'Tis The Season

May it be the merriest, brightest one yet!

I must've fallen into a deep sleep sometime between Thanksgiving and now, because all of a sudden Christmas is only two days way. Despite my total lack of preparedness, I am still excited for the most wonderful day of the year.

"I'm also excited for the twinkling magic that seems to cover the world around this time, including, but not limited to, tinsel, fairy lights and layers of sparkly jewelry."

I'm also excited for the twinkling magic that seems to cover the world around this time, including, but not limited to, tinsel, fairy lights and layers of sparkly jewelry.  Most of all, I just want to wish you, my internet girlfriends, a Merry Christmas. I hope your day will be filled with love, laughter and a bit of that magic. 

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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First Christmas Party

When it's time to throw your first party, what do you do? Head to pinterest, of course!

This year holds some major moments for me – I've graduated college, I'm moving to New York and I'm throwing my first grown-up Christmas party. Nope, no red Solo cups. I'm skipping pizza and chips. This is going to get done the right way.

That means I've turned to Pinterest for inspiration on everything from a possible menu to creative and budget-friendly decorations. Please feel free to give me any tips you have! Here's what I've rounded up so far.

Twinkle, twinkle

I plan on hanging as many lights from the ceiling as I can. I want to create a glowing, festive, etherial environment that makes my friends feel like they're somewhere magical.

Sip one, Sip two

Though there won't be any red Solo cups, I do want to have a drink or two (or three) at the party. I'm working on a festive punch recipe including rum, amaretto and other delicious ingredients. I love cranberries included as garnish!

Hor d'oeuvres, anyone?

I want to skip the basic chips & dip party platter and do something that feels more homemade. Realistically, I know I won't want to spend all day cooking, so I'm working on finding recipes that are easy and creative.

All of the lights

To decorate, I'm working on a candle centerpiece. I don't want a fire hazard, so I'll keep it simple, but I think if done right, it'll add more brightness to the already twinkling decorations.

Via: 1|2|3|4|5

The Leopard Coat

There are a few things I buy solely because they make me feel a certain way. A breezy sundress makes me feel carefree, a pair of ripped jeans makes me feel tough, and this here coat just makes me feel downright fabulous.

This coat gave me permission to buck that idea. Who says I can't make casually wearing a full on leopard print faux fur coat a thing?

That's not a word I throw around lightly, either. Fabulous is reserved for over-the-top, impractical, sparkly glamour. Think Iris Apfel, whose documentary on Netflix you've got to see. But when I saw this coat, on sale at that, it awoke something in me.

I've always loved being a little extra, but I've always thought there wasn't much place for that in everyday routine. This coat gave me permission to buck that idea. Who says I can't make casually wearing a full on leopard print faux fur coat a thing? Now that it's in my closet, I am convinced that I am a much more complete person.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Intro To Curly Hair

In it's natural state, my hair is a big, curly mass. It's taken some time, but I've figured out just how I like it styled and exactly how to make the right products to get it that way. Yes, I said make. Sometimes a good ol' fashioned DIY is the best way to go about these things.

If you're curious about the process or are looking for tips for your own curly hair, watch the tutorial below. 

A Midi

Me and my midis go way back. Back to the days when I was an avid thrifter, combing through racks of vintage and thrown away clothes. I don't thrift nearly as much as I used to, bit midi skirts still hold a place in my heart. 

Whether I dress it up or down is entirely dependent upon my mood, but just knowing that either is an option easily makes this skirt one of my favorites.

Though I have many, this one's rich color and subtle sheen is season appropriate. Topped with a tough moto jacket, though, it isn't too holiday-ish. Whether I dress it up or down is entirely dependent upon my mood, but just knowing that either is an option easily makes this skirt one of my favorites.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

Blue Jean Baby

I knew the day would come, but never did I think it would be so soon. I'm a flared jeans convert. I resisted it at first because I didn't want to succumb to the trend, and then because I wasn't sure if I'd like how they'd look on me. 

It's funny – I was just as vehement about avoiding skinnies when they first came onto the sartorial scene, and for the same reasons, too.

But, after finding this pair, both of those concerns were dismissed. It's funny – I was just as vehement about avoiding skinnies when they first came onto the sartorial scene, and for the same reasons, too. 

Cut to me being a dedicated member of The Church of The Skinny Jean. For years, all I looked at and bought were those skin tights, in every wash available. I don't think I'll fully stray from the church – skinnies are still fantastic, after all – but here's to hoping I can be a member of both.  

Black & Beige

A few weeks back I ran into an old friend, and as we were doing a quick catch up, he commented on what I was wearing. Specifically, he commented on my knack for wearing neutral colors consistently, no matter the occasion. I'm not going to lie, I was a little insulted.

Over time, neutrals have snuck in and taken over my life. It happened so slowly – a purchase here, a quick buy there – that I didn't even notice it.

I take pride in my adoration of all things bright and feminine. That is a fundamental part of who I am. But after I did a quick closet sweep, it settled in that, holy crap, he was right. Over time, neutrals have snuck in and taken over my life. It happened so slowly – a purchase here, a quick buy there – that I didn't even notice it.

It could be that it's just become easier to buy and style those colors. Now, everything in my closet goes together, you know? I'll never openly admit to being a neutral lover for fear of betraying my pastel-glitter-loving side, but maybe, deep down, I've had a thing for them all along.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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Barely There Waves

I've been really into swapping my classic flat iron curls for a more relaxed wave. It took some experimenting, but I finally found a technique for barely there bed-head waves that didn't require me to go out and buy a wand or curling iron, and for that I am thankful.

You'll need: Flat Iron, Dry Shampoo, Heat Protectant & Hairspray

My flat iron and I created a tutorial for you, in case you wanted to experiment with it. What I love about this technique is how easy it is, or in other words, how lazy it lets you be. You don't even have to curl your entire strand of hair – the ends are straight – and that means minimal damage, too. 

A Million Bucks

You know that old saying, "It ain't fall until the fur comes out," right? No? Well, it's a thing, I promise. At least for me, it is. I can't put my finger on it, but wearing fur makes me feel like a million bucks, so the minute it gets cold enough to pull this vest out, I'm doing it.

The only dream I have at this present moment is to somehow live a life where luxurious fur coats, vests & shawls are a part of my everyday wardrobe.

Speaking of things I can't quite put my finger on, can anyone tell me why/how Thanksgiving is this week? I know everyone is already asking it, but where did 2015 go? I feel like it was just yesterday that I was laying out my goals and dreams for the year. See proof here.

The only dream I have at this present moment is to somehow live a life where luxurious fur coats, vests and shawls are a part of my everyday wardrobe. Silly, perhaps, but if there was something that made you feel like a million bucks, you'd want it all the time, too, no?

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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No More Boyfriend Jeans

Some days you lazily roll out of bed and want nothing more than to wrap yourself up in a loose tee, oversized flannel and throw on your just-so-distressed boyfriend jeans. Not only is it comfortable, it can make you look effortlessly chic, too.

But there is a little bit of a problem with our favorite trend, ladies. It's sorta-kinda-really sexist. Calling our loose fitting jeans or button ups "The Boyfriend" feels like we're giving guys more credit than they deserve. Why does our fabulous style choices have to be claimed by our respective men-folk? 

Watch below for my full on analysis of this pressing issue.

Back Home

I may be speaking too soon, but I finally feel settled in after my trip last week. I don't know why, but everything felt all over the place the moment I landed back home. I mean, you don't just bounce back from a trip to New York, right?

Being in the south for over ten years has spoiled me. How do I keep warm without looking like I've rolled myself up in 20 different blankets?

It was nice coming back to Atlanta as it transitioned from gray rainy-ness to mild fall weather. I'm currently reevaluating my entire wardrobe as I begin packing up to make my move. There's no way I could wear this midi dress & trench vest ($14!) in New York this time of year.

In the next month, I'll be spending time time doing a lot of research on how to survive a northern winter. Being in the south for over ten years has spoiled me. How do I keep warm without looking like I've rolled myself up in 20 different blankets? Please, if you care about me at all, send help.

Photos by Kaye McCoy

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