Emily A. Clark - design. simplified.

Pretty Winter Things to Wear

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This week is always the busiest of the year, between regular Christmas errands, finishing up work projects and our weekend-long production coming up at church starting Friday. (If you’re local to Charlotte, email me for info. I’d love for you to come.) So in the spirit of busyness and in an effort to save you time–and a trip to the mall–I’ve put together a quick list of some pretty winter pieces that could work for a holiday or work party or even New Year’s Eve. (I know I always like to dress up while I sit on the couch with the kids to watch the ball drop, and I’m sure you do, too.)

A few notes. . . I’ve had all kinds of luck with ordering shoes from Gap lately. My go-to dressy outfit is a pretty blouse, black pants (I’m especially happy if those pants turn out to be any kind of jogger) and tall pointy heels. And, my favorite purchase of the holiday season are those black Target pants with the stripe down the side. (They also come in the reverse–winter white with a black stripe down the leg.) I’m a big fan of the whole Who What Wear line. Hope this helps!

The Easiest Christmas Decorating Idea

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You know I love a simple decorating idea and this can’t be any easier. It also proves that you don’t have to have a ton of collected Christmas decorations to give your home holiday sparkle. You can use this idea for a coffee table, entryway vignette or a dining room centerpiece. You just need a tray, a glass hurricane candle holder, fairy lights, votives and some fresh greenery. (Leftover Christmas tree clippings work great.)

See my step-by-step set up here:

Making A Cozy Bed

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There aren’t many things better than a cozy bed when it’s cold outside. Here’s what’s currently on mine:

Since I have mostly white bedding, I like to start with patterned sheets. I have two pairs of pillows for sleeping, including this super firm pillow from Amazon.

When making the bed, I use a set of monogrammed euro shams. I bought a pair of inexpensive white shams several years ago and my sister embroidered them for me. (If you are looking for something already monogrammed, I love this Etsy shop’s work. Also, I like these sets of down pillow inserts.)

I add color with a pair of these floral pillows (I think I’ve used these in every room at some point!) and a velvet lumbar adds cozy texture.

I rarely ever use a bedding set together. Usually, I mix the sets between different beds in our house. For our room, I layer with a lightweight quilt and use a down alternative comforter inside a duvet.

Here’s a tip I learned late in life: to make your duvet look extra fluffy, fold it in thirds, starting with the bottom third first and then layering the top third over it. (You can fold the whole thing back one more time if you want extra fluff.) I also find it much easier to spot iron the duvet cover once it’s already on my bed.

Finally, fresh flowers and a boxwood wreath add a little happy on dreary days.