When condo hunting in Boston a while back, one of my sacrificed wishlist items was exposed brick, which I found charming in many of the historic units we saw. After moving into our current home, we recreated the look by adding brick veneer to our fireplace and intended to paint it white. As with most home improvement projects, that got delayed just a few years but finally got done last month! This space has become my happy cozy corner – an indoor white Christmas of sorts.
my favorite gifted ornament from our wedding
I’m partnering with LOFT today on their A to Z gift guide, spotlighting the letter “G” for gift ideas that are both comfy and practical. They’re having 50% off many winter pieces (coats, sweaters, scarves) right now, so I wanted to share some quick reviews on presents I’ve purchased and tried on! Cardigans are one of my favorite clothing items to both wear and to gift. They’re more forgiving in fit so there’s some leeway in sizing, and they can easily be dressed up for work or down for lounging. Wrap one up together with leggings and socks for a cozy-day package.
This mixed rib cardigan (50% off) is one I ordered as a gift in regular sizing and tried on. On me, the regular size XS is a comfortable and casual fit, substantial enough to be a sweater jacket. It has a good weight to it, and is thicker than the others mentioned in this post.
A lighter-weight layering piece that I’d recommend is this striped pocketed cardigan. In contrast to the thicker sweater-material one I’m trying on above, this is a more fluid jersey knit that has a little more stretch. It’s very comfy against the skin, and I like the pockets and curved hem detail.
This off-shoulder sweater is another piece I had ordered as a gift in regular sizing and tried on. The regular xs on me is like a tunic, just covering the crotch thus perfect for wearing with leggings. Sometimes the shoulder area on off-shoulder styles are too loose and slide down right away, but this does not.
Lastly, cute socks are always a utilitarian stocking stuffer that are bound to be worn! I got these gray leopard ones for myself, and they also make lots of taller boot socks at a very reasonable price.
Our first year in our current home, I had decorated our tree with only metallic ornaments and our friends & family must’ve picked up on the theme! We received a few treasured ornaments as holiday gifts, all in that same color scheme, so I suppose we’ll keep the tradition going : ) I have to admit though, I’m liking the plain flocked tree look and am tempted to leave it as-is this year!
Thank you to Loft for partnering on this post.
Hi Jean, do you have any recommendations for personalised ornaments? Would love to get something classic, timeless and heirloom quality. Enjoy the holidays!
Love your hair, how do you get that bun so perfect?
WOW very beautiful tree!
Hi Ly – the same exact one is available here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Holiday-Time-Pre-Lit-9-Slim-Winter-Frost-Pine-Artificial-Christmas-Tree-Clear-Light/45204403
Hi! Honestly I'm wearing so many of the same products still, but will try to do an updated makeup post in general in the new year : )
Hi Kerri! You can get it here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Holiday-Time-Pre-Lit-9-Slim-Winter-Frost-Pine-Artificial-Christmas-Tree-Clear-Light/45204403
I love the neutral tones of your picks against the backdrop of the Christmas tree! Totally my favourite colour schemes.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
i love your christmas tree ! do u still remember where u got it from ?
You look great and I adore how your tree is "undecorated", gorgeous!♥
http://www.pamelayaquelin.com
Loving the color scheme! I just bought my first white Christmas tree and I must say it looks more modern than green. However, I love yours with specs of white frost on it!
Mei
Pieces of Mei
Where did you get your tree?
We did our tree with white lights and a santa hat topper this year, and I love the simple, classic look. Your white and metallic corner looks gorgeous!
Great post! I love your blog!!
alexie.co
The calm colors in these photos are everything. So, so pretty.
Katie | WillowAndWhiteBlog.com
Can you update your holiday makeup tutorial which you haveny done for a long time������������
Cute cardis! I love what you've done with the fireplace. It feels very Fixer Upper! 🙂
Style by Joules
What a beautiful pictures!!! Love the total white look!! It´s so clean!! Today I launch a new section in my blog with a special post I´m sure you will love.
http://www.chicnotebook.com/lifestyle/
Regards,
Perfect 😉
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Love this all white look, so pretty.
xo
Pinksole
Such beautiful photos!
http://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Hi Jean, I absolutely love your plain flocked tree- where did you find it??
Thanks,
Kerri
Hi Jean, thank you for sharing your opinion on these cardigans! I think LOFT makes excellent pieces even though I've purchased more items at Ann Taylor recently. My favorite is definitely the cream color one; I love the neutral color & how it could be paired with leggings since it's long enough. Thank you again 🙂
~Jessica
Simply beautiful … Sometimes a plain tree with snow only decorated is a breath if fresh air to look at. Simplicity is absolutely everything! 🙂
Merry Christmas.
❤LA BIJOUX BELLA❤ | BY MIA | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
I love all of these options!! I'm super petite myself, so your picks are always so perfect. Beautiful!
Xo,
Megan at Lush to Blush
You look so gorgeous in that all white look, girl! This would be a perfect casual holiday outfit 🙂
Enclothed Cognition
Gorgeous tree and corner of your home! I also love exposed brick. Need to pick up the scarf you listed–it looks so soft!
Jen | affecionada