CS Magazine and Beginning 2012

I am featured in CS Magazine's January 2012 issue under STYLEPHILE in regards to my styling business.  My first editorial press feature and in the wonderful city of Chicago!  Take a closer look at the article here   and my feature is on page 52.  It is an exciting way to start off my year and I know there is so much more to look forward to!

If you read my sister's blog I am sure you saw these photos, but I love them and wanted to share some holiday cheer.  

Wishing everyone the best weekend and Happy New Year!  And don't forget about checking out the huge sale at t+j Designs, discount ends on January 1st!!

Goodbye 2011 Recap

*a recap of the year

Saying goodbye to 2011 and looking forward to 2012.  Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hope this year was filled with lots of great memories and experiences.

Thank you for reading, following, and supporting my blog and t+j Designs.  Starting, creating, and building our business this year has been so rewarding and I couldn't' do it without each and every one of you.  We have a fantastic GOODBYE 2011 SALE going on.  Please check out our these huge deals and get an additional 40% off the sale price with promo code EXTRA40.  Pieces are as low as $6 and marked down to over 60% off the original price.  

Mad for Plaid Lookbook

Burberry Trench (similar) |  Tommy Hilfiger Plaid Blouse  |  BCBG Pleated Skirt  |

Polka Dot Tights (similar here and here)  |  Jimmy Choo Boots  |  Chanel Bag  |

Black Fur Wrap  |  t+j Designs jewelry:  Black Drop Luxe Earrings    |  Glam Leatherette Ring (Take 

an additional 40% off sale items with code EXTRA40)

I spent a wonderful weekend and Christmas with my husband, family and all our adorable dogs (my sister and brother have dogs too).  I haven't had a chance to load some of my pictures but will share some soon.  Hoping everyone had a fabulous holiday weekend and got to eat some delicious treats as I did.  

I'm catching up on blogging and the winner of my t+j Designs giveaway (based on # of entries and random number generator) is Tara of Mix and Match Fashion!  Congrats Tara and look forward to seeing the piece outfitted on your blog.

Today's one of the biggest shopping days of the year!  It is a tradition that my mom, sister, and I head out into the crowds to check out the deals.  This year, I've become an avid online shopper due to all the fantastic deals.  I've become an Ebates advocator due to my sister.  Seriously, why is everyone not signed up!  Sign up here for Ebates  and get a $10 gift card towards a retailer or $5 on ebates and basically you can shop thousands of online shops and receive cashback on your total purchase.  For instance, Nordstrom is giving 5% cash back, Saks 6%, and J. Crew is 4%.  You find the store through ebates, click through and they track your total purchase.  You receive a check for the % cash back.  If you are an online shopper like I am, you have to sign up!  Signing up is free.

Two sales to check out right now:

Burberry Brit Check Pattern Jacket  |  Burberry Brit Double Breasted Coat  |  Burberry London Drop Waist Coat

1) You've seen a couple of my Burberry coats and right now is the best time to purchase one if your in the search of a quality coat.  The first two are from Nordstrom and if your size is out online, call your local Nordstrom and they should be able to find your size.  The third coat is a bit more expensive but a gorgeous design and fabrication.

2)  Check out our t+j Designs GOODBYE 2011 SALE; 40 styles have been marked down as of today.  Take an additional 40% off all sale items with code EXTRA40.
You can get a piece of jewelry for as low as $6!

Happy shopping and can't wait to read up on what you did for the holidays.

Christmas Tradition

Chaps Poncho  |  Bebe Leatherette Jacket  |  Joseph Stripe Top  |  Trouve Leggings  |

*Kate Spade Paige Rainboot  |  Forever 21 Fuschia Knit Beanie  |  H&M Scarf  |  

Rebecca Minkoff Fuschia Mini MAC clutch

My husband have an annual Christmas Tradition of doing something festive in December.  When we lived in New York we ice skated in Central Park, saw the tree in Rockfeller Center, watched the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular and enjoyed the windows on Fifth Avenue.  This year, through the recommendation of a recent friend I just met, we headed to Christkindlmarket.  It's a open air market with great holiday trinkets and lots of German food.  We had some delicious schnitzel and potato pancakes.  Next year, we will probably head there again but try to squeeze it in during the weekdays.  It was super crowded on Saturday :).

Hope everyone has had a fabulous holiday and Merry Christmas!  Can't wait to read/share what treats we all got and experienced over the weekend.


*I love my Kate Spade Paige Rainboots.  Yes I was able to find rainboots that I have a heel and a bow.  If your on the search for a cute pair of rain footwear, look at Kate Spade.  Comfy and cute.  

kate spade rain

Black & White Stars Lookbook

Tommy Hilfiger White Blazer (similar) |  Zara Star Shirt  |  Trouve Faux Leather Leggings (similar)  |

Christian Louboutin Patent Slingbacks  |  Zara Sequin Purse  |  Michael Kors Watch

t+j Designs jewelry:  Black Drop Luxe Earrings  |  White Pyramid Bracelet (last day of our 20% off your total order promotion with code GIFTS)

I'm officially 21 weeks pregnant and so far so good.  I feel great, I'm still wearing the same bottoms (but let me tell you I'm on the edge and may need buckle down and buy maternity jeans), and yes I really am still wearing heels.  It is a constant discussion between my husband and I; he wants me to wear flats and although I do for longer walks or errands, I still think heels looks better with my clothes. I'm sure once the weather hits below 30, starts snowing, and I get bigger I'll change my ways, but I'll wait until that happens.  

Our big news, we found out we are having a boy in 19 weeks!  It's such a wonderful thing to find out right before Christmas.  I am very excited to head home, see my family and celebrate the news.  Next thing on my agenda, planning and designing the nursery.  You may just see the before and after of the room on my blog :).

If you took part of our style challenge, see the winners on my sister's blog here.  Thanks to everyone who participated and we plan on doing another in the new year.   Today is your last chance to take 20% off your total order with t+ Designs, with promo code GIFTS.  Check out our $20 holiday specials and Luxe Collection.  

**LAST DAY OF MY t+j DESIGNS GIVEAWAY.  THREE EASY STEPS TO WIN A BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE.  ENDS TODAY AT 11PM CST

t+j Designs bracelet on Refinery 29

I religiously read Refinery 29 everyday and get the Everywhere and Chicago Edition.  To my excitement today our t+j Designs White Pyramid Bracelet is in the email image today in their Wrist Wars Bling Edition article.

Our t+j Designs Pyramid Bracelet comes in three colors; white, black and light blue.

Create your own bling arm party with our bracelets by taking 20% off your total with promo code GIFTS and also receive free shipping for order $50 or more!  

http://tplusjdesigns.com

  

Pretty Layered Lookbook

Zara Leopard Trench (similar on sale)  |  DVF Sweater Cardigan  |  Bella Dahl Chambray Shirt (similar)  |
Akira Top  |  Forever 21 Skinny Denim  |  Jimmy Choo Boots  |

Forever 21 Cable Knit Beanie  |  Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C. Fuschia Clutch  |

t+j Designs jewelry:  Gold Baubles Necklace  |  Crystal Stainless Steel Bangle Purple, Pink, Diamond

Layering up for the cold winter season is sometimes a difficult task.  I hate looking bulky so I mix patterns and colors with a pair of skinny jeans to give the outfit dimension and brighten up some neutral basics I have on.  The fuschia beanie I got from Forever 21 is now one of my favorites (for only $5.50) and I recently won this Rebecca Minkoff bag from her Mini M.A.C. giveaway.  I was super excited because not only was I coveting this bag, but I got it in the best color.  Check out her website and blog, she has giveaways and great new products.  

I am excited to head home for Christmas this year with my hubby and my yorkie.  Getting the last of my shopping done this week online.  Don't forget to check out our $20 holiday specials and with promo code GIFTS, get an additional 20% off your total; a special piece for only $16!  

I am also offering my readers an awesome t+j Designs giveaway!  Easy three steps to enter and win a gorgeous necklace.  

Winterizing - Mackage and Alice + Olivia

A little bit of flurries came to Chicago last night and I thought I would share some recent purchases to winterize my wardrobe.  Fashionable, furry, and fun and the best thing of all, on sale!

Mackage Asymmetrical Zip Puffer Coat with Fur Collar

It gets super cold here in Chicago and I've been on a search of a stylish and warm puffer coat.  I love Mackage coats; while out holiday shopping I found this fabulous coat on sale.  So excited to wear it and you'll definitely be seeing it in a lookbook post.  If you have the budget to splurge on one thing, I would definitely say a piece of outerwear or jacket (depending on where you live) is a definite.  A quality, functional, and stylish coat will last for years.  A couple of the Burberry coats I have shown in previous lookbooks are coats I will wear forever.  The tidbit about Burberry, wait for their sale after Christmas and you'll get an investment coat at around 30 to 40% off.  That's when I got mine.  

These three Mackage coats are also on sale and if I had needed another, I would splurge for one of these (over 30% off).  

Lambswool Collar Coat  |  Tessa Wool Coat with Knit & Leather  |  Shearling Trim Wool Jacket

I have been eyeing these pretty boots for a while and found them for 40% off.  More for fashion than function, I begged my husband for them for Christmas.  I just had to share them and I'll post them on me at a later date :).  

Alice and Olivia Penelope Suede and Fur Boots

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  Get your shopping in and don't forget about my jewelry line, t+j Designs.  If you loved our $20 specials from before, you'll need to check out the site because they are back.  And you receive an additional 20% off with promo code GIFTS.  A piece of jewelry can be yours for $16.

For other Mackage options:

mackage coats

Don't forget to enter my t+j Designs jewelry giveaway.  Easy three steps, enter here.  

Holiday Giveaway! t+j Designs

*giveaway ends December 21st at 11pm CST

What better way to celebrate the holidays than giving my readers a giveaway.  I recently wore this Luxe Brooch Pendant Necklace  on Monday's Holiday Lookbook post.  I love the unique and vintage design; it is a statement piece that isn't over the top.  

How to enter?  It's easy, only three steps to enter:  

1}  Sign up for the t+j Designs mailing list to get up to date info HERE 

2}  Like our t+j Designs facebook page HERE

3}  Follow me on google connect (box on the right) or subscribe to my feed

Leave me one comment with your name and that you did all three steps to enter!  (you'll receive 3 entries!)

For an additional entries:

4}  Follow me on twitter (+1 entry) and like my facebook page (+1 entry)

5}  Go to http://tplusjdesigns.com and let me know your favorite piece (+1 entry)

GIVEAWAY ENDS ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21ST AT 11PM CST

Starting today until December 21st, we are offering 20% off your total order, free shipping for orders $50 or more and some $20 specials.  You still have time to buy holiday gifts - order before December 21st for on time delivery.  

Happy giveaway, shopping and holidays!

Gray Ann Lookbook

Burberry Coat  |  Ann Taylor Fur Sweater (similar)  |  J. Crew Perfect Fit Tank  |
Hat from Nordstrom (similar on sale)  |  Trouve Jodhpur Leggings  |  Pour La Victoire Irina Pumps  |  Burberry Bag  |  t+j Designs jewelry:  Gold Baubles Necklace  |
Gold and Grey Crystal Bracelet  |  Bamboo Crystal Bracelet

With it getting colder, I'm attracted to anything with fur.  Ann Taylor has been offering the best promotions and sales; I was recently in the store looking for gifts and got myself this cozy sweater for $40 (I think marked down from $200!).  Demi Moore wore it in their fall/winter campaign.  I found some great gifts and would definitely recommend that you take a peak at their sweaters.  They are offering select items at an additional 50% off online.  This sweater is similar to mine but shorter and I love this vest, which is $50 after discount.  

ann taylor sweaters

Our t+j Designs style challenge ended last Friday and we got some fantastic posts.  My sister, Tiffany, is sharing them today on her blog I am Style-ish.  We got some excellent posts and I loved seeing all the submissions.  Check out the blogs, outfits and accessories here!

Today, Wednesday, December 14th is the last day of our t+j Designs buy more save more promotion.  Get your holiday gifts and treat yourself to something pretty.  If you haven't already and would love up to date news on specials, launches and sales for t+j Designs, sign up here.