10 Classy Holiday Gifts Ideas for Him

1. Massage Gun  //  2. Airpods Pro  //  3. UGG Slippers   //  4. TUMI Backpack  //  5. Kiehl's Facial Kit  //  6. YETI Mug  //  7.  Leather Moto Jacket   //  8.  Whiskey Stones Set   //  9.  Whiskey City Glasses  //  10. Apple Watch ( Series 5)


I'm starting the 2019 Classy Woman's Holiday Gift Guide series with some of the hardest people to shop for-the men in our life! This year, my sweetie has thankfully been more vocal about what he would most enjoy or really needs so it's making my shopping easier. I'm rounding up some tried and true gifts that any guy in your life is sure to love and will use. I've also rounded up the best of today's Cyber Monday deals too, you can find those at the bottom of this post-there are some awesome sales right now including 50% off all Christmas decorating at Target if you're getting ready to decorate your tree and home like I am.


Massage Gun //  My hunny asked me to get him one this year after using it after an intense workout, these are more targeted than massage balls and are similar to what you might find in a Chiropractor's office. Perfect if your guy is athletic, making workouts a greater priority this coming year or could use some relief from pain.

Airpods Pro //  These are a favorite in our house-not having to untangle wires is a beautiful thing. We both own the regular airpods, however this next generation Pro version offers noise-cancelling capabilities and they fit ears better than the original version. We love ours for air travel, listening to podcasts and audio books while in each other's space and especially at the gym or taking calls with more privacy.

UGG Slippers // Other moccasin slippers may look the same but they are not UGGs. The lambs wool is so soft and cushy and the rubber tread sole is durable enough to wear outdoors, they really last! I bought myself this cute gray pair with leather bow and I literally wear them every single day (even in the summer) because they keep my feet from feeling cold on the hardwood and tile in our home, they are the perfect gift as men usually won't buy themselves slippers.

Tumi Backpack // For my birthday B gifted me with this gorgeous leather women's Tumi backpack and I just love it for its practical yet beautiful design. I first became interested in getting one as he mentioned someone had purchased this one for him as a gift and although at the time he didn't initially think he'd use it a lot, it turned out to be one of the things he uses the most as he travels for business and we use it for weekend road trips along with vacations where it serves as our personal item or carry on (there's even a compartment for a pair of shoes!). Even after a few years' use, his in black looks virtually new thanks to its quality craftsmanship. I love that we're always twinning with our his & hers versions during our trips.

Kiehl's Facial Kit // Especially for the guy who isn't into skincare but knows he should be using something, this is a great introduction. Kiehl's offers quality products that are lightly scented and deliver results. I love their travel kits because they're great for taking essentials away, but they're perfect for discover which full size products your man most prefers.

YETI Mug //  Insulated mugs are a great gift and these fit a car cup holder, and given their larger size are the perfect companion to a long morning commute. If we didn't already own these matching (we love to twin) BMW travel mugs, I'd get B one as he does a lot of driving and loves coffee or bone broth for the ride.

Leather Moto Jacket // If you're looking for a classic jacket that won't go out of style, look no further because a black leather moto jacket is where its at. It's a great investment piece that will be a staple in his closet for years to come.

Whiskey Stones // During our first Christmas together I bought B these stones, they are a stylish way of chilling a drink without watering it down. Knowing he loves a good glass of scotch, I couldn't resist and they come in a convenient little bag so you can pop the pair into the freezer door to chill.

City Whiskey Glasses // I love these unique city glasses so much. Each one has the map of a city so if he loves his hometown or the city he attended collage in or simply has a favorite sports team, a pair or set of 4 of these would make a great gift paired with the whiskey stones above. I bought these for B during our first Christmas with San Francisco along with New York (both cities he lived and worked in) and now we call SF home.

Apple Watch (Series 5) // With a built-in fitness app it's perfect for the athletic man in your life who wishes to be hands-free but still get the same information while crushing his fitness goals. It is so much more though, like the iPhone it can receive calls, provide social media notifications, messages, alert and motivate you to stand if you've been sitting too long, you can even adjust the settings to the specific terrain you're on for running indoors/outdoor, spinning or just to count your steps for the day and of course monitor heart rate. There are many more things that it can do, but those are a few beyond telling time and temperature, date etc.

SHOP THE POST

BEST CYBER MONDAY DEALS

AMAZON  // Up to 56% off Amazon devices

ALO YOGA // Up to 70% off sale items, up to 30% off full-price

ANN TAYLOR // 50% off everything + free shipping with code "CYBER"

ANTHROPOLOGIE  // 30% off everything + 50% off sale, free shipping over $100

ASOS // 30% off everything with code "BIG30"

BANANA REPUBLIC //  50% off sitewide

BAUBLE BAR // 35% off everything

BLOOMINGDALES // 25% off regular + sale items and 50% off clearance

COACH // 50% off winter sale

DICK'S SPORTING GOODS //  Up to 50% off sitewide

EXPRESS // 50% off everything plus free shipping

GAP //  50% off everything using code "GAPCYBER"

J.CREW // Up to 50% off

J.CREW FACTORY //  60% off everything

KATE SPADE // 50% off  sale with code "CYBERFUNDAY"

LEVI'S // 40% off sitewide + 50% off sale

LOFT // 40% off  everything using code "24HOURS"

MADEWELL // 30% off using code "GIFTWELL"

NORDSTROM //  Up to 50% off hundreds of items

NEIMAN MARCUS // Designer sale up to 50% off

NINE WEST //  50% off sitewide

OLD NAVY //  50% off hundreds of styles (discount applied at checkout)

RAG & BONE // Save 25% off entire site

REBECCA MINKOFF // 25% off orders $100+ with code "THANKS25", up to 75% off  sale

REVOLVE // Extra 20% off with code "CYBER20"

SAM EDELMAN // Up to 30% off almost everything with code "SAM2019"

T3 //  25% off sitewide with code "MONDAY19"

TARGET // Up to 50% off

TOPSHOP // Up to 50% off everything

TORY BURCH // 30% off with code "THANKS"

UGG //  Up to 60% OFF

7 FOR ALL MANKIND // 40% off everything with code "FAM40"

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What holiday gifts have been a hit with your man in the past? Share with us in the comments below. Happy Cyber Week shopping!

XO

Karla

How to Get a Better Night's Sleep

Most of us have the best intentions to get a full 7-8 hours sleep, then we decide to check our e-mail one last time or reply to comments on social media and next thing we know it's an hour later and we're heading to bed later than anticipated, making getting up in the morning that much more challenging. Especially while away on vacation (as many head somewhere warm during the winter in hopes of a little R & R), it's easy to find yourself overtired from a day spent exploring a new city, adventurous activity or adjusting to a new time zone. While it's necessary to carve out those precious 7-8 hours for proper rest, what we do before we head to bed is just as important (if not more) to ensure a restful night of quality sleep ahead.

A classy woman makes wellness a priority. She knows that only when she takes care of herself first can she then take care of those around her. Today I want to share 10 tips that will help you get into a healthy routine and allow you to experience a better night's sleep, not only during the holidays but all year round. It is so important to get enough shut-eye if we plan to be productive, rev up our immune system as well as stay alert and happy. These are all tips that I live by and they really work! As a mother to a little one, my days are always action-packed starting from the wee hours of the morning when my eyes are barely open, and never has sleep been more cherished than when Lily was in the new baby stage and now during her toddler years. I'm also a huge fan of daytime afternoon naps on weekends when she naps-even 20 minutes can be so rejuvenating!

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10 Tips for Getting a Better Night's Sleep

1. Cut off Caffeine- Early mornings can sometimes call for a boost to get things going. Many turn to coffee, tea or even hot cocoa for a pick-me-up. The trick is to get these drinks in earlier in the day then cut them off around 3pm. It's been proven that any caffeine consumed later than this time could keep you awake. If you're more sensitive to caffeine (like myself), you may want to limit yourself to one cup of joe before noon or try tea instead, chai is my favorite. Be aware of other foods and drinks that also contain caffeine such as certain herbal supplements, protein powders, energy drinks and even dark chocolate. My favorite way to begin most mornings is with a smoothie (if you've been following along on instagram you've likely seen me post a few of them already). My usual recipe is to toss a banana + frozen berries into my Vitamix blender (which pulverizes everything including seeds and powers through stalks of kale in seconds) along with orange juice, spinach (or kale) and fresh ginger for an extra zing. Adding quality protein (I like this hemp protein powder or these hemp seed hearts because they're plant-based) will keep you from feeling sluggish and will nourish your body to give it the proper nutrition, energy and essential fats it craves.

2. Limit Liquids Before Bed-Staying properly hydrated is essential throughout the day: 8-10 eight ounce glasses of purified water are what you want to aim for (essentially a glass every hour). However, if you tend to eat and drink late at night, there's a greater chance that you'll be woken up in the middle of the night with a full bladder. The best thing to do is finish your last glass of water/beverage, bowl of soup, etc., 2 hours before heading to bed. This is one of the easiest fixes for getting a more restful and longer span of sleep. 

3. Magnesium is a Must-If you do not currently take a multivitamin (and even if you do), chances are that you are not getting enough magnesium. It's been studied and proven that more than 80% of Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet due to our soil being so depleted. What you may not realize is that magnesium is responsible for roughly 200 different bodily functions and one of those is relaxing muscles for restful sleep. This is especially important for people who have twitches, restless leg syndrome or find that they have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep or just relaxing in general. This powerhouse of a mineral is critical but not just any form of it will do. I highly recommend straying away from drugstore or grocery store brands, opt for a health food store that will provide a quality supplement or you can shop online. I buy most of my supplements online here because they ship quickly and are usually the best price. The forms of magnesium you want to look for specifically which are rated as best absorption are: Magnesium Glycinate (this is the exact supplement I take), Magnesium Taurate and Magnesium Malate, Magnesium citrate is good and inexpensive also but can cause a laxative effect (a good option if you require that) but not so much if you're very regular. As with all supplements, especially if you are using prescription medication, clear it with your doctor first. In most cases though, prescription medications can actually rob our bodies of this necessary mineral, making that much more necessary. 

4. Take a Relaxing Bath- This is probably obvious to most, hot water is relaxing to our muscles and a hot bath just feels so good, providing a more drowsy state. To maximize this time in the tub, instead of bubble bath, opt for epsom salts which are a form of magnesium (magnesium sulfate), they help to not only relax but detox the body of pollutants too. One of the most simple bath recipes is: Run a tub full of water and add 2 handfuls of epsom salts, 10 drops of pure lavender essential oil (organic is always best), then add in 1/2 cup of baking soda. These up the relaxation factor and assist with detoxing the body before bed. Although quick & easy, if you're not into making your own bath soaking salts, I recommend these calm soaking salts or these detox soaking salts for yourself or even as a gift for someone who loves a good bath, they come in a pretty glass jar. A good soak for 20-30 mins coupled with a book in bed for 15 minutes afterwards always does the trick for me after a stressful day.

5. Read a Real Book- In an age where everything is digital and even our books are on electronic devices, it's import to allow our body to have a break from the EMF radiation and bright screens of tech and allow our eyes to rest themselves on the printed page. If your goal is to read several chapters, you might find yourself falling asleep after the first few pages-it's one of my favorite ways to end the day. It's been proven that starting at screens keeps our body wired and awake for far longer, for that reason alone it's important to leave electronics out of the bedroom. Opt for books that are relaxing in nature, inspiring and positive leaving you with sweet dreams. I often read my devotional bible before bed as a wonderful way to end the day.

6. The Right Temperature- While it's tempting to slip into bed and blast the heat on a cold winter's night, or run the A/C during warmer months, once your body is asleep it's natural temperature will cool down slightly. Having said that, running a space heater or covering up with too many layers of blankets can cause you to wake mid-dream to strip down or turn off the heat. The ideal temperature is said to be 72 degrees. A hot water bottle or rice pack that's able to be heated is great because it doesn't stay hot all night, just enough to allow you to drift off. I personally find I sleep much better in cooler, drier climates-it's very refreshing. My face also never looks puffy in the morning when I follow this temp guideline. A great down duvet comforter is excellent at regulating temperature so you're warm enough in winter and cool enough in summer. If you're allergic, try this down alternative duvet comforter instead.

7. Clean Sheets- We all love the feeling and scent of freshly laundered clothes, they just feel so clean and cozy. When it comes to sheets, without fail, I've always personally noticed that I sleep the best the night I change my sheets, especially if they're fresh out of the dryer. I only use natural-based laundry detergent because most fragrances irritates my skin and I omit dryer sheets and fabric softeners in favor of vinegar in my rinse cycle-this is especially important in summer when skin is more exposed. Ideally, you want to switch sheets out once per week, more often if you or your significant other tends to perspire a lot. I wash pillowcases much more frequently to keep my skin clear as I wear botanical oil serums on my face at night. Cotton sheets are best for breathability, avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester and satin or sateen. I always buy cotton sheets and use these separate silk pillowcases as they are softer and don't leave wrinkles on my face (I'm a side sleeper) and my hair isn't a mess or damaged from friction in the morning as it can tend to become with regular pillow cases.

8. Daily Exercise- Make exercise part of your daily routine and you'll experience quality sleep. This happens for a few reasons: the obvious exertion of energy during the workout causes our body to crave the necessary rest to repair muscle tissue, stretching or yoga are especially beneficial-when we stretch regularly, we eliminate muscle tightness, stiffness and discomfort, which can be especially noticeable in the evening. I've found that it makes a huge difference in the way I feel-for that reason stretching both morning and evening for 5-10 minutes is a must for me. I love this roller tool (also mentioned in this post about posture) in conjunction with regular stretching to get all the kinks out. When I've done all I can do and my neck is still stiff, a trip to the Chiropractor always re-aligns my body so I can rest without pain. Massage therapy also works wonders and should be a regular part of your routine, especially if you work out.

9. Sleepy Time Tea- I mentioned above not to drink within the 2-hour window before bed, however if you can, try to swap out water and make that last drink a non-caffeinated herbal tea designed to help you relax. Chamomile is a go-to for many. I've tried and love the following organic teas: nighty night tea, relax tea, night time tea and bedtime tea. If I'm soaking in the tub, I usually drink a mug of this at the same time, provided that it's not immediately before bed.

10. The Dark Side- Visible light in the bedroom is the primary reason why many don't sleep well. It disturbs the body's natural biological clock and circadian rhythms as well as affect our melatonin levels which tells our body that we should be awake instead of asleep. To remedy  this issue, first and foremost, use curtains over windows with blinds, preferably blackout curtains. Have an eye mask on hand while traveling so you can get the same experience while away from home. Unplug or cover the display of any devices that emit a red, blue or green LED light-alarm clocks are notorious for this. In my house we just cover with a dark fabric. While we're on the subject of senses-keep flowers, scented products such as candles and air fresheners etc., out of the room which can cause allergies and wake you during sleeping hours by sneezing. If you're a light sleeper and hear even low level noise-invest in a quality set of ear plugs like these  -my husband and I both swear by them at home and while traveling. They're especially useful for midday naps when outside noise is more prevalent and can be heard indoors.

As a general rule of thumb, as mentioned above, turn off any tech devices that do not need to be on while you sleep such as the computer modem, laptop, cell phone, tablets, printers and more. If you have them all hooked up to a power strip, it's easy to just flip one switch and shut it all down at night. We live by this rule in our home and it makes such a huge difference in our sleep quality. What you may not realize is that EMF (electromagnetic field energy) and wi-fi continually provide a stream of radiation that has the ability alter our brain's activity and neurotransmitters. Over time, this can cause other health issues beyond insomnia or sleep problems. It is never recommended to sleep with a cell phone in or near your bed-especially not near your head or pillow. *Quick tip: If you use it for an alarm and light to see early in the morning or getting around the bedroom late at night like I do with my iPhone, just go into your settings and once you've set your alarm time, set your phone to airplane mode. As long as you don't power your phone off completely and just tap the power button to shut the screen off, your alarm will still ring but you won't be woken up by text message + e-mail alerts or phone calls either.

Getting a good night's sleep is enjoyable with the right pair of pajamas. I'm sharing some favorites and most of them are currently on sale if you're looking for yourself or wanting to gift someone you love with new pair of PJ's. Use the scroll bars to see all items and click on the image to get more info.

Do you find it hard to get a good night's sleep? Did any of these tips resonate with you? Perhaps you have some sleeping tips of your own that you swear by, please share as I'd love to read them in the comments below!

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Thanks for stopping by!

XO

The Best of Cyber Monday Sales!

l. Blue handbag  //  2. Watch //  3. Lipstick  //  4. Gloves

5. Booties  //  6. Coat  //  7. Candle  //  8. Headphone set

9. Beanie  //  10. Leopard Bag  //  11. Statement Pumps //  12.  Earrings

A few more favorites from the sale today:

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Happy Cyber Monday Ladies!! Every year I get super excited for this day (aka: The biggest online shopping day of the year) because there are always so many amazing deals to be had and this year certainly did not disappoint!!  Most retailers are also offering free shipping on any size order (and some offer free returns too), so there really couldn't be an easier way to snag a deal!

With that said, today I'm sharing my very favorite items above in the collage along with a full list of my favorite stores below and the accompanying details including promo codes, making things easier for you, so you won't have to dig through e-mails or hop from site to site trying to figure out where to begin. If you're truly at a loss on what to get certain family members or friends for Christmas or the holidays, Amazon is always a great place to look for inspiration! They have tons of deals on everything today so it's a great place to get the creative juices flowing and help you think outside of the box this year. I'm a huge fan of both giving and receiving monogrammed gifts. They add an extra-special personal touch.

ANN TAYLOR //50% off everything + free shipping w/ code: EVERYTHING

ANTHROPOLOGIE // 25% off all sale + free shipping w/ code: XTRAGOOD

AMAZON // Tons of amazing deals in every category for everyone on your list!

ASOS // 20% off everything w/ code: CYBER
BANANA REPUBLIC // 40% off everything w/ code: BESTCYBER
BAUBLEBAR // 20% off 1 item w/code: GOGIFT25, 35% off 2+ items w/ code: GOGIFT35
EXPRESS // Up to 40% off everything, free shipping on orders of $50+

GAP // 40% off everything w/ code: BESTCYBER
GIGI NEW YORK // Spend $125 save 20%, spend $250 save 25%, spend $350 save 30%
J.CREW // 40% off select items, 30% off everything else w/code: MONDAY

J.CREW FACTORY // 50% off% + extra 15% off + free shipping w/ code: TODAYONLY
KATE SPADE // 30% off everything w/code: SHINE
KENDRA SCOTT // 15% off everything w/ code: SALE15
LOFT // 50% off everything w/ code: CYBER50

MACY'S // Cyber Monday Deals + free shipping at $25

NEIMAN MARCUS // Spend $200 get a $50 gift card; spend $500 get a $125 gift card, spend $1,000 get a $250 gift card
NORDSTROM // Extra 25% off sale items, up to 40% off designer sales + double points day
OLD NAVY // 40% off everything w/ code: BESTCYBER

REBECCA MINKOFF // 25% off all orders 

SHOPBOP // Spend $250+ save 15%, spend $500, save 20%, spend $1,000, save 25% w/ code: GOBIG15
SOLE SOCIETY // 30% off everything (no code needed)
TORY BURCH // Spend $250, receive 30% off w/ code: THANKS
TUCKERNUCK  Preppy Apparel // 15% off sitewide (CYBER-15), 20% off orders of $200+ (CYBER-20), 25% off orders of $500+ (CYBER-25), 30% off orders of $1,000+ (CYBER-30)

WHITE HOUSE/BLACK MARKET // 35% off your purchase + free shipping w/code: 97729

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GREAT GIFT GUIDES

If you're looking to zero in on a particular price point or are trying to find cute little stocking stuffers, I love looking at gift guides, especially those under a certain price point. My favorites this year are:

J.CREW: (for Her)  //  (for Him) 

KATE SPADE: (under $100)  //  (under $50)

NORDSTROM: (under $100)  //  (stocking stuffers)

TORY BURCH:  (the classics)  //  (must-have presents)

TUCKERNUCK: (for the classy lady)  // (monogrammed gifts)

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I hope you score some serious deals today and are able to cross several items off your list! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Being a Classy Woman is an Art Form

Like any noble goal in life, profession or anything worth having, becoming a classy woman takes hard work; dedication, discipline, time, self-correction, self-awareness, a desire for personal growth and the need for constant refinement. Being a classy woman truly is an art form and it isn't easy.

If you've been working on yourself and making progress but feel as though you have such a long way to go, I just want to encourage you today and let you know that I do also-you are not alone! Even though I write a blog on the very topic of what it means to be a classy woman, I still struggle in many areas of my life with such things as impatience and I am not always as gentle as I could be (or desire to be) and sometimes I utter words that I reflect on afterwards and wish I had conveyed differently. At times I have questioned whether I should continue to write such a blog but every time I remind myself that I need to hold myself to a standard of grace and not perfection. If I want to extend such grace to others, it needs to begin with myself first.

Let me also remind you that the goal of becoming a classy woman is not to be perfect, it is to be kind, well mannered and do all things with excellence given the time and resources we have afforded to us. While we may not be able to change aspects of our outward appearance or surroundings such as a our work environment, city or country in which we live, home or vehicle, we can control our attitude and how we respond to the various challenges and circumstances that come our way. While I sometimes share posts about maintaining a beautiful, well kept home or suggestions on how to dress like a lady, what matters most is how we treat others (as well as ourselves), our heart will shine through no matter what we do. When you're feeling overwhelmed, start there-begin with kindness. Over time, little by little you will find that you'll slowly become more and more of the woman you wish to be. :)

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XO

10 Benefits of Being Well Dressed

While the classy woman has many different facets to her, I continually receive the most requests for content on how to dress elegantly, and with good reason. Although it is not the most important aspect of who we are as a lady (our internal characteristics are), our overall appearance is what others will see first when they meet us and how we choose to put ourselves together speaks volumes. It is important to convey who we are through many means including our personal sense of style, which is a first glimpse that draws others in to continue to learn more about us. My goal for today's post is to share with you the reasons why it is so valuable to dress well as often as possible.

There are many times in life when we may not necessarily feel like putting in the extra effort to dress up. Maybe we just need to do a quick late night run to the grocery store for a loaf of bread or gallon of milk, perhaps we're headed to the carpool lane to swing by and drop off/pick up the kids from school, or we may not feel the need to wear anything fancy to workout in since it's 'only the gym'. Whatever our reasons, I'm going to reveal why it is worth your time to put in a little extra effort, which goes beyond just being aesthetically pleasing to others.

Like you, I'm only human, and while I love a good reason to dress up in a chic new outfit or wear my Sunday best but the truth is, with a little one to chase after these days as I know many of you can relate to, sometimes the additional time required to look pulled-together before leaving the house (and not like a frumpy mommy whose been sitting on the floor playing with a toddler and picking up crumbs and spills all day), can sometimes feel unnecessary and time consuming. One thing I promised myself before my daughter was born was that no matter how tired I was or how crazy things got with a wee one, I wouldn't go out in public in sweats and milk stained t-shirts and daily showers were non-negotiable. I also vowed to be as presentable as possible for myself and my husband inside our home. It's so important to keep that piece of yourself regardless of how life changes after children, and it definitely changes.

No matter what we do for a living or how we spend our day (whether it's spent in the workforce, at home solo, with our kiddos or even in retirement), the truth is that what we wear, although exterior, matters and as the saying goes you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Like it or not, a big factor in how others perceive us is our physical appearance. We send a subtle message to others with how we speak as well as our non-verbal cues along with our attire. The good news is, like the other two forms of communication, our attire is definitely something within our control. Dressing well can be made simple if you know a few tricks allowing you to get out the door quickly so a frumpy, disheveled look will never be an option again!

Dressing well doesn't mean you need to don head-to-toe designer labels nor does it mean you have to be outfitted in a dress or skirt everyday all day, there are many ways to dress up even the most casual outfit in jeans. However, your clothing does need to be well cared for and of quality even though hefty price tags are not required. In today's post I'm focusing on why you will want to dress well, followed up by a post next week on the specifics of what constitutes a 'well dressed' look so that you can nail it every time!

1. People Will Take You Seriously - When we are well groomed we become more approachable to others. Not only in everyday personal life but especially in the workplace, you'll notice a difference when you up the ante on your outfit game. Superiors at work will pay attention and take you more seriously. When you are new to the workforce and still quite young you'll appear older and more sophisticated which can be advantageous and the reverse is also true in that as you mature, you'll be viewed as stylish and ultimately more youthful-both are definitely a plus. On the contrary, dressing without much consideration says one thing only: that you didn't care enough to put in the effort to dress better. No matter what level of income we earn or our occupation, we can all agree that clean, pressed, well-fitting clothing that is appropriate for our daily routine and is also in good repair just shows that we take pride in our appearance and respect who we are as a woman. It all comes down to this: Dress how you want to be Addressed. 

2. Your Self-Confidence will Increase -We all know how it feels when we wear a brand new pair of killer heels or a beautiful new dress. It gives us an extra swing in our step and boosts our spirit and in turn we stand taller, lift our head high and exude self-assurance not to mention the fact that you may even receive some compliments along the way. Why wait for a special occasion to look fabulous, it's something we can do for ourselves each and everyday that radiates to those around us and can positively impact our life in so many different ways. Confidence makes others feel as though we are capable and will only help bring new opportunities our way.

3. You'll Appear More Trustworthy - This may sound like an odd point to consider, however if you had a choice between loaning your car to a well dressed person for the day or to an unkempt person, who would you choose? Exactly. If it appears we cannot take care of ourselves properly, why would someone entrust us with a great new career advancement that comes with an increase in responsibility? When people see that you take pride in your appearance they know that you'll do the same in every other area of your life also, they can rest assured that their business (or in the case of friends-personal possessions) are in good hands.

4. You'll Be More Prepared - How many times have you gone to run an errand looking your worst and that's precisely when you bump into someone you know? We've all been there. What's worse is that sometimes the person you meet is someone new, you get chit chatting and find out they're hiring for your dream job or equally as cringe-worthy, you bump into a handsome stranger who you can't be yourself around because you're feeling so self-conscious the whole time about your poor wardrobe choice and lack of even basic makeup that you can't focus or think about anything else. Like setting the tone for an interview before you've even opened your mouth, dressing well and early can ensure that your day begins in an organized fashion, so you're not caught off guard but rather well prepared for whatever comes your way. Personally speaking, the days I'm inside and don't get dressed into something decent first thing (this is often typical for those who work from home), it just makes the rest of the day drag and I always feel less productive.

5. Others Will Feel Respected - For the same reasons that you wouldn't want to invite someone into your home or car at its absolute worst (at least I hope you wouldn't! *If this is you, definitely read my post on how to keep a clean car), you don't want to offend others by wearing dirty, wrinkled clothing that appears as though you've slept in it. There's a reason why people spend a lot of time preparing to get dressed up for big events such as weddings and take extra care in choosing an outfit for church, because they are attending an event that calls for respect and want to honor that. When people feel respected around you they'll feel more comfortable around you.

6. You'll Become More Engaged in Life -There have been a number of times that I haven't wanted to go somewhere, have my photo taken or to be in a family video because I didn't love what I was wearing at the time or hadn't put on makeup that day (I just always feel better when I at least have the basics working for me-a little blush, mascara and tinted lip gloss on). Those uncomfortable moments of not wanting to be in front of the camera or just front and center in your own life change when you choose to put in the extra effort to dress well and do so early in the day. You then are essentially 'ready' for life and will have so many more wonderful memories and experiences to reflect back on in years to come instead of wishing you had been more prepared, polished and joined in on the fun. Let's face it, when we look cute, we want to document it! Am I right?

7. You'll Maximize Your Wardrobe Investment -We all know people who have rooms in their home that nobody ever uses or sits in (I always think that's such a waste of square footage) or fine china that only sits in the cabinet collecting dust. We can often be the same with clothing in that we own beautiful pieces and they sit awaiting the perfect occasion. Guess what? The fact that you are living and breathing is the perfect occasion. You can easily get more wear out of dressier pieces by wearing them to more than just the office or a special event. There are so many ways to dress a garment up or down so that a variety of looks can be created thus expanding your existing wardrobe. Speaking of stretching your wardrobe, ready my 8 tips to maximize your wardrobe budget so you can stop buying clothing that you'll never wear.. 

8. It Increases Your Standards - People who dress in a polished manner typically treat all of their spaces and possessions in a similar manner. Their home is neat and filled with the best of what they can afford at the time and their car is tidy and well maintained. You expect more of yourself in a good way. One area of your life spills into another, so it's important to lead with your best foot in all areas including in what you choose to wear.

9. You'll Be Motivated to Get & Stay Fit - One of the side effects of intentionally being well dressed is that you'll want to wear those pretty pieces that have been hiding in your closet and drawers which are just a touch too tight or that you would feel more confident in if your stomach was a bit flatter or if your arms were more toned (you know, the pieces that have been pushed to the back of your closet for that very reason in the hopes of losing a few pounds). It's unfortunate to have beautiful garments not being worn due to a few stubborn pounds. This ties into increasing your standards, you set a higher standard for your own health and fitness too because we feel best in clothing that fits us properly and comfortably. Let's not forget that when you do get into great shape, you'll want to show off all the hard work of creating your newly updated physique as often as possible.

10. You'll Be More Focused on Quality vs. Quantity- A good wardrobe has a mix of many different classic pieces along with some trendy statement pieces also, over time some may wear better than others. What you'll find is that again and again you'll reach for the pieces that keep their color instead of fading, don't tend to have loose threads after a few washes, are properly lined, keep their shape, aren't slightly see-thru (unless that is the look of a particular piece), are comfortable and soft, have buttons that don't need to be re-attached because the washer has pulled them off. You'll also stop buying cheap shoes realizing that this is truly an area where you get what you pay for. As such, your wardrobe will become smaller as you increasingly become more discriminating in your taste. This is a good thing though! Less clutter lets you get straight to the essential pieces without wading through your closet hanger after hanger avoiding a collection of mediocre blouses or ill-fitting jeans that used to be your go-to but don't flatter your curves anymore. When buying new pieces, you'll also notice that you are more selective about bringing home garments that will last, saving up and investing in them vs. buying what happens to be on sale, available in the moment or just a great deal you can't pass up.

I hope today's post helped you identify new reasons to make dressing well a priority. Ultimately though, at the end of the day it comes down to good manners- the cornerstone to making others feel comfortable in our presence which goes beyond just how we act, speak or treat someone. Being well dressed truly is a beautiful form of politeness.

*Update: I've already started to receive a few messages asking where the burgundy lace dress in the photo above is from. While I don't have the exact match, I'm linking to some very similar lace and lace overlay dresses for you from a few of my favorite designers in varying lengths. Many come in the same burgundy tone (this dress in auburn along with this dress in auburn with a bit more sparkle are two of my favorites!), but there are so many other colors options to choose from that are equally as elegant, most are offered in both regular + petite sizing plus some are currently on sale. You can click on any image below to be taken to its source. These are all such beautiful, timeless styles.

Stay tuned for the next post where I'll be sharing the components of dressing well. I'd love to hear what you think. What tips do you live by for dressing well? Leave a comment below and share it with our community. Like what you're reading? Feel free to share it with a friend or pin it to Pinterest for future reference. You can also subscribe to have each new post delivered straight to your inbox.

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Thanks for reading!

XO

Eight Great Book Recommendations

From time to time over the past several years I've received emails from my blog readers asking about books I would recommend on a particular topic-be it fashion, entertaining, etiquette or inspirational. While I've replied to those messages personally with my timeless favorites, I thought I'd share a few of them here today since Fall is a great time for curling up with some hot cocoa and getting lost in a new book. A few of the best I've read have actually been recommended to me or gifted to me by others.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm not (nor have I ever been) interested in romance novels or science fiction books. However, I can be found immersing myself in all things self-improvement, home decor-related adding a little bit of fashion for good measure. As a woman in my young 20's, I'd sometimes go to my favorite large chain book store and enjoy a hot tea while browsing through magazines and books. A couple of my friends who would often join would wonder why I wanted to read books on self-improvement (it was not their genre of choice) and one even commented to me, "Isn't this all pretty obvious stuff? Why do you want to waste your time reading it?" Well, apparently it isn't quite so obvious because there is a very large market (not to mention section of the book store) dedicated to exactly that! ;) I think what we enjoy reading actually says a lot about us and what is important to us in our life. I tend to gravitate towards how-to's and learning new ways to become a better person and if you're also committed to personal growth and enjoy a good book, I hope you'll enjoy the suggestions I'm sharing below.

1. Harper's Bazaar Great Style (Classy Fashion)

2. The Reluctant Entertainer (Home Entertaining)

3. Paris in Color  (Photography/Travel)

4. Young House Love  (Decorating/ DIY Projects)

5. Emily Post's Etiquette ~18th Edition (Manners & Etiquette)

6. Unstoppable (Inspirational)

7. The Purpose Driven Life (Spiritual)

8. Real Simple Solutions (Organizing & Keeping House)

Each one of these 8 books are in my personal collection and what I love about all of them is that they are the kind you can go back to and reference time and time again, re-read, share and enjoy. They are perfect for yourself or as a gift! I grouped the first four together because not only do they have wonderful content but their covers are also so colorful and beautiful which are perfect to adorn any coffee table, making for a great decorative accessory. These first four are also a bit more light-hearted and therefore reside in my living room on end tables and coffee table shelving. The last four are a bit more in-depth reads and are thought-provoking by nature (specifically 5-7).

1. Harper's Bazaar-Great Style- This timeless guide offers a look at different types of attire broken down by category and provides a variety of ways to finish an outfit and even selects wardrobe essentials by age. It has just the right amount of text balanced with photos and is a great reference for women of all ages. Although this book was publishes a few years ago, the fashion is still relevant today as the focus is on classic pieces. I have read as well as flipped through many books on style and fashion and this is by far a more in-depth overview of the essentials vs. current trends that will become outdated in months and years to come.

2. The Reluctant Entertainer- Sandy, the Author, focus on the heart of entertaining, that it need not be perfect (an area I have always struggled with as it pertains to entertaining) but rather, inviting and uncomplicated. She also shares some of her family's favorite recipes that you'll actually want to make along with many fabulous photos that will have you rethinking the way you entertain or inspire you to try it out if you tend to avoid it.

3. Paris in Color - This book transports you to a world of Parisian lifestyle shown through a collection of photographs grouped by hue. Whether you've always dreamed of going to Paris or it holds special memories for you like it does for me (hubby and I became engaged there), it a beautiful book that is sure to be a conversation piece when left out as a coffee table book.

4. Young House Love- This married duo won me over when I began reading their witty blog 5 years ago. They turned their love for DIY and home renovations into a family blogging affair which led to their first book. What I enjoy most is that their projects are unique ideas I haven't seen anywhere else and many can be accomplished in a few hours or a weekend with big impact.

5. Emily Post's Etiquette- This is the quintessential bible of Etiquette. Filled with the proper protocol for an array of dilemmas, this is a go-to on all things manners and etiquette related. While there are several books written on the topic, most, including myself, regard Emily Post as being the queen of etiquette advice.

6. Unstoppable- Because we all need inspiration and encouragement from time to time, this book has been a wonderful resource during discouraging moments. It is filled with not only 45 powerful stories of those who overcame in a great way, but it also a guide to learning how to persevere and triumph in all areas of your life. This book was a gift given to me by my father a decade ago and I still find myself gravitating towards it.

7. The Purpose Driven Life-This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's the kind of book that you'll want to as a gift for any friend or family member in your life. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated or wondering what the purpose of life is or why you are here on earth, this book reveals why we all exist and how to discover our God-given purpose so that we might live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

8. Real Simple Solutions- I think this is the type of book that would appeal to everyone because it's filled with loads of everyday tips, ideas, tricks and solutions to dilemmas we experience every day and who doesn't want to make life easier. It covers genius ideas from beauty, decorating, entertaining and celebrating to organizing, cooking and cleaning. Essentially, it covers every facet of your life and how to keep it simplified. It's filled with lots of great images and how-to photos that you can implement into your every day life.

What are some of your all-time favorite books within these categories?

Thanks for Reading!

XO





*image source: (1)

**This was a sponsored post however all thoughts and opinions are my own.