Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts

Sunday, December 20, 2015

My Favorite Things Holiday Giveaway - Three $300 winners!

**Update: Thank you so much to everyone who entered! Congratulations to the winners Amanda M., Jessica C., and Rachel G.! Each winner was drawn at random via Rafflecopter and has been notified through email : ) **buffalo check christmas pajamas gift wrapping

With my belly full of one too many cups of mulled cider, I'm procrastinating on packing for as long as possible to share one more holiday giveaway with you guys (congrats to Christy L. and Priscilla S. G. for winning my earlier ones this month!)! I loved doing a favorite things giveaway last year, so am excited that one of my favorite stores, Nordstrom, has agreed to team up again for another one. I'm giving away three $300 gift cards this time, perfect for treating yourself with after the holiday rush. I'll be offline a bit traveling for the holidays, but will draw the lucky winners after Christmas!
buffalo check gift wrapping paper minnetonka moccasin
This is the glass box from Target that I Snapchatted the other day - cute for packaging jewelry or something like nail polishes inside, as a DIY gift set! One of my friends who always compliments my Baublebar necklace is finally getting her own : ) And oh, for fellow PJ collectors this thermal sleepshirt is a very comfy thermal waffle knit with cute chambray trim detail. I either pair black leggings under it or just wear it as a sleep dress. The sleeves have a thumb warmer which I like on coats but thought was odd for sleepwear, so I just roll them up once on my shorter arms. Nick apparently couldn't resist poking fun at me in this, but I suspect that he -an avid lover of buffalo check- is just envious he doesn't have one.
buffalo plaid christmas tartan PJ gift
being that kooky lady matching my gift wrap

This giveaway is open to those who are 18+ and have a mailing address in any country that Nordstrom ships to. One entry per household, please! Just fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway entry form below with one of your favorite things from their store. This could be either a wishlist item you'd get if you won a giftcard, or something that you already own/use and would recommend. I enjoyed reading all the recommendations from last year and getting to know some of you a little better! As an optional entry, I'd love to hear how you first came across this blog, out of curiosity.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you're in need of shopping suggestions, here's a walk down memory lane of some of my most-reached for things from over the years (also for last-minute gifts, there's free shipping on most items with delivery by Christmas Eve). Some of these favorites have made it on this blog a record # of times, while others are silent but hard-workers!


$100 or less
- Nike Free 5.0 training sneakers - I update my fitness gear once in a blue moon, usually when something is worn to shreds. On a whim I tried on my friend's Nike Frees, and was shocked that my own sneaks felt like bricks in comparison! I was living under a rock, but am now loving these which feel light as air and very soft around the foot.
- Morrocanoil hair treatment (great lil' stocking stuffer) - another recommendation by my hairdresser as an everyday leave-in conditioner for dry hair.
- BP booties (see my review) - IMO, still one of the best value booties out there and very comfy. My pebbled black ones get the most wear out of all my boots.
- Bobeau fleece & fuzzy cardigans (see both on me) - I won't bore you by gushing again about these, but for newer readers, these are a must.
- Blank NYC moto jacket (see on me) - another old fave that I won't chatter on about, but I do want to say mine has only gotten softer with wear over the years.

$200 or less
- Ivanka Trump Tropica lace-up flat (on sale; see on me) - my go-to shoes for if I want something stylish/dressier yet need to wear flats, and it's too warm out for boots.
- Ugg kids classic boots (on sale down from $140) - one of the few items I still have since college days...eep! A "big kids" size 4 which fits me like a womens 5 to 5.5, and the kids goes up two more sizes so might suit ladies who wear up to sz 6.5 to 7. For inclement weather, they also make a water-resistant leather.
- Hunter packable Tour rain boots (see on me). I'm still getting messages asking if these are the Original Tall, so want to clarify again that they are very different! Please be sure to read my review if you are considering them. The Original Tall were a tad too tall in the shaft for me and also heavy in comparison.
- Longchamp Neo tote (thicker than their standard Le Pliage) is the current version of my water-resistant, foldable and lightweight tote that I still love for travel or hauling a laptop.

Splurge:
- Manolo BB nude pump - I actually don't think I've blogged these in nude (see the green ones on me), since I usually wear them with less interesting outfits that just need a classic neutral pump. There is something about the low front cut of BB pumps that I feel just looks really clean, sharp, and high-end, lengthening the legs like none other. Contrary to the listing I wouldn't recommend sizing up at all - I'm usually between a 5 and 5.5, and a 5 in these were the best fit.
- Bric's Bellagio 21" carryon suitcase (see my pics) - thank you Jen for the awesome tip about using Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser to get rid of scuff marks on the white surface!

And for your men, here's a few items that I've seen lingering on Nick's browser tabs many a times. His actual holiday wishlist was of small, random items (ie. a specialty flour...I guess the boy does love to bake!) so I'll also be tapping into these options. I think most guys wouldn't mind receiving any of the first few items!

- Bose bluetooth speakers - oftentimes we've had friends over and want to move the party to the deck...only to have to scrounge up a plastic cup to stick an iPhone in for "acoustics." These are on sale, plus I noticed they have a couple thousand 4 to 5 star reviews around the web at other retailers.
- more cedar shoe trees - I guess he rather liked the ones I got earlier this year
- Herschel Novel duffel bag with exterior zip shoe pocket, to keep everything else dirt-free!
- Shinola The Runwell watch - the brand has some great videos of the craftsmanship behind their products, perfect for guys who love to support Made in America.

Happy holidays, and good luck to my fellow last-minute gift shoppers! 

Saturday, December 19, 2015

White Christmas at Home

holiday home gold silver white christmas tree decor
Byron Lars dress c/o (on sale - 20% off everything at Anthro! see my review)
St Nicholas tree, old candle holders (similar), Threshold stool, Farm & Fable stockings

This is the first year we've had a tree up in our condo - Nick would only allow me a short and skinny one, but it sure beats nothing! Since our space is so small, I went with a light, metallic color scheme to keep it feeling open. One of my favorite memories growing up was unwrapping our family's ornaments each December and reminiscing where each one came from (usually the day-after-xmas clearance sale at our local mall, but they were fond memories nonetheless ; ). We have just a handful of meaningful ornaments on our own tree this year, but I look forward to slowly growing this collection, and trying my hand at some of these neat DIYs!
christmas holiday hot chocolate cocoa mugs_snowman marshmallow
Pendleton plaid mug, Reiko Kaneko gold lip mug

These marshmallow snowmen are so easy to make (with kids too) to spruce up your hot cocoa. I flattened one piece a little for a larger body and then used two toothpicks, one to connect the segments and one for the arms.

We hosted a small gag gift exchange with friends so I pushed our large coffee table aside and lined our living room space with cozy cushions and throw blankets. My affordable Threshold cable throw & BNF pom pom throw are so soft and comfortable! I'm a bit of a blanket hoarder so also splurged on this Hotel Collection pom pom one (would make a great gift as well) which is super substantial and plush, and about a foot bigger than my other ones.
white metallic christmas tree ribbons
I love switching up pillow covers as an easy way to transition the couch from season to season. They are easy to make as well, if you can find the right materials. I wish more stores would offer just the outer covers instead of full pillows, for those who don't have much storage space!
winter holiday couch_snowflake sofa throw pillows


Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your weekend! Stay tuned for a special holiday giveaweay!

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Little red (bow back) riding hood // J.Crew Factory puffer review

bow back red flare party dress

I wanted to share a few more photos of this bow-back dress, which has just been re-stocked in all sizes (Update: for some reason page just became "not available" - maybe it'll be back up in a bit!). It's on backorder until after the holidays, but makes a darling cocktail dress for year-round. I'm wearing an XS regular...it looked very high-waisted on the model so I had hope, and sure enough it's petite-friendly! Measurements are: 12.25" across the waist, 13.5" from top to waistline, and 32.5" total length. It does come pretty wrinkled, but you can iron it at home on medium heat inside-out. The dress is fully lined, with a double lining at the skirt plus hidden tulle layer to help hold the fit & flare shape.
red bow dress tartan scarf wrap christmas
I also snapped a few photos of this Factory puffer coat below before sending it back (as you guys know, I got the faux fur hooded version reviewed here instead). For those who don't care for the furry hood, I thought this is a steal for a puffer coat that fits a petite frame. There's just a few remaining in petite sizing so don't miss out if you wanted this!
jcrew factory petite down coat review

Unlike the J.Crew regular wintress coat which I thought ran small with short sleeves, I found this to fit true to size with room for layering. The sleeve length was also amply long enough for the "thumb holes" to comfortably reach and hook over my thumbs. The hood is removable, and the pockets are lined in cozy fleece with snap button closures.
jcrew factory petite puffer coat review
And one last picture of this red dress from another angle (ps - my pearlized statement necklace is 50% off today. They make great little gifts for friends!) ~
red fit flare bow dress christmas

Monday, December 14, 2015

NYE party makeup tutorial // Bronze smoldery eyes

holiday nye party makeup tutorial sequins smokey eyes
Dress the Population Zoe dress XS in "antique gold," plunge front bra (cups run small)

For today's beauty post I'm sharing a more amped up holiday party look with Sephora, which will be perfect for New Year's Eve parties! It's a little dramatic for daytime wear but looks great for a night out and is long-lasting based on the products used. Rather than my usual festive red lip, I went with a more neutral shade to accompany dark bronze smoldery eyes. Sidenote on this sequin dress (here's a similar pretty option w/ higher neckline) - I thought it was a smashing style but wasn't planning on keeping it due to the scandalous super plunge neckline on me. Turns out the V-neck is very easy to stitch up a little by hand to a point you're comfortable with, so I closed it up here about 1 inch. The dress is high quality with thick & sturdy material which helps "hold" everything in, and an XS fit me well.
sephora NYE holiday makeup tutorial
Here's the products I used for today's look...there's some longtime favorites, and also a few new discoveries I've been enjoying. A gift idea I love for beauty-loving friends is to pick a few of your favorite products or palettes and package in a cute, functional makeup bag. I thought this pebbled clutch-sized one (comes in 2 colors) was adorable and can fit quite a bit! Alright, let's get started...
asian holiday party makeup tutorial

Bare faced here, with problem areas including undereye circles and splotchy skin

nars radiant creamy concealer custard asian makeup

Concealer. This NARS concealer is one of my current top favorite products, which came highly recommended to me by a makeup artist. A little really goes a long way, so even my travel-sized tube has lasted me for some time. The formula is very creamy and brightening with good coverage, and blends seamlessly into my skin without looking cakey. You can already see a big difference compared to the bare faced shot. For everyday makeup, I can usually just apply this to my problem areas and skip foundation if I'm running short on time.

While concealer shopping, I was told on more than one occasion by SAs that I should apply eye cream before makeup due to a visibly dry undereye area...yikes! I don't have a go-to one so would love any recommendations!
laura mercier flawless fluide asian foundation

Foundation. I usually dot on foundation with my fingers then buff lightly using a brush in a circular manner. My skin started getting too dry for my favorite powder foundation (MUFE duo mat) so I went back to liquids. I've been toggling between using Bobbi Brown moisture rich and Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide, and sometimes mix the two. I'm not a fan of the Flawless Fluide packaging which gets a little messy by the opening, yet still repurchased just due to the dewy, natural-looking finish and great color match on my skin.

Online reviews for most foundations tend to be all over the place, which is understandable since everyone's skin is different, and how you apply the product can make a big difference. My best suggestion for finding a good foundation is to go into a store and consult a makeup artist, then ask for samples to try back at home!
anastasia contour tutorial asian makeup
Anastasia powder contour palette (also in a cream formula) in "light/medium"

Contour (optional). I'm using my Anastasia contour palette, but you can also use a matte bronzer. I suck in my cheeks and apply an initial streak along the hollows that appear, then draw that color out both upwards (scooping from my temples to around my upper cheekbone) as well as down along the chin at an angle.
anastasia nose contouring asian makeup
For the nose, I use an eyeshadow brush to lightly draw two light lines from each brow down to my nostrils, then blend outwards away from the center.
bare minerals warmth bronzer color asian skin
Face Color. I've gone back to one of my favorite products back when I just started using makeup - good ole' BareMinerals "Warmth." I swear, a little goes far so you'll never run out of this, and I don't see mineral powder going bad. Make sure to tap just the smallest amount onto the lid then swirl with a light and fluffy brush, tapping off the excess. I go a little heavier at the apples of my cheeks, then do a light dusting over the rest of my face and down the neck.

Eyshadow. Be sure to prime your lids for a smokey eye look since it will make a notable difference in the pigmentation and staying power of your shadows. I'm using my everyday staple Laura Mercier caviar eye stick as a base color. I can't live without this thing! A few tips to get the best application: a room-temperature stick will swipe on more fluidly than a cold stick (If needed, I usually warm mine up in my back pocket or bra real quick), and if you want a smoldery line, you have to blend immediately with fingers after applying to your eyelid, otherwise the creamy formula will set.
laura mercier caviar eye shadow stick khaki asian eyes

You can actually continue layering the caviar stick for a full smokey eye, but I wanted to add more dimension and a little more shimmer for the holidays. I patted on a dark taupe eyeshadow (UD Darkhorse) to the outer uppers of my lids, and then a lighter copper brown (UD Half Baked) on the inner corners to brighten up that area. Next, use a small fluffy blending brush and sweep outwards to blend. Lastly, I applied a little black shadow (UD Creep) to the outer corners of my eyes for some smolder.
urban decay naked palette smokey eye
Eyeliner. I love a clean, dark black wing-tipped line to really make the eyes pop. I'm using Stila Stay All Day liner and also love Lorac Front of the Line.

Fill in brows. My brows are the bane of my existence - as you can see from all the pics above, they're coarse, spotty, and grow in all different directions. I've yet to find a good brow person in Boston that makes them look any better. I filled them in here with medium brown eyeshadow, and would love to hear any favorite products from those with similar troublesome brows!
sephora-holiday-makeup eyeliner

Mascara. I mentioned back in this post my eyelash extensions experience, but I haven't gotten refills in a while so they're a little sparse. Typically you should not curl your lashes nor need to apply mascara with extensions on. I'm using Too Faced mascara here which came with one of my eye palettes. I've asked several ladies with amazing lashes what their secret is, and the answer has often been this mascara!
holiday asian smokey eye makeup sequin dress
Lipcolor: Ever since my beloved MAC Charismatic lipstick got discontinued, I've been shopping around for similar, reddish-brown neutral shades that flatter my skin tone. This Smashbox lipstick in "Cognac" is pretty close, with less orangey tones than Charismatic. The formula is creamy and easy to glide on my usually dry lips. I resisted a bolder lip since I went heavy on the eyes here, but think a berry would also be pretty!

Summary of products used, in order of application:
Concealer: NARS' radiant creamy concealer in "Custard"
Foundation: Laura Mercier Flawless Fluide in "Linen"
Contour: Anastasia contour palette in "light/medium"
Blush/bronzer: BareMinerals in "Warmth"
Eyeshadow primer: Urban Decay
Eye colors: Laura Mercier caviar eye stick in "Khaki," Urban Decay Naked palette
Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day in Black
Mascara: Too Faced Better than Sex
Lip color: Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in "Cognac"
Thank you Sephora for partnering on this post!



Sunday, December 13, 2015

Instagram Lately // Festive Fringe + Christmas Tea at Taj Boston


Happy Sunday! I wanted to do a quick recap and answer some of your questions on these posts from my Instagram. I kept trying on & debating over this LOFT coat but decided to return it in the end. The pretty soft taupe & gray color scheme was the primary draw for me - it fits right in with my most-worn hues and would be very easy to pair. Ultimately I already splurged on another coat this year so want to give that one all the wear it can get. On another note, I've been in love with my Stuart Weitzman Lowland boots (last posted here) which get wear aplenty - enough to compel me to get the Highland heeled rendition. The chunky heels are Nick-approved; they're stable and don't get stuck in sidewalk cracks, so I can better keep up with his pace!
holiday outfit tartan plaid feather skirt banana republic petite

Yesterday I enjoyed one of my favorite holiday traditions with my girlfriends - afternoon tea at the Taj! We usually spend well over three hours there, getting buzzed on caffeine and treats while exchanging gifts. I ended up getting this BR skirt during a recent sale and really like it for festive occasions. My usual size was sold out both online and in stores so I went a size up (it fits but I'd prefer a little more fitted/shorter for a fun piece), however I saw they just restocked xxsp! It goes with so many tops, even my pajama dress which I was wearing before getting ready, ha! I'd recommend this comfy shirtdress for lounging at home and possibly outside (I'm definitely guilty of donning PJs in public)...it's a cozy, soft cotton flannel which never fails to get me in a Christmasy mood!
Boston holiday afternoon tea Taj Hotel
Below, I'm so bummed that this shirt sold out of small sizes within a matter of days. I'm a sucker for drapey, wrap-style shirts, and this knit one was love at first wear. I have seen random sizes pop back in stock, so it doesn't hurt to bookmark & check back if you really wanted it.

I only get to see my younger brothers once or twice a year so miss them dearly. Whenever together, we love to bake treats then gorge on them over Pixar movie marathons. The last time I went back to my parents' house, I left my clothes strewn about everywhere which apparently left quite the impression on my brothers! It inspired these sugar cookies of my outfits, which I almost couldn't bear to eat.
holiday sugar cookies clothing hat mittens shapes
Last but not least, I've gotten more messages about the wrapping paper below...they're all by Sugar Paper brand from good ole' Target! Sugar Paper makes the cutest gift wrap & packaging, sure to be appreciated by your gift recipient (or at least will look pretty under the tree)!
old navy pajamas target christmas wrapping paper
Old Navy mens PJ pants sz S (shrunken in dryer & stolen from Nick)

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Vintage Vibes with Modcloth

retro christmas holiday party skirt outfit
B.Jones Pine fan skirt** XS (24" waist), Caf� Parfait top XS, Leaf earrings outfit c/o

This is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, when the streets of Boston are decked out in holiday cheer (and unseasonably warm weather which I'm not complaining about!). I'm wearing this exact outfit later today to a friend's quirky holiday party, for which I thought a retro-inspired pairing would be more apt than something glitzy. Both my top & skirt are from Modcloth and run narrow in my opinion; I'm wearing XS in each with no alterations. **I've seen them offer this skirt for several years now, so if your particular size is sold out, sign up for the waitlist and I'm sure there's a good chance of a re-stock.

If you haven't shopped Modcloth before, a few of my other petite-friendly favorites that I bring out season after season include the Stripe it Lucky skirt (see on me here or here) and the Dream of the Crop cardigan (see on me here or here). I take a size S in both of those. The cropped cardigan comes in lots of colors, and is the perfect basic for styling with dresses and higher-waisted skirts when you don't want to lose your waistline.
retro A line fit and flare skirt petite fashion blog
These photos were snapped at charming Farm & Fable again, owned by one of my sweet neighbors (who is getting married today! Congrats, Abby!). I've been to many a festive gatherings there and Nick is eagerly awaiting their next cooking class. If you're visiting this corner of the South End, be sure to also pop into Polka Dog bakery aka dog heaven for canine gifts, as well as Formaggio for some cheese to feast on back home.

modcloth christmas presents cheers beer glass

If you're shopping for others on your list, I've pulled together a few of my favorite little gifts, each under $30! The jewelry stand looks very functional, and those peas in a pod shakers...I die. What I really wonder though when I'm browsing Modcloth is who their copywriter is, coming up with these catchy names for each item.


The design of this top takes a simple tee and elevates it with a demure off-shoulder neckline, while still providing arm coverage. It's made of a very stretchy 95% cotton, 5% spandex. When un-stretched and lying flat, an XS tee measures "14 across the armpits and about 18.5" in length. Skirt does not have stretch and is unlined with a concealed back zipper and side pockets. An XS measures 12" across the waist and 27" long.
modcloth retro b jones pine fit flare skirt
This didn't translate in the photos, but the fan pattern on the skirt is a raised velvet which looks and feels luxe. I was thinking of getting the skirt hemmed, but Nick and friends voted to keep it at tea length for a look different from what I usually wear. I still might get it shortened closer to the knees though to be more flattering with lower shoes.
modcloth b jones pine skirt holiday outfit
And in the holiday spirit, I'm giving away a $200 gift card towards anything at Modcloth! Simply enter via the Rafflecopter form below before Wednesday, December 16th 2015. Giveaway is open to those over 18 years of age and have a mailing address in a country that Modcloth ships to (see full list here). One entry per household, please!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you to Modcloth for partnering on this post.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Holiday gift guide: Beauty under $50

ulta tarte lipsurgence lip creme swatches
J.Crew Factory dress, Talbots necklace (last worn here)

Today I'm sharing a few picks from Ulta Beauty's holiday gift guide that are each a great value, perfect for holiday exchanges with your girlfriends or a small present-to-self to get ready for this season's parties! First up on my list is the Tarte Dressed to the Nines LipSurgence Lip Creme set with nine mini tubes of color. They're super creamy and easy to glide on, and the colors range from light & buildable to bold - I'm testing 4 of the limited edition shades up above!
Ulta makeup holiday stocking stuffers tarte opi anastasia
Ann Taylor bow heels (last worn here)

I like that they're packaged in sets of 3, so you can gift as a whole set or break it up. I own a full-size lip creme from them which is $24 a piece, so thought the variety set was an awesome value for $34. I see this set just sold out online, but was told Ulta Beauty stores should have it in stock.
tarte lipsurgence lip creme dressed to the nines swatches
Another product on my gifting list is one that I started using this year at the recommendation of a friend - the popular Anastasia contour palette. I use the "light to medium" powder palette and would love to hear anyone's thoughts on how it compares to the cream version! My daytime makeup routine is pretty minimal so I usually reserve this for going out at night, or times when I know I'll be in a lot of photos. Here's a before and after:
anastasia makeup contour palette before after asian skintone
After applying foundation, I just do a little contouring along my nose and cheekbones to give them more definition. You can use a variety of brushes, but a denser one like this Real Techniques flat contouring brush works well for precision shading along the cheekbones. And for the nose bridge I simply use a small eyeshadow brush. Definitely start with a light hand and just accentuate your natural features; a little bit goes a long way - it's easy to be overzealous with shading and end up looking like a patient on "Botched" ; )

Next up is this cute TOO FACED "La Petite Maison" eyeshadow palette with a good mix of smokey neutrals and highlighting shades. I made one of my first smokey eye tutorials with my other Too Faced palette which lasted me for years. This one comes nestled in an Parisian-inspired box along with a small tube of their "Better than Sex" mascara, which a few of my friends swear by.
anastasia contour palette too faced shadow palette
Last but not least, I love a good mini polish kit, especially with holiday colors that you're not likely to use up a full bottle of. My tip is to search on Google images for swatches beforehand, so there's no surprises of how polishes look when applied! The OPI All-Stars 4-piece mini set has a nice variety for this season ranging from a true festive red to a deep, rich plum and two metallics. The champagne silver is probably my favorite, esp. with a coat of Essie Luxe Effects glitter topcoat layered on.
opi holiday all stars nail swatch
(left) "Love is in my Cards" and (right) "Press * for Silver," both with glitter topcoat

Thank you to Ulta Beauty for partnering on this post! Would love to get some more ideas for my makeup-loving friends...please share some of your favorite beauty gifts to give (or receive)!

Monday, December 7, 2015

Ellms Christmas Tree Farm

Ellms christmas tree farm saratoga - winter holiday outfits
SOREL Winter Fancy Lace II boots c/o sz 6 (also worn here & here), J.Crew hat
Burberry Daylesmoore coat sz 2 (review - I sized up), ASOS scarf (also worn here)
On Nick: SOREL Cheyanne Lace boots, Filson coat, my L&T scarf (also worn here)

Over Thanksgiving, Nick and I visited our very first tree farm to pick out a little Christmas tree for my family. I lived in the upstate NY area for many years and didn't realize this gem of a place (Ellms Farm) was nearby! They have a tractor trolley to take you from field to field, a fire pit to defrost your hands by, adorable farm animals, and a free hot cocoa station (...I always knew where to find my husband). With our luck, it was one of the coldest days yet so we made sure to bundle up in cozy scarves and our SOREL boots. I've been loving their insulated weather boots as an alternative to rubber rain boots when I know I'll be out in the cold for a long period of time.
christmas tree farm winter warm outfits - filson burberry coats
Above, ambitious tree novices on the trolley, trying to decide between visiting the tall (7 - 8 feet) or extra tall (10 - 12 feet!) tree fields. Turns out a ~5 footer was already quite the workout for the two us to cut down and haul home!
Ellms Christmas tree farm Albany
I have gotten more questions on sizing about this particular style of boots, so want to reiterate that this particular style runs a little small. Once again I mistakenly thought I ordered a 5.5 in an initial post, but mine are actually a size 6 which fit fine with thicker knit socks. In most American brands I'm usually a 5 to 5.5, so I'd suggest going up at least half from the size you most commonly take. And for your guys, Nick says his boots run about half size small as well.
SOREL duck snow boots winter fancy cheyanneAs some of you may have seen from my snapchat last week, a lesson learned was that tree cutting can be a dirty job! Don't wear your favorite coat unless it's easily washable (thankfully we both had scarves to shield our shoulders while hauling the tree), and be sure to pick shoes fit for trudging on a farm. These sound like no-brainers but I saw plenty of cute flats on visitors around us that got muddied. If you're visiting somewhere with cut-your-own trees, the farm will likely have saws and twine, but bring your own workers gloves if you have 'em to protect your hands from pine needles and sticky sap.
christmas tree farm couple winter outfits sorel
I also lost my bet with Nick about which half of the tree is heavier to carry...I couldn't make it beyond a few steps while carrying the pointed half ; ) Rigorous workout and all, it was so worth it to have the scent of fresh pine fill my parents' house and to be able to decorate our first real tree with my little brothers.

Thank you Sorel for partnering on this post!