Christmas is a week away!!! I can't even believe it! This year has FLOWN by! And - I haven't bought one single Christmas gift. Well, nothing for anyone else. I've bought plenty of things for myself LOL! Check out my Gift Guide for some a hint of some of the items I've gotten for myself :) I'll be honest - I love to buy myself holiday outfits LOL! This year I've kind of held back and plan to recycle items from last year. But I have purchased a few really festive pieces that I wanted to share in case your struggling for ideas on what to wear. They are super affordable and could arrive before Christmas if you order ASAP. First up is this jumpsuit from Fashion To Figure. I wore this in Jamaica on Thanksgiving night. It was meant to be for a special date night for husband and I but our plans were thwarted by a fire. I'll find another night to wear this though. I think NYE would be a PERFECT occasion for something this bold!
BTW - my mom HATED this and told me to take it off. But my husband LOVED it! That's all that matters. I also got a ton of compliments wearing this sound the resort on Thanksgiving. Don't be afraid of it!!! Once it's on, you will feel so sexy!
I have been OBSESSED with this velvet blazer from BooHoo. I've worn it 3 weekends in a row. No joke. I know it's pink, but so what! It's so fun and soft and comfy and bright! I think it's perfect for any holiday celebration!
This was the outfit I bought for our holiday card photos. It's from Target!!! My favorite place, really :) I LOVE these wide leg crushed velvet pants by Mossimo. The matching blazer is fun, but for me, both pieces together were overkill. I think the blazer would pair better with jeans. I wore the pants sans jacket for our photos and then for the rest of the day brunching and shopping with friends.
I also love this simple Soft Blazer by Mossimo. I've worn this twice already since I got it also! You can dress it up or down for any holiday occasion and red works for everything this season!
These pants are adorable and fit like a dream! Even with my 5" heels! Personally, I would wear this for ANY holiday party! The sequins on the pants make this outfit so fun and festive! A favorite for sure!
Last, but definitely not least by any means, is this wrap dress from Eloquii!!! It's currently only available in Gold, but TRUST ME! It's just as gorgeous! And this dress will hug all your curves in just the right way. I wore this for the WGCI Ladies of Success brunch, and then again the next day for this shoot. And if I go anywhere for NYE, I think I'll try this again! It's seriously he PERFECT little black dress for my body type. My booty looked GREAT!!! LOL!!!! I think I'm going to grab the gold one also because it's currently 40% off!
So that's it! My fave pieces for the holidays! If you try any, tag me in your photos when you wear them!!!! I love to see your fab outfits!!!
The Glam Mom
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
1 comment
Some items in this post were received for free, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
Hi there!
A preview of what's coming...
It's been forever since I've done a gift guide. So, I figured I would do one now!
The holidays are coming up so fast, so I figured I'd share some of the things I've received this year that I LOVE (and a few things I'm really dying for) to give you some ideas you can pass on to the man in your life LOL! I'll start with the small stuff. These things can work as super easy stocking-stuffers.
If you didn't already know it, now you know that Black Cherry Merlot from Bath and Body Works is THE. BEST. scent that they carry. You can grab candles, lotion, hand sanitizer - basically anything they sell - in this scent. You're welcome.
I am NOT a foodie at all, but I do like to go out to restaurants for gown-up time with my husband. A gift card to Ruth's Chris, Texas De Brazil, or even The Cheesecake Factory will NEVER go unused in our house! You can even print some at home! Think about sticking one in someone's stocking. It's easy, affordable and most likely won't go to waste! And just an FYI - if you have a Sam's Club Membership, consider buying your gift cards there because you will get a discount. They even custom ordered one for a restaurant they didn't regularly carry for my mom. Super cool!
I received this sample in one of my monthly beauty boxes (Either Ipsy or BeautyCon, I don't remember which) and I have been using it like CRAZY!!! It smells So. Freaking. Good!!! I'll be honest - I'm not a huge fan of coconut scents, but this smells more vanilla to me, so it's all good. I love it! You can buy it as an individual tube or as a gift set from Amazon.
Now, here are a few items that are medium sized and/or at mid-range pricing.
This is one of the things that I don't have that I'm kind of dying to try. I'm so lazy about skin care, but I really want to be better about keeping my face youthful. I've heard nothing but great things about GlamGlow, and I would LOVE to try out some of their products. This little gift set seems like a good place to start. Its for all skin types and is supposed to help with blemishes and oily skin. The full-sized products are a bit pricey, so this looks like a reasonably priced way to test out a few things and see how they work. Fingers crossed this is under my tree this year!!! (Husband, are you taking notes??? LOL!)
I know that many who are reading this have already seen this and have the sense of humor to appreciate it. Click the photo to go directly to ShopLoveEmme.com to purchase the one I have, or click below for a different version.
You all know I LOVE makeup! I will try any new product. This year I've tried to hold back on purchasing too much because I already have SO MUCH I haven't used!!! But here are a few things I've picked up that I think any beauty lover would appreciate under the tree this year. Farsali Unicorn Essence and Rose Gold Elixir
I think anyone that's spent any time on Instagram has seen girls squiring unicorn tears down their face before they apply their makeup. It looks so pretty LOL! The Unicorn Essence is water based and works as a good primer for makeup application. The Rose Gold Elixir is a serum packed with vitamins and 24K gold flakes to give you a radiant glow. You can buy full size or mini versions. I LOVE them both!!! I use the Rose Gold Elixir at night.
I think every girl alive hopped on the Fenty bandwagon as soon as it was released. With 40 foundation shades and super fun highlighters, how could any beauty lover resist??? I'm still using my products DAILY. And I haven't had to replace anything. Nothing. I've linked a few of my faves that will work for most skin tones.
I've been obsessed with Huda Kattan for years, well before Huda Beauty took off. I will say it again and again - Huda makes THE BEST lash glue EVEEEEERRRRR!!! And I've been using my Lip Contour Kit a LOT. She makes good products that all women can use.
I could link a hundred more products, but these are some more recent favorites, so I'll just leave it at this for now.
I've posted about Google Home a few times this year, but seriously - we LOVE it and use it daily! There are still so many features we haven't learned how to use, but we enjoy it just using the basics like playing music and asking questions. And best of all - the Mini is on sale for $30!!!
And now, for the big stuff.
I know not everyone can afford these types of items, but if you can make the splurge, the one you love will greatly appreciate them!
I got these sunglasses in the spring and I'm STILL obsessed with them. I think EVERYONE should have these. Yes, they are pricey, but if you take good care of them, they will last for a long time and you'll always look fabulous! Plus remember, sunglasses keep you from squinting, which means less wrinkles LOL!
I'm a HUGE fan of Visonworks! They have such a fabulous selection of designer frames. I purchased 2 pairs of glasses from there earlier this year and am still obsessed with them and get compliments on them regularly. I'm trying out a few new pairs of frames from them by Zac Posen and a new pair of sunglasses by Penguin and they are so gorgeous!!! My mom tried convincing me to give the Verushkas, but I just can't part with them!!! These frames are so fabulous! If you have a glasses-wearer in your life, consider helping them out with a new pair of frames from Visionworks. Glasses can be expensive and I know I would LOVE to receive an awesome pair as a gift!!! Vision benefits expire at the end of the year, so make sure you get your eye exam in at Visionworks before the New Year!!! You can just walk in for an exam, and get a pair of these gorgeous glasses for yourself! The Zac Posen frames are 40% off right now!
I wrote about this mirror last winter and guess what - I've used it every. single. day, since I got it. The built-in lighting helps me keep my makeup in check! It's easy to move around and charges up just like a cell phone. And lately I've been making more videos and it's been super helpful for that. This isn't the kind of gift that EVERYONE will appreciate. But if you have a beauty lover in your life, it's definitely something that they will use and love. Plus it's cheaper this year than it was last year!
I'm sure you have at least one friend who sells Rodan & Fields and has been trying to convince you test this product. I'm telling you to do it. Buy it for yourself or for someone you love. IT WORKS!!! Use it consistently and you won't be disappointed, I promise!!! Below are my results from using for 5 months only a few days a week. Imagine if I used it as directed?!?! My lashes would be insane!!! Treat someone you love to this product. Connect with my girl Sarah to do it - I've linked her below!
I was lucky to receive two amazing bags this year - one I got through making a bet with my husband - he bet with the wrong girl LOL! And in all seriousness, I'd rather receive one gift card to a luxury store to put toward a nice purchase than a bunch of little items or even jewelry. Handbags are statement pieces. Just stick to a classic brand and style. This type of gift will make any woman happy - for a long time!!!
OK - that's it. I could go on and on about the things I love, but I'm tired.
I hope you'll consider grabbing some of these things for the ones you love! If you do, let me know which ones and how happy they were to receive them!!!
I didn't tell them where we were going, but as soon as we walked into the hotel, they knew exactly where we were going and they got so excited!
You can read my post from last year. Many of the features of the suite are the same as that visit. But one brand new feature was the cookie decorating stations. My kids had a BLAST squeezing frosting and shaking sprinkles all over Christmas cookies.
The hot chocolate was delicious you guys. Like, seriously - the BEST I'VE EVER HAD!!!
The Hot Chocolate Station was to die for!
My kids always love seeing Santa.
But let's be serious you guys. Santa isn't JUST for kids LOL!!!
After the kids chat with Santa, they can go into the next room and write him their wish list. Once they place it in the "Santa's Mail" box with their address, Santa will send a response! I know my kids can't wait to hear back!
#3 wouldn't stand still for a photo, which is why this is blurry.
I put the schedule of the Santa Suite at the very top of this post, so try to get in soon!!! Don't forget - if you have a holiday party to plan, the Santa Suite is available for parties of 100 or less! Also, this year they have Elf Rooms for rent!!! You can stay next door to the Santa Suite for the night. Contact Swissôtel for availability and rates - call (312) 268-8235 or email chicago.events@swissotel.com.
Here are a few more photos of the space for you to enjoy:
Entrance
Visit Santa here
Santa's room
Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to answer!
I'm Michelle. I'm a mom of 3 littles who loves to buy stuff and tell other moms about it. Subscribe so you don't miss any updates! And be sure to follow me on:
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