How to Make Decorating for the Holidays Fun and Not Stressful

Sweater (wearing XS) | Leggings (under $20 - order size up) | Purse ℅ | Heels (similar here & here) | Bracelet ℅ | Earrings ℅ | Sunglasses (similar style)

Use promo code ashley30off  for 30% off my gorgeous Brynn Hudson bracelet and earrings

Decorating for the holidays comes with a lot of cheer, but can cause a lot of stress, as well. There's always so much going on in November and December, that is's hard not to get overwhelmed. 

I admit, this year I have definitely been a bit overzealous and began decorating way before I usually do. I officially got all my Christmas decorations up last weekend - woohoo! I normally decorate right before Thanksgiving, but I'm back home visiting my family through next week, so I had to start early because I wanted everything up and ready when I got back. 

We have a ton of decorations, but I love adding to our collection every year. I spent a few days last week combing the isles, and finding additional ornaments, garland, and life size nutcrackers, of course - I mean who doesn't need one of those? 

Decorating can be stressful and become tedious, but here are some of my tips for making it go smoothly, and having it be a fun experience!

Plan ahead. Make a to-do list, and shop for decor early. If you find something you like and are worried you may need more of it (think ribbons, plates, ornaments, etc.), buy it. You'd rather have more than less, and you can keep your receipt and return them. 

When you begin decorating, be sure to set the mood. Light a holiday scented candle, turn on Christmas or festive music or holiday movies, light the fire, and decorate in your favorite cozy jammies - even if it's midday! 

Enjoy some yummy eggnog, with or without the spirits. I love eggnog, but I hate how fatty and bad for you it is. I tracked down a delicious and healthy(ish) version this year by Blue Diamond that's made with almond milk. The calories and the saturated fat are way less, making it easier to enjoy more! A must try!  

Take decorating one step at a time, because it's easy to overdo it. Delegate family members to help with certain tasks, and enjoy this time as a family or with friends. 

Put up the tree first, but decorate it last. It takes the most amount of time, but you can easily hang ornaments during the day, or at night, while enjoying a holiday movie!

Clean up and do a thorough sweep/vacuum before laying down your tree skirt, or setting up anything that goes on the ground. This may sound obvious, but there's always an abundance of tinsel, pine needles and glitter all over, that you don't want covering your feet for weeks. 

Put some presents under the tree. This is of my favorite things to do and something I encourage you all to do if you don't already, especially if you decorate early. I have {fake} wrapped gifts and overflowing gift bags that I put under the tree every year. Yes, faux presents. Seeing the "presents" really sets the mood, because no one wants to see an bare tree! 

Shop early! Stay tuned for some great gift guides to come, where I'll be sharing gifts under $25, $50 and $100 for everyone on your list and where to buy them. 

Photos by LA Photography

Sleeveless Sweater + Some Great Sales

Sweater (wearing XS - only $30) | Denim (wearing size 25) | Hat | Purse ℅ | Heels | Gold Cuff | Gold Jewel Cuff | Leopard Bangle (similar style) | Earrings ℅ | Sunglasses 

Is it me, or do you feel like everyone gets holiday fever sooner and sooner each year? I have to admit, I am definitely one of those people! Case in point - all I wanted to do last weekend once I took down my Halloween decorations, was put up all my Christmas ones! I did restrain myself with a little self-control, and instead decided to decorate this weekend! That's compromise, right?! It's hard to not want to race to put your tree up when stores already had shelves lined with holiday decor in the middle of October! Oh brother, the vicious cycle of the holidays. 

When the holidays get in full swing, we also start seeing a lot of great sales begin - think fall favorites, mixed with cozy winter must-haves. One of my cozy must-haves are sweaters. Growing up in Colorado, we lived in sweaters most of the year, and clearly since moving to Houston, they stay folded year-round. When I spotted this sleeveless tunic sweater though, I knew it would be perfect for our hot climate. Not only could I jump on the "sweater weather" bandwagon, but I also could be practical too. The last thing you want to do when it's hot is get hotter. 

My sweater, along with everything else from LOFT, is an extra 40% off when you use code HAPPY. That makes it less than $30, and it's available in all sizes. It has an over sized fit, so I would order your true size, or size down for a more form fitting look. I am wearing an XS for reference, and love that it's a little looser. The midi length will work great when paired with leggings. The mix of fall colors, and the mock neck and sleeveless style make it easy to layer with a long sleeve shirt or turtleneck for when the temperatures do get lower. 

 My jeans are also on sale! When I fall in love with a brand of jeans, I will only wear them, even though I have two dozen other pair hanging in my closet. I had heard a lot of girls talking about how great the denim selection was from Express, so I thought I would give it a whirl. Truth be told I hadn't shopped at Express in years, but as soon as I tried on their jeans, I knew it was meant to be. The quality is really great for the price (majority are under $80), they have a lot of different styles, and most importantly, they are comfortable! All their jeans are 50% off right now - cha ching! They also have another promotion going on where if you spend $100 or more you get $25 off (use code 2311).

Have a great rest of your Wednesday! 

Photos by LA Photography

How To Wear Color All Year Long

Dress (from last season, this seasons style) | Heels | Clutch (vintage, similar here & here) | Bracelet | Cougar Cuff | Earrings | Sunglasses

Fall brings many amazing things with it - cooler weather, Pumpkin Spice lattes, sweaters, over the knee boots, and of course, the holidays. But one thing you don't typically associate with this time of year (or may steer away from), is wearing colorful clothing. 

I know I've said it 100 times, but I love color. What's not to love? Color is an immediate mood booster! That being said, I know I'm not alone when I look at that bright, bold clothing in my closet and think, "Hmm, can I get away with this?" Yes, yes you can, and here's how! 

Pair bright dresses with opaque tights and neutral accessories

Layer! If you have a bright pink top, top it with a burgundy sweater or blazer. Violet and eggplant is a also a great combo, as well as cobalt blue and navy

Play up your accessories. Getting the color fix you need is as simple as carrying a bright purse, or sporting those colorful statement earrings 

When in doubt, pair your colorful piece with denim

Wear a colorful scarf

Let your shoes do the talking - pump some color into those pumps;)

Wear colorful tights to take a dark outfit from drab to fab

Pick sweaters in pretty, unpredictable colors 

Put a blouse or turtleneck under your sleeveless shift dresses

Wear a bright colored coat! It's the perfect way to bring warm hues to cold weather blues

What other tips do you have for wearing colorful clothing during this time of year?

Check out some of my favorite pieces below! 

Photos by LA Photography