Holiday Gift Guide: For the Guys

I don't know about you guys, but my holiday shopping is in full force. With only two and a half weeks left until Christmas, I'm trying to finish up my list, while also avoiding any trips to the mall.

Holiday season plus the mall equals my worst nightmare.

So for my gift guide for the gentlemen in your life, I've focused on items you can buy without stepping foot inside a mall (or even leaving your couch if you're a real homebody like myself).

Cheers for free shipping!

1. Tequila Shooters: For the entertainer.
2. MLB Washer Toss: For the sports fan.
3. Camp Blanket: For the outdoorsman.
4. Foodie Dice: For the chef.
5. Travel Book: For the traveler (bonus points if you throw in a plane ticket).
6. Power Charger: For the tech addict.
7. Grooming Kit: For the well groomed.
8. Espresso Maker: For the caffeine addict.

Currently Coveting: Fall Wish List

                       

The leaves are turning, there’s a chill in the air, and people are lined up around the block for a freaking pumpkin latte (totally overrated by the way). It can only mean one thing: fall is here. And there is no better season for fashion than fall.  Chunky sweaters and cognac boots. Oversized scarves and plaid button downs. Find me a pumpkin patch, light up a bonfire, and let’s celebrate fall.

{Not} Born To Run

I am not a runner. In fact, despite being incredibly active when I was younger, I am now incredibly lazy. Like too-lazy-to get-ice-cream-from-the-freezer, lazy. I blame working from home. Or maybe just getting older. But if I didn’t have a dog that needed to be walked three times a day, I’m not sure I’d leave the house at all.

So to my own surprise, in an act of extraordinary motivation, I signed up for a half marathon.

I have no idea what I was thinking.

That's not true. I was probably in my sweatpants, with a carton of ice cream in one hand and my laptop in the other, watching one too many motivational TED Talks. I was probably thinking, if that blind lady with no arms and no legs can overcome that incredible feat, I can most certainly run a measly 13 miles.

What can I say? I'm a sucker for 20 minute increments of inspiration.

What I'm not a sucker for? Running. (You can see my dilemma).

But I've committed. And with that commitment comes the responsibility to follow through. That commitment also brings cute running outfits. And let’s be real people. One of the biggest motivations for working out is the outfit. I mean, the added benefits of getting in killer shape and strengthening my heart, lungs, and muscles help too. But when I lack the impulse to get up and run, it’s the cute outfit that gives me that extra push out the door.

So for the next 14 weeks I'll be following this training plan to get my ass in shape and cross that finish line. And regardless of how long it takes, you can count on one thing: I'm going to look good doing it.

Now if someone can just make sure there's a pint of ice cream at that finish line...

Sports Bra / Fitbit / Nike shorts / Hairband / Tank Top / NIKE Running Shoes / Earbuds / Water Bottle

It's all about balance, right??

 

Best of Etsy: Spring Edition

I love Etsy. It's like an online treasure hunt of goodies.

Need a gift? Something for the house? A new pair of earrings? Etsy is always there to save the day (or night), 24/7.

And best of all? I don't have to leave my couch. Or even get dressed. It's basically the online haven for the lazy flea market lovers of the world (me).

So sit back, relax (don't bother changing out of your sweats), and check out my fav items I'm coveting this spring.

1. Bohemian Camera Strap: I'm a fashion blogger. My camera is constantly with me. It obviously needs to look fashionable.

2. Stripes Bow Tie Dog Collar: I like to dress my dog up. Not in silly outfits (well, not usually in silly outfits). My dog is classy and this striped bow tie is perfect for classy warm weather events. Preferably on a boat. 

3. Mid Century Modern Wall Sconce: To say I'm obsessed with this wall sconce is an understatement. I didn't even know I needed wall sconces until I saw this one. Now the wall above my bed seems so bare...

4. Ombre iPhone Case: iPhones are a blogger's most important accessory. Of course we need multiple cases depending on our outfit. Right??

5. Gold Twig Ring: Earthy and simple. This ring is the perfect wear-with-anything accessory.

6. Leather Bike Growler Cozy: All I want to do is ride my bike all over the city and have picnics. How else can I transport my microbrew?

7. Yellow Hammock Chair: Can I please spend the afternoon daydreaming and getting lost in a novel in this hammock chair? Keep it on the porch in the summer and move it inside during the winter months.

8. Canvas Messenger Bag: I'm not in school anymore, but that doesn't mean I don't need a messenger bag for those days when I have to haul my laptop and books to a coffee shop. I particularly love the Moroccan details on this one.

Zara Home: {Gold} Rush

Gold Rush

Today, the cult fashion favorite Zara, finally launched Zara Home in it's US market. Like the brand's clothes, the home line includes classic, fun, and affordable decor items. While they offer a range of styles, it was the variety of gold accents that caught my eye and are the perfect way to add some glitz and glamour to your decor this holiday season.

Be sure to check out the site soon -- they are offering free shipping for the entire month of October!

Fall Wishlist

Fall is my favorite time of the year for shopping. I think it dates back to elementary school and the excitement of back-to-school shopping. Back then, it wasn't even about the clothes. It was about finding the perfect lunch box, back pack, notebook and pencils to start the year off right. Now, it's definitely about the clothes. I think it makes it easier to say goodbye to summer when you can say hello to cozy sweaters and fall boots.

This fall, I'm looking to add classic wardrobe staples that will mix well with my current closet.

The number one item on my wish list is a leather jacket. I've been on a hunt for years for the perfect one. It's a great investment piece that goes with everything, but if you want the real thing, it comes with a price. This leather jacket from Theory (1) comes pretty close to perfect. Buttery tan leather, oversized collar, and a slightly slouchy fit.

A menswear inspired watch is also a must. This leather band Michael Kors version (2) is a great alternative to the popular all gold style.

I'm also looking for the perfect little dress to take me through cooler weddings and upcoming holiday parties. I love that the 3/4 sleeve on this Alice & Olivia dress (3) keeps it classic and appropriate for cooler temps, while the peplum style adds a fun, trendy element to the style.

I'm all about the pointy toe flats (4). And as a fan of all things leopard, these Madewell's are the perfect punch of fun.   

 

Living in Detroit, I can't rely on cute and dainty shoes for the rest of the year. These Sorel Boots (5) are practical and stylish and will ensure both my feet and skinny jeans stay dry during the wettest and coldest months.

As someone who lives in soft and cozy sweaters, I love this cashmere t-shirt version (6) from J. Crew. It comes in a range of colors and pairs just as well with pencil skirts as it does jeans.

I've had my eye on this Marc Jacobs hobo bag (7) forever. Every season the Jacobs comes out with a new set of colors, but you can't go wrong with classic black leather and gold hardware.

It's taken me a while to jump on the colored skinny jean trend, but I am finally embracing it with this red pair from 7 For All Mankind (8). Paired with a tan cashmere sweater, they'll add brightness even on the grayest of days.

Goodbye summer. Hello, Fall.

What's on your wishlist this season?