#BLOGMAS: Gift Guide 2017

Whew! I don't know about all of you, but this holiday season has approached rather rapidly for me this year. From me being sick with pneumonia, my mum getting a hip replacement, and this semester at school winding down (Only one more exam left after today, yay!) I have most definitely been slacking on my holiday preparations this year, one of which is holiday shopping! So, while I was brainstorming gift ideas for my own Christmas shopping list, I decided so share some of my fool proof gift ideas, just in case some of my readers are late to the gift shopping game too. And to boot, I've managed to find some major steals through my sponsors as well, so not only can you nab some awesome gifts, you won't break the bank by doing so!

For Him

Let's face it: Though I'm sure we all love shopping for the fellows in our lives, sometimes it can be incredibly frustrating. This is due to the fact we are never quite sure what to buy them or in cases like mine, they end up buying something for themselves that we planned on getting them. So, I've compiled these following items that are sure to be a hit even if you're guy has everything he could possibly need.

Watches

Though I'm sure most men already own a watch, in my opinion they are one thing a guys can't have too many of (kind of like how I couldn't possibly ever have too many shoes). The reason being is due to giving their wardrobe versatility. For instance, on a more casual day out, he may want to go with a more modern or laid back watch than the dress watch he wears everyday to the office. 

Items Left to Right: Citzen Eco Drive, Movado Bold, JORD Sawyer Koa & Bronze, Bulova Stainless Steel Automatic, Michael Kors Chronograph. 

Accessories & Jewelry

Though not every guy is much for jewelry, some of these simple and understated pieces above could be the perfect gift for the man who like to accessorize. But there are also some more classic choices that may be better suited (and practical) for the more classic guy, such as cuff links, scarves, and ties.

Items Left to Right: Tiffany & Co. Paloma's Groove Bead Pendant, Burberry Cuff Links, Lacoste Logo Scarf, Tiffany & Co. Paloma Picasso's Knot Single Braid Bracelet, Tiffany & Co. Engine Turned Cuff Links, Ralph Lauren Bumble Bee Silk Tie.

Extras & Such

Last but not least, I decided to through in some practical options because one thing for sure is, I love to give useful gifts. So I figured I would throw some of these nifty options out their because I am sure any man would love them. 

Items Left to Right: Master Dynamic Ear Buds, Kiehl Men's Grooming Kit, Fendi Logo Wallet, Chanel Bleu Cologne. 

For Her

And since I know many of us ladies find it hard to shop for the men in our lives, I can only imagine that many guys have the same problem shopping for the women in their lives! So, if you happen to stumble upon this page (Hey, I don't only post fashion, so maybe you'll find something you like!) here are some great gift ideas for her if you're needing inspiration. 

Makeup & Skincare

Though I personally hardly ever wear makeup on a daily basis (not for lack of not liking too mind you, it mostly boils down to laziness on my part), I know there are many women who do and above are some of my top picks for makeup kits and brushes. There are also some killer skin care routines because who wouldn't want to give the gift of pampering and good skin?

Items Left to Right: Rouge Dior Bijou Lipstick Set, YSL Dazzling Lights Palette, Burt's Bees Four Piece Face Essentials, Clarins 24 Piece Advent Calendar, 32 Piece Makeup Brush Set.

Jewelry & Accessories

If the gals in your life are anything like me, that means you can never go wrong with jewelry or warm and snugly accessories. From watches to bracelets, and from scarves and hats, these gift ideas are sure to please this holiday season. 

 Items Left to Right: Plaid Blanket Scarf, Grey Scarf and Pom Pom Beanie Set, Lira Coins Charm Bracelet, Givenchy Rose Gold Choker, Movado Two Tone Watch, Movado Bold in Rose Gold, Animal Pattern Socks.

Extras & Such

Much like for the guys, of course there is always room for practical gifts for us girls too. So, here is a broad selection of some very useful gifts that I'm sure any lady would adore. 

Items Left to Right: Heart and Lock Key Chain, Mermaid Tail Blanket (I have one, and I love it! It's soooo warm!), Workout Phone Case, Geometric Phone Case, Chanel No. 5 Perfume, Calvin Klein Cross Body Bag.

For All

Last but certainly not least, I decided I wanted to cover "gifts for all" in this post. Mainly because though it can be hard to shop for our loved ones, it's even harder to shop for people who we do not know that well. Whether it be for a work Chinese auction or even for an extended family member of your beau in their family grab bag, all of the following gifts are universal and are sure to thrill whoever may receive them!

Home Goods

The best thing about giving the gift of home goods is you really can't go wrong with them! People are always looking for nick-knacks, decor, candles, and anything to set their home apart and make it their own. The other great thing about home goods is many of them can be practical and useful too, making them a major hit.

Items Left to Right: Tea Kettle, Nest Fragrances, Crossley Record Player, Bar Set, Yankee Candles.

Gift Baskets

Gift basket, in my opinion, are best for holiday work parties that require a grab bag or Chinese auction. The reason being is you can find a gift basket filled with just about thing! From spa treatments, to chocolates, to wines, and even meats and cheeses, there is definitely something for everybody when it comes to gift baskets.

 Items Left to Right: Spa Gift Basket, Ghirardelli Gift Basket, Tea and Coffee Gift Basket, Wine Gift Basket, Hickory Farms Perfect Picnic Basket.

Subscription Gifts 

And lastly, if you are feeling extra generous, you can give the gift of a year of a subscription service! These are great because many of them are geared towards practicality, healthy living, and some are even for our furry friends!

 Items Left to Right: Amazon Prime, Graze, Bark Box, Bourbon of the Month. 

What are some of the gifts you will be giving this holiday season? I'd love to hear about how you will be spreading cheer, so let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Later, babes, and happy shopping!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! Love the flat lay I posted earlier on Instagram today but not sure where to get the goods? Well, no fear! I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

Spring Break Style Guide

Woooh! I don't know about you guys but I am more than ready for spring break. Admittedly, this is mainly because I can't wait to head down to Delray Beach and visit John, but also because after working so hard this semester thus far I am ready for a little rest and relaxation. Though assuming many of you are like me, just because you're on break doesn't mean you're going to stop styling and looking you best, so in light of this mini vacation I've decided to share some of my favorite style trends for spring break 2017!

Love this bikini? You can get it and other awesome pieces for 25% off when you use my promo code "starkravingchic25" at checkout!

Shimmering Siren

Okay, so I'm sure this is a bit of a no brainer for spring break (especially if you're headed to a beach destination) but I figured it wouldn't be right not to add two of my favorite bikini trends of the year to this list! The first being wild patterns and lots of adornments. The first bikini I chose is actually one I will be modelling and featuring on here from my sponsor, Swim Classy, after my spring break vacation with John. The reason I chose this bikini is because I love the sequined and beaded detailing. If you're the kind of girl who loves to be the star of the show, there will be no missing you in this dramatic duo! (It also works great under a netted dress--but more on that when my outfit of the day post goes live.)

To add a little extra shimmer to this bedazzled bikini, I decided to pair it with this gorgeous layered necklace by Nakamol.  The reason I chose this necklace to style with this bikini is because I felt that the layered gold chain would complement the swimsuit's silver sequins perfectly. I also loved the extra details of the round drop pendants, which are perfect for adding just a touch of extra sparkle.

Just in case you need a bite to eat after you hit the beach, it'd be wise to have a cover-up handy. So the reason I chose this see through cover-up is because much like the necklace, I felt this cover-up's gold accents would complement the bikini's silver sequins very well. The other reason I chose this see through cover-up is because I figured if you have on a statement making swimsuit, why on earth would you want to cover it up completely? (Also a huge trend this season is actually see through outfits, meaning your unmentionables have just become mentionable!)

To complete this look, I stayed true to this outfit's gold accessories and chose these simple metallic slides. The reason I chose these sandals is because I liked the way they complemented the gold in the cover-up, and also because they are simple and not too over the top. The reason why I wanted a simple pair of shoes is due to the fact though this is a show stopping outfit, you still would be styling it at the beach so comfort is most definitely key!

 

 

Beach Bum Babe

For my next beach look, I decided to style something for the more sporty girl, and chose this simple triangle, color block bikini. The reason I chose this swimsuit is because I loved the color block on the top and because of its over all practical design. Though I adore the first suit, it is definitely more suited for lounging and sipping cocktails on the beach, not so much for the girl who likes to go out and swim in the ocean! This bikini though is perfect for that due to its simple design and extra support top. (Note that this bikini isn't a halter but is instead designed like a bra, therefore preventing a possibly wardrobe malfunction.) 

Next up for this outfit, I chose to pair this swimsuit with these sporty black shades. As I covered in my last travel essentials post, sunglasses are a must for the beach. The reason I chose this pair though, is because I thought that their sporty vibe matched the look of the bikini perfectly.

The cover-up option I chose for this fun bikini are these simple netted shorts. The reason I chose these shorts is because I liked the fun and flirty vibe they gave to this cute swimsuit, and also because athleisure is HUGE trend this year, and these shorts just fit the bill perfectly! These shorts are perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat on the boardwalk after a long day full of fun in the sun at the beach. 

Lastly, to complete this sporty look, I chose these fun, laser cut, gladiator sandals. The reason these sandals are a good fit for this outfit is due to the fact they are lace up, which gives these shoes a very athletic feel and completes this look perfectly.

 

 

All Things Yellow

One huge color trend you will be seeing this spring and summer is a whole lot of yellow. Personally, I'm in love with it and am ready for a much needed pop of color! For this outfit I chose to style this gorgeous sundress. The reason this dress was my pick is because I love its shape as well as its lace and laser cut detailing. This dress would be the perfect choice for a lunch date with your ladies or your sweetie at a quaint, uptown restaurant. 

To accessorize this look I chose to style it with this cute little clutch. The reason chose this clutch is because even though it is yellow, it's a much more vibrant yellow than the dress which adds a nice contrast for this monochromatic look.

To complete this yellow ensemble, I chose these adorable yellow and navy pompom pumps. The reason I chose these pumps is because they match the pale yellow of the dress almost perfectly, and because the navy strap and the pompoms complement the yellow, and break up the outfit a bit.

 

Sea Side Stripes

For my next outfit I chose to highlight two big trends on the runway for spring and those would be one shoulder blouses and loads of stripes. For the first part of this outfit, I chose this chic, one shoulder, choker blouse. The reason being is because its fun, casual, and subtly sexy. The reason I'm loving the one shoulder trend is partly because I'm definitely a 90s chick at heart, but also because it's just such a great way to show a little skin while still being modest. This blouse would be absolutely, perfect for a seaside brunch with your besties.

Speaking of seaside brunch, one thing you can't go without for this occasion is a chic pair of sunnies! So I decided to pair this look with these gorgeous aviator sunglasses, just to add a touch of glam.

To add stripes to this look, I decided to add these chic, striped, gaucho pants. The reason I chose these pants is because I loved their earthy tone which is perfect for a causal day strolling along the boardwalk. These pants are also great for warm weather due to their light and airy material, which is perfect for keeping you looking and feeling cool for a warm, breezy day by the beach.

To put the finishing touches on this outfit, I chose to pair this relaxed and casual look with these simple tan sandals. The reason I chose these sandals is because they match the pants well and add a simple chic touch to the outfit.

 

In A Cinch

In this next look, I decided to showcase yet another runway trend from this season and that would be waist cinchers. Though we normally don't think of waist cinchers as being something to wear over clothes, they can actually look quite chic when paired with the right garment! For this look I chose to use this simple white dress, due to the fact a patterned dress would be much too busy paired with a cincher, and I also chose white because I felt this outfit would be great for afternoon cocktails, so I wanted to keep it light and casual.

To give this simple look a little shimmer, I decided to pair it with these gorgeous Perry Street,  liberty drop earrings as well as this etched arrow necklace by SLATE. The reason I chose these pieces is because I liked their steampunkesque charm and felt that they complemented the waist cincher I chose for this outfit.

The cincher I chose to pair with this look is this gorgeous, brown, satin finish waist cincher. The reason I chose this cincher is because I wanted this look to have a nice earthy feel for the beach, and I also felt that a black cincher with this white dress would have to harsh of a contrast for this spring break look.

To complete this look, I chose to add these tan, over the knee peep toe boots. Again, since I wanted this outfit to have an earthy vibe, I decided to I keep true to my neutral color scheme when pairing these boots with the rest of this outfit. The reason I loved these boots was that the have a soft feel to them which complements the dress perfectly and I also really like the wood detailing of these boots' heels, which is a also a nice touch to this earthy outfit.

 

 

 

The Bold Shoulder

For my final look I decided to style this off the shoulder, ruffled sleeve blouse. The reason I chose this blouse is because much like the one shoulder trend this season, off the shoulder is also a huge look for this season. The reason I liked this blouse so much though, is because of it's dramatic sleeves and the bow at its bust. I felt that this blouse would be perfect for a stroll along the boardwalk with friends, but would also transition perfectly for a night out on the town. The reason this is, is because of this blouse's fun and flirty feel.

To accessorize this cute and flirty top, I decided to pair it with these bold sunglasses. The reason I chose these shades if because I loved the pop of color that they added to this outfit.

To add a little more depth to this outfit, I chose to pair it with this Frida Collar but Jenny Bird. The reason I chose this piece is because much like the sunglasses, this necklace adds a nice pop of color to this bold look. I also chose this necklace because though bare shoulders are all the rage this season, bare necks are not. So this piece adds color and balance to this look.

For the bottom half of this look, I chose to pair this blouse with this cute, denim pencil skirt. The reason I chose this skirt is because I wanted to stay true to the top's playful feel, without taking away from it, so I thought this simple, denim pencil skirt would do just the trick! Due to this skirt's casual look, this bold blouse actually dresses up this skirt a bit, which is a perfect balance for each of them. And much like the blouse, this skirt is also a great piece that transitions well from day to night.

Lastly, to finish off this look, I decided to pair these fun pompom sandals with this outfit. The reason I chose these sandals is because like the other accessories, they add just the right amount of color to this look and would be a comfortable, but stylish choice for a day (or night!) out.

What are some of your favorite spring break looks? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me them at @StarkRavingChic! Have a rockin' outfit that you just have to show off? Feel free to tag me in a post or in your in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I featured in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

Also, In case you haven't heard, I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

Valentine's Day Date Night Style Guide

Wow, I can't believe that it is already February! It seems as though the year 2017 is just flying by and soon enough we will be celebrating (and styling for) Christmas all over again. But of course we have all the fabulous holidays in between to style for as well, and as I'm sure you know, the next big one is no other than Valentine's Day. Personally, I'm not much of a fan of the holiday itself, however, if it gives me an excuse to dress up I'm totally down! So whether you are strictly only celebrating Galentine's Day this year (like myself since I won't be able to spend the actual holiday with John) or are getting all dolled up for a night with your sweetie, this style guide features some of the best trends for the holiday date night.

 

Blue Valentine

For this first look, I chose to style a simple, blue velvet, skater dress. The reason I chose this look is because this adorable and flirtatious dress is perfect for the girl who would like to have her own twist on a Valentine's Day look. Due to the cool color, you'll be sure to stand out within the sea of white, pink, and red dresses. This dress is also a great choice due to the fact it is made out of velvet, which is a style trend that is still going strong this year, and not to mention since it is so soft to the touch, this material definitely screams, "let's cuddle"!

To add some extra shimmer to this otherwise simple dress, I chose to pair it with this Kendra Scott, Candice Cuff, and this Loren Hope, Sylvia Necklace. The reason I chose these two pieces is because they give a bold feel to this dress. The necklace is a perfect choice to add some drama to the neckline of the dress, and the cuff simply balances the statement necklace out, making this duo a perfect pair.

To further accessorize this cute skater dress, I chose to go with this gorgeous gold and white envelope clutch. The reason I chose to style this clutch with this blue dress is because much like the jewelry I chose, this clutch just adds some extra flare to this simple outfit.

To finish off this first Valentine's Day look, I decided to keep it simple with a matching pair of velvet, royal blue pumps. I made this choice simply because I felt the core accessories alone should be simple and elegant, and let the secondary accessories (such as the jewelry and clutch) really take center stage.

 

Pretty In Pink

For this next look, I decided on a more traditional color choice, and opted to style this pretty, pink shirt dress. The reason I chose this dress was because I liked the romantic and feminine color of it, as well as it's slitted sleeves which is a huge designer trend this season. I also liked this dress' high neckline giving it a soft but sophisticated feel, which would make this elegant dress the perfect go to option for a girl with a more traditional style, who also has a flare for romance. 

For this outfit's jewelry, I decided to go with these low key Kendra Scott, Alex Earrings in rose quartz. The reason I decided to pair these delicate earrings with this dress is because I did not want to pair this pretty dress with over the top jewelry. Where these pretty little gems are perfect because they add just the right amount of shine. 

For my next accessory for this girly and romantic outfit, I chose to pair it with this gorgeous motty grey Chloe, Drew bag. (Which you'll be seeing me style in an upcoming outfit of the day as soon as it gets here!) The reason I chose to style the dress with this bag, is because I felt the neutral color of this purse wouldn't take away from the dress' elegant feel, and also because I just simply loved the earthy color combination. (Can anyone tell that I am more than ready for spring?) Lastly, to shop this bag, you can head over to Farfetch, but you can also shop other colors from Saks Fifth Avenue.

To put the finishing touches on this romantic look, I chose to style it with these pretty pink, feathered pumps. The reason I chose these heels is because they match the dress perfectly, but also because much like velvet/velvet detailing, feathers are showing up more and more as clothing accents this year, and I have to say it's a trend I can totally get behind.

 

 

 

 

The Main Event

This next look is definitely for the girl who wants to make an entrance. For this look, I chose this show stopping, red maxi dress. Other than the fact that I have an affinity for the color red, I also chose this maxi dress because of the fact it is a one shouldered dress and due to its sash, which are two style trends you will be seeing a lot of this year. This dress is perfect for the girl who is confident, has a fiery personality, and wants to be the center of attention. 

The jewelry choice I decided on for this outfit, where these gorgeous, chandelier earrings by Perry Street. The reason I chose these earrings is because I felt that they complemented this stunning dress perfectly due to the dress' gold accents on its shoulder, and because much like the dress, these earrings have a flare for the dramatic.

Considering this dress is all about standing out, I figured what better way to add some more shine to this gorgeous outfit than to pair it with this beautiful gold clutch. The reason I thought this clutch went perfectly with this dress is because even though it is a dazzling piece, it would not take away from the dress itself due to its small and compact size.

To finish off this stunning ensemble, I chose to use these beautiful gold pumps as the finishing touch. The reason I chose these heels was due to the fact that they matched the clutch perfectly, and in my opinion are the glass slipper to this outfit. Much like the dress, these shoes are bold and will command attention where ever they go!

 

 

Elegant Artist

This next look is the absolutely perfect style for the artisan woman. This look is a great choice for the artistic girl who wants to look stunning, as well as make a statement with her attire. I chose to style this beautiful black and white dress as a Valentine's Day look due to its romantic feel from its lace detailing, and due to its overall sophisticated look. I also loved the lace cutout detailing and capped sleeves of this dress, giving it a bit of a sexy, yet girly feel.

To further accessorize this outfit, I chose to pair it with these lovely Kendra Scott, Sophee Drop Earrings along with this gorgeous SLATE Rachel Stone Cuff. The reason I paired these two pieces with this lace dress, is because I felt that they complemented this artistic dress perfectly due to their shapes and colors.

To finish off this artistic look, I decided to pair this gorgeous dress with these strappy matte black heels. The reason I chose these leather pumps to go with this dress is because I thought that the crisscross detailing would be the perfect finish for this artsy look while staying true to its classy nature.

Whisked Away In White

The final look I styled is a bit of a twist for Valentine's Day, in which I chose to style this white mini dress. Though in traditional Valentine's Day color schemes we see white, not to often do we see people wearing it. So the reason I chose this dress though isn't because its a unique color choice for a date night, but also because of it's cut out detailing at the shoulders, which is yet another look straight from the runway. Due to this dress' simple silhouette, its great for most body types, meaning accentuates and flatters everyone's features. The cut out at the shoulders is also a great way to show a little extra skin, making this dress subtly sexy. This dress is a great choice for the modern girl who is always effortlessly chic. 

The jewelry I chose to style with this outfit are none other than these gorgeous Kendra Scott, Danielle Silver Earrings in white.  The reason I chose these earrings is because even though they are just white, they make quite the statement, just like the dress! These gems also make for some great monochromatic pairing, which is also a big trend for the winter of 2017.

To add a slight touch of color to an otherwise monochromatic outfit, I chose to pair it with this small, light pink shoulder bag. The reason I chose this bag is because it serves as a small touch of color and adds a bit of contrast to this all white ensemble, without taking away from the dress.

To complete this final look, I decided to stay true to my white color scheme and pair this chic dress with these sky high, white, sequined pumps. The reason I chose these white pumps is because I just loved the sequins on them! I thought that these heels would really complete the outfit as well as add a bit of sparkle. 

What looks will you be styling this Valentine's (or Galentine's) Day? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic. Have a photo of your Valentine's Day duds? Feel free to tag me in your post or in your story on Instagram at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I featured in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!