Classic

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I felt like one classy lady in this outfit. From the cape, to the red and grey and black color combo, to the simplicity, to the nude ballet flats. The whole thing felt timeless. I wouldn’t say that that is a word you would associate with most of my outfits, but it’s nice to break out the classics every once in a while :)

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cape: American Apparel

sweater: Gap // thrifted

necklace: shopHollyDolly

jeans: Urban Outfitters

flats: H&M

In My Life

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» After posting the hand warmer DIY yesterday, I realized that it has been forever since I’ve done a DIY post. I think I need to remedy that :). Heres a few past favorites : necklace stand, mason jar pin cushionburlap envelopes, yarn lanterns, passport cover, faux fur snood

» I love me some The Seam Designs for cold weather accessories. But another new favorite - check out Salem Style. I met Lianna at Tuesday’s Boston Blogger event, and she is a sweetheart!

» The Black Friday / Cyber Monday craze may be over, but I’m still offering a deal for anyone that is looking for a special handmade holiday gift! Use the coupon code FREESHIP13 for free domestic shipping on your order from shopHollyDolly

» Are you on Instagram? Follow along! My username is : hollyjollydolly

DIY Hand Warmers

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I don’t know about you guys, but I’m a baby in the cold. Even having lived somewhere that has a cold, snowy winter my entire life, I still can’t handle it. And I’m actually dreeeeeading another Northeast winter. 

So I made up a few batches of these little teeny hand warmers to try and combat the chill. I keep them right next to my keys, so I remember to heat them up quick before I leave. That way I don’t have numb fingers on my walk to Starbucks the grocery store. Oh who am I kidding,  I’m going to Starbucks. 

Here’s how I did it…..

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1. For a set of hand warmers, cut 4 3x3” pieces of cotton fabric.

2. Place two of your squares wrong sides together, and sew 1/4” from the edge. Pivot at the corners, and leave about 1/2- 3/4” opening. Don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end. 

3. Fill your square pouch with rice about 3/4” of the way full. I used a funnel so that I didn’t make a mess :)

4. Sew and close up your small opening.

5. Trim along the edges with pinking shears so that they don’t unravel. That’s it!

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But if you would prefer a cleaner look…..

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Start by placing your two square pieces right sides together, and sew just like before (1/4” from the edge, leave 1/2” opening). Clip your corners and trim the seam allowance, and then turn right side out through the opening.  Fill with your rice, and then close your opening with an invisible slipstitch.

Just slightly more work, but it does have a simpler, cleaner look!

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Right before you walk out of the house, just heat them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds and slip them in your coat pocket. Caution! They’ll be really hot! I But I like to get them just a tad too hot so that they stay warm longer.

Stay toasty, my friends :)

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Repeat Offender // Boston Bloggers

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This is quite possibly one of my favorite outfits ever, so it was a no brainer to repeat it. I’m sure I’ll wear it a couple more times this winter, too. And it just so happened it worked perfectly for last night’s Boston Blogger’s holiday event. You know, with the sparkles and all. Nothing says holiday party like sequins :)

Speaking of the blogger meet-up - it was such a fantastic night! It’s always fun to get together with everyone, and catch up with some girls that I haven’t seen in forever. And without fail, I always meet a bunch of new faces to add to my blog roll. Every time. This city is full of such talented people! Thanks to Allison and Kate for being so awesome and organizing these events for us :)

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sweater: Naomi and Lavender

faux fur snood: Jack Wills // Buffalo Exchange

skirt: JCrew // Buffalo Exchange

clutch:  LilaLu Bags // Crompton Collective

booties: Steve Madden

Rust and Teal

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I’m determined to start incorporating my outerwear into my outfit posts more. I’ve also collected a lot more winter coats than I have any other winter season to date. I guess I just really don’t want to freeze as much this year.  So if my coat is actually part of my outfit, and not just thrown on top of said outfit, I may be able to survive this winter blogging season. Maybe. We’ll see. 

I’ll keep you posted. 

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coat: DKNY

sweater: SheInside

shirt: Urban Outfitters

pants: Forever21

glasses: BonLook

clutch: c/o UnCommon Goods

pumps: Nine West