Hello, Framboise!: 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

12 Favorite Outfits from 2012

Happy New Year!

P.S. My Amrita Singh/Urban Decay Holiday Giveaway just ended--see the winners here.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you probably already know I'm an avid skier (as good Coloradan girls should be). One of my Christmas wishes came true yesterday--a gorgeous powder day on Christmas morning! This is what I wore. Hope your Christmas was just as wonderful!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

A Holiday Giveaway -- Featuring Amrita Singh & Urban Decay

Happy holidays, readers! As a thanks to you, I'm giving away an Amrita Singh bracelet set and a great set of plumping gloss, eyeliner, and a shimmery eyeshadow palette from Urban Decay.

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada over 13 years of age and will run through midnight on New Year's Eve (EST). Approximate retail value of the prizes is $120 for the bracelet set and $38 for the makeup set. There will be two winners, one for each prize.

To participate, all you have to do is enter your email so that I can contact you if you win! If you'd like to get extra entries, you can follow the additional instructions below and like, tweet, or follow this blog (don't worry--you'll get credit for following on other platforms if you already do!). You can be sure that I will never share your information with anyone, and I won't retain it for any other purposes, commercial or otherwise. Full terms and conditions are available below.

Many thanks again for your support, and may your next few days be very merry and bright!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 21, 2012

Weekend Chill

Stay warm, everyone, and very happy holidays to you and yours!

Monday, December 17, 2012

Blue Breeze

The verdict on this bag? I'm glad I kept it. It's been a great addition to my winter wardrobe and is even more versatile than I expected. I like the contrast of the fluorescent pink with the cobalt color of this tunic.

I picked this tunic up from Jovie a couple months ago, and while it's in kids' sizing, the cut of it is such that it's flattering on a petite grown-up, too. I did, however, make the mistake of throwing it in the dryer, which made it a little shorter and tighter than I might ideally want--hence the long vest and sweater tights to make it a little more modest. (Note to self: must read care instructions more carefully!)

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

3-2-1 Contrast

While this gorgeous peacoat didn't initially appear to be all that special from the online photos, I fell hopelessly in love with it as soon as I tried it on at my local J.Crew. I waited a bit for a reasonable sale and snapped up a 00P, which fit me like a dream. The wool is thick, cozy, and soft, and the contrast piping makes any winter outfit look clean, elegant, and polished (like the everyday work ensemble in these photos). With the extra ~~25% off (code: HOLIDAY)~~ 30% off (code: WISHLIST) and free shipping available right now, I'm ~~seriously considering ordering a second in another color~~ thinking this peacoat might be a good alternative since the one I'm wearing is sold out in many sizes.

Hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday, readers! Happy 12/12/12!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Winter Respite

As my mom is wont to say, "No good vacation goes unpunished." I've been playing catch-up for the last week after being away, and it's definitely no picnic. Looking through these photos was a good reminder for me that it really is worth it to take vacations, especially when they involve beaches in the winter!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Vacation Chic

These photos are from my little getaway last week. It was so wonderful and relaxing--I wish I were still there! It was fun to pull out some of my favorite summery pieces (like this comfy maxi dress) for a last hurrah until spring.

Readers, do you have any warm-weather vacations planned for the holidays? Where are you going?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Thank You, a Milestone, and Petite Fashion Challenge #21: The Fashionators

First of all, I want to say THANK YOU so much to all my readers for supporting this blog for the last year. It has been a wonderful experience, and it wouldn't have been possible without your readership and support! This is the 100th post on Hello, Framboise!, and I'm looking forward to sharing many more with you.

For this Petite Fashion Challenge, the lovely KTR asked us to "create an outfit for an occasion (of your choice: attending a wedding, in a wedding, a holiday party, Kentucky Derby, etc.) and utilize a headpiece as the focal point to make a “fashionator” statement. This headpiece can be a fascinator, a fancy headband, a delicate flower or a big hat. Feel free to get as creative as you like!"

Headband: Nordstrom (similar here) | Dress: 5-7-9 (So old, I know! Find a cute one that's not 10+ years old here) | Coat: Gap (old, similar here) | Shoes: Jessica Simpson (similar here) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (on sale via Bluefly!) | Bracelets: Tiffany, Swarovski, F21

While I didn't have a full-fledged fascinator around the house, I thought this pretty crystal headband jazzed up this holiday party ensemble nicely. I actually rediscovered this dress as I was rummaging through my closet looking for a suitable headpiece, and I realized that the burgundy velvet was as on-trend now as it was when I wore it to a high school homecoming dance. I love when "everything old is new again."

To see the other entries for this Petite Fashion Challenge, visit KTRStyle. Can't get enough PFC? Browse my previous entries here.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Stripes, Spots, and Sunshine

I was considering heading up to the mountains this weekend to ski, but I'm glad I didn't since the weather was unbelievably beautiful in Denver. It was sunny and warm--so warm that I was able to wear this outfit on a leisurely walk to one of my favorite brunch spots. I had thrown a sweater and scarf into my bag, but I didn't have to touch either one!

The long-sleeved J.Crew Painter Tee I'm wearing here became an instant hit after I picked it up during the most recent 30% off final sale. It has a very flattering slim cut around the waist that makes it perfect for tucking in, like I did here, or for leaving untucked over jeans. It's definitely on my list of "closet classics" I'll probably purchase again in the future.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

All the Frills

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Hot Hot Pink

On a whim, I decided a flash sale warranted picking up this Cambridge Satchel Co. fluorescent pink cross-body bag. As I expected, the quality is excellent, and the color packs a serious punch.

In looking at my wardrobe, though, I'm not totally sure about this bag's possibilities, and its practicality leaves quite a bit to be desired (buckling and unbuckling the two leather straps in front seems like a logistical nightmare when trying to run errands or answer a ringing cell phone). That said, I am in love with how it transforms a neutral outfit like this one from ho-hum to head-turning.

What do you all think--keep this bag or return it for something more versatile and practical?

Monday, November 5, 2012

Bonjour!

Sweater: ASOS | Shirt: Abercrombie | Skirt: H&M (similar in faux leather or the real deal) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker Perfect Day | Shoes: Nine West (similar here) | Bag: Tory Burch (this color no longer available--other colors here) | Necklace: Amrita Singh | Bracelets: J.Crew (similar pyramid stud bracelet here), F21 (similar love bangle and chain bangles)

Ah, the Golden Hour--that magical time of day when the light is warm, inviting, and perfect for photos. I love the times when my photographer and I can get it together and snap a few pictures during this gorgeous part of the day. This was one of those times.