Thursday, December 22, 2016

Sew Cute Holiday: Last Minute Stocking Stuffer Ideas


Stocking stuffers are sometimes tricky, but here are a few quick and easy ideas on what to stock those stockings with this Christmas..... 
  1. Necklace or small jewelry piece: Pick up any cute dainty jewelry pieces and put them in a tiny pouch. Jewelry makes cute little gifts that can easily be personalized. Not to mention you can find dainty jewelry practically anywhere from Target, Forever 21, to Nordstrom. 
  2. Fuzzy socks: Pick up a pair or two from Target for a cozy simple gift. 
  3. Gift cards: Whether it is to their favorite restaurant or store, gift cards are a simple way to let them pick out their own gift! 
  4. Notepad or stationery: I love stationery! Stuff a stocking with fun pencils, a cute notepad, or a fancy pen for a simple but useful gift. 
  5. Shooters: Shopping for someone 21+? Fill their stocking with their favorite booze in miniature form. 
  6. Candy: Candy is a no brainer. Pick up whoever you are shopping for's favorite candy to complete their stocking. 

What are your favorite stocking stuffer ideas? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO
Miranda 
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Winter Break Snapshots


Winter break is in full swing! I'm loving being home for the holidays. Christmas in Chicago is the best there is. Although it feels like negative 20 degrees, with snow on the ground it feels like Christmas. While I've been home I've been busy catching up with my family, shopping (of course), and spending time with my boyfriend. 


My boyfriend and I have also done our Christmas gift exchange. Somehow he managed to top last years gift with this gorgeous pink amethyst stone necklace with diamonds and rose gold metal! 


Our first main holiday activity was stopping by the Chriskringle Market at their newest Naperville location. It isn't as big as the original downtown Chicago location, but it was fun to stop in at the different booths to see ornaments and treats!  


I love Iowa State, but Iowa is a major shopping drought. Some of the first things I do when I get home is do my rounds at my favorite shopping destinations. First up was the outlet mall. I found the most adorable Kate Spade purse for only $39! You can't beat some of the deals we found. I also took a trip to our local mall to shop at J Crew, Kate Spade, and some of my other favorite stores. Plus I hit up Nordstrom Rack and scored some good deals there as well. 



When I got home I arrived to a few packages, sorry mom, including some Christmas gifts and some Black Friday purchases. I used my $15 off coupon at Sephora to pick up some new items to try. I love getting mini palettes like this Tarte palette. It lets me try out different brands without committing to a $50 palette. 


Are you off for Winter Break? Let me know your plans in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 
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Monday, December 19, 2016

OOTD: Winter Gingham


Snow has fallen! I'm in full blown holiday mode now that I'm back home and on winter break. Christmas movies are on repeat and I'm decking the halls (aka my house) getting ready for Christmas this week. This winter gingham look is perfect for running last minute holiday errands, meeting friends for lunch, or for just hanging out. 



This blazer from Target is super comfortable! I love the fabric and I think wearing cozy blazers is the perfect alternative to sweaters to mix things up. Pairing it with a casual tee and jeans tones down the look. My go-to boots during the winter are either these riding boots or my L.L. Bean boots. With snow on the ground I don't risk running around in flats or booties. 





I'm loving this scarf trend. Tying little scarfs around my neck gives me major Parisian vibes. This look is sort of inspired by Parisian street style. I love mixing dainty prints, classic pieces, and simple silhouettes. How I wish I could spend my days running around Paris, instead of the streets of Ames!





Besides my neck scarf I kept things pretty simple with the accessories. My go-to pearl studs, Michele watch, and Alex and Ani bangles complete the look. Plus my classic riding boots add a slight equestrian feel. 


Where it's from: 
Blazer: Target 
Jeans: American Eagle 
Tee: J Crew 
Boots: Michael Kors 
Watch: Michele 
Bracelets: Alex and Ani 
Scarf: Target 
Photography: Phillip Anderson 


How do you wear gingham in the winter? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 
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Friday, December 16, 2016

OOTD: Day in Breckenridge



For a day in Breckenridge I wanted something that was comfortable and warm. Although it was a beautiful day with high around 50 degrees it was still pretty chilly! So, I paired this adorable striped poncho with a simple turtle neck for a cozy but stylish look. 


For an extra element of warmth I wore this chunky knit infinity scarf. I also wore my Patagonia coat over everything for an extra layer. Layering in Colorado was key, in restaruants and shops I was warm but outside I felt fine. If your planning a trip to Colorado anytime soon wear in layers that are easy to remove. That way you can throw your jacket on and off while walking around or shopping. 


TIP: It was a super sunny day so sunglasses were a must. Although it was very cold outside my face got a little pink from the sun. So, be sure to wear some sort of sunscreen if visiting CO. I know it seems weird, but the sun was actually super strong even in the cold weather. 


I kept the accessories pretty simple for the look. Pearl earrings and my KJP bow bracelet and Alex and Ani bangles completed the look. When wearing a bold piece, like this poncho, I try and keep the accessories to the minimum. So, my go-to pieces were all I need to top off the look.  


Where it's from: 
Poncho: Aerie 
Jeans: Paige (Nordstrom) 
Boots: L.L. Bean 
Turtle neck: J Crew Factory 
Scarf: American Eagle 
Sunglasses: Ray Bans 
What is your favorite go-to winter look? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO
Miranda 
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Wednesday, December 14, 2016

OOTD: Plaid Vest


You can never go wrong with a simple vest and button down look. For a quick dinner in Breckenridge I slipped into this simple look. From being in the car for 8 hours I wanted to be comfortable but stylish for our first meal in Breck. So, I threw on this super easy combo for an effortless, comfortable, but stylish look. 


Buffalo plaid is perfect for winter and for the holidays for that matter. With all of the snow and mountains in Breckenridge I was feeling major Christmas vibes. So this black and red checkered vest worked perfectly! 

My Bean Boots are also my go-to winter boot. I'm so glad I packed them for Colorado because with all of the ice and snow they certainly came in handy. Bean boots are perfect for a preppy alternative to your traditional snow boots. If you are interested in them, order quickly! They are usually backordered during the winter and they take a while to arrive. So, be sure to place your order before the holiday rush gets hectic. 


Where it's from: 
Vest: J Crew Factory 
Shirt: Ralph Lauren Polo 
Jeans: Paige (Nordstrom) 
Boots: L.L. Bean 
Earrings: Kendra Scott 
Bracelets: Alex and Ani, KJP 
Watch: Daniel Wellington 


What is your favorite way to wear a vest? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

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Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Sew Cute Holiday: Gifts from Target

All of these holiday gift guides are great, don't get me wrong. But, with shipping and limited availability sometimes items are impossible to find. So, I found some of the cutest items at Target you can pick up online (they have super fast shipping) or head to your local store. These items would make great last minute gifts for any girl on your list! 


 BEAUTY 


 ACCESSORIES

CLOTHING 


HOME 


OFFICE 

What are your favorite gifts available at Target? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda  
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Monday, December 12, 2016

Breckenridge Travel Guide


This past month I visited Breckenridge, Colorado for a short weekend trip. Here is what we did and my travel guide to do Breckenridge in a short weekend! 

What to do: 
  • Skiing or snowboarding: Although I am not a big sports person, Breckenridge sure has a ton of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and more! I am not an expert in this area, but you can certainly spend a day on the slopes while in Breckenridge for a weekend! 
  • Walking on Main Street: We spent most of our time walking in and out of shops and eating on Main Street. There is a ton of shops to explore and a ton of local restaruants to try. 
  • Visit a neighboring town: On Saturday night we went to Frisco for dinner which also had some shops and local restaruants. If you spend the day in Breckenridge feel free to venture off at night to see something different! 



Where to shop: 
  • Marigolds farmhouse funk & junk: If you love anything vintage or repurposed Marigolds is the place for you! I found an adorable Christmas ornament for my mom there, but they have clothing, homewares, jewelry, and a ton of cute things that would make great gifts. It was hard to resist the vintage flannels! 
  • Vintage sweet & chic: This may be the coolest boutique in Breck, it is a must see if you love fashion! A mix of new and vintage pieces this place had something for everyone. Not to mention they had a TON of adorable homeware items as well. I picked up a tiny whale jewelry dish for only $5. Their clothing is on the pricey side, but if your not in the mood to spend the big bucks on clothing you can find a cute little trinket instead. 
  • Patagonia: Stop by the Patagonia store to pick up any and every color pull over or coat imaginable. They were in the process of moving store when we stopped in so I scored a pop over for only $39! But, if you are in the market for a new Patagonia then be sure to take a peek. Main Street is also home to the North Face store if you prefer North Face over Patagonia. 
  • Christmas shop: Swan Mountain Christmas shop is perfect to pick up holiday gifts all year round! My family and I went here over 10 years ago when I was in Breckenridge so I was super excited to go back and pick out my own ornaments. 
  • Joy of Sox: Wanting a pair of cozy or quirky socks? Look no further than ______! They have a ton of fuzzy and novelty socks that are too funny. I got a boring pair but they are the softest socks every, at least that is what the package said. 
  • Global Candle Gallery: This place has the craziest candles that are all handmade in the shop in Breckenridge. Perfect for gifts or yourself! 



Where to eat: 
  • Daylight Donuts: Start your day off with a delicious donut or breakfast entree. I tried the apple fritter and it was very tasty! Plus it is super affordable. You can get 10 donut holes for $1, sign me up! It's a great place to start your day exploring Breck. 
  • The Canteen: We tried getting into the Canteen for dinner Friday but there was a long wait, so be sure to make a reservation (you can make it on their website through Open Table). My boyfriend and I split a Mac and Cheese entree and chips and salsa appetizer, it was plenty of food for two! Their mac and cheese was one of the best I've ever had. Topped with Cheez-its this baked mac and cheese is a for sure must. I also tried a local hard cider which was very good.  
  • Blue River Bistro: In the mood for a classier meal? Then look no further then Blue River Bistro. With Italian dishes and a few other things this place is great for the whole family. It is a little fancier so try and look nice, but there isn't a true dress code. With live music, a great wine list, and tasty food this place has everything. We had the happy hour special which was fried ravioli with guac, sour creme, and salsa. It was, I kid you not, the best thing I have ever eaten. So tasty! Then I had the tortellini which was also very tasty. Top it off with a class of rose and it was a great meal. 
  • Cabin Coffee Co.: Stop by one of the many coffee shops along Main Street to warm up and grab a beverage. 
  • Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: A classic, but favorite, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is the place to pick up some tasty chocolate treats! 
  • Ollie's Pub & Grub: In the mood for traditional bar food? Well look no further than Ollie's Pub & Grub. This place is great to grab a casual meal or a few apps and a local beer. 




Breckenridge is an adorable little town for a quick weekend trip! What are your suggestions for Breckenridge? Leave them in the comments! 
XOXO
Miranda 
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