Black Tulle Dress

Dress: Local Boutique (similar) | Cardigan: Target

Hi, everyone! I love this black tulle dress. This is great for the holiday season. I wear it all year around but I think it lends itself well to Christmastime. We finally had our first real snow here. While I have enjoyed the gorgeous, fresh, powder the weather hasn’t been as enjoyable. It’s been a crazy week here, I’m hoping things will slow down a little after the new year.

I got this dress a while ago from a local boutique. I’ve been in love with ever since I picked it up. Like I said earlier, I wear this dress year-around. This is actually a short sleeve dress, I love to throw a cardigan on it and wear it in the winter though. I’m a tulle lover. I love the skirt on this, I think that’s what sold me on this black tulle dress. There’s something about tulle and the holidays that just go together. I wanted to keep the rest of the look pretty simple. I feel like you can get away with wearing all black more at Christmastime (although it doesn’t stop me the rest of the year).

I hope you all enjoyed this post. If you missed my last post I will have it linked here. Also, if you want to find more outfits with tulle, I did one earlier this year that I think will go perfectly for the holidays. I will have it linked here. I can’t believe that it’s already December and Christmas is a week away. I’m so excited. The next few weeks are looking to be quite full but very fun. I hope you all have a lovely week.

What are you getting up to this week? What are you most excited about for the holidays? Let me know in a comment down below. I always love reading them.

Happy Holidays!

x. Cattleya

Gift Guide for Anyone

12 / 15 / 16

Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing a holiday gift guide for anyone. I think these are the perfect gifts for family members or friends.

One: Cable Knit Blanket Throw

In my opinion, I don’t think you can ever have enough blankets. I love to snuggle up on the couch with one. This cable knit throw is so cute. I think it would be a great gift along a with a book for someone.

Two: Portable Charger

I’m not sure how I ever survived without one. These are so useful, especially if you’re going to be out all day without access to an outlet. Perfect for a tech person, or just someone who’s phone always dies.

Three: Macarons

If you don’t know what a macaron is or haven’t tried one, you’re missing out. These little french cookies are heavenly. They have a slight crunch on the outside but chewy on the inside and always have a filling in between. Where I live you can only get them around the holidays so they’re always a treat.

Four: Beanie

If you live somewhere cold I don’t think you can go wrong with a beanie. They’re kind of a necessity when it gets colder. Plus they are so cute! Even if you live somewhere warmer I think beanies are just a cute accessory for the winter time.

Five: Portable Speaker

If you or someone you know likes music portable, bluetooth speakers are perfect! I love blasting music while I’m doing things. It’s just so much fun.

Six: Corkcicle Canteen

I got one of these over the summer and I love it! It will keep your water cold for days. I bring it when I workout, it’s the best. I won’t use anything else now. They come in a bunch of colors, too!

Seven: Polaroid Camera

I’ve always seen these and thought they were really cute. I love the vintage type photos you get with them. This would be perfect for someone who is into photography.

Eight: Monogram Mug

I’m huge mug lover. I have so many. I drink coffee a few times a day and it’s always fun to have a cute mug for it. These monogram ones are gorgeous.

Nine: Planner

If you read my October Favorites, you will know that I have a planner. I can be kind of obsessed with it at times. It keeps me organized and on track. This is the perfect gift for someone who either always has a busy schedule or just likes to keep organized. I like plum paper planners. You can customize them by picking your cover, monogram them, and adding extras to it. Also, if you know someone who is crafty they can add planner stickers to it. Either functional or for decoration. If you would like to check planner stickers out more, my sister has an etsy shop where she sells printable planner kits.

Ten: Phone Case

I don’t normally buy phone cases for myself unless it breaks, so I always love receiving them as gifts. I think they’re perfect for teenagers.

I hope you got some inspiration from the gift guide for anyone. If you missed my last post I will have it linked here.

x. Cattleya

Christmas Traditions

12 / 13 / 16

Hi, everyone. For today’s post I wanted to share some of my Christmas traditions with you. I love this time of year, it’s always so special. In my family we are a big fan of traditions, it’s always fun to look forward to doing some of these things. It puts me in the festive spirit.

When I was little my mom used to put up the Christmas one of the first days in November. As we got older, times got busier and that just wasn’t doable anymore. For the last few years, we’ve started a new tradition of putting up the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving. I love doing this. It makes the day extra special. We put Christmas music on and all help decorate the tree.

I’ve always enjoyed looking at Christmas lights. It makes the cold winter nights a little brighter. Every year the week of Christmas my whole family goes out, we drive around and look at lights. It can be super relaxing to do. Some of the houses around us go all out for Christmas. I’ve seen the houses that sync their lights with music, ones that are completely covered in lights, that make scenes, and houses that put TV’s in their window to make it look like Santa is peaking. I love this Christmas tradition.

I am one of the biggest fans of sugar. I’m not a huge fan of junk food and soda doesn’t really appeal to me that much. But if you put a cookie in front of me, I have to eat it. Every year my mom, sister, and I make a few dozen cookies and a gingerbread house. When we were younger we used to put a ton of candy on the gingerbread house, nowadays we just do it for it for decoration. We make a gingerbread house from scratch, bake it, and buy all the candy from the store. I’ve never actually made one of those store-bought gingerbread houses before.

Another thing we used to do almost every week when we were younger was watch Christmas movies. Every Friday my mom would buy popcorn, soda, and those boxed candies like you would get at the theater, and we would watch Christmas movies. This is another one of those traditions as we’ve gotten older we haven’t been able to do as much. We always get to do it at least once though.

I love wrapping presents, I know some people hate it, but I love it. I consider myself a pro. Every year I take a day just to wrap presents. Normally I blast Christmas music or throw on a movie. I love decorating them and making them look all pretty. It’s just a fun time for me.

I hope you all enjoyed my Christmas traditions. If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here. What’s your Christmas traditions? Leave it in the comments below. I would love to read them.

x. Cattleya

Black and White Skirt

12 / 7 / 1612 / 6 / 16

Top | Skirt (similar) | Necklace (similar)

Hi, everyone! How pretty is this black and white skirt? I’m in love with it, it’s perfect for the holiday season. I love the look of the stripes. Black and white are a classic color combination that I don’t think can be topped. It’s timeless. I always feel a little like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s when I’m in black and white.

A-line skirts are one of the most flattering cuts in my opinion. It cinches in the smallest part of you and then flares out a bit, concealing anything you don’t want to be shown. I am a huge fan of t-shirt, I have a whole drawer in my dresser dedicated to them. Long, three-quarter and short sleeve, I have them all. I love to buy a bunch of neutral t-shirts in various lengths and fits. You can pair them with so much and dress them up or down. I love how this long sleeve tee looks with the black and white skirt.

For accessories I kept it pretty minimal with only a necklace. I love long necklaces when you’re keeping the outfit simple. I find that it adds just the right amount of color and sparkle. I love this silver one, I think it adds the right amount of sparkle for the holidays. You’ve probably seen these booties before, if you have followed my blog. I love the gold buttons, I fell in love with them when I saw them a few years back. The hidden platform makes them easier to walk in.

I hope you got some inspiration from this black and white skirt. If you missed my last post I will have it linked here. Follow me on my social media, they’re linked in the side bar or down below. I always love connecting with you. Enjoy the rest of your week!

x. Cattleya

Gift Guide for Her

12 / 5 / 1612 / 5 / 16

Hi everyone! Today I’m sharing my holiday gift guide for her. I will be posting a few more holiday gift guides so keep your eye out for those. All of these items are things that I would love to give/receive. I hope that you get some ideas from this gift guide for her.

One: Coco Mademoiselle – Chanel

Coco Mademoiselle is my favorite Chanel fragrance at the moment. I think is such a versatile scent for all ages. I always love receiving perfumes for holidays. If you aren’t sure if you would like the scent before you buy it, you can always ask for a sample or buy the roller.

Two: Monogram Ring – Bauble Bar

I’m a huge fan of delicate rings. I have small fingers so I feel like larger rings are too much for my hand most of the time. This monogram ring is perfect! I love personalized things especially during the holidays.

Three: Body Butter – The Body Shop

Body Shop body butters are some of the best in my opinion. They always make your skin feel so soft and smell amazing!

Four: Leather Tote – Kate Spade

I’m not sure you can ever go wrong with a black tote. They’re so versatile and you can carry a ton of things in them. I love the small tassels too.

Five: Blanket Scarf

I’ve seen blanket scarves everywhere this season. If you live where it gets colder I feel like this is a must, plus they’re also super cute!

Six: Candles – Jo Malone

I am a huge candles lover. If you know someone who is like me and want to get them something special, I feel a Jo Malone candle is the perfect gift.

Seven: Bow Heels

I’m in love with these bow heels. They’re different from most pumps and are perfect for a girly girl. The color goes with so much, too.

Eight: Cosmetic Bag

How cute is this make up bag? I saw it in Victoria’s Secret a few months ago and feel in love. The colors are perfect and that bow just makes the bag. Everyone needs a makeup bag, especially when traveling. I don’t think you can have too many.

Nine: Lipstick Set – Burberry

I love these beauty sets during the holidays. It gives you the chance to try multiple products for a cheaper price. I find that they last for a long time too. These from Burberry are gorgeous.

Ten: Gel Nail Polish – Essie

I’ve loved gel nail polish lately. I find that it lasts longer and doesn’t chip as soon. If you’ve read my blog for a while you will know that Essie is mt favorite polish brand. I love this pink color, its gorgeous!

I hope you all enjoyed this gift guide for her. If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here.

x. Cattleya

November Favorites 2016

11 / 30 / 1611 / 28 / 16

Hi, everyone! Today I’m sharing my November favorites. I know I say this every time, but I can’t believe another month has already gone by. November was really busy, I’m looking forward to the holiday break and things to slow down a bit. I cannot wait for the holiday season, it’s my favorite time of year!

Makeup Wipes

I’ve used make up wipes for a while now, it wasn’t until I ran out that I realized how much I loved them. I used to do a two-step cleansing process to get all of my makeup off, now I just use makeup wipes to carry out the same thing. These by Neutogena are my favorite! They don’t irritate my skin like ones I’ve used in the past. They always get all of my makeup off and are super easy.

Scarves

It’s finally started to get colder here, which means I’m able to pull out the scarves. I’m a huge lover of scarves, especially in the winter. I own them in so many colors, patterns, and fabrics. They make styling outfits simpler with the added bonus of keeping me warm.

Peppermint Creamer

If you know me, you know that I love coffee. Maybe, just maybe, as much as the Gilmore Girls do. However, I’m not a huge fan of just black coffee. I love to add creamer to mine. In the autumn I add pumpkin spice creamer. Recently I discovered International Delights Peppermint Mocha creamer. It is so good! I’ve become obsessed with it. If you’re someone like me you need to give it a try.

Sparkly Nail Polish

This was a rediscovery this month. I had painted my nails the other day with this polish from Essie and fell in love again. I’m a huge sparkles fan but I hadn’t painted sparkles on my nails in forever. I think will be perfect for the holiday season.

Laura Geller Highlighter

I’ve used this highlighter for a while now. I love the subtle glow it gives. It’s the perfect barely-there shade while still giving some shimmer.

Fuzzy Blanket

I recently went to a Christmas craft show and picked up this fuzzy blanket. I’m in love with it. The color is gorgeous and I love the pattern. There’s something about a fuzzy blanket that makes you 10 times comfier. I use it all the time now. It’s the fuzziest blanket I own.

I hope you my November Favorites. If you missed my last post I will have it linked here.

x. Cattleya

Chunky Oversized Sweater

11 / 28 / 16

Sweater: SheIn | Jeans: Hollister | Boots: DSW | Necklace: Kohls, old (similar)

Hi, everyone! Isn’t this chunky oversized sweater from SheIn so cute? I think its perfect for the winter. I’m a huge fan of oversized sweaters in the colder months. There’s just something about being wrapped up in a huge sweater that’s so cozy. If you have followed my blog for a while, you will know that I’m a huge fan of neutrals. They just go with everything! I love this gray color. It’s a bit lighter in person than as shown through the camera. The neckline is a bit wider for a bit of an off-the-shoulder look.

I feel with a chunky oversized sweater that you can either dress it up or dress it down. I went with something in between today. Skinny jeans go with just about everything in my book. These pair perfectly with the looseness of the sweater. Ankle booties or really boots in general are my favorite footwear for autumn/winter. I love these black ones, the heel is a bit chunky so they’re very easy and comfortable to walk in. I prefer longer necklaces with tops like this. This silver, sparkly, circle one is so cute. I love the crystal circles. The length is perfect for me, too.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrated it. Mine was very laid back but I loved it. It was nice to just be able to relax and spend time with family. If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here. Follow me on my social medias, they’re linked in the sidebar or down below. I always love connecting with you! I’m so excited for the holiday season. Keep a look out for holiday posts on here.

x. Cattleya

Disclaimer: Some of these items were sent to me for free to review. All opinions are my own.

I’m Thankful…

11 / 24 / 1611 / 23 / 16

Hi, everyone! Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate it. For Today’s post I wanted to share some of the things I’m thankful for. I have many reasons to be thankful but sometimes I don’t always stop to recognize and appreciate everything I have. So on days like today, where we are all reminded of what we are thankful for, I stop and see how blessed I am.

My Family

I don’t have a huge family. I can count all my cousins on one hand. But I’m extremely thankful for the family I do have. My parents have always tried their best with raising my sister and I. I don’t think I could ever thank them enough for what they have done for me. My sister is one of my best friends, even though we may fight sometimes, I’m thankful for her. My grandparents have always spoiled us, I’m so grateful for the relationship I have with them and the impact they’ve had on my life. I’m thankful for the relationship I have with my aunt, and growing closer to her as the years go on. She’s the, self-proclaimed, coolest aunt ever, but I do have to agree. I love my cousins and being able to spend time with them. This year we welcomed the newest cousin to our family, Lucie. Earlier that year we found out that Lucie had Down Syndrome. It’s been so amazing to watch her grow and overcome all the challenges laid before her. She has been the biggest blessing in my life and I am so incredibly thankful for her.

My Friends

I’m a quality over quantity type person. I have a handful of close friends and they’re just amazing! I have such a special relationship with each one of them. I couldn’t imagine my life without my person or my best friend. They make me so incredibly happy. I’m very thankful for them. I know I wouldn’t be the same person without each one of them.

The Opportunities I’ve Been Given

I’m very grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given. I realize not everyone can travel or experience the things I have and for that I am grateful. I am thankful for this life of mine. I’m thankful for all the people who have touched my life and been an influence in it. I’m thankful for this blog and all of you. You all have made an impact on my life this past year. It’s so amazing watching this blog grow and connect with all of you. Thank you for the opportunities you have given me. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for my little corner of the world.

If you’ve read all of this thank you for sticking around. I know this is a bit of a lengthy and sappy post. If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here.

x. Cattleya

Related Blogposts:

A Weekend Getaway

South Carolina

Leather Jacket

11 / 22 / 16

Jacket: Kenneth Cole (similar) | Shirt: Target | Jeans: Hollister | Scarf: similar style | Boots: Kohls (similar)

Hi, everyone! For today’s post I’m sharing how I styled this leather jacket. I’ve had this leather jacket for a while now, but I haven’t worn it that often. I pulled it out of my closet a few weeks ago and I’ve enjoyed wearing it. It’s something a bit different for my style. This is a great casual outfit for autumn.

If you’ve read my blog for a while, then you will know that I’m a huge fan of the color maroon. Pashmina scarves are some of my favorites for the colder months. Unlike cashmere (which is another favorite of mine), pashmina is more on the silk side while still being soft. I own a bunch of pashmina scarves, they continue to be a staple in my autumn/winter wardrobe. I like to wear them when I want my scarf to be part of my outfit. Most of the time I wear my cashmere scarves for warmth with my coats when it’s really cold out.

White t-shirts are a must for me, I like to have them in a variety of sleeve lengths and styles. This one is a long sleeve white tee. It adds an extra layer to keep me warm. Skinny jeans are my favorite. These dark wash ones go really well with this outfit. Another thing you would know if you’ve read my blog for a while is my love of riding boots. These are two-toned. Normally brown and black don’t go too well together but I think they go perfectly in these boots.

I hope you all are having a lovely week. Sorry the blog post was a day late this week. Life has been crazy. If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here. Follow me on my social medias, they’re linked in the side bar and down below.

x. Cattleya

How to Style Booties – Collab with The Daily Delicacy

11 / 18 / 1611 / 18 / 16

Hi everyone! For today’s post I’m teaming up with Hannah from The Daily Delicacy to share how we style boots for this autumn season. On my post I will be sharing how to style booties and on hers she will be sharing how to style riding boots. Both of us will share how to style boots for a more casual look and a more dressy look. If you don’t know who Hannah is you definitely need to check her out. Like me, she blogs about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I always love how she styles her outfits and her posts are amazing! I love booties. They go with so much and are perfect for the autumn season. I used the same shoe for both looks so you could see how versatile they are.

Shirt: Aeropostale | Jeans: Hollister | Sweater: Kaisely | Necklace: Charming Charlie (similar style) (same necklace different color) | Booties: DSW

For my more casual look I went with this gray sweater. I love sweaters in the autumn time, they’re so warm and comfy. V-neck T-shirts are some of my favorite things to wear. I love this black loose-fitting one. I’ve been really into cuffing my jeans lately, I think it looks really good with the booties. And of course, the booties. I love these black ones with black ones with the bow detail. The thicker heel makes them easier to walk in throughout the day. I think this is the perfect casual look for a day out with friends.

Top: Kohls (similar style)| Cardigan: Target (similar style) | Skirt: old (similar style) | Booties: DSW

For my more dressy look I went with a skirt and some tights. I think this outfit would be perfect for the upcoming holiday season. If you’ve read my blog for a while you will know that this red color is one of my favorites for autumn. I just can’t get enough of it. I really like this top, I love the swooshing details. The skirt I think is just so cute and different. I don’t really see many skirt like it. I love the floral sewn detailing. The belt just adds a little sparkle to it. When it’s cold I like to wear tights. I think tights are a cute way to wear a skirt while keeping warm. Black tights are my favorite. The booties I think dress up the outfit and finish it off perfectly.

I hope you all enjoyed how to style booties. Head over to The Daily Delicacy to see how to style riding boots. Thank you Hannah for doing this collaboration with me! If you missed my last blog post I will have it linked here.

x. Cattleya