Monday, December 9, 2024

Gift Guide: $100+ Splurge for Her


Considering there is a little over two weeks until Christmas, I will roll out more gift guides this week in a back-to-back cadence. With Thanksgiving being late this year, it has me thrown off! Today is considered 'Green Monday,' and it's one of the biggest shopping days in December behind Cyber Monday. Therefore, you may find some good sales today, so I wanted to release this gift guide today. These items are pricier, so it really helps to snag things on sale! 


Dinner Plate// I have no storage space for more tableware. However, this is the next pattern I plan to slowly start to collect. After eyeing it for ages, I just ordered the mug for myself and am anxiously awaiting its arrival, but I want to collect the plates in all the different colors! The pink on pink is my favorite! 

Perfume// I smelled this perfume in the Dior boutique in DC last year and have been thinking of it ever since. It's so light and fresh. 

Cashmere Wrap// My go-to cashmere wrap when I want a pop of color. This color is definitely one of my favorites. I love how vibrant and saturated it is! I can wear it with more than I thought, too! 

Tennis Shoes// These tennis shoes have been life-changing for me on walks. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and have been worth every penny and then some. They're not the cutest, as they are a bit bulky, but the comfort outweighs the design. 

Microcurrent Device// My code WINDZIIP should save you money at checkout! I use this device several times per week. It helps to depuff my fave after a martini night out, but long-term use actually lifts and defines. It truly works and is easy to incorporate into my routine. I wouldn't use it as often as I do if it didn't work!

Sweatpants// I love all of the Doublesoft pieces, but the pants are my favorite. They are SO comfortable but also cut so perfectly that they are roomy but not frumpy. 

Pajamas// I love RR pajamas. The monkey patterns are just too fun! 

Fleece Pullover// I have and love this fleece. It's pretty heavy, so I like to throw it on before and after workouts as a jacket, and it layers perfectly under a puffer vest. 

Brow and Lash Serum// This brow and lash serum truly works, and I don't experience any side effects like I have with some other growth serums.

Silver Bowls// I've been eyeing this for ages. Such a cute little hostess serving bowl! 


Coat// This coat is SO elegant and cozy. I love that the faux fur vest portion has a hood. I've been reaching for it on rainy/snow days. The faux fur looks real. This runs true to size. 

Black Dress// I have worn this black dress for so many occasions. It is the true definition of a little black dress in that it works for everything. It's a wardrobe workhorse and can be styled in many different ways. 

American Flag Sweater// This is another wardrobe staple for me. It's such a classic sweater, and it's 100% cotton, so you can wear it year-round! It runs oversized, but I got my true size small and like the oversized fit. 

Custom Dog Pendant// This is on my wish list! You can send a photo of your dog, and they will engrave it onto a pendant. There are many pendant styles you can choose from in all different sizes! Such a fun gift idea. 

Paper Flower Sculpture// These paper flower sculptures are so gorgeous. I've long admired them, and the price tag is steep, but I see them as artwork! 

Tennis Bracelet// I love a good tennis bracelet, and this one is a great price and so beautiful. I prefer a bezel setting when possible since it keeps the stones more secure, so it's a better choice for daily wear! 

Silver Earrings// I have these and wear them all the time. They come so beautifully packaged, making them a stunning and generous gift. They are the perfect scale for daily wear! 

Leather Boots// These are the most beautiful boots. The quality rivals any high-end designer brand and the comfort is off the charts! I love the burgundy color and the brand's use of the gold floral rivets! 

Tote// I can't imagine traveling anywhere via any mode without this tote. I could not recommend it more. It's the very best. The exterior is made of tough nylon fabric and is very durable. The leather wears beautifully. I love all of the pockets inside that help to keep me organized. It's fully lined, too! My husband also uses this tote to travel. You can select from a multitude of prints, colors, and more to really personalize the look. 

Down Throw// I feel as though this does not need an introduction since I rave about it so often. I know many of you already have a throw and have given them as gifts. I genuinely believe this is the best throw blanket out there! 

Shearling Boots// I was walking Henry in my Ugg boots the other day, and I thought, 'Boy, do I love these boots.' I've been wearing Uggs since 9th grade, and while they are not the cutest footwear, they are SO comfortable and warm. I could not do winter in Pittsburgh without them. I love this style with the shearling trim! 

2024 Gift Guides:


Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Friday, December 6, 2024

Weekend Wish List


Some items of note... 

- I saw these Stackable Storage Baskets in person in the store the other day, and they are gorgeous. They look like something Pottery Barn would sell for 4x the price!

- Nothing like a new Bralette and this one is SO comfortable. Recommending it to anyone and everyone.

- I have this Tiger Jacquard Jacket in the leopard print fabric that has long been sold out but it's such a fabulous coat! It's a swing style and such a head turner! 

- This Initial Ornament is darling and currently on sale for $15! The perfect gift topper or put around the neck of a wine bottle for a cute hostess gift!


Some items of note... 

- I LOVE this Black Dress. It is so classic and one of those pieces that works year round for any cocktail occasion. 

- This Silver Coat is so fun and would be a great apres ski look!

- I've been eyeing this Fair Isle Cardigan for weeks. It's beautiful!

- These Red Bow Heel Mules are a good Larroude look for less! 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:





Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

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This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Lately

Well, hello there! It's been a minute since I've been able to chat with you all. Those cyber sales have me tuckered out, but it has come and gone! If you missed out, don't fret, as 'Green Monday' is this coming 12/9. Brands usually redo their sales for that Monday as it's the other big day in the holiday retail calendar. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We enjoyed our usual delicious dinner with aunts, uncles, cousins, sister, BIL, etc., at my parent's house! 

We had a fun little weekend getaway to Nemacolin. The prices at Nemacolin have skyrocketed in recent years, and I've scoffed at them, but I have to say, while I think things were a bit overpriced, I get it now. All of the renovations are stunning, and there are endless amenities. I should correct myself when saying 'all.' The *one* update I didn't care for was the little indoor village shopping center renovation, and they stripped ALL of the character from that hallway entirely. It looks like. Barney's in 2011... or maybe a sci-fi movie. I did not like it. That little shopping village was so charming, and it's a shame they removed the character. But anyway, in the grand scheme of things, that's really a tiny complaint. The staff and service were also some of the best I've received in North America. It reminded my husband and me of the fantastic service we received in Europe. So, if you are on the fence like we were, don't hesitate! We loved it. 

Otherwise, I've just had my nose to the grindstone working away. It's been a LOT this season, and I'm so thankful. Thank you all for being here and for your kindness and support. It means so much! 

This weekend we have a packed schedule. I have a girlfriend's Christmas party on Friday- it's a White Elephant style party! Then, we have a Christmas party at a local club with my parents and family friends which will be fun. Lastly, my mother-in-law is coming on Sunday to visit! We actualy have a very social calendar for December. Tis the season! I can't believe we are less than 3 weeks from Christmas! 

Plaid Pants (on sale under $40)
Wearing: These plaid pants are on sale and I've been getting wear out of them. They are high quality and a great fit that is both flattering and comfortable. I would recommend sizing up! 

use code SYDNEY25 making these under $60

In reality, I've been wearing a lot of looks like this lately. The height of fashion, I know. It's been SO cold lately and I've been spending a lot of time on my computer so super comfy and cozy outfits it is! I sized up to a medium in these fleece pants. They are so incredibly warm and comfortable. I have loved lounging in them and walking Henry outside in them! Size up! I'm wearing a size medium (for reference, I wear a small in their Jay joggers and a medium in the park slope top). 

Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 


Eating: This appetizer requires no cooking and could not be easier! It's also beautiful and a crowdpleaser! 

This is a dip my mom makes every single year for Christmas Eve. It has to be from the 80s because it's kind of weird but it is seriously one of my favorite things and I look forward to it all year. There is absolutely no health value to this at all, in fact, it's downright unhealthy. It contains jarred meat. I didn't know this until recent years when I was in the kitchen watching my mom make it and I was kind of appalled. I didn't even know beef came in a jar. But I look past it because it's just SO good. It's salty and creamy and so good on french bread. My mom heats hers, I would do that, it is so good warm.

Reading: I want to read some of Elin Hilderbrand's winter books! Thinking of this one first!

Sale: I'm wiped out with the whole sale thing, but there are still some good ones happening right now. My fave tinted lip balm on sale, I love the color berry. Lots of cozy Dudley fleeces still on sale and I believe my code SYDNEY25 can stack on the sale! Up to 50% off on a large selection from Athleta. A great VB sale selection! So much added to the Tuckernuck sale section and usually you can stack the code YOURULE with the sale price! Quite a few tweed dresses on major sale and love this sweater that you can wear now and later

Watching:
 Have you guys watched anything good lately? We started Silo season 2 on Apple TV. I enjoyed season 1. Otherwise, I've mostly been watching Freeform Christmas movies! Itching for a really good show to watch. I've heard Lioness on Paramount is good but we haven't tried it yet! 

Listening: My Christmas playlist is on repeat! 




Loving: My mom and I spotted these in store and we each bought a necklace and we shared some charms. They turned out so cute. For $20 each we got a necklace and 3 charms. We both thought they looked like the popular Charleston charm necklace brand and the quality was not too far off either.... for a fraction of the price! Such a fun holiday gift for anyone! They have so many charm and necklace options. I think it could be fun to buy a few packs of these and a few necklaces and hold a little Galentine's Day in February with some girlfriends and you could customize your charm necklaces. 

Wanting: This pink skirt
is gorgeous! This toggle sweater looks so cozy. Just got this lipstick in Casablanca and it is stunning! A classic and stunning little black dress! This skirt is giving Emilia Wickstead for less! The coolest concept are these chic mules that come inside of a clutch. Two gifts in one!


Pittsburgh: Balena Bagels just did a soft opening in Castle Shannon. It's right next to Anthos. The bagels are SO good. I'm drooling just thinking about them. My husband snagged them one morning. He got lucky, they sell out quickly. We made a bacon, egg, and cheese out of their cheddar jalapeno bagel and it was divine. It's the best bagel I think I've had outside of New York. I honestly think they might be better than Call Your Mother in DC. So great because Pittsburgh really needed an incredible bagel spot! 

Amazon Rec: I got a targeted ad for this cute little coat and I'm awaiting its arrival!

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Smelling: This perfume smells SO good. It's a new one from Aerin and I just smelled it the other day. Amber and Sandalwood are the top notes. It's sultry and warm and just all around such a luxurious scent. 

Traveling: We don't have any trips set in stone for 2025 but we are working on it. Does anyone have any Florida recs? I've done Palm Beach and Miami. Are there other areas worth checking out for a long weekend to escape the cold? We hope to make a big European trip this summer, so we are doing some research. We are considering a river cruise as my parents want to join, which they've been interested in doing, so we shall see. But if you have any trip recs, please let me know!

Quoting:'The fears we don't face become our limits.' // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Gift Guide 2024: Under $50 Stocking Stuffers


In today's gift guide, I'm sharing 33 under $50 gift ideas that can also double as stocking stuffers. The stocking is the *best* part of Christmas, in my opinion! 

Mini Tote// I got this cute little bag in late summer, and I love it. It's so convenient to just toss my stuff in and go. It's a great size and holds everything I need. It's just too cute! 

Gold Necklace// I have this necklace, and it is gorgeous! I find myself wearing it often. The jewelry has a lifetime guarantee, too, which I think is really cool. It doesn't tarnis,h and the stones don't fall out like some costume jewelry! You can use code SYDNEYC20 to save at checkout. 

Lip Stain// This lip stain was one of my favorite lip products of all time. They discontinued it years ago, but I just realized they had brought it back! I haven't tried it yet, but I will definitely try it. My favorite color was 'bitten' back in the day and I'm thinking 'sugey girl' looks like the shade I want to try now since they didn't bring back bitten!

Travel Steamer// I love my regular steamer, but it can be cumbersome to travel with. This steamer works SO well and is convenient to travel with! 

Lip Plump// This is a hybrid lip color product because it has the moisture and texture of a balm, the shine of a gloss, and the color of a lipstick. The particular color I love most is Poppy. It's vibrant but perfect for daily wear. It's one of my favorite lip colors of all time. You can use code SUMMERWIND to save at checkout!

Truffle Salt// If you enjoy popcorn, you need this salt. It's SO good, and I'm not even a big truffle person. You can use this salt on other things, but it's the BEST on popcorn! Such a fun little luxury for the foodie in your life. 

Gold Sticker Set// I have this sticker set, and it's been so useful. You can actually monogram things with these stickers, which is so unique! You can use code SYDNEY20 for 20% off. 

Headband Set// I tried on this headband set in the store and loved it so much. The rose gold looked good in my blonde hair, and they have a darker option that I think would look great in dark hair. 

Hand Wash// This is pricey for hand soap, but if you want to WOW someone, this is it. The pump bottle that it comes in is stunning and so heavy. It's presented beautifully in a pretty box, and the scent of the soap is incredible and unisex. This is the gift you give someone who likes really nice things and has everything, and you are sticking to an under $50 budget. I'm telling you, this will be a HIT. 

Claw Clip// I just got this claw clip, and it's SO good. It actually holds ALL of my hair. Some of the other clips from this brand are great, but none have actually comfortably held all of my hair. This one does. It's great quality, too. 

Magnetic Cord Keepers// This is a great gift for any adult on your list, but I think it's especially nice for someone who travels a lot. These are little leather tabs with magnets on each end and can hold your charging cords. It keeps things so organized. These are unnecessary and that's why I think it makes a nice gift because it's such a 'nice to have' thing! You can use code SYDNEY20 to save at checkout!


Home Diffuser// This is a plug-in scent device that can be controlled via your phone. The best part is you can use scents that you know and love. On top of that, the scents are clean and safe for pets and children. It's also safer than a candle and a unique alternative to giving a candle!

Stain Treater// Years ago, I saw a mommy blogger recommend this stain. I can't remember exactly who it was, but it sold me because it can remove chocolate and berry stains. This is a product marketed to parents to clean baby and toddler clothing. However, I spill ALL of the time. I am horrible. This stain spray has saved my clothing. I had been using Shout before but I find that this works better! It truly gets out any stain. I've even found myself using it on upholstery and carpeting, too, and it has worked wonders. 

2025 Calendar// The only calendar I use! It's a monthly calendar, and I use it as a desk blotter. Each day has space to write, and I love that it has a little notes section on the right-hand side. It's also beautiful with illustrations. You can use code SYDNEY25 for 25% off! 

Lip Balm// This is a constant repurchase for me and something I love to give as a gift because I see it as a 'little luxury'. The texture is very thick and sticky, so it takes some getting used to, but it's worth it because it really does plump my lips and is so hydrating. Because it is sticky it actually stays on my lips throughout the night. use code SUMMERWIND at checkout to save!

Socks// I've never tried Bombas, but they are constantly compared to that brand. I love them. I was using Costco athletic socks before this, and they were nice, but these are much nicer! A great price, too! They come in white, black, gray, etc. 

Exfoliant// This is the best physical exfoliant on the market. Click over and read about it. They were so thoughtful in creating this product; it works SO well on my skin. I could not recommend this product more. I was recently gifted a $70+ exfoliant, and it was horrible compared to this one! 

Depuffing Eye Stick// I love this eye stick. There are three options, but I find the gold stick to work best. I use this every single morning and love to layer it under eye patches for an extra boost of depuffing. use code SYDNEY to save at checkout. 

Wella Repair Spray// This is the greatest hair product ever. I cannot go through my hair routine without it. It makes my hair so soft, shiny, and healthy. The hype is so real! 

Lash Primer// This is a constant repurchase for me, and even if I'm doing low-key makeup, I always use this primer before I put on my mascara. It's white but dries clear, making my lashes look fuller and longer. It's such a game-changer. 

Mascara// This is the mascara I have been using and loving. It's bold, and the applicator makes it easy to get to every lash! 

Pink Golf Glove// I am always looking for a cute golf glove. They are lacking out there, but this pink one is cute. You can always use a new golf glove! 

Lip Balm// This lip balm is very different than the other lip balm I shared above. The consistency is more like a traditional balm. If you have ever tried Fresh Sugar Advanced lip balm, it's similar in texture to that but this is better. The packaging is supposed to be eco-friendly, but it leaves something to be desired as it feels flimsy. However, I am willing to overlook that as the product is truly the best. I'm all for eco-friendly packaging, but I'm hoping they can improve it somehow in the future! 



Ear Warmer// This ear warmer is cozy and classic and the perfect thing for the person who enjoys the outdoors in all seasons. I'm outside walking Henry regardless of the weather, so I love all of the cold-weather accessories, so this could also be a great gift for those with a dog! 

Favorite Daughter Hat// I want this hat just to tease my sister!!! They have sweatshirts and all sorts of branded things.

Sweatshirt Socks// I want these socks! They are supposed to be like a 'sweatshirt' for your feet. I am so intrigued! I love a cozy sock. 

Silver Cuff// I know so many are crazy over the Tiffany bone cuff, and I think this is such a cute and *much* less costly alternative. 

Laundry Detergent// This is fancy liquid laundry detergent, and this is another thing you could give to someone who has everything. It not only cleans well, but the scent is intoxicating. My husband and I both love this detergent so much. 

Kitchen Towels// This is the best gift because it's only $10 but the highest quality out there. These kitchen towels are better than Williams Sonoma and a fraction of the cost! 

Flat Hair Clip// The best claw clip to exist. This clip sits on your head more like a barette rather than a traditional claw clip. My favorite way to wear it is wearing my hair half up with the medium-sized clip. 

Spicy Cocktail Syrup Gift Set// I want to try these syrups! I saw them in the Lake Pajamas store a few years ago and have always been intrigued. Use code YOURULE to save at checkout. 

Pill Case// I ordered this for myself because I've found myself so into these vintage-looking Vera Bradley prints. I know this set up as a days of the week pill case, but I don't take any daily medication so I figured I would use Monday for Advil, Tuesday for vitamin, etc. 

Under Eye Patches// This is my go-to gift! The best under-eye patches that are very affordable and truly work after 15 minutes. They depuff my eyes and lessen my fine lines. I cannot go a week without these. Use code SUMMERWIND to save at checkout. 

2024 Gift Guides:


Are you following me on the LikeToKnowIt app?! You can shop all of my outfits, favorite finds, and more in the app. I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also access all of my posts, here, if you don't use LTK! You can also find me on ShopMy, another shopping platform! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 
 

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