Ringing in the New Year in Style

I just bought this Cynthia Steffe dress at this great store in Hoboken called Trends Boutique. I got it because it's not only a classic piece and reminded me of Kate Middleton, but because I could wear it on New Year's and other special occasions. The navy blue and lace can go with so many things, like white shoes and accessories in the spring or silver and gold in the winter. Here's how I'd style it for a night out on New Year's Eve:

Cynthia Steffe shift dress / Tory Burch crossbody handbag / BCBG Max Azria ring / Bobbi Brown lip gloss / Essie nail polish / Kate Spade pumps

What are you wearing for New Year's Eve?

Happy almost 2013!

-Lauren

What Santa Brought

Santa and Harry Hanukkah collaborated this year and brought me some pretty awesome gifts. I got a new Nikon1 digital camera so I can take awesome pictures for the blog. I also got some great stocking stuffers. Jo Malone perfume is my all time favorite and it's the only perfume I've found that actually lasts all day. The Bobbi Brown lip gloss set is great, especially for a glittery look during the holidays and New Year's. I also finally got this gold bracelet from ILY Couture that I've been wanting for so long! Lastly, as a fun little gift, I got the retro pop phone from Native Union (available at Nordstrom).

ILY Couture bracelet / Native Union pop phone  / Bobbi Brown lip gloss set / Jo Malone perfume / Nikon 1 digital camera

What was the best gift you received this year?

-Lauren

Chrismukkah 2012

Just got back from a week in Hoboken and NYC for the holidays. I spent the holidays eating, drinking and being merry with my boyfriend's family...and getting to see this view every day from their balcony!

And finally, I got an amazing Chrismukkah gift from my boyfriend...a camera to use for the blog! I got a Nikon1 HD digital camera, which has a great detachable zoom lens. I took these pictures of the NYC skyline with it and now I'm trying to learn all the advanced features. Hopefully I will have some great outfit pictures to share with you soon!

Hope everyone had a great holiday! I will be back with regular posts over the next few days!

-Lauren

One Last Holiday Outfit Idea

Whether it’s your first time with your boyfriend’s family for the holidays or just another party with your family, you definitely want to look stylish and festive for whatever occasion you are celebrating this winter. Here’s an outfit that can take you from one party to the next while still being comfortable and appropriate.

Kate Spade Sprinkles Wristlet, Tory Birch Jeweled Eddie Flat, Banana Republic Striped Knit Cowl, J. Crew City Mini in Dublin Tartan, Baublebar Emerald Taylor Bib, J. Crew Factory Stretch Pinball Bracelet

Check out this post on Amanda's blog, Prim and Propah!

-Lauren

Drugstore vs. Designer Makeup

I love makeup but it tends to be expensive because it's something you use everyday and doesn't last forever. Some things are worth the investment, such as when you find the perfect blush or bronzer, or the most amazing skincare product. But other things, especially those that need frequent replacing, are totally fine to buy at your local drugstore.

Here are a few ways you can save on basic makeup necessities:

Mascara:

Benefit Bad Gal Lash, $19.00

Almay Intense I-Color Mascara, $4.99

Bronzer:

Nars Blush, $28

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Bronzer, $12.99

Glossy lipstick:

Clinique Almost Lipstick, $15

L'Oreal Colour Riche, $9.99

Eyeshadow:

Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow, $30

Revlon Colorstay Eyeshadow, $7.99

What items do you splurge vs. save on in terms of makeup?

-Lauren

How to Make the Perfect Top Knot

Top knots are the hot hairstyle of the moment, some like them neat and ballerina-like, some like them messy and spontaneous. But however you like your top knot bun, it's not super easy to do, especially for someone lacking hairstyling skills like myself.

I'd seen this a few times before, but this weekend I finally splurged and spent $6 on the Conair bun maker at CVS. (Available here at Ulta too.)

In the box is a net-like scrunchie, wide bobby pins and an elastic. That's literally all you need. You put your hair in a ponytail with the elastic, then slide the scrunchie on. Then loop your ponytail around and through the scrunchie until the scrunchie is covered on all sides. Then pin it to secure the hair and add hair spray to hold it. 

I tried it out for the first time today. How did I do?

What's your favorite hair accessory?

-Lauren

Inspiration from Interior Design

I used to be against Pinterest. I couldn't grasp the concept of endlessly scrolling through pictures and then pinning them onto virtual bulletin boards. It took me a few months to realize it's a great way to keep lists of things you want to do, such as a database of blog ideas, interior design ideas, outfit inspiration and new recipes to try.

I wasn't really interested in interior design until I started using Pinterest. But the site has such amazing and inspiring images of picturesque home design that I couldn't resist making a board for the best ones I found. Here are a bunch of my favorites:

Love the bright colors and Lilly Pulitzer feel here.

Love the pink and gold with the mix of chevron and dots. 

Love the contrast of the white desk with the black and gold mirror.

The magenta dresser just makes this little corner.

A great little way to make an interesting, yet simple table scape.

Click here to follow me on Pinterest!

-Lauren

Giveaway! Capwell Bracelet Set

I've been obsessed with accessories lately because it's the cheapest way to keep my wardrobe new and interesting. Recently I discovered the beautiful pieces from Capwell + Co. They have an awesome variety of trendy, yet unique jewelry in silver, gold, neon, with geometric shapes and stones.

Today I'm doing a giveaway of a great set of bracelets from Capwell. This set of gold ombre bracelets are stretchy and stackable and go with so many different things.

Red tonal painted mesh chain stretch bracelet set from Capwell + Co.

To enter: just two easy steps!

1. Please join Pretty Pieces on Google Friend Connect. 

2. Leave me a comment telling me that you followed and how to reach you if you are the winner.

A winner will be selected later in the week!

Happy Holidays!

-Lauren

Instagrams of the Week

Just got back from my trip to Huntington Beach, California last night. I was there for 3 days for a work trip and managed to find some free time to snap a few photos of the gorgeous scenery. It was a bit chilly to be on the beach, but how can I complain about 70 degrees and sunny in December?? When I woke up today, it was 19 degrees in Massachusetts! 

Hope everyone has a nice weekend! 

-Lauren

PS - Follow me on Instagram at lbrousell.

Greetings from Cali

In California for a business trip this week and keep asking myself, why do I not live here? The weather is 70 and sunny in December! 

Be back later in the week!

-Lauren

Holiday Red

This red silk shirt I bought at Madewell last year is one of my favorites. It's the perfect item to build a work outfit around, it's professional and goes well with almost anything. I added a cardigan since it's a bit chilly today and wore my new Kate Spade earrings to give myself a bit of glitz. 

Silk shirt, Madewell (similar)

Sweater, Target (similar)

Jeans, Paige

Flats, Lucky Brand (similar)

Earrings, Kate Spade (similar)

Necklace, Tiffany's

Phone case, Tory Burch

On my way to LA for a few days!

-Lauren

5 Things Every Jetsetter Needs

I'm flying to LA tomorrow for a business trip. Thank god I'm on a direct flight on JetBlue and can watch TV the entire way. When packing for a trip, no matter how long, I always remember to bring a few essentials. Always pack warm socks for the flight because it can get quite chilly. Bring good lip balm and lotion with shea butter to keep your skin hydrated since the plane can dry you out. Airports and planes aren't ideal for keeping your electronics charged so bring a portable charger to make sure you have juice when you land. Lastly, when traveling for business don't forget business cards to give them out when you meet key people, this card holder is perfect and small enough to keep on you at all times.

J.Crew cashmere socks / Tory Burch bow card holder / j crew portable charger / Sugar lip care / Anthropologie hand lotion

What do you make sure to pack when traveling?

-Lauren

Gift Guide: Sweet Treats

The holidays are a great excuse to indulge in some of your favorite treats. They also happen to make great gifts, if you don't end up eating them yourself first. The wintertime calls for hot chocolate, peppermint bark and pretty much anything that's sweet or chocolatey. A lot of your regular treats come in really nice packaging for the holidays which makes for a pretty and delicious gift for anyone on your list. Here are some of my favorites:

Holiday Macarons by 'Lette / Peppermint Bark Peppermint Snaps Set / Chocolate Fruit Boxes / Serendipity 3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Mix / Williams-Sonoma Handcrafted Marshmallows / Dylan’s Candy BARK S’mores

What's your favorite sweet treat for the holidays?

-Lauren

What to Wear to an Office Holiday Party

Holiday parties mean it's time to bust out the glitter and sequins, but at an office holiday party you probably want to be a bit more conservative. This outfit can be worn in the office and straight to the holiday party after work, plus it's comfortable enough to spend 12 hours in. The turtleneck is really warm and the accessories help to spice up the outfit and make it fun and party-ready. (And if you couldn't tell, I'm a bit obsessed with JCrew at the moment.)

What are you planning to wear to your office parties?

I'm headed to LA next week for work, so unfortunately I'm going to miss my office party!


-Lauren

Coffee Table Books

Remember the genius coffee table book that Kramer came up with on Seinfeld? Well to this day, it's still my favorite way to decorate a table. Coffee table books are fun to flip through when lounging on the couch and most of them have a pretty decorative cover that can be matched with a table, bookends or random objects for a nice table design. Here are a few of my favorites:

Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits / 100 Years Of Fashion / Alexander McQueen: Evolution / Cupcakes and Cashmere / What to Wear, Where / Lauren Conrad Style / Audrey Hepburn: A Life in Pictures

What's your favorite coffee table book?

-Lauren

Packing for a Holiday Trip

Wherever you are traveling this holiday season, you will need a few staple items for your trip. Here are my favorite items to bring on a beach trip or cruise, a ski trip, a road trip or an overseas excursion.

Beach Trip or Cruise:
Besides a good book for the beach, you'll need a great pair of sunglasses that are stylish and block the sun, a carry-all beach bag and a comfortable swim suit you can mix and match with different colored tops and bottoms.

Victoria's Secret bikini / Tory Burch tote / BCBG Max Azria cateye sunglasses

Ski Trip:
When going to a ski lodge or cabin, you'll need a warm sweater you can throw on after a long day of skiing or snowboarding, a cozy hat to keep you ears warm and waterproof boots for walking in the messy slushy snow.

Fair Isle ski sweater - J.Crew / Rugby Cable Knit Hat/ Sperry Top-Sider Boot

Road Trip:
Wherever you're going across the country or to the next state, comfort is number one when sitting in the car for a few hours. A long cardigan is great for layering with a t-shirt or turtleneck, stretchy jeans are perfect for long-term sitting and slipper flats are easy to slip on and off.




Lilly Pulitzer cardigan/ 7 For All Mankind jeans / Kate Spade shoes /



Trip Overseas:
For a trip to Europe or another area overseas, versatility is key. A military jacket is good to take on day trips and easy to carry around, a cross-body bag won't be too heavy but has just enough room for the essentials, and a fedora will shade you from the sun and keep you hair in place all day.



J.Crew jacket / Rebecca Minkoff handbag / San Diego Hat Raffia Fedora



Where are you going this holiday season? What essentials do you pack?


-Lauren

Gift Guide: Yankee Swap

Yankee swaps and secret santa's are all fun and great, but can be frustrating if you don't know what to get and don't want to spend too much money. You have to be creative when shopping for trinkets for holiday parties but here are some cheap ideas that you might actually want for yourself too...and all are under $50!

Zebra print watch / Capri Blue Mercury Glass Candle / Kate Spade paper Gem Coasters / C. Wonder Chevron Journal Set / Vera Bradley Ball Point Pen / Baublebar Bangle Set / Design Darling jewelry tray / Mrs. O book

What are you buying for this season's gift swap?

-Lauren