[I LOVE PEPLUM - TRUE STORY]

Do you remember when peplum was in style the first time around? Think way back. I remember being a pretty young girl and I had this white and navy polka-dotted peplum dress, and I also distinctly remember thinking that dress was just about the best thing that had ever happened to me or the world. I remember getting dressed up in it for church with white tights and white shiny shoes... judge me if you want, but I looked good, and I knew it. And maybe this is why I have a particular affinity for the peplum trend. I think it's fun and feminine and works for almost any occasion.

I love it with a trendy spin like floral prints or beaded accents, simple and comfortable tops (that heather top is my favorite of the bunch), and with sequin or lace, you can pair it with anything and have yourself an automatic party outfit for the holidays.

So tell me, do you have anything peplum in your closet? And more importantly, did you used to wear peplum as a kid like me?

(floral|black|purple|heather|gold|red)

[A NEW FAVORITE: SUGAR PAPER]

I don't remember how or why or where, but I came across Sugar Paper not long ago, and it is all I have thought about ever since. Ok, that's not exactly true, but I love it, and I think you will love it too, and that's why I'm here to share it with you. I am kind of a paper/stationery freak. When the Mr. and I were in New York (to get engaged, unbeknownst to me), he took me to some of his favorite places from when he'd lived there, and one was this awesome paper store, and I already pretty much knew, but that was when I knew for sure that he was the only man for me. So you get the picture, I love paper stores. And this is a good one, so without further ado, here are a few of my favorites from their shop.

I love their simple, bright, and sophisticated goods, and I am dying for someone to buy me that recipe box. And reversible wrapping paper? I mean...

Hope you enjoy.

(1.2.3.4.5.6)

[LIFE IN PICTURES]

I suppose it's time to play a little bit of catch up on our life lately, and what better way to do that than a quick collection of instagram photos from the last few months. Since we moved back to Texas, life has been a whirlwind. I can't remember the last time we sat at home with nothing to do, and if we were, I'd probably be thinking "something's not right about this".

1:: First things first... Christmas.

2:: See above.

3:: One of the best things about living closer to family is spending time with our nieces and nephews. We love these little pumpkins.

4:: We've gotten to do some fun Christmasy things like seeing the nutcracker and the parade in Boerne.

5:: More time spent with family, including my lovely sister.

6:: We also got to be at/in the wedding of some great friends, and had an awesome time.

Hope you're all having a lovely day!

[TREND ALERT: GRAY CABINETS]

If you're anything like me and spend copious amounts of time on interior design sites, you've probably already started to see gray cabinets popping up in kitchens. We haven't had a chance to start looking at houses yet, but once we do, I know we'll be looking for something that we can overhaul and make our own, so bookmarking house ideas has become a favorite pastime for me. Gray cabinets have caught my eye as a great way to add depth and uniqueness to a kitchen without having to go overboard. I've seen the trend in light grays, dark grays and every gray in between, and the combination of white uppers and gray lowers is my absolute favorite. Add in brass hardware and floating shelves... doesn't get any better than that.

 Have any of you tried an unconventional color on cabinetry? I'd love to hear about it!

(images via)

[GUEST POST & A GREAT FIND]

The lovely and talented Ashley from Calmly Chaotic absolutely made my day when she asked me to come over and contribute to her blog with fun ideas for a holiday party look. She is fun and real, she has great style, and she is kind of my hero right now because she is participating in NaNoWriMo and writing a book! Those who know me well know that writing a book is pretty much my ultimate goal in life, but being disciplined in setting aside the time to do it is much easier said that done, so I love that she is going for it. Putting together a high/low holiday look for her was a blast, so I hope you'll head on over to check it out!

And while I had saving vs. splurging on the brain, I thought I'd share one of my favorite finds of late. While perusing around shopbop one day, I saw a necklace and thought "that needs to be mine". It was a simple, understated, go-with-absolutely-anything kind of necklace. One problem... it was $240. So I gritted my teeth and moved on. But then! A few weeks ago, Kelly over at Fabulous K posted a giveaway that she was doing with The Altered Chain. When I went to check out her shop, I found almost the exact same necklace, and for only $23! I mean, it's like Christmas came early.

Have any of you come across any great finds that saved you some serious cash? Do share.