Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues

If there’s one trend you should greet with open arms this season, let it be velvet everything. I had a few velvet Christmas dresses growing up so it feels like a full circle moment to see it make such a big comeback. It only seemed right to snag this bodysuit as it combines some of the hottest trends right now: velvet, kimonos, and bodysuits. The pearl button detail adds a fun embellishment that can be dressed up or down too. I’m also discussing holiday blues and some ways to deal with the overwhelming feelings that often pop up this time of year.

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Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues | Winter Stress

Getting overwhelmed, burnt out, and even just straight up sad is pretty normal this time of year. While there isn’t one right way to practice self-care, some of the traditional self-care activities mean spending money, which can increase stress this time of year.

I try to get away from having any kind of “treat yourself” type purchases after September to help be financially responsible going into the holidays, but it’s still so important to reward yourself and take care of your mental health.

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Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues | How to Practice Self-Care

So without further ado, some of the ways I practice self-care on a budget:

• Go to the gym and sweat it out. | I like to lift but do try and get some cardio in during every trip to the gym to up my endorphins.
• Read a book! This is hands down one of my favorite activities for unwinding; I usually read with my diffuser on or a candle burning for some aromatherapy.
• Try a new recipe. A lot of the time, having a task that requires my attention helps me to stop worrying about situations I can’t control.
• Use a gratitude box or journal. Write down 1-3 things that you’re grateful for each day and review them when you’re having a tough day. It can really help to put things into perspective.
• Clean or organize. Definitely not my favorite task but rearranging my closet or desk in many ways is like doing a puzzle.
• Treat yourself to at home spa time. This could be breaking out a bath bomb, putting on your favorite face mask {loving this clay mask lately!}, or doing DIY manicure/pedicure. I’m admittedly really bad about taking care of my physical appearance when I’m in a funk, so doing this often helps me get back to being myself.

How do you practice self-care on a budget?

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Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues | The Outfit

I mentioned in Monday’s post that I was unsure about the kimono trend and I’d just like to say that this velvet top REALLY sold me on this 2017 trend. The olive color transitions well from fall to winter and this velvet bodysuit is easy to style casually like I did here or to dress up with a skirt or dress pants. {Pro tip: if you’re dressing it up by wearing it with a skirt, throw on some fun pearl statement earrings!} I wore it here with my super distressed jeans for a fun look that’s easy to take from day to night.

I upped the velvet factor by carrying this blush velvet crossbody purse {similar in red — SO perfect for the holidays!} that I snagged from Work the Metal, a local Louisville boutique. One of the things that I like about this bag is that you can carry it as a crossbody, shoulder bag, or clutch. I don’t know about y’all but that’s the kind of versatility that I find myself needing when I’m wearing a look from day to night.

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Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues | Lorac Unzipped Palette

I’ve been using the new eyeshadow palette I snagged from ColourPop a lot lately, but found myself wanting a more neutral look so I pulled out my LORAC Unzipped palette. Honestly, it had been awhile and I forgot why I love this palette so much. Three mattes, seven shimmers, and the colors just all really meld well together. At $42, it’s a bit cheaper than the Urban Decay Naked palettes and features shadows that are easier to use for everyday looks at the same quality. {Don’t get me wrong, I love my Naked palette; I do have a couple shades in it that I never use though!}

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Velvet and Pearls for All the Girls + Combatting Holiday Blues | Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Another thing I’ve loved lately is the Armani Luminous Silk Foundation. Having oily skin, I’ve always opted for matte foundations. I wore this foundation for a shoot I did for Kentucky Bride magazine and loved the way it felt on my skin. It kind of has a soft blurring effect that helps hide imperfections which was a big selling point for me. The foundation smells phenomenal and applies so nicely that I can actually say that I’d purchase it again.

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