Simpler Holiday Decor with a Touch of Luxury!

 Last year, I went all out on the holiday decor. I must have pulled out almost every piece of festive decorations I owned.... and then I got sick on Christmas Eve and didn't feel human again until New Year's! After all that work, the only thing I got to do for the holidays was take it all back down. 

This year I decided to do less and make it seem like more. I kept my MacKenzie Child's touches in the kitchen and my Ralph Lauren plaid vibes throughout but I put out a lot less yet somehow I feel the impact is more. You can watch the full tour over on my channel as part of my Vlogmas videos.

In the kitchen, I tried to keep the counters clear for working and add in some whimsical touches. I had to have the squirrel garland though above where my greetings cards will hang in the garland as they arrive.

In the dining room and living room, I tried to keep things a little more Ralph Lauren-esque but also with a woodland element, using pheasant feathers, antlers and deer throughout with the plaid ribbons.

                                        

                                        

                                        

    

                                                

One new addition this year, which I will probably leave up all winter is this ski lodge wall in the bathroom. I found these skis on a whim this year, added some greenery and a bow to fancy them up. For the photos, I simply printed out some images from Pinterest and framed them in Dollar Tree frames.

Let me know down in the comments what your take is on Christmas decor.... do you go all out? do you believe less is more? are you minimalistic in your approach? Make sure to hit subscribe to know as new posts are added here as well. Buona Natale!

Aspects of New England and Ivy League Prep

With fall just beginning and students headed back to the classroom, it seemed best to talk more in depth about the Collegiate Style of Preppy before September ends. When most people think of preppy this is the first thing that pops to mind, which makes sense after all since the whole aesthetic was derived from Prep schools and Ivy League colleges. 

Earlier in American style, the wealthy and well-educated wanted to stand out and denote themselves as elevated and cultivated among the masses. Classic blazers, loafers, and button downs all lend themselves to this school uniform look. The oldest preppy brand in America, Brooks Brothers, is the epitome of this aesthetic. The whole stye has not changed much in over a hundred years... 

Much like the Collegiate Ivy League look, the New England Prep style has the same classic time tested vibes with it's classic lines, argyles, darker hues, and understated silhouettes. A prefect brand example of this would be Keil James Patrick launched from the iconic blog of "Classy Girls Wear Pearls." Perhaps the most recognizable brand for this category in most America closets though is Ralph Lauren. 

Staples for both looks include: plaids, tweed, loafers, argyle, chinos, and cable knits. Typically outfits are in darker fall hues as well such as hunter greens, browns, and deep plums and blues.

Here are some looks that would fit this aesthetic. The outfit below is in a lighter palette but still pulls in the argyle with classic chinos and a pair of lace up oxfords. Pearls are always a classic accessory as well.

For the look below, I used more classic staple pieces of the aesthetic. I paired a basic white button up  with a sweater vest and tucked both neatly into a belted sidewalk skirt. The outfit is completed with traditional preppy accessories of dark tights, a head band and loafers.

For the last look, I pulled from the "school uniform" vibe by using a tartan skirt with a coordinating cardigan. I kept the dark tights and went for a ladylike heel to finish the look.

Which of these 2 preppy styles is your favorite? Comment below... what are some of your go to fall looks? Be sure to subscribe for notice of future posts as they are published.

Christmas Wish List

 It has been a rough couple years with lockdowns and Grandma's health so I decided it might be about time to add a little more pleasure in the small luxuries back into life on this year's wish list. Below are some of my Christmas wish list items... though I am sure Santa doesn't have the budget to drop most down my chimney... ;)

Leopard trim robe from Venus (reminds me of the one Beth Dutton wore in Season 1 on Yellowstone):

New cozy slippers (I live in my Ugg Dakotas at home, but how cute are these for an alternative?):

A gift set of my signature fragrance, Chanel No.5:

An LV shawl scarf....

Fur lined Gucci mules:

Cartier Bracelet:

What's on your Wish List, whether Santa can afford it or not? Dream Big! That's why it is a Wish List. Comment below....