It's December 25!

Enjoy this beautiful day of giving!
Put on a pretty outfit, spend time with your loved ones, drink something warm, eat LOTS of food, and be thankful for life and love. It's not all about the gifts, but DO enjoy receiving too!

Merry Christmas lovelies!

Stylishly yours,
Sarah 

"It is the night of our dear Savior's birth!"

The Secret's Out!!

A few months ago, N.E.E.T. Magazine's editor asked me to be a part of a TOP SECRET book project to celebrate the mag's fifth anniversary this December. I couldn't NOT be a part of a project as VIP as that, so I jumped on board.

Well, the book is officially available for sale, and it's just as beautiful and "n.e.e.t." as you'd expect! I'm one of the five N.E.E.T. writers and had the honor of interviewing some of the best indie designers around. You'll have to buy yourself a copy, so you can admire this gem of a book in real life. I can't wait to get my hands on one!

Read more about the new book here!

Happy 5th Birthday N.E.E.T. Magazine!

xoxo,
Sarah

Pictorial Ode to Fall

Fall is almost on its way out...oh my, oh my! I'm always sad when fall comes to an end. For a brief time (not long enough), the weather is perfect, the leaves are colorful, and the fashion is just right. I love that sweetness and little chill in the air, which is more than bearable with a bright cardi or lightweight trench.

With it being December, it's time to say goodbye to fall weather. Winter is quickly on its way, bringing in beautiful coats, warm boots, lovely hats, knitted scarves, and leather gloves. It'll be great, really it will. I just have a special place in my heart for fall and hate to see it go so soon!

What I Wore:
* Tunic/Dress - under $20 - Forever 21
* Boyfriend Cardigan - under $15 - NY & Co.
* Jeggings - under $25 - Pac Sun
* Tall Boots - $50 - local boutique
* Scarf - FREE - gift from my sister (London street market)
* Leaf Earrings - $4.80 - Forever 21
* Vintage Purse - $5 - thrifted

xoxo,
Sarah

P.S. Enjoy a pretty little video with fall scenery from A Fine Frenzy:

Latest Obsession: Blow Dry Bars

As I mentioned earlier, I had some quality time with the newest issue of InStyle Magazine while I was waiting for my plane home a few weekends ago. Since we're quickly nearing the end of 2010, this issue was loaded with so much loveliness that I still need to finish "studying" everything. During my LONG delay at the airport, I spent most of my time reading the STYLE 100 section, which included the top 100 fashionable highlights from the year. You better believe that I folded down a bunch of page corners!

Well, #52 in the STYLE 100 especially caught my interest. Over a week later, I am still talking, thinking, and tweeting about it...

BLOW DRY BARS!!!

Source: Dry Bar LA

Blow dry bars are much like your typical hair salons, except that the services are limited to washes and blowouts, meaning no cuts or dyes. By cutting out those regular, expected salon services, it actually opens the door for stylists to focus on creating more complicated hairdos. Customers go to blow dry bars specifically to get salon-quality styled hair without having to wait for the next cut. 

At first, I thought this idea sounded a little crazy, but the more I've researched it the more I can't wait to visit one of these salons. Yes, the prices can be a little steep, but it would definitely be worth the investment, every now and then, for special occasions (like upcoming holiday parties). I'm already planning to visit BLOW, the NYC salon that InStyle credits for starting it all, next time I'm up that way. Also, fortunately for me, new blow dry bars are already popping up nationwide, so maybe one will turn up around here in the near future. I sure hope so!

Where to go for blowouts:

* BLOW - NYC

* Dry Bar - Los Angeles (new locations coming)

* Bubble Blow Dry - Los Angeles

* Republic Salon & Blow Out Bar - Folsom, CA

* Blo - San Francisco

* Swink Style Bar - Seattle

* HERSHESONS - London (salon has hair tutorials here)

When I go, I want my hair styled something like Lily Donaldson or Taylor Swift's waves. I think it would look especially pretty swept to one side.

Source: Style.com

Source: Poozt

If you live near any of the salons listed or even a different blow dry bar, please pay a visit for me. Tell me what you think, so I can live vicariously through you! 

 

xoxo,

Sarah

Thankful

It has been a really wonderful year, and I have so much to be thankful for right now. I have been met with some tremendous opportunities and experiences that I wouldn't trade for anything. Some are wrapping up and others just beginning, so, on this Thanksgiving Day, I find it especially fitting to sit back and reflect.

I am thankful for...
* Faith - I don't know everyone's religious backgrounds, but I think most of us would agree that there is a higher power at work in this world. To let you in on my beliefs, I am blessed to have the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He is my Rock, my Savior, and the guiding force in my life. He brings me through the trials, and He deserves all the glory for my successes. Without Him, I have no purpose!

* Family - I can honestly say that I have a family who would do anything for me. My parents have been huge in helping me pursue my dreams and passions, especially this year. I couldn't have asked for greater support, sacrifice, and selflessness from them. I'm also thankful for my beautiful sisters and awesome bro-in-law, who always offer a listening ear and wise advice. I love you guys!

* Friends - As I've said before, relationships are huge to me. I enjoy making new friends, keeping up with old ones, and loving on people around me. I am blessed with so many amazing friends and mentors who have invested in my life. I treasure the memories past and those to come!  

* Freedom - I am proud and grateful to be an American, born with freedoms that are unheard of in so many countries around the world. I'm thankful that Christopher Columbus ran into the Americas and that the Pilgrims took a leap of faith in settling at Plymouth plantation, enduring a brutal winter and suffering tragic losses (I can't even imagine it). I'm thankful for the Founding Fathers, who fought for the freedoms that I enjoy today, and for those who continue fighting.

* Fashion - Obviously, I had to bring fashion back into the equation somehow. That's the fashionista in me! I am thankful for the beauty, creativity, and fun that the fashion industry provides. I love that fashion blogging found me unexpectedly when I started contributing at DFOF over a year ago. Now I have my own creative outlet with Fashionable Conversation and new ideas flooding my brain almost daily. I still get excited about new trends, figuring out my own style, searching for the next must-have, taking style risks, and meeting others who share the same love of fashion. In addition, I love my growing community of fashion blogger friends and hope to meet up with some of you girls someday! <3

Now that I've written an essay, I want to hear from you! What are you thankful for?

xoxo,
Sarah

Photo taken with my sister's Holga!

Business Professional

Here's another look at my work clothes. I love all these pieces because I can mix and match them to create a multitude of professional outfits. So convenient and economical!

What I Wore:
* Silk Shirt - $13 - TJ Maxx
* Pencil Skirt - $20 - Target
* Blazer - under $25 - Target
* Tights - FREE - my grandma's closet
* Platform Pumps by Madden Girl - $34 - TJ Maxx
* Vintage Clutch - FREE - my grandma's closet
* Pendant Necklace - FREE - gift from my grandma

Hair:
* Hot rollers - I dried my hair almost completely (a little dampness helps) and set the rollers somewhat randomly around my head. For loose curls, I left them in about 5-7 minutes.

xoxo,
Sarah

Many moons ago...

Many moons ago (before I even had side bangs!), I took these pictures with my bestie. I came across them randomly and decided the blogging world should admire them. Enjoy!

 

Our era of inspiration for the last three pictures was the 1970s, and I love how my hair looks. Maybe I should get layers again, tease up my hair, and go all retro glam? Nah, not yet. I finally got my layers grown out! 

Oh, but I kind of want more interest in my hair. Layers might be nice. Opinions please?

xoxo,

Sarah