Style Lush

What I bought myself for Christmas: SHOES

By Elisabeth

I received a couple of items for Christmas that were quite lovely, but weren't exactly what I needed/wanted, so with the money I received on my returns, I purchased two pair of shoes.

I already have a few pair of boots, all for different circumstances, but I didn't have something that would help in the cold and the rain. Spending most mornings a week walking my 2nd grader and Preschooler to school can be rather chilly and wet and we haven't even hit the wettest part of Winter yet.

I had heard a fair amount on Hunter boots, but didn't pay attention to most besides how cute they were. I went to Amazon to do some window shopping. After asking some lovely ladies on Twitter, I learned that the the sizing of Hunter boots can run large. What I didn't know was how large? Instead of hoping for the best and order via Amazon/UK retailer, it was suggested to go to Nordstroms to try on a couple of pairs. The difference? ONE WHOLE SIZE. Plus, there is still a little wiggle room in there.

I decided on the navy glossy pair due to their super cuteness and how well they went with my waredrobe. I really wanted the gray, but Amazon didn't carry them. I think my second choice was good enough!

On a whim, I purchased some Toms flats at Nordstrom Rack while I was returning a belt for my husband from Christmas. The Size 8s, my actual size, were too big, so I grabbed a 7 1/2 and booked it out of there. I was with my youngest son who thought throwing Cheerios on the floor was SUPER FUN. When I got home, I realized they were too big. I asked around and learned they do run big, as well, but also can stretch. By the time I went back to return them, the color I purchased was no longer available, so I purchased these teal courdoroy ones and am certainly glad I did!

 

Have you had issues with shoe brands running too big? Is this the new thing? I get to buy a smaller pair of shoes and feel better about myself? HA.

Seriously. Why isn't an 8 an 8 anymore?!

 

(photo credits: me)

Craigslist steps in for Santa

By Elisabeth

A couple of weeks before Christmas, I had my two boys, 7 and 4, fill out their official Santa letters. The 7 year old wrote down everything Lego and the 4 year old was all over the map from brooms, whistles, 1000 baggies from the grocery store to a roll of tape.

However, he did happen to throw out a new bike amongst his humorous requests. I knew he wasn't getting a new bike. Yes, his current bike is getting on the smaller side, but I had already done most of the shopping and what I had not purchased could be picked up at the grocery store. Hello, 1000 baggies! (Not really. He only got 12 whistles and 1 roll of tape.)

I thought we were pretty much cruising in the driver's seat regarding Christmas morning until both of my boys told a Santa at a neighborhood Christmas party 2 days before the big day they BOTH wanted new bikes.

Now, of course we didn't have to do anything. Yes, that had all they needed and more, but it was our first Christmas morning in our house EVER, and we kept invisioning the boys seeing the BIG GIFT as they came around the corner.

So, my husband began perusing Craigslist just to see if there was anything out there that would work for our 7 year old. And luckily, there was a perfect BLUE (the request was blue!) bike for sale right in our inexpensive price range. And within a few hours, my husband was back home with a blanket covering our secret weapon in the trunk!

Fortunately for us, a girl must have owned this boy bike because this thing had barely a scratch on it. My husband polished that bad boy up, took his old yellow bike, gave it the same treatment and we were all ready for Christmas morning.

The moment had come, the morning had arrived. The squeels, the shreeks, the "THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER's" came pouring out. It was everything we they had ever wanted.

I think my oldest son said it best, "Hunter you got a new bike too and it looks JUST LIKE MINE!!"

 

{photo credit: husband}

My Favorite Christmas Gifts: Faux-Fur Scarf & Cashmere Slippers

By Rebecca

In my husband's family, we draw names for Christmas gifts. My sister-in-law drew my name this year, which is always fun because she manages to find things that I never knew I wanted, but end up among my favorite presents. This year was no different.

I opened up my gift from her and found two awesome things. First, this Luxe Faux Fur Scarf from Restoration Hardware. I had never laid eyes on it before, but immediately fell in love with it. It's super soft and keeps your neck REALLY warm! I tested it out on a trip to Colorado over New Year's, and it was cold weather approved. It looks equally nice with a black dress as it does with jeans and a sweater.

The second winning gift (also from Restoration Hardware, WHO KNEW?) was this pair of cashmere ballet slippers. She got me the red ones and they are light, warm, and a welcome change for someone who customarily clomps around the house with Ugg boots on during the winter.

Now, tell me: what was YOUR favorite gift this year?

(Photo credits: restorationhardware.com)

 

Marc Jacobs Pouch

By Elisabeth

I was completely finished with all my Christmas shopping, except I still needed to find something for my Secret Santa. This year, I get to buy for my sister-in-law. I don't know why I was stumped on what to get her, but it remained difficult in choosing the "perfect" gift. I admire her and think she's all that, so I wanted it to be cool, you know?

My budget was $50, so I took to Twitter yesterday for ideas. One piece of advice was to look through our gift guide, which was, of course, brilliant, but I was hoping to find something with Amazon Prime since I had been procrastinating too long and was running out of time. (Plus, I didn't want to leave my couch.)

I did find a darling gold, crinkly Kate Spade pouch on Amazon, but it was a little over budget, then even more so with the new tax addition. (BOO.)

Our lovely Rebecca mentioned she saw some Marc Jacob pouches at Target on sale for 50% off. Score! So, that pretty much meant I had to get out this morning with the kids. A girl's got to do what she's got to do for a sale, yes?

These pouches come in Gold, Silver, and Rose. I adored the pink color choice and for $34.99, it was a no brainer. Plus, I found some super cute rose gold hooped earrings to go with the pouch.

Not bad for some last-minute shopping?

Anything you're still shopping for this close to Christmas?

(I don't even want to think about stockings. That will have to be sometime this weekend. I need to finish wrapping!)

{photo credits: target.com}

My Quick Little Wish List

By Jessica

My husband and I don't exchange personal gifts at Christmas. We help our son shop for each other on a small, he-could-conceiveably-afford-the-items-himself budget, so that he'll get into the habit of shopping for others at the holidays but other other than that and maybe stockings? Our holiday dollars are always ear-marked for other people. 

That said, there's nothing wrong with a little holiday (online) window shopping right? Maybe something on my list might help you round out your own list or help you shop for someone you know. Of course the Style Lush Gift Guide probably has most everyone covered.

Crop It Like It's Hot Tee from The Unrefinery $24.95

Louis Armstong Told Us So  print by Bianca Green on Society 6 Large 28x19 $32.00

Obey Make Art Not War Tee from Zumiez $31.95

Minnetonka Kilty Suede Mocs from Zappos $41.95

Rock The Boat Ring from Peacock Plume $12.00

L.A.M.B. Stripped Clutch from Zappos $119

Wish Upon A Star Friendship Necklace from Fossil $48

Key-per Flap in Aqua from Fossil $98

Galaxy Leather Cuff from CJohannensen on Etsy

Don't Forget To Play Pillow Cover by Marc Collins on Society 6 $20.00

My Favorite Children's Christmas Book

by Lawyerish

Last December, when I was looking for Advent gifts for my daughter, I came upon this book:

The Christmas Magic, by Lauren Thompson

It is absolute perfection. Think of the Santa Claus that you have always imagined in your heart of hearts -- the one that, even now, as a fully grown person, you want to believe exists -- and this book captures him perfectly. It's simple and quiet and intimate, depicting Santa Claus in his little house in the North Pole, getting ready for his night journey on Christmas Eve. It portrays the love that Santa has for every child in the world, and the humanity that he represents (he trims his whiskers, mends his socks, and pads around his cozy home in bunny slippers). It's not silly and it doesn't talk down to the reader -- it's not the cartoonish Santa Claus that gets trotted out in so much of popular culture. Instead, it perfectly conjures the magic that I used to feel as Christmas approached, and that I will always try to create for my own child. 

The illustrations, by Jon Muth (a truly gifted artist), are done in watercolor, and they are nothing short of breathtaking. Again, they're understated and natural, just like the writing. 

Last year, I bought this for my daughter, my niece and nephew, and my mom. I bought it for my mom because she always made Christmas magical when I was growing up, and I knew this would speak to her, too. It's an ideal gift for anyone in your life who has given you unconditional love, and who has created wonder out of simplicity, which is so much of what childhood is about. 

Sometimes when I'm reading it to my daughter, I can't get through it without crying a little. But that's ok. The magic just gets to you sometimes.

{photo credit: bn.com}

My holiday project: Positivity

By Manda

It's the time of year when I get overwhelmed. I love Christmastime, I really do! But right about now - mid-December, basically - things feel like an uphill climb. There are presents to buy and wrap, cookies to make, turkeys to cook, parties to attend, so many little details to remember. It's very easy for me to lose sight of what a blessed person I am, which just seems silly. I have an amazing husband who is crazy about me and two beautiful, healthy children. I have such a wonderful extended family and group of friends. We have SO MUCH. The fact that I get STRESSED about how to spend my money at Christmastime is just laughable.

And so I'm making it my project over the next few weeks to be more positive, more loving toward others, more thoughtful, and more thankful. I was inspired by this video from SoulPancake.com and I think you will be too.

So tell me, are the holidays stressing you out? What steps are you taking to de-stress and count your blessings?

(The first person I plan to pay a compliment is my long-suffering and hardworking husband. He works his tail off to provide for our family and never, ever gives up on me. He loves others, even when they don't deserve it, and he always tries to find a positive angle on every situation, no matter how dire. I love him so much, and he is my very best friend. I am so glad he is my partner and the father of our children.)

Happy Holidays to you all, dear friends. May they be merry and bright and full of friends and family.

DIY Christmas Coasters

By Elisabeth

A couple of years ago, I wrote about how to make your own ceramic coasters. Well, this year, I made myself a couple of sets, but decided on a holiday theme for one and used an initial stamp for the other.

We are still in a "not very friendly to coasters" home, so having tiles on display 365 days a year is unrealistic, but pulling out these special occasion numbers is more up our alley. Only a few weeks of making sure they're not played with like frisbees!

 

The coasters that use just a stamp, you will want to make sure the stamp is completely dry before spraying on the final coat. Don't be like me and spray too early. My "L" bled a bit, but luckily I kinda like the look. If you want a pristine impression. BE PATIENT!

Also, these would be perfect for teacher's gifts this time of year!

 

{photo credit: me}

Christmas Paper Crafts: My New Tree Topper

By Jessica

This year, I have resolved to work with what I have and refresh my holiday displays without purchasing anything new, as much as possible. I did purchase this GORGEOUS Santa print that makes me smile every single time I look at my mantle, but, so far, nothing else. Which is how I ended up searching for ideas on a new topper for my tree that wouldn't cost me anything. Because while I may be working with what I've got, that doesn't mean I don't also want to change my theme/color scheme again. I'm a complicated woman. 

I have fallen in love with idea of red, teal, and acid green with hints of white and sparkle so that's the path I've headed down. I have decorations that will work for me but no topper and I thought about just pulling out my doves and using them again but wanted something more funky, retro yet modern? I also, for some reason, have been obsessed with the idea of making things from paper this year. 

I did some Google searches and some Pinterest searches and ultimately I ended up with two tutorials of a similar style. One that was more intricate and since it was made with glittered paper, more glittery as well and the other, more subdued and I suspect, since it was made with black paper, the one really spoke to me.

Obviously, I didn't use black paper (I still might somewhere this year) but I definitely went with that second tutorial to make my tree topper:

I followed that second link pretty much exactly with two exceptions:

1) Glue. I used hot glue to make it quicker and not require anything to hold the strips together while they dried. (NOTE: hot glue is HOT, have a bowl of ice water handy, in case of drips)

2) Measurements. Even though we were taught metric briefly in elementary school, I am still a lame American that knows inches not centimeters so my strips were 1/2" x 12" 

This project required less than one standard 12"x12" sheet of cardstock scrapbook paper which I always have on hand and probably around 30 minutes total (that's being really generous with the time, I didn't time myself). So totally FREE, YAY! And also, totally GORGEOUS, YAY! I love how it resembles a celtic knotwork design and looks different depending on how you look at it, since it's open on the inside and sort of puffs out a bit. 

I HIGHLY recommend making one of your very own or even making a bunch of these stars and just hanging them as decorations in front of windows, from the ceiling, around the mantle...the possibilities are endless.

Have you ever made your own tree topper?

Christmas Collections: Do You Have One?

by Elizabeth

A few years ago, I bought myself a silver tree when Target first rolled out their Christmas decorations for the year. The year after that, I wanted another one, so I decided I would collect silver trees at Christmas time. This year there weren't any silver ones at Target I liked, but I did end up finding one at Pottery Barn and it is lined up on my mantel as we speak. 

(The one I bought isn't available online anymore but there were tons in the store. It's that lumpy looking one in the picture below.)

I love the idea of collecting something just at Christmas time. I have visions of a virtual forest of silver trees packed onto my mantel many years in the future when I've been collecting trees for decades.  

I wasn't sure I wanted to do this for EVERYONE in the family, but I think I'll let my son pick out a nutcracker every year too. I love that this gets him excited for Christmas and peripherally involves him in the Christmas decorating. This year he picked out this super cool all-white one from Target (with some nudging from his mother). And doesn't a bunch of nutcrackers all lined up together paint a nice vision for future Christmases? 

Do you collect anything just for Christmas!? Do tell, I need ideas for my daughter, who is obviously going to need her own collection some day too. 

(Photos from: potterybarn.com, target.com)