Ramblings

Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend! We’ve got a birthday date night planned for tonight, then Little Miss and I have some girl time planned for tomorrow… so I’ve got a lot to look forward to this weekend. What about you?!

Thank you so much for all the birthday well wishes, plus the love on this week’s posts! Sugarplum Favorite Things was hands-down the most popular, and I loved sharing some holiday styles (and my new vintage bag!), along with work to weekend looks, too.

It’s been a hot minute since I shared a Ramblings post… but since my mind is running rampant, there’s no time like the present! Here’s a hodgepodge of things happening around here.

 

one // Top 10 Most-Requested Amazon Links

There’s no question our monthly Amazon Fashion Finds are a reader-favorite! I love finding new things for fashion, home and more on Prime, and thrilled you love them, too. You can find them all here, but these are most-requested links… and for good reason, they’re some of my favorite finds!

1. Our Flocked Christmas Tree // 2. Best Workout Leggings
3. Ruffle Jumpsuit // 4. Collagen Peptide Powder
5. Baby Foot Exfoliation Peel // 6. Dermaplane Facial Razors
7. Oversized Sunglasses // 8. Memory Foam Slippers
9. Best Bed Sheets // 10. Extra Plush Mattress Cover

 

two // Cozy Travel Uniform

The busiest travel season is here, and I’m often asked for travel outfit ideas. More often than not, you’ll find me in fleece joggers! Even for short-haul flights, they’re just so much more comfortable than jeans, and don’t wrinkle like pants or skirts.

They’re sporty, yet stylish, when paired with a t-shirt and jean jacket or pullover. But when I want the combo to be a little more chic, I pair them with a matching top for a little set. For our recent flight to Santa Fe (recap post here), I combined the two… a matching set with a cozy jacket.

As for my new carry-on bag…

Sherpa Jacket | Fleece V-Neck | Fleece Joggers | Sneakers | Layered Necklace | Similar Crossbody Bag | Similar Bag Strap | Carry-On Bag | Roller Bag

 

three // CalPak Carry-On Review

I recently added that CalPak carry-on to my travel arsenal, and this was my first trip trying it out. Many of you saw me talking about it on Instagram Stories and have asked for a review comparing it to my Weekender Bag I took to Greece.

The CalPak is a sturdy little bag with a large center compartment and several perimeter compartments, and easily attaches to most rolling bags with a retractable handle. It slid under the seat (when laying on its back) and easily fit overhead in a small space, and was easy to handle. Together with my carry-on, they counted as my allowed bag and personal item. I usually wear my crossbody bag as part of my outfit and have never been called out for it, but could easily tuck it in the carry-on if needed.

I’m still getting used to the compartments and where I want to store things, but had plenty of space for a long weekend. I like the sturdiness of it, the option to roll it separately, and how compactly it attaches to my carry-on (without slipping off!).

CalPak Pros: Sturdy, multiple compartments, attaches to carry-on

The Sole Society Weekender bag is a soft-sided, duffle-style bag. It’s larger than the CalPak, so it holds quite a bit more. However, it only has one large center compartment (with pouches) and a bottom compartment, so things are harder to organize. You can loop the strap over the carry-on handle, but it still slips off quite a bit.

Weekender Pros: Holds a ton, stylish, counts as personal item & fits under seat

 

 

four // Kendra Scott Gifts Under $50

Did you know Kendra Scott has a whole collection of incredible pieces under $50 (like this ring trio and popular necklace)? Everything from necklaces and bracelets to earrings and ornaments, and it’s all under $50!!! Plus, code HiSugarplum saves you an additional 20% off full-priced items, making most under $40!

They also have amazing sets perfect for gifting… stack code HiSugarplum on those for even more savings! Kendra Scott is the perfect gift for moms, sisters, girlfriends, and teachers. Teen girls love Kendra, too!

This layered necklace has been a favorite of mine lately, as are these statement hoops.

 

five // More Holiday Styles

I had the chance to preview the new Gibson x Glam Collection at Nordstrom, and found several darling pieces just perfect for Holiday. I couldn’t help but style them with many of our own Gibson x Hi Sugarplum Holiday Collection pieces for fun new looks. These were my faves…

You can’t tell by this pic, but these cropped pants are actually lace!! They’re so incredible in person… a gorgeous lace that’s not too delicate, and fully-lined in a soft and stretchy knit. They’re pull-on with a comfortable elastic waist in the back, and a cute cropped length. I paired them with our ruffle neck satin top with the cutest contrasting tie in the back.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS top and PXS pant, but would prefer a reg XS

Ruffle Neck Bow Back Top | Lace Pull-On Pant | Leopard Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

I audibly gasped when I pulled these wide leg pants out of the box… they’re sequin!!! Similar style and fit to our Brigitte Pant, but in the most stunning black sequin. They aren’t heavy or bulky, and are lined with a soft knit, so they’re shockingly comfortable. Plus, the wide satin waistband is elastic in the back for a great fit.

I love them with the rich velvet with gorgeous low back (but still bra-friendly!). 

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS top and PXS pants.

Velvet Ballet Top | Sequin Wide Leg Pant | Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

You know I love a good jumpsuit, and this one does not disappoint. Velvet is soft and stretchy, with great drape and movement. It has a wrap front and flattering tie-waist, with a wide leg. I love the longer sleeve, too!

The wrap-front has a silver snap, but color it with a black Sharpie and no one will know!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing a PXS.

Velvet Pantsuit | Leopard Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

I love pink year-round, so how could I not adore this pink halter?! In the same luxe velvet, it’s super soft with the cutest ruffle neck and tie back. I paired it with our ivory and gold party skirt for a flirty style.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS in both.

Velvet Halter Top | Box Pleat Party Skirt | Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

These sequin joggers were a hit last season, and I’m thrilled to see them back! They fit like my favorite Gibson joggers, and thanks to the soft jersey knit lining, they even feel like cozy joggers! But are actually fancy pants for everything holiday and New Year’s Eve. I love them paired with our double v-neck tank in gorgeous red velvet.

I wore the heck out of these last season, and can’t wait for more looks this year!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS in both.

Velvet Tank Top | Sequin Jogger Pant | Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

Finally, if you’re looking for some dressier styles that aren’t necessarily holiday specific, you’ll love this top! The little pleats are so pretty, and it’s trimmed with the cutest tiered ruffles. It’s lightweight, but fully lined, and pairs beautifully with skirts, trousers and jeans.

I love it with the floral skirt for an easy work or church look.

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XS in the top, but would recommend sizing down. The skirt is XSP.

Pleated Ruffle Top | Floral Skirt | Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

This fringe jacket is perfect for layering over dresses and tanks, and so cute with trousers, skirts, and jeans. It’s soft and lightweight with a fun eyelash trim and just a hint of sparkle. I layered it over our leopard tank for a festive night out style, anytime of year!

Fit Tip: I’m wearing XSP jacket and XS tank. The jeans are my fave black pair, and I’m in a 2P

Fringe Jacket | Leopard Tank | Black Jeans | Pump | Stacked Ring | Crystal Bracelet

 

six // Gift Idea for Dog Lovers

I spotted these custom dog illustrations online and was immediately smitten! Send in a pic of your sweet pet (all animals welcome!) and Kimberlee will paint the cutest watercolor of your fur baby! Such a great gift idea, don’t you think?

She also paints home illustrations, which would be such a special gift, too. Find the Etsy shop with all her options here.

 

seven // Great Fall Styling Tips

Now that we’re officially in the new season, these posts may be helpful for styling new Fall combos, starting with 20 Fall Outfit Ideas.

2o Fall Outfit Ideas

 

How to Wear Ankle Boots with Skinny Jeans

How to Wear Ankle Boots with Skinny Jeans

 

And Tips on How to Layer…

Tips on How to Layer

 

eight // Best of Nordstrom Fall Sale

I can’t believe I’ve failed to mention Nordstrom’s big Fall Sale yet!! This is the final weekend, and there are some great deals to be found! Here are a few of my faves, many of which already reside in my closet! Plus, now through November 17, you can earn extra Bonus Notes!

1. Peacoat // 2. Packable Hunter Rainboots
3. Relaxed Tunic Sweater // 4. Anthropologie Tassel Pillow
5. Striped Cardigan // 6. CZ Stud Earrings
7. Tory Burch Crossbody (33% off!) // 8. Wedge Booties
9. Oversized Rattan Tray // 10. Barefoot Dreams Cardigan!!

 

So tell me, what’s rambling through your head these days?! Do you like these random posts? Do you have any fun nuggets to add? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

 

[Great Weekend Sales]

Nordstrom // Fall Sale ends on Sunday!
J.Crew // 30% off dressed-up styles, plus 25% off almost everything else with code PARTY
J.Crew Factory // Up to 40% off qualifying styles with code YAYMORE
Colleen Rothschild // $25 off a $100+ purchase with code SAVE25, plus more stacking savings!
Kendra Scott // 20% off full-priced items with code HiSugarplum
Express // 40% off everything
Target // Up to 25% off Home, 15% off Apple AirPods
American Eagle // $30 off a $100+ purchase with code BIGHAUL
Macy’s // 15%-20% off qualifying items with code SHOP
Gap // 40% off your purchase with code CHILL
Banana Republic // 50% off select sweaters, 40% off select dresses and pants, 30% off outerwear
LOFT // Up to 50% off full-priced sweaters
Old Navy // 40% off everything, plus 50% off Active Wear today only!