11/30/16

A Metallic Maxi for the Holidays

A metallic pleated skirt seems like the perfect holiday piece, amiright?! I have a few pleated skirts in my closet, but most are a midi length. I was immediately drawn to this maxi style and felt it different than what I am typically drawn to. I adore maxi skirts and dresses, but this one especially stood out to me because of the fabric and also the slimmer cut. Pleated skirts can add unwanted volume on hips and thighs so I like to look for ones that help to minimize that effect. While it seems like a skirt made for the holiday season, I personally love wear metallic items in my everyday life (when appropriate). So I can see this being worn all year round with flats and a tank for the summer, a basic tee and sneakers for the spring and a chunky sweater and boots for the winter. 

If this particular style is not your cup of tea, I was shocked at how many metallic pleated skirts are out this season! I rounded up a ton of versions, styles, price points, colors, etc - you name it, I managed to find it. LOL Scroll down to the shopping widget below for all the options.

Jacket - Blank NYC | Turtleneck - Club Monaco | Skirt - Elizabeth and James | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik | Clutch - YSL (old but love this one) | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Shop more metallic skirts:

11/29/16

A Grey Monochromatic Look for Fall

A few weeks ago Stan and I took a day trip to a cute town in Northern Virginia called Occoquan. It has an adorable main street, is right on the water and is home to a year round Christmas store! I suppose the Christmas store would be quite boring in the summer, but since it is the holidays - I was thrilled. We had lunch at the Secret Garden Cafe, and then walked around for a few hours. Since it wasn't a particularly large community, I felt that I could make it in my new velvet pumps that I have been dying to wear. I put together this all grey outfit and knew it couldn't be complete without them. Since they are the 90mm heel, I can actually wear them comfortably for many hours without needing to change into a pair of flats. For the rest of my outfit, my first instinct was to wear black or blue jeans with this sweater, but I have seen other girls do a monochromatic look and was inspired to try it myself. I loved it and don't know why I haven't tried an all grey look sooner! 

The Thanksgiving shopping chaos is over and now the race to the holidays begins. Doesn't it feel like a race sometimes? I have to force myself each year to stop and enjoy this time before it's January and everything feels cold, dull and dreary. This is my first Christmas in a new area so I would love some recommendations as to what is great to experience in D.C. and the surrounding areas. Leave me a comment below or email me!

Sweater - H&M | Jeans - Mother | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik | Bag - Proenza Schouler

Shop more velvet shoes:

11/26/16

Feminine Mixed With Masculine






Happy Saturday! I hope everyone that celebrated Thanksgiving had a great one. I always feel like time moves slowly before Thanksgiving, and then right after it's like someone turns on a fast forward switch. Before I know it, it's New Year's! However, this is still one of my favorite times of the year - not only because of the holidays but because the weather has not yet plunged into permanent winter temps and I can get by with lighter layers. This is an outfit I wore a week or so ago and I love how the feminine aspects of my look (red lips, curls, silk blouse) work with the masculine details (moto jacket, oxfords). It's nice to mix up the two styles because it manages to strike a better balance. I don't have an overly feminine or masculine style, but like to incorporate elements of both in my outfits. Though more masculine shoes will always be better for comfort (aka no heels! LOL).

Jacket - Blank NYC | Blouse - J.Crew | Jeans - GRLFRND | Shoes - Vince (old but love these) | Bag - Mansur Gavriel | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney | Lipstick - NARS Heat Wave

Shop more moto jackets:

11/23/16

My Favorite Fall Items on Sale

I've been perusing many of my favorite shopping sites the past day or two and so many of my fall pieces are now on sale that I figured I would round up all of them in one post!  I'm sure some may even be dropping a bit lower after Thanksgiving so a good tip I use is to pin items I am thinking of buying to a pinboard so I can check back to see if it's gone on sale. The first item is this leopard dress and it's cashmere sweater version. I love this piece!

See the full post here.
This cute fall dress is now on sale as well as my booties.

See the full post here.
I couldn't believe my eyes, but these designer pumps were just marked down!

See the full post here.
I wear these jeans a ton and have them in white as well - and now they are on sale! (use code GOBIG16)

See the full post here.
This is a top I wore in the summer, but it would easily work for fall as well.

See the full post here.
I am contemplating picking up this tunic sweater in other colors now that it is marked down. And my leggings are now 40% off.

See the full post here.
My favorite sweater is 40% off, and my jeans are only $40!

See the full post here.
This exact skirt is no longer available, but this one is almost identical and on sale. And again, my boots are on sale.

See the full post here.
This sweater is so cozy and luxurious and one retailer has marked it down!

See the full post here.
Both my sweater (check back because I have seen it come back into stock) and jeans are on sale. Yay!

See the full post here.
Another appearance of my favorite black jeans that are now $40!

See the full post here.
These boots went on sale! Get them while they last.

See the full post here.

Happy Shopping! 

11/22/16

A Holiday Party Look with an Edge

Self portrait blouse
an edgy holiday party look
an edgy holiday party look
an edgy holiday party look

an edgy holiday party look
I don't consider myself the edgiest person, but I do like to put combinations together sometimes that push the envelope. When I bought this blouse, I thought about pairing it with a midi skirt to balance out the sheer, slightly revealing aspect of it. However, I pulled out my faux leather leggings at the last minute and thought that it looked edgy but still polished. I even considered putting a tank underneath it, but a basic black bra was enough since the lace panel was just down the middle of the shirt. While this look is perfect for a night out, I love the idea of wearing it for holiday parties if you don't want to go with a traditional dress or skirt/sweater combo. And even for a NYE look, this would be perfect! However if leather leggings is a bit too over the top for you, I would recommend it with a midi skirt (maybe a metallic one!), some classic jeans or even some distressed ones and a fun faux fur jacket to dress it down a bit more. This top has so many options!

Lace tops are having a major moment now, because as I was looking for similar styles to this one - I found a TON of styles out now! In addition to the lace tops I added to the shopping widget below, there were a few more that I thought were worth mentioning. This one is under $70 and is selling fast, this one is so cute for layering and this is a nice change from a standard black lace top.

Blouse - Self Portrait (also available here (on sale!), here (all sizes available), here, here and in white here) | Leggings - Trouve (similar here) | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik (great budget option here) | Clutch - Clare Vivier | Lipstick - Gucci Iconic Red

Shop more lace tops:

11/18/16

Athleisure Haul | The Most Slimming Leggings

Today's haul is all about athleisure wear! Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe.

The products mentioned in the video:

Also love these APL sneakers 

11/17/16

Wide Leg Trousers

I stepped out of my skinny jean comfort zone with these wide leg trousers, but I love them! I've said before how I struggle with finding jeans (or pants for that matter) that are short enough for my inseam. However, I know J.Crew is famous for their many cropped style pants and when I saw these denim trousers, I figured I would give them a go. As soon as they arrived I immediately fell in love. The legs are wide but bell out gradually still allowing for a slightly slim look. And the fact that they are high waisted is just a bonus for me. My natural inclination would be to wear them with heels but I have not yet worn my Charlotte Olympia flats this season so I figured they would add a fun bit of character to the outfit. 

I find that when I shop at J.Crew, I tend to buy a whole outfit rather than just a piece here and there - hence the striped sweater that I couldn't pass up. I loved the look of the two together, though I know each piece will work well with a ton of other items in my closet. No other retailer does cute sweaters quite like J.Crew does so I linked a bunch of ones that I love below in the shopping widget. 

In addition to all the cute sweaters J.Crew does for the winter season, I have to mention a few other of my favorite items. These gloves are ones I have in multiple colors (and they are tech friendly!), I adore their scarves, they do some of the best classic boots, this coat has been on my wish list for years and last but not least - pajamas. I already have two pairs of their pajamas and am asking for another pair for Christmas. They are so chic but comfortable as well!

Sweater - J.Crew | Jeans - J.Crew (also love these and these) | Shoes - Charlotte Olympia (how cute is this version?!!) | Bag - Chloe | Lipstick - Gucci Iconic Red | Sunglasses - Illesteva

Shop more J.Crew sweaters:

11/16/16

Tata Harper Brand Review

I put up this picture on Instagram the other night and realized that I have tried so many products from the line but don't have a full brand review on my blog. So I thought I would give a quick synopsis of all the pieces from the Tata Harper line that I have tried and loved.

1. Regenerating Cleanser - This was the second product I ever tried from the line and has become my favorite so far. It is one of the gentlest yet most effective exfoliating cleansers that I can use daily. It has a slight grainy texture but one that never irritates my skin or aggravates it when I am breaking out. My favorite time to use it is in the morning because it helps wake my skin up and any makeup I apply after goes on flawlessly.

2. Nourishing Oil Cleanser - This may be one of the thickest cleansing oils in my collection, but it breaks down so easily with just the addition of warm water. It cuts through all my makeup, and then rinses it away effortlessly leaving my skin hydrated and soft. 

3. Refreshing Cleanser - For times when my skin is dry or extra sensitive, I like the creamy feel of the Refreshing Cleanser to help comfort and nourish my face. It doesn't remove makeup for me, but is a great one to follow the Nourishing Oil Cleanser for an added bit of hydration. I received a ton of suggestions to try this cleanser next so that is on my list!

4. Resurfacing Mask - I have already finished this which is why it's not pictured, but this was the first Tata Harper product I ever tried. It is an amazing exfoliating mask that leaves my skin radiant and glowy, while also helping break down any dark spots or hyperpigmentation. 

5. Replenishing Nutrient Complex - While face oils are aplenty in my collection, this one from Tata Harper is like a multivitamin for my skin. It is on the richer side in terms of texture, so only one roll can cover my entire face and I prefer it more in the winter. My favorite way to use it is alone after the Resurfacing Mask - I wake up the next morning and my skin is glowing!

6. Hydrating Floral Essence - This is definitely at a steep price point for a hydrating mist, but I do find that it's wonderful at helping instantly calm my skin if it's feeling tight or uncomfortable. I have recently been waking up in the morning with slightly drier skin because of the weather changes, so I keep it on my nightstand so I can mist my face first thing in the morning and it immediately helps soothe my skin and wake me up.

7. Restorative Eye Cream - This is the only eye cream I have tried from Tata Harper and enjoy it for a soothing and comforting treatment when my eyes feel dry and tight. I don't find it helps reduce any darkness unfortunately, but is amazing at smoothing out the under eye area and prepping it for concealer and makeup.

8. Moisturizing Mask - As a last step in my routine, I love to pat in this Moisturizing Mask to give my skin an overnight boost of hydration. A little goes a long way and if I add too much, it can stay tacky and stick to my pillowcase. Ugh. So the trick is using the smallest amount and then it absorbs nicely but still maintains moisture in the skin and I wake up with my face looking plump and supple.

9. Clarifying Moisturizer - I just recently began testing this new launch from Tata Harper and was excited to see it was designed for oily and blemish prone skin. It dries down to a gorgeous matte finish and has become one of my favorite moisturizers to wear under my makeup. 

10. Concentrated Brightening Essence - As a huge proponent of using essences in my skincare routine, this one from Tata Harper was a big hit for me because it had the added benefit of helping brighten the skin. It did take me a few weeks of using to notice a difference, but over time I did see an overall evening of the skin and my complexion appeared much brighter.

11. Smoothing Body Scrub - There is nothing I love more than a good body exfoliation session in the shower. My complaint often is that scrubs can be too oily leaving my shower a dangerous mess after! This Smoothing Body Scrub from Tata Harper is dense, rich and incredibly decadent but the oils are not running everywhere. A little can go a long way with this scrub, but it is truly one of the most effective ones I have in my collection. While I love to use a body lotion after, I don't necessarily need one after this because it's so hydrating and softening. If you are looking for a great gift idea, this scrub is a perfect one!

12. Purifying Mask - I love a good detoxifying mask and I blew through this one in just a few weeks because I loved using it so regularly. It helps clarify my skin without ever drying it out. I found that my breakouts were minimized and my skin looked less oily when using regularly once a week. 

Shop all of my Tata Harper recommendations and more of her line below:

11/15/16

My Favorite Cable Knit Sweater

j.crew cable knit sweater
j.crew cable knit sweater
j.crew cable knit sweater
j.crew cable knit sweater
j.crew cable knit sweater
I've been in love with this cable knit sweater ever since I stumbled upon it in my local J. Crew store a few years ago. The pattern is simple, the fit is perfect and it comes in a ton of great colors. I was thrilled to see that the sweater was a staple in the J. Crew collection so I didn't have to worry about restocking it the following year which I did and continue to do. I like to pick up a new color every year and recently grabbed a back up for this cream one because I wear it SO much. It seems to work with almost every fall or winter outfit I put together that I have to force myself to wear other sweaters. Whoops.

Speaking of J. Crew, they are having a sale again so I pulled together a few of my favorite items from this season. Doesn't it feel like they have a sale all the time now? I'm not complaining but it has deterred me away from shopping there when things are full price because I assume a sale is just around the corner. But they are still one of the best places to fill in the gaps of my closet - especially when I am looking for a classic piece.

What are your favorite items to wear from J. Crew? Leave me a comment below!

Sweater - J. Crew | Jeans - Topshop | Scarf - Zara | Bag - Gucci | Boots - Sloosh (similar here and here) | Lipstick - Gucci Iconic Red

Shop more of my favorite J. Crew items:

11/11/16

Friday Finds

Happy Friday! I couldn't resist sharing this picture from my Instagram - these Manolo velvet pumps have got to be my favorite find of the week! I actually ordered them 6+ weeks ago as a birthday present to myself but they were on pre-order so I knew it could be months until they arrived. My favorite heel height for Manolo Blahnik shoes are the 90mm and they are incredibly difficult to find so when I see a pair I love, I try and snag them immediately! Now let's get into some of my other favorite finds from the past few weeks. :)

1. I love a coat with a dramatic fur collar, and this one from Kate Spade immediately caught my eye! I'm sometimes leary of faux fur accents because they can look cheap and tacky, but this collar looks stunning. 

2. Earlier this week I did a quick tour on Snapchat (@alittlebitetc) of my master bathroom and I was saying how I needed a tray to help organize my skincare on one side of the sink. I found this marble one at Wayfair and thought it would be perfect. 

3. I'm always on the hunt for great white tees and these long sleeved ones from Nordstrom seem perfect for layering under sweaters and any heavy fall/winter pieces. And they are only $20!

4. While I splurged on the Manolos for my birthday, I recently stumbled upon these pointy toe pumps and thought they were the most amazing shape and style for the price. I am already loving these boots from Sam Edelman and think he does some of the best expensive looking shoes but at a great price point.

5. We recently upgraded our camera and splurged on this style that we have been eyeing for many years. However, if you are looking for a camera to invest in while beginning to learn more about photography - we have been using this Canon model to shoot for the past 2-3 years and I would highly recommend it! It is great for photos but also for filming. 

6. After finding so many great sweaters at H&M recently, I have been back on the site regularly looking at new arrivals. I stumbled upon this scarf and love the ombre pattern! And while I am not a pink fan, I love the look of the pink and tan option in this scarf.

7. There was a segment on Rachel Ray the other day about dry brushing and I was so intrigued that I immediately picked up this one from Net-a-Porter. I've heard there are so many great benefits from dry brushing including helping exfoliate dead skin, increasing circulation and improving lymphatic drainage. It just arrived so I will be reviewing it in an upcoming video.

8. For my last find - it is my giveaways that I will be having over the course of the next few weeks! I have so many good ones planned. The first one is live now on my Instagram, but stay tuned to my blog, Instagram and YouTube to see what others I will be putting up shortly. I am so grateful to all my readers and this is my way of giving back for all your support! :) Thank you!

Stay tuned - I have a very fun gift guide video coming soon that I think is perfect for beauty lovers. Have a great weekend! 
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