Happy December! Have you begun preparing for the holidays yet? Our Christmas tree is up and decorated, but the boxes of decorations are still laying out (I gotta do something with those π). Β With Christmas rapidly approaching, the retailer’s sales in full swing, and our schedules full of parties and gatherings with good friends, we can tend to lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle and all the craziness. Β As magical as this time of year can be, I know that I experience a great deal more stress and anxiety than I did when I was a child. Β Gone are the carefree days of tacky light tours and endless mugs of hot chocolate (wait, no I still do those) because now I have to do that adulting thing and make my wallet cry with all the gifts I purchase and my body ache with the running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Β Sometimes we just need to take a moment to pause, put on something comfy and casual, rather than fancy – though you all know I love my party dresses – and relax!
I was recently sent this darling, ditsy-floral swing dress fromΒ Pom Pom Fashion, and when I put it on and found out how comfortable it is, it made me think about how often I am concerned with dressing up or putting extra effort into an outfit during this time of year. Β I think it’s truly important to take time for yourself amidst the insanity, and dressingΒ down can be a crucial part of this! Β Instead of dazzling in a vibrant-colored gown or killer glitter cami – just to go Christmas shopping – maybe I should reach for the simple, boho pieces my heart normally loves so much. Β Sure, I can still feel cute and feminine in a dress, but I’ll opt for tights and a leather jacket as accessories, rather than a sparkling clutch and my hair extensions.
During all this craziness, I tend to over-spend as well. Β The sales look so good – those 50% off emails flooding your inbox – and the items look so tempting. Β I have to remind myself that while some of those fabulous pieces would be great to have in my closet, I may not wear them more than once or twice, and I spentΒ how much on them? Β Being mindful of what the discount actually saves you is really important, and shopping small or local is a great way to know that your money is going towards something you believe in. Β I’ve been browsing Etsy shops more than ever this year, because I can typically find gifts that truly cater to my individual family members and friends, rather than just a random giftcard or scarf (though, I love those too, don’t get me wrong). Β Pom Pom Fashion is a small boutique in Texas, with darling items at affordable prices. Β They’ve given me the discount code “PomPom15” for 15% off, which means that the dress I’m wearing would only cost $38 total, since they’re offering free shipping through December 31st! Β Their new arrivals are adorable, and you won’t find a single item over $48 (and that’s pre-discount code) – which sounds like a pretty fabulous steal to me! Β You can shop without the stress of over-spending, and find the greatest gifts for your girlfriends this holiday season.
Along with being mindful of my money, I’m trying to take as much time as possible to just breathe. Β I regularly find myself parked in front of my Christmas tree, with carols playing andΒ a cup of spiced mocha by my side. Β Even as I write this post, I’m basking in the glow of the lights and ornaments shining in front of my eyes. Β My cat is curled up at my feet, and while the rest of my day is bound to be hectic, I have this moment to myself. Β How areΒ you taking time to de-stress right now?
Shop My Style
Dress: Pom Pom Fashion // Tights: Tabbisocks // Heels: SammyDress // Jacket: Twinkledeals // Hat: H&M
Iliana says
My favorite one yet! You look super cute!! I love that you added the hat ❤️
Christine Kong says
I agree that we all need to hit the pause button once in a while and remember the meaning and feelings of the holidays. This floral dress is too cute and i love that it can be dresses up or down. I am all for listening to holiday music and sipping on some hot chocolate by the fire. Xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
francesca says
loving this look and the location. such a cute dress
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
Jo says
You know floral prints are everywhere in my closet and I think this obsession won’t stop anytime soon :). I love this piece which can be dress up and down. When you added a leather jacket, it makes this whole look a little edgy to it. Yes I am pretty listening to one of the radio stations which plays Christmas music all day long ( I know it’s little cheesy but I love it :)).
xo,
Jo
http://www.glamfashionbook.com
Kusum says
Babe your outfits always make me a tad bit jealous, in a good way of course π Love that floral dress on you, did you find the matching wall first and then the dress or was it the other way around haha! Agree, sometimes wearing something so comfortable and yet chic is all we need to make a day better.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Iliana says
My favorite one yet! You look super cute!! I love that you added the hat β€οΈ
Mariann Yip says
That is such a cute dress! I love the print and think it’s gorgeous for the holidays π
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Bryanna says
Love the matching key-hole details on the front and back. Such a gorgeous touch! You are so ahead of my Christmas game. We don’t have our tree up yet! Cudos to you for at least having your tree up.
xoxo Bryanna
Lauren says
I agree with you so much that we all need to take a break and relax around the holidays! Love the outfit too π
Sharon Wu says
That pink wall is so pretty and complements your dress beautifully Stephanie! You always have the best style! Have a wonderful weekend! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/feeling-festive-maison-jules/
Samantha Mariko says
sometimes i think it’s important to sacrifice comfort for fashion, but not always! this is lovely π
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Samantha Mariko says
sometimes i think it’s important to sacrifice comfort for fashion, but not always! this is lovely π
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Thomas Falkenstedt says
At first I felt “girl, you’ve got to slow down”, but when reaching the end of your post I was glad to see that you actually did JUST that, taking time to breathe and actually living in the present (and having your cat curled up next to you is so cute!). It’s so important for us amongst this stress to actually take the time to reflect on what we want (all the shopping) and what we actually need.
Thanks for a great post and I must say that dress is absolutely adorable! π
xoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/sv/
Megan says
So darling! I get my yoga in to stay sane and I’m avoiding shopping as much as possible this year! Hello first freelance Christmas! DIY projects coming your way! Haha
Thomas Falkenstedt says
At first I felt “girl, you’ve got to slow down”, but when reaching the end of your post I was glad to see that you actually did JUST that, taking time to breathe and actually living in the present (and having your cat curled up next to you is so cute!). It’s so important for us amongst this stress to actually take the time to reflect on what we want (all the shopping) and what we actually need.
Thanks for a great post and I must say that dress is absolutely adorable! π
xoxo
Thomas
http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/sv/
Gil Zetbase says
Beautiful outfit!
Have a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Gil Zetbase says
Beautiful outfit!
Have a nice week-end!
Gil Zetbase
http://gilzetbase.com/
Jo says
As much fun as the holiday season is, it truly is a stressful time of year with all the events to attend. This is the time of year when my work/life balance is all out of whack haha! But your so right, wearing something comfortable when you’re out and about really does help.
Happy holidays!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Sarah says
Ugh isn’t it annoying how much more stressful the holidays get as we get older? I love the idea of reaching for simpler looks. I’m going to attempt making presents this year instead of purchasing them in an attempt to save money.
Sarah | sarahtahami.com
Jo says
As much fun as the holiday season is, it truly is a stressful time of year with all the events to attend. This is the time of year when my work/life balance is all out of whack haha! But your so right, wearing something comfortable when you’re out and about really does help.
Happy holidays!
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Sarah says
Ugh isn’t it annoying how much more stressful the holidays get as we get older? I love the idea of reaching for simpler looks. I’m going to attempt making presents this year instead of purchasing them in an attempt to save money.
Sarah | sarahtahami.com
Camille says
That dress is so darling—especially love the front cutout! Love this look girl!
Linh Dao says
First of all, you seem to amaze me with your posts! Always! Your pictures are so fun and always wig such pop of colors! Can you teach me how to make my photos as stunning as yours? This dress is perfect on you! You are absolutely right that you need to take a break and relax. Holidays are supposed to be fun! Not us running around like our head is cut off! So glad you took that break!
Love, Linh
http://Www.xcapewithlinh.com
Camille says
That dress is so darlingβespecially love the front cutout! Love this look girl!
Kathryn Hadel says
Thanks for sharing this darling boutique! Love how affordable their prices are. And I so agree, this season can be so overwhelming. Especially as we get older there seems to be more and more responsibility with holidays — so important to take a break sometimes!
Xx, Kathryn
http://www.jassamineelaine.com
Bernice says
Cute floral dress from Pom Pom Fashion! I love the thought of wearing this during the holidays as it’s hot here at Christmas, and leaves room for Christmas lunch hehe xx
http://www.bunnybernice.com
Josie says
It’s definitely so important to take the time to breathe and just enjoy this magical time! We tend to forget the real meaning cause this has become a commercial celebration instead of a time to just love on your closest beings and gift them with really what you can afford!
Love this dress! It’s so important to support small businesses! I also love the location where you did this shoot hehe!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Bernice says
Cute floral dress from Pom Pom Fashion! I love the thought of wearing this during the holidays as it’s hot here at Christmas, and leaves room for Christmas lunch hehe xx
http://www.bunnybernice.com
Helen Chik says
The silly season is called that for a reason and I find that December always goes by so quickly. Shopping for gifts can be so stressful both on your body and on your wallet!! I try to go out for a stroll with the dogs to destress. Love this dress on you btw!
Helen xx
https://ch1k.com/6ixty8ight-style-files
Stefanie says
oh this glorious pink wall!! i’m loving this floral dress… you aren’t typically a floral kinda girl but the style and the colors of it totally work into your style! Looking amazing girl! xoxo
Ines says
Beautiful shots babe – I love the location. And, you rock a hat so well! I need to sport them more often. Xx
http://www.inesinla.com
Jenn Hanft says
I love floral and even more so when you find a good fall floral print! This dress is so cute and I love how flowy and versatile it is! I actually haven’t had my hands on any hot chocolate yet but I recently saw starbucks’ new line of hot chocolates and I’m dying to try the salted caramel one! I can’t wait for the holidays! I keep singing carols as I go through my day hahah!
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
Miki says
Love the floral dress on you. That’s a steal. The holidays always have me spending so much, so it’s great seeing items that are affordable. π Dressing up is always fun, but I agree that from time to time, it’s great to dress down and unwind. π
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Deddeh Howard says
You know, to be honest.. I have not seen an outfit you don’t look amazing in. This dress is beautiful on you.
Danielle says
Loved this post! It’s so incredibly important to take time to just breathe during all of the holiday craziness! I totally get wrapped up in it and don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year, but it does get hectic. Just like you, I find the most peace in sitting curled up in front of our tree with a fire going watching a movie and just relaxing!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Deddeh Howard says
You know, to be honest.. I have not seen an outfit you don’t look amazing in. This dress is beautiful on you.
Kenzie says
OK i’m way too obsessed with this dress on you. It’s seriously so great for the holidays!
XO,
K
Morgan Klein says
I love this post and the floral dress you are wearing looks amazing on you!
gracie says
Great winter floral. Love the way you paired it. You look beautiful π
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Morgan Klein says
I love this post and the floral dress you are wearing looks amazing on you!
gracie says
Great winter floral. Love the way you paired it. You look beautiful π
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Darci says
Love this post babe! Thanks for that reminder to just breath and about taking a chill pill on all the sale shopping. I need to freak out the closer it gets to Christmas because things aren’t done and then with shopping I always feel like I need it all because its on sale and then when I get it, I’m like crap I don’t need all this. Love this dress and how you styled it girl! XO
Laurelle says
I hear you! It’s so much more stressful this time of year as an adult π Especially when your hubby is in school and you’re poor… But it’s still magical and can be even more so when we take time to rest and relax! Glad you’re doing that! I need to follow! <3
-Laurelle
http://www.bellebylaurelle.com
Yasmin says
This look is totally my style. Love that the dress is only $38! And how you styled it with that chic black hat.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
rachel says
This dress is so lovely on you, i love the print too.
francesca says
i really love the florals in december. there is something so fun about it!
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
francesca says
i really love the florals in december. there is something so fun about it!
francesca
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
Stephanie says
This floral print dress is so cute and comfy! We all need to find a break for ourselves especially during this crazy month!
Stephanie | laminlouboutins.com
Stephanie says
This floral print dress is so cute and comfy! We all need to find a break for ourselves especially during this crazy month!
Stephanie | laminlouboutins.com
Atsuna Matsui says
You look so pretty in the floral print! Sometimes I miss wearing print since I mostly wear basics these days.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
marcy says
Yes can’t believe Dec is here crazy right?? The year is almost over π
Love floral prints but specially how you mixed this one babe!! Love the hat
xo
Marcy
Atsuna Matsui says
You look so pretty in the floral print! Sometimes I miss wearing print since I mostly wear basics these days.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
marcy says
Yes can’t believe Dec is here crazy right?? The year is almost over π
Love floral prints but specially how you mixed this one babe!! Love the hat
xo
Marcy
Jordan Chapman says
I love how you paired this with tights!! It’s an effortlessly chic and cool winter look, especially with the cool tones of the outfit!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Jordan Chapman says
I love how you paired this with tights!! It’s an effortlessly chic and cool winter look, especially with the cool tones of the outfit!
Jordan xx
http://www.thehatlogic.com
Linh Dao says
First of all, you seem to amaze me with your posts! Always! Your pictures are so fun and always wig such pop of colors! Can you teach me how to make my photos as stunning as yours? This dress is perfect on you! You are absolutely right that you need to take a break and relax. Holidays are supposed to be fun! Not us running around like our head is cut off! So glad you took that break!
Love, Linh
http://Www.xcapewithlinh.com
Bryanna says
Love the matching key-hole details on the front and back. Such a gorgeous touch! You are so ahead of my Christmas game. We don’t have our tree up yet! Cudos to you for at least having your tree up.
xoxo Bryanna
Megan says
So darling! I get my yoga in to stay sane and I’m avoiding shopping as much as possible this year! Hello first freelance Christmas! DIY projects coming your way! Haha
Mariann Yip says
That is such a cute dress! I love the print and think it’s gorgeous for the holidays π
http://WWW.MARIANNYC.COM
Sharon Wu says
That pink wall is so pretty and complements your dress beautifully Stephanie! You always have the best style! Have a wonderful weekend! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/feeling-festive-maison-jules/
francesca says
loving this look and the location. such a cute dress
Frank Vinyl : A California Fashion Blog
Jo says
You know floral prints are everywhere in my closet and I think this obsession won’t stop anytime soon :). I love this piece which can be dress up and down. When you added a leather jacket, it makes this whole look a little edgy to it. Yes I am pretty listening to one of the radio stations which plays Christmas music all day long ( I know it’s little cheesy but I love it :)).
xo,
Jo
http://www.glamfashionbook.com
Kusum says
Babe your outfits always make me a tad bit jealous, in a good way of course π Love that floral dress on you, did you find the matching wall first and then the dress or was it the other way around haha! Agree, sometimes wearing something so comfortable and yet chic is all we need to make a day better.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com