Gift Guide for HER

Hi Again,

Second post of the week and it’s only Tuesday…who am I?!?! Well let me tell you, I’m still a true procrastinator. In everything I do, I usually wait until the last possible minute before completing the task.

It’s the way I’ve always been, from 3rd grade papers to waiting until 11PM to pack a suitcase before a 5AM flight. Not much has changed, so why would Christmas shopping be any different. I tend to stay on brand.

If you are also a bonafide procrastinator, you will surely appreciate this less-than-two-weeks-before-Christmas Gift Guide for Her. If you are either late with letting others know what you want for the holidays or late in buying for the women in your life, I tried to make it easy on all of us!

Below you will see my top picks for holiday gifts this year, many of which I am even asking for myself or already own. Everything is linked for easy access or you could even send this blog post link to your family members so they can easily access the items. If you have any questions on any of the options, just let me know!

*None of the above images are my own. They are from the retailer’s site or are stock images.

Sincerely,

Gift Guide for HIM

Hello Fellow Procrastinator,

To be completely honest, I hate buying gifts. Around this time of the year, I always see so many people online gush about their love of buying presents for loved ones. They go on and on about how great it makes them feel when they see the look on a friend or family member’s face after opening something they knew they would love. I call bullshit on this.

Maybe you are this type of person maybe it’s a front, I don’t really know or care, but I know from personal experience buying gifts sucks. It stresses me out and thus I put it off until the last minute, which in turn stresses me out even more. The worst of the worst…buying gifts for the men in my life.

For someone who finds pride in being a semi-creative person, when it comes to buying a gift for a man in my life I totally freeze up and draw a blank. So like the last 6 years, I have of course waited until the last possible moment to buy my boyfriend any holiday gifts. If you’ve done the same, I am attempting to ease our pain by compiling a gift guide for him. Here are my top picks for holiday gifts for the men in your life. Get shopping ASAP, Christmas is literally in less than two weeks *starts sweating*

*None of the above images are my own. They are from the retailer’s site or are stock images.

I hope you found some good stuff from the above list, or at least, I hope these ideas sparked some of your own! Let me know what you think below.

Sincerely,

How To Wear A Suit

Outfit Details: Blazer // Trousers // Shoes

Why hello there,

For the past three years, female empowerment and advocacy for equality has become a highly publicized societal evolution. This has been a fight for centuries, but it’s no secret that in these last few years, women’s voices are louder and more forceful than ever. Although it may seem trivial, when you’re fighting the good fight, you also have to look the part. I feel the same way for when you are wanting to be taken seriously in the workplace. As modern, professional women, we are constantly fighting to deserve a seat at the conference table, not to take notes, but to lead passionate discussions and make big decisions. In order to be taken seriously and in order to present yourself as a professional, you need to dress the part.

In my personal opinion, every modern, professional woman needs to own a suit. If you work at any sort of establishment, you need to own a suit. If you want to be taken seriously at work when big business meetings are taking place, you need to own a suit. Period, end of discussion. The evolution and right to “power dress” go hand in hand with the work that the women before us have done in order for us to have that right. Remember, not that long ago, women weren’t even allowed to wear pants. Women’s suits are the amalgam of a women’s determination, her willingness to show up and the stereotypical masculinity. Suits makes me feel confident, intelligent, powerful and empowered.

Interviews are the perfect time to wear a classic suit. I also think it’ super important to always have a good suit in hand if you have an important business meeting coming up. Quarterly business reviews or annual planning presentations are a few prime examples of these. Always read the room. If your client is younger and more laid back, perhaps wear a suit in a different color or with a cropped pant, but if you’re meeting with someone who tends to fall more on the traditional side, I’d stick to the classic tailored suit in a neutral color like navy or dark charcoal.  

The power suit trend has been with us for so long, nothing in fashion is ever really new but rather born again. This time around, the suit is gaining traction in regard to oversized blazers and bold shoulders. That’s right ladies, the shoulder pad is making a comeback, but I encourage you to embrace it. With the suit standing in the spotlight recently, I thought it’d be fun to share some easy and fun ways to wear a suit this season. Whether it’s for work, holiday parties or events, suits can be professional and trendy.

1. Wear a fun color. I found this amazing Robert Rodriguez suit (above) on Rent the Runway and knew that I had to wear it. The powdery blue was just the perfect feminine touch I needed to take this oversized, should pad adorned blazer from menswear-inspired to totally chic. Find a soft, yet eclectic color for a dreamy monochromatic look.

2. Find a classic plaid. Don’t go crazy, but the way I would wear a head to toe plaid ensemble to work and to happy hour would be to stick with a muted print in a neutral color. The gray plaid is the epitome of this kind of look. A classic gray checked suit can be worn from day to night especially if paired with a pop of color shoe.

3. Inspired by the men. I’m talking oversized blazers. The bigger the better as long as they are tailored properly. Everything should not be skintight, that just isn’t in anymore. Hailey Bieber pulls off this look flawlessly. Go for a more fitted pant and an oversized blazer for that effortlessly cool vibe. Make it look like you just grabbed it out of your boyfriend’s closet.

4. Turtleneck undershirts. I am a sucker for a good turtleneck. If I could have only one piece of clothing in my closet for the rest of my life, it would be a classic black turtleneck. Layer your suits over a traditional neutral turtleneck for the perfect wintery aesthetic.

5. Mix and match. Under the right circumstances, funk up your suit look by mixing and matching the blazer and trouser with contrasting patterns, colors or fabrics. Wear a plaid with a cheetah print, a green with a red or a sequin with a cotton. If you have multiple matching suits in your closet, experiment one day by taking one jacket and pairing it with a different pant. It will totally elevate the whole look.

As long as your look is tasteful, professional and puts you in a confident mindset, it really doesn’t matter how you style different suits. There is no tried and true guidebook, but these are a few ways that I like to rock a suit for work. I hope after reading this, it inspires you to try something a little out of the ordinary. If you are looking for a sign, well honey this is it.

Sincerely,

Friday Favorites 11/15

Happy Friday Friends!

I hope you all had the best week! From dinners to meetings and events, mine was quite the whirlwind. One of the highlights…getting to meet Clay from Bachelor in Paradise last night at the Hubbard Inn grand re-opening party. He was so nice and I even got to snag a picture with him!

This is the time of year that’s the busiest, so it’s hard to make certain things a priority even if it’s something we love. In the midst of all the holiday celebrations ahead, it is still my mission to really get back into posting articles here more often and making them as relevant as possible. I value you so much and value your opinion. Please always stay in touch with me and let me know what you’d like to see more of. For the time being, I have compiled some of the cutest, tear-jerking articles that were on the internet this week. I guess I was just feeling a little more sentimental than usual. If you find yourself looking for entertainment this weekend, start with this list!

This week’s Wish List is also holiday party themed as I know so many people are shopping for the perfect outfits right now. I hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

Alex Trebek gets emotional when contestant answers with “What is we love you Alex”

John Legend named People’s Sexiest Man Alive

Kelly Clarkson’s kids adorably interview their hero Jason Momoa about Aquaman

How Success Can Come From Learning What You’re Terrible At

Apply to earn $1,000 from watching Christmas Hallmark movies

Wish List

Holiday outfit edition

Michael Kors sequin one shoulder jumpsuit

Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific tulle layered skirt

Kohls Vera Wang sequin top

Macy’s faux-wrap midi dress

Spanx faux leather leggings

On Sincerely-Sydney ICYMI

How Conspicuous Consumption Helps The Economy

Last Week’s Friday Favorites 11/8

Fashionable Matching Sets

Sincerely,