last minute new year's eve idea.

Regardless of what your doing for New Year's Eve this year, there is likely already an outfit in your closet that will work for the occasion.  Here is a easy to put together ensemble that could work as well as a couple of pieces that you could add if really do want to shop ;) 

new year's eve - casual party by vivabellar3 featuring cole haan shoes

this look is for a more relaxed new years with girlfriends or friends and family at a casual party. something fun but not formal. you absolutely cannot go wrong with wearing your favorite pair of skinnies with a comfy black tank and then jazzing up that easy outfit with a fun blazer.  since it's new years i gravitated towards sparkle and naturally chose this cute and affordable h&m blazer.  Now the key to this look besides the statement blazer is accessories! i love love love amrita singh necklaces, they are stunning. the one featured here would make any outfit more lively.  polish the outfit off with some glitzy pumps. you could go option one - black (the safest!), two - gold (tone on tone with the outfit), or three (my favorite - both!).  either way it's a look that's sure to shine.

xoxo,
Bella

budget.

it's embarrassing how over budget i am for the month of december. just to put it into some sort of mathematical perspective: 5x over my normal monthly clothes/accessories/random stuff quota. LE SIGH. my credit card bill basically reads like this: $25 - food $234897230974092384 - j.crew (slight exaggeration on my part, but it's pretty darn high). i love when i really get into new brands or really discover things i like but i tend to go overboard. it's a problem i feel like i've always had. the need to have it because it's the last item or because i will eventually find use for it, etc. (side note: i went through a huge beauty/make up phase similar to this when i started the blog hence why i review/talk about beauty products less now than i did before). i'm sure we've all been guilty of this at one point or another but it really took this month's exorbitant shopping "budget" (if i can even call it that) to show me it in black and white.  i feel like the only way to rectify this is by setting a spending freeze (or at the very least a VERY stringent budget) and really shop my own closet. i have plenty of things and feel incredibly blessed to be able to even buy them or have friends and family kind enough to get them for me. and although i do love to shop, i really do have wonderful pieces that are likely being underutilized. i work hard for my things (30+ hours and school - which is not in session at the moment, thus upping my schedule at work) so i won't even pretend to say that sometimes i feel it's okay to treat myself. i do, on occasion, deserve it, but even i know that this month's spending was a little bit (more than a little bit) high. spending freeze/budget limitation for january officially in order. i'm thinking $50? i want to stay under that too, if possible. wish me luck and i'll try and keep you all posted on this little adventure.

...if only i could spend this much every time i shopped - maybe then the budget would've stuck. 

the michael kors coin purse is a detachable portion of a wallet i received for my birthday last year.  it's held up beautifully (yay saffiano leather!) and you can find it here (the price however, has gone up since last year). mine is red and i still get compliments.

xoxo,

Bella

look what santa dropped off today.

and of course by santa, i mean the wonderful ups man..

J. Crew Excursion Quilted Vest (here) 

so in love.

xoxo, 

Bella

currently craving: attainable luxury - cashmere

cashmere is just one of those materials synonymous with luxury.

it's soft, sumptuous, and can get incredibly pricey.

however, there are a few places that make great quality cashmere at not so crazy price points.

here are some of my attainable luxury picks (under $100!):

attainable luxury: cashmere by vivabellar3 featuring leather gloves

1. Uniqlo Cashmere Vee Neck Sweaters (here) on promo right now for $39.90! 

who wouldn't want 100% cashmere for under $40.

these come in a rainbow array of colors from classic to trendy.

and you really cannot beat that price point for a winter staple.

2. J. Crew Cashmere Accessories - 

find the gloves here and the beanies here

prices range from $60 to $80 

the cashmere lined leather gloves will wear beautifully season after season and how cute are those beanies! i think they'd really be great for the winter chill that we all seem to be battling here on the northeast.

3. J. Crew Factory Classic Crewneck cashmere cardigan (here) on sale for $75.

another classic piece. i love how vibrant the red hue is and how great it would be as a pop of color over a simple outfit or with a lovely skater skirt. plus jcrew's cashmere quality cannot be beat.

what's your cashmere go-to? or do you have any other super soft pieces you love?

xoxo,

Bella

cozy by the fireside.

cozy by the fireside by vivabellar3 featuring slim fit jeans

one of my favorite put together but still comfy looks...

the BR men's plaid shirts in cozy flannel are literally perfect as tunics,

just belt to give it some shape and you've got yourself a totally cute outfit borrowed from the boys.

the red jeans give a pop of freshness to keep the look modern and young

cozy slippers, a chunky scarf, thick socks, a warm monogrammed fleece throw

with hot cocoa and a new e-book 

make for perfect fireside companions.

lazy day outfits with major style points.

xoxo,

Bella

currently craving: Forever 21 Scalloped Flap Crossbody

structured, ladylike, and scalloped edges.

j'adore.

i know i can be a bit of a bag snob sometimes

but this is such a cute little find

under $25 too!

think how great it would be styled with a simple a line dress or some pretty pastel a-line chiffon number.

so many possibilities.

find it here.

xoxo,

Bella

Perfectly Ladylike Outerwear.

winter has officially come upon us here on the East Coast.

and that means coats,

lots and lots of beautiful winter jackets.

now is the time, if you haven't gotten yours already, to pick one up.

there are plenty of options on the market ranging from traditional high street stores such as forever 21 and H&M to the classic and timeless pieces of J.Crew and Banana Republic.  You can also opt for higher end investment pieces a la Moncler, Burberry, and Theory.  

Sticking however to a budget (let's say under $300 - which I know is quite high but these are pieces meant to last you more than one season so the cost per wear is much higher), here are some options that are not only warm but also classic, ladylike, and fashionable.

perfectly ladylike outerwear by vivabellar3 featuring a double breasted coat

1. Zara Woolen Coat with Quilted Sleeves (here) - $130 (on sale!)

there are a number of reasons i like this Zara coat.

a. mostly wool (78%) = warmth.

b. the faux leather quilted sleeves - honestly, how cool.

c. the classic color and the subtle quilted detail make this virtually timeless with a bit of an edge. i could totally see it on a cool, downtown NYC girl. the one you want to hit up a club with after shopping at Bergdorfs. yes, that girl.

2. Banana Republic Classic Trench (here) - $198 

there is a reason that BR makes this every season.

cult classic. easy to style. hard not to love.

3. Banana Republic Textured Lady Coat (here) - $170 (on sale!)

a few things i love about this: the color is gorgeous on a plethora of skin tones. the detailing in the fabric and the subtle champagne colored houndstooth print make it ideal for a winter staple since you'll likely not get bored of it. it's also cut in a very flattering way, the placement of the darts creates a lovely, feminine silhouette. one of my personal favorites.

4. Banana Republic Navy Cotton Toggle Jacket (here) - $150 (on sale!)

i think this is such a fun take on a classic navy jacket.

the toggles are so on point.

perfect for the younger crowd and classic enough to last them years.

5. Banana Republic Faux Fur Trim Ombre Coat (here) - $200 (on sale!)

this is another one of my personal favorites because it looks divine on, and the ombre effect is so gorgeous and it's not over the top. i love the little dose of glamour the faux fur trim gives. you won't even need a scarf! if i had to pick one it would be a tie between this and the classic navy pea coat from J. Crew. 

6. J. Crew Majesty Pea Coat (here) - $278

there is nothing i don't love about the classic pea coat. ultra flattering and cozy. what i love about this particular version is gold buttons, the flattering band in the back, and the super thick wool. the collar is also perfection.

7. J. Crew Double-Cloth Metro Coat with Thinsulate (here) - $180 (on sale!)

this comes in so many beautiful colors. J. Crew really does know how to do a color. i love the brightness. i think it'll be a great statement piece and will really allow you to stand out in the crowd of black jackets. 

8. Forever 21 Wool Blend Pea Coat (here) - $63 

a budget friendly option! i like this one for the adorable peter pan collar, the belt, which gives you a lovely, girly shape, and the length - not too long or too short. 

which is your favorite?

xoxo,

Bella

merry christmas.

merry christmas to you wonderful readers!

i hope your day is filled with family, friends, and love.

here are some of the cutest things that showed up in my inbox today:

via kate spade 

via tory burch

and i can't forget the always popular:

christmas day google doodle!

xoxo,

Bella

from mine to yours.

holiday by vivabellar3 on Polyvore

i hope you all have a wonderful holiday.

and here's to a white christmas (its snowing!)

xoxo,

Bella

a christmas treat.

remember that adorable j.crew key chain (here) from last night's "craving" post.

picked up the last one at my store.

christmas miracle. 

i think my key found it's soul mate.

xoxo,

Bella

what i'm loving: Bobble Water Bottles!

so i'd like to think i'm pretty good about drinking water and getting in my recommended amount.  the bobble (via old navy, amazon, the container store, or the website) has made it SO MUCH easier. it is literally one of my most frequently used items. it is such a useful little object that i thought i should let the blogesphere know about it.  what it does: filters the water as your drinking it! the filter is built right in. ingenius. they are under $10 and all you have to do is change the filter out every once in awhile. easy peasy.  plus it saves so much money on plastic water bottles. the only downside is that it does make a sound when drinking however, i don't find it to be as annoying as i thought it would. i love mine, it the pretty aqua blue in the smaller size.  there are plenty of colors and sizes offered though, so choose one that fits your fancy :)

find it here

xoxo,

Bella

late night craving.

i have to admit i've been on more than a little j.crew kick lately.

i don't even want to add up how much i've spent over there in the past month (i'll eventually review some of the stuff once it gets more wear and i can really vouch for it's quality, feel, etc.).

that being said, 

this little guy is adorable.

and what better to weigh down your keys than a gold anchor.

craving:

J. Crew Anchor Key Chain

find it here for $25.

xoxo,

Bella

J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest

the elusive object of my interest finally came back in stock for 2.5 seconds yesterday.

guess who's getting a new vest

in getaway green nonetheless

cannot. wait. for. the. package. to. arrive.

excited.

xoxo,

Bella

p.s. you may be able to pick one up here if your lucky.

one to watch. the hobbit movie.

confession:

i'm a huge nerd.

not really a surprise if you've read some of my earlier blog posts

but for the new readers

i really am.

school is one of my favorite things.

so is the lord of the rings series.

like many of us, it's one that has grown on me

and i really do love it.

that being said: 

last week, i had a chance to see the new movie

a prequel to the LOTR series

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

it's the first in what i believe is a trilogy

and it is excellent.

the movie score is my favorite 

followed closely by the gorgeous cinematography

it's really a feast for the eyes

it follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins.

and what a journey it is,

he encounter all the usual suspects (evil nameless things, crazy wolves, orchs, etc.)

the dwarves are what do it for me though

they were hilarious, heart-warming, and brave.

exactly what one wants in their heroes.

overall, i found the movie to be a fantastic watch and it didn't even feel as long it was.

can't wait to see how peter jackson interprets the book in the next installment.

let me know what you thought of the film.

xoxo,

Bella

yves saint laurent for your lips.

i have to admit i can be a total makeup snob sometimes. however, something has to be said for beautiful  packaging, alluring colors, and pigmentation for days. so when i do come across products that are not only amazing at their intended purpose but also gorgeous, i can't help but want to share. so here is a little lip treat from ysl. it is essentially one of the most expensive tinted lip balms you will own BUT it's also the best. 

this is the one that i've had for some time now

the packaging is fantastic

and as a woman, it gives me a little thrill every time i swipe it on

another thing

you won't need a mirror

the casing is reflective enough to do the trick

the Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupte Sheer Candy' (via nordstrom) 

is priced out at $30.

let me tell you why i think it's worth a splurge.

1. the packaging. come on, you know it's what your paying extra for. i get compliments every time someone sees it too.

2. the color payoff on the more pigmented colors, albeit a bit sheer, is FANTASTIC. i have the one above (#4 succulent pomegranate) and i have to say that it's the only lip product i have that lasts a long time but also after the initial glossy portion wears off, it fades to a beautiful stain that stay on the lips for hours. i love that. it's swipe and forget. 

3. there is ample product in the tube. it will last you for some time. i think i've had mine for almost a year now and it is actually a decent moisturizer. no joke. lips feel better after this.

whether or not you decide to plunk the cash down for this one, i'd at least give it a try. 

i didn't get it until i tried it. and i love it.

xoxo,

Bella

i think i got bit by the travel bug.

i really do. i want to explore all the places i've never been and maybe even rediscover those that i have seen.  it's interesting how much we change as we grow older. earlier in my life, i don't think i would've wanted to do this as much as i do now.  things such as traveling didn't appeal to me on the same level as they do, i think before it was more, "well friend xyz went there, so i should too."  now that i've grown up a bit, i don't want to go where everyone has necessarily been. i want to go see what i want to see. and go where i want to go. and i think that is a beautiful thing. 

just to satisfy my craving for something travel/glamour/airport related, here are some things i think would make for comfortable and cute airport style:

cozy chic travel outfit by vivabellar3 featuring crewneck sweaters

lets start out with a comfortable foundation. travel requires versatility. the best thing is to be able to do it with only a carry on so that you can avoid checked baggage fees and the hassel of it all.  so for the airport go with something layered. layers are adaptable to weather. layers are easy. start with basics. a great pair of skinnies. i highly recommend the old navy rockstars (here). for the $30 price tag they can't be beat. next up a comfortable knit. j.crew cashmere is world renowned for a reason. plus the polka dots (here) are too cute. their excursion quilted vest is also perfect for layering. it's something i'm personally lusting over but it's sold out and nowhere to be found.  finish up the outfit with a scarf that doubles as a blanket, and nude pointed toe flats that are as versatile as they are cute and you are good to go.  accessories wise, minimal is better. the faux diamond studs from banana republic look like the real deal and you won't freak out if they ever got misplaced. the michael kors runway watch is a perfect, elegant, no fuss piece to bring a bit of classic style into the equation. the coach candace carryall in large is perfect. the size and the ability to wear it hands free make it a tried and true travel winner.  plus it has a top zipper. safety first! add a quick pop of color via kate spade. the bright wallet will never get lost in a handbag jumble. neither will the adorable passport holder from j.crew.  all you need now is the carry on. samsonite is my go-to. the pretty color will make sure you won't lose sight of it. finally, pro tip: bring comfy socks. airplanes are generally cold. you'll want cozy toes. the abrecrombie pair above are both fashionable and functional. 

don't forget your passport! 

safe travels

xoxo, 

Bella

Home Holiday Guide

the second in my holiday guide series,

it's just as important sometimes to decorate our home as it to decorate ourselves.

homes are truly reflections of our personal tastes and styles.

i've compiled a short list of things that i believe would work in a number of homes with different aesthetics.  they make great gifts for those finicky people in one's life.  the ones who are difficult to shop for. you know who i'm talking about.

home holiday guide

Home Holiday Guide by vivabellar3 on Polyvore

1. a magical print from inslee - she really is the best at what she does. this would be a great gift for the fashion girl, the one who loves art and beautiful sketches. inslee by design.

2. Voluspa Candles - amazing. i personally have santiago huckleberry and it is divine. the candle will literally last you forever.  it burns beautifully and the smell really permeates an entire room. highly recommend. Voluspa Candles. - $18 via Anthropologie.

3. C.Wonder has some beautiful decorative throw pillows.  i particularly love this festive print. they also have monogram options, if you want to make it extra special. C. Wonder Decorative Pillow.  - $48 

4. These are adorable and affordable.  Currently on sale for $5 meaning that you could even grab one for yourself. Anthropologie Monogrammed Mugs.

5. Paris Prints - any landscape or city print will work.  They instantly glam up any home and there are plenty of affordable options on sites such as etsy and ebay.  cheap and chic. Paris Prints via Etsy - $30.

happy gifting!

xoxo,

Bella

hi there. haute holiday guide numero uno.

i'm not even going to discuss how long i've been gone. 

i'm just going to go right into it.

the holiday season is almost over!

here's what i'm craving 

(& what i think would make a fantastic gift for the gal in your life)

Holiday Guide #1 - Classics

holiday gift guide #1 - classics by vivabellar3 featuring dogeared necklace

1. Dogeared 'Infinite Love' Infinity Charm Necklace - $60

2. J.Crew Anchor Scarf - $98

3. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC in Sand - $195

4. J.Crew Factory Intarsia Charley Bow Sweater - $88

5. Kate Spade Skinny Mini Bow Stud Earrings - $48

6. Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color - $32.50

7. Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Patent Ballet Flat - $425

what's your favorite item for the holidays?

xoxo,

Bella