Dress: Nordstrom // Shoes: Marc Fisher (similar) // Clutch: FIG Dallas

If you didn’t notice, I really really love Christmas, and I can never have too many festive outfits! Something about searching for the perfect presents, wrapping them, decorating the house with way too much garland and eating cookies nonstop makes me want to dress up all the time.

I saw this forest green dress at Nordstrom, and while it doesn’t scream holidays, I knew it would be easy to dress up for the season. This dress fits true to size (wearing a small), and it is under $100 (total steal)! The wrap waist is super flattering for indulging in holiday meals, but be warned, it can unwrap if you don’t tie it tight enough. I really love the button detail, sheer sleeves, and longer hemline on this dress. I paired the forest green dress with a gold clutch and shoes (shout out to my Baylor family members) for the holidays. This dress also pairs well with both black or cream accessories depending on the time of year. I have linked this entire look as well as a few similar styles below! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Skirt: J.Crew // Turtleneck: Zara (similar) // Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // Earrings: J.Crew

Christmas is less than two weeks away! The tree and garland are up, all the presents are wrapped, and the only thing left is to find the perfect Christmas outfit. I love showing holiday cheer, but at the same time I love a sleek black outfit. This plaid skirt from J.Crew was the perfect holiday solution for me. I can still show off my Christmas spirit while wearing a black turtleneck, black tights and black shoes. If you like to wear more color than I do, this skirt also pairs well with a red, green or gold sweater. This plaid skirt fits true to size (wearing a 0) and is still truly high waisted without being too short in length. I have linked everything from this look as well as my favorite plaid pieces for you to mix into your holiday look below! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Velvet Top: J.Crew // Velvet Skirt: J.Crew // Bow Sweater: J.Crew (similar) // Heels: Marc Fisher // Leather Jacket: BlankNYC // Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff // Turtleneck: Zara (similar) // Jeans: Paige // Boots: ASOS // Hair Bow: J.Crew

Images via Alex Phillips.

This past week I have had a constant fire in the fireplace, have been cooking spicier dishes, and living in grey sweatshirts. Seriously, this Madewell sweatshirt is so soft and warm! One of the spicier dishes I like to make, and of course, Alex’s favorite is my “Almost Gumbo”. The “almost” is important because while this dish has a lot of the same ingredients as traditional gumbo, I do not make a roux. However, I do add a large amount of Old Bay seasoning and Tabasco for a little extra heat. I have included the full recipe for my Almost Gumbo below, enjoy and stay warm! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips.

Print Almost Gumbo Recipe

8 Tablespoons unsalted butter

2 green bell peppers, cut

2 celery stalks, cut

1/2 lbs. okra, cut

1 large onion cut

6 canned whole plum tomatoes

14 ounces low sodium chicken broth

2 Tablespoons Old Bay seasoning

2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

1 Tablespoon Chipotle Tabasco

1 lbs. large shrimp peeled

1 lbs. turkey or chicken sausage

2 cups cooked white rice

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and stir until lightly brown (3-4 minutes). Add bell peppers, onion, celery, and okra, stirring occasionally until softened (about 7 minutes). Add tomatoes, broth, Old Bay, paprika, salt, and Tabasco. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and let simmer until mixture is slightly thickened (about 20 minutes). Stir in shrimp and sausage, and cook until shrimp is cooked through (3-5 minutes). Serve over rice.

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Sweater: Nordstrom // Jeans: Paige // Booties: Steve Madden

Is it too early to start decorating for Christmas? Asking for a friend… aka me, because I am so excited that the holidays are just around the corner! A few weeks ago we spent a long weekend in Detriot and the (freezing) cold weather had me ready for the holiday season. We are finally feeling a bit of the colder weather in Dallas and I was finally pulled my winter clothes out of storage. I bought this white sweater during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale earlier this year. It is currently sold out in white, but is available in black, red, purple and cobalt. I love the balloon sleeve detail and mock neckline, which makes this white sweater just that much warmer. T-50 days until Christmas!! xoxo

Images via Alex Phillips