In the midst of all the chaos of holiday planning and shopping, I somehow always end up forgetting about buying a New Year’s outfit until the last minute. Not this year! I’ve made it a priority to be ahead of the game and while I’m hunting for the perfect outfit, I’ve compiled a list of all my favorite looks I’ve found for you ladies with party plans! All of these are from my fave store of course, and that means they can ship free in 2 days, for those out there who put this off also.
A trip to New York City is always magical, but it’s a little extra magical during the holidays. From the moment the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ends, the city transforms into one giant Christmas display. From the spectacular trees, to the store front displays, and the never ending ice skating rinks, the entire city is a winter wonderland. As a New Yorker, I’ve created the perfect guide to make the most out of your next trip to the city during the holiday season! I’ve included all the touristy spots, and the things that I, as a local, think are extra special.
One piece of advice before I begin my guide, is to remember that it will be crowded, no matter where you are or when you are there. Now my tips for avoiding this (see pic above) is to never go during the afternoon on a Saturday or Sunday. Try waking up extra early for any touristy areas, especially if you want pics. Tuesday and Wednesday are also going to be the least crowded as many people add on a day to create a long weekend and will have left by then.
A great way to make the most of your time in NYC, at any time of the year, is to plan out your days. The city is so massive and you can spend an entire day just in one neighborhood and still not see everything. When I have family or friends in town for the holidays, (or let’s be real, when I just want to go to do Christmas things, which is often) I always set out to see everything in this order as to make the most of my time at each spot, and spend minimum time commuting to places. A great general place to start is Bryant Park (above). There’s a Christmas Market with tons of cute shopping, an ice skating rink, and sweet treats and holiday drinks.
Ice skating: there are so many rinks around the city. While Rockefeller Center will be the most crowded, they really all will be all season, especially on weekends. There are many other rinks, including in Wollman in Central Park, and of course the rink in Bryant Park.
From Bryant Park, you can easily walk over to Grand Central Station. Grand Central is always beautiful and no matter how many times I go inside, I’m always taken aback by it’s massiveness and beauty. It is extra special during the holidays with giant wreaths throughout, and a holiday market inside.
Holiday Markets: the city is full of fun little markets during the holidays where you can pick up goodies and gifts. In addition to the village in Bryant Park and the market in Grand Central, there are also markets in the East Village, Bliss Plaza in Midtown, inside the Oculus, and Columbus Circle.
From here you can walk to Radio City Music Hall to see the giant and popularly photographed Christmas ornaments. Then, take a stroll down 5th Ave and explore all the ornate window displays. Barney’s, Macy’s, and of course Sak’s, as well as tons of smaller stores (make sure to walk by Cartier and Tiffany’s) will have tons of lit up and extravagant displays (and are great stops to do some Christmas shopping and take a break from the cold!). If you are really looking to go all out and aren’t intimidated by intense crowds, Sak’s display with the full lights and music at night is very worth it.
Shows: as always, when in NYC, seeing a show is a must. While here during the holidays, stop by TheNutcracker or the Radio City Rockettes (still on my city bucket list but I’ve heard so many great things!)
From here you can turn around and you’ll be right at Rockefeller Center! The window displays continue as you walk through the over-the-top decorations and harking angels while making your way up to the tree and skating rink! If you’re lucky enough to get in, (you should pre-book well in advance online) this skating rink is the most worth your time in my opinion. They try to keep it slightly less crowded on the rink and the views around you make it worth it all on their own. You can packages to The Rockettes that come with skating passes online!
If you want to continue with the picturesque displays, you HAVE to stop by Rolf’s. This German Restaurant and Bar goes every type of all out for Christmas. The ceiling is completely lined with ornaments and every inch, I mean EVERY, is decorated floor to ceiling. If you want to actually stay to eat, I suggest calling for a reservation as there is never not a line down the street and it is almost always fully booked. If just stopping in for a drink and a picture (no one will judge you, everyone’s doing it), I for sure suggest going before 5 on a weekday or before 3 on weekends (slipping the doorman a $20 will get you in also).
Picture Perfect: if you’re in search of a photo-op, I also would recommend visiting some hotels. The Plaza, The Peninsula, Lotte Palace, Gramercy Park and The Standard are all amazing hotels during the holidays. If you aren’t staying in them, you can definitely still stop in to see the amazing displays, trees, and even grab a drink or two to stay warm!
To end your adventurous day with a fun night, you can make a stop at one, or several, of the cities many Christmas themed bars! I have a fun post listing tons for a Christmas Themed Bar Crawl, as well as the best drink to get at each, and time to visit them!
Hope this guide helps take you through your New York City holiday adventures!
The season for giving and receiving is upon us, and while we feel great gifting presents to our loved ones, it is much too often that we forget those who are alone, hungry, and without gifts this month.
This year, start a wonderful new family tradition to start to remind yourselves that with all that you are blessed to have, it’s so important that you always give back to others who aren’t as fortunate.
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite organizations where you can donate food, clothing, toys, and your time, both this holiday season, and year round.
Clothing
Donating clothes is easy to do, regardless of where you live! I clean out my closet about once a season, and am not at all the person who hangs onto things I don’t deem necessary. If I haven’t reached for it this year, odds are I’m not going to in the next year! I LOVE to use thredUP to send in bags of my gently used and in style clothes. They’ll go through and purchase some to resell (they’re the worlds largest online thrift shop), and donate or recycle the rest!
Another clothing option is one that is specific to helping people further their careers. Dress for Success is a non profit where you can donate gently used office-attire to women in need.
Donate old baby items or purchase new baby gear through Room to Grow.
Rescuing Leftover Cuisine is an organization where leftover meals are picked up from events, and delivered to those in need. You can volunteer, under an hour a week, to help pick up and drop off food to help those in need this season. Additionally, you can schedule a pickup following your next office party or holiday event that you’re hosting, to donate your leftover food!
Time
Don’t forget to not only offer up old belongs, but new ones too if you’re able. So many people out there have so little, and deserve new items as well. In addition, your time is one of the most valuable gifts you have to give. Look up your local soup kitchen to serve food, a women’s shelter to help out in, or local group that helps the needy in your community.
Make this season of giving, not just about getting.
From the very beginning of our relationship, Kenny and I have always given each other tickets to events for all our birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas gifts to each other. Sure, a new shirt is nice and it’s the thought that counts, by why not give it just a little extra thought? What’s that band they’ve been dying to hear live? Or their favorite team they wish they could splurge on tickets to see play? I’ve listed out some experiences I’ve previously gifted or have been gifted and who they’d work well for. All you need is a quick web search for the latest events near you, and you’re set!
Concerts– Do you have a band you bonded over? Know their favorite singer is coming into town? Kenny got me Kacey Musgraves tickets that were for a show that wasn’t for 3 months, but it was so exciting when I got them, and then I got to be excited all over again the day of the concert! So sweet for a close friend or your significant other.
Sporting Events– Sports are my guy’s entire world, so this one is just a given for me. If you have a guy that spends every Sunday watching all the football games, change it up with a surprise to see his favorite team one weekend! Basketball games are so fun ladies, and an event a lot celebrities and high end fashion people will be at (my favorite part is dressing for them of course haha). This one is a no brainer for the men in your life, and a great gift for dads too!
Shows– Wanting to see the latest play on Broadway? Watch stand up comedy on Netflix in their free time? Shows are such a fun gift for both the person receiving them, and you if you’re tagging along! This year I got tickets to see Jerry Seinfeld for Kenny’s Christmas gift. After being forced to watch 1,000 episodes of Seinfeld and listening to his stand up half our our road trip through Europe last May, it just seemed perfect, and his reaction to getting them was SO worth it. Broadway tickets would be my ideal gift (I was a theater nerd in high school) so hint hint at any of my friends reading this. Great for any friend, or family member!
A Weekend Getaway– This is a great gift, especially for a mom who needs time away from her kiddos, or your boyfriend who spends way too much time working. Plan a weekend trip somewhere that’s drivable distance, unplug and unwind at a B&B, or an upscale resort if that’s more your scene!
Tis the season for holiday parties galore and visiting family and friends. If you’re the kind of gal who never shows up empty handed, I have the perfect guide for you! These gifts are great to bring to any party you attend this season, but also work as a present for any lady who loves a good home find. Best of all, all are under $70!
I’m so not ready to let go of fall, and with it, I’m holding onto my favorite part of the season, blazers. One of the most classic pieces of any wardrobe, blazers are timeless and create a boss babe statement, no matter the occasion. And let’s be honest, under my huge puffer coats, I’ll probably continue wearing blazers all winter long and back into the spring.
I’m rounding up all of my favorite blazers, in hopes that they can add some long term, classic pieces to update your wardrobe!
The gallery is listed in order from cheapest, to most expensive, and can be shopped via the blue links below to pics!
A classic!
Velvet is perfect for winter and upcoming holiday festivities.
Current number 1 on my wish list. Such a staple closet piece, this tan oversized blazer will be used for years. And not to mention, will be a great contrast piece for my infinite all black outfits. $90
What would this roundup be with a leather piece right now? Such a fun and trend piece. Great for a night out or to wear over a holiday party look! $99
This red blazer is so vibrant and the perfect piece for the holiday season. I adore the structure and it’s a great length. $228
This blazer is absolutely stunning, and so on trend with the mixing of patterns. Love the removable belt as well. $258
As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approach, the time of year for visiting relatives comes too! For many in new relationships, this means it’s time to go home with your significant other and meet the parents. Duh dunn duh. This can one a ton of pressure, but hopefully figuring out the perfect look to wear will help ease up some nerves.
Whether it’s the first time you’re meeting your bf’s family, or just the first time you’re going to their home for a holiday, I’m here to help you look the part! The most important thing here is to make sure you’re both comfortable and that you stay true to who you are (both in your style and how you act). Sure, if your style is crop tops and mini skirts with stilettos, you may want to change up your look for the day, but don’t compromise your personality to try and impress anyone, ever!
Nordstrom is having an amazing sale right now and all of the pieces I’ve included are a part of it!
If you’re typically a more casual girl, this is a perfect “dressed up” casual look for running around meeting all the fam while still feeling like yourself.
If you’re not a big color girl (hello me with the 3/4 black closet) a fun color block sweater can add a nice touch to black jeans and booties. Not to mention, such an easy way to hide your food baby on Thanksgiving haha.
If you’re typically a dress gal, a sweater dress is a no fail option, especially if you’re unsure of the level other people will be dressing up! Perfectly paired with knee high boots (such a steal on these).
For a dressier dinner, you can never fail with some classy black pants. Add in this fun neck statement sweater and some high heeled booties to tie up this classy look with a trendy hint.
The Holiday Bonus Sephora Sale is about to begin and ladies, it’s a good one. Once a year, Sephora holds this huge sale before Black Friday. It’s the perfect way to stock up on makeup and beauty products for yourself if you were planning to stock up before the year ends, or as gifts for the upcoming holidays. Even brands that don’t normally go on sale, like Drunk Elephant and Charlotte Tilbury are part of it! All you need to do to shop is be a Sephora insider, which is free to sign up for! If you’re a VIB or Insider you can shop November 7-11. VIB members get 15% off and Insiders get 10% off with code HOLIDAYSAVE.
I’ve linked all the gift sets that include my favorite products that I use daily, perfect for presents for your fave gal pals or stocking stuffers! And there are so many more to browse from here as well.
Gift Sets
Summer Friday’s Set – My all time favorite skin care products, the perfect starter pack to try out the brand!
Laneige Lip Set – This lip mask is my life saver in the winter and I’ve been dying to try out the gloss.
Kerastase Shine Set – I’ve been using this hair serum for almost a year now!
I also wanted to link all of my daily make up and skin care products I’m currently using, most of which don’t regularly go on sale!
Foundation – I use shade 5 warm and love the full, all day coverage!
Concealer – Just started trying this out as I’m just not on board with the Shape Tape train like everyone else seems to be. I’m shade 3 fair.
Powder – One of the very few products I have used to the bottom and purchased time and time again! I use shade medium and love this over my under-eye concealer.
Bronzer and Highlighter – Talk about a glow! Love the bronzer especially, my palette is medium/dark.
Drug store Mascara 1 and 2 – I always combine and layer mascaras, and these two are my favorites on the cheaper end. They compliment each other so well for long, yet voluminous lashes.
Daily Skin Care
Jet Lag Mask – Life. Changing. I have super dry skin since living in NYC and I use this every day as my morning moisturizer/primer! Also, so good for refreshing your under eyes by wearing a thick layer on them overnight.
The Best Exfoliater Ever – Safe on my super sensitive skin, and smells like pumpkins. I use this in the shower twice a week and have seen a drastic change in my skin’s smoothness and brightness.
Vitamin C Serum – Been loving this new product every morning to help with uneven skin tone.
Lip Mask – Use this every night, especially in winter!
It’s probably the most obvious trend out there as of late, and I still have yet to hop on board. Animal print is everywhere and it’s obviously not going away any time soon. I have yet to buy one leopard sweater and just can’t pull the trigger on snakeskin boots for some reason, but I finally found my animal print you guys. Crocodile embossed leather is where it is at this fall!
It’s one of my favorite trends ever as it holds a special place in my heart. My grandmother, who was one of the greatest style icons in my life, always had several croc textured bag in her closet and was always trying to convince me to carry one as well.
I’m so into this trend and can’t wait to fill my closet with it and my heart with memories of my grandma. ❤️
I’ve rounded up my favorite textured pieces, all under $200 (and most under $60!!!) for you guys here. Each piece is linked below the collage in blue. Happy shopping!
The fall fashion week previews told us all about how purple is the new millennial pink, and were filled with pistachio of all colors. Sorry but, I for one, am not on board with dressing like an Easter egg this fall. My favorite part about fashion has always been having the ability to express myself, as simple or trendy as I please. This fall, I’ve decided to pick my own color of the season, and I’ve already found about 50 pieces in it that I’m dying to have. As the stores begin filling with warmer weather clothing, the one thing that keeps catching my eye, everywhere I turn, is the color rust.
The orangey-brown hue is on a shelf in every store this season and I can’t wait to get my hands on it and blend in with the autum trees. I’ve picked out some of my favorite pieces so far in rust-like colors to help you start building your fall wardrobe with my new favorite tone of the season, too!
*all items are shopable by clicking the blue links below the photo gallery
Return of the Mac 