the season to be jolly

with all the franticness of the Christmas season I didn't really get to do all the holiday things I wanted. but Brando and I did take a nice stroll around Central Park! even though there was no snow it still felt like Christmas...especially when we walked down Fifth Avenue later and looked at all the fancy window displays; Bergdorf's certainly knows how to make a gal swoon. 

shirt- Urban Outfitters // skirt- Modcloth // sparkly belt- Smart Set // scarf- American Apparel // coat- Suzy Shier (old!) // boots- Aldo

not only was there no snow, but it really wasn't all that cold either. I had no qualms shedding my coat to snap a few pics of my festive-ish outfit. 

it's not bright red or trimmed in velvet or anything, but I like the subtle wintery feel. over the holidays I tend to gravitate towards jewel tones and demure pieces; peter pan collars, sparkly accessories, airy fabrics mixed with cozy textures. that kind of thing. and even though Christmas day is past I think these little points really brighten a winter wardrobe.

and it also really helps to have the perfect forest green midi...  

Brando and I are very happy with our Brooklyn holidays so far! we've been enjoying our time off, spending lots of time with friends and indulging our vices- if you can't pig out on fried food and whiskey at Christmastime, then when can you?- and relaxing. 

I'm a relaxing pro right now. my bed and I are becoming reacquainted, and my cat now thinks I'm a stay-at-home mom. we're all very copacetic. 

yeah, I busted that one out. 

2014, going out with a bang!

merry & bright

a very merry Christmas to you all! 

it was mine and Brando's first one on our own, but it certainly didn't feel lonely. we spent the entire morning FaceTime-ing with our families and opening the most incredibly thoughtful gifts from loved ones near and far. in the evening our little NYC family joined us for a Newfie Christmas dinner! we felt so loved and so lucky. ♥

 here is a little video I put together of us being weirdos and opening our presents on Christmas morning. because video instead of photos leaves hands free to tear apart wrapping paper like a maniac!

hope your holiday was -and continues to be- merry & bright!

Christmastime is here again

you guys, it's almost heeeere!

it's Christmas Eve- Eve, or as we like to call it in Newfie-land, Tibb's Eve! one of the best days of the year, in my humble (yet glaringly obvious) opinion. 

I'm spending it lying on my amazingly soft living room rug (seriously, Ikea, is this made of baby Koala fur?! don't tell me, because I would still love it.), listening to Bing Crosby's Christmas record, and doing nothing except marvel at Christmas lights & how incredibly blessed I am. 

and later Imma have a glass or two of wine, because it wouldn't be Tibb's Eve without a little imbibe, don't ya know. 

dress- American Eagle // shirt- Walmart // boots- Seychelles via Modcloth // gold belt- Smart Set

every year Christmas seems to come a little quicker. 

am I getting old? of course not. silly question. 

but I do tend to notice at the last minute- when all important things get noticed- that my holiday outfit selection is rather slim! but that's ok. I quite like a challenge once in a while. and trying to dress "Christmasy" without snowflake prints or an abundance of red items can kind of be considered a challenge.

one that I met with a plaid-and-lace combo that I've been rockin' all week. and red lipstick. always. 

Merry almost Christmas from a couple of excited, over-grown children!
(that's us.)

the hap-happiest season of all

it's that time of year again!
the most wonderful time, obviously, but also probably the busiest time. I believe the term "hustle and bustle" has been thrown about.

I've been giving myself a break on the whole "MUST BLOG SO MUCH" attitude based on the fact that time is basically a vacuum in December and I've been too tired to function. when I'm not passing out on my amazing new Ikea rug (surrounded by tangled ribbon and rolls of wrapping paper), I'm off trying to soak up all the Christmasy goodness the Big Apple has to offer.

Christmasy goodness exhibit A: the Rockefeller Christmas tree.








isn't it the most beautifulest thing you ever sawed?!
I keep expecting Kevin's mom to show up and hug me. why she would hug me, when I am not Kevin, I'm not sure, but the holiday brain works in mysterious ways.

I can't believe we are in the single digits! only nine days to Christmas, b'ys. it's gettin' hella merry and bright up in here.
♥

the most wonderful time of the year

you guys, it's ONE MONTH TILL CHRISTMAS!

I'm so excited I can't stand it.
this will be my first Christmas away from Newfoundland, ever. I know it's going to be hard being away from my friends and family- especially for the morning of- but I'm kind of looking forward to our very first Christmas in New York! there are so many things I want to do; see the Rockefeller tree lighting, go skating in Central Park, maybe even see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular! it's gonna be a merry New York Christmas.

I thought one month before the big day was good timing to post my Christmas list. it's a little late this year, and most people already have my present by now... but it's always fun to make a wish list! besides, I also have an expertly-curated Modcloth Christmas list, and they're having a ginormous sale starting tomorrow. so if you aren't getting me anything, you can at least score some sweet holiday swag for yourself.
(*cough*selfish*cough*)

1. a funny, comfy t-shirt. this one cracks me up. ♥ //Modcloth.
2. Urban Decay Vice Palette 3. it's got a whole column of reds! so cool. //Sephora.
3. purple velvet. now that winter's arrived I'm craving a wardrobe made entirely of velvet. purple is just so luxurious. //Modcloth.
4. a cropped blazer. if I can't have a cropped white tuxedo blazer, a plain white one will do. //Modcloth.
5. cookbooks. there are a couple that seem perfect for me (I also like One Pan, Two Plates) but the sriracha is at the top of my list. //Amazon. 
6. a party skirt. nothing brightens up the holiday season like teal sequins! //H&M.
7. a red sweater. this one incorporates two wardrobe faves; red and lace. //H&M.
8. a vintage dress. like this one, or the many others on my Etsy wish list. //Hollie Point.
9. black lace-up boots. comfy & cute! and the perfect winter staple. //Modcloth.
10. Broadway tickets. I would love to see anything! Cabaret with Emma Stone is probably my most pined-for at the moment. but there is plethora of shows I am aching to see. a plethora, I tell you!

I said "Christmas" so much in this post. :)

merry and bright

finally, more Christmasy photos!

honestly, I'm not too proud of my photos this year... my sister had to work Christmas day, so we had our celebration and opened our gifts at night. this makes for very crappy indoor lighting and lots of blurriness, especially for someone who refuses to use a built-in flash. next thing on my big-purchase list: an external flash.

BUT they are still photos of Christmas and still of beautiful people, so Imma share them with you anyways! 

(click "read more" to see the rest!)

don't rain on my parade!

it's always sad to see the end of the holiday season, no matter how hectic or crazy it can be. Christmas is without a doubt my favourite time of year, even....
since Brando and I knew that this might be our last Christmas is Newfoundland for a while, we did as many Christmasy things as we could with our friends and family. every year the kick-off to the season is the downtown Christmas parade, and this year was no exception! it's always absolutely freezing and absolutely festive.

the beloved stick of maple leaf boloney...

is there anything cuter than a little girl riding a miniature pony??

Rob gives me the stink eye while Marsha looks her usual adorable self.

puppies on parade!

click "read more" below for more pictures!

I want it all

guys, I can't stop finding things I like!
I just posted my Christmas list yesterday and already I have a collection of dresses I'd like to add. I have to stop aimlessly browsing online shopping sites...

well, since I'm currently at Brandon's mom's place sans camera cord and thus contentless for the week, I decided to post these lovely additions.

one. this dress has everything I've been craving in my wardrobe this season; long sleeves, autumnal colours, and chiffon! Ruche.

two. I've never really succumbed to the sailor trend, but this dress is just darling. Modcloth.

three. more gorgeous chiffon in a floral print that would pair nicely with a warm blazer and thick over-the-knee socks! Ruche.

four. a perfect saucy, out-on-the-town number. love the sheer and sweetheart neckline combo. Urban Outfitters.

five. I'm crazy for red right now! this silhouette is sweet and classic. Modcloth.

six. a puppy print dress. need I say more?! Modcloth.

seven. I'm obsessed with this velvet floral frock; it's perfect for winter. Urban Outfitters.

eight. I'm loving warm autumn tartans with feminine details, and this dress is a steal! Ruche.

there you have it! maybe tomorrow I'll have even more things to add to my Christmas list, but for now I think I've provided Santa with enough options. ;)

soon I will have a camera again and will get back to real posts! I have lots of ideas, I promise. pictures out the wazoo. 

is that even how you spell wazoo?

anywho.

happy weekend!

playing: the dead sea- the lumineers

that time of year

holla holidays!
yes that's right, I am officially declaring it holiday time. inform the masses!
it's halfway through November and that means I have every right to start planning Christmas parties and humming Christmas tunes. it's not too early. haters gon' hate.

and to kick off the holiday season, I have a special edition of friday favourites; my Christmas wish list!
it's rather large and incomprehensive- I keep thinking of things to add to it- but this is it. nothing fancy or specific this year, no big-ticket items. just regular, girly-girl wants.

1 & 15. records. I'm a total hipster and request vinyl in lieu of compact discs- they're so passe. currently I need Tegan & Sara and the new Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Fred's Records.

2. camera- print dress. the cutest of all cute things that I can't afford... I want this so bad. Modcloth.

3, 18, 24. tartan dresses. I am mad for plaid this season! especially with feminine details like chiffon, peter pan collars, and open backs. Mango, Rosie the Rebel, Urban Outfitters.

4. a coffee mug. coffee is awesome. funny things are awesome. therefore, this mug is awesome. Urban Outfitters.

5, 8, 21. skirts! skirts skirts skirts. please, I need skirts. full and flared, any colour. get at me, skirts. Ruche, Forever21.

6 & 12. a new coat. something cute and cozy for winter that's flared enough to wear over my new skirts. :) Modcloth, Betsey Johnson.

7. a graphic tee. preferably a hilarious and accurate one, like this one declaring my netflix addiction to the world. (although I actually like the pink one better) Active Apparel. 

9. a messenger bag. I couldn't find a pic of the real one I want- it's from Spring and has fur on it! I also wouldn't mind a bright red one, but I didn't think about that before making the collage. Spring.

10, 17, 19. boots. I'm addicted to boots. obsessed, even. I want ALL. the boots. especially in cognac, purple, or embroidery. Modcloth, Free People.

11. overalls. guys, I need a pair of overalls! I've wanted a pair for what seems like forever. I know what you're thinking- but Sarah, those are for summer! au contraire, my friends. I will wear them with thick tights and long sleeve blouses and boots and I will wear them with love! bonus: they are now on super-sale. Topshop. 

13. purple. there is not enough purple in my life. please help me out with this terrible problem by getting me this adorable dress. Modcloth. 

14. T-Swift perfume. say what you want, girl knows how to smell goooood! Shoppers Drug Mart.

16. a unique necklace. it's no secret I love a pretty necklace, and this amazing terrarium necklace is as pretty and unique as they come; it has real porcupine quills inside. Woodi.

20. knit headbands. enough of hats messing up my messy buns! enough! Aldo. 

22. belts. of the waist-cinching variety. 'nuff said. 

23. these wedges. they've been on my wish list three years in a row. I think it might be time I bit the bullet and bought them for myself, but I'll risk it again.they're called the "drop-let it be wedge," after all. Modcloth.

. . .

so there you have it! my Christmas list. other favourite items include chiffon dresses, good tights, and anything map print. 

are you guys getting pumped for the holidays??

YAYYYY. 

♥

happy weekend.

playing: heavy love- Serena Ryder

the season to be jolly

a very merry 

(& even a little silly) 

Christmas.

from my house, to yours.

♥

a merry little Christmas

(so this post was originally intended for December 23rd, which has past... but I'm unsure of why it didn't show up here? so I'm posting it under the intended publishing date!)

church is over, all the wrapping's been done, and I'm headed out to Grand Falls for the annual Tibb's eve shindig. all that's left to do is post one last "hollywood holiday" inspiration in time for Christmas!

I watched Meet Me in St. Louis for the first time this year. I don't know why it took me so long. I've always heard it's a holiday classic, and that it made "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" famous. but I'd never seen it.

now that I have, I must say, it's absolutely delightful!

to be entirely honest, this film doesn't top my list of all-time Christmas favourites, but that doesn't mean it isn't iconic in many ways; it has Judy Garland, for goodness sakes. 

now I know what you're thinking. how can you put together a winter outfit inspired by characters in the 1900s? it's all frilly gowns and floor-length skirts. and that's true! but as Esther Smith, Judy Garland is a mixture of class and sass that is always in style. 

(see what I did there?)

(images via google)

to pull off a modern Esther look, try pairing bold stripes with dainty collars. add some turn-of-the-century flair with luxurious fabrics like lace or velvet. 

1. channel miss Esther in a prim collar & bright stripes. // modcloth

2. this spunky lady is never without a chic pair of gloves. // coach

3. folded booties are a staple with floor-sweeping gowns, or playful dresses. // modcloth

4. reference the iconic trolley scene in Esther's trademark accessory- lace! // asos

so you see, you can dress like a turn-of-the-century character without looking like you walked out of a Christmas card!

(I was going to say Dickens novel, but that was the 1800s... didn't people all dress the same before the 20s anyway?)

oh well. 

Merry freakin' Christmas!

playing: have yourself a merry little Christmas- Judy Garland

let them know it's Christmastime

today was a terrible day for humans. in a month where neighbourly love, kindness, and peace are supposed to be more attainable ideals, the last thing you expect to hear is that some sad, twisted person has purposely harmed innocent little ones. or anyone, for that matter, but children are what Christmas is all about; their joy, their faith, and the joy they bring their families. so for something so horrible to happen, especially this time of year, is is mark against humanity.
what happened in Connecticut is unspeakably sad, and I sincerely hope that somehow the families affected will find some peace in the holiday season. I don't know how, but I have to hope they will.

it seems trivial now to blog about pretty dresses or jolly movies, but I had this post planned... and I don't want to end today on an entirely somber note. I've been having a lovely week with my family and getting ever more excited for Christmas, and I hope you all are too. I still have things to be thankful for, things to look forward to, and reasons to be cheerful.

so I shall continue on with the seasonal merriment... with a movie we could all use a little more of, these days.

the most recently viewed of my favourite Christmas classics is Miracle on 34th Street. the old one. not that Mara Wilson isn't adorable, I just enjoy the old Hollywood aesthetic.

this movie has been dubbed a beloved holiday classic by many, so I'm sure if you haven't seen it, you at least know the plot. so I won't bore you with that. instead I'll bore you with why I love it; one, little Natalie Wood is adorable. two, it's chock-full of Christmas spirit. 

...that's pretty much all you need. 

and while you might think I'd focus the fashion portion of this post on the lovely Maureen O'Hara, I choose instead to pay homage to little miss Wood, as the delightful and stylish Susan Walker. 

(although Maureen as the mom is equally stunning.) they make quite a pair!

Susan is a little lady, and a chic-New-Yorker-in-training. she is always smartly dressed in prim and pretty dresses, perfectly accessorized with oxford shoes and snazzy hats. 

to get Susie's look, dress up a simple frock with expertly coordinated outerwear & accessories!

1. pick girly dress with sweet little details. // modcloth
2. Susan's oxfords look a little more grown up with heels. // ruche
3. a special topper is essential! // modcloth
4. add pattern and visual interest with festive plaid to keep you warm. // topshop
5. and of course, knee-high socks are part of a quintessential Susan outfit. // american apparel

maybe next year I'll get to watch the Macy's parade in my knee-high socks, like Susan. that really wouldn't suck.

happy 10 days till Christmas!
hug your families.
♥

happy like an old-time movie

one of my favourite things about December is the abundance of Christmas movies on tv each night. every year I discover a new favourite, and they're all so joyful!

I thought I'd continue with my little "Hollywood Holiday" feature from last year, but a little different; I want to put together cute winter outfits inspired by my favourite Christmas movie starlets. it combines my three loves- movies, fashion, and Christmas!

first up is the classic holiday film The Shop Around the Corner. some people don't consider it a Christmas movie, but all the best parts happen at Christmas, so that's good enough for me.

if you haven't seen this movie, DO IT! it's wonderfully funny and adorably sweet, with just the right amount of seasonal cheer. it also happens to be the film You've Got Mail was based on, so you know it's going to be charming as heck. it's like Nora Ephron, but classier.

aaaand I have a giant time-traveller's crush on Jimmy Stewart.

however, he is not the focus of this particular post; it's his co-star, the lovely Margaret Sullivan. she lights up the screen as Clara Novak in charming hats and cozy furs, and don't forget the trademark jumper skirt!

(images via google search)

to get a sweet, feminine look like Clara's for Christmas, add a trendy twist to classic pieces; like sheer lace to a blouse, or Clara's favourite polka dots to ladylike mary janes.

1. a green lace blouse is festive and feminine, but still modern. // ruche
2. Clara loves her polka dot blouse! pay homage in your adorable footwear. // irregular choice
3. a pencil skirt jumper is retro without being cheesy. // modcloth

4. a prim topper is the perfect winter accessory, according to this shop girl! // urban outfitters

5. a (faux) fur jacket never goes out of style. // modcloth

so there you have it! holiday wardrobe inspiration from a "lovely, average girl."
now if you'll excuse me, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town is on television...

playing: Santa Claus is coming to town- Michael Buble

deck the halls with boughs of holly

fa la la la la, la laaa la laaaaaa!

guys, I'm such a December slacker! I'm loving all the Christmasy-ness right now, so I'm pretty caught up in holiday shopping, gift wrapping, and general merriment. not to mention I am sans computer once again, but that's not the point...
I hope you are all enjoy the holiday season!

the other day me and my very best lady friends had mini-Christmas before we started to go our separate ways for the holidays. we had fancy(ish) brunch at a cozy downtown restaurant, exchanged a couple gifts, then got our picture taken with Santa. obviously.

the gifts were actually just from Caitlin, because she's super on the ball and had all of our gifts ready, while the rest of us were a little less prepared! I got an urban decay eyeshadow palette and a fox mug. they're awesomeeee.

we ate brunch at the Gypsy Tea Room, and it was delicious! if you ever visit St. John's, you should definitely go for either lunch or brunch. dinner is probably amazing too (never had it there), but it's a little more pricey, and the menu isn't huge. BUT for brunch they have a create-your-own omelette choice, which is to die for. I'd recommend goat cheese, bacon, and spinach. yum.

and don't worry, I'll be sure to upload the picture with Santa as soon as I get mine back. have you noticed our matching outfits? maybe not because we are wearing coats, but trust me, they're wonderfully matchy-matchy! 

now I'm at my parents place again, and the rest of the week will be spent decorating our house and watching old Christmas movies... plus a Quidi Vidi beer here and there. Christmas is pretty great.

how do you guys kick off the holidays?
♥

playing: last Christmas- wham!