27||My "Christmas Is Coming" List

What's on your wish list? Be sure to include links so we can shop too.

In the last couple of years, I have really worked to value people and experiences over things, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a new pretty every once in awhile. Since Christmas is coming (My mom says Christmas is coming any time post-July 1... It's a long wait at our house.), what better time than to give a couple of suggestions for the upcoming months!

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I have a rocky relationship with meat and will only eat it well done. No pink for this girl, thankyouverymuch. e. Coli is my enemy. I don't know why I haven't bought a meat thermometer before now, but the time has come. This particular thermometer is extra appealing because it can double as a candy and deep frying thermometer-- multifunctionality is always a selling point for me! I feel like I should lead off my Christmas list with something more exciting than a meat thermometer, but well-cooked meat is worth it!

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I realize that I am probably the last English teacher on the face of the earth to have not read this book, especially considering my proclamation of love of its prequel, To Kill a Mockingbird. However, the book released two days after my return to Thailand this summer and when I mentioned it as a potential Christmas gift, my mom took the bait, so I'm hoping hard for this one. I don't care what they say about Atticus... I am looking forward to reading this book regardless.

1/2/3

Although I am not much of an accessory girl, I do enjoy earrings and watches. I find myself wearing a watch quite often, even if I end up putting it on and taking it off multiple times throughout the day. I have one watch right now that is coming to see its better days, so I am looking for some supplemental options. I love the fun pattern of the first watch plus its makers, Modest Gold, have a fun store with a great mission. The mixed media of the second watch is very attractive to me and the leather/gold combination makes it a very versatile piece. Finally, I love the mystery of the dark wooden watch and I love that it is made of bamboo! The detail on the watch face is unique and the piece as a whole would be easy to dress up or dress down! Plus, it's an Etsy product and I enjoy supporting small businesses whenever I am able.

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Because I am an earring girl, I included these beauties. I am bummed they are currently sold out on the Nordstrom website, but I am hoping they become available again soon. I love the muted gold and the simple design. I have quite a few pairs of earrings but my studs selection is lacking and these would be a beautifully basic addition to my collection.

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And to continue with the basic stud collection, I included these lovelies. I bought the Target knockoffs this summer and have come to enjoy them more than I ever expected and wear them more often than I thought I would. I am afraid that each day I wear them will be the day be ears rebel and reject them, so I would love to add a higher quality Nordstrom pair in silver to my collection.

Bonus: Cash. I know it's not kosher to wish for money, but I am working hard to pay down my debt. Any extra cash sent my way will be spent on eliminating my pesky month loan payments. I am so over giving those lenders money each month. Here's to getting them off of my back in the next two years!

The 2015 Blog-Tember Challenge. Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Day 6. Day 7. Day 8. Day 9. Day 10. Day 11. Day 12. Day 13. Day 14. Day 15. Day 16. Day 17. Day 18. Day 19. Day 20. Day 21. Day 22. Day 23. Day 24. Day 25. Day 26. Day 27.

6||Share Your Style

Share your style. What fashion trends do you love, frequent, or avoid?

Based on yesterday's musical selection, you may not believe that I actually consider myself a classy-ish sort of lady. I value comfort and class, and in that order, to be completely honest. If I'm at home, odds are I'm in workout clothes (hoodies and running shorts are my jam), but I do like to get dressed up when necessary. I appreciate the business casual aspect of my job. Some days, my only confidence over my students is that I'm better dressed than they are. 

In the States, I would often be mistaken for a student which always blew my mind because I have always been intentional to outdress them, especially in formal situations... Like Capitol Hill in DC. Where, you know, I saw important people like John McCain. And STILL got mistaken for a student and had to show my driver's license to get chaperone clearance with my student group.

Anyhow. 

I love a well-fitting pant. I also love a good dress. I am working to switch over my wardrobe to high quality pieces but even my higher quality is relative. My three favorite places to shop are The Loft, JC Penny's, and Gap with a side of Target and Old Navy thrown in. So, you can see, even my high quality endeavors are still on a budget. 

I also have a shoe habit that I'm working to break. Really, I am trying to embrace quality over quantity but I still have enough shoes to last me for awhile. I just wore out a pair of flats and I still can't bring myself to throw them away. They are just too cute and versatile and I can't find a replacement pair anywhere! But due to my last six-ish years of shoe buying, I'm good to go for awhile.

Since moving overseas, I've been working to establish a capsule wardrobe. I think I'm finally there, I just need to sort out my clothes and make it happen. Being a business professional in a tropical climate is not the easiest, especially when I cannot buy clothes on the general market, so I am trying to be as intentional as possible with what I have and what I wear. I like classic pieces that are versatil across seasons. I'm not much of an accessorizer past earrings (thanks, mom!) but I do indulge in earrings as well!

At the end of the day, I aim to be comfy and classy in a way that is modest but reflects my personality as well! All of the pins in this post today are ones I used to inspiration in my own dressing. Some of my Pinterest board actually exists and some of it is just dreams. Especially the purses. The purses are all dreams. Shoes before purses after all.

Follow Aubrey McNary's board Looks Aren't Everything on Pinterest.

The 2015 Blog-Tember Challenge. Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Day 6.