a reunion and a blog vacation.

Hello all! So today I have very exciting news! For those of you out there that have been following my blog this past year, you know that my fiancé has been overseas in Kuwait since the beginning of July. Well guess what? Today I am picking him up from the airport!!! While he is not home for good (just a 2-week leave), I am ecstatic beyond what words can describe! It’s been a long 177 days… but who’s counting?

That being said, I will be absent from the blog scene during the next 2 weeks as he will have my undivided attention. I do, however, have some new and exciting posts for you all when I return! (I admit I have been slacking the past month or so with my blogging in comparison to previous months, but I promise to be back in full swing soon)!

As always, thanks for reading SimplyChic! Have a fabulous New Year and visit again in mid-January! :)

P.S. Be sure to check out my newly updated blog roll for some good reads while I’m gone! Also, check out this blog post for some great New Year’s beauty resolutions!

gold shoes with a side of mom jeans.

Outfit details: Necklace – $6.80 @ Forever21; Mossimo boyfriend tee – $8 @ Target; Merona cardigan – $4.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; Caché jeans – $10 @ Elite Repeat Consignment in St. Paul; Gap flats – $12 (on clearance) @ Gap.

You know you’re wearing mom jeans when they just about reach your belly button and contain the word “spandex” on the tag. Nonetheless, these jeans are by far one of the most comfortable pair I own so I will continue to sport them proudly! :) May I add that they also make for great holiday get-together pants as an excuse to eat copious amounts of food, not that I would ever do that…

On another note, I was giddy (yes, I said giddy) when I recently came across these metallic gold ballerina-inspired flats for a mere $12 (orig. $40) at the Gap! A bit of gold is a fun and easy way to glam up any ensemble this time of year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post where I will be revealing some exciting news!

holiday attire.

Outfit details: Necklace – $4.50 @ Steeple People’s Surplus Store in Minneapolis; Mossimo dress – $6.99 @ Goodwill in Woodbury; Tulle trench coat – $15 (on clearance) @ Stick & Stones Boutique in Mankato; Tights - $4.99 @ TJ MAXX; Mossimo wedges – $12.48 (on 50% off clearance) @ Target.

happy holidays.

Have a wonderful Christmas weekend, everyone!

xo

what the puff.

Outfit details: Merona hat – $1.99 (new) @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; Gap long-sleeve – $2.99 @ Hidden Treasures Thrift Store in St. Anthony; Gap puffer vest – $3.99 @ Goodwill in Rochester (retail price: $59.50); Mittens – gifted; Domaine jeggings - $15 @ TJ MAXX; Knee-high socks - $3.99 @ TJ MAXX; Canyon River Falls boots – $35 (orig. $70) @ Sears.

this week’s dose of inspiration.

 this kitchen… what’s not to love?! {via veranda-interiors}

cinnamon twine-wrapped candles = rustic chic seasonal decor. {via wohnidee}

perfect weekend winter wear.  {via lyla and blu}

DIY holiday potpourri. {via one charming party}chocolate chip peppermint crunch cookies; who can say no to the choco-mint combo this time of year? {via two peas and their pod}

a sweater for a steal.

Outfit details: Gap sweater – $4.99 @ Goodwill in Woodbury; Belt – $1.99 @ Goodwill in West St. Paul; American Eagle jeans – $7.99 @ Savers in Rochester; Boots- gift from fiancé via Herbergers.

With winter well underway, I am currently on the search for warm, chic and affordable sweaters. I managed to snag this next-to-new Gap one from Goodwill for a mere $5 this past weekend! Considering heavy wool sweaters like these from Gap range anywhere from $40-$70, there’s no doubt I got this for a steal of a deal! How about you – have you recently come across any great seasonal clothing items for a bargain worth bragging about?

holiday sweet treats.

This time each year I’m a sucker for holiday goodies – and who isn’t?! Here are a select few recipes I’ve come across that I’m hoping to make in the near future!

peppermint cheesecake brownies {via Cooking Light}

peppermint chocolate coffee {via Paula Deen}

dark chocolate bark w/ pistachios, cranberries & sea salt {via With Style & Grace}

baked eggnog french toast {via The Curvy Carrot}

vegan no-bake snowball cookies {via Peas and Thank You}

What are some of your favorite holiday treats or recipes you’re dying to try this season?

purple and paisley.

Outfit details: Scarf – 5 euros (from vacation in Paris); Apt. 9 blazer - $4 @ Home to Home Thrift Store in Belle Plaine; Michael Kors top – $4 @ Savers in Columbia Heights; Limited jeans – $2.50 @ Salvation Army in Columbia Heights; Xhiliration booties – $7.48 (on 75% off clearance) @ Target.

this week’s dose of inspiration.

 gallery accent wall; an easy way to give a room visual appeal. {original source unknown}

add some sweater tights & a cable knit scarf and you’ve got yourself a casual chic winter ensemble. {via Refinery29}

peppermint crinkle cookies; a must-make for christmas. {via Bakers Royale}

side-swept bangs; a simple and stylish way to change up your look. {via Keiko Lynn}

glittered covered fake fruit makes for chic holiday decor. {via We Heart It}