Look of the Day: A Year in Review

 Texture & print in January

Florals in February

Dusty Dior in March

Sporting April

Neon & Neutrals in May

Jeans in June

That Dress (July)

Autumn Preview in August

Scarlet in September

California Chambray in October

Mini Dress for November

Tartan December

It's been a very successful year! Here's to 2014!

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Look of the Day: Fur & Glitter

 I can't get over these pictures. The lighting could have been so harsh and ruinous, but Bella is amazing. She took some stunning photos!

 The vintage dress is from Bella's collection at Beats & Bohos. I styled it with a fur stole I inherited from my uncle's mother, and matching silver shoes and clutch. Perfectly over-the-top for ringing in the New Year! The diamond shaped earrings are a great deal on Oasap.

More shots from our styling sessions can be found on Bella's blog, The Citizen Rosebud. Or, stop by Beats & Bohos to see some of my other picks from Bella's stash of vintage wear! She also has a lot of treasures for sale in her Etsy store

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Look of the Day: Plaid Peplum

The plaid peplum I ordered off Chictopia came just in time for Christmas! It's made from soft, thick flannel which was one of the main reasons I bought it. So warm and cozy, while still being playful enough for a celebration! I was a little disappointed when one of the seams split on the shoulder, but that's always a risk with mid-range clothes. Seam allowances are minimal! Since I'm such an impatient sewer, I just used a hot glue gun and it looks good as new.

Christmas is done and the bustle is not quite so hustled. I'm always a little melancholy about it, but mostly because I love the preparation and anticipation! I made quite a few gifts this year and about 20 cards. I even hand painted a lot of my wrapping paper. It means one of two things: I either have too much time on my hands or I am an excellent manager of my time. Neither seems like it could be true.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Mine was spent with everyone I love, save for a few friends who felt it was necessary to spend their time with their real family ;)

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A Merry Reprise: Waxed Snowflakes

I've been making these waxed snowflakes for years, but recently they've been receiving a lot of attention! My how-to post has always been one of my most popular posts and the pins bring lots of traffic through Pinterest. 

This year, I decided to sell sets on Etsy and was thrilled when I sold 4 sets to a store in New Orleans! The shop, Storyville Apparel, hung the 60 handcut snowflakes in their window (The ones on the windows are not mine).

And guess who emailed me this week about featuring them on their site? Apartment Therapy!! Makes one feel very accomplished. And with all the snide remarks in the comment section about my snowflakes being too hard and scientifically inaccurate, I think it's safe to say I am an internet success!

If you'd like to make your own snowflakes, here's my DIY post.

If you'd like to read the nerdy comments on my feature, click here.

Cheers!
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Glitter Giveaway: Win Earrings from Anjolee

Anjolee wants to make your holidays even brighter by sending one lucky reader a pair of beautiful gem drop earrings! 

The winner will receive sparkly cubic zirconiums set in sterling silver. If you're interested in the real bling, Anjolee offers diamond drop earrings in several stunning styles and sizes. You can also choose the size, quality and color of your stone!

Here's how to enter:

1. Like the Anjolee FB page (required)

2. Like the Fleur d'Elise FB page (required)

3. For extra points you can tweet about it!
(Open to US residents only. Sorry!)

UPDATE: Make sure you're using the Rafflecopter widget to enter the giveaway! I won't be able to track your entries if you don't!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Good luck!
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Links à la Mode: December 12

Festive Fashionista
The holiday party season is here.... what are you wearing? Better yet, what are you brining to the party? This week's roundup is all things glimmery for the holiday season. Like you just can't get enough, right? Well put on your glitter and get your glass of 'nog because you're in for a holiday treat!

Links à la Mode: December 12
 

Chic Musings: DIY: Ethnic-Style Bib Necklace
Cream & Sugar Please: How To Hair: Braid Bun
DressCode:HighFashion: High Fashion Christmas Gifts For Every Type Of Woman
Fashioned by Love: British fashion designers: Kelly Love
Fleur d'Elyse: Joyeux Neon: Make your own stylish Christmas cards
Free Ur Closet: Blog Love: Fashion Over Forty
Lara Lizard: Are you a politically correct blogger?
Les Assorties: On Christmas Sweaters
Little Too Much: Easy Holiday Party Look in just 3 pieces
Naked Fashion: Balmain Hair Review: Best Christmas Gift
On Duty Style Guide: 5 socks to wear with heels
Rose & Pine: Five Foolpoof Holiday Outfits!
Sobbing on Fifth: An All-Budget Gift Guide for Your Sister
Spy Girl: My First Curvy Girl Sketch
Style Bizarre: Shut up if you Think Fashion is not Art
Style Vanity: Know the Color of The Year 2014 & How to Rock It!
Trendy Techie: Trendy Techie Holiday Gift Guide
The Undercover Princess: A Lady's Guide To... Self-confidence
The Curvy Elle: Body Image: Fight the Fight
Two Take On Style: Debate The Trend: Pale Pink

SPONSOR: East Dane
Jimmy Choo, O'2nd
Onia, Rochas Bags, Lip Watches,
Res Denim,
Ari Dein, 
Emily Faith, Marysia, Onia

Look of the Day: Tartan Christmas

Recently, I've had the pleasure of hanging out with the Citizen Rosebud who lives just up the hill from me. She is a fashion blogging genius with a wonderful eye for vintage. She let me go through her trunks of treasures and style some pieces. My absolute favorite was this bright scarlet skirt from Pendleton. It has a matching blazer, which we both agreed is something no normal human being can pull off. That is a lot of fiery tartan! The skirt alone is such a statement piece, I thought it would be perfect for Christmastime, when you want to wear something extra special to parties and gatherings

I paired it with a simple wool sweater, a skinny belt, and a strand of vintage rhinestones. For outdoors, the fur would be around my shoulders.

If you're interested in the skirt, you can contact me or Bella. It's also available at Beats & Bohos in the Greenwood. If you're not in the Seattle area, you can also find her vintage goods on Etsy!

We're planning a big giveaway in January, so stay tuned!

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Hustle & Bustle

I'm always surprised at just how much busier I am during the Holidays. This year I am even busier than ever! I picked up a seasonal job at Paper Source, my Etsy shop is doing great, and I'm making as many Christmas presents as possible. I've also started conspiring with fellow Seattle blogger, Bella, of The Citizen Rosebud to host a big giveaway. Check back in on Friday for more on that topic!

That's all fun-busy. I'm also lame-busy with my property management job. How many sewage problems can one building have? That's all I'll say about that.

Here's what else I've been up to...

I made a Christmas town! It's my pride and joy. The roofs have been dusted with "snow" since I took this picture. If you want to make your own Christmas town, I have a set of little paper houses for sale in my Etsy shop.

Speaking of Etsy, that place is so full of wonderful things! I'm really hoping Santa puts a pair of these neon coral earrings in my stocking.

I want to make these beautiful paper lanterns! I just need to find big enough pictures of castles...

I usually like to post gift guides this time of year, but I just haven't had time! Have you posted one? You should share it on IFB!

If you're in need of a gift guide, then head on over to my favorite lifestyle blog, Cup of Jo, for guides tailored to fit everyone on your list.

I've eaten nearly all the hungarian goulash I made last night. I loooove soup with dumplings. Here's a similar recipe that looks delicious!

So what have you been up to? I hope your season has been festive and bright so far!
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