Fit & Flare Dresses and Skirts from GAP

I got the cutest new dress for Christmas.  GAP has two great fitting dresses and both patterns look just as nice.  I got the navy and white combo and will likely go back and grab the skirt.  This dress is just my type, fitted top with a-line style bottom.
The length is a touch short so I will have to wear it on a confident day.  I also considered adding tights and tall boots for cooler temps.  How would you style the red and navy skirt? Chunky knit sweater? Tights & boots?

Fit & Flare Dresses and Skirts from GAP by eporter-217 featuring a white dress

The day after

I had a really great Christmas!  We hosted Christmas Eve dinner at our house and headed to my Dad's and sister's houses on Christmas Day to celebrate with our family.  Christmas is finally over.
The only downside to all this is having to take down all the holiday decor but since everyone had so much fun it is hard to complain.
I am going to do a little after-Christmas shopping and then Dad and I are headed to Daytona to race over the weekend.  I hope you had your best year yet. :)
Here are a few pictures to share from the holiday.    

My gift purchases so far

Christmas is almost here and I have a little ways to go.  I have done most of my shopping online and this weekend I am hitting the mall to wrap up.  Here is what has made it under my tree so far.

This bracelet is for one of my sisters.  She loves all MK just like her big sister.  This is on back-order now but should be available again soon for delivery.  Get it {HERE}

My next gift is for my husband.  He goes out on four-wheelers with his buddies and loves to take videos.  This little contraption can easily be mounted to his helmet and he can film their adventures.  

Check it out {HERE}

My next gift is also for my husband.  In October when the iphone 5s came out he let me use his upgrade to get one.  Well, my work just changed our cell phone carriers so he gets his phone back.  If you've had an iphone, you know you need a safe cover.  These are great.  There is also a monogram included with your design.  Check them out {HERE}

This jewelry cabinet went to my mother-in-law.  My husband shared the news with her so I am okay to post it. :)  We went with the walnut color and Simon recruited his brother to help with the assembly.  She is sooooo excited.  We can't wait to see this baby loaded with goodies.  Buy one {HERE}

This fruit infused pitcher is on my list for my healthy family members.  I visited a friend that had one of these and we enjoy raspberry infused water.  I loved the idea and am treating a few on my list to this pitcher.  Check it out {HERE}

The fun of three sisters is giving cosmetics as gifts.  I am a devoted Dior mascara girl but this brand gets rave reviews.  My sisters are sure to love these stocking stuffers.  Get yours {HERE}

Wish me luck as I brave the stores.  Send me some great gift ideas!

Merry Christmas.

Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest

We had our annual Tacky Sweater contest at work Monday and I am happy to say I did not win.  I was out of town this weekend and didn't have much time to get my outfit ready so I grabbed my sweater from last year's contest, got out the hot glue gun and added a few more touches to upgrade the tackiness.  

Melissa, on the far left was this year's winner and Teri, second from the left was runner-up.  

We also had our annual office luncheon and instead of exchanging gifts, we decided about five years ago to donate toys to local families in need.  It's a great way to celebrate the holidays together.  

What are your workplace traditions?  

Christmas wish list

It's that time of year.  Family asks for Christmas wish lists.  This year, I didn't have much to ask for. I had to really do some thinking and come up with some items to help my family with ideas.  Here is what I came up with.

Christmas wish list by eporter-217 featuring a pattern infinity scarf

Although I live in Florida, we do have chilly months.  At work, I am outside often and use my phone non-stop.  I usually carry a pair of mittens but these cashmere gloves with smart phone capable tips on the fingers would be great.

I spotted the MK bag about a month ago and although the creamy white is lovely, I have my eye on the gray colored bag in this style.  Next up is the Clarisonic too for pedicures.  I have the face tool and use it daily and am curious to learn more about their new pedicure brush.  Clarisonic's body scrub is one of my faves.  This is a light pear scent and it is great.

The florentine lace cookies are a family tradition.  My Aunt June treated us to these delicious cookies as we grew up and now I have made sure I carry on the tradition with my sisters and nieces and nephews.

I don't wear tennis shoes often so mine last a while but I am almost ready to add a fresh set to my collection.  My last two items are year-round favorites.  I have a couple Tervis cups and use them daily so I can always use another one.  Lastly I chose a heavy knit scarf.  I adore the infinity scarves and love how chunky this scarf is.

Less than two weeks until Christmas.  What are you hoping for?

Glistening gold statement necklaces

It's winter time and evening dresses and cocktail parties are a great reason to wear your best statement necklaces.  I am getting a new jewelry storage cabinet for Christmas and I am hoping to have room to add to my collection.

Glistening gold statement necklaces by eporter-217 featuring vintage art deco jewelry

Kenneth Cole multi row necklace / Bib necklace / Humble Chic vintage art deco jewelry / BaubleBar chain necklace / BaubleBar gold necklace

Styling a navy blazer

Did you do any black Friday shopping?  Me...not so much.  I did however snag this new navy blazer from J.Crew.  I had a go-to navy blazer from Ann Taylor but over the last year I noticed it hasn't fit as well.
I wasn't really on the hunt for a new blazer but once I tried this one, I bought it on the spot.  Now, how to wear this perfectly fitting blazer outside the office.  I found several casual styles that I think I can make work.  What are your favorite ways to style a blazer outside the office?

Styling J. Crew navy schoolboy blazer by eporter-217 featuring a fitted jacket

Schumacher one button jacket / J Crew twill jacket / J Crew fitted jacket / J Crew navy wool blazer / Tommy Hilfiger navy blue jacket

Christmas tree decorating tips

Have your Christmas tree up yet?  My husband surprised me last week with a beautiful tree, nearly 10' tall. This is our tallest tree yet so I looked online for some decorating tips.  Here are the best that I found online combined with my personal experience.

1. Get the right sized tree stand.  We tried to make our old tree stand work but the tree was unstable.  We went up to Lowe's and got one a better fit for our taller tree.  What we picked {HERE}

2. Once Simon trimmed the trunk and placed it in the stand, I let it settle in for a day or so so the limbs could fall some. (Notice my nieces in bathing suits...in late November.  Florida kiddos)

3.  Lights.  I found a lot of recommendations online about how many lights to use.  Generally, online sites recommend that you use one 100-light strand for every foot of tree height.  At the stores near me, lights are sold in 150 and 200-light packages.  Green coated wires are a must to hide them in the tree.  Lighting techniques vary from winding around the tree like a cone to separating the tree in "triangle sections" to wrapping individual limbs.  I ended up using five 200-light strings.

4. This tip I found online and it was so helpful.  Place your largest ornaments on first to help cover bare spots.  This was great advice.  I also hung my heaviest ornaments which also helped fill in some bare spots.  Here are some close-ups of my ornaments.

5.  When placing the rest of the ornaments, spread out your colors.  I used red, silver and white ornaments so I did my best to use them in combinations of three at a time, using one of each color.

6.  My last piece was my tree topper.  I have a couple glass options to top the tree but ended up going with a medium sized bow that had hanging ribbons.  I could stand to upsize my bow if I come across something I like.  Here is a shot of the nearly finished tree.  I still have a train to add around the base and of course, gifts!

7. Lastly, what to do with those broken ornaments.  Well, I seem to get a few each year that break somehow.  Mostly, the hanging portion breaks off making it impossible to hang.  I gathered up my bunch of broken pieces and swapped out my centerpiece apples arrangement for a seasonal look with the spare/broken ornaments and a few small pine cones. Cute huh?!  Merry Christmas!

Create your free personal digital monogram

Have you seen this from Mark & Graham?  I love it!
Free personal digital monogram from Mark & Graham.

They send your finished monograms right to your email instantly. You can download and use anyway you'd like.  This is perfect for email and blog signatures.  Here are three samples I created.

Jewelry Storage Options

As statement jewelry has become more popular I found my collection to be overflowing across my dresser.  I saw the jewelry cabinet on the top left in a Pottery Barn mailer and just loved it.  The only thing is I wish they had a free-standing option that can be moved easily.
All of the cabinets shown have pre-designed organizers inside, perfect for storing jewelry.  Some even have lock and key options.  How do you organize your jewelry?

Jewelry Storage Options by eporter-217 featuring a wooden jewellery box

Pottery Barn jewellery box / Jewellery box / Home decor / Wooden jewellery box / Antique Black Adjustable Full-Length Cheval Mirror & Jewelry Wardrobe

My top 10 essentials

My everyday essentials by eporter-217 featuring gold earrings

Burt s Bees lip treatment This goes with me every where I go.  I have it in my car, purse and several coat pockets.  Burt's Bees is the best!
Goody hair pin Bobby pins are my go to for humid or windy Florida days.
Gold earrings Simon got me these earrings last year and they are my go to set. (my set is without the center diamond)
Pandora sterling silver jewelry My first Pandora items came from my in-laws.  This bracelet is especially cherished because Simon's Dad passed away just five months after I received this as a Christmas present.
Michael Kors watch MK watches are my fave style.  I got this one in the spring when it came out.  It's perfect for those that like to mix white gold and yellow gold.
Danielle Stevens Jewelry monogrammed bangle bracelet I saw this in People's monthly style magazine and ordered it.  It's a couple years old but has held up remarkably well and I wear it daily.
 Kate spade wallet I have had my KS wallet for many years and it's still like new.  These are worth the investment.
 Christian Dior mascara I love this mascara.  On humid days, I layer with an inexpensive waterproof mascara.
Apple Store My iphone is with me every where I go.  I rely on it for my calendar, my emails, as a camera and of course calls and texting.
essie Nail Color - Mamba If you are looking for a perfect neutral polish to wear every day, this is it!  I finish with OPI top coat. 

Career Talk: Resume References

If you are on a hunt for a new job, employers will first judge you based on your resume.  Your references are a key ingredient in your resume.  I recommend providing references when you send in your resume.  If you opt against that, I would bring them with me to the interview.  Make it easier for the employer to consider bringing you onto the team.  

First, who do you add as a reference?  Former employers are an obvious choice.  This includes supervisors and colleagues.  If you are part of a professional or trade organization and are known by business associates there, they would be a suitable choice. 

Avoid family members.  Friends would be okay in my opinion, but only as a last resort.  You are looking for individuals that can confirm specific skills that will be used in the job you are in pursuit for. 

How should you format references on your resume?  I found this graphic which shows a simple but effective format.  Remember, if these are coming in on a second sheet of paper remember to label your personal information at the top of the page, consistent with your resume.  You don't want your references to get lost in a stack and be unidentifiable.  

      

Extra points:  I recently hired for a position and the candidate that got the job not only had references that gave great feedback to verify skills but had online reviews on her personal LinkedIn profile.  While this wasn't a deciding factor for offering employment, it certainly made her stand out above the rest.  

Speaking of LinkedIn, if you have personal information online, keep it updated.  I can tell you with certainty that employers are looking online to see what they can find out about you.  

Tell the truth:  This speaks for itself.  Major employers will do a thorough background check and verify your resume information.  Don't stretch the truth.  Credentials are important.  Personal skills and characteristics are more important.

Above and beyond:  Looking for a modern way to wow employers.  Check this out.  A QR code (quick response) with a video testimonial of a reference.  

Have job search questions?  Send them my way.  I have interviewed more than 100 candidates and seen hundreds of resumes.  Happy Job Hunting!

Read about {Business Casual Interview Outfits}

Not getting call backs? Here are {5 Reasons they won't hire you}

Around the house wishlist

Spring fever has finally kicked in.  I am in the mood to complete a couple projects I have had on my list.  I bought a really pretty square mirror for my foyer but haven't found a table to complete the look.  Here are a few modern entry tables I found that would work.

I have a small linen closet sized area that would make a perfect wet bar area.  We'd only have enough room for one cabinet for storage and an upper cabinet for display but I think it'd really spruce up the room.

Last but not least, I have had a tile back splash on my mind for a while but haven't made much progress finding the look I want.  I like the simplistic look of the white subway style tile but our kitchen cabinets are raised-panel so they lean more towards traditional versus contemporary.  I think of the the more decorative designs would be a better fit.

What projects are you dreaming of?

Around the house wishlist by eporter-217 featuring distressed furniture

Preparing for Thanksgiving guests

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.  I look forward to this holiday as it's the one that the most family members get together on each year.  If you are having guests over, here are a few things you can start working on to keep the holiday calm.

1. If you are having overnight guests, here are some tips for the perfect guest room from Annie at http://homeofmalones.blogspot.com.  You can get linens washed this week and have everything ready ahead of time.  This will definitely save you time the week your guests arrive.

2.  If your guests will have special needs like gate codes or house keys, get those ready this week as well.  If your guests will encounter any tolls on their way to and from your home, be sure to let them know so they can carry cash.  I like to get a local map and mark points of interest like shopping centers, drugstores, restaurants, departments stores and of course the beach.  If your guests have a car, they may get the urge to get out and explore the area you live in.

3.  My mother-in-law has Celiac Disease so I have become more aware of special dietary needs my guests might have. Often times, guests try not to inconvenience their host and will be agreeable with selections you make.  I have found it easier to give a couple options and ask for their input.  This will make the conversation a little easier to approach.  If your guests are sensitive to foods with gluten, Whole Foods has a section on their website where you can learn more about Gluten Free foods and recipes.  

Here are a few of my favorite appetizers, perfect for visiting guests:  {5-minute cherry cheesecake dip}, {Baked brie with toasted pecans} and this {veggie salsa} is good to snack on for several days.

4.  Get festive! Start the holiday spirit with some home decor.  Get some {fall decor ideas here}.

5.  Lastly, plan your cleaning schedule.  I {found this checklist} that made the thought of cleaning my entire house seem a little easier to accomplish.  

One last tip: don't forget to take a deep breath and have fun.  A happy house is better than a clean house. Enjoy the holidays and remember to take a few moments and be thankful of what you have and the times you are able to spend together.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Glittery, Shimmering Holiday Party Dresses

My favorite time of the year is here.  Time for festive parties and lots of fun.  I found some cute dresses perfect for any party from now through New Year's Eve.  For those chilly nights, these can all easily have tights added along with pretty heels and you are ready to party.
All you need to add are big stud earrings, a charged-up phone (so you can take lots of pictures) and a teasing comb and you are party-ready.
What's your favorite party style?

Glittery, Shimmering Holiday Party Dresses by eporter-217 featuring an embellished cocktail dress