Top Three

Finally getting to use our Advent Calander (that we bought in July!)

I was hoping to finish our shopping this week so that we could enjoy the last few weeks before Christmas without the stress of finding last minute gifts, but we still have a few things to pick up. I did get a lot done this week, with most of my progress made at the Franklin Mills Forever 21. If you haven't been, go there immediately, it's the biggest and best Forever 21 I've ever seen (and I've seen a lot of them)! I usually have off Monday through Wednesday, but this week I picked up a Wednesday shift so that I could have off Saturday night for my friend Lauren's going away party (she's going to be a Navy Nurse! So proud of her!) I can't remember the last time I had off on a Saturday night, so needless to say, I am pretty excited. After the party I'm going to swing by my parents' house to drop off some Christmas presents since we won't be able to take them all in one trip. I don't exactly trust my younger sisters when it comes to snooping, so I'll hold off on bringing their presents home for now.

Oreo Cakesters!

The Black Keys' new album, El Camino, is addicting.

Holiday Gift Guide

1. Frye Jane Boots in Redwood: $298

2. Tory Burch Brigitte Cosmetics Case: $65

3. Crewcuts Flannel: $40

4. Bumble Ardy by Maurice Sendak: $12

5. Landmark Theatres Gift Card: $25 and up

6. Forever 21 Scoop Back Crepon Dress in Coral: $25

7. Forever 21 Sparkling Collar Necklace: $13

8. Laduree Houndstooh Collection Macarons: $25

9. J. Crew Refined Silk-Cashmere Wrap: $75

10. J. Crew Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves: $98

11. The New York Times 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA and Canada: $26

12. Steve Madden Damiann Booties: $90

13. Vintage Floral Tapestry Locket: $18

14. Rival Bros Whistle and Cuss Coffee: $12.50

Tim Walker Pictures

Eglingham Hall and Balloons

Tim Walker is my absolute favorite fashion photographer. I adore every single one of the whimsical and romantic images he captures. In this post I've compiled some of my favorite Tim Walker photos. If you're interested in seeing more of his work, check out his website or the coffee table book Tim Walker Pictures. 

Lily and Spiral Staircase

The Dress/Lamp Tree

Pastel Cats

Stella Tennant

{all images courtesy timwalkerphotography.com}

Shorts and Tights

byCorpus Cardigan, American Apparel Dress (worn as top), Sparkle and Fade Paperbag Shorts, Deena and Ozzy Booties, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch

I love shorts and tights in the fall and winter. When you wear shorts and tights, people on the street will look at you like you're crazy and complete strangers will ask you if you're cold. I usually reply with "Thanks for your concern, but I'm doing just fine." The thing is, it's really no different from wearing a skirt and tights in the winter (which I do all the time). In fact, it might even be a bit warmer, since there's no chance your shorts will blow up in a gust of wind. I probably won't try this look in the dead of winter when there's five feet of snow on the ground, but until then I will definitely be breaking out the shorts and tights every now and then.

Lavender and Lace

Vintage Blouse, Kimchi Blue Skirt, Hue Tights, Steve Madden Oxfords, J. Crew Brompton Bag, Vintage Levi's Belt, Forever 21 Bracelets, J. Crew Bracelet, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch

Button-down blouses are one of the easiest (and cheapest!) items get from thrifting. There are always a plethora of colors, sizes, and patterns to choose from, especially at thrift stores like Salvation Army and Goodwill. I already have a fairly large collection of blouses, so I often come home with a color that I already have. But I don't mind so much, because it probably only cost a few dollars, and one of my sisters will take it off my hands. I love this blouse in particular because of the lace collar detail and covered buttons. And it was a steal at just $2!

Top Three

Our giant pile of Christmas presents!

I can't believe it's December already! This is my absolute favorite time of year. On Sunday night Paul and I stocked up on wrapping paper and Christmas ornaments at Target, then hightailed it home to wrap presents, put up our tree, and drink lots of hot chocolate. The next day we hit up the Philadelphia Premium Outlets and had some great luck at the J. Crew Factory Store, where Black Friday discounts were still in effect. We're now thisclose to finishing our Christmas shopping! Since we hadn't been to the movies in a few weeks we decided to go to a matinee on Wednesday. There are a ton of good movies in theatres right now so it was hard to choose, but we saw Hugo, the Martin Scorcese film based on the children's book The Invention of Hugo Cabret. It was amazing...we both loved every minute of it. Next week I want to see My Week With Marilyn and The Muppets Movie!

 DiBruno Bros. Turkey Corn Chowder, MammaMia Panini, and Dr. Brown's Cream Soda

J. Crew Camp Socks. I want them in every color!

Planning Ahead

Thursday: Forever 21 Top, Forever 21 Skirt, Forever 21 Belt

Friday: Forever 21 Dress, H&M Belt

Saturday: Forever 21 Top, BDG Jeans, Forever 21 Necklace

Sunday: Forever 21 Top, Levi's Jeans, Urban Outfitters Scarf

I work Thursday through Sunday, so every Wednesday night I pick out four outfits to get me through my workweek. I started doing this last year, and it has literally cut the time I take to get ready in half. Before, I would try on everything in my closet and then throw it all on the ground. Needless to say, I was usually late for work and my room was constantly messy. Now I just grab one of my pre-picked outfits, make sure that it's weather appropriate by adding tights and/or a cardigan, and go. I highly recommend this strategy to anyone who has trouble figuring out what to wear in the morning.