Night Out Essentials

'Tis the season for holiday parties galore, and then (of course) there is New Year's Eve! Not that I am this huge party go-er, but I have been finding myself reaching for a clutch or wristlet as I head out to celebrate with friends or colleagues.  Not usually my norm...I like to take my whole purse with me JUST IN CASE I happen to need every single solitary thing- so not reasonable!  So, I decided recently if I had to scale back, what are my must haves?  (Phone, keys, ID, $$ and/or credit cards are a given.) 

I'm a total germ-aphobe.
Purell is a must. (and the 1 oz. are PERFECT)

Purell Hand Sanitizer $1.69

Thin compact mirror (Thin is KEY).

Amazon $5.00

Lip color that doesn't move!  Big fan of this.

Mac Pro Longwear $25.00

Not only do I love the scent (gardenia-like), but the size is killer.
I have never worn it without a compliment!

Kai perfume oil $48.00

I prefer the cinnamon and are perfect post meal!

Listerine pocket packs $7.50 for 3

Happy night out to all!

Cable Cable Everywhere!

Snuggly softness is key at this time of year.  These last couple days in New England have been misery- rain, cold, wind, blah.  It so makes me want to curl up in a cozy blanket, read my magazines and drift off into blissful slumber.  Zzzzzzz  It just feels so natural to reach for all things cable knit, and I am finding it in the most amazing places this year!  Check these out:

Classic, cozy and cheap(er)! Love PB sale items :)

Cable Knit Throw $63

How darling are these for a hot cup of tea?
Local friends, Pine Straw sells them (and the tea kettle too!)

Cable Knit Mug $8.95

I so want these towels!!!

Cable Bath Towel, Target $12.99

I think a cream cardigan like this is essential.

Gap Cable Knit Cardi $69.95 (on sale now!)

Go ahead, grab your cable knit and rest up for the holidays!

Smells like Christmas

This past weekend, I went to my favorite local grocer, and they had a million fresh pine trees all lined up for someone to take home.  That smell is something I literally want to unleash the moment December 1 arrives!  It's clean and woodsy and makes me want to breathe fresh air on top of a snow capped mountain.  Shall we go??

Do you have any favorite pine scented products?  Here's a few of mine: 

Thymes makes the BEST Frasier Fir scent, IMO.
I happen to love the mist so I can spray my (fake) Christmas tree to smell like pine!

Home Fragrance $18

This Yankee Candle is a staple in my house at the holidays!

Balsam & Cedar $27.99

Another terrific option for a great price.

Soap & Paper Factory: Roland Pine $28

Love the lotion! Travel sizes are the best.

Stonewall Kitchen: White Pine $12.50 (lotion)

Can't you just smell the lure of pine now?? :)

Bauble Blow Out

'Tis the season for all things sparkly, shiny and pretty.  I happen to be obsessed with Baublebar based out of NYC (and the social media director happens to be a Bentley alumna!).  There are so many fun, sassy pieces that would complement and add pizzazz to a holiday outfit.  Statement necklaces are easy, but also think about a great pair of earrings or bracelet to stand on their own.  Easy to pick one at these prices, and I love that there is free shipping/returns!  (when will retailers learn how enticing that cost savings is to a consumer??)  Not to mention the (free) gift boxes are a prize in and of themselves!  If you sign up your email, you also get an instant 15% off- such a winner in my book.

Here's a few of my top picks:  

 Every girl needs this classic piece.

Crystal Bloom Collar $48

 A no-brainer: great color options!

Candy Floss Gem Collar $44

Stretchable and colorful- sold!

Mirrored Triad Bud Stretch $36

L O V E these.

Crystal Sunshower Drops $36

Color is clearly the name of the game!

Cha Cha Drops $32

Aren't you inspired to dress up an outfit now??

Tartan to the Max!

So I must be on a plaid kick, because I just can't get enough of Scottish tartan plaid these days (plus the buffalo plaid I just recently posted on).  There's something uber holiday-esque about this print, and best yet- it just screams winter in New England.  I love how there are so many ways to play with the print- add army green, leopard, a statement necklace, etc.  It all works, and it all makes me get ready for the most wonderful time of the year! :)

So awesome! I recommend First Dance from Essie.

Thanks to Pinterest for this one!

Could these be any cuter?

Anthropologie $128

Yes! to this look...

Check out this scarf: $24.95

Or layer this top under an army green military jacket.

LLBean $39.95

Adorable- and made with Pendleton wool.

Etsy clutch $60

Go on- get something to add to your closet!  You won't regret it :)