Black Lace and Winter White

The Mazda holiday party also known as my work party for this year was held on a gorgeous twinkly night by the water. I couldn't resist the urge to pair my black knee-high boots with a black lace bell sleeve top and my high-waisted nautical flare pants in a chic winter white. Mazda MX-5 Miata. Source: Victoria Mason Instagram. I wore this Vince black lace top last spring for a St. Patrick's day gala. Back then I wore it with a full green midi-skirt.  Here in the holiday season I knew I wanted understated chic that made me think of winter. The buttons on these nautical flare pants make me so happy.  I always feel like I need to be in some 1930s musical when I wear them. Cold temps and walking city blocks made me keep my pumps at home and opt for the warmth of my knee high … [Read more...]

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4×4

May I introduce the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4. The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4. Gorgeous and ready for the holidays. Source: Victoria Mason I am always a little sad when I come upon my last vehicle review of the year.  However, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 did not disappoint me.  I was impressed with its interior space and design right from the start as well as its rugged but still refined exterior.  As soon as I started posting about it on my social media channels the questions began rolling in.  I was sad to give it up, especially when it meant saying good-bye to the heated steering wheel and seats during one of the coldest days of 2016. Ruggedness and Refinement Through and Through You will probably keep reading about those two 'r' words throughout this … [Read more...]

2 Ways to Wear Stone Wedge Booties

I have been wanting a pair of gray wedge booties all fall.  I needed them to be gray or stone wedge booties.  I just like the way the heel feels when I'm walking better than a regular stacked or chunky heel.  Camtrade sent me a pair of their Secret Celebrity's Keyport Stone Wedge Booties and I had to share how I styled them. Look One- Stone Wedge Booties with Pants Spending the day hanging out at home and doing a little bit of an early Christmas with H's family.  The boots gave me comfort and height at I hosted an early dinner and we exchanged gifts.  It totally got me into the holiday spirit. I could have gone with basic black boots but I like to mix it up a bit.  The stone color adds some depth to the look and means I can play with any jewelry I add to it. It may be cold outside … [Read more...]

Is Your Car Ready for Winter?

Did you know that your tires are just like your shoes? It's true! You wouldn't wear flip flops or sandals in the snow, right?  So why should your car be in the wrong attire? Tires follow the seasons too. Just like your shoes you need to have the right tires on your car for different times of the year. Is your car ready for winter? Michelin supplied an easy break down to find out which tire type is best for your vehicle regardless of the temperatures. Remember, when the temps dip below 30 your tire pressure light might go off.  Just use your tire gauge and manual to find out where the tires need to be and fill them with air when you stop to get gas.  It's easier than you think. Don't believe it?  Watch this hockey puck demonstration that shows how long it takes certain tire … [Read more...]

Holiday Style with Garnet Hill

Winter is settling in here in the DC Metro area and that means it is time for more holiday style.  This time courtesy of Garnet Hill and special group of ladies creating some gorgeous looks called- It's a fun collaboration with some incredibly stylish mamas who have loads of seriously fabulous holiday style ideas for you. Get ready for everything from holiday party looks to comfy chic holiday shopping outfits, we’ve got your holiday style covered. Take a look at Julie from Mom Fabulous and her take on 'Moms Do Holiday Style'. Now, let’s talk about how I worked with Garnet Hill on my own version of Moms Do Holiday Style. I created three looks based on two pieces from their Holiday Dressing collection. Look One This outfit combines both items the Cashmere Turtleneck … [Read more...]

The TMC Holiday Gift Guide

I did it again. I created a TMC Holiday Gift Guide.  You've been warned. There are no gift ideas here for the man in your life. Why? Because quite frankly every time I look at one of those guides or show one to H he says, "This is all stuff I would never want and never need. I want a snowblower or running gear, not shaving accessories. I swear to God, Vicky, if I see another toiletry bag as a gift I'm going to shiv someone." #twopeasinapod   Let's start with the kids gift guide, shall we?   Holiday Gift Guide for Kids by victoriamason featuring paper placemats Mega Bloks American Girl Isabelle Ballet Recital/Exploding Kittens: A Card Game About Kittens and Explosions and Sometimes Goats/American Girl Wellie Wisher (Willa shown)/Carter's Pajamas/Seedling Snow … [Read more...]

Everyday Basics

This  week has me sending texts that make my friends say, "Reading about your day has me exhausted."  That's why I am relying on the everyday basics of my closet to get me through this week and every day this month if I'm honest. This time of year there are parties and special events and blog posts to upload with holiday looks, but what I'm really wearing on the daily is all my best and favorite basics. These closet staples are must-haves and make it possible to just grab and go every morning. I want to get as much done now while the girls are in school so that I can enjoy their time off at Christmas. Monday morning had me running all over the town.  It was warmer and the sun was shining bright. No jacket needed. Staples like a stripe shirt, black booties, and a cardigan work … [Read more...]

2016 Mazda CX-9 Signature AWD

The 2016 Mazda CX-9, another year and a very different review. Mazda CX-9 in Sonic Silver Metallic. Source: Victoria Mason At the annual WAPA Rally in October the Mazda CX-9 was my first drive of the day.  I always like to start the event off with a brand I feel comfortable with and car that doesn't offer a ton of surprises.  While I may know Mazda, the 2016 CX-9 offered plenty of surprises the minute I opened the driver's side door. On the Outside All new for 2016, the Mazda CX-9 is great to look at and offers families a lot in a 7-passenger vehicle. With 20-inch alloy wheels (standard in the Signature trim), heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and a power open/close rear lift-gate you find convenience and ease that is hard to beat. Features like rearview cameras,a lane-keep … [Read more...]

Home for the Holidays

Each year we spend Christmas at home.  Family visits and with three kids we really enjoy a relaxed time the comes from being home for the holidays. This is our second Christmas in our new home and it has undergone more changes in the last few months.  We finally said good-bye to the last of the outdated, late 90's burgundy and gold-brown walls that permeated the house and hello to a spruced up and lighter palette of blues and greens and grays. Our house is really beginning to feel like our home. Day one of decorating. We needed new things to go with the new paint colors throughout the house. We quickly realized how lucky we are that Garnet Hill sent us new stockings for this Christmas from their Hable Christmas Stocking collection. They match perfectly with the new paint … [Read more...]

2017 Hyundai Santa Fe LTD ULT AWD

Meet the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe LTD ULT AWD. Source: Victoria Mason There is so much to love in this latest vehicle from Hyundai and I feel like I can't say it enough, but when it comes to getting more for your money Hyundai hits it out of the park.  Why? Check this out: Source: Victoria Mason An aerial shot comes first.  Then the driver can pick the angle as they navigate a space.  It is absolutely freeing to have this technology. That's the 8-inch touchscreen with the multi-view camera system that offers 360-degree view.  I have a long, downhill, curvy driveway that I usually do a 360 turn in to get out of when I'm in my own SUV. With the multi-view camera I can navigate my way out much faster and park the Santa Fe anywhere with little effort or sweating.  Other … [Read more...]