Holiday song pop

CeeLo - this Christmas

As if this song wasn't great already?!

"presents and cards are here

my world is filled with cheer and you this Christmas

and as I look around

your eyes outshine the town, they do this Christmas"

Holiday GG: stocking stuffers

 The last minute gift that everyone seems to forget: Stocking Stuffers. That is, if you actually stuff the stocking. If not, you've made a wise choice my friend, but I have to admit, you're totally missing out on all the fun!

There are 3 rules when shopping for stocking stuffers that one must follow:

1. The gift must be able to be held in the palm of one hand. In other words: pint size prezzies.

2. The gift must be under $25. Preferably under $20... the best ones, under $15. Otherwise, it goes under the tree.

3. The stocking stuffer is better received when it's a fun novelty, "I don't really need this, but I love it", kind-of gift. Underwear, socks, and chocolate candy santas do not fit the bill.

Phew. Now that we got that out of the way, I'd like to give you some ideas on what said presents could be for the big & the wee littles. They're interesting and original, but more importantly have really ideal uses that play an important part beyond the cuteness of it all. Take a look and scoop some up for all of the peeps on your gift list.

1. For the grade schooler: Shopbop blackboard piggy bank $24

2. For the 20-something brother: TargetxNM Rag & Bone shot glasses $24

3. For the newest little who: GAP husky hat $17

4. For the college girl: Target sleep mask $5

5. For the writer, blogger, notebook appreciator: Maybooks custom notebook or agenda $20-25

6. For the pre-teen: Printed glitter iphone charger $15-25

7. For the fashionista (or hell, just yourself): Grace: the memoir $20

8. For mom: Sonia Kashuk Makeup brush set $15

9. For your man: Victorinox Swiss Army pocket knife $18

I have been using the maybooks for over a year now and I can honestly say, I can't do without. They make me want to have a schedule. You'll love them and so will your recipient, promise.

Grace: the memoir is one of the most highly anticipated and highly coveted books in the fashion community. I'd pretty much say you can't go wrong gifting it unless, well..., she's already bought it for herself! If not, she'll love you for it.

Happy Shopping!

Pantone Profiles: Hot Pinks

Obviously, I have to pay homage to my favorite color, Hot Pink. I've tried to stray plenty of times throughout my life, but I've given in and succumbed to the fact that yes, I am a girl who loves Hot Pink. Sue me.

PSA: All photos are my findings from tumblr, Pinterest, Etsy and the expansive assortment of images on google. I cannot credit every single one, but know that I am in no way taking credit for a photo unless I say it's mine.

Whatta'ya Love? Weds

aaaaand, we're off!

On our Griswold Betz family road-trip...

Heading up to the good 'ol state of New Jersey to visit family and friends we haven't seen in awhile before Christmas. More importantly we're heading up to celebrate the union of our good friends, Melissa and Alex. Wahooo, you two!

I'm dreading this 12 hour drive, and did I mention, waking up at 3am? My husband is itching to get behind the wheel. So, by the time you're reading this all snug as a rug in your chair, think of me playing the backseat driver to my wonderfully race car driver  skilled better half. Naps or reclining back in my seat? Not without one eye open. I promised I'd switch turns behind the wheel while on I95 seeing that it's one long black hole of nothingness for a good 5 hours of our drive. Which in better terms means I get to control the satellite radio for at least 2 hours. When J controls the radio, it sounds more like constant channel surfing and a few "HEY! That was a good song.." piping in from the passenger seat. Bathroom breaks are my nemesis, I can hold water like a camel, but my husband pees like a pregnant woman. Not even joking, sometimes it's so bad I've even asked him if he was carrying our child. He thinks I'm officially insane for having a problem with someone having to go to the bathroom, but for me it's more about the time spent having to stop every 45 minutes. Our dog even rolls his eyes...

Oh the joy's of road-trips, let's hope we all get there and back next week in one piece!

Festivus dressing

"Oh my, my, oh hell yes - Honey put on that party dress." 

- Mary Jane's Last Dance, Tom Petty

It's that time of the year when fully sequined attire becomes acceptable to wear morning, noon, and night. The holidays can get pretty expensive, with all the gift-giving and impromptu cocktail party hosting, it can really break a gal's wallet. Well, you can let it if you want, but I've come up with a few dress options that range from "you're kidding me it's this cheap?!" to "but, it's totally an investment". 

Take a look at the good, better, best of holiday party attire below.

1. Erin by Erin Fetherston 'Celeb Status' dress available on Rent the Runway

2. Adrianna Pappel sequined mesh blouson dress a Nordstrom exclusive

3. Jonathan Saunders 'Farah' silk-crepe & tulle dress from the Outnet

I love how flirty our first pick is. This dress by Erin Fetherston is absolutely adorable and the best part is you can rock this to your next company Christmas party for under $100. Rent the Runway has been around for what feels like ages now, and most people are scared to take the plunge. This dress that retails for over $375, can be yours for the span of 4 days (possibly get away with 2 parties!) for $70. Don't worry about how it fits, the best part of RTW is they send you 2 sizes free so just in case one gives you trouble, there's always back-up. They also have great reviews from past wearer's that let you know what size they ended up wearing and what their street size is so you can get a better idea. All dresses come to you in impeccable condition - practically brand-new, dry-cleaned, and well taken care of. Membership is free, shipping is super quick, and if you have any questions you can chat with one of their stylists online or give their 1-888 number a call. Basically, you'd be stupid not to give them a shot. Why not with this dress?

Our better option comes from one of my favorite retailers. Nordstrom is the best, offering free shipping and free returns all the time. That means if you're having second thoughts because you're not sure what size you are or if the dress will look just as spectacular in person, you can get all of your options so you don't need to make a rash decision. Send back whatever you don't end up needing. Easy, right? This dress from Adrianna Pappel is ah-mazing and it's only $198. I love the flapper-like details and I love how this little shift was styled with the belted waist. This dress is so versatile you could get away with wearing it for New Years, too. It also would look super cute dressed down for a day at work - just throw on a cardigan and some boots. So many options for day to night and anywhere/anytime, you'll definitely get your money's worth!

Now if you're going to empty the wallet, you might as well do it on this great little black dress. The OUTNET offers this Jonathan Saunders for 65% off it's retail at a cool $730. Now, I'm a firm believer in investment pieces and good quality shows, people. This dress is so classic it can be worn for practically everything. That December wedding? How about New Years with a little fur stole and some killer diamond drop earrings. The job interview on a warm spring day with nude pumps and some arm candy. Oh, yes! I will have you buying this dress before I'm finished the post.

Either way you choose, you can't go wrong. Looking good can come easy no matter what your paycheck dictates for you. Have some fun this season and remember versatility is our key word here. Layer up, accessorize, and a good pair of killer heels will help you confidently rock any one of these dresses to the party.

black dresses