Girlfriends Guide to Gifts

Oh the holiday season, how I love you. Mariah Carey's Christmas albums, the ornaments, Starbucks red cups, cozy coats, ice skating, Dash & Lilly's Book of Dares, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, and of course all the pretty lights.

Over my Fall Break I got a chance to get into the holiday spirit by stopping at Halls in Kansas City. I've rounded up a few lovely gifts that would be perfect for any lady's stocking or under a tree this year.

My rule for holiday dressing is always to dress comfortable, fun, and stylish.

 On my list from Halls is a fun printed button down from the brand J*ALL, feather detail tank from Endless Rose, Milly Chic Lipstick sweater, Kate Spade Swans shirt, and Cupcakes & Cashmere Mercury Shift Dress.

Kate Spade's swan print is killing me. Maybe its because it reminds me of Jess getting attacked by a swan in Gilmore Girls? Nevertheless, I want everything, including last seasons black swan bag, the On Pointe ring, and a silk swan printed scarf (only $48 from Nordstrom!)

I've been wanting a new button up and this print is so fun!

I'm all about multitasking pieces. This Endless Rose feather detail tank seemed like a great top for the holidays, New Year's Eve, and going out!

This Cupcakes & Cashmere Mercury Shift dress also seemed like a great multitasking piece for the holidays. Its so Daisy Buchanan I couldn't help but admire it. I think this dress is even prettier in person to be honest.

Halls has such a great variety of beauty products. I couldn't help but stop at Chanel and try out their new lippies. A great red Chanel lipstick can never go wrong! Rouge Allure Intense Long-Wear in 247 (ultraberry) is a great choice.

Festive holiday nail polishes also caught my eye. Chanel's Le Vernis Longwear nail colour in 536 Emeraude and 18 Vamp are great holiday shades that can be transitioned through January. I have been eagerly waiting to get my nails done an evergreen color since early November. Can't wait for a fresh, well deserved manicure when I'm home after finals.

Although this is a gift guide for girlfriends this is my favorite scent for men as of now! I got it in a sample bag from Nordstrom and just love the uniqueness to it.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt

The cologne is fresh and is blends of woods, sage, and the sea. Notes include bergamot, ambrette seeds, buchu leaves, sea salt, mineral accord, dry fruits, driftwood accord, guaiac wood, white musk, sage.

Of course when I visited the shoe department I instantly gravitated towards these Tory Burch Orsay Chelsea Boots. Originally $395 they are on sale for $276 (quite a steal)! I'm loving almond shaped chelsea's right now and this pair is so lustworthy. I'm watching for more markdowns on these beauties!

My favorite Marc Jacobs scarf was eaten by moths...again. RIP. So I grazed the scarf section looking for love, and I found it! Although its hard to see my new black cashmere scarf (challenges of the black on black life) its definitely my new favorite accessory.

I love how soft and warm this scarf is! Cashmere scarves are such a luxurious gift but so worth it. I travel frequently during my Christmas Break and my scarf doubles as a blanket in a cold plane.
Handbags are usually on my Christmas list, they're my splurge product. I've been in love with Furla bags since the first episode of Scream Queens. These handbags are so darling. For $101 they are also a steal! 

I've never been a huge Tory Burch gal but I loved the Harper Leather Zip Hobo Bag (395). I don't have any handbags in this style or shape. This purse seems like the perfect everyday bag.

Wanna hear a secret? I've never made a real gingerbread house. Of course I've made those mediocre milk carton ones at school, but I've never made a real one. My best friend Liz has been trying to get me to make one with her for as long as I can remember. I think this year we are going to make a Starbucks Gingerbread House (yes its a thing)! I'm still confused as to why you can't eat these houses, but as decor they are fabulous.

These cookies were my favorite part of this house. Decorative gingerbread houses just seem like such a fun and festive gift for anyone! 

Ornaments are such small and memorable little trinkets. This lipstick ornament was so me I couldn't help but have a montage with it! 

Halls has so many beautiful decorated trees in their store. My favorite was of course the fashion inspired black tree. Go check it out at Crown Center!

My holiday go to look- a great coat, jeans that make you feel amazing, a great handbag, a festive manicure, and chelsea boots.

I hope everyone has a warm, kind, and loving holiday season.  I am finishing up my final exams, and Christmas shopping before I go home for the holidays. 

If you have the time or money to give back I strongly encourage you donate to OXFAM, the Malala Fund, donate your time to ringing bells for Salvation Army, or at a local soup kitchen. Or make a difference with the small things.

Shop my picks and more at Halls Crown Center. Make a trip downtown to shop, ice skate, and browse the beautiful holiday decor! If you want to set aside any of these styles, you can reach their concierge at 816.274.3222 Have a safe and happy holidays everyone!

Wearing: Coat - Calvin Klein (similar), jeans - Rag & Bone (old), shoes - Lord & Taylor (similar), purse - MBMJ Ligero (sold out), lips - Stila Stay All Day in Beso

This post is sponsored by Halls KC - thanks for supporting me & other Kansas City bloggers! Opinions are always my own.

Photos by Alyssa Barletter