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/ Style, What to wear

What to Wear on Thanksgiving Day

what to wear on Thanksgiving Day// Outfit Ideas for thanksgiving
At Home: Pink Sweater//Pink Lipstick//Apron// Burgundy Pant//Sneaker
Friendsgiving: Earring// Floral Blouse// Cardigan// Faux Leather Pant//Leopard Slip on
Restaurant: Blazer// Sweater // Boot// Suede Legging
Country Club: Sweater Dress// Earring// Camel Coat// Snakeskin Boot// Red Lip

Let me first say that Thanksgiving is a casual day around our home and this year our family will be spending the holiday together in Naples. It is a day where eating food and watching football are considered tradition. The dress code will certainly be different than if we were up in Chicago. However, even with warm weather, it is still a holiday. I look forward to getting a little festive and trying to look my best for the special day.

Though it may be more casual, it is still a holiday and it’s customary to make the day special. That means dressing for a celebration, gathering with family, and most importantly expressing gratitude.

Two years ago, right before Thanksgiving, my daughter Brittany had just brought home her second daughter from the hospital. Since I was hosting Thanksgiving Dinner I wanted to make sure it was special for her and her family. I had made a makeshift photo booth for the grandchildren which you can check out in this post. It was a huge hit and extremely easy to make.

This year since we are celebrating in Naples, it will be a little different as I do not have the space that I had in our home in St. Charles, but I do have a few surprises for the grandchildren up my sleeve.

A fun little game I recommend for you and your guests is to place out pieces of paper, a pen, and a bowl and ask guests to write down what they are thankful for. After dinner, take turns reading the tiny appreciation notes aloud. This is especially nice when children are old enough to participate and read everyone’s thoughts. I’d love to hear any family traditions that you may have, please comment below to share your family traditions!

There are many ways to gather and celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Being thankful and expressing gratitude is the most important thing to consider. After that, have fun, enjoy the festivities and your family meal traditions. 

To help make your decision making easy on what to wear for the holiday, I’ve listed a few suggestions below.   

What to Wear for a Casual Thanksgiving Meal at home

Wear your jeans with comfy sweaters and dark blouses. You don’t have to keep it basic, have some fun with colored and coated denim.

My picks for what to wear to a “Friendsgiving”

When going to a guests home, you can dress up a little nicer as opposed to when you are hosting the big meal. Most likely you won’t be spending as much time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning. Although, if you’re dining at your adult children’s home, you may find yourself right back in the kitchen because that’s what mom’s do.

Leggings and an oversized sweater, faux suede pants and a blouse or sweater, or a plaid blazer are easy outfits. The look will give you a stylish yet comfortable vibe.

Dining at restaurant or country club on Thanksgiving Day

Before you head out to a restaurant or country club, I would recommend that you check to see if there is a dress code. Many venues especially country clubs, have dress codes. This is a perfect time to wear that tartan blazer with a longer dress or long skirt with a blazer. You can also wear a comfy sweater dress with boots.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and remember to count your blessings and not your calories.

Nancy

/ Style

Timeless Plaid Blazers with a Modern Twist

timeless plaid blazer street style casual outfit
timeless plaid blazer street style casual outfit
Timeless Blazers with a Modern Twist
Timeless Blazers with a Modern Twist
plaid blazer outfit casual street styles

A while back I posted about windowpane plaid. Did you know that there are eight basic patterns that other plaids are derived from? I’ve also learned that in midcentury times the different plaid patterns determined families. This season, plaid seems to be the hottest trend. Usually we start wearing plaids when the weather cools, but I feel as though this year plaid styles area hot and keeping those cooler temps undermined.

I was recently introduced to Appleseed’s Clothing and instantly fell for two of their classic blazers. They are timeless styles. I love this navy and red blazer because I feel it is something that I can wear in autumn, through the holidays and then again in spring. It also looks fabulous with denim for a casual pulled together look. Both blazers are unique quality pieces that will effortlessly adapt to your wardrobe.

A Few Ways to Wear a Timeless Plaid Blazer

  • An ivory ruffled blouse and a pair of black faux leather leggings for something more hip looking.
  • Dark black denim jeans and a light chambray shirt.
  • A long black skirt with a grommet belt and a black satin buttoned down shirt for an artistic flair
  • Over a black leather skirt perfect for day or nighttime
  • Black pants and a turtleneck for a classic traditional holiday look

For this tartan plaid jacket, I’m seeing holiday parties and festivities at first thought. However, you can still style it in a casual fun way all through the winter months. Red is a bold power color.  Whether you wear this blazer to an evening party or an afternoon at the theater with your grandchildren, your styling options are numerous. I will not hesitate to say that this jacket is a crowd stopper.

plaid blazer street style casual outfit

How to Style a Classic Tweed Jacket With a Twist

  • A graphic tee underneath it gives a little bit of a relaxed fun looking youthful vibe.
  • A turtleneck underneath has more of a classic preppy look.
  • A striped buttoned down blouse would make this jacket interesting and its fine to mix patterns if they are in the same color tones
  • Denim leggings with an oversized tee and brown knee length boots
  • Relaxed boyfriend jeans, a denim shirt and a pair of chunky heeled boots

This tweed jacket will take you year after year all through the holidays and beyond. It’s a timeless and classic with a modern twist. I ordered true to size. However, if you plan to layer over heavy sweater or turtleneck, I would recommend that you size up.

It can be worn both in a traditional classic way and a fashion forward trendy way. You decide as I listed a few of my favorites above. 

I’ve mentioned in previous posts that it is important to make your purchases worthwhile. You’ll increase their value by wearing your items in different ways. When you have 3-4 ways to style something then it is money well spent. You won’t be left with nothing to wear when you own transitional pieces that you can dress up or down.

Let the holiday shopping begin!

Thank you to Appleseed’s for partnering on this post!

/ Shop | Gift Guide

Hostess Gift Ideas

Hostess Gift Guide// Hostess Gift Ideas
52 Lists of Happiness \\ Jo Malone Bath Oil \\Diptyque Candle \\ flameless candle
agate cheeseboard\\ reindeer ice bucket\\ leopard print wine glasses
catchall tray\\ personalized map tray \\ jo malone soap
casamigos tequila mix \\ barefoot dreams blanket\\ monogrammed coaster set
Bistro Canister Set// bath soap and lotion

A chill is in the air and my calendar is filling up fast. I have gift exchanges, cocktail parties, and holiday dinners coming up. If you’re like me, you do not want to arrive at someone’s home empty handed. Now is the time to purchase your holiday hostess gifts ahead a of time. In doing so, you can make them feel more special and meaningful and save yourself some time. We’ve all been there, getting an unexpected invite and scrambling frantically to find a hostess gift. In the past, I’ve often bought a few of the same items and kept them wrapped for those “just in case” moments that popped up when I had little time to spare. The best part of keeping hostess gifts on hand is that if they aren’t holiday themed you can keep them around all year. Think fragrant soaps, books, or a serving set, you can continue to gift them as hostess gifts all year long. Of course, I have also gifted myself too, just to make certain that it wasn’t an unnecessary purchase.  

Hostess Gift Ideas

  • 52 Lists of Happiness Journal– A beautiful lis based journal
  • Jo Malone Bath Oil – This bath oil is so moisturizing. You can use it as a body oil too. It will leave you smelling delicious
  • Diptyque Candle & Oil Set– a wonderful trio of set candles and their perfume. You can layer the scents for a unique scent
  • Flicker Flameless Pinecone Candle– I saw this at Pottery Barn and it was so pretty. They are unscented with a motion faux flame creating such a festive ambience.
  • Agate Cheese Board– a little something you may not buy yourself, but comes in a beautiful array of colors. So pretty!
  • Reindeer Ice Bucket – A classic holiday gift. They offer free engraving & gift wrapping too
  • Animal Print Acrylic Wine Glasses – What a fun treat for one of your girlfriends! These glasses will take you into the summer season as they can be used indoors or out.
  • Acrylic catchall tray- a unique tray that would be cute in your entryway. Also eligible for free monogramming and gift wrap! You can even monogram in bright colors too! Fun for kids
  • Customizable Personalized Map Tray– a special treat for a friend. If you know their favorite vacation spot, a fun trip you shared or where they grew up, they might love the thought behind this gift.
  • Jo Malone Blackberry Bay Soap– Jo Malone soaps are a fragrant gift you can give year round. Their packaging is lovely and the smell is delicious.
  • Casamigos Tequila Mix Set– Hey, the site is called A Two Drink Minimum, I had to include a drink set! Have fun with this set that includes 3 different mixers, yum!
  • Barefoot Dreams Blanket– I have heard so much about this blanket. Everyone raves about how cozy and buttery soft it is. While the blanket is definitely a splurge, it’s something that your hostess is sure to love. Perhaps a group gift idea?
  • Acrylic Coaster Set- Available in a variety of color ways. So cute!
  • Bistro Tile Canister– Have fun with the different options of this bistro tile canister set from Anthropologie! I love the black and gold lettering and the little “rise and shine” container for your tea
  • Hand Soap & Lotion Canister – Volcano is my favorite scent from Anthropologie and I love this hand soap and lotion to put out for your guests.

I hope you enjoy the holidays with your family and friends. Keeping with the spirit of giving, remember that personalized thank you notes are still the most thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Getting a notecard in the mail always brings a smile to my face.

Ideas for a Hostess Gift

/ Food

One Pan Chicken with Apples & Smoked Bacon

one pan chicken with apples and smoked bacon

I love nothing more than filling your home with the aroma of savory foods roasting in the oven during the colder weather. One pot meals are an easy way to entice the aromatic spices of fall into your home. The first food that comes to mind this time of year is of course apples. My sister Carol had recently sent me this recipe that she had tried. She raved about the combination of apples and smoked bacon. Carol found the recipe on the site, Cooking Classy- and you can check out the site here.

I decided to make it for my husband as the combination of apples and sweet potatoes sounded very tasty. We both loved it! I am sharing it with you today. It’s an easy one pan dish that serves up a nice serving of fall’s flavorful vegetables.

Ingredients for One Pan Chicken with Apples & Smoked Bacon

  • 5 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
  • 4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp each minced fresh thyme, sage, rosemary
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large sweet potato chopped into 3/4 cubes
  • 1 lb Brussles Sprouts, sliced into halves
  • 2 lb medium fuji apples, cored and sliced into thick wedges
  • 2 shallot bulbs, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
  • 4 slices of hickory smoked bacon, chopped into 1 inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees
  • Pour 2 Tbsp olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, herbs into a large gallon size resealable bag
  • Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, then seal bag and massage mixture over chicken while working to evenly distribute herbs. Set aside and let rest while chopping veggies
  • Place sweet potato, brussels sprouts, apples and shallot on an 18x 13 inch rimmed baking sheet.
  • Drizzle with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil then toss to evenly coat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread into an even layer.
  • Set chicken thighs over veggie/apple layer
  • Separate any pieces of bacon that may be stuck together then sprinkle bacon over veggie apple mixture
  • Roast in pre heated oven until chicken and veggies are golden brown, about 30-35 minutes. Chicken should register 165 in center. Broil during last few minutes for a more golden brown crispy skin on chicken if desired.
  • Garnish and serve.

This chicken dish has comfort food written all over it. The blending of apples and sweet potatoes with the onions and smoked bacon is what caught my attention and it certainly did not fail my expectations. You will not be using your scented candles when you can prepare a meal that fills your home with wonderful home cooking.

/ Style

Cozy Sweaters & Turtlenecks Under $100

Cozy Sweaters & Turtlenecks All Under $100
Brown Cardigan/ Stripe Sweater/ White Turtleneck Tunic/ Pink Sweater/ Gray Cardigan
Purple Crew Neck/ Purple V-Neck Sweater/ Hooded Sweater/ Lilac Sweater/ Pink Sweater
Camel Sweater/ Brown Sweater/ Navy & Orange Argyle/ Cream Turtleneck/Gray Duster
Leopard Cardigan/ Pink Cardigan/ Gray Sweater/ Black Turtleneck/ Tan Crewneck Sweater

If you know me, you know I love fall. I’ve mentioned previously, my love for this time of year. I love wearing layers, and mixing and matching seasonal wear. It is something that I miss while living in the warm Naples climate. Although, I can’t complain about that, especially today. In fact, as I’m writing this blog, my friends and family back home in Chicago received a few inches of snow and a blast of cold weather.

I am headed back this week to visit my family for a few happy family milestones. While thinking of returning home, it got me in the mood to look around for a few cozy sweaters. I am sharing a few of my favorites that I have found online with you. There are quite a few cute options at great price points and even a few I found on sale.

Looking for a run read?

One of my favorite quick and easy reads is Nora Ephron’s – I feel bad about my Neck. It’s such a funny read and I definitely recommend it it you’re looking for something to make you laugh.

I bring up the book as it always comes to mind while thinking of turtlenecks and sweaters. In this book Nora utilizes her dry sense of humor to touch base with the ups and downs of beauty rituals. I laughed out loud when I read it. She has an entertaining way of noting what a woman endures for the sake of her vanity.

Aside from covering up your neck, sweaters are meant to be like a warm blanket that you can wrap yourself in all day. I hope you find something cozy to keep you feeling snug when it’s cold and brisk.

Cozy Sweaters & Turtlenecks

/ Style

Burgundy Color Combinations

burgundy outfit ideas fall color combos
burgundy outfit ideas fall color combos

The cool crisp days of fall have arrived and so have the brilliant colors of fall.  One of my favorite colors for fall is a rich burgundy color tone. Did you know that a deep burgundy wine color symbolizes power? In medieval times, fashion was determined by the elite. Burgundy was influential to society because royalty wore robes and gowns in shades of burgundy and often mixed it with gold metallics.

Burgundy Color Combinations

Below I put together a few burgundy color combinations for you to consider while pairing a burgundy item of clothing you may have. I enjoy playing around with different color patterns. One of my favorites is mixing burgundy with light blue. Try mixing your burgundy pieces in the following ways:

olive or sage

Olive and sage are also colors stemming back from the middle ages. Elegant dark shades of green pair beautifully with burgundy

gold metallic

Metallics alway add a bit of hierarchy and they are a perfect compliment to burgundy

navy

Navy is very classic and always complimentary to burgundy.

blush

a pretty pink blush color is light and pretty and keeps your look fresh

brown tones

Dark and Light Brown tones work the best for fall just think about the colors of the leaves and incorporate them into your look.

light blue

light blue is such a calming color, add this to burgundy for an unexpected impact. By the way, how about these booties? I love the coloring of them. They are now on my fall wish list!

Denim

Another no fail match for burgundy is denim. You can’t go wrong combining comfy sweaters or a faux suede top in burgundy wine with a pair of dark denim jeans.

burgundy outfit ideas fall color combinations