A Drybar & Bluemercury Holiday

Everyone loves to be pampered  and now is the perfect time to treat yourself and the ones you love to a little something special this holiday season. No one knows the joy of simple luxuries better than the ladies behind Drybar and Bluemercury. Seriously any item from either store is a guaranteed home run, slam dunk, sure to be their favorite, "OMG I LOVE THIS" type of gift.

I'll be picking up plenty of Drybar blow out gift certificates for some of my gal pals, and hopefully receiving a little Bobbi Brown goodness and a luxurious Laura Mercier brush in my stocking. Speaking of stocking stuffers, this nail polish duo from Deborah Lippmann is so good you'll be tempted to keep it for yourself to wear to all your holiday soirees.  For the skincare enthusiast, Kiehls greatest hits collection is sure to be a winner. And for your sister that is so hard to shop for, the Big Hair Don't Care blowout kit is perfection. 

For any of these items pictured or for even more great gift ideas, head to Bluemercury and Drybar to put the happy into your holiday. While it is the thought that counts, thoughts of blowouts and beauty items are a lot more fun! 

*I was contacted to write this post, however all gift picks, suggestions, and opinions are my own

For the Fellas

Shop right from the image! Click the item and you're on your way!

This gift guide, and person, is always the hardest to shop for in my opinion. Guys typically buy themselves whatever they are pining after, and there is only so many gift options before you go straight to clothes. It's tough, but that doesn't mean we can't rise to the occasion and give them something they'd actually want. 

 If you're trying to splurge on him or really spoil him, try a classic chronograph watch or digital camera with wifi. For the stylish or plain clueless man, a gift card to Trunk Club is an extra handy gift. For the guy on the go, a great weekend bag, functional backpack, and this funny pouch will send him off in style. Got a guy that likes to take of himself? Try these Jack Black products (a boyfriend favorite) and a shave kit from Harry's. Is he into things he can wear? Try a great team logo toboggan, novelty socks, great slippers, throwback kicks, or my personal favorite a tee commemorating a favorite childhood movie. If he's all about gadgets a portable speaker, charger, record player, or remote control helicopter are all sure to please. And yes all adult men love those freaking remote controlled helicopters.

- shop the post -

Holiday Hosting Like A Boss

We always talk about throwing get togethers, but it seems the only ones I get around to are more impromptu ones a few days out. So if you decided to throw a last minute get together this holiday season, there's no need to worry just follow these three simple steps.

1. Make it festive. A little holiday music puts everyone in the mood to party (I'm partial to the Rat Pack but any of the old standards will do). Add a bit of greenery, some sparkle, and of course mistletoe and you're in business.

2. Pick your poison. Don't over think the booze. People are perfectly happy with beer and wine. Two reds, and two whites will please almost everyone. If you feel like getting fancy, opt for bubbles or look up a great bourbon punch recipe to serve to the bunch... one and done is very last minute friendly!

3. Provide crowd pleasers. Make your snacks universally appealing. Think cheese straws (a standard in the south), a well constructed cheese plate, and some holiday treats like peppermint bark or truffles.

Hopefully you're a little more inspired to host your own Christmas party this year, and have the tips and tricks to be one helluva hostess (take all the credit, they'll never know!).

A Little Lovelier 2014 Gift Guides

satin pillowcase // nail polish // face brush

makeup bag // eye mask // eyeliner

skincare set // lip gloss // brush set

I'm very happy to announce I will be doing a series of gift guides this holiday season. Each guide will be targeted to a specific recipient or dollar amount. If you have any requests or questions please feel free to reach out! A great gift is something that you yourself would love or something the recipient would like but would have a hard time buying for themselves (hello pricey candles anyone?). Whatever the item, it's the thought that counts.

This gift guide is all about that beauty-obsessed person in your life (we all have one). I would love one of these satin pillowcases. It's great for helping prevent wrinkles and leaves your hair in great condition over night! As soon as December rolls around I switch to festive, glittery polish. What I love about this polish set is that it comes with a lovely neutral to wear year round or under the glitter. I struggled for a while before buying my Clarisonic, and I always run into people asking if they should take the plunge. A pricier, luxury item like a Clarisonic is the perfect gift for your budget-conscious gal pal. I'm not big into statement shirts, but boy do I love statement accessories. This pouch is hilarious and practical as a makeup bag. Make sure she is getting plenty of beauty sleep with this adorable eye mask, she'll love it I swear. You've heard me tout my love for this always sharp eyeliner, and this set of five is such a steal and the perfect stocking stuffer! Got a practical friend that would never dream of buying nice skincare? Run and pick up this little set from Fresh and she'll be in luxurious skincare heaven. These pretty glosses will give any lucky lady a pretty pout. Probably my favorite thing on the list, a gorgeous set of professional brushes is the ultimate gift for the girl that loves makeup. 

Interior Lust: Lauren Conrad's Penthouse

I'm breaking away from style again today and going back to interiors and design. I intended to keep posting about interior design on a regular basis, and just didn't keep up with it... best laid plans am I right? So as I dive back into posting about pretty spaces, I had to share one of my style crushes home.

Lauren Conrad's Beverly Hills penthouse was featured on InStyle and did not disappoint! Her home was a very surprising departure from what you would expect from LC. Lauren gives off a very classic, feminine vibe and you would think her home would reflect that too. While you can definitely see her in the design, there was awesome unexpected juxtaposition of masculine and feminine elements with bright pops of color. For every bit of tufting, nail head trim, and brass, there was a very clean line or something in a glossy black that made it feel more modern. I'm going to shut up now and let the pictures speak for themselves.

The Lob

The moment my hair gets long enough, I want to cut it all off. The moment I cut it off, I wish I hadn't. Yes I know it's just hair and it grows, but mine grows so slowly that I can't imagine spending another four years getting it back to where it is now. BUT, and this is a huge but, I am in love with the long bob or "lob" that's really popular right now. I wear my hair straight and down almost everyday and this style lends itself beautifully to that type of styling. Below are some of my favorite lobs out there.

Jennifer Aniston has the best hair in the industry, the BEST! Short, long, wavy, and straight she is always perfectly and seemingly effortlessly coiffed. She's my lady crush for life.

Chopped and tousles, Gwyneth knows how to rock good hair.

Oh Charlize! Need we say more?

Ugh I love everything about this picture of Kim from Kensington Way. The cut and color are perfection, and I can't even get into her manicured brows and pretty pout. JEALOUS!

So what do you think about the lob? Maybe I'll grow a pair and go for it after the holidays. If any of you have recently taken the plunge let me hear about it!