Have a great weekend!


This weekend, I will be welcoming December with open arms. Have a great one!

{image via

Sponsor Welcome: Fragments


I am excited to introduce Fragments as a sponsor on S&S for the month of December! Timing could not be more perfect because Fragments is filled to the brim with gifts you love to give. If any of you are looking to spoil the women in your life, I would highly recommend browsing their site. The Ashley Pittman bangles are high on my list and I've been a long time fan of Azaara and Coralia Leets' edgy + feminine designs. Their list of designers if pretty impressive so do yourself a favor and click here - your wish list will write itself. 

Happy Friday, friends!

DIY: Campaign Dresser


Welp, call me Martha Stewart because I tackled my first DIY a few weeks back and I am pretty proud of the results. I can't take credit for this genius idea, so I have to thank Louisa and Molly for their awesome tutorials and inspiration. Here is what you'll need:



1 Can of High Gloss Paint in the color of your choice {I used Behr's Whisper White}

3 Campaign Style Drawer Pulls {Product ID: 1697}

3 Packs of 2in. Brass Corners {four to a pack}

Drill

Sand Paper


Start by assembling your Rast chest and leave the knobs off.


Use your wood filler to fill in the holes and allow about 15-20 minutes to dry. Then, use sand paper to ensure a smooth surface. 

The next few steps I failed to document...

Paint the exterior of the Rast chest using the color of your choice, I used two coats. Once each drawer has dried, start marking the holes for your hardware. Use the drill to screw in the brass corners and measure out the campaign hardware with a pencil. The campaign pulls will sit on top of the drawer {they will not be set in} but you really can't see a difference. 

Style and pat yourself on the back because they look gooooood.


I made two chests, one for each side of the bed. I tried to tackle this project on a Sunday, but it honestly took me a few days to complete. My hand also became a claw after drilling in the hardware for 2 hours straight.



All in all, I am really happy with the result! 

{our bedroom is still a work in progress, and my sheets really need to be ironed} :)

HB Holiday Favorites



As if you needed another reason to come to next week's Henri Bendel Shopping Event {click here for details}, here are a few of my favorite holiday gifts from the iconic brand. Something for everyone on your list!

PS: Chicago readers, I will be on WGN Morning News tomorrow at 7:50am doing a segment for Rent the Runway! I have teamed up with the Chicago Blogger Network to showcase a few holiday looks with three other bloggers. Tune in to see what you can rent + wear this holiday season!

Join Me for a Holiday Shopping Event with Henri Bendel!


Yay! I've been so anxious to share this exciting news with you. If you are in the Chicago area, mark your calendars for next Wednesday, December 5th! Henri Bendel just opened a sparkling new store at Oakbrook Center {just 20 miles west of the city!} filled to the brim with gorgeous handbags, glittery baubles, pretty sunglasses, yummy sweets, delicious candles and so much more. Join me for a night of champagne, chocolates, Christmas music, and holiday shopping! There will even be a fabulous in store promotion:

20% off on the first $100 spent
25% off when you spend $101 - $199
30% off when you spend $200+

Plus, a little VIP gift bag. How could you not go? 

So December 5th, I'll see you there! I would love to meet some of my sweet + stylish readers! xo

{photo of me by Danielle Moss

Outfit: Sweater Weather


Bauble Bar Necklace, Henri Bendel Bag

In the fall and winter, you can more often than not find me in a skirt/dress combo with boots. There is something about this look that is easy enough for running around, appropriate enough for meetings, and comfortable enough for rummaging through closets with clients. A no-brainer in my book!



PS: Did you see the new To and From Holiday Gift Guide? It is amazing. So honored to be amongst such stylish and inspirational women. Click here to view + shop

Time has been short lately, so please excuse the quick photos on my balcony! :)

Cyber Monday Sales

Well, Cyber Monday is here and one of my favorite days to polish off my holiday shopping. I wanted to share a few of my favorite site sales and hopefully give you a few more suggestions for holiday gifts {or for you!}:

J.Crew is offering 25% off your entire purchase. Use code MONDAY

ASOS has 30% off everything. Use code CYBERMONDAYSPECIAL.

Madewell has 25% off everything + free shipping! Use code TREAT

Shopbop has 20-35% off your entire order. Use code BIGEVENT12.

Piperlime has 20% off everything! Use code CYBER

GAP has 20% off everything! Use code CYBER

Gorjana is offering 40% off, free shipping, + a free gift with purchase! Use code CYBER40

Bauble Bar is offering a free gift for every $40 purchase!

And here are a few of my favorites from the sites above...



There is no reason not to snag something pretty on Cyber Monday, even if it just for you! There are too many holiday parties on the horizon, that pretty velvet tee, LR sandals, and Phillip Lim pouch will be worth it. :)

It's Here

{bag  //  bow dress}

Well, I did not plan on completely shutting down over the past few days but sometimes those things happen. I have been busy...celebrating Thanksgiving in Chicago, driving to Michigan to celebrate a friend's engagement, visiting more family, organizing a few closets, hanging Christmas lights, and savoring morning snow. You better believe Christmas music will now be played 24 hours a day, and I've already purchased two of my favorite holiday candles {one for the office, one for the home}. 

Did you take advantage of any Black Friday sales? I finished up all of the men in my life at J.Crew, and snagged some goodies from Bauble Bar for my favorite ladies. Don't forget to check out my holiday gift guides for some fun ideas, I also created a Pinterest board so you can view them together

Finally, I was proud to take part in the new To & From Magazine Holiday 2012 Gift Guide, which launches today! Make sure to check out all the fabulous gifts brought to you by an amazing roundup of bloggers from across the web. Featuring our favorite brands and small businesses! To & From is the brainchild of Katie and Meg, so proud of them. 

{follow my on instagram @lizschneider_}

Thank You

My mom emailed me this quote a few weeks back and it seemed appropriate to share with you today. On this Thanksgiving, I would like to say thank you for the health of my loved ones {utterly grateful}, a family that loves me unconditionally, my siblings, an incredible support system, a warm bed to sleep in at night, the ability to cook meals for myself, the warm cup of coffee I get to enjoy every morning, hot showers, the opportunity to do something that I love, my clients, my puppy who thinks that I am the greatest person in the whole world, and for this virtual world of friends that keeps me going day after day. My life and days would not be the same without you. Thank you for your incredible and continued support. I hope you have the chance to enjoy today with your loved ones and be thankful for  your miracles. xo


{heart image via}

2012 Holiday Gift Guide: 50 Under $50


H&M Sparkly Dress  //  Ta-Da Earrings  //  Mini Ban.do Heart  //  Kate Spade Holiday Mini Nail Polish  //  Madewell Printed iPhone Case  //  Gold Lacquer Tray  //  Glitterball Coin Purse  //  Topshop Rhinestone Collar  //   ASOS Double Tassel Zip Clutch  //  Pieces Vinka Mittens  //  Pink Bow Back Sweater  //  Gathering Garnishes Chalkboard Stemless Wine Glasses {set of 4}  //  Bauble Bar Ivory Pearl Cuff  //  Gold Bow Bracelet  //  Oh La La Print  //  Gold Urchin Object  //  Intervention Mug  //  Mango Polka Dot Scarf  //  Printed Makeup Pouch  //  H&M Organza Skirt  //  Fair Isle Socks  //  Heart Key Chain  //  Ban.do Crystal Crush Bobbi  //  Glitter Empire Coin Pouch  //  Illume Twilight Vanilla Ceramic Candle  //  Ceramic Stag Cake Stand  //  The Allure of Men by Francois Baudot  //  Creature Brooch  //  Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm  //  Pearls and Petals Necklace  //  Moyna Initial Beaded Coin Purse  //  Bulldog Studs  //  Wool Plaid Scarf  //  Pocket Umbrella  //  West Elm Favorite Throw  //  Patch NYC Stag Candle  //  Gap Sequin Owl Sweater  //  Colorblock Gloves  //  Kate Spade Stripe iPhone Case  //  Chloe Eau de Parfum Rollerball  //  Stacking Dots Ring  //  Stephanie Johnson Sequined Large Flat Pouch  //  Lip Crayon Box Set  //  Gold Athena Tray  //  On Wednesdays We Wear Pink Tote  //  Zara Leopard Tassel Loafers  //  Rifle Paper Co. Printed Notebook  //  Bauble Bar Pink Bangle  //  Glitter Bow Shoe Clips

...and #50, the perfect flannel pants for Christmas morning. 

Whew! That was a whole lotta gift guides, and it totally helped me get in the holiday, gift-giving spirit. How about you? I am now ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and dive head first into December!

Check out all previous gift guides in the series here. And a pinterest board here!

A little heads up: Shopbop's Big Event sale has begun, and there are some serious deals to be had. Spend $250+, save 20%. Spend $500+, save 25%. Spend $1000+, save 30%. Spend $1500+, save 35%. The perfect time to snag this, this, this, and this before the holiday rush. Plus, a few favorites for you {this and these are on my list}! Shopbop is always a favorite of mine when it comes to holiday shopping. A one stop shop for all of the ladies in your life, so hop to it!

xoxo

Have a stylish weekend!


Helllllo, Friday! I am so thrilled to see you. 

What are you up to this weekend? I have zero plans, which makes me very happy. Although, I may make these, they look yummy and this time of year makes me want to bake. Constantly. My 2012 Holiday Gift Guide Series officially kicks off on Monday, yay! So be prepared for a whole lotta gift giving for the next ten days. Have a great weekend, friends! xo

{image via}

Outfit: A Chilly Night



J.Crew Downtown Field jacket  //  J.Crew Peter Pan Collar tee  //  Zara skirt {similar style here}  //  Commando tights  //  Jack Rogers Churchill booties  //  J.Crew plaid scarf {old, similar style here}  //  American Apparel Velvet bow  //  Kate Spade Gumdrop stud earrings

Is it just me or are the days making you feel extra sleepy lately? I don't think I've adjusted to daylight savings time yet or the fact that the sun sets before 5 {so please excuse some sleepy eyes}. This skirt has to be my new favorite purchase. It has been worn numerous times with tees, sweatshirts, sweaters, and blouses, and I'm already looking forward to pairing it with a metallic sweater for the holidays. 




We need a new rug.


I need your advice. I made the mistake of purchasing a wool/jute loopy rug that Webster has destroyed {it is also a magnet for dark chocolate puppy hairs}. That being said, we need something new. My couch and chair are a grey velvet, so should I keep it neutral, or move towards a grey on grey. I could also go more graphic but it is a small space and I plan on bringing loads of color in with the decor of the room.

Help me, I'm lost. 

Random Inspiration


Cheery decor is starting to show up around town. 

Jamie Beck's post as a Jimmy Cho stylemaker had me drooling. Such a classic beauty that girl. 


Really loving this long white hallway and graphic rug.

Totes.


Black, leopard, and blush - possibly my new favorite combo. 


This photo from Jenna's office. We've all seen it, but I wanted to gush over it again.

With last night's election, I was glued to the television and here is the result. A random post of inspiration. My Pinterest boards always peak around fall/winter and then again around the summer time. Not to brag, but they are lookin' pretty lately. I have a Product board that is full of fun items for gift ideas, winter festivities, and the holidays - maybe a little preview of what's to come in my gift guides! Happy Wednesday!

{images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Girl On A Budget: The Perfect Fall Table Setting


You guys, if I could be sitting in front of a fire with this combo right now, my season would be complete. I was so excited to see these new to Shopbop last night and would have waited to post about them in my Holiday Gift Guide Series but I'm pretty positive they will be sold out by then. Perfect for Christmas gifts and now, so hurry! 

Girl On A Budget: Save/Splurge



What a dream, right? I have been drooling over these YSL loafers for awhile so I was thrilled to see this ASOS option {and adore the lace detail}. 

See past GOAB posts here

Girl On A Budget: Winter Staples


H&M Turtleneck Sweater {$39.95}  //  Gap Tartan Loafers {$39.95}  //  Bauble Bar Azure Studs {$22}  //  Tortoise Bangles {$30 for set of 3}  //  H&M Blouse {$24.95}  //  Dorothy Perkins Corsage Skirt {$59}  //  ASOS Kitten Sunglasses {$21.11}  //  H&M Striped Layering Tee {$12.95}  //  Madewell Faux Fur Earmuffs {$35}  //  Topshop Cable Gloves {$20}  //  Dorothy Perkins Navy Wool Parka {$151}

Colder weather is all about comfortable layers. I like to have a few items that I can dress up or down, a jacket for every occasion, cute outdoor accessories, and few feminine pieces for holiday festivities and to pair with edgier and/or less structured items. Here are a few favorites from across the web!

See past GOAB posts here

Recently

A couple things to note:

These LOFT Brocade Ankle Pants are amazing, and I am sure there are more sizes in stores. I was also crushing on this heart print dress and these leopard velvet skinnies {pretty sure I have to go back for both}. 

J.Crew is offering 25% off your entire purchase through Thursday of this week! The perfect time to pick up a few of my favorites: this, this, this, this and these. {Maybe this and these, too!}

Happy Monday! 

Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday, friends! It is chilly here in Chicago and I am so looking forward to a weekend of sweatshirts, chili, and cozy socks. This herringbone vest would also be perfect. Will any of you be joining me at the LOFT party this afternoon? I'll be there for an hour around noon, I'd love it if you would come say hello! Have a wonderful weekend!

The winner of the Illume Candle giveaway is Alex F.!

{image via}

Announcing: 2012 Holiday Gift Guide Series


Happy November, friends! I can't believe it. It is exactly three weeks until Thanksgiving. Where has the time gone? It is now completely appropriate to hang your holiday wreath, light your favorite woodfire and balsam & cedar candles {I clearly jumped the gun}, and start preparing for all of the upcoming festivities, cocktail parties, ornament exchanges and shopping days. 

Last year, my Holiday Gift Guides were a huge hit and this year I decided to introduce the series a bit early in time for Black Friday, which is three weeks from tomorrow {and the day after Thanksgiving, for those of you that aren't familiar}. This was one of my favorite parts of last year, sharing these gift guides with you and getting in the holiday spirit. So here is the schedule and what you can look forward to in the next couple of weeks. Ten days of Holiday Gift Guides!

Monday, November 12: For Her
Tuesday, November 13: For Him
Wednesday, November 14: For the Home
Thursday, November 15: Hostess Gifts
Friday, November 16: Tech Favorites
Saturday, November 17: Stocking Stuffers
Sunday, November 18: For the Holiday Obsessed
Monday, November 19: For the Little Ones
Tuesday, November 20: For the Office
Wednesday, November 21: 50 Gifts Under $50!

Yay! Get excited! The perfect way to ring in the holidays.

 

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