This time of year is always my favorite when it comes to fashion. I always tend to find myself wearing a little bit more sparkle, daring to wear dresses when it's freezing outside and finding ways to incorporate winter accessories into whatever outfit I'm wearing. All of this definitely tests my desire to be super casual, but I think I've actually found a good balance on how to be both this holiday season. It's all about the details!

Details are so important for any outfit - they can make it or break it, let's be honest. I've been pretty lucky to have a keen eye for finding a lot of items that have exactly what I'm looking for, and this outfit is definitely one of them. You may be thinking that an all black outfit can't necessarily be 'festive' during this time of year, but like I said, it's the details that will bring out everything you need to be in the holiday spirit. My favorite part of this casual outfit? It has to be the AVA + VIV Bell Sleeve Peasant Blouse from Target! I purchased this during the fall and I've worn it several times, especially during October, but it has transformed into one of my favorite blouses to wear on a special occasion. The bell sleeves are probably the best part of it, as they bring out extra bohemian vibes along with the lace accents on the sleeves and upper area of the blouse. It's easy to wear with pretty much anything, so that is why I put the Mossimo Loose Fitting Long Vest from Target over it. It just adds a nice sophisticated touch that you can dress up or down, which fits perfectly into my type of style. Finally, I put on a pair of my favorite Mid-Rise Pixie Ankle Pants from Old Navy, the cutest ankle velvet booties + a velvet choker to complete the look.

This entire look cost under $100 as well, so you can't go wrong with finding something that matches your style + budget. I'm definitely looking forward to wearing this at least a couple more times, in various forms, this month and the next. At least I know I'll be casual + festive!

I CANNOT believe that it is already the last day of my #mostlylisagiftguide week! It's literally gone by in a flash and I am so excited for everything that this year has brought in regards to connections, the new brands I've found and just sharing all of this with you guys. It's been a little tough because this entire week I have been battling a cold, but I promised myself that I would get this out for everyone just in time for the holidays and I made sure to push through and get it done. There have been several sleepless nights making sure that this got done right, and I can't wait to take a breather for just a few days after this. That being said, who else is excited for this post today? It's all been leading up to this moment right here, especially if you've seen me post on Instagram, Facebook + Snapchat! When thinking of who I wanted to make this last guide for, it ended up being not for a person but for an item that you could easily add to your wishlist on its own - the Christmas stocking, the piece of fabric you hang above a fire, the best sock ever! What makes this item so special? It's obviously because all everything that can fit inside of it is under $25!

rough draft mini notebook ($12) | hot stuff ceramic mug ($14) | Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels ($8) | limited-edition gallery gals deluxe tarteist™ eyeliner set ($19) | Nest Eau de Parfum Travel Spray Trio ($12) | Seasonal Chocolate Truffle Flight ($18) | Nine and Three-Quarters Enamel Pin ($8) | Village Rewards at Arc's Value Village (Free! Shop + earn points) | Minnesota Tote Bag (SALE: $20) | Voluspa Limited Edition Japonica Mini Candle Set ($24) | Soft Matte Lip Cream Set 10 (Sold Out Online - Still In Stores ($12) | Art of Instruction Botanical Journals ($13) | E35 - TAPERED BLENDING BRUSH ($17) | STANDOUT EYES GEL EYE LINER - UNEXPECTED (SALE: $10) | Golden Wonder ($16) | Bergamot Geranium Hand Soap ($9) | Garland Jar Holder ($20) | Marled Colorblock Trouser Socks (SALE: $10)
After you're done shopping all these AMAZING stocking stuffer ideas, it's time to get ready to party! Yes, you heard right. Get ready for a party of gifts! Friends, this is probably my favorite giveaway I have ever done on this blog. The people who have graciously donated beautiful + unique items to it have won over my heart and I cannot thank them enough. The best part is that each gift is something I think everyone will really enjoy because dang it, I know I would absolutely love to have them myself. So not only are there a few new participants to this annual tradition here on the blog, but I obviously have to spoil you guys as well. Look for a few small gifts from me that are quintessentially #mostlylisaholiday! Read on for an in-depth description of all the gifts included in the giveaway, the rules and then make sure to enter through the Rafflecopter portal and tell all your friends + family to enter as well. Good luck to all of you, and thank you so much for participating! xoxo
a Rafflecopter giveaway

After a last minute adjustment, this gift guide is going to be a little different than what I had normally planned on doing. There's nothing wrong that though, because it's going to be SO much fun to read through. After browsing through so many websites, I have come up with a fantastic gift guide for the home decorator, furnisher, architect! You all know how much I enjoy daydreaming about decorating my 'dream' home, so I'm actually super glad I decided to change it up. Look through for unique items that are perfect for the holidays! My favorite has to be the Be Merry doormat by Dusty Signs + Kate Worum for Target, as well as the Jane Austen pillowcase by A Thing Created! Also, get excited! There's only ONE MORE DAY until the #mostlylisagiftguide giveaway goes live. I can't wait for everyone to see what it entails. I'm pretty jealous of all of you who enter.
Reindeer Place Card Holders | Ebony Monogram Holiday Merry Doormat | Felt Message Garland - Let It Snow | Chas Navy Blue Velvet Armchair | North Pole Trading Co. Hampton Pre-Lit Wreath | Blue Chunky Knit Throw | Desktop Notepad by Rifle Paper Co. | Booze Decanter | Clear Quartz Rock Box | Salt Crystal Lamp | novelty pillow cases | Illustrated Pillow: Jane Austen books | Diptyque Vanille Candle | Gettin Blitzened Towel | Drink Me Wine Tote

// THE GALS // THE GUYS // THE YOUNGSTERS //

I have to admit, finding gifts for little kids is probably one of the most fun tasks I could ever be set upon to do. It's like literally being a kid in a candy shop! This guide is for the kids, the tots, the babes! Now that my nephews are getting older too, it's making finding gifts that much more special. They now have their own interests + things that they really, truly love, which then makes it really easy to go shopping when December rolls around. That innocence and excitement that they possess during this time of year is something to behold. I miss those days. I may have gone a little overboard with this guide, but it's mostly because there are so many ages to go through for the youngsters. My favorite has to be; the Worry Eating Plush Pals from Uncommon Goods that encourages kids to write down their worries and then "feed" them to the helpful monster (SO CUTE), and the app-enabled BB-8 from Best Buy! Remember, shop all the links below! Which item is your favorite?

// THE GALS // THE GUYS //

Welcome to the second day of the #mostlylisagiftguide series! Today is all about those guys, the dudes, for him. This one is always the hardest for me, mostly because whenever I ask a guy I know in my life what he wants for the holidays, he never gives me a clear answer. For example, my dad always tells me he already has everything he wants and that I shouldn't bother getting him something for Christmas. Why must he be so difficult?! It doesn't always have to be bad though, especially if you can hone in on something that they really enjoy. My brother-in-law really enjoys nerdy things like I do, so I have multiple unique items to pick from. If I had a boyfriend, I could choose from a variety of flannels or a cologne that he enjoyed..I might have a type. -wink,wink- See, there's always a silver lining! Some of my favorites from this guide have to be; Julien Solomita's x Free Radical's Popsicle Pin (might be sold out right now, but he said he's restocking), and the fancy wool beanie from Paul Smith! Make sure to keep an eye out on my Instagram for daily sneek peaks of the giveaway that is going up on Friday! I'll be sharing previews throughout the week leading up to the big day.
Long-sleeve henley | Wool Dexy Beanie | Popsicle Pin | Animal Patterned Cufflinks | Shearling Glove | Beard Butter | The 4 Elements of the Perfect Shave | Club C 85 Indoor | Fitbit Surge Smart Watch | S'well Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | Rover Large Coin Pocket Bifold

// THE GALS // 

It's that time of year again! The fourth annual Mostly Lisa Holiday Gift Guide series is now LIVE and ready for you to enjoy. There are still a few days left of November but before you know it, we'll be fast approaching the biggest holiday of the year! So this time around, I am aptly prepared to help YOU find exactly what you need for anyone in your life. Get ready for five days worth of fun gifts that will be budget-friendly + splurge-friendly! This will all end with one fantastic giveaway that are going to have a few surprises you will not want to miss! So let's get #mostlylisaholiday started with something that will never change - beginning it with the gals, the women, for her. Pretty fitting, right?


As you can see, there are so many options to choose from this year. From a beautiful velvet caftan from MANGO, a Girl Gang denim jacket that is sure to make you feel like a bad ass, to even a strawberry pin from Tuesday Bassen - I can't decide which one is my favorite! Shop all the links below and let me know what you'd choose for the gal in your life.