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It was maybe even more anticipated this time around since folks loved the first release in March so much (another silver lining during quarantine). As much as I wanted to set my alarm for a super early wake up call this time around, I didn’t because I was preoccupied with enjoying my only free weekend this month before the kids’ first games this season.  Thankfully I had previously saved a bunch of items I liked to my favorites and shopped what I could around 10:30am CST.  By then, some highly coveted items were sold out.

Thankfully since Targets are open, some of the designs trickled into stores before the big launch and I did get a few beautiful pieces!

Here’s what I got and loved:

I’m a sucker for affordable decor pieces, especially from some of my favorite designers that happen to partner with Target. I snagged the wood bowl and a couple framed pieces of art to start. The bowl is transitional and can be used to function in a kitchen or sit pretty on a shelf. I also love the vintage inspired art pieces so much – best of all, the pieces are so budget friendly!

Here’s what I’m hoping to still find:

I was really hoping for the brass sconces, the metal two arm ceiling light fixture, and abstract wall art.  I feel like one can never have too much lighting and art in the home, and I have the hardest time finding ones that I really love but are also affordable. Also, the wood boxes are adorable – I love the layering look of them for a shelf space.  For you Studio McGee design fans, what do you have your heart set on?

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This week, I’m sharing how I “winterized” two features in our home: the entryway and the fireplace mantels—how to make those areas feel like a little winter escape with a nod to the holidays (yes there are stockings, but tree’s not up…YET) in early November that could easily be added to for Christmas, and is giving me all the cozy feels.

Entryway – Creating a Simple, Elegant Welcoming

Sources:  1. French Country Mirror | 2. Mini Wreath | 3. Silver Bell Ornaments | 4. Metal Lantern | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

I styled our entryway and fireplace mantels, using mostly Target products (Wondershop, DollarSpot, Threshold, and Hearth & Hand) all in this beautiful natural winter vibe. The general aesthetic theme was “hygge ranch” so I kept everything simple and minimal (with a couple of statement pieces) to work with.  The main palette was set with whites, metals, woods and greenery rounded out with lots of soft ambient lights and twinkle lights…starting at the front door.

 

Fireplace Mantels – Adding Traditional and Statement Holiday Elements

Sources:  1. Large Wire Wreath (sold out from 2018, similar here)| 2. Garland | 3. Metal Lanterns (from 2017, similar here) | 4. Mini Trees | 5. Dew Drop Lights|

 

Probably one of my favorite features of a home is having a fireplace mantel to decorate for the holidays. Lucky for us, we have two fireplaces, so I get double the fun to decorate both mantels.

I made the garland above by combining three different garlands and faux stems for a fuller look, and wove in dewdrop lights, then swagged the garland to one side so it’s off centered from the mantel for a more modern vibe.  I plan to add more candles scattered across the mantel for more soft lighting as lighting is so important during these darker days.

Hands down, my favorite new holiday item from Target’s Wondershop this year is this fabulously large, simple yet striking, lit wire wreath, pictured on my accent wall at the kitchen. At night, the ambiance is calming in this room from the wreath’s twinkle lights.

Sources: 1. Lit LED Wire Christmas Wreath “Joy”   | 2. Garland | 3. Light Fixtures (from remodel June 2019)| 4. Wreath on Hood |

Target DollarSpot finds this season: four mini wreaths I attached to the backs of the counter stools, and a sled and mini holiday sign to add to the kitchen vignettes.

While our home is already pretty neutral, going with softer colors instead of traditional holiday hues like red and green (or even blue and silver) neutral colors really extends the life of the “winter” look. Plus, if you’re like me, right at New Year’s Eve, I get a little anxious to take down any signs of Christmas already.  I can’t imagine getting tired of cozy, furry pillows, cozy throws, and glowy candles, piece I could still carry throughout to early spring.

I’m full-on ready now to bring in winter (even though it still hits near 70 in the afternoons in DFW)!

Stay tuned for the next holiday post where I’ll share our Christmas tree and front porch!

 

 

 

 

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

https://youtu.be/u8_4knRjKPo

My favorite part of the season is when we transform our home into a Christmas wonderland: putting up the Christmas tree, decking the front porch with lots of  prelit garland , pulling out our favorite decor from past years, and keeping it fresh with the prettiest pieces from (where else?)  Target’s New Holiday Collection .  We love lighting the fire and cranking up the Christmas tunes to turn our holiday decorating tasks into a festive occasion — with hot cocoa for the boys, and beer and wine for my hubby and me.

 

LIGHT IT UP

Nothing says “the holidays are here” like twinkling lights. Thanks to Target’s festive decor, greenery and prelit garland  my home will have a warm, cozy glow all season long.

shop the look: Phillip’s  prelit garland ,  Flocked Pine & Pine Cone Wreath

 

CHILDHOOD CHRISTMAS

One new family tradition we started when Jonah was born is that each Christmas, we get a new family ornament to hang on the tree so that our collection grows with meaningful pieces. We’ve also gifted to our boys their own customized embroidered stockings that they love to put up each year. We have one stocking made for Gir (RIP) and Chaka that we will continue to proudly display for years to come even though Gir is no longer with us. It’s a special way for our family to remember her.  The kids love having their own little Christmas tree and a mantle in the family room where they can add their own creativity and fun touches.

Kids’ Family Room Tree

shop the look:  White Berry Pine Needle Wreath ;  prelit garland ;  3ft Prelit Balsam Fir Christmas Tree ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ; kids and pet wool stockings are from Garnett Hill;  Toy Christmas Telephone

 

 

 

Main Living Room Tree

WINTER WONDERLAND

I always start my holiday decorating process by laying a foundation with lots of greenery – garlands on the mantle, wreaths on the doors and windows, and of course a towering Christmas tree and the kids’ own tree.  I’ve been sticking to a single color palette over the years with wintry shades of white and frosty sage warmed up with cozy faux-fur, rich velvets, and pinecones, while letting the kids go wild with color and fun decorations on their tree.

shop the look:  Gold Wire Wreath ;  Candlestick Holders in Gold ;  Eucalyptus Pinecone Garland ;  prelit garland ;  Faux Fur Christmas Stockings ;  Burlap Flocked Christmas Tree ;  Letters to Santa Mailbox

 

BRING ON THE COZY

When relaxing at home, I’m all about the cozy vibes. To make the house feel extra inviting, I love layering a few extra throw pillows and draping big fluffy blankets over couches and arm chairs. I also like to add a few seasonal pieces such as art, objects and figurines to my bookshelves that I can rotate throughout the year.

shop the look:  Faux Fur Throw Pillow ;  Faux Fur Throw Blanket ; Framed Art Trees ; 

Holidays, we’re ready for ya! I hope that you all have the best time decorating your space this year and enjoying the holiday magic all season long.

 

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One of the many perks of traveling or moving to a new place, is discovering must-shop stops in the various cities and towns. Highland Park Village is one such find— it also happens to be America’s first outdoor shopping center, and is best known for its luxury shopping, amazing restaurants and beautiful Spanish architecture.  Highland Park Village became the prototype for retail destinations all over the country when it opened in 1931. Originally conceived to be a town center, it’s now a bustling hub for all things fashion and food.

Where to shop… anywhere you can afford, CHANEL, Hermes and Valentino have been long time staples with new designers & boutiques rotating in yearly such as Alice & Olivia, GOOP, FRAME, Dior, Vince, James Perse to name a few. My favorite new store is the hip Veronica Beard.

Where to eat… Austin favorite, Royal Blue Grocery is the spot for specialty food and market provisions and sandwiches. The tiled entry floor is instaworthy for a shoe pic! No trip is complete without a stop at the beautiful and chic Bird Bakery. They make the freshest baked goods daily, while their cafe menu features delicious fresh sandwiches featuring breads baked in house and yummy soups. They also have beautiful cakes if you’re needing something special.  The bakery is not only beautiful, but kid-friendly!  The back of the cafe has several tables, and larger farmhouse table and benches, and little TV stations for kids. For a more refined yet casual dining option, Bistro31 is the quintessential Dallas brunch spot.  The menu specializes in cuisine with French, Italian, and Spanish influences and is surrounded by European decor.  For a more cozy and luxe setting, between the bright outdoor patio and terrace villa, head up to Lounge 31 where you’ll find the most beautiful bar interior featuring a Spanish-style Carrera marble bar and an indoor champagne lounge with plush velvet tufted seating.

 

The Beautiful Bird Bakery

 

Marble and Brass throughout the interior – my two favorite materials in the world

 

Wandering and admiring all the architecture. These tiled stairs are goals!

Blazer: Save here Wild Fable Splurge here: Anine Bing | skirt and Belt Bag Who What Wear | Mules: Nic + Zoe on sale!| Eyewear: Ray Ban

 

LOCAL

Over the weekend, my family and I enjoyed a relaxing morning at HP Village LOCAL. LOCAL is a seasonal neighborhood market featuring a variety of Dallas-Fort Worth’s favorite vendors, farm-sourced produce, games and entertainment the third Saturday of each month.  Can’t wait for the next one where the weather will definitely feel more like fall. I’ll be featuring my favorite cozy fall sweaters in the next HP Village LOCAL post.

 

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There is nothing I love more than finding fashion that is both chic and budget friendly! If you follow me on Instagram, you would have seen some of my favorite pieces I’ve worn on repeat from the latest Who What Wear Fall Collection, available in stores and online at Target. It got me so excited for fall. I was able to style different looks and play around with some key fall trends.

I have been a huge fan of the Who What Wear line since they launched at Target in 2016. Not only does the brand offer fashion forward styles, but everything is under $60! The new fall collection has some major key pieces to help you transition into the cooler months. For me, fall is all about timeless/classic staples that can be paired with fun statement pieces- and the Who What Wear Collection does just that.

For this first look, I was immediately drawn to the leopard print asymmetric slip skirt . I have been loving burnt orange, honey and mustard colors lately and I thought this skirt had a unique animal print. It also had a great cut, fit and length for a midi. I paired the skirt with a simple white cropped tee.  I finished the look with these dad sneakers . I love how the skirt is so versatile allowing you to dress it up with mules or pointed toe booties, or worn casually with sneakers. The slip skirt also comes in a burnt orange color which I styled with a black and white stripe puff sleeve shirt and finished with black mule loafers.

The second look features the puff sleeve top in red styled with wide leg pants on sale! , and finished with a black stack heel sandal for a more dressy-casual look for the office or out to brunch.

 

Another summer to fall transition piece I loved is this puff sleeve midi dress . This dress has a nice lightweight crisp fabric perfect for the warm weather, but can also be layered for the cooler temps when fall hits.  It features a tailored waist for a perfect fit and even has pockets!   

What do you guys think of the new Fall Who What Wear Collection? Comment below!