiced Mulled Cider Cocktail // Fizzy Cranberry Ginger Pear Cocktails 

Chocolate Peppermint Bark Martini // Cranberry Punch Pizzazz // Cider Jack Cocktails

Classic Eggnog //  Peppermint Patty // Winter Dreams Cocktail

Baileys & Amaretto Hot-Tails // Mulled Wine

Cheers!

Last Minute Holiday Gifts You Can Find Anywhere

With just two days to go until Christmas, the crunch to finish shopping for gifts is on. If you're planning on heading out to the stores today and tomorrow, these are some great gift options that any adult on your list would enjoy receiving.

Perfume or Cologne Set: If you know someone wears a specific perfume or cologne, head over to your local department store and pick up a gift set or fresh bottle for them. They'll run out eventually!

Cashmere Sweater: I don't know anyone that wouldn't wear a cashmere sweater in a great color. Your local department store will have tons of options for men and women. If you're hoping to get a deal, stop by TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack or Last Call and check our their selection. They usually have lots of options at great prices this time of year.

Moscow Mule Mug Set: Who doesn't love a Moscow Mule cocktail? A set of two or four is a festive gift for the holiday season and you can always find them at your local Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table.

DVD Box Set: Give the gift of binge-watching their favorite TV show or mini series over the holiday break! You can find deals on these at your local Best Buy and Target.

Bar Set: If know someone that loves entertaining, a classic bar set or kit is a great gift that they can use in their home all year long.

Throw or Blanket: When they're binge watching TV shows or Christmas movies over the holiday break, they'll love a warm blanket or throw to curl up on the couch with. Your local department store or Pottery Barn would have some great options. If you're on a budget, check out HomeGoods for high end blankets at a discount.

Wine or Beer of the Month Memberships: Give your wine and beer loving friends and family some new options to try in the new year. You can order the membership online and place a picture print out in a small box for them to open.

Scarf and Hat Set: Just like a cashmere sweater, everyone needs hats and gloves this time of year. Buy the highest quality you can afford in a color that would compliment the receivers winter coat. Head over to the accessories department at a large department store for the best selection.

A Gift Card to Their Favorite Restaurant: Some people think gift cards are a cop out, but I disagree when it comes to restaurants. If you know they frequent a particular place, you'll give them a good excuse to treat themselves to a night out in the new year.

Happy Holidays and good luck at the mall!!

Easy Christmas Morning Breakfast Recipes

Every Christmas morning, my family gathers at my parents house to exchange presents and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Preparing breakfast for 11 people is no small feat, especially when there are kids running around and everyone is gathering by the tree to open presents, but my Mom has her system down pat, and it's all about the prep.

The key to a great Christmas breakfast without spending your morning in the kitchen is choosing recipes that allow you to get most, if not all, of the prep done the day before. These are some great recipe options that you can start the afternoon before, keep in the fridge overnight and pop in the oven on Christmas morning just in time for breakfast.

The gingerbread muffins can actually be baked and glazed the day before. Just cover them with plastic wrap to keep them fresh for the next morning. I highly recommend the French Toast Bread Pudding from Ina Garten. This easy recipe has been a  breakfast and brunch staple of my Mom's for years and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Fresh Fruit Baked Oatmeal // French Toast Bread Pudding // Cowboy Quiche
Gingerbread Muffins with Lemon Glaze // Parmesan Hash Brown Cups // Very Berry Fruit Salad
 

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Wake Up With a Purpose

The Week in Fashion

My-Wardrobe.com ceases trading - The Telegraph

New York Fashion Week to Leave Lincoln Center - The Business of Fashion

Beware, Designers: What Frida Giannini’s Departure at Gucci Tells Us - New York Times

Rent the Runway Raises Another $60 Million to Open More Stores - Fashionista

The 10 Trends We’re Most Looking Forward to in 2015 - Vogue

The 15 Best Ad Campaigns of 2014 - Fashionista

Happy Saturday!!

Stocking Stuffers for Him

We tackled stocking stuffers for the ladies yesterday, and now it's on the gents. My picks are a mix of little thing's that he'll enjoy, like the flask and the beer playing cards, and things he needs but maybe wouldn't buy for himself, like the cashmere hat and quality face moisturizer.

It's getting down to the wire with online ordering but many of these items are also available in stores. Just call ahead and make sure it's in stock before braving the crowds at the mall.

Cashmere Hat // Kiehl's Moisturizer // Merino Wool Socks

Leather Flask // Sterling Silver Cuff Links // Beats Earbuds

Beer Playing Card // Lindt Chocolates // After Shave Balm

Best Stocking Stuffers for Her

Christmas is one week away and it's time to finalize those stocking stuffers! Stockings are often an afterthought because most people are focused on buying the big gifts for under the tree. I have certainly found myself at the drugstore on Christmas Eve looking for little beauty items to add to my Mom and sisters' stockings.

 With seven days to go, it's not too late to order your stocking stuffers online. These are my top picks for women:

Eos Lip Balm // J. Crew Hair Ties // Butter London Nail Set // Lush Bath Bomb

Beats Ear Buds // BaubleBar Stud Earrings // Ghirardelli Chocolates // XO Note Cards

Snowflake Socks // Hanky Panky Set // Jo Malone Candle // L'Occitane Hand & Foot Cream

Stay tuned tomorrow for the best stocking stuffers for men!

Get the Look: Karlie Kloss Street Style

Sweater // Shirt // Boots // Pants // Trench // Bag

Holiday Cookie Guide Part Three

With Hanukkah starting tonight and Christmas less than a week away, the holiday season is ramping and more cookies are needed! The second half of December is like a mad dash to the finish line and everyone deserves a cookie break.

For Part Three of my Holiday Cookie Guide (See One and Two), I wanted to have a mix of my all time favorites, like Peanut Butter Blossoms, with some new recipes that I'm trying this year, like the Chocolate Powder Puff Cookies (how can I have not thought of that combo!).

I hope you have enjoyed the Holiday Cookie Guide posts. If you read FC regularly, you know that I don't do a ton of posts on cooking and baking, but I have really enjoyed making them, so if you would like to see more recipe round-ups, leave me a note in the comments.

Chocolate Cherry Dips // Chocolate Powder Puff Cookies // Bake & Slice Chocolate Swirls 

Salted Chocolate-Caramel Rounds // Peanut Butter Blossoms // New England Hermits

Peppermint Shortbread // Almond Joy Macaroons // Hazelnut-Chocolate Sandwiches

Top Looks from the Christian Dior Pre-Fall Show in Tokyo

While Valentino was in NYC doing Couture, House of Dior set up shop in Tokyo where it held its first ever show for a Pre-Fall collection. Unlike most Dior collections, Pre-Fall 2015 is all about clothes that work for day-to-day living. In front of a crowd of more than 1000, Raf Simons sent models down the runway ready to take on the fall season with a versatile collection filled with coats, jackets, day dresses and flattering pants.

These are my top picks from the collection:

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Do This

Holiday Cookie Guide Part Two

Time for part two of the Holiday Cookie Guide! You can view part one here.

My favorite holiday cookies in this guide are a mix of seasonally appropriate recipes, like the gingerbread and German spice cookies, and cookie recipes that are great all year round, like the peanut butter cookies dipped in chocolate and the citrus cookie, which I love anytime with a cup of tea.

What are your go-to holiday cookies? If you can, leave the recipe link in the comments below.

S’mores Cookie Sandwiches // Dried Cranberry and Chocolate Cookies // Cinnamon Spritz Sandwich Cookies 

Dipped Peanut Butter Cookies // Cinnamon Roll Cookies // Citrus Cookies

Ultimate Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies // German Spice Cookies // Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies

Check back early next week for the final installment of the Holiday Cookie Guide. 

The Week in Fashion

Why J.Crew Hired A 4-Year-Old - Refinery 29 

Style.com is Shutting Down Its Print Magazine - Fashionista

John Galliano Will Make His Couture Debut for Margiela in January - Fashionista

Prince William and Kate Try to Seem Normal (when it comes to fashion) - New York Times

Happy Birthday Taylor Swift! Shop the Singer’s Look for Under $200 - Vogue

Frida Giannini and Patrizio di Marco to Exit Gucci - The Business of Fashion

Julia Roberts Is the Star of Givenchy’s Spring ’15 Campaign - Style.com

Happy Saturday!!

Top Picks from Valentino’s New York Couture Show

The Paris couture shows don't start until January but designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli delighted high fashion fans with a special show earlier this week in New York. Entitled Valentino Sala Bianca Haute Couture, the collection is a celebration of Valentino's 1960's couture collections at the Sala Bianca in Florence and the Sfilata Bianca in Rome, which were made up of all white and cream designs.

These are my top picks from the special collection:

Holiday Cookie Guide Part One

I have a confession to make: I have been a very bad blogger this holiday season and neglected to create any holiday gift guides. In order to make up for this I decided to create a holiday guide for something that I love even more than gifts, and that's cookies!

Growing up, my Mom always attended an annual cookie swap where, a week before Christmas,  everyone meets up and brings two dozen of their favorite holiday cookies to share with the rest of the group. This way, each family has a variety of cookies to enjoy over Christmas. Of course in my house the cookie supply never lasted to Christmas Eve.

Whether you're making them for a swap, giving them as gifts or just enjoying them at home,    
holiday cookies are a great way to celebrate the season.  

These are some classic recipes to get you started on your holiday cookie making:

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Oatmeal Cookies // Peppermint Meringues // Hungarian Shortbread

Vanilla Bean Confetti Cookies //  Italian Rainbow Cookies // Eggnog Florentines

Eggnog Cookies //  Pecan Snowball Cookies // Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Check back later this week for part two of the holiday cookie guide!

The Perfect Holiday Party Skirt by SKOT Apparel

Holiday party season is in full swing and it's a lot easier to pull together a festive outfit when you have a go-to staple piece. For some it's a LBD, for others it's a great beaded top. For me, it's The Party Skirt by SKOT Apparel. I discovered this skirt line last year when Krystal Schlegel posted about it on her blog and I loved the idea of one great skirt that comes in several colors and lengths, making it the perfect addition to your party wardrobe.

My favorite skirt option is the short black one that I mix and match with different tops and accessories. I'm all about the glitter and gold this holiday season so I jazzed up the black skirt with a sparkly top and gold accessories.

Party Skirt // Top // Earrings // Bag // Pumps // Bracelet

The Party Skirt comes in a variety of colors and lengths, making it a great evening piece for women of every age and shape. These are my favorite colors and lengths. If any of these go on sale after Christmas, I'm going to try and scoop up another one to wear for New Years Eve.

Additional Options

Pink // Black // Grey // Red // Navy // Silver // Purple

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Dita Von Teese

The Week in Fashion

The 2015 Pantone Color Of The Year Is... - Refinery 29

Madonna Stars in New Versace Ad Campaign - New York Times

100 Years of Beauty in Vogue—From the Gibson Girl to the Social Media Star - Vogue

Karl Lagerfeld on the Very Personal Story Behind Chanel’s Austrian Adventure - Style.com 

Alexander Wang Debuts Denim with an Incredibly NSFW Ad Campaign - Fashionista

Unraveling Anthropologie's Intoxicating Store Experience - Racked

Keeping Cozy this Winter with Peruvian Connection

On Thursday evening I had the pleasure of attending an event for local Boston bloggers at Peruvian Connection that was hosted by the lovely Kristen Uekermann and Kayte Demont. 

Peruvian Connection was started in the 70's by mother and daughter Biddy and Annie Hurlbut and currently puts out four collections per year. Originally catalog only, the company now has a thriving e-commerce business plus seven boutiques. 

I had not previously heard of Peruvian Connection but I fell in love upon entering their Newbury Street boutique. Knits, particularly sweater dresses and layering pieces, are my favorite fashion items for the cold weather season because they are beautiful, comfortable and, most importantly, warm. 

The Newbury Street boutique was chocked full of beautiful sweater dresses, wrap coats and layering pieces that can be worn for work and play all winter long. 

These are the items on my holiday wish list:

Ruana // Black Dress // Wrap Coat // Grey Dress

Cable Dress // Long Cardigan // Alpaca Coat // Striped Dress

Big thank you to Kristen and Kayte for introducing me to Peruvian Connection. I will most definitely be going back!

The NET-A-PORTER Sale is Back!

After some technical issues, the NET-A-PORTER sale is back up and running! There are some fantastic fall/winter fashion finds plus some great items to break out for the holiday party season.

Check out my top NET-A-PORTER sale picks that you can keep in the fashion rotation all winter long.

Velvet Jeans // Maroon Dress // Belted Coat // Gold Necklace // Booties
Tote Bag // Gold Pumps // Gold Earrings // Tunic Sweater // Hat // Shoulder Bag
Double Breasted Coat // Embellished Tank // Embellished Sweatshirt // Scarf
Lace Sweater // Grey Pencil Skirt // Red Dress // Wool Skinny Pants

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Believe in Yourself