Making A Statement :: LWD + boots

Go bold this season with a deviation from the ever-classic LBD. Try a little white dress complete with a daring statement necklace to standout from a sea of traditional holiday looks. Be the one who's fashionable and different. This is your year. 

Frye is known for perfecting the art and craft of shoemaking. However, their durable, leather designs are not only well made, they're also incredibly stylish and comfy. These Frye riding boots have been my favorite pair for years and I know they'll last me a lifetime. My favorite element? The strategically placed zipper! 

This. Necklace. Am I right? Yet another stunning design by Elli Morrison from her original line, Jem. Making a statement has never been easier with an adventurous piece like this, and a white backdrop allows this jewelry to take center stage.

The intricate beading is so attention-grabbing. I can't get enough of all these festive colors either! 

Texture is huge this year and I've had fun finding pieces that incorporate special details in unexpected ways. The lace pattern on this dress adds subtle elegance that speaks volumes during the holidays. 

For bracelets, I chose a brown leather band to play off my boots, a navy bracelet that compliments my statement necklace, and a silver bangle to tie it all together.

Checkout other Elli Morrison designs on her Instagram page: jewelry_by_ellimorrison. Or email her for a custom design at: jem.designs@aol.com. 

This mid-finger ring is one of my favorite pieces. It modernizes any look in a small yet effective way. 

 Photos by Allegra Berger of Roses + Things Photography 

[dress: Ann Taylor, boots: Frye, necklace: Jem by Elli Morrison, leather cuff: Fossil, blue bracelet: Ann Taylor, bangle: Alex & Ani]

I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving. Although I was not able to fly all the way home to Chi-Town, I did get to spend Turkey Day with my aunt and uncle in South Carolina, which has been delicious and wonderful so far. This year I'm more thankful than ever for my family and dear friends and I cannot wait to spend Christmas at home.

I don't know about you, but after eating way more than I thought possible yesterday, I think I'll spend my post-Thanksgiving time relaxing. But for all of you Black Friday shopping - good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor! 

My gift to you: this color chart is your perfect closet accessory when getting dressed. Don't know which tones go with which? Let this handy little sheet do the work for you. I have mine taped to my closet door! Getting dressed in color has never been easier. Let this sheet inspire you to standout from the crowd and make a statement this holiday season. 

SHOP ::

The Holiday Strategy :: BCBG + gold

If you're craving a head-turning look that's both seasonal and fresh, add some edgy, glam pieces to a red dress for a unique look that strikes a harmonious balance between traditional and modern. 

It doesn't matter if I'm wearing jeans or an elegant dress, a black leather jacket is always my go-to coverup. This staple is so classic yet it gives you an instant cool factor that's very of-the-moment. Add a deep red lip and there's no stopping you!

(Apparently I still have tan lines in November...)

Everyone thinks of red & green as the typical holiday color combo - and for good reason - but I prefer red & gold when it comes to my holly day wardrobe. It's an ultra-chic alternative to the conventional look. This Rebecca Minkoff clutch really makes my dress shine and brings out the warm tones!

The rich red tones in this dress really stood out to me when I was thinking of special holiday outfits. I immediately knew that I had to pair them with gold. Gold, black, and red is such a striking combination that it's the perfect attention-grabbing outfit for this magical time of year.

Photos by Brooke Faison 

[dress: BCBG, heels: Vince Camuto, clutch: Rebecca Minkoff, earrings: Anthropologie, leather jacket: Guess, knot bracelet: Kate Spade, link bracelet: Stella & Dot]

Red is so synonymous with the holidays that I couldn't resist decking out this festive-hued dress for the season. I matched my lips to my dress (you can never wear too much red lipstick in the winter) and injected some flecks of gold into the look as well. 

I'm not one for rushing into Christmas festivities before Thanksgiving is even over, but when it comes to fashion, it's never too early to plan ahead! After all, getting dressed for holiday gatherings is part of the fun of the season and having a strategy simply helps you avoid that pre-party stress when you're faced with the dreaded question, "What do I wear tonight?!" This year when organizing your holiday wardrobe, think of the following formula:

1.) Rich hues

2.) Ladylike silhouettes 

3.) Sparkle and shine 

SHOP ::

So Merlot :: maxi skirt + sweater crop

This season's wine shades have become my new favorite neutral. Team with black to give this retro hue modern edge and allure. And if you're feeling fancy, throw a hat into the mix ;).

Cropped sweaters were made for skirts. I don't know about you, but when I wear a normal sweater with a maxi I find myself swimming in fabric and looking bulky. A crop hits you at a flattering place and allows your skirt to be the focal point of the ensemble.    

My favorite black booties make yet another appearance on the blog. The strappy leather details leave this shoe irresistible. 

Add some shine to the flick of your wrist with gold and a dash of silver. 

Seductive burgundy and a strategically placed slit elevates this maxi to must-have status. 

How gorgeous and unique is this statement necklace? Not only is it the color-of-the-moment, but the crystal playfully glitters in the light, adding luxe dimension to any look. Pair it with anything from an LBD to a sapphire turtleneck to get that holiday sparkle. 

Sometimes it's all in the wrists (and fingers). Pile on the bling for extra attention and take your look from simple to stylish. 

 Photos by Allegra Berger 

[sweater: H&M, skirt: Loft, booties: Nordstrom, hat: Urban Outfitters, necklace: Jem, knot bracelet: Kate Spade, gold chain bracelet: Stella & Dot, silver bangle: Alex & Ani, leather bracelet: Michael Dawkins]

Notice something different about my pictures? The fabulous Allegra Berger of Roses + Things Photography took these photos for me and I'm completely obsessed. She has such an eye for fashion and photography and it was a joy shooting with her. Checkout her Facebook page here to see more samples of her incredible work! 

Speaking of having an eye for fashion, Elli Morrison is a friend of mine and a very talented jewelry designer who started her own line called Jem. I'm wearing one of her original pieces in this post - isn't it stunning? Elli is currently working on an Etsy page, but until that is up and running you can checkout her pieces on her Instagram page: jewelry_by_ellimorrison.

 All of Elli's necklaces and bracelets are carefully handcrafted with unique beads and stones, which makes dressing up ridiculously easy! Email Elli jem.designs@aol.com for a custom-made piece. She can personally design anything you desire in terms of length, colors, stones, tassels, etc. Talk about the perfect holiday gift for the fashionista in your life!  

SHOP ::