Affordable NYE Outfit Options

New Year's Eve is always a spectacle. I'll spend weeks fusing over what to do and wear, then before I know it, I'm waking up New Year's Day with a cheap champagne induced pounding headache realizing there was no need to get so worked up over one stupid night.

I was really adamant about staying home this NYE to avoid all the NYE stress, but the closer NYE gets, the more I realize I don't know if I can do it. After all, I won't be 26 forever, right?

Now that I'm contemplating going out, the "what to wear" anxiety has kicked in. I spent my lunch break shopping for possible NYE options and didn't find anything worth buying. All I have in mind for the big day is finally buying some glitter heels I've been obsessing over for the past few months.

So, I decided to browse online for some inspiration and I threw together these 2 affordable options. Do you know what you're wearing yet? Am I crazy for always stressing about NYE outfits?

1. Arden B Rhinestone Oval Stretch Ring - $19 (Buy One, Get One 50% off)2. Modcloth "A Cheerful Sip Dress" - $79.99
3. Madden Girl Women's Atonee from Style.com - $49 + free shipping
4. Arden B Wrapped Bib Necklace - $34 (Buy One, Get One 50% off)
1. Alloy One-Shoulder Tank - $7.99
2. Arden B Mixed Chain Layered Necklace - $29 (Buy One, Get One 50% off)3. Steve Madden "Darrina" Platform Pumps from Bloomingdales - $69.30
4. NY & Co Red Label Matte Gold Sequin Skirt - $24.97

Christmas Eve!

My mom's side of the family is from San Antonio and for as long as I can remember we have had tamales and taquitos on Christmas Eve. This year we had Christmas Eve at my apartment (a first) – but it was just a small gathering since some of my family couldn't make it up to Dallas for various reasons. My Grandma brought our traditional South Texas tamales and taquitos with her to Dallas, which are my favorite food to eat at Christmas. They were delicious as usual, and we had a fun time eating and reminiscing about past Christmas Eves. I won’t get into the story about my Grandpa and a dead fox, but it’s very funny.

After we ate and talked, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights in Plano, a suburb of Dallas where I grew up. It was drizzling rain and windy, which only posed a problem when I hung out the car trying to take pictures of the lights. The neighborhood we went to apparently goes all out and there were tons of people looking at lights too. There were times when you couldn’t drive down the street because of so many cars.

On Christmas morning we opened presents and then in the afternoon we drove out to my Aunt’s house about an hour away for more presents and Christmas dinner. I had a wonderful Christmas with my small family and I got everything I asked for and more! Christmas always makes me realize how blessed I am, and I’m so sad it’s over. I really do not want to take down my tree and decorations! Anyone want to help? Ha!

Christmas Eve dinner:

Christmas Eve lights:

Christmas Morning:

 

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Santa made your heart as happy as mine.
My nephew is the cutest, I just love baby pjs and baby bedhead!

Merry Christmas Eve!

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Christmas is almost here! I'm excited, but sad this means it's almost over.

On the agenda today: whip up some sausage balls and chocolate chocolate chip cookies. That's it! As of yesterday I am done with my shopping and wrapping. Hallelujah!

Enjoy the holiday with your loved ones and take some time to send happy thoughts to our military heroes & their friends and families who won't be able to spend the holidays together.

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My favorite fashion & beauty trends of 2010

As I reflect on 2010's beauty and fashion trends, there are 3 that stand out as my absolute favorites and I hope they stick around well into 2011.

1. Two-Toned Hair
Lately I've been obsessed with two-toned hair if it's done right. (Notice the emphasis on "if".) The key is to make sure the 2 colors are blended well. You want your hair to look sun kissed, not like you dipped the ends in bleach. I know a lot of people probably don't like Rachel Uchitel for obvious reasons, but she rocks this look best in my opinion. Love her or hate her, the girl has great hair.

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How not to sport the two-toned look. FAIL.
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2. Glittery nails
I've been a big fan of glittery nails since middle school and I'm embarrassed to admit I still hoard some teal glittery "Limited Too" nail polish from middle school. Frightening, I know. I was ecscatic when I heard glittery nails were "in" again and I have been painting sparkly flecks on my nails all winter long. A little glitter goes a long way in making me feel festive and putting me in the Christmas spirit. (It really is the small things.) If you don't have any nail polish circa 1998 stashed away, OPI has some great glittery options available at beauty stores like Sephora. [image via]

3. Mixing brown and black
For as long as I can remember it would be fashion suicide to pair brown and black together, but I'm happy to report you are now free to break this rule. I love seeing women out shopping in black leggings and brown boots.

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And this unlikely color combo doesn't apply to just women. Even men, like my friend Jason in Boston, have been incorporating brown and black into their wardrobe. Jason pulled this look off by mixing a brown belt with a black sport coat while out with friends:
But word to the wise: if you're going to mix the two hues, go all out and make your pairing look intentional. The less subtle the better in my opinion.

My least favorite trend of 2010? High heeled clogs. I can't.

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Obsessed? Try depressed. Go away!