Dress || Heels || Bag

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s important to remember that not everyone celebrates this time of year with a Christmas tree and jolly Saint Nick. Sunday evening starts the festival of Hanukkah and many of my friends and neighbors will be lighting the Menorah and making latkes. If you celebrate Hanukkah too, or just have loved ones who do, I wanted to make sure that you felt included with all of the holiday décor and gift guides. Today, I’m sharing a quick round up of fun Hanukkah gifts to share during the Festival of Lights. This cookie platter from Pottery Barn is absolutely beautiful, but it’s this sweatshirt from Nordstrom that I love the most! Whether you rock around the Christmas tree or Menorah, both holidays are about spending time with loved ones and being thankful for what we have.

Both holidays also may call for a classic dress to wear to services and gatherings. This navy little number from H&M is absolutely perfect for spending time with your family. The flowy style means it will be very forgiving if you decide to go for a second or third plate at dinner and the pleated sleeves make for a fun detail. It has the right amount of modesty, that I just think is a little more necessary during the holidays. If you prefer, it would also look great with this pair of opaque leggings from Nordstrom, just in case you need something warmer or more conservative. BONUS: Let’s face it, the holidays are an extremely expensive time of the year between traveling and buying gifts, but at under $35, this dress is also extremely budget friendly. You won’t have to sacrifice holiday shopping or looking your best.

Love from NYC,
Katie

1: Decorative Pillow || 2: Party Glasses || 3: Fun Sweatshirt || 4: Cookie Cutters || L’Chaim Balloon || 6: Wine Bottle Bag || 7: Cookie Plate || 8: Festive Candy || 9: Critter Socks || 10: Children’s Book || 11: Star of David Bracelet || 12: Menorah

 

Top || Pants || Heels || Clutch

Let’s face it, the holiday season is here and your social calendar will be filled up before you know it. That may include a house party or two. One of the best things you can do to show your gratitude is to remember your hosts when you’re out and about shopping for gifts. Even the smallest of tokens can make such a huge statement. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite picks under $100 that you may want to consider.

A great gift for a host or hostess is something that they would be able to use around the house. Who knows, they may even want to unwrap and use it for that very night. For example, how adorable is this elephant shaped cheese board from Anthropologie? Bring along the charcuterie and it’s almost guaranteed to be a hit!

You may even want to think small with a thoughtful ornament for them to add to their Christmas tree. I’m a sucker for topiaries and this glass blown ornament pick from Tuckernuck is as cute as it gets. The great thing about ornaments is that you can easily capture their personality and tastes in a tiny package. It’s also a gift that can have a wallet-friendly price tag and won’t break the bank if you find yourself with a lot of invites this season.

Now that you have the perfect hostess gift, it’s time to think about what you’ll be wearing. Feathers are always a fun touch, especially at a swanky holiday soiree, and this top from Nordstrom has it all. The feather detailing is even detachable, just in case you happen to find yourself at an event that doesn’t quite call for extra flair. Currently on sale for just $39, you’ll be able to pick up this top in all three colors, including black and blush pink. It also could work it’s way into Thanksgiving or New Years Eve, giving it a lot of bang for your buck. The worst part is trying to choose just one color!

Love from NYC,
Katie

1: Cheese Board || 2: Monogram Blanket || 3: Stemless Wine Glasses || 4: Topiary Ornament || 5: Blue Pitcher || 6: Ceramic Measuring Cups || 7: Travel Coffee Table Book || 8: To-Go Coffee Mug || 9: Novelty Candy || 10: Cocktail Napkins || 12: Delicious Candle || 12: Cappuccino Mug || 13: Cheese Knives

Sweater || Jeans || Loafers || Sunglasses || Belt

When you have an action packed 3-day weekend, it’s sometimes nice to return to the routine of a normal work day. Over the weekend, I had the chance to explore Chelsea, fell in love with Greenwich Village, and purchased two essential pairs of shoes to get ready for winter. I picked up this pair of heeled Chelsea boots from Thursday and ordered the camel ballet flats I’ve been eyeing from Margaux. The culinary highlight of the week was chowing down at Empire Diner after a very brisk walk through the Highline.

I also took the cooler weather as an opportunity to debut this black and white striped sweater from Target. It is effortlessly chic and the back bow detail gives it some Parisian feeling flair. The best part, though, is that it’s perfectly cozy and under $40. I mean, can you really go wrong? I felt like such a cool kid in this getup, even though it was layered under my Barbour jacket for most of the day.

Over the weekend, I also took the time to create my first Gift Guide of the season (not to be confused with my two previous Shop Guides for Christmas & Thanksgiving décor). Definitely note, this gift guide is the most time sensitive because all of the items I picked can be completely personalized with a good monogram. Whether it’s for the home or to wear, giving a personalized gift is such an incredibly thoughtful touch. I am just in love with the bamboo-handled handbag from Mark & Graham. It’s an absolute classic and comes in a rainbow of great neutral colors. Some may call it a Gucci dupe, but I think this bag is able to shine all on it’s own. I promise, you really can’t go wrong with any of these picks, but don’t delay! The deadline for personalized gifts is approaching fast. It’s a great opportunity to avoid prostrating (like me) and relax during the rest of the holiday shopping season. Don’t worry if monograms aren’t really your M.O. I have Gift Guides lined up for the rest of the week and complimenting looks to get you ready for the holiday season. Happy shopping!

Love from NYC,
Katie

 

1: Leather Wallet || 2: Dainty Initial Bracelet || 3: Cozy Tartan Scarf || 4: Classic Signet Ring || 5: Colorful Tote Bag || 6: Cut-Out Coaster Set || 7: Fun Catchall Tray || 8: Personalized Water Bottle || 9: Snuggly Buffalo Plaid Blanket || 10: The Perfect Travel Kit || 11: Roomy Weekender Bag || 12: My #1 Most Wanted Bamboo Handle Tote || 13: Waffle-Knit Robe || 14: Gold Accent Hinge Bracelet