Blog: Crossroads Style

I’ll admit it: I am terrible at coming up with gifts for the holidays. Once in a while, I’ll surprise myself and come upon the perfect gift on my own, but my family will be the first to let you know that I’m that person that has to ask what you want (over and over).

So what do you do when you want a surprise and you’re out of gift ideas? You turn to your favorite bloggers! They’ve definitely saved me quite a few times during the holiday season. If you always need a little extra help picking out the perfect gift, check out some of my favorite blogger-curated holiday gift guides for this season!

Grasie, Style Me Grasie
Grasie’s gift guides are my favorite this year! She has created five so far, including ones for the fitness buff and the home entertainer. By highlighting her favorite gifts  and including options under $50, Grasie’s guides will save you this holiday season! Check out all of Grasie’s gift guides here!

Jo, A Cup of Jo   
Jo has created gift guides to cover all your gift-giving needs! From your parents and siblings to your BFF and kids, Jo has affordable, creative gift ideas for everyone. Check out her gift guides here!

Samantha, Could I Have That?
Do you know someone who is always traveling, whether for work or for play? Samantha put together a brilliant gift guide for your jetsetter friend! Check out her guide here!

Kristen for Who What Wear
Who What Wear is pretty much my style bible, and I wasn’t disappointed with Kristen’s gift guide for the stylish person in your life! Find her gift ideas (for every budget!) here!

Aimee, Song of Style
A new year means renewed focus on getting healthy—at least for a few months. For those you know will stick it out, check out Aimee’s gift guide for your health- and fitness-obsessed friends!

Danielle, We Wore What
If your BFF is a fashion lover, chances are that she will love a gift featured on Danielle’s gift guide! See her gift guide here!

Emily, Cupcakes and Cashmere
If you’re on a budget—and let’s be honest, we all are, especially during the holiday season—Emily has a great $25 and under gift guide. Emily will be posting gift guides twice a week all month. You can view all her current guides here.

The countdown to the holiday season has already begun. Whether you’re scouring Pinterest for the perfect Friendsgiving recipe or shopping for presents for your loved ones, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is what to wear to all of your upcoming events. We’re here to help; here are six no-fuss holiday outfit ideas to make your season a little easier!

For a dressier holiday event, opt for a black skater skirt with a hint of tulle. Incorporate forest green hues to make it look more festive.

There’s something about velvet textures that just screams “wear me!” during the holiday season. Layer a camisole or slip dress over an embellished turtleneck to add extra flair to your look.

Of course, pops of bold red or forest green are always a top choice for the holidays.

Want a comfy and fashionable dinner party look? Opt for a chunky knit sweater (it’ll help hide a food coma!) and a pair of black leggings.

Fashion goal for the rest of 2017: rock more sequins!

If these fashion tips don’t work for you, you can always go for a tried-and-true all-black outfit.

The Fourth of July is always a great reason to spend time with your loved ones and celebrate your love for good ole ‘Merica. Whether you’re heading to a barbecue or beach bonfire or camping out for fireworks, there’s an outfit for every occasion on Independence Day. Up your July 4th style game with a few outfit ideas from your favorite fashion bloggers. With these six easy outfit ideas, you’ll be looking patriotic in no time:

Select a monochrome outfit (in red, white or blue, obviously) that’s perfect for rocking at a barbecue or picnic.

Here’s an outfit that will take a few more pieces to pull off. Style nautical stripes with white outerwear and blue and red accents.

There’s no better way to make a statement on the 4th of July than with a stars-and-stripes bodycon suit that does all the talking. This ensemble works great for celebrating at the beach, so don’t forget to layer on the sunblock!

If you want a similar casual look for the holiday, try starting with a classic patriotic graphic tee, a pair of jeans and white sneakers. It’s comfy and cute—perfect for a barbecue and fireworks.

Red and white stripes are always a go-to pick for celebrating the 4th of July. Steal a page from The Golden Diamonds’s style playbook and pair a crop top with a striped midi skirt. Finish off this look with a star-patterned bag.

Is this not the cutest striped jumpsuit for celebrating the holiday? The best part is that this outfit doesn’t have to be worn exclusively for the 4th of July.

We are a week away from Valentine’s Day, or as some may know it, “Singles Awareness Day”. Or even just Tuesday! No matter how you view the day—whether you love it, loathe it, or choose to ignore it—take this opportunity to dress up, for a date or for yourself!

We don’t ever need an excuse to dress up, but holidays give us a reason to have just a little extra fun putting together a look for the day. Check out the outfit inspiration I’ve put together below. Don’t worry: no cliché pink and red looks here!

Day Date

Day dates are fun, relaxed, and so much more versatile than night dates. Valentine’s Day falls on a weekday this year, so this look may be for those who don’t work traditional hours or decide to celebrate on the weekend (or for those with more relaxed offices!). Find a flirty dress, throw on your favorite leather jacket, and slip on some flats so you can be prepared for anything.

Night Out

For the most common Valentine’s Day ritual—a night out with your beau—have some fun with your look and dress up a bit more than you usually would for a date night. I love this jumpsuit and choker look for a night out!

Galentine’s Day

Who says you have to be in a relationship to be surrounded by love? Head out on the town with the true loves of your life: your girlfriends! A night out (or in) with your besties should be fun and festive! For this laughter-filled night, take chances and go for your funkiest look!

Casual Night In

Whether with a date, your bestie, or yourself, we all need a night in every once in a while. Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to treat yourself to a little food, wine, and Netflix binging. This is where your comfy and casual clothes shine!

It’s that time of year again: the holidays are upon us, and the next thing we know, 2016 will be gone and we’ll have a clean slate to begin again. Instead of letting the holidays sneak up on you this year, take the time to enjoy the little joys of the season. Whether you’ve been listening to holiday music since Halloween or are slower to get into the festive spirit, check out a few of my favorite holiday activities below for enjoying the season to the fullest this year.

1. Listen to Holiday Music
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy the Elf wasn’t wrong! Sing along to some classic holiday songs to spread a little cheer to the people you love. My personal favorite? Mariah Carey’s classic album Merry Christmas.

2. Decorate
Whether you’re into traditional or unconventional holiday décor, decorating will surely put a smile on your face and give you those warm fuzzy feelings inside!

3. Pace Your Shopping
Don’t wait until the very last minute to get all your shopping done. Create a list and take your time shopping, whether online or in-store. Shopping and spending money can be the biggest source of stress during the holidays. You may be surprised at how much more you will enjoy the holidays with a little planning and time management!

4. Do Unto Others
The holidays are ultimately about spreading love, and the best way to do that is to help people who are less fortunate than you. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, participate in a toy drive, and donate what you can, whether that be your time or money.

5. Plan a Gift Exchange
Plan a gift exchange with some of your closest friends. I love White Elephant and Secret Santa gift exchanges during the holidays to put everyone in a joyful mood. Plus, who can say no to a holiday party? Dress it up with a formal dinner, or dress it down with an ugly Christmas sweater or pajama party!

6. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon
I started this tradition with my husband last year, complete with cinnamon rolls in the morning, pajamas all day, and hot chocolate. Cozying up on the couch with a loved one or a best friend while watching all the cheesy holiday movies that you pretend you don’t love is a great way to spend quality time together.

7. Take a Day Trip
I love taking a day or overnight trip up to the mountains to play in the snow during the holiday season. Living in LA, the weather leaves a lot to be desired during the winter months, so I always make sure and take time out to go somewhere close that will cure those sunny winter blues. If you already live where it snows, take the time to go outside and build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or just walk in the snow. I end these trips with a drive around town looking at all the holiday lights. Use this Light Finder to find the best places near you!