Manic Monday

You know the feeling. That craziness that comes the week before Christmas when all the gifts should be bought, food planned and parties are in full swing.  It is that 'Manic Monday' feeling that lasts all week long.  Yup, we have it here too. I thought shoving the teacher gifts out the door last Friday would lessen the load, silly me. Needless to say, workouts are missed to have last minute lunches with friends.  Shopping takes the place of deadlines and long nights ensue.  Dashing about and instagramming my looks is the best I can do. Errands and lunch on Monday. 70 degrees in December means breaking out the beloved plaid ballet flats! SHOP THE LOOK Mossimo Bow Blouse /Old Navy Distressed Denim/Jessica Simpson Plaid Ballet Flats (old-similar)/Red Envelope Engraved Rings … [Read more...]

Feeling Festive

There's a lot of buying going on this year. I can just feel it. Does it have you feeling festive? As for myself, an almost exclusively online shopper, I have actually been in an unprecedented amount of stores this year. Is this way of shopping coming back? I don't know. When I think about why I'm browsing in a store versus clicking through an online shop it usually has to do with deals. Am I splurging or looking for the ultimate find? The purchase that is almost a needle in a haystack sort of find that leads to posts like this one: Splurge vs. Steal.   Holiday Splurge vs. Steal by victoriamason featuring a chain strap purse LET'S SHOP Charlotte Short Dress (SOLD OUT) (similar) (similar)/House of Fraser Lace Skater Dress (similar) Pearl Front to Back Earrings/Tresor Paris … [Read more...]

The American Girl Gift Guide

Every year my girls and I put together a collection of our favorite items to create the American Girl gift guide. This year is no different. Just like I would get into a flurry of excitement when the big Sears catalog would arrive each Christmas, my girls do the same thing with the holiday American Girl doll catalog.  Each one spends hours, sometimes days, looking over each item and deciding if she should mark it with her initial.  This year, the littlest one circled everything and freaked out when anyone else wanted the same toy. She was convinced only one person could have each gift. Our picks for the 2015 holiday season are a mix of accessories and clothing and broken down by age.  This was the first year I noticed a shift in what my oldest daughter daughter wanted and I had to … [Read more...]

Red and Black Winter Style

The weather outside hasn't been frightful just yet but it has taken a turn for the chilly and I just couldn't stand the thought of heading outside to do a red and black winter style photo shoot for the link up. I would rather indulge in my latest obsession with creating flat lays. They are like a little art form these flat lays.  I love the idea of using a sheet versus a board.  The sheet offers a lot more room and a bit of texture for creating your look. I won this gold knot ring and houndstooth scarf from a giveaway from Joanna a few months back.  When they arrived I immediately thought of this outfit.  It is perfect for a party or just a day at the office. Not into this look?  You might like one of these items!  I'm cleaning out my closet on Vinted and Poshmark! SHOP THE … [Read more...]

The BFF Gift Guide & Giveaway

Yes indeed the holidays are here. The Christmas tree is up in our house, two actually, and I'm all out of ideas and budget for decorating the place. I'm not however out of gift guides or giveaways! Check out my latest finds with the bestie in mind.     BFF Gift Guide by victoriamason  1.ecoTools Four-Piece Beautiful Complextion Set/ecoTools Festive & Flawless Face Set 2.Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer Collection 3.Women's Joules Roxie Faux Fur Scarf 4. You've Got Mail Red Envelope Clutch 5. Kate Spade New York Small Square Glitter Stud Earrings 6. Cheeky Teacup 7. Love with Food Seed Funded Subscription Box 8. Brunch Shirt Bloodies for Breakfast Funny Yoga Shirt 9. Levtex 'Best Friend' Pillow 10. 'Like a Boss' Mug 11. TOCCA Holiday Candele da … [Read more...]

Holiday Pet Gift Guide

Pet Gift Guide by victoriamason  1. Martha Stewart Pets 2-Pack Tutu Mice Toy 2. Look Who's Happy Dog Treats Beef Jerky/Chicken with Pumpkin Spice (*Diesel favorite) 3. No Stink Dog Collar 4. Whisker City Floating Fish Cat Bowl 5. BoneBone Bacon Dog Bone (*Diesel favorite) 6. Whisker City Pet Holiday Cat Hat 7. Grain Free Cat Treats by House Cat 8. Miracle Dogs-Rescue Stories  9. Dogwarm, USA Dog Coats (Clipper Coat Shown) (*Diesel favorite) *Diesel favorites are products used by my dog, Diesel, the rescue Doberman.  Each one is in regular and preferred use. … [Read more...]

Holiday Plaid

Each year for Thanksgiving we get together with H's family and it is quiet, full of outdoor activities and a chance to unwind, reconnect as a family and with others.  I love it.  It's my favorite holiday of the year.  Even when I have to do things like make centerpieces that cause me to obsess over things like elusive white pumpkins and plaid skirts. That's exactly what happened when I found this Multicolor Plaid Woolen Skirt from SheIn. I became obsessed with it and had to have it for Thanksgiving. It reminded me of something my mother wore (with boots!) when I was a kid and it just got me.  I couldn't wait for it to arrive. SHOP THE LOOK Black Turtleneck (similar)/SheIn Multicolor Plaid Woolen Skirt (similar)/Black Heeled Boots (old-similar/similar/similar) Linking up with … [Read more...]

The Circle of Warmth

Saturday may have been "Small Business Saturday" but I don't let rules own me!  This season I'm trying to give experiences over mindless gifts I found a good deal on, donate in friends names and to shop local.  Why not share a great gift that gives back to those in need?  To me, that is both a beautiful thought and gift that really keeps on giving. Enter StyleCable, an online marketplace with one-of-a-kind jewelry and clothing handcrafted by independent designers based in DC, my little city!  With about 20 vendors to choose from you can find something for everyone on your list.  You can shop social too! What's my favorite item from StyleCable?  The Circle of Warmth Scarf from their scarf line! The Circle of Warmth scarf comes in burgundy, denim or black (shown). Why is it so great … [Read more...]

2015 Chrysler 300C AWD

Source: Chrysler.com The day the 'Velvet Red Pearl' coat Chrysler 300C AWD pulled into my driveway my oldest daughter was home sick from school. She declared it to be "the prettiest color car" I've ever reviewed.  The fleet driver laughed and agreed, it was his favorite too.  The striking color, intense lines and presence of the 300C continuously provided me with comments from others the entire week that I drove it, including that it was a "hot red car" making my friend even more excited about our Friday night movie plans. Source: Chrysler.com The thing I loved most about the 300C was its style.  It is a head turner in any color.  Inside and out the car beckons you to take in its lines and details.  From the classic Chrysler clock on the centerstack and the quilted leather lining the … [Read more...]

What to Wear: Holiday Travel

Whether you are like me, a total planner, or someone who waits until the last minute to figure out what to wear and pack for holiday travel the key is to be both comfortable and stylish.   I am a total non-supporter of sweat pants on the plane.  Maybe some cute joggers but looking sloppy or traveling in your pj's over the age of five is not on my to-do list. Ever. Especially when wearing something as cute and comfy as this is an option. I wore this little look last week and loved it so much.  Perfect for travel days too. SHOP THE LOOK Old Navy Striped Top (old-similar/similar)/Burgundy scarf/Old Navy Open-Front Poncho/Merona Riding Pants /Forever 21 Lace Cut Out Slip-On Sneakers (similar)/Cole Haan Rockland Hobo Bag (old-similar)   I'll be wearing this this on a travel … [Read more...]