Ring Out the Old...

Ring in the green! If you are looking for something special for New Year's Eve, take a cue from Pantone's Color of 2013. Emerald Green is showing up on the runways and is sure to introduce a richness into your wardrobe.  Although not a pure Emerald Green, I adore the DKNY swirl bubble dress with tangerine (Pantone color of 2012!) ribbon belt for girls.  Of course, Ms. T wants the glitter ballet flats!

Moms need to be stylish ringing in the New Year too.  I love this Tibi blouse paired with some sparkly baubles.  The collar necklace would really pop against the shirt's black neckline.  If you prefer a dress to dance into the New Year, Tibi also makes this print in a smart-looking shift (find it here).  Your friends will be green with envy!

1. Crewcuts Sequin Trompe L'Oeil Tee, 2. Gap Kids Ruffle Tulle Skirt, 3. Ugg Classic Boots 

4. Crewcuts Glitter Pursette , 5. DKNY Swirl Stripe Dress, 6. Crewcuts Glitter Ballet Flat, 

7. Baublebar Euclid Collar, 8. Baublebar Cushion Cut Studs, 9. Tibi Hudson Top, available at Piperlime or Net-A-Porter (on sale now, so hurry!).

Merry and Bright

Wishing you and yours a festive and fabulous holiday!

xoxo,

Hopscotch Sketchpad

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Who wouldn't love this gift?  Plus, us grown-up gals deserve a little something special during the holidays too!

I heart most anything Kate Spade.  Her designs are always playful and cheeky (when is the girls' line launching?).  These Magnolia Plaza Knit Gloves (on sale now!) are the perfect mix of fun and functionality.  The 100% Merino Wool gloves come equipped with lurex tech finger so you will never be out of touch.  And how charming is that sequin flower ring?  I am partial to the grey color but they are also available in a vivid violet.

Pair these gloves with L'Occitane's hand cream and you will be ready for all that winter has in store.  Their hand cream is one of my favorite beauty finds.  The 20% shea butter helps to keep your hands super soft.  I especially love the new Date Bouquet scent they have this season. Moreover, the triple mini set is perfect for Moms on-the-go; keep one at your desk, one on your nightstand and one in your purse!

So whether you are shopping for your Mom, sister, BFF, or moi, this set is sure to keep Jack Frost at bay.  

Ho Ho Ho!  Headbands, Galore!

If you are still in search of those finishing touches for holiday photographs or last-minute stocking stuffers, then look no further.  Crafted by a local Mom, right here on Capitol Hill, you will find Elon Augustus.  Every headband is unique and hand-made, created with whimsical ribbon and vintage buttons or recycled baubles.  They are almost too-cute-for-school but durable enough to stand up to some playground fun!  And at $12 a piece, one may not be enough.  Ms. T wants to add them all to her Christmas list!

You can purchase them through Elon Augustus' Etsy shop or contact the owner directly at elonaugustus@gmail.com.

THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON

Ms. T's Matinee Outfit: Isobella & Chloe Dress, Cherokee Faux Fur Shrug (similar here), Joyfolie Ciara Shoes, Gap Kids Headband (old).

One of our favorite holiday traditions is spending the afternoon at The Washington Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.  Ms. T and I got all dolled up and headed down to The Warner Theater to catch the matinee.  On the way to our seats, we couldn't pass up purchasing a nutcracker ornament.  Or two (we especially loved the glittery pink one!).  A bag of cotton candy later and we were settled in for the show.  

The Warner Theater is a magnificent venue for such a performance.  The set design is beautiful with it's snowy Winter Wonderland and "Springtime Under the Cherry Blossoms" scenes.  It's wonderful how they weave parts of historic Washington into the traditional tale. Now I'm sure that most of the symbolism is beyond Ms. T's grasp.  However, the real magic is watching the awe in her face at the pure beauty of the dance.  

Keeping with tradition, we topped the day off with some treats for my sweet at Paul in Penn Quarter.  Upon which Ms. T entertained the neighboring table with her own mini-performance of twirls and pirouettes.  I hope that she will always find the simple joy of this tradition for years to come.

Do you and your family celebrate special holiday traditions each year?  We would love to hear about it.  Leave a note below.

'Twas the night before Christmas, ...

Pajamagram "Chill Out" Pajamas

the children were nestled all snug in their beds, all decked out with matching Christmas pajamas and Santa caps on their heads.  

Yep, we are one of THOSE families!  A holiday tradition that my kids love is to open new pajamas on Christmas Eve.  And in the past, I have been known to purchase matching Christmas pjs for them.  Now I know that some families view this as silly.  But, my kids absolutely adore this tradition and actually wear their holiday jammies year round! 

Now I will admit, we are not a family which the whole gang wears matching pajamas (not that there is anything wrong with that!).  Moreover, we do not usually dress our pets. However, that being said, I am seriously considering getting the matching jammies for our pooch, Buster.  He is our new addition to the family this year and why shouldn't he have some fun too. Right?!  

All kidding aside though, my favorite place to buy holiday pajamas is Pajamagram.  They sell cute designs (without being too cheesy) and they come shipped in fun keepsake packages, like a puppy house for the toddler sizes.  You can even get them personalized.   They also have Chanukah Pj sets available.

In the spirit of our tradition, I have rounded up some other pajama gift ideas for the whole family below.

Top left, clockwise:

1. For that new Christmas bebe', 100% cotton baby long johns from Red Envelope.  Too cute for words and you can get the bum flap personalized with "Baby's First Christmas"!

2. Ms. T loves to wear nightgowns now that she is a bit older.  Last year for Christmas I bought her a similar peignoir set from Laura Dare and it has become her favorite.  This sweet pink Laura Dare set is available at CWDkids.  There is also a matching doll gown for your little girl's baby doll.

3. Flannel Grinch Pajamas from Pottery Barn Kids.  Who could be grinchy in the morning with these cozy pjs on?

4. Pajamas for the whole crew, even the cat!  "Let it Snow" Pajamas from Pajamagram.

Does your family celebrate a similar holiday tradition?  If so, we would love to hear it.  Drop me a note in the comments section.  

Party Perfect

Hello, holidays!  They are just around the corner and, before you know it, the parties will be in full swing.  If you are still looking for that perfect party dress, look no further.  I have rounded up a few of my favorites from this season. 

Top left, clockwise:

1. For the Mini-Fashionista: Gap Kids Sequin Embroidered Dress for $55. Isn't this a sophisticated dress?  The beading is beautiful and reminds me of the flapper dresses from the 20's.  Very Art Deco-inspired!  Also, Gap Kids is having a 30% off entire purchase till 12/9 which would make this little number even more affordable.

2.  For the Rockstar:  Harajuku Mini for Target Sequin Dress for $29.99.  I absolutely LOVE this dress!  I keep eyeing it every time I'm in Target.  It's a great drop waist silhouette with a fun houndstooth sequin skirt.  This dress is the perfect mix of elegant and edgy.  Pair it with a faux fur shrug (like this one) and you're little Rocker is good to go!

3. For the Southern Belle: Zara Red Dress with pearl collar for $39.90.   Oh so trendy, with the detachable pearl collar that are all the rage this season.  This is for the quintessential southern gal who would never leave home without her pearls. 

4. For the Sugarplum Fairy: Isobella & Chloe Winter's Night Dress from Garnet Hill for $69.  In an unexpected charcoal gray tulle with embedded sparkles, it's eye-catching.  Although it is a bit more on the pricey-side, I purchased one for Ms. T when Garnet Hill had a 20% off promotion.  And lucky you, they are running the same promotion again till December 9th. Expect to see my tiny little dancer twirling the afternoon away in this dress while seeing The Nutcracker! 

Do you prefer one of these holiday dresses?  Leave me a comment saying which one is your favorite.  However, you really can't go wrong dressing your little darlings in any of these gorgeous dresses.  They will be picture-perfect!

Special Edition: For The Boys!

Left to right Volcom Mask Hoodies: "Inyoface", "Magizzle", and "Inyoface" Black.

While shopping online last night, I spotted these awesome hoodies for little boys on special. They are perfect for your skater boy or little dude.  Ms. T gave her older brother one last year for Christmas and I can attest that they are supremely cool for the boy set.  Originally they sell for a steep $65 but are on clearance at Nordstrom for $23.97-$25.97.  A doozie of a deal! Unfortunately, there are very limited sizes left so hurry before they are all gone.  

p.s. The "Magizzle" would also make a cute gift for that tomboy in your family!