hello kitty

{Zara denim moto jacket (similar one here), Leopard Face Sweater c/o ShopSeptember, H&M pants and button-up shirt, Steve Madden oxfords (great high-heeled version), Zara handbag, Ray-Ban sunglasses}

Hope you all had a very merry Holiday! It's back to work for me, but I'm actually looking forward to it- and getting back to the weekend in three short days. ;) The weather has been pretty cold and rainy in the Bay Area and even in Central California. Fortunately this super cozy sweater has been doing it's job and keeping me warm. I love the leopard face print with subtle rhinestones, it really it the perfect addition to any winter outfit. It looks great on it's own with skinnies, or layered under a button-up, like I did here. How would you wear this sweater? 

p.s. Two days left to follow @shopstyle and me (@allergictovanilla) on instagram to win this necklace! Tag #shopstyleholiday on an image of your favorite way to wear the bejeweled piece. 

plain jane

{Zara moto jacket (love this one), and handbag, thrifted chambray (super cute similar one), Ark & Co. vegan leather skirt, Matiko loafers, SEE sunglasses, F21 beanie}

My trusty vegan leather jacket I scored from the Zara sale last year always seems to find it's way onto the blog somehow- it's a classic, what can I say? Speaking of the Zara sale, have you made your way to their site? I've already bookmarked more than I should be looking at, with the hopes that Santa will casually be checking out my browser and see what's on my list this year. What's the one thing you have to have this year for the holidays-whether it's a gift for yourself or from someone else?

Still time to enter the Shopstyle contest to win a Lulu Frost necklace!! Follow @shopstyle and @allergictovanilla on Instagram. Tag a photo that would accessorize well with the necklace- with #shopstyleholiday. ;)

#shopstyleholiday challenge look five

{Princess by Vera Wang vegan leather jacket, thrifted chambray (similar style), Paige denim c/o, Lulu Frost for J. Crew winged necklace c/o via Shopstyle, Zara handbag, J. Crew Valentina pumps}

What can I say about my last #shopstyleholiday look? I've always loved a good denim on denim- I was actually contemplating donning a lighter wash jean to match the shirt a bit more, but I like the contrast on this coldest month of the year. Notice I said coldest, because that's right folks, I'm freezing in these pics. Not only have the temperatures dropped to what feels like 30 degrees F but I'm actually under the weather, and battling the most inappropriately timed cold ever. And just when I thought I'd get away without getting sick all year. #boo #totallyscrewingupmyholidaypartyplans

Well enough about my woes, lets make some dreams come true, and hook one of you up with the bejeweled necklace I've been rocking all week! Again the rules:

-Follow: @shopstyle and me (@allergictovanilla) on Instagram

-Tag an image of something you'd pair with this necklace, or a favorite accessory with #shopstyleholiday and @allergictovanilla

Super easy, right? Giveaway extended through the 28th!

#shopstyleholiday challenge look four

This necklace is so versatile you pretty much can get away with wearing it with just about anything! I'm a big fan of tees or sweatshirts with neat sayings or interesting graphics- as witnessed here- so I paired a low key tee with a quintessentially-cool French phrased slogan, tucked into a rose gold sequin mini skirt- to give the illusion of a high waisted skirt and elongate your legs at the same time. I then added a simple but streamlined denim jacket, some calf hair pumps, and few key pieces of jewelry- a fab necklace, and simple knot bangle. You don't want to add too many accessories- since the sequin skirt might be overwhelming. But....if you did, I would add a bright red lip, bold faux glasses, an chunky oversized grey scarf -because it's still winter after all- or will be in a few days, and a large tote, perhaps this Phillip Lim satchel?

If you haven't already done so enter to win the necklace in this post, it's super easy! You're on Instagram and I assume? Follow @Shopstyle, and snap a pic of  something fabulous you would wear with said necklace with #shopstyleholiday and my name too @allergictovanilla. The odds are in your favor since there aren't too many entries yet!! And hello, it's a $200 super chic necklace, why wouldn't you?

#shopstyle challenge look three

{H&M coat and leatherette leggings (similar vegan leather leggings here), thrifted denim vest, J. Crew striped shirt and necklace (similar style), F21 beanie, Shoemint boots, Zara handbag, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses}

It's day three of my Shopstyle outfit challenge series and I went with a upscale-meets-seasonal downtown look. For me it's the little things that make this outfit. For instance the inappropriately summer-ish denim vest peeking out of the overcoat, the popped collar, and how the panels on my leggings meet the panels on my boots. Not to mention the beanie, my favorite seasonal scarf and switching out my sunglasses- love those Ray-Bans!

What do you think? But more importantly, have you entered the Lulu Frost x J. Crew giveaway yet?

#shopstyleholiday challenge look two

{Gap turtleneck (love this one here), Imaginary Voyage skirt (similar style), Lulu Frost for J. Crew necklace, Steve Madden oxfords, Tory Burch Robinson mini bag, SEE sunglasses}

This look is pure laid-back glamour. I wanted something seasonal (and sparkly), but low key enough for a day of errands- and this is what I came up with. The oversized fair isle turtleneck added that cozy winter factor, and the sparkly and gilded accents brought in the excitement of the holidays. With the flat oxfords, an easy up-do and a handy cross body bag I was ready to tackle my Christmas list in style. 

Have you entered for your chance to win the necklace I'm wearing in this post yet? Check out the details here! 

#shopstyleholiday challenge look one

{Proenza Schouler x Target & NM sweatshirt, Forever 21 faux fur vest (love this one here!), Lulu Frost x J. Crew necklace c/o via ShopStyle, ShoeMint Candy boots, SEE sunglasses (similar ones here), J. Crew Biennial satchel}

This outfit is all about new pieces- as are many blogs, right? Keeping it fresh is what I say. So lets start with the obvious, that stunning Lulu Frost for J. Crew necklace- it's the perfect pop of bling to add to any holiday look. And you can score one for free- check out the details here! Next up- a part of the Target & Neiman Marcus collaboration, the Proenza Schouler sweatshirt. I've been eyeing it since I saw it in the promos. It does not disappoint- the asymmetrical hem is quite interesting, the warmth of the sweatshirt has already forced me to wear this more than three times, and the interesting print is classic Proenza Schouler- or at least I'd like to think it is. And last but not least those Shoemint boots- the one's I asked your opinion on a few weeks ago on Twitter (if you ever wanted to weigh in on my closet, find me on Twitter @allergictovanilla). And well, it wouldn't be a outfit challenge without a large furry vest to throw you all off.

So what do you think? I'd love to hear what you'd pair this necklace with!

#ShopStyleholiday + giveaway!!

This holiday season just got a whole lot better. I've teamed up with ShopStyle- yes, that ShopStyle to bring you an outfit challenge set around one particular necklace and a gift for you- that is if you've been good all year. 

I've been mesmerized by this supremely chic Lulu Frost by J. Crew winged necklace, and knew I wanted to base my outfit challenges around it- over the next five days I'll show you how I style it up from laid back glamour, to office appropriate, you know- it'll be very Allergic to Vanilla. So check back each day to get a fresh take surrounding this neck candy. At at the end of the five days I'll be picking one lucky winner to score this very same bauble for their jewelry collection!

The giveaway rules are easy- since your already following this blog, and following my FB ATV page- if you're not (pretty) please do. ;)

1. Follow @ShopStyle and @allergictovanilla on Instagram

2. Post a picture on Instagram between now and Dec 21st of what you might pair with this necklace. Include a caption with the hashtag #shopstyleholiday and my handle @allergictovanilla. 

3. Upload that pic to ShopStyle's FB page with same hashtag's #shopstyleholiday and @allergictovanilla

(ShopStyle also has the rules posted here.)

I'm super excited to show off five fun looks and can't wait to see who will take home the gold- or uh, the bling I should say. Good luck!

my moments: holiday edition

Better known as the most wonderful time of the year- the Christmas season, it's always held a particularly special place in my heart. The only time out of the year when it's the norm to indulge, you know presents are coming your way, sparkly clothing is acceptable and long overdue get-togethers are thrown just so you and the gang can reminisce about the 'good old days' while having a little bubbly. This year I'm looking forward to the little things that make this season as special as it always seems to me no matter what age I am.

1. New presents for others mean new presents for myself! Trying out my new SEE tortoise shell shades.

2. My new Baroness candle flanked by mismatched Christmas ornaments and tinsel.

3. My very own Rudolph, minus the shiny nose, in my living room.

4. Plaid red flannel always puts me in the holiday spirit.

5. Pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and a wintery appropriate whiteout mani.

makeup monday

I love playing with color- in my wardrobe, on my nails, in my home, so it's no surprise that also extends over to my makeup choices. This show-stopping Milani eyeliner is the latest way I'm trying to add a little color to my life. The safer choice would be to blend it in, but then it looks like an eyeshadow, and I really wanted a bold cat-eye! This Napoleon Perdis one in a similarly bright hue, or this easy to use MAC liner are other fun ones to try out.

When you want to switch up your makeup choices what do you wear?

the need for tweed

{Kirna Zabete x Target tweed sheath (similar style), Gap turtleneck, Zara moto denim jacket (similar style), F21 beanie, unknown leggings, J. Crew Biennial satchel, Zara heels}

You ever have a moment where you envision what you want something to look like? In my case it was this outfit. Staring at the pieces hanging lifeless on plastic hangers didn't really help. Trying to figure out how to pull off acid washed denim nearing Winter, wasn't helping either. So many layers, not much structure, oh well, I'll just throw it all on. And, walking the streets of San Francisco gets cold, even after growing up here I still haven't gotten used to it- so now I layer, a lot. And this outfit is pretty indicative of my time spent outdoors in the city, including the flats in my bag.

Anyways let's chat style! The outfit, it's major right? I love a good tweed shift- especially this time of year, it's so rich. And this was one of the only pieces I was coveting from the Target collaboration prior to the Neiman Marcus one, which I may or may not have purchased a few pieces from as well! The shift was pretty loose even though it was my size, so I had momma resize it. It now fits like a dream and I don't want to take it off. I've worn it with a striped boatneck top, bare armed, and plan on wearing it with skinny jeans soon. So many possibilites! Oh and the slouchy beanie- I'm obsessed, expect to see a repeat showing of both in the near future. 

stocking stuffers for your best gal

The ladies in your life are truly something special, that's why they are there after all! Gift them something fabulous worthy of your closet, home, or jewelry box. I've picked out a few items I've had on my mind since I spotted them months ago, items I wouldn't mind receiving or giving this holiday season. 

Spruce up your BFF's fancy office space with some gilded piggy bookends- they are not only practical but beyond chic, and yes my order is in the mail. A monogramed jewelry box rivaling Hermes in that fab orange hue would make any snotty co-worker jealous, send it to her with a bag of her fave chocolate gummy bears to hid inside when she's having one of those days. And a heavenly smelling fancy candle by Baroness von Neumann. This masculine meets feminine one here is the perfect one for a power player like your best gal. 

What's that, you want to spruce up her closet instead? Here are my top picks to refresh that wardrobe of hers. Diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but a pave initial letter cuff is the next best thing. And each time she stacks up her arm party, she'll think of you! So she needs new kicks? She is your BFF after all, she must have a little fun with fashion, and these leopard pumps are perfect. Help her style them up- try a letterman jacket with skinny jeans! Or the hottest accessory to hit the circuit- the felt fedora. Any of these would look good in her home/office space, or on her! Do tell, which do you secretly want for yourself?

leather accents and camouflage

{Nicole by Nicole Miller sweater (similar style), Gap pants, MNG by Mango necklace, F21 necklace, Zara heels, thrifted clutch}

fashion camp

{Banana Republic sweater & leather tote, thrifted vest (this one is beyond chic), Paige denim c/o, Asos tartan scarf (similar one here), Hollister beanie, Chinese Laundry booties}

Truth be told I've never been much of a camper, er, and by much of a camper I mean- never been camping. This American pastime was lost on me, and now I refuse to do any camping, unless it's glamping (glamourous camping). Which I may never get to go if I'd like to continue my shopping habit, tre expensive it what I've heard. So this outfit is a bit of a tribute to my outdoorsy self. Minus the sequins on the shoulders, and the heeled booties, it might actually be practical for a hike!

well styled wednesday: it's finally cocktail party season

While I generally don't wait for a special occasion to get dolled up, and throw on all my sequin pieces at the same time, it makes sense to reserve just that enthusiasm for this time of year. Tis the season, right? So I'll start with an outfit that I wouldn't mind wearing to a night out on the town, Christmas dinner with my BFF, or even NYE. This similar feather and lace dress had me at hello. Paired with a simple middle part low bun, a deep burgundy pout, sparkly mani, some sassy shoes, a little bling and of course a fab McQueen block clutch. Ready for the night out, right? My dilemma- which shoes are better- the right baroque inspired pair, or the left sparklers? 

my moments

This past weekend I celebrated Thanksgiving stateside. This American holiday is always an opportunity for me to be thankful for what I have, and even reflect on what I don't- while thinking through what it is I really need anyways. Life is full of tricky, and sometimes difficult moments, it's how we react to these situations that really define us as people. I'm lucky I can truly say I'm blessed with health, support of family, and a deep love for my someone special. 

Here are a few more frivolous moments I'm also thankful for:

-Moments to myself for catalogue shopping, and manicures.

-Baking! Especially this time of year- pumpkin cranberry bread, anyone?

-Having a stuffed closet, and overflowing jewelry box to pick out even a 20's inspired outfit from.

-Comfortable walking shoes, even if it raining.

-Coffee. Christmas blend.