It's time for my yearly recap of my favorite outfits from the last 365 days! If you want to get more details about any of the looks pictured, clicking the caption below the corresponding photo will take you to that full post. To see how my style has evolved in my four years of blogging, check out my 12 Favorite Outfits of 2012, 13 Favorite Outfits of 2013 and 14 Favorite Outfits of 2014.
A bit of reflection on this year: 2015 had some wonderful moments for me. I checked two beautiful countries off my travel bucket list: Australia and Greece. Sean and I celebrated our first anniversary and have continued to learn and grow as a married couple. I achieved a number of career goals, including testifying before my state legislature and completing a very serious and complicated trial.
The year also brought some difficult times, including the loss of my dear grandmother and sweet family dog. I took a break from blogging in April and May to focus on keeping myself physically and emotionally healthy while dealing with the hard stuff. I am very thankful for all the readers and friends who have supported me and kept reading here after the break. Your continued kindness, insight, and support have been invaluable to me this year.
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.
Hope your 2016 is filled with all the best of everything!
Coat: J.Crew | Shirt: J.Crew (sold out, but I like this one that's still available) | Skirt: ASOS (exact cut is out of stock, but this slimmer cut in the same fabric looks great) | Scarf: J.Crew Factory | Bag: Valentino | Boots: Stuart Weitzman | Lips: Stila 'Fiery'
Sean and I spent a wonderful Christmas holiday in the Winter Wonderland that is Breckenridge with family and close friends. We loved every minute of skiing, drinking hot chocolates and hot toddies by the fire, soaking in the hot tubs and watching the skiers go by, and stopping by the cute little shops in town.
I'm a little sad that Christmas is over, but even though I'm not much for resolutions (they fall apart so fast!), I think I'm going to try to instill a few. My husband wants us to slow our lives down and eat a little better, which is a great idea. I want to improve my blog and hopefully find more time to share what's in my head with you. We both want to exercise more since that so easily goes by the wayside when you're two busy lawyers with dogs, hobbies, volunteer work, and other obligations taking away your free time. I think the gist is that we want to encourage ourselves to find that "productive downtime" that has been seeming so elusive for us. Wish us luck!
For those of you who are looking to do a little wardrobe refresh in the new year, I thought I'd do a quick run-down of after-Christmas sales for you.
Nordstrom: the Half-Yearly Sale has arrived, with sale prices up to 60% off + price matching. My top picks are these extra-comfy Sam Edelman ballet flats that are pefect for commuting or running errands without a blister in sight, this amazing Bobeau wrap that works for any and all figures, and these rarely-on-sale glossy original Hunter rain boots.
J.Crew: 40% off hundreds of styles, including certain colors of the coat I'm wearing in this post. My favorite petite tee is on sale, too.
Ann Taylor: 50% off all items + free shipping with code EVERYTHING. I love this pink tweed skirt with matching top and this all-season stretch dress that seems like the perfect addition to any closet.
Quick Monday post today! I'm sharing a super-casual look from last weekend in the mountains. Sean and I headed up to do some skiing, and we were lucky enough to catch some fresh powder. The day before these photos were taken, it snowed nearly a foot where we were staying. We awoke the next morning to a perfect, bright bluebird day. The snow looked so pretty in the sunshine! I'm very excited to head back up to the mountains for skiing and Christmas celebrations with my family later this week.
Sweater: LOFT (currently 40% off the sale price with code FIRSTLOOK and lots of sizes left--I sized up one size) | Vest: Sam Edelman | Denim: J Brand | Bag: Reed Krakoff | Shoes: rag + bone (I sized up one whole size) | Sunglasses: Valentino | Watch: Michael Kors | Earrings: Gorjana via Rocksbox
Today I'm sharing an easy and cozy weekend look. Since the weather has been so warm this fall and early winter, this is the first time I got to wear this furry Sam Edelman vest since I purchased it during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July. It definitely kept me toasty even in 40-degree temperatures.
I also picked up these rag + bone Margot booties during the same sale, but they have gotten a ton of wear in the last few months. I noticed the same ones (in black) are currently 50% off at Nordstrom with smaller sizes still available. These booties are so comfortable to walk in despite the medium-high heel, and they are well-proportioned and flattering on petite women (read Kelly's detailed review here for more info). Note: most of rag + bone's ankle boots run small; I wear a 36/6 in them when I would usually take a 35/5.
The denim I'm wearing here is a style I've found to really work well for slimmer-hipped bodies. I have more curve to my rear and legs, but my hips are narrow, so I often find pants too baggy in the hips, and when I try to adjust them, the waistband gaps and looks sloppy. I've found that J Brand is generally a good fit for my body shape.
I particularly like the 620 Super Skinny style, which I'm wearing here in a destructed ivory wash. I also have these in black, but I'd advise sizing up in this wash as my usual size is wearable but not as comfy as I'd like (see them on me)
I also like the 811 Skinny, which I've heard is a favorite of Kate Middleton's (see them on me).
The Photo Ready Cropped Mid Rise Skinny is another favorite. This fabric holds its shape well and is super comfy for travel (see them on me). Bonus: cropped = no hemming necessary for petite legs.
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I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend. Sean and I spent ours skiing and doing a bit of Christmas shopping (confession: it was mostly online while in our pajamas). Hope all who celebrated had a happy Hanukkah!
The holidays are the time of year to sparkle and shine at parties, galas, and get-togethers. Unfortunately, this all happens when the weather does its best to make skin and lips looks dull, dry, and flaky. Luckily, Vaseline and BaubleBar are coming to the rescue this holiday season with a special collaboration to help your lips and your makeup bag look polished and put-together.
Vaseline partnered with BaubleBar for the holidays to create a limited-edition and co-designed bejeweled jar with their classic Lip Therapy Original. I love how fun and fancy this jar is and how the European crystals take an everyday item and make it shine--of course, I'd expect no less from the sparkle mavens at BaubleBar! My jar arrived in a pretty, padded gold box that would just need a bow to make it ready for gifting.
Every winter, I struggle with the cold, dry Colorado air wreaking havoc on my lips. To combat chapped lips, I like to use a an easy, at-home, gentle lip scrub that leaves my lips smooth and moisturized.
I use a pinch of sugar on my finger and blend it with a touch of Vaseline Lip Therapy for an easy and effective scrub. Vaseline Lip Therapy Original is made with 100% pure, triple-purified Vaseline Jelly to lock in moisture for beautiful, healthy lips, and using my scrub at night and in the morning before applying lipstick or stain makes my smooth, velvety color stay on all day long.
This sparkly stocking-stuffer can be found exclusively at BaubleBar.com.
Hope you enjoyed this touch of holiday sparkle! Tell me what you like to do to keep yourself looking your best during the holidays in the comments below!
x, Tam
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Vaseline.
The opinions and text are all mine.
Coat: J.Crew | Sweater: J.Crew (40% off today with code MONDAY) | Denim: 7FAM (40% off today) | Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Karen Walker (part of Shopbop's Cyber Monday tiered promo with code GOBIG15) | Necklace: Slate + Earrings: Gorjana via Rocksbox | Watch: Michael Kors
Yesterday was a gray and chilly day in Denver, so Sean and I headed over to Union Station to get brunch and check out the pretty Christmas decorations. We braved the cold for a few photos but mostly stayed cozy inside. It was the perfect opportunity to test run my new Chateau Parka.
I've had this coat on my wishlist since last winter, and I waited and waited for it to go on sale as the $365 full price was a bit steep. Unfortunately, it never seems to be part of the percent-off promotions J.Crew often runs. I waited until they had a tiered promotion and went for it then. When it arrived, I was happy to see that the quality was similar to my other higher-end wool coats. There is some pretty topstitching on the zipper placket and all seams appear to be well-constructed.
I did find that there was a less expensive version of this coat at J.Crew Factory: the Vail Parka. I had the opportunity to try it on in person in regular sizing, and while the finishing wasn't quite as nicely done as it is on the retail version, and the wool isn't quite as heavy, it is still a very cute coat, and the price point is much more affordable. It is down to only $115 for select colors ($139 for the rest) today as part of their Cyber Monday deal.
I took my regular J.Crew coat/dress size, 00P, and it fit me as expected. I saw some reviews that advised to size down, but I disagree. The 00P was the right size for me, especially given that in cold temperatures, I want to be able to layer or wear bulkier sweaters under it. At 4'11", the petite sizing was the right choice for me, but if you're a couple inches taller, I'd consider trying this coat on in regular sizing to make sure the overall and sleeve length work for you.
Another common complaint I noted in reviews was that the body of the coat was "too big." The body is an A-line, swing coat shape and bells out at the bottom. For me, I liked the silhouette and found it looked flattering and different from my other wool coats. The swing shape and fur-trimmed hood were what ultimately convinced me that this piece would be something unique in my coat closet.
Yesterday's temperatures only reached a high of 27°F/-3°C, and I was comfortable taking an evening walk in this coat with a chunky sweater underneath. I was lamenting my failure to bring mittens or gloves, but the front pockets kept my hands relatively warm despite a chilly wind. I was warm and dry even when a light snow began to fall, but heavier snow or wetter conditions would mean bringing out my water-resistant down coat or parka.
I'm so excited for decorating my house this week now that we've returned from our Thanksgiving weekend in the mountains. I am trying to get my shopping done as soon as I can to make the Christmas season as stress-free as possible. If your inbox looks anything like mine, making a plan for shopping today is a struggle. Here's my culled and curated list of Cyber Monday deals and my favorite pieces from each:
Nordstrom: sale prices up to 60% off + price matching. My top picks are here.
Bloomingdale's: 25% off almost everything, including fine jewelry + a rare 10% off most beauty items with code BEAUTY10
J.Crew: 40% off 507 styles, including the sweater I'm wearing in this post
7 For All Mankind: 40% off full-price items (including the white jeans I'm wearing in this post) + 20% off sale + $99 styles for men and women.
Madewell: get 25% off your entire purchase, including already marked down items. I have my eye on this gorgeous Zip Transport Tote as a potential new work tote and this cute checked cape scarf as an easy one-size-fits-all gift.
Shopbop: spend-more-save-more promo with code GOBIG15. If you spend $250, you will get 15% off; $500+ gets 20% off; and $1,000+ gets 25% off. This offer includes all full-price and sale merchandise. A few of my go-to pieces: Karen Walker sunglasses, Clare V leopard clutch, and these distressed J Brand skinnies.
Ann Taylor: 50% off all items + free shipping with code EVERYTHING. This burgundy lace dress and festive red skirt caught my eye.
LOFT: 50% off everything with code CYBER50 + free shipping. I have this sweater in gray (runs large) and this sweater in ruby (runs small) and both have gotten lots of wear already this fall.
Hope you find some great deals and stay warm this Cyber Monday!
x, Tam
Hi, there! Hope all of my fellow American readers had a happy and delicious Thanksgiving. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you so very much for following along with this little blog of mine. It is hard to believe I've been blogging for over four years now--time has flown! I am so thankful to have your support, especially when life gets in the way of writing and posting pretty pictures. I'm thankful for all the imperfect moments (like the one in the photo above--I don't recommend shooting outfit pics with two rambunctious dachshunds "helping") that remind me that life is about so much more than beautiful photos and perfect styling.
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Okay, now onto what you've come here for: Black Friday sales. There are so many great deals out there today, and shopping online means you get to stay in your pajamas, sip hot cocoa, and not worry about battling the crowds at the mall. Here are my favorite sales and some curated picks from each. I'll continue updating througout the day today as I spot more great buys.
Madewell: get 25% off your entire purchase, including already marked down items. I have my eye on this gorgeous Zip Transport Tote as a potential new work tote and this cute checked cape scarf as an easy one-size-fits-all gift.
Anthropologie: 25% off everything with code SHOPTOIT. An all-inclusive sale like this one is very rare for Anthro! The Carissima Sheath I wore in Paris is still one of my favorite pieces in my closet. I also have my eye on this simple and chic red dress for my office holiday party.
Shopbop: has a spend-more-save-more promo today. If you spend $250, you will get 15% off; $500+ gets 20% off; and $1,000+ gets 25% off. This offer includes all full-price and sale merchandise. A few of my go-to pieces: Karen Walker sunglasses, Clare V leopard clutch, and these distressed J Brand skinnies.
ASOS: 30% off everything with code BLESSED. I recently ordered a couple dresses for holiday events: this black velvet beauty and this sparkly one that seems perfect for New Year's Eve.
7 For All Mankind: 40% off full-price items and 20% off sale. I wear the 7FAM jeans I have constantly, and I'm a huge fan of the Slim Illusion Skinny in Stark White--of all the white jeans I've ever tried, these are best fit and most durable (see them on me here and here).
J.Crew: 30% off your entire purchase + 40% off sale items with code HOLIDAY. I'm currently loving my petite Excursion Vest I bought earlier this fall and the Chateau Parka I received last week. These red plaid pajamas are on my Christmas list, and these luxe leather gloves would make a perfect gift. Almost every year, I buy Sean one of J.Crew's men's cashmere scarves--they are amazingly soft and hold up well with wear.
Hi, guys! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I started a little holiday shopping and worked on getting my guest room ready for family and friends coming to visit. Today I am sharing a cozy outfit from the weekend and a few of my picks from the various sales that are currently happening.
Nordstrom has been having a fall clearance sale for the last week or so, and a couple of my orders came in at the end of last week. After seeing how great it looked on Jean, I decided to try out this cute waterfall maxi cardigan. Although it's not petite-sized specifically, I thought the XS was a good (oversized) fit on me. I'm also loving this Bobeau wrap (I went with XXSP) I got in a couple colors; I'm planning to pick up a couple more to give as holiday gifts. I noticed my recently-purchased Cole Haan flats (so comfy!) are on a price-matching promotion right now, and this pretty Tory Burch bucket bag is also part of the sale and on my wishlist at the moment.
J.Crew is also having its share of sales in anticipation of the holiday weekend. Many newer arrivals are 30% off, and sale items are up to 50% off. I ordered the turtleneck tee I'm wearing in this post a while ago, and it finally arrived last week. After wearing it for a day, I already have a few more on my wishlist. It seems like it'll be a versatile layering piece that should be wearable all the way into spring. My other picks: the Cambridge Cable turtleneck sweater I wore last week, this hat I have been loving (coming to the blog soon), this cozy flannel button-down, and my favorite tee (all available in regular and petite sizing).
Jacket: J.Crew (this year's longer version here) | Sweater: J.Crew in XXSP | Denim: 7FAM | Boots: The Frye Company (also at Zappos) | Sunglasses: Valentino | Jewelry: Gorjana via Rocksbox
After going bare-legged for the last few days, I finally reached for jeans and my favorite Frye boots yesterday morning after a "winter storm" blew through Denver the night before. The storm didn't quite meet expectations, but we had a nice, crisp fall day afterward. The sunlight coming through the trees was just gorgeous on our walk to a brunch spot in our neighborhood.
I wrote a review of the Frye Melissa Button Boots previously when I bought them, but I thought it worth mentioning again how much I love them. The lower shaft height, narrow calf, and slim ankle make the Melissa Buttons a great style for petite ladies. I own them in two colors, distressed black and the pretty reddish color I'm wearing here (cognac seems to be the closest current color), and they have held up well over the last couple years. I'm not particularly gentle with them and often wear them to walk longer distances in cooler weather. I try to avoid overly wet conditions, but a splash here or there or snow on the ground doesn't seem to affect them at all.
Coat: J.Crew (old, last seen in a very similar outfit here) | Vest: J.Crew | Shirt: J.Crew
Jeans: J Brand (hem on these is perfect for petites without alterations) | Shoes: rag + bone | Bag: Valentino
Necklaces: Gorjana via Rocksbox (use my code "helloframboisexoxo" for a free month's subscription)
Quick post today from my trip up to the mountains this weekend! It was cold, and I was still chilly despite trying to layer up with a tank, this cozy buffalo check flannel shirt, a puffer vest, and a coat. What did you do this weekend?
