Merry Christmas Eve my fabulous readers! I hope the next few days are filled with joy, love, family, and most importantly lots of yummy food! If you don't celebrate Christmas, then happy Wednesday and enjoy these days off!

See you back here next week!

xo Catherine 

Top: J. Crew Factory. Skirt: Nordstrom (similar). Shoes: Zara (similar). Clutch: Anthropologie (similar). 

Mark and I love to stay in on New Year's. We order take out, drink champagne, and watch movies all day. If I did go out on NYE though, this is what I would wear ;) When else can you wear all of the sparkles and gold?! I know that it isn't even Christmas yet, but I thought I would give you a head start with a little NYE inspiration. 

How was your weekend? I'm all mixed up on my days now that I'm on break. All of the days feel like one big weekend. I never want it to end. 

Can you believe that Christmas is this week?! Time needs to slow down so I can soak it all in. 

xo Catherine 

Jacket: Gap (similar with more sizes). Sweater: Forever 21 (similar). Jeans: Banana Republic. Purse: Coach. Boots: Hunter. 

Oh my goodness. Guys. It's been a while and I have a lot to tell you!

1. I pulled the trigger on this coat I talked about in this post. Isn't she pretty? That's what happens when you go shopping with friends: they help you justify purchases ;)

2. It snowed again! It was unseasonable warm last weekend and it all melted. But Minnesnowta didn't disappoint and provided us with some fresh powder a few days later.

3. I am done with finals! This is why my posting schedule was so skewed this week. Well, that and...

4. Mark's home! For six weeks. And I am officially the happiest girl in the world. 

Hope you have the most wonderful weekend!

xo Catherine 

A shrug is perfect to go with a fit and flare dress. I always feel like I'm ruining my outfit when I wear a long cardigan because it takes away from the shape of the dress. This one gives you a little warmth without sacrificing style ;)

Dress: Kate Spade Saturday (on sale!). Shoes: Forever 21. Clutch: Jessica McClintock (similar). Earrings: Old Navy (similar). Shrug: Ann Taylor (similar). 

Hello and happy Monday! I am completely smitten with this dress. It's perfect for a cocktail party or a fancy holiday party. I have a family wedding in January that I will be wearing this to and I can't wait to take her for a spin! If you're looking for a dress to wear to a holiday party you can never go wrong with gold and black. It's festive without being in your face. Here are a few other fun options: one // two // three // four. 

Another thing to keep in mind when going to a holiday party is a host/hostess gift. Something small to let your hostess know you're thankful for all of the work she put into party planning. Some great ideas could be a fun bottle opener, a yummy candle, or even something as simple as a thank you card. Treat by Shutterfly has a great collection of holiday and thank you cards for reasonable prices. 

Have a good one!

xo Catherine