Lacey Racey Tights

Black retro-chic tights are this season's temptation accessory. They're warm and practical but also stylish and sexy. These lace tights provide a hint of leg with a subtle touch of gothic sensuality. Although these tights are for fancier occasions, they are anything but formal. These looks work best with shorts, skirts and dresses to show off the detailing and provide a sneak peek of flesh.

Celebrities and high fashion designers have debuted this look on runways, red carpets and to interviews! The lace tight provides a sex appeal to otherwise drab outfits. The look is great with black boots, heels or wedges. Carrie Underwood and Mary Kate Olsen love this chic trend for day and nighttime looks.

These styles range from ornate and super intricate to funky and deco. These tights look best in black or deep brown for winter ensembles. They are perfect for a fun evening out or a dinner with girlfriends. They make your legs look sleek without necessarily braving the cold bare-legged.

This look is fabulous with pumps and kitten heels. The height makes your legs look slim and sleek and they also tighten your calves to make your legs appear feminine in your tights. Floral patterns are super cute for this lace tight trend as well. The flowers add a girly touch to a seemingly dark and gothic trend.

Dramatic lines add a flare of fun into your ensemble. The straight lines give length to your legs and draw the eye up your legs. These tights look great with skirts and long trench coats. The black tights look great with all color attire.

Tights can rejuvenate any old outfit! They look chic with an old skirt, shorts or a basic black dress. For the styles like those above check out Polyvore, Target and Forever 21 for lace tights! They run fairly cheap and can add a ton of bang for their buck to any outfit. This is definitely a sound and fashionable investment!

Plaid Scarves, Please!

Regardless of what was on your holiday wish list this season, plaid scarves are always a fabulous present to get and gift. These chic fashion accessories look stunning all winter long and come in an array of fabrics and colors to match your style d'jour. Whatever your pleasure, plaid scarves are fashionable and warm for the upcoming months.

Plaid is originally known as a pleated cloth worn with a modern kilt that spawned from Scottish tradition or Celtic heritage. It is made from tartan and worn over the shoulder to be fastened to the front of an ensemble. Plaid was also worn as a traditional part of the full highland dress uniform. In the United States, people most commonly associate plaid with tartan, the pattern of the original fabric. Today, it is worn in pants, scarves, bags and blouses to add a modern twist.

The fashion world has adopted plaid into the fold. Scarves are a fabulously current way to rock the trend. These usually wool articles are warm in winter and can easily transition to warmer fall and spring months. If you're feeling particularly inspired by the history or heritage of plaid, you can research into your ancestors to find what pattern represents your very own clan! 

The traditional Burberry print of brown, red and black is a symbol of the highest fashion status plaid has achieved. Although Burberry is a British fashion company, it's tartan print has become one of the most widely recognized trademarks in fashion. To make this trend even more personal, you can monogram any plaid with your initials to add to the preppy feeling of the trend. 

Vibrant plaid is the most playful way to wear the style. Hot blues and reds bring out a pop of color to your ensemble and add some color to the drab winter months. These styles above are low cost and easy to find at stores like Urban Outfitters and Madewell. 

The best thing about this item is you can wear it however you want to express your own individual style. Find a color that best matches your complexion and personal taste. Shop online at Polyvore and find your best fit plaid today!

Lengthy Gems

Long necklaces are fabulously trendy this season. They look great with all ensembles for all occasions. These pieces range from formal to casual depending on the pendant and style. These necklaces can make an outfit and be the centerpiece for your attire. Perfect for New Years or dinner and drinks, shop for these pieces high and low this winter.

Long layers are great for this trend. The multiple strands add depth and dimension to your outfit. This particular necklace style is more boho than classic chic. These pieces look best with a plainer outfit: jeans and a T-shirt, simple dress, pencil skirt ensemble.

More natural accessories are also great pieces in this trend. Feathers, stones and animal teeth give a great bohemian feel to these necklaces. These pieces are a little slice of summer and look fabulous with naturalistic inspired outfits. Whether you're on vacation at the beach or feeling free in a relaxed shirt, these necklaces are hot.

Single piece long necklaces are also a classic look. These staple pieces are appropriate with almost any outfit. They dress up more casual basics and dress down overly formal pieces. The styles can range from Native American inspired pieces to Kitsch bows and funky detailing. A staple long necklace can be worn again and again and can outwear your favorite jeans.

Lengthy necklaces look best with little black dresses. They break up the monotony and plain frock by adding some flare and shimmer to the dress. They make your body look lean and draw the eye up and down your figure. Depending on the piece, they can add some casual inspiration to an outfit or a much needed centerpiece for a classic look. Shop at department stores and vintage stores near you!

Thigh High Slits

Angelina Jolie is the master of slits. Ever since adorning her black dress at the 2012 Oscar's she has been the talk of the leg and dress world. She does the slit better than anyone alive and even has inspired a Twitter account for her right leg with over 40,000 followers. She is always looking flawless and we always have our eye out for her legendary slit look.

Other celebrities have followed suit. Carrie Underwood, Leah Michelle and Rihanna all have worn the dangerously high slit to awards ceremonies and for glam nights out. These dresses are refined but show enough skin to be sexy and flirty as well. Toned legs and confidence are the secret to this look and fabulous heels are a must have to accomplish this look.

High fashion has featured this look in magazines and on runways to make it more accessible to the modern masses. Full length gowns, evening attire and even beach garb has been showcased to inspired everyday shoppers. However, buyers must beware of a poorly made slits and be sure to try the item on before purchasing it!

The style has trickled down to the streets. The high slit can be seen on a variety of women in a plethora of styles and looks. The casual cotton style can be made into a gothic frock or a spring inspired floral day dress. The look also still looks gorgeous for formal events. They may not be red carpet status but prom dresses and gala gowns can be just as stunning with a high slit leg.

The best look for this style is a day-to-night dress. Although these dresses always need to be worn with heels, you can select a fun pair and an understated fabric to wear this look out to lunch or out shopping. Paired with a cute pair of sunglasses, jacket or hat, this look transforms into a casual fun ensemble. A lighter colored fabric looks less formal but you can never go wrong with black.

Long slit skirts are also tres chic for the winter or spring months! This look is fabulous with a thick belt or sweater to top it off. You can also wear the look with a casual tank or cotton tee to make the item more casual. Don't forget, the slit showcases your leg and shoe choice. Boots, strappy sandals and wedges all look darling with the skirt. When you find this look in stores or online be sure to scoop it up!

Roaring 20's Inspiration: Tassels

Ever since the roaring 1920s, women have been wearing tassels on their garments. Made popular in the early 20th century, tassels are a fun sing of freedom and independence. Tassels can go on dresses, shoes, bags and tops for a free flowing hip look. High end designers use tassels on pieces for Lucky Brand and other generational inspired companies.

White tassel dresses and shorts are the chicest way to rock the look. White tassels really bring out the different pieces and show your fun side. These tassels look great as a whole dress or just an embellished bottom. This look is best when your skin tone is darker. These are perfect for a mid-winter beach vacation!

Tassel bottoms are sexy and fresh as ever. Skirts and shorts have elongated tassels that sway when you walk. These bottoms are most alike the 1920's garments worn in speak eases and underground bars. The shorter looks are definitely not weather friendly because you won't want to wear leggings underneath. Make sure to wear a warm jacket with this trend.

Tassel tops are cute for the new year. Leather and cotton tops look fierce with their tassel counterparts. The strings can go as fringe on the edge of sleeves or the bottom of the garment. The tassels look great with all kinds of cut tops. Tanks are more informal but can be dressed up with a skirt or heel.

The tassel look is fabulous for a New Years occasion! These millennium colors look futuristic and fun for the ball drop. The tassels will flow with your natural movement and look dashing on the dance floor as you move and shake until far beyond midnight. Visit Polyvore for a large selection of tassel attire!

This Year's 10 Best Gifts

This year everyone has their wish lists: designer clothes, the newest technologies, the best kitchenware. We have 10 gifts that are guaranteed to please someone on your gift list this year. With everyone becoming so jaded by monetary restrictions and needs, this year you can be clever about your shopping and get a lot of bang for your buck.

Number 1: Monogrammed Gifts

Monogrammed gifts are perfect for that special someone on your list! This gift can be gender neutral depending on what you monogram! Bags, stationary and clothing are all viable options to put your initials on. There are a plethora of affordable options on Etsy; just make sure you order early for this gift as it takes time to stitch your individual monogram! This gift is a great crowd pleaser but also has a personal touch.

Number 2: Mason Jar Gifts

Mason jar crafts are affordable and easy to do! This do it yourself gift only requires an old jar and some dry materials! You can create a fun hot chocolate kit complete with a nip of Baileys or stack all the dry ingredients for cookies in a jar. All your giftee will need to do is add eggs and vanilla. These presents look adorable and the jar can easily recycle for later use!

Number 3: The Perfect Date

This is by far the best gift to give this holiday season! A date night is great for both parties involved and creates a fun bond over the gift. You can buy tickets to a concert, sporting event or play to give this Christmas. You can even give a cute coupon for a dinner made fresh to order for the more affordable, intimate date! Check out this blog for 100 great date ideas!

Number 4: Cork Craft Gifts

Cork crafts make excellent gifts for the holiday! You'll just need to start saving from old bottles of wine or stop by a craft store to pick up a pack! These gifts look amazing in any home decor and are fun, yet refined. You can create a festive wreathe, a monogrammed set, a place mat or even a cork board frame! All you need is scissors and a hot glue gun.

Number 5: Vintage Designer Earrings

This gift is for the hard to please person on your gift list. These designer pieces are a must have for any gal. These items can be quite pricey for the label-lovers close to your heart. However, if you look in turn-over stores and vintage shops, these pieces can be found at major discounts. They're a steal for the price and will steal your friends heart!

Number 6: Cheesy Holiday Gear

A tacky Christmas sweater, onesie-pajamas or even a funny mug or glass can be the perfect White Elephant present this season! No one will buy these items for themselves but they always appreciate getting these novelty gifts in a swap or trade! The items are cheap and hilarious for those with good humor on your list.

Number 7: The Board Game

The board game is a fabulous gift for a family or a family oriented person! The gift or puzzle can be enjoyed by many and most times, it can be played on Christmas to bring everybody together! Table Topics is a hot card item that has conversation starters for everyone! The girl version above is perfect for a Yankee Swap for a girls' night out!

Number 8: Geography Presents

These DIY presents are perfect for almost anyone on your list. Find an old atlas or road map compilation to create custom gifts for friends of all types! You can paste a map on an initial for a dorm room wall, create custom coasters or beloved places visited or an adorable frame for a couple's meeting place.

These gifts are personal and creative! You can pick a place you've visited together or a birthplace of a beloved friend. The state pieces are always fun for wall art and are readily available on Etsy! State magnets or places of travel are easy and make any fridge more homey. A cooler to frame of travel destinations is also a darling idea for the traveler on your list!

Number 9: Designer Bags

By far the most pricey item on our top ten list, the designer bag is a definite crow pleaser. This item is perfect for the fashionista in your family and is practical too. It will show you know her style and taste as well as show your dedication to saving for her comfort. A bag is better than shoes, clothing and even jewelry because it will be worn more and doesn't have a size! Shop for these items at department stores and vintage thrift stores. Remember: NO FAKES!

Number 10: The Philanthropist Gift

There's one in every family or group of friends: the person show doesn't want a gift but wants to give back to the world. Sometimes, donating money to a charity in their name is a perfect holiday surprise for a loved one. The Toms shoes above donates a pair of shoes to the needy for every pair you buy. This gift is great for the altruistic person on your list because they get a present but it also satisfies the community responsibility and civic duty that person feels. With only two days left to go, buy one of the items above in a hurry!

*O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches!!!!*

Its here its here!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?? That's right folks we are 3 days away from Christmas Day!!!! Christmas is absoluetly my favorite time of the year. I have loved it since i was a little girl. Maybe its the smell in the air, or how people smile a little bit more, or maybe its families coming together to share in love laugh and yummy food and treats. Honestly i think its all of that and to top it off its when we gather together to celebrate the birth of Christ. The true light of the world. The one whose life would change us all forever.

 

It only comes once a year and thats why we should do our absolute best to cherish it.

Beautiful things are everywhere this time of year. One big tradition in my home is the Christmas tree picking, it is very serious around our parts. I am in charge of all holiday decor in my house and it gets very serious, my newphew, neice and cousin always decorate the tree together. The tree HAS to look amazing and full to pass my approval. My favorite type of tree for the last few years are the Fir Christmas trees. I love how soft the leaves are and they smell awesome. Take a quick peek with me at some cool facts behind the beginning of the Christmas Tree decorating tradition.

QUICK FACTS

• Long before the advent of Christianity, plants and trees that remained green all year had a special meaning for people in the winter. Just as people today decorate their homes during the festive season with pine, spruce, and fir trees, ancient peoples hung evergreen boughs over their doors and windows. In many countries it was believed that evergreens would keep away witches, ghosts, evil spirits, and illness.

• Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. 
• It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.
  
  
  
  
     
    

• In 1846, the popular Royals, Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were illustrated in the Illustrated London News. They were standing with their children around a Christmas Tree. Unlike the previous Royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at Court immediately became fashionable - not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The English Christmas Tree had arrived

 

• The early 20th century saw Americans decorating their trees mainly with homemade ornaments, while the German-American sect continued to use apples, nuts, and marzipan cookies. Popcorn joined in after being dyed bright colors and interlaced with berries and nuts.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Hmmm...I just got a little hungry!!! :-)
  
  
  
  
  
  An angel or star may be placed at the top of the tree, to represent the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  Electricity brought about Christmas lights, making it possible for Christmas trees to glow for days on end. With this, Christmas trees began to appear in town squares across the country and having a Christmas tree in the home became an American tradition.
  
  
   ( More info History.com )
  
  
  (More Info Thhe Christmas Archives ) 
  
   
  Christmas Tree's have evolved trememdously from their early decorative beginnings. Lets take a look at the 10 most amazing tree's in the USA 
  
  

  1. The Rockefeller Center Tree in New York City

  

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  2. The National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

  

   

  3. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

  
  
  
  

   4. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Tree in Idaho

  

  Said to be the Worlds Tallest Tree, estimated to be 161 Feet tall

  
  

  
  

   5. The Delray Beach Christmas Tree in Florida

  

   6. The Dallas Galleria Christmas Tree in Texas

  

  This Texas jewel is the tallest indoor tree in the United States

  
  
   
  
  

  7. The Faneuil Hall Tree in Boston, Massachusetts

  
  
  
   
   

  8. The Toledo Zoo Tree in Ohio

  
  
  

  

  The tree is 85 feet tall and covered with 35,000 lights

   

  9. The Daley Plaza Christmas Tree in Chicago

  

   10. The Circle of Lights Tree in Indianapolis, Indiana

  More Info 10 Most Amazing Christmas Trees in the U.S

   

  
  
  
  
  
  Unique Christmas Tree's around the world
  
  

  

  All made out of paper, how awesome!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  tree made of pictures and other memorable items, how thoughtful, shabby chic-ish :-)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Hmmmm....different

  
  
  
  
  
   

  

  Love it!

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  Yummy yummy!!!

  
  

  
  

    Super cool right?
  
  
  Before i go how about some cool nail design ideas for the holidays! Check it out!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  DIY

  Have some fun ladies and try one these designs this year!
  
  
  
  
  
   Thats it for me folks! Wishing everyone and all your families and loved ones a Merry Merry Christmas. Give a little more than unsual, forgive someone you never thought you would or could and love a little harder than normal!
  Blessings to you all!!!!!
  
  
  
  - M.K.Ngenge #fineline
  
  
  
  #christmastree
  #festivenails
  #nails
  #christmasnails
  #holidays
  #christmas
  #december
  #christ
  #messiah
  #mumenngenge
  #1mookstar
  #mookie