Author

Shalice Noel

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As lovely as Christmas is, I think everybody can probably agree that it can be a mite stressful. Or a lot stressful. So to survive the “Christmas Vortex,” I hit the spa with a friend. Smart, right? We went to the Dana Spa where I booked the natural lift facial and my friend, Diana, chose a 50 minute massage. Pure bliss. My favorite parts were the arm massages and the galvanic spa. Once you manage to haul yourself off the table and stop the sniffling because your spa experience has now ended, cucumber and strawberry infused water will continue the recovery, and before you know it, you’re back with the land of living and ready to tackle that gift for the impossible Aunt Louise. Thank you, Dana Spa for a lovely morning!

XO

Shalice

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sweater GARNET HILL DSC_0218

So sometimes I like to consider this blog my running Christmas list. For instance, please notice this black and white jacket I’m wearing. Can you imagine Winter without this jacket? I didn’t think so. It’s unexpected texture for that last minute New Years Eve fête that adds a little something extra to my busted knee jeans and tee game. I know, I know, you can thank me later.

watch MOVADO / jacket TOPSHOP / jeans / heels FOREVER21

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Dress TOPSHOP

fits true to sizeIMG_1917 IMG_7552 dress PISSARO NIGHTS

Note: Pissaro Nights dress is shown in “Rose” order one size downIMG_4936 IMG_4955

I heard on the radio that New Years Eve is just 10 days away! So, to prepare you, I rounded up a couple of my favorite NYE looks, some of which you’ve seen already, and yes, the common denominator is sparkle. And there’s still time to order now to make it to your doorstep in time. So congratulate yourself at planning ahead! Whether you’re traveling, staying in your pj’s or plan on settling into a new house (like we are), have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Skirt ELIZA J (size 4)/ Olive mock neck ZARA SIMILAR AND THIS / Heel FREE PEOPLE /

Faux Fur infinity scarf SIMILAR

Jumpsuit ELIZA J (size 4) / Heel SAM EDELMAN / Lip STILA “beso”

Love these sparkly and lacey looks below! ps. I usually order one size down in Eliza J. XO

 

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Wrap up the weekend in the chicest scarf, (for $30!). The vibrant colors happen to go with everything in my closet, making it crazy versatile. Shop the look below, now back to all that packing . . .

XO

Scarf BP NORDSTROM / Sweater MISSGUIDED / Leggings / Boots SKINNYCALF use code Shalice20 for 20% off

IMG_3814Spiderman!

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 . . . at the offices, not the theatre, but still smiling!

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It is always amazing how the most wonderful plan can go awry with kids. It seems so lovely when you are planning it in your head. There are Christmas carols in the background and everybody is smiling and a light snow is softly floating around us as we walk to The Nutcracker at the Joffrey. Right. So what really happened on the day of the show was that we somehow went to the Joffrey office–walking in Hurricane Katrina wind, no snow in sight–instead of the theater, making us late, which in turn had us waiting around in the upstairs holding area. Everybody really loved that part. So far, so bad. And then we were seated, behind the orchestra pit! And then … it was magic. I really can’t say it any other way. My girls were entranced; my boys were enthralled; the hubs and I were thrilled. It was everything you would expect from The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet Company. The music, the jumping, the beautiful, beautiful ballerinas … and to top it all off, the Radison Blu hosted a family event for Friends of the Joffrey right after the performance. The kids are still talking about the face painting, ballet slippers, and Rudolph crafts! It was a night for the books. Many many thanks to the Joffrey Ballet for the wonderful night!

my coat MODCLOTH / jeans AEO / boots ROCKPORT 

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Guys, Sam Edelman has stepped it up! Let me tell you, choosing my favorites was hard work!  Alas, I prevailed, and here are my selections: A shearling wedge bootie that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style, and a classic fringe tall boot. I’ll also be wearing the latter with cutoffs come warmer weather. Happy weekend!

Fringe Boot SAM EDELMAN / leather shorts  /black trench SIMILAR

Wedges SAM EDELMAN / Plaid SIMILAR / Jeans SIMILAR / leather jacket 

Shot in the Chicago Loop / Photography TEK STILES 

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Honestly, I’m not the best gift giver, my sister takes that crown, but I can at least shock my friends and family on occasion when I gift them my favorite faux fur pieces. The latter of which are linked here from MODCLOTH. I was shocked at their selection from fox mugs to blankets to faux fur collars. One stop shop for stockings and my kids teachers. Hurry! They have 2 day shipping option for the procrastinators too. Shop the look below and don’t forget to enter the giveaway HERE 

Giveaway details:  8 winners a day will receive a $100 GC, 1 grand prize winner will receive a $1000 GC. 

These prizes are for US customers only that are 18 years of age or older. They will be given unique codes for gift certificates. Enter via here. Good luck! Also, see my picks from MODCLOTH on Pinterest.

Shop the look:

Sweater coat MODCLOTH

coat JOA from MODCLOTH / Faux fur (taken from the MODCLOTH sweater coat)

Blanket MODCLOTH

 

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If you’re looking for some holiday party dress inspiration, look no further than this TOPSHOP number. It has sequin details with just enough naked back to make it a favorite. Throw in some classic fringe heels and you’re good to go … whether hitting the Merry Widow at the Lyric Opera or the hubby’s work Christmas party, this dress is perfect.And if you want to go casual, try this feather sequin jacket with an all black number. Shop the look below.

Dress TOPSHOP / Heel STEVE MADDEN (I also like these!) / Lips STILA “beso”

Shot on location at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Photography Tek Stiles

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The news is out: Sperry boat shoes are now customizable! I have always wanted a navy pair, and now I can have one! I secretly love navy paired with black. It’s unconventional, and maybe that’s why I love it. So, if you’re curious how the process goes, I filled out a form and then they arrived. Complicated, huh? I also had the option of picking panel colors, tabs, thread, laces, and monogram just to name a few. How great is that? They do, however, take a bit longer than the average ship. So, make a note that shipping takes 3 weeks from order date. But as we all know, that which is worth having is worth waiting for.

SPERRY (I also like these and these) / Jeans SIMILAR LESS RIP  / Top VINCE CAMUTO /

Jacket SIMILAR (Faux fur stole)

Shop the post:

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If you’re wondering how to winterize your look without wearing a coat, it’s really quite simple. Basically it all comes down to great layers, such as a chunky knit sweater or faux fur stole, or a turtleneck and faux fur vest, and paired with great jeans, naturally. I love dresses and skirts but I absolutely will always feel my best in jeans, hands down. Since I can’t always get to the store, or it’s not worth bringing my boys and a bajillion snacks, I’ll often hit up Nordstrom online. If I’m on the fence about sizing, I order both sizes and return one. And you never need to worry about hassle because the customer service is amazing. I love how these RES Denim move with just the right amount of stretch and rips. I also have been gramming a lot of the black version of these jeans as well. (Note: fit is true to size.) Ps. Can’t wait for palm trees in the background and not snow!

Jeans RES DENIM / Fur stole TOPSHOP / Sweater SIMILAR / Boot SIMILAR

Jeans RES DENIM / Turtleneck FREE PEOPLE