In Defense of a Uniform

Like a lot of women I know, I'm guilty of having a closet full of clothes that I rarely wear. Instead, day after day I reach for the same pair of dark-wash jeans and a small rotation of V-neck Ts and striped shirts.

Every day as I peer into my closet deciding what to wear, I urge myself to mix it up — why not wear a dress today, or that new sweater I haven't worn? But more often than not, I reach for the familiar favorites.

I used to think this meant I was boring and uninspired, that I was intimidated by style. Then I realized, this is my style. Call me basic if you want, but these few pieces are the ones that I feel comfortable and confident in, and the older I get, the easier it is for me to embrace that.

Some people take the concept to extremes, filling their closet with multiple copies of one type of shirt, pants, and shoes. Uniforms themselves have become a fashion statement, which is pretty funny when you think about it. I'd rather not limit myself so severely, but I do love the idea of having a simple closet filled only with those few, easily interchangeable pieces that I feel good wearing.

What about you — do you have a uniform, or do you like to try a new look every day?

P.S. This is one of the first sets I created on Polyvore three years ago — and I still love every piece today.

Packing List: Mexican All-Inclusive Resort

I'm deep in planning mode for our winter vacation to Mexico, and since it's my second trip to an all-inclusive resort, I feel more prepared than the first time around. Besides the obvious, here's what I'll bring:

• A Turkish towel. Because sometimes the resort's towels aren't great, and they don't dry nearly as fast.
• Glam pool wear (huge hat, cat-eye sunnies, and black bikini). Because I like to pretend that I'm a D-list celebrity when pools and cocktails are involved.
• Waterproof mascara and bright lipstick. Because that's all you need to pair with your sun-kissed glow.
• EWG-approved sunscreen for face, lips, and body (3-ounce bottles). Because I will not get burned on my first day again. And I won't slather questionable chemicals on my skin, either.
• A fun float. Because floating in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by angel fish is pretty much the best thing ever.
• Cup and koozie. For getting extra-large drinks and keeping them cool.
• Travel candle. In case the room smells like a jungle.
• Meds. Because I don't want to spend $20 on Tums and aspirin in the gift shop. 
• Paperbacks. Because I don't want to worry about leaving my Kindle alone when I go for a walk.

What did I forget?
P.S. Here's the post from my last trip to Mexico.

Merry Merry: Christmas Favorites

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Merry Christmas Eve, y'all! I hope everyone is gearing up for a relaxing, fun, delicious holiday. It's pouring rain and nearing 70 degrees here in Virginia, but I'm pretending that it's snowing.

I'm excited to not be spending hours in the car this year (last year we logged close to 30!). Todd and I had our own little celebration in Richmond last night, sharing oysters, champagne, and crab legs at Pearl Raw Bar before exchanging gifts. I'm thinking that might need to be a new Christmas Eve Eve tradition.

Here are a few Christmasy things I'm liking this year:

• I love a good Bûche de Noël.
• An introvert's guide to surviving holiday madness.
• Related: This recipe for bourbon milk punch (just as tasty with spiced rum).
• I love the idea of gifting British-style Christmas hampers.
• An underrated Christmas movie. 
• Listen to David Sedaris read his classic story "The Santaland Diaries."
• Crazy gift-wrapping hack.
• This Christmas Story-inspired dinner party.
• Cute free printable gift tags.

Friday Favorites: Twentysomething Edition

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To ring in the big 3-0, Todd and I are heading up to D.C. for the weekend. The weather's looking rather dismal on Saturday, but I'm still excited to stroll around Georgetown, see the National Christmas Tree, and eat some good food (reservations here and here).  Here are a few other things I'm liking during my last few hours as a 20-something.

• The renovation of this Brooklyn townhouse is pretty perfect. 
• I love all the end-of-year best book lists coming out now. Time to load up the ol' Kindle!
• The New York Times wrote about one of my favorite Richmond neighborhoods, Church Hill.
• I would love to do this with River. He's already grown so much!
• We're having a few people over for a holiday open house and I definitely plan to do this.
• Christmas is making me feel extra crafty. Love this gold DIY garland.
• This garlic cheddar beer bread was a big hit — and super easy to make.

Etsy Gift Guide 2014

When it comes to thoughtful, unique gifts, Etsy is one of the best resources online, but I'll be honest — sometimes you have to sift through a lot of crap to find the gems. My best advice is to find a few shops you love, and then look at who they follow. Before you know it, you'll have tons of favorite shops, and plenty of gift ideas for everyone on your list. Here are a few of my recent Etsy favorites!

Sparkvites makes affordable customized rubber stamps as well as cute stationery. Imagine how cool this would be stamped on your Christmas cards!

Sweet Peony Press has some really fun little prints starting at just $10. I like the idea of the His and Hers prints hanging in the bathroom.

Blackbird Tees is based in Richmond, and though their tea towels are a tad pricey, they're undoubtedly adorable. 

Remember I wrote about Finkelstein's Center for Charleston magazine awhile back? Michelle has an Etsy shop filled with dozens of animals who need a loving home. These Finks aren't just for kids, either. I'd love to have one for myself.

You've never seen cross stitch like the cross stitch from Bananya Stand. Choose your favorite pop culture reference or ask her to customize something just for you.

Of course, if you love vintage anything — books, blankets, clothing, brass figures — Etsy has it all. I especially love it for glassware.

You can see more of my favorites here and here! What are yours?

Christmas Countdown

I don't know what's wrong with me. I've never felt like this before. It's November 20, and I desperately want to buy a Christmas tree. I usually wait until December, sometimes even after my birthday (Dec. 6), but I might have to break my own rules this year.

Something about this house makes me want to go overboard with twinkly lights and boughs of holly and candles that smell like pine trees. I have a real mantle for the first time in years, a bannister that's just begging for an evergreen garland, and room for a 12-foot tree if I want it. And Christmas music? It's been on heavy rotation since last week.

When do you start decorating for Christmas? I'll try to restrain myself until after Thanksgiving, but after that — no promises.

Also:

• DIY wreath ideas. (I like the rosemary one.)
• 5 holiday hostess tips via Glitter Guide.
• Making this for the fireplace.

Thirty-something: 7 Things

I'm turning 30 in a few weeks. I haven't really thought too much about this milestone, but every now and then when I say it out loud or write it down, I start to feel like ... an adult. This means I can no longer make fun of my husband for being "old." I can no longer call myself a twenty-something.

I'm happy with where I am at almost-30, but I have been thinking about who I've always imagined I'd be as a 30-year-old. Who would have thought I'd still be feeling like an awkward teenager every now and then? Here are a few 30-year resolutions I'm keeping in mind as I enter this new decade.

1. Get comfortable in the kitchen. As much as I love food, I'm really not a great cook. I have a few dishes that I can make without a recipe, but I want to branch out and try new things, and add some more complex recipes to my repertoire. 
2. Be nicer. I tend to be a little snarky and sarcastic. I think 30-year-old me should be nicer.
3. Expand the fam. I love our furry babies, but tiny humans are starting to sound fun to me, too.
4. Refine my wardrobe. Last weekend I threw out nearly a third of my wardrobe — some stuff with tags still on it, some stuff that doesn't fit, some stuff that just doesn't suit me anymore (so many strapless dresses!). I want to open my closet and only see things I love, and if that means having a small wardrobe, that's OK with me.
5. Refine my home. No more disposable furniture. It's time to fill the house with quality, long-lasting pieces that I actually love — even if that means it'll take a lot longer for it all to come together.
6. Be more drink-savvy. I love cocktails, but I rarely make them for myself at home. I want to have the fixins and the skills to make a few of my favorites myself. I want to learn more about wine, too.
7. Get more national bylines. Time to kick the freelance game up a notch.