Image Source: LA Times

Hello Radiant Orchid! Pantone has declared radiant orchid to be the color of 2014. With undertones of pink and fuchsia, I am already falling for this gorgeous color. Based on past years (you can find past colors here at the bottom), you can expect to see this soft purple hue to be in everything from clothing to beauty to even interior design come the new year. I can’t wait to see all the inspiration and interpretations of this color! Have a great weekend!

With less than three weeks until Christmas, I have rounded up some of my favorite gift ideas under $100 (see previous gift guides here and here).  When looking for gifts for friends and family, I always look for items that feel luxurious. Each of these items embodies this concept and will make your mom, sister, friend or whatever other gal you have in your life feel glamorous.

Earlier in the year, I popped into Jcrew for a quick shopping trip and came across this Jcrew necklace. I picked it up, thought about it, set it down and then did a double take. I just couldn't leave the necklace behind. In the short time in the store, I had already thought of countless outfits the necklace would pair with and was convinced I needed it. And in the time since, I have come to love my Jcrew necklace even more. I have worn it a few times on the blog (here, here, and here), but it does not even compare to the number of times I have actually worn it. I wear it once or twice a week at a minimum and it is often my go-to piece. It is one of those items that has become a must-have in my closet.

With being someone who loves to bake, I rarely miss an opportunity to make a birthday cake for a friend. In deciding which kind of cake I should make, I usually have something in mind and then get another friend to slyly find out the birthday friend’s cake preferences. On the most recent occasion of this, I had thought red velvet would be the chosen cake when my friend, less than discreetly, asked the birthday boy a couple questions regarding the matter. The birthday boy quickly picked up on the meaning of the questions and said to tell me he prefers funfetti with chocolate frosting. Being one not to go against a birthday wish and one who loves funfetti cake as well, I made these fantastic cupcakes and topped them with my favorite chocolate frosting recipe. The result could not have been more perfect to celebrate a birthday!

Skirt: Target, Jacket: Gap, Top: Tibi, Necklace: Jcrew, Clutch: Alexander Wang, Shoes: Jcrew, Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren

Have you realized yet I am not much of a skirt person? I wore one all through middle school and high school as a uniform and rarely have worn one since. Some might think it is because I swore them off after being required to wear one for years. To the contrary though, I quite enjoyed my years of wearing a skirt for school and never had a problem with it. The real thing is, I am really just more of a dress person. If I am not wearing a dress, then I will most likely opt for pants. Midway through this season though, I keep coming across skirts I just can’t help but scoop up. From this faux leather one to the one I am wearing to others I have yet to share, don’t worry I will, skirts are making a comeback in my life. My pants and dresses better watch out though because they now have more competition.