i'll have a blue christmas [eve].

dress: J. Crew (similar) // shirt: Old Navy // tights: Target // booties: Payless (similar)
necklace: J. Crew Factory // earrings: Stella + Dot // watch: Michael Kors

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Faced with options including red, green, ivory, gold, and black dresses this morning...I decided to reach for one of my favorite blue dresses...so I'll have a blue Christmas [Eve].

I hope you're all having a lovely Christmas Eve!

blazer: H+M (similar) // outfit detailed above

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xoxo,

grey tweed.

jacket: J. Crew via eBay (similar, similar, similar) // cardigan: H&M // cami: Forever 21 // pants: Banana Republic
wedges: J. Crew Factory // earrings: kate spade (identical) // watch: Michael Kors

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Well we're closing in on the end of December and it's still barely cold enough for a blazer and scarf here in the Bay Area. In fact, by mid-afternoon it's a little too warm for either. I think it's safe to say I'm more than a little jealous of all you ladies who are able to take beautiful blog photos in the snow, all bundled up in your colorful wool coats and boots!

One day, friends. One day.

Hope you're all having a great Monday morning...today is my last day in the office and I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the week at home celebrating the holidays. Hope you're all able to do the same!

scarf: World Market // outfit detailed above

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xoxo,

friday finds + faves.

[working from the comfort of my bed this chilly morning // Anthro mug // Target socks]

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Happy Friday! It's the last weekend before Christmas, I hope everyone is able to finish their holiday shopping (preferably online!) and enjoy some time at home! With that, I'll leave you with a few my current finds and faves!

• How cute is this skirt on Jean...and p.s. she made it! So talented!
• I love this glittery banner at West Elm, and decided to make my own after it sold out...photos to come next week!
• If you're looking for a healthier way to indulge in hot chocolate this winter, check out Kate's recipe...delicious!
• What does your airline seat say about you? I'm an aisle...all the way!
• I love this little reminder about manners and kindness...especially at this time of year
• Run, don't walk over to Ikea and stock up on this double sided wrapping paper. Seriously, polka dots and stripes...perfection! Bonus, it's only $1.99 a roll in-store right now!
• I've been debating about chopping off a few inches and getting the "lob," which seems to be the cut of the year! Any of you ladies rocking this trendy look?
• I'm loving this holiday look Jess is rocking, such a beautiful departure from the typical red dress for this time of year!
• Lastly, I've been following Baby Boy Bakery for a a few months now and my heart goes out to Jacqui and her husband Dan after the unbelievable tragedy they've suffered this year...check out this video of her surprise appearance on Ellen. Warning, have your tissues ready!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

gift guides: for him

1. Rayban Wayfarers // 2. Beats by Dre Headphones // 3. Klean Kanteen Water Bottle // 4. Patagonia Jacket // 5. Star Wars T-shirt // 6. Google Chromecast // 7. Nixon Chrono Watch // 8. Quadcopter // 9. True Detective BluRay // 10. GoPro Camera // 11. Southwest Socks // 12. Fitbit Flex Wristband // 13. J. Crew Rocket Tie // 14. The North Face Gloves // 15. Word 3-pack Notebooks // 16. Paper Clip Money Clip // 17. New Balance Retro Sneakers // 18. Beer Making Kit

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The fourth installment in my gift guide series is for the male(s) in your life that may be a little hard to shop for...whether that's boyfriend, husband, brother, father, etc. I tried to narrow it down to a variety of unique items ranging from stocking stuffers to the gift that any guy would want, a GoPro. Seriously, who doesn't want a GoPro?!?!

If you have any questions or need specific recommendations, feel free to comment below...I'm happy to help! One more week left to shop...good luck!

xoxo,

preppy polka dots.

sweater: Forever 21 (old, similar) // shirt: H&M // pants: Banana Republic // earrings: Stella & Dot // Bracelet: Old Navy (not available online but kinda/sorta similar) // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar) // watch: Michael Kors

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I think I own polka dot sweaters in almost every color...it's almost as bad as my striped t-shirt collection, but not quite! Even though coral isn't typically a winter color, it's one of my favorites and what I decided to wear this crisp Tuesday morning.

Hope you're all having a great week so far...stay tuned for my next gift guide: for him!

xoxo,

gift guides: stock the bar cart

1. Kate Spade Bar Tools Set // 2. Kate Spade Coasters // 3. Williams-Sonoma Cocktail Shaker // 4. Threshold Bar Cart // 5. Crate and Barrel Jigger // 6. Urban Outfitters Moby Bottle Opener // 7. World Market Cocktail Glass Set // 8. Target Wall Mount Bottle Opener // 9. Pier 1 Ice Bucket // 10. Threshold Moscow Mule Mug // 11. Kate Spade Bar Tools Set // 12. Ikea Cart // 13. Anthropologie Cocktail Napkins

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The fourth installment in my gift guide series is perfect for anyone who loves to entertain, or really anyone who loves to mix up a cocktail at home...stock the bar cart!

I've been working on putting together my own bar cart lately, and collecting a few cute accessories to stock it with in preparation for all the holiday gatherings this month. I personally have the aqua Ikea cart above, but I included a couple of different cart options for you. Stock up with a couple of bar tools, a jigger, and a shaker, and your home bar is good to go...the only other things you need are the ingredients for your favorite cocktails recipes and friends to share!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

leopard and lace.

lace top: Forever 21 // necklace: Lotus // earrings: Forever 21 // pants: Gap // heels: Ann Taylor via Poshmark (similar)
watch: Michael Kors // rings: Lotus // nail color: NYC 'Park Avenue'

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Happy Wednesday! I hope you're all having a great week! Mine is busier than expected...work hasn't slowed down for the holidays just yet!

Here's a simple outfit I wore to work...you can never go wrong with an all black ensemble and leopard pumps! I think I need to step up my holiday game though...everyone one else looks so cute in their blanket scarves and red dresses! Time for some shopping!

Stay tuned tomorrow for my next gift guide...Stock the Bar Cart!

xoxo,

gift guides: for the home

1. World Market Pink Chair // 2. Pier 1 Apothecary Jars // 3. Urban Outfitters NYC Subway Map // 4. Antropologie Ceramic Basket // 5. Anthropologie Monogram Coffee Mugs // 6. Anthropologie Quotation Mark Bookends // 7. Antropologie Capri Jar Candle // 8. Pier 1 Glass Dome Cheese Server // 9. Urban Outfitters Pink Stone Paper Weight // 10. Pottery Barn Polka Dot Pillows // 11. World Market Pink Ottoman // 12. World Market Aqua Tea Kettle // 13. Anthropologie Wire Script Wall Sign // 14. Anthropologie Whale Measuring Cups // 15. Threshold Starburst Mirror // 16. Primula French Coffee Press // 17. Nate Berkus Accent Table

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The third installment of my gift guide series is probably my favorite...for the home! I had so much fun putting this post together, I could have easily included 50+ items. However, I showed some restraint and limited it to 17 items ranging in price from $8 - $100+. I seriously love each and every one of these items...from that beautiful pink velvet chair (LOVE!!!), to the adorable whale measuring cups, to the modern accent table...and I hope you will too!

Please let me know if you have any questions, or need help finding something specific. As always, thanks for reading!

xoxo,

polka dot sweater.

sweater: Forever 21 (old, similar) // button up shirt: H&M // jeans: H&M // earrings: Stella & Dot
watch: Michael Kors // flats: Forever 21 // lipstick: Revlon "Fire & Ice"

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Hi. Sooooo, my phone case matches my sweater today...and I didn't notice until right now. #doh

Speaking of phones, I still have the iPhone 4S...and it's pretty much full.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Like so full that I had to delete multiples/old photos/texts in Albuquerque last week in order to take new photos. Not the best way to caption vacation photos! Pathetic, I know. I desperately need to back this phone up and order the iPhone 6 asap. #eternalprocrastinator

xoxo,

happy thanksgiving.

"There is always something to be thankful for."

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Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you're all having a wonderful holiday at home with family and friends! I'm in New Mexico this week spending time with my parents and siblings...and my brother and I just got home from the Albuquerque Thanksgiving Day 5k Run!

Rather than bore you with a list of sales that are taking place tomorrow (seriously, we all get the same email alerts), I thought I'd put together a quick little post with some of my favorite finds this week:

• I really want to make a DIY bar cart for NYE and I'm loving this turquoise option, this industrial red option, and this sleek white option! I'll be sure to post photos with the outcome!
• I love this kate spade inspired DIY earring idea!
• I may or may not have an obsession with nail polish...#20 all the way!
• #BlairWaldorfismyhero
• This jalapeno popper dip looks amazing...so amazing that I'm afraid I'll eat it all! Dangerous!
• It's not out until next May, but I'm looking forward to Pitch Perfect 2!
• This "how to tie a necktie" infographic will definitely come in handy this holiday season...Nick and I can never remember how to tie one from memory and end up googling it each time!

Enjoy the rest of your Thanksgiving, and have a great long weekend! Stay tuned next week for my next holiday gift guide: for the home!

xoxo,

gift guides: beauty

1. Hot Tools 1" Curling Iron // 2. Hot Tools Ionic Professional Dryer // 3. Essie 'Winter 2014' Four Pack // 4. Philosophy Amazing Grace Gift Set // 5. Clarisonic Pink Holiday Set // 6. Biosilk Silk Therapy // 7. M.A.C. Basic Brush Kit // 8. Urban Decay Naked on the Run Kit // 9. Stila Stay All Day in Orange Red // 10. Philosophy Hope in a Jar // 11. kate spade Cedar Street Makeup Bag // 12. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue // 13. OGX Moroccan Oil Three Piece Set

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For the second installment of my Holiday Gift Guide series, I'm bringing you some of my favorite beauty items. With items ranging anywhere from $17 to $100+ there's a little something for everyone and every budget!

If you need any gift suggestions or just have a question, feel free to comment below!

Next week's gift guide: "for the home"...stay tuned!

xoxo,

pattern mixing: stripes + florals

shirt: H&M (similar, similar) // skirt: J. Crew Factory // scarf: H&M (similar, similar) // watch: Michael Kors
tights: Target // shoes: J. Crew Factory // nails: NYC 'Madison Avenue'

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Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great weekend! It's a short week for me and I'm hoping on a plane tomorrow morning to spend Thanksgiving with my family.

Today's outfit is comprised of everyday basics: b&w striped tee, black wool skirt, black tights...so I decided to spice it up and add a pop of color with a dark floral scarf. Pattern mixing...simple, fun, easy...perfect for a Monday morning!

Hope you all enjoy the short work week!

xoxo,

gift guides: my holiday wish list

1. kate spade "Places To Go, People To See" // 2. OHF Arrow Earrings // 3. Baggu Canvas Tote // 4. kate spade Travel Mug // 5. Nordstrom Chunky Bracelet // 6. Madewell Mira Pumps // 7. C. Wonder Navy Pumps // 8. UD Naked 3 Palette // 9. kate spade Skinny Belts (leopard, glitter, patent) // 10. Madewell Calf Hair Skimmers // 11. C. Wonder Earrings

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Today I'm kicking off my new series of Holiday Gift Guides, starting with my own personal wish list! Each week, for the next five weeks I'll be posting a new gift guide to help you ladies (and gents) this holiday season! Start your gift planning now, no one wants to pay for rush shipping at the last minute....or worse, battle the mall crowds!

Feel free to comment below or email me with any holiday gifting questions...I love picking out gifts and I'm happy to help!

xoxo,

outfit inspiration >> navy + yellow

shirt: Target (similar) // belt: Target (old) // earrings: Stella + Dot // necklace: Forever 21 // pants: Banana Republic (40% off) // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar) // watch: Michael Kors

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Today's outfit inspiration can be credited to one of my favorite bloggers, Jean from Extra Petite. She's wearing the same Sloan pants from Banana Republic and they're amazing (and come in petites). If you haven't tried these I highly recommend them!  Bonus...everything is 40% off until tomorrow!

Hope you're all having a great week!

xoxo,

fall favorites.

1. Old Navy Striped Top // 2. Mossimo Flannel Shirt // 3. F21 Pleated Blouse // 4. F21 Lace Blouse
5. Old Navy Plaid Peacoat // 6. Pashmina // 7. Oversized Scarf // 8. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer
9. F21 Patent Flats // 10. Old Navy Ankle Boots // 11. Old Navy Faux Suede Pumps

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My fall favorites are a mix of high and low end pieces, which is pretty typical of my shopping habits. I love a good bargain, but I hate sacrificing quality. Case in point...I can't tell you how many black blazers I've been through over the years. I've tried them from everywhere from Target, to H&M, to Forever 21...and they either didn't fit quite right, or showed signs of wear after just a couple of uses. I recently decided to just bite the bullet and invest in the J. Crew Schoolboy blazer (which I found on eBay in my size!), and IT. IS. AMAZING! I got it in petite sizing it's the perfect fit in the shoulders and torso, though the sleeves are about half an inch too short for my taste (I just cuff the sleeves). Perfect example where it's better to invest in the pricier option for a closet staple...and I'll have it for years to come!

On the other hand, I can never get enough of Forever 21's blouse selection. Their quality seems to be a bit better in recent seasons and you can't beat the prices! Another favorite of mine this season has been the patent flats from Forever 21 above, and the ankle boots from Old Navy...seriously, these are sooo comfortable!

What about you...have you found any must have items this fall? I'd love to hear about them!

xoxo,

this vs. that: red + black buffalo plaid

shirt: Target // jeans: Forever 21 // shoes: Target // watch: Michael Kors (on sale!)
earrings: Oh, Hello Friend // lip color: Revlon "Fire + Ice"

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Lately I've been all about comfort, which for me turns out to be a button up shirt, jeans, and flats for work. Being the bargain shopper that I am, I was able to put this outfit together (details above) for a total of $72.88 (shirt, jeans, and flats).

Now let's take a look at some nearly identical pieces that aren't quite as wallet friendly: J. Crew Factory Flannel Shirt, J. Crew Cece Flats, and J. Brand Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans...totaling $370.50.

Wow. Just remember ladies...it pays (or rather saves) to shop around! And PS...these genuine leather flats from Target are wayyyy more comfortable than the near identical version from J. Crew! Bonus!

xoxo,

cranberry + cream.

blouse: Old Navy // necklace: thrifted // earrings: Forever 21 (similar) // skirt: Zara via Crossroads Trading Co (similar, love this wallet friendly option!) // heels: Joan + David (similar) // watch: Michael Kors // coat (below): H+M (similar, wallet friendly option)

It's finally happened ladies. It's finally cold enough to wear a coat! To celebrate, I pulled out my favorite winter coat and decided to dress it up a bit with a cranberry skirt from Zara and black patent heels. I realized I haven't gotten this dressed up for work in quite awhile...and I miss it! I think it may be time to head to Pinterest for some fall outfit inspiration!

What about you...what are you looking forward to wearing this fall?

xoxo,

closet staple: the utility jacket

utility jacket: H&M (old, similar, love this one) // striped shirt: H&M (similar, similar, love this one)
necklace: J. Crew via Poshmark (similar) // jeans: Forever 21 // flats: Payless // watch: Michael Kors // earrings: Forever 21

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This cargo jacket is probably my favorite purchase from H&M...ever. I've seen stylish girls rocking similar jackets for awhile now, and I used to think they weren't really my style...that I'm more of a cardigan type of girl. I'll admit it...I was wrong (first time for everything, right? Right?!?). I LOVE this style of jacket and the fact that it's so versatile. I love layering it over a simple striped t-shirt (above), over a semi-casual work outfit, though my favorite is pairing it with boots and a scarf for colder weather. Definitely a closet staple!

While I've seen much pricier versions at J. Crew and Madewell, this version was only $40 at H&M! If you're in the market for a cargo jacket this fall, be sure to check out Target, Old Navy, F21, etc for wallet friendly versions!

Hope you all have a great Monday!

xoxo,

Lotus.

dress/necklace/ring/heels: Lotus // watch: Michael Kors // nail colors: Sinful Colors 'Dream On' and Wet 'n Wild 'Crest Syrah'

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A few weeks ago I met Jackie, a recent Silicon Valley transplant and owner of the brand new boutique, Lotus. Located in downtown Los Gatos, Jackie invited me to come and check out their shop, and of course I said YES!

A little history...Jackie opened the original Lotus location in Charlotte, North Carolina back in 2004. After making the move to the Bay Area this past summer, she began working on opening a west coast location, and voila...Lotus is now in Los Gatos!

Not only did I find some great classic pieces (check out that LBD above...LOVE!), but they also have really fun pieces like the "Shit Bloggers Wear" t-shirt and the dainty gold 'tooth' necklace below. Though you're able to shop both online and in-store (for you local Bay Area ladies anyways), I highly recommend checking out their jewelry selection in-store. I took home a couple of really unique pieces (the necklace and ring I'm wearing above), which are both of great quality, and super affordable.

Actually, everything in the store is pretty affordable (along the lines of H+M and Zara). To celebrate the opening of their new Los Gatos location, Jackie is offering Andrea Everyday readers 15% online with the code, "A-EVERYDAY".  Happy shopping, and make sure to say hello to Jackie if you stop by Lotus in Los Gatos!

t-shirt/sweatshirt/purse/bracelets: Lotus // jeans: Forever 21 // flats: Forever 21

xoxo,


Note: This is a sponsored post, though all thoughts and opinions are my own.

bows on my toes.

blazer: H&M (old, similar, similar) // blouse: F21 // necklace: Crossroads Trading Co (similar)
jeans: H&M // flats: Crossroads Trading Co (love this similar pair even more!) // watch: Michael Kors

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I've probably had these flats for almost two years and only worn them twice...I just never seem to know what to wear them with! [Confession: I bought them because of the bows!] Flash forward to this morning when I realized that they perfectly match this necklace I got over the summer (last seen here). Boom. New outfit!

Don't you just love when that happens? :)

Hope you're all having a great week so far!

xoxo,

oldies but goodies.

shirt: Target (similar) // skirt: thrifted (similar) // necklace: DIY project // watch: Michael Kors // heels: J. Crew via eBay (similar)

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One of my favorite things is to mix and match items from my closet and create brand new outfits. It's kind of like shopping within your own closet...free!

Here I've taken a casual cotton plaid shirt that I usually pair with jeans, and paired it with a classic navy pencil skirt. Two items that I normally wouldn't wear together, but the plaid shirt is instantly office appropriate with a pair of heels, a couple of simple accessories, and my go-to top knot.

What about you ladies...have you put together any unexpected outfit combinations this fall?

xoxo,

friday finds + faves.

[One of the many fun finds at Lotus in Los Gatos]

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Happy Friday friends! It's been awhile since I've done a Friday Finds post, so let's get to it!

• Looking for something to binge watch this weekend? Gilmore Girls is now on Netflix...and PS, Friends is coming to Netflix on January 1st. You're welcome. 
• For those of you local to Silicon Valley...my friend Jackie's boutique, Lotus is now open for business in downtown Los Gatos. More to come next week but go check it out for affordable fashion and unique jewelry! 
• H&M's sister company, & Other Stories is now shipping within the US. Think Zara prices, modern + quality pieces, minus the H&M trends. I'm loving these quilted leather pumps, this sleek leather work tote, and their entire jewelry line!
• Do any of you ladies waste as much time as I do on Buzzfeed? (I know I"m not the only one!) This weeks fave's include this little lady who rock my socks, 16 style tips, and a little something for you fans of spin class! 
• Halloween is next Friday, and if you'd like to take a more subtle approach to this holiday, try out this devilish hat, gold horned headband, or sophisticated kittie headband. I need to find a DIY for that hat ASAP!

Have a greet weekend!

xoxo,