Now that Thanksgiving is over and it's "socially a Now that Thanksgiving is over and it's "socially acceptable" (whatever that even means) to get holly jolly and festive as can be (which I've been since the start of November), tell me which books are on your holiday season TBR! 🎅🏼
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I wrote up my Christmas reading list at the beginning of last week and lemme tell ya, I'm apparently attempting to read a book a day in December with how many titles I added 😂 But there are just SO MANY cute and festive holiday romcoms that I need in my life this season 🤎
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Usually, I find myself reaching for a couple of rereads, including THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE which I listen to every December without fail because it is my *favorite* Christmas book 📖 And this year I'll be rereading LOVELIGHT FARMS as well since I adored it so much last year 🎄
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Do you have any festive reads that you recommend? 🫶🏼 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #christmasbooks #holidaybooks #perfectespressopour #christmastbr #holidaytbr
Recommend your favorite small-town romance 🏡
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When I was younger, my mom would say that my sister was her country mouse and I was her city mouse... but now we're BOTH country mice and I'm proud to live near a small town where everyone at the cafe, plant shop, and bakery know my name 🥰
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I've found myself enjoying small-town romances more than ever before and when I discovered Sarah Adams's books this year, I fell head over heels in love 🤎 I gobbled up both When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect and I've been itching for more books with these vibes 🌾
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Have you read the When in Rome books yet? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #smalltownromance #romancebooks #romancereader #wheninrome
What's your favorite book with magical realism in What's your favorite book with magical realism in it? 📖
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In case you're unfamiliar with it, magical realism is a genre where the real world has an undercurrent of magic or fantasy ✨ One of the most common ways authors incorporate this element is with time travel of some sort ⏳ I'm an absolute sucker for it! 😍
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Lately, I've been gravitating toward a lot of magical realism and a few of my recent favorites have been:
🌾 The Unmaking of June Farrow
🎇 The Second Chance Year
🔮 New Adult
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What was the last book you read with time travel in it? 📚
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #magicalrealism #magicalrealismbooks #timetravelbooks
When do you decorate for the holidays? 🎄 As a When do you decorate for the holidays? 🎄

As a kid, my family waited until the day after Thanksgiving. As an adult, I thought, “If it’s the most wonderful time of the year, why not make it the longest?” and started decorating the first weekend in November! 🙈

[#ad] This @kingofchristmas Tribeca Blue Spruce was so easy to assemble and add to my small space 🙌🏼 It came with protective “fluffing” gloves (spot my mom even wearing them to help me out), an off-season storage bag, and a remote with 8 light settings to make things merry and bright ✨

#kingofchristmas #christmastree  #kingofchristmastree #christmastimeishere #holidayhome #ltkhome #ltkholidaystyle #holidaysathome #christmashome #christmasdecorating #christmastrees #holidaydecor #holidayhomes #holidayhomedecor #christmasdecor #deckthehalls #christmas2023 #christmasspirit #christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmasvibes #homefortheholidays
What colors do you have the most in your home? 🏡
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It'll come as no surprise to you that there are a LOT of warm tones and neutrals in my cozy cottage, especially browns like this gorgeous oak dresser from @sauderusa 🤎 You'll also spy plenty of soft and rich greens, deep burgundy, and hints of ivory--basically all the earthy vibes 🌲
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If you're looking to elevate your space with #SauderStyle and want to save big, comment DOVER and I'll send you the link to shop this dresser for nearly 30% off! 🙌🏼
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #cozyhomedecor #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bedroominspo #falldecor #fallhome #vintagemood #homedecor #hyggestyle #quietshadesofbrown #cottagecore #ofcosymoments #autumnvibes #ltkhome #primarybedroom #bedroomdecor #modernorganic #farmhousedecor #cottagedecor #gifted #booksandcoffee #wayfair #blackfridaydeals
Have you read any "booksta favorite" fantasies thi Have you read any "booksta favorite" fantasies this year? ⚔️
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Not only did I enjoy rereads of some special ones like Addie LaRue, The Nature of Witches, The Grishaverse, Strange the Dreamer, Shades of Magic, and The Starless Sea, but I also picked up a few of the hyped books I've seen circling the online bookish world over the last couple of years (and had some hot takes on a few of them but what's new) 📚
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🌙 Bring Me Your Midnight (5 stars, favorite book of the year
☕️ Legends & Lattes (5 stars)
🏛️ Babel (5 stars)
🪻 Foxglove (4 stars)
🌊 Curious Tides (4 stars)
🩸 Assistant to the Villain (4 stars)
👑 The Foxglove King (4 stars)
🌗 The Celestial Kingdom Duology (3.5 stars)
🍎 A Curse for True Love (3.5 stars, 3.5 stars to trilogy)
💦 A River Enchanted (3.5 stars, don't plan to read sequel)
🧚🏼‍♀️ These Hollow Vows Duology (2.5 stars)
🐉 Fourth Wing (2.5 stars)
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Did you read any of these this year? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #hypedbooks #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
If you could create your dream bookish tea blend o If you could create your dream bookish tea blend or coffee roast, what would it be and what would you name it? ☕️
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While the name The Espresso Edition indicates that I’m a coffee girly through and through (and I am–can’t live without my morning cup of joe), I also love tea 🫖 In fact, I’m an equal-opportunity warm beverage sipper, which is why I was so excited to give @drinkchapters a try 🤎 You can read a full review of these bookish beverages at the link in my bio 💻
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[ad] Chapters Tea & Coffee is a small business that offers both loose leaf teas and premium coffee roasts that are designed for book lovers 📖 They kindly sent me 2 tea blends and 2 coffee roasts and lemme tell ya, I'm obsessed 😍 In fact, I enjoyed their Chapters Café Roast in my latte this morning and I'm currently drinking a piping cup of their Chai Café Vanilla as I write this caption👌🏼
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Which would you drink first:
🪶 Poet's Study Earl Grey
🍨 Chai Café Vanilla
🐦‍⬛ Raven's Roast Dark Roast Coffee
📚 Chapters Café Roast Espresso 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #chaptersteaandcoffee #drinkchapters #bookishtea #bookishcoffee #giftsforbookworms
What is your favorite fantasy series (*right now*. What is your favorite fantasy series (*right now*... because we all know how quickly this can change)? 📚
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When it comes to books, fantasy is my first love 🤎 It all started when I was 6 years old and my family read The Chronicles of Narnia together--I was hooked and the rest is history 😂
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I still adore Narnia (and desperately wish for a wardrobe that would transport me to another world), but I also have SO many other favorite fantasy series now 🙈
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Here are 10 that have really stuck with me over the years:
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
⛓️ The Prison Healer
🎪 Caraval
🧚🏼‍♀️ Wicked Lovely
⚱️ The Daevabad Trilogy
🩸 All Souls
🦋 Strange the Dreamer
⚔️ The Falconer
🌊 All the Stars and Teeth
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Have you read any of these? ☕️ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #perfectespressopour #fantasybooks #fantasyseries #fantasyreader
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Fashion · February 5, 2018

The Secret to a Date Night Outfit That Wows!

In this post I’m going to share my secret to creating a date night outfit that totally wows!

I’ve been around the block, and gone on my fair share of dates. I may be getting married soon but that doesn’t mean I’ll quit shopping for those dynamite looks to totally knock B off his feet!

Here is what I’ve learned:

Show some skin, but not too much! This isn’t Pretty Woman, and classy is always synonymous with sexy.

You’ll notice in my outfit, I chose a shorter skirt, but a higher neckline. I focused on my long legs and even flattered them with some high heels, but I didn’t want to overly reveal by wearing a plunging neckline as well. This was the perfect middle ground.

Choose a color that makes you comfortable. Whether that’s your favorite color, or just one you know looks amazing with your skin tone.

I went with black and pops of gold. Black is always sexy in my opinion, and I feel super confident in it. Gold flatters my skin tone, so I knew the combo would be smashing!

Keep bold accessories to a minimum. If you’re wearing bright red sunnies, a printed scarf around your neck, a lip print purse, a yellow hat, and feather earrings – your date might be too distracted to focus on the true beauty: your face.

Like most gals, I love me some accessories, and I even gathered a few of my favorites together for this look. I didn’t, however, go overboard – and I stayed with my color scheme. A pair of gold earrings, a crossbody bag, some killer heels, and a fun baker boy hat were all I needed to take this look to the next level.


Outfit Details
star print skirt + blouse | heels | hat c/o Lipton Publicity | earrings c/o Spirited & Co | similar bag

Of course I can’t close out this post without mentioning my very biggest, top secret, super important tip –

Wear a smile!

It’s cheesy, but it’s true. A confident woman is an attractive woman, and if you don’t feel confident quite yet, just know that fashion is a great place to start. When you feel beautiful on the outside, that confidence within begins to show and your beauty only increases!

Don’t push away those pre-date jitters because they’ll keep you exhilarated throughout the evening. Just keep smiling, and soon, not only will your date be smiling back, but you’ll notice that you’re having more fun than you could’ve imagined!


Related Posts
A Spring Date Look Your Significant Other Will Love // What to Wear on a Valentine’s Day Date // A Boyfriend-Approved Date Night Dress for Spring

Alright, so those were a few extra tidbits aside from just creating a fabulous date night look, but they’re all coming from experience, so now I can only hope my experiences help you make marvelous memories!

In: Fashion · Tagged: black and gold, Chicwish, date dress, date night, date outfit, gold stars, layered dress, star print, wear two ways, winter fashion, winter style

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99 Comments
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Shira
5 years ago

Those tips are awesome and I loveeee the layering of that gorgeous star print!

Reply
Kimberly Burke
5 years ago

Your adorable! I love those pumps and the lace details on the sleeves!!! Super cute gf!!!

http://www.withlovefromkimberly.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kimberly Burke

That’s so sweet of you! I love these heels to death. There’s nothing quite like a pair of rose gold pumps to give you a confidence boost for date night 😉

Reply
lydia
5 years ago

Okay girl, you’re seriously the cutest & so fab! Can I have this whole look, please?! Love all your tips and couldn’t agree more with you. Really love the wear a smile, part!!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  lydia

Well aren’t you just a gem?! Seriously, this comment made me smile so hard. Thank you!

Reply
Lacey
5 years ago

Could you be any cuter? Seriously dying RN!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Lacey

Of course I could be cuter – I could be you! Hehe. Thanks, Lacey!

Reply
Emily Wilkinson
5 years ago

Such good tips & I love that look!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Emily Wilkinson

I love hearing that. Thanks so much for the kind words! ❤️

Reply
roxy
5 years ago

Such a cute date night look! I agree with all of your tips, and would add that a subtle tease can be a little sexy. For example I might wear black leggings with a white-button down to work with a nude bra underneath….and then before I meet up with my fiance I might change into a black bra underneath instead for a slightly sexier look.

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  roxy

You’re even more daring than I am. I generally don’t go for the exposed lingerie look, but I know some people who can rock it for sure!

Reply
Oh to Be a Muse
5 years ago

I like your point about keeping bold accessories to a minimum. You look lovely in this hat!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Oh to Be a Muse

It’s so nice to hear you agree! I just feel like even I get distracted when I’m wearing so many accessories, so I’m sure my date is feeling that way all the more! Thanks 🙂

Reply
KatWalkSF
5 years ago

I am SO in love with your dress! You are the cutest!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  KatWalkSF

I love it too! The star print stole my heart immediately, and the fun layering had me hooked!

Reply
Annette Dattilo
5 years ago

Confidence goes such a long way. Love the star print on your dress.

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Annette Dattilo

Agreed 100%, and I think a lot of confidence can come from feeling great in a dynamite outfit. This look definitely gives me confidence!

Reply
Sharon Wu
5 years ago

i literally love anything with stars on it so needless to say i’m in love with this dress! and anything you wear wows 😉 hehe <3 have a wonderful week sweetie!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Sharon Wu

Haha I feel the exact same way, Sharon! Star print has been my kryptonite lately. There’s just something so whimsical and fun about it! Thanks for the sweet words ❤️

Reply
Liz
5 years ago

Such a cute outfit! And I love all of these tips! Definitely agree with being confident!

Liz

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Liz

Confidence is definitely a struggle for me, and that’s where I rely heavily on my outfit because when I feel like I look good, I feel much more bold and confident. Gotta love fashion – for so many reasons!

Reply
Kelsey
5 years ago

Okay that dress with those heels… absolute perfection! Such a great date night look! xo

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kelsey

Kelsey, you’re so sweet! Thanks for the encouraging words. I’m glad you like this look so much! 🙂

Reply
Shira
5 years ago

Those tips are awesome and I loveeee the layering of that gorgeous star print!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Shira

Can you believe this dress came with the layered top beneath? I love the concept so much, but the great part is that they aren’t attached, so if I wanted to switch things up, I totally could – which means I can wear this dress into spring and summer no problem!

Reply
Nataly
5 years ago

Great tips and even cuter dress! I love rose gold anything!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Nataly

Thank you so much, Nataly. I’m a sucker for rose gold as well!

Reply
Kait Elizabeth
5 years ago

I love the layered look of this dress! I’m always wearing a turtleneck under stuff in the winter for warmth! Hugs, Kait

Reply
roxy
5 years ago

Such a cute date night look! I agree with all of your tips, and would add that a subtle tease can be a little sexy. For example I might wear black leggings with a white-button down to work with a nude bra underneath….and then before I meet up with my fiance I might change into a black bra underneath instead for a slightly sexier look.

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  roxy

You’re even more daring than I am. I generally don’t go for the exposed lingerie look, but I know some people who can rock it for sure!

Reply
the eye traveler
5 years ago

such a lovely outfit for a date night. beautiful yet also keeps you warm, what an ultimate goal?!

http://www.theeyetraveler.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  the eye traveler

Definitely! I appreciate the fact that Chicwish kept winter in mind when they came out with their latest line of cute dresses. I don’t have to worry as much about freezing to death but I still feel super cute!

Reply
Kelsey
5 years ago

Okay that dress with those heels… absolute perfection! Such a great date night look! xo

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kelsey

Kelsey, you’re so sweet! Thanks for the encouraging words. I’m glad you like this look so much! 🙂

Reply
Kait Elizabeth
5 years ago

I love the layered look of this dress! I’m always wearing a turtleneck under stuff in the winter for warmth! Hugs, Kait

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kait Elizabeth

I love that too. That’s why I was so excited when this dress came already layered. Such a unique piece!

Reply
Rachael Thomas
5 years ago

I’m in love with this star print dress on you, and these are such great tips! The gold accessories and hat look perfect!
Rachael

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Rachael Thomas

Thanks a million! I am a huge star print junkie haha so this dress was made for me!

Reply
Kileen
5 years ago

Great tips babe and your outfit is so cute!! I am loving that star print!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Nicole
5 years ago

Yes 🙌🏻 definitely smile, what a difference it can make!! Love your tips, and you are just the cutest, love your posts so much!!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicole

Goodness, it makes a difference even just to me when I smile! So important. Best accessory there is!

Reply
Kileen
5 years ago

Great tips babe and your outfit is so cute!! I am loving that star print!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kileen

Thanks so much cutie! Star print has become a serious obsession of mine. I think I’ll be putting together a full star-print round up soon!

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Helen
5 years ago

This are great tips! And I love your outfit, you look so fab! I also love your gold rose shoes. Perfect for your black dress! 🙂

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Helen

I feel like I can run the world in these rose gold heels. They are seriously stunning!

Reply
Julia Comil
5 years ago

Love your shoes and dress!!! So pretty!!! The hat is the perfect final touch

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Julia Comil

Aww thank you, Julia. You have no idea how nice that is to hear because I was totally worried that I couldn’t pull off this hat haha!

Reply
Cara Newhart
5 years ago

You’re too cute! I love how unique this outfit is and those gold heels are ah-mazing!

xo, Cara
https://brighterbold.com

Reply
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
5 years ago

Amazing tips! And I love love love your dress! It’s so cute and flirty, and I love the heels! Great outfit!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels

You’d seriously look adorable in this dress! It’s such a fun one with the layered mock-neck top beneath!

Reply
Rach
5 years ago

You nailed it with your outfit tips! And this dress of yours is so cute! It is a good mixture of flirty and classy!

http://www.rdsobsessions.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Rach

That’s the best thing to hear. Thanks a million, gorgeous!

Reply
Cara Newhart
5 years ago

You’re too cute! I love how unique this outfit is and those gold heels are ah-mazing!

xo, Cara
https://brighterbold.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Cara Newhart

I agree with you 100%. These rose gold heels are one of my favorite pairs of shoes because they’re just such fun!

Reply
Laura Leigh
5 years ago

You look SO fabulous and I LOVE how much fun you’re having in these photos!!!

xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Laura Leigh

That’s so sweet of you to say! I definitely love having fun with my photos. I want people to see my personality more than anything 🙂

Reply
prachi
5 years ago

love the lace details and the pumps

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Laura
5 years ago

Love your date night outfit!! These are all great tips. I love getting dressed up for date night with my hubby too!

xo, Laura

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Laura

There’s something so special about walking into the room in a gorgeous dress and my fiancé just going, “WOW!” And I’m sure you understand that!

Reply
Laura Botkin
5 years ago

This outfit is so cute!! Love the tip about smiling! I have always struggled with it when I was dating!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Laura Botkin

Oh my goodness same here! I would just be so insecure and stressed out on dates haha. Thankfully my fiancé is great at making me smile so I don’t have to try so hard anymore 😉

Reply
Jessica
5 years ago

You look so cute here! Love that dress! So important to smile all the time!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Jessica

I can’t even rave enough about this dress. It’s seriously the cutest of all time! I feel 100x more confident when I wear it!

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prachi
5 years ago

love the lace details and the pumps

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  prachi

Thanks so much!

Reply
Ruth Ridley
5 years ago

And you wear the best style!!! You are killing it in this dress mama!!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Ruth Ridley

Awww that’s seriously the nicest thing to hear! Thank you, gorgeous!

Reply
Denise Kokinis
5 years ago

Totally agreed on showing a little bit of skin but not too much! I love the bit of subtly that goes into wearing an outfit for date night! I love the way you put this together, it is sooo cute!

Denise | Fashion Love Letters

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Anna English
5 years ago

I totally agree, CLASSY IS ALWAYS SYNONYMOUS WITH SEXY! Cute star print too!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Anna English

Yes! I love that you agree! I don’t feel like I have to show all my goods to the world to feel sexy. Sometimes covering up can be even more alluring! Classy is definitely sexy ❤️

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Kylie
5 years ago

Gorgeous girl you are ROCKING this look! LOVE your cute tips too!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Kylie

Oh my gosh that’s the nicest thing to hear. Thank you so much!!!

Reply
Sara
5 years ago

Those heels are so fun and I love your quilted bag! And I agree that the key to date night sexy is to highlight your best/favorite feature and leave the rest to the imagination!

xo, Sara

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Sara

You can’t go wrong with rose gold heels in my opinion 😉 And I’m so glad you agree! I think that’s a super important thing to remember for date nights!

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Whit
5 years ago

LOVE how you layered this dress over a cozy turtleneck! Your style game is strong!!

love,
Britt+Whit

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Whit

It actually came that way 🙂 The pieces can come apart, but I love them together for winter!

Reply
Denise Kokinis
5 years ago

Totally agreed on showing a little bit of skin but not too much! I love the bit of subtly that goes into wearing an outfit for date night! I love the way you put this together, it is sooo cute!

Denise | Fashion Love Letters

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Denise Kokinis

I think subtly is super important when it comes to date night outfits. Leave some of it to the imagination hehe

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Steph
5 years ago

I am so in love with this whole look! You are killing it.

xo,
Steph
@trendyinindy || trendyinindy.com

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Steph

Thanks so much, Steph! I’m so glad you like it!

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LuxMommy
5 years ago

Yes, the perfect date night look. I love this and that purse is too cute!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  LuxMommy

I agree 100%. This look is great for date night or really any other occasion as well!

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Ashley
5 years ago

This dress is SO darling! I love the star print and love how you styled it!!

Reply
Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Ashley

Thanks so much! Star print is such an obsession of mine lately!

Reply
Azanique Rawl
5 years ago

This dress is so cute! What a fun outfit 🙂

-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

Reply
Azanique Rawl
5 years ago

This dress is so cute! What a fun outfit 🙂

-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

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Stephanie Whitman
5 years ago
Reply to  Azanique Rawl

Thanks you, gorgeous! I sure do love a good statement dress!

Reply
Jenn Hanft
5 years ago

Ahhhhh I’m so in love with your style and your smile! I love the stars on this little black dress that make it so much more cute! Layered on top of a turtleneck is perfect for the colder weather. And girrrrrl you know how to pull off hats 🙂 I wish I can pull off hats like that haha. Bookmarking this for date night tips hehe muahh <3

With love, Jenn
https://jubilantdose.com

Reply
Carolyna Bauer
5 years ago

love this look! I love dressing up classy! XOXO,
Carolyna
@carolynabauer // carolynabauer.com

Reply
Jenn Hanft
5 years ago

Ahhhhh I’m so in love with your style and your smile! I love the stars on this little black dress that make it so much more cute! Layered on top of a turtleneck is perfect for the colder weather. And girrrrrl you know how to pull off hats 🙂 I wish I can pull off hats like that haha. Bookmarking this for date night tips hehe muahh <3

With love, Jenn
https://jubilantdose.com

Reply
Next Post >

What to Wear for Valentine’s Day: Dressy Edition

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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Now that Thanksgiving is over and it's "socially a Now that Thanksgiving is over and it's "socially acceptable" (whatever that even means) to get holly jolly and festive as can be (which I've been since the start of November), tell me which books are on your holiday season TBR! 🎅🏼
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I wrote up my Christmas reading list at the beginning of last week and lemme tell ya, I'm apparently attempting to read a book a day in December with how many titles I added 😂 But there are just SO MANY cute and festive holiday romcoms that I need in my life this season 🤎
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Usually, I find myself reaching for a couple of rereads, including THE AFTERLIFE OF HOLLY CHASE which I listen to every December without fail because it is my *favorite* Christmas book 📖 And this year I'll be rereading LOVELIGHT FARMS as well since I adored it so much last year 🎄
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Do you have any festive reads that you recommend? 🫶🏼 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #christmasbooks #holidaybooks #perfectespressopour #christmastbr #holidaytbr
Recommend your favorite small-town romance 🏡
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When I was younger, my mom would say that my sister was her country mouse and I was her city mouse... but now we're BOTH country mice and I'm proud to live near a small town where everyone at the cafe, plant shop, and bakery know my name 🥰
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I've found myself enjoying small-town romances more than ever before and when I discovered Sarah Adams's books this year, I fell head over heels in love 🤎 I gobbled up both When in Rome and Practice Makes Perfect and I've been itching for more books with these vibes 🌾
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Have you read the When in Rome books yet? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #smalltownromance #romancebooks #romancereader #wheninrome
What's your favorite book with magical realism in What's your favorite book with magical realism in it? 📖
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In case you're unfamiliar with it, magical realism is a genre where the real world has an undercurrent of magic or fantasy ✨ One of the most common ways authors incorporate this element is with time travel of some sort ⏳ I'm an absolute sucker for it! 😍
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Lately, I've been gravitating toward a lot of magical realism and a few of my recent favorites have been:
🌾 The Unmaking of June Farrow
🎇 The Second Chance Year
🔮 New Adult
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What was the last book you read with time travel in it? 📚
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #magicalrealism #magicalrealismbooks #timetravelbooks
When do you decorate for the holidays? 🎄 As a When do you decorate for the holidays? 🎄

As a kid, my family waited until the day after Thanksgiving. As an adult, I thought, “If it’s the most wonderful time of the year, why not make it the longest?” and started decorating the first weekend in November! 🙈

[#ad] This @kingofchristmas Tribeca Blue Spruce was so easy to assemble and add to my small space 🙌🏼 It came with protective “fluffing” gloves (spot my mom even wearing them to help me out), an off-season storage bag, and a remote with 8 light settings to make things merry and bright ✨

#kingofchristmas #christmastree  #kingofchristmastree #christmastimeishere #holidayhome #ltkhome #ltkholidaystyle #holidaysathome #christmashome #christmasdecorating #christmastrees #holidaydecor #holidayhomes #holidayhomedecor #christmasdecor #deckthehalls #christmas2023 #christmasspirit #christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmasvibes #homefortheholidays
What colors do you have the most in your home? 🏡
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It'll come as no surprise to you that there are a LOT of warm tones and neutrals in my cozy cottage, especially browns like this gorgeous oak dresser from @sauderusa 🤎 You'll also spy plenty of soft and rich greens, deep burgundy, and hints of ivory--basically all the earthy vibes 🌲
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If you're looking to elevate your space with #SauderStyle and want to save big, comment DOVER and I'll send you the link to shop this dresser for nearly 30% off! 🙌🏼
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#lightacademiaaesthetic #lightacademia #cozyaesthetic #cozyhomedecor #thepursuitofcosiness #cozytime #cozybookstagram #bedroominspo #falldecor #fallhome #vintagemood #homedecor #hyggestyle #quietshadesofbrown #cottagecore #ofcosymoments #autumnvibes #ltkhome #primarybedroom #bedroomdecor #modernorganic #farmhousedecor #cottagedecor #gifted #booksandcoffee #wayfair #blackfridaydeals
Have you read any "booksta favorite" fantasies thi Have you read any "booksta favorite" fantasies this year? ⚔️
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Not only did I enjoy rereads of some special ones like Addie LaRue, The Nature of Witches, The Grishaverse, Strange the Dreamer, Shades of Magic, and The Starless Sea, but I also picked up a few of the hyped books I've seen circling the online bookish world over the last couple of years (and had some hot takes on a few of them but what's new) 📚
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🌙 Bring Me Your Midnight (5 stars, favorite book of the year
☕️ Legends & Lattes (5 stars)
🏛️ Babel (5 stars)
🪻 Foxglove (4 stars)
🌊 Curious Tides (4 stars)
🩸 Assistant to the Villain (4 stars)
👑 The Foxglove King (4 stars)
🌗 The Celestial Kingdom Duology (3.5 stars)
🍎 A Curse for True Love (3.5 stars, 3.5 stars to trilogy)
💦 A River Enchanted (3.5 stars, don't plan to read sequel)
🧚🏼‍♀️ These Hollow Vows Duology (2.5 stars)
🐉 Fourth Wing (2.5 stars)
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Did you read any of these this year? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #hypedbooks #fantasybooks #fantasyreader #yafantasybooks #adultfantasybooks
If you could create your dream bookish tea blend o If you could create your dream bookish tea blend or coffee roast, what would it be and what would you name it? ☕️
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While the name The Espresso Edition indicates that I’m a coffee girly through and through (and I am–can’t live without my morning cup of joe), I also love tea 🫖 In fact, I’m an equal-opportunity warm beverage sipper, which is why I was so excited to give @drinkchapters a try 🤎 You can read a full review of these bookish beverages at the link in my bio 💻
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[ad] Chapters Tea & Coffee is a small business that offers both loose leaf teas and premium coffee roasts that are designed for book lovers 📖 They kindly sent me 2 tea blends and 2 coffee roasts and lemme tell ya, I'm obsessed 😍 In fact, I enjoyed their Chapters Café Roast in my latte this morning and I'm currently drinking a piping cup of their Chai Café Vanilla as I write this caption👌🏼
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Which would you drink first:
🪶 Poet's Study Earl Grey
🍨 Chai Café Vanilla
🐦‍⬛ Raven's Roast Dark Roast Coffee
📚 Chapters Café Roast Espresso 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #chaptersteaandcoffee #drinkchapters #bookishtea #bookishcoffee #giftsforbookworms
What is your favorite fantasy series (*right now*. What is your favorite fantasy series (*right now*... because we all know how quickly this can change)? 📚
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When it comes to books, fantasy is my first love 🤎 It all started when I was 6 years old and my family read The Chronicles of Narnia together--I was hooked and the rest is history 😂
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I still adore Narnia (and desperately wish for a wardrobe that would transport me to another world), but I also have SO many other favorite fantasy series now 🙈
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Here are 10 that have really stuck with me over the years:
🦌 Shadow and Bone
❣️ Shades of Magic
⛓️ The Prison Healer
🎪 Caraval
🧚🏼‍♀️ Wicked Lovely
⚱️ The Daevabad Trilogy
🩸 All Souls
🦋 Strange the Dreamer
⚔️ The Falconer
🌊 All the Stars and Teeth
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Have you read any of these? ☕️ 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #perfectespressopour #fantasybooks #fantasyseries #fantasyreader
When they tell you it’s too early to decorate fo When they tell you it’s too early to decorate for Christmas but you can’t hear them over your holiday spirit 🎅🏼

[#ad] This year, I added a @kingofchristmas tree to my home, and let me tell you, it’s the best artificial tree I have ever had 😍 I chose the 7’ Tribeca Blue Spruce with 550 warm white lights (named Wirecutter’s Best Artificial Christmas Tree 2023–and they’re SO RIGHT) ✨

Stay tuned to see how easy it was to assemble this tree (and for more holiday home content) 🤎

#kingofchristmas #christmastree  #kingofchristmastree #christmastimeishere #holidayhome #ltkhome #ltkholidaystyle #holidaysathome #christmashome #christmasdecorating #christmastrees #holidaydecor #holidayhomes #holidayhomedecor #christmasdecor #deckthehalls #christmas2023 #christmasspirit #christmastime #christmasiscoming #christmasvibes #homefortheholidays
Which authors write books that ALWAYS have the bes Which authors write books that ALWAYS have the best quotes for you? ✍🏼
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Rachel Griffin's books never cease to amaze me with their absolutely breathtaking quotes 😍 I've read The Nature of Witches three times and seem to find new quotes to love with each reread 📖 Bring Me Your Midnight is my favorite book of 2023 and it also has countless gorgeous quotes (including this one that she included in my personalized preorder) 🫶🏼
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A few other authors whose book quotes always blow me away:
Amber McBride
V.E. Schwab
Leigh Bardugo
Matt Haig
Taylor Jenkins Reid
justin a reynolds
Abby Jimenez
Roseanne A. Brown
John Green
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Have you read books by any of these authors? 📖 
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#mybeigemood #cozyvibes #beigeaesthetic #coffeeandbooks #coffeegram #booktography #bookaesthetic #bookflatlay #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #booksandcoffee #cozybookstagram #calmversation #bookishthoughts #bookgram #bookblogger #cozyaesthetic #hyggebookstyle #mybookfeatures #mycozyretreat #ofcosymoments #bookstagram #bookmoments #booksaremagic #booksuggestions #bringmeyourmidnight #rachelgriffin #favoriteauthor

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