Loves! I hope Santa was good to you! I hope that you felt love, saw family, friends, and are too much pie! And now, it’s time to get what you really wanted! I’ll update this throughout the week but below see my picks from Nordstorms and Saks!! Happy Shopping!
This is it! We made it to the holiday! And no matter what you have left to do–baking, buying, celebrating, you deserved to look and feel your best! My solution? The combo of holiday fancy (velvet, that’s velvet) and comfort. This dress is actually a vintage dressing gown (from Bloomers and Frocks ) and it’s one of the most comfortable things I own–but it looks amazing! It has all of the vintage perfection-details and small waist, yet,due to its dressing gown nature, flows in all the right places. With the right shoes, I’m ready for all the celebrating to come!
A note about the holiday: We are down Sunday but will be back next Wednesday with new content! During our “down days” make sure to check us out on Instagram (@racheladelicia–and did you know my looks are shop able? With Witlee (Witlee or on Shop Style (both the site and the app!) I will be posting sale updates and past looks to Facebook (for your escapism and to help you with that holiday $$).
The clock is winding down, and I’m hoping that your shopping is going well! I hope that you’re done, or down to the last few, and are able to relax this season! My last gift guide is for kids, and while I don’t even pretend to be an expert on the latest toys, I’m sharing things that have made the kids in my life smile! Also: buy books! I love to share my love of reading! And if nothing else, I approve of red boots!
Puzzles, games, books, all make great gifts.
I love clothes with sass–even for kids! These JCrew monster picks are great, as are any leggings or graphic tees!
Old School games like pin ball, Pac Man, etc are great ideas
Keep it simple with a great toy–doll or stuffed animal. Every kid loves having a new friend
Fun accersories for kids are a thing. And I love them!
What I love about this French silk, vintage dress is that it’s multi-faceted. The color blocking, the belt, the silver thread–it makes me feel like I would fit in at any holiday party, at any French Disco, or simply a lovely meal. It’s part party and part comfortable–and it works for this time of the year. The colors are holiday, but it feels more NYE to me–I envision dancing all night in it! And the details! The top of the dress can be buttoned high (shown here) or left undone for a more sultry look! Versatility, it’s what’s for fashion!
I’m a big fan of celebrating yourself at this time of year! I have a tradition of saving up and buying myself something special for the holidays–if you don’t who will? So below I present some of my picks and ideas on gifts for you.
It is no secret that I am a shoe lover–so, more often than not, presents to me from me involve shoes. They’re a good choice. I love these Valentino boots, but any shoe you love will do!
I love personalized items, and leather jackets are no exceptions. I love the cameo here, but there are a ton of options!
Yes, a nice bag or wallet. But, especially this year, anything Gucci. Anything
In the name of pampering yourself, a silk night gown or robe. It makes a proper lay in all the more satisfying, and is all about you. I love “For Love and Lemons”, but you can get a personalized one from Velvet California too!
In the vein of being nice to yourself, a satin pillow case or eye mask. Is great for wrinkles and keeps your blow outs! They also feel amazing!
What I love about this velvet suit is that it’s part PJ Sexy, holiday glamour, and all comfy! The parts look great seperately -if you follow me on Instagram (@racheladelica) you know that I love wearing the jacket with jeans and vans. I love the pants with a sweater or tee. It looks great together, with sneakers or heels. Velevet suits are plush, and yet remain edgy! I love the deep navy of this one, but any color in velvet works! Do you have one? How do you wear it?
Loves, it’s getting close to crunch time. You may be overwhelmed with parties, plans and events. You may have guests, you may be a guest in someone’s home. It’s the holiday season and as amazing as it is to be with our loved ones and celebrate with friends, how do we stay sane?
Alone Time
I’m an introvert, an outgoing one, but one that needs and craves alone time. When I was younger I would push myself to be at every party till the last minute, say yes to every invite and spend as much time out and about as possible! The result? I burned out. I’ve now accepted that I need time alone, and also know that it’s not a bad thing–I’m a better me when I have it! But every year the holiday season can lead to over scheduling and the temptation to go-go-go. My solution? I schedule alone time. From a night in to an afternoon alone, I make sure that I have time built in just for me. Everyone needs a different amount of alone time, but I think in the hustle and bustle of the season that we all need a little down time. Build it in.
Work Outs
I’ve mentioned more than once that I’m a workout junkie, and while there is a physical component to that, there’s a mental one as well. My workouts keep me grounded, in my body, and a bit more sane. This time of year can lead to over-indulging in all sorts of ways, but knowing that I have a workout planned helps me not freak out about that. It also allows me to release any frustration that I’ve let built up. My faves? Spinning, Pilates, dance, barre and boxing.
Volunteering
In this season, it can be easy to get caught up in the commercialism. What we have, what we can give, what we buy. There are those who don’t have that luxury, for whom the bare necessities are a struggle. A friend recently reminded me that giving back is the best gift. So volunteering for a shelter, with kids, sending money to those who need us in Syria; anything that reminds us that we are truly rich–and that this season isn’t about the number of presents. It’s a win-win.
To de-stress I also have a habit of watching Christmas commercials and movies. We know my favorite movie for the season is “Miracle on 34th St” but I also love “White Christmas” (the songs get me!) and this year these are the commercials I love:
Those slip dresses that were so on trend last season? There’s no need to put them away! Simply layer shirts, sweaters, or tops under them–I love this sequin number. It adds a pop of holiday without overtstateing it (this would look great with anything though!) And these shoes! We know I tend to veer towards heels for all the things, but I love this No 21 slippers, they are “dressy” (yet go great with jeans and shorts) and add just another element to this look! I wore this to a lunch, but it would be a great holiday party outfit!
See my thoughts on dressy flats here!
This week’s gift guide is for the house! Perfect for the couple or family on your list, or even just for you! Happy Shopping!! XO RA
A salt plate is a great way to cook everything from meats and veggies to cookies! The foodie in your life will love it, but it’s simple enough for a novice to use!
Have you ever wondered: what are we going to do with all these photos on our phones? One option: print them, and printers like this one make it easy!
Make fancy drinks (or not so fancy drinks) with a fruit keg–it turns any fruit into a punch bowl! Perfect for entertaining
Hot chocolate boxes, popcorn sets, chocolate. Even steak of the month clubs–all are great ideas for families!