14 Favorite Outfits of 2014

It's time for my yearly recap of my favorite outfits of the year! Instead of a collage like the ones I've put together in previous years (see my 12 Favorite Outfits of 2012 and 13 Favorite Outfits of 2013), I decided to adopt Julia of Lemon Stripes' strategy and just pick a full-size photo from each month for your scrolling pleasure. If you want to get more details about any of the outfits, clicking the month caption below will take you to that post.

January



February



March



April One


April Two



May



June



July



August



September



October



November One



November Two



December

For me, 2014 had some amazingly wonderful moments (marrying my love in Paris) and some difficult times (my dad's sudden illness and treatment beginning this summer). I am very excited for the new year and all the adventures it will bring, and I am hopeful that all of my family, friends, and readers stay healthy and happy.

Thank you so much for following along with me this year!
May your 2015 be filled with love, success, good times, and happiness!

x, Tam

A Little Sparkle

Dress: ASOS | Coat: H&M | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Tights: Forever 21 | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Clutch: Jimmy Choo | Necklace and Earrings: J.Crew | Watch: kate spade

Sharing some New Year's Eve outfit inspiration today! I've worn this dress a couple times already this holiday season already, and I may reach for it again this Wednesday.

Hope this look brings a little sparkle to your Monday!

x, Tam

Merry Merry

Coat: J.Crew (last year's--see it styled here; find a similar one in petite, regular, tall and plus sizing at Old Navy) | Turtleneck: H&M | Skirt: ASOS | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Bag: Valentino (available at Nordstrom or Farfetch, where I found mine) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Necklace: Ann Taylor | Watch: Michael Kors | Lips: NARS 'Cruella' + Fresh Sugar Cherry

I wanted to wish all my lovely readers a very merry Christmas and the happiest of holidays--from my little family to yours! Below are a couple watercolor illustrations (including Stanley's Christmas portrait) and some lettering I did for my holiday cards this year. Hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating with your loved ones.

Happy Holidays!

x, Tam

Cozy Plaid (+ Sorel Slimpack Riding Boot Review)

Sweater: Anthropologie | Jeans: J Brand (the Mid-Rise Crop with its 27" inseam is perfect for no-alterations, ankle-length petite jeans) | Boots: Sorel 'Slimpack Riding' | Bag: Coach | Scarf: ASOS (currently out of stock, similar here) | Watch: Michael Kors

Since I haven't been able to do outfit photos during the week lately (Standard Time means I usually leave work well after dark), I've had to cluster my photo shoots on the weekends, which seem to be the only time it snows here. Although I prefer sunshine, I was happy to give my new Sorels a test run last weekend to see how they held up in cold, wet conditions.

I love my Frye boots, but they are definitely not made for wet weather, and my Hunter rain boots aren't always warm enough when it's really chilly. I decided to try out the Sorel Slimpack Riding Boots to fill the need for something "in between" during our Colorado winters. For mixing form with function, I liked the combination of leather upper + rubber shoe and sole + microfleece lining.

I found the sizing to run small. I normally wear a 5-5.5, and I ordered a 6 in these, which fit well for me with winter socks. While the calf area is pretty wide for smaller legs, the back has an adjustable tab that can be tightened to make them smaller. While this creates a bit of an awkward fold, I didn't find it to be uncomfortable or noticeable while I was wearing the boots.

Overall, they were comfortable right off the bat, and I wore them for an afternoon of walking and shopping at an outdoor mall with no break-in time necessary. My only complaint was that they were almost too warm for indoors when doing so much walking; while outdoors, on the other hand, I was cozy and warm in 20-degree weather. So far, I have found them to be waterproof in snow, slush, and rain, but I haven't given them a try in deep snow or big puddles. I'm planning to update this post with that info once I get to test them out in those conditions (I'm crossing my fingers for some snow this week in the mountains!).

Hope you're having a lovely Christmas week!

x, Tam

Simple Neutrals

Blazer: J.Crew (now 30% off with code GIVETHIS) | Blouse: Banana Republic (in solid black here) | Coat: J.Crew (two seasons' ago, this season's here, also 30% off) | Jeans: Topshop | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Bag: Valentino (available at Nordstrom or Farfetch, where I found mine) | Bracelets: David Yurman | Watch: Michele | Lips: NARS "Yu" + Fresh Sugar Berry

For the last week or so, it has been very hard to believe it's December in Denver. While mornings can be chilly, I've found myself carrying my coat and wishing I hadn't worn boots by noon almost daily. I know the snow will be back soon, though, so I haven't given up hope for a white Christmas.

Last weekend, sunshine and 60-degree weather made it comfortable to be out and about in a 3/4-sleeve blazer. This blazer (the Sidney style from J.Crew) has become one of my favorite wardrobe staples over the last few months. I originally purchased a pinstriped version as part of a suit, and I loved how flattering and slim the fit was without any alterations. Although J.Crew's suiting pieces can be spendy, they often run 25-30% off promotions (like the one they're running right now with code GIVETHIS). To me, the cost is worth it when I don't have to spend additional time and money getting them tailored to fit.

I'm off to my work holiday party this evening--I'll share my look with you next week. Hope you have a great weekend!

Happy Friday!

x, Tam

Gift Guide: The Perfect Gift for the Hostess

1. The cutest wine tote
2. A Jo Malone candle in heavenly 'Blackberry and Bay'
3. Cozy throws for their home
4. A whimsical his and hers highball glass set from kate spade
5. A guide to being Parisian wherever you are
6. Golden monogrammed mugs from Anthropologie
7. Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
8. Hand-lettered olive oil dipping plates
9. "Rising to the Occasion: the Best Toasts for Any Celebration"
10. This gold bottle opener is both lovely and immediately useful
11. Christmas crackers to add a little excitement to Christmas dinner
12. A set of monogrammed copper Moscow Mule mugs
13. A festive bottle of mulled winter punch
14. A classic petite ginger jar in a Chinoiserie pattern
15. Delicious Cappuccino Truffles

Wherever you're planning to celebrate over the holidays, it's always nice to bring a little something for the host and/or hostess. I hope today's gift guide gives you a few ideas that will leave your hosts feeling pleased and appreciated! (P.S. The widget below has a few more easy ideas mixed in that didn't make it to the official guide if you're still stumped.)

In other exciting news, Anthropologie is running an additional 30% off sale items today--below are a few of my picks.

Need more inspired gift ideas? Check out my gift guide for him and for the busy girl. Happy holiday shopping!

x, Tam

Work Outfit: Navy + Nude

Dress: Anthropologie | Jacket: Arden B. | Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Bag: Givenchy (also here and here) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Watch: kate spade | Lips: NARS 'Yu'

Sharing a favorite work outfit today! This Anthro dress is beautifully made and makes looking put-together so easy. I love finding dresses that are conservative enough for the courtroom, yet still have a few unique details to add interest. Hope you're having a great week so far!

x, Tam