Best Music of 2015

It was another great year for women in music! If you recall, last year my "best of" playlist was all about the Femme Fatale. This year, I've compiled 50 songs released in 2015 by some amazing women. Check out the playlist on Spotify or check out the list below.

• Water Under the Bridge – Adele
• Here – Alessia Cara
• Wild Things – Alessia Cara
• Golden Coast – Allison Weiss
• Impossible – Angel Haze
• Babe Ruthless – Angel Haze
• Focus – Ariana Grande
• Hyde – Astrid S
• Better – Banks
• Dirty Laundry – Carrie Underwood
• Paint It, Black – Ciara
• Oceans Brawl  (Ash Workman Version) – Cœur de Pirate
• Hide Away – Daya
• Confident – Demi Lovato
• Wildfire – Demi Lovato
• On My Mind – Ellie Goulding
• Holding On For Life – Ellie Goulding
• Make Her Say (Beat It Up)  – Estelle
• BO$$ – Fifth Harmony
• Reflection – Fifth Harmony
• Used to Love You – Gwen Stefani
• Love Myself – Hailee Steinfeld
• Hold Me Down – Halsey
• Control – Halsey
• BURN IT UP! – Janet Jackson and Missy Elliot
• Mascara – Jazmine Sullivan
• Save My Soul – JoJo
• I Think I'm In Love – Kat Dahlia
• God Knows I Tried – Lana Del Rey
• High By the Beach – Lana Del Rey
• Divine – Laura Marling
• Happier Etc. – Laura Stevenson
• OMG – Little Mix
• Unapologetic Bitch – Madonna
• Can't Pin Me Down – Marina and the Diamonds
• A Bolt From the Blue – Meg Myers
• Soap – Melanie Martinez
• Mad Hatter – Melanie Martinez
• Pablow the Blowfish – Miley Cyrus
• Space Boots – Miley Cyrus
• Code Red – Monica, Missy Elliot, and Laiyah
• Bird of Prey – Natalie Prass
• Touch – Pia Mia
• Better Place – Rachel Platten
• Never Ever Getting Rid of Me – Sara Bareilles
• Same Old Love – Selena Gomez
• Me & The Rhythm – Selena Gomez
• Alive – Sia
• Bird Set Free – Sia
• Surface Envy – Sleater-Kinney
• No Cities to Love – Sleater-Kinney
• 1965 – Zella Day
• East of Eden – Zella Day

Merry Christmas!

I may be Jewish, but I still love the holiday season. More than anything, I love getting dressed up and being with the people I love.

Runway-Inspired Makeup: Vera Wang

Eyeshadow | Eyeliner | Lips 

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: How to Buy the Perfect Gift

As helpful as gift guides can be, they really only go so far. Most of them can't feature great locally made or personalized items. So, how do you shop for someone without relying on a list of items that someone else picked out? After years of being called an excellent gift-giver, I've compiled a list of ways to buy the perfect gift.

Who: For the distant relatives and the people on your list who you just don't know that well.
How: This is where gift guides can actually come in handy. Read up on what people in that age group, profession, or gender are craving this season via blogs, Twitter, or magazines.
The best gift I ever received... Any time someone gives me a Starbucks gift card (one of the most popular gifts for college-aged women).

Who: Anyone you spend time with on a semi-regular basis.
How: Whenever you're with someone throughout the year and they mention something they want, something they like, or you develop an inside joke, write it down so you have a huge list of ideas come gift-giving season. This technique has led to me giving gifts based on a shared favorite movie, a childhood memory, and something pointed out in a store window.
The best gift I ever received... My boyfriend once bought me a pair of Starry Night-print earrings because he'd remembered me mentioning that it was one of my favorite paintings.

Who: Friends, family, or coworkers that you have a personal relationship with.
How: Thing of anything/everything you know about them. Do they have a dog? Do they love Paris? Do they travel a lot? Dog owners would adore a matching leash and harness set, Paris lovers would love a print featuring the city, and travelers could always use a cute passport holder or cosmetic bag.
The best gift I ever received... Last year for Christmas, one of my closest friends gave me personalized business cards featuring my status as a blogger and other writing titles I possessed.

Who: College students and newlyweds.
How: Think to yourself: what do college students or first-time homeowners need? Check out a college packing list or a first apartment checklist for inspiration.
The best gift I ever received... My grandparents got me a waterproof Kipling backpack when I graduated high school, and I literally use it everyday.

Who: Anyone on your list.
How: If you're stumped by someone you just can't pin down or who seems to already have everything, just ask them what they want. It's a win-win: they'll get something they love and you'll feel like an awesome gift giver.
The best gift I ever received... My parents got me a new camera last year, which was the only thing I really wanted.

"Take notes" photo via think. eat. write. read. | "Keep it personal" photo via Aimee Song

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: Gift Guides from Other Bloggers

As much as I wish I could, I can't make all the gift guides that I want to. Luckily, that's where other bloggers come in. There are infinite seasonally appropriate gift guides out there, but I've chosen some of my favorites to share with you. Check them out below!

"On the Road" guide for women who travel from Page by Paige: It's nice to buy people gifts based on their interests, and travel is certainly a popular interest.

"All That Glitters" guide from Daily Katy: Who doesn't need some gold in their lives?

"Gifts for the #GIRLBOSS" guide from Mash Elle: I love the theme of this guide!

"Hostess With the Mostess"guide from Stylish Sassy & Classy: Another interest-based guide for anyone who likes to host, age and relationship aside.

"The Best Gifts For Your Sister" guide from Glitter & Gingham: Your sister is one of the most important relationships in your life, and it deserves an acknowledgement.

"Gift Guide For Mom" from Livvy Land: Note: can also be used for mother-in-laws, aunts, and grandmas.

"Christmas Gift Guide for Women" from Ashley Brooke: An all-inclusive guide for everyone from your best friend to work acquaintances to your RA to your family.

"College Student" guide from Classy Girl With Curls: College students have specific material needs, and this list satisfies them.

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: My Holiday Wishlist

We're halfway through Hanukkah, which means it's probably time to put out my holiday wish list. Grandparents, parents, and admirers, please read on and take note!

Who doesn't love a cute lil something to wear on your head? It's my third winter in Seattle and I only own one beanie, so it's about time I got something to warm my ears.

1. White earmuffs from Charming Charlie
2. Black pom pom beanie from Saks Fifth Avenue
3. Pom pom ear beanie from ASOS
4. Beige pom pom beanie from Forever 21
5. White hat with ears from H&M

I hesitated about putting this on my wish list because there are so many bad ways to do fringe. Check out what I have on my Shopstyle list for some serious fringe-spiration.

1. Black mini skirt from H&M
2. Black and gold necklace from Nasty Gal
3. Grey knee-length skirt from Lulu*s
4. Peach saddle bag from Apt. 9
5. Black tank top from H&M

Ah, socks: the classic holiday gift. I ask for socks every year and, no matter how many pairs I get, I always need more. I blame the community washing machines I use at school and my little sister at home.

1. Neutral pair of socks from Xhilaration
2. Lavender over-the-knee socks from Stance
3. Black and white varsity socks from boohoo
4. Gray socks from Hue Therma
5. Brown socks from Swell

Thigh-high boots are all the rage right now and, as much as I hesitate to jump onboard the trend train, I'm totally into this one.

1. Platform boots from H&M
2. Gray boots from Forever 21
3. Flat boots from Penny Loves Kenny
4. Suede tassel boots from boohoo
5. Zip-up boots from Romwe

Since I've gotten more into makeup, I've had so much fun doing my eyes in particular. I've experimented with doing color on my lips, and I think it's time to do color on my eyes.

1. Copper eyeliner from Sephora
2. Pink eyeliner from Sephora+Pantone
3. Silver eyeliner from Ciaté London
4. Turquoise eyeliner from Sephora
5. Green eyeliner from Stila
6. Gold eyeliner from Ciaté London

My hands are one of my favorite features, and I love showing them off with cute little rings.

1. Geometric rings from Madewell
2. Silver rings from French Connection
3. Hammered gold rings from Topshop
4. Shaped gold rings from Sole Society
5. Wavy rings from Charming Charlie

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: DIY Gift Guide

This is my favorite gift guide to make every year because I get to comb through my Pinterest page and find tutorials that I've wanted to try out but haven't had time/an excuse to. Last year, I focused on art DIYs, so this year I found a couple wearable and/or usable DIYs to gift. Check them out and give them a try for yourselves!

For a special twist: use a unique charm instead of a circular connector.
Get the full tutorial from Honestly WTF

For a special twist: use a different scent of essential oil.
Get the full tutorial from The Idea Room

For a special twist: Use a plain Dollar Store vase instead of a mason jar.
Get the full tutorial from Please Note

For a special twist: thumb tack an initial or another shape.
Get the full tutorial from Life in Velvet

For a special twist: try it on a different ceramic piece.

Get the full tutorial from Poppytalk

What kind of DIYs are you doing for this holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!

A Broke & Fabulous Holiday Season: Gifts Under $20

It's officially December and, with Hanukkah in a week and Christmas in three, it's officially time to start sharing my gift guides! This year, I asked you s via Twitter which of my gift guides from last year you'd like to see again, and  "gifts by price"  won by a landslide over "gifts by color". So, here are some affordable gifts to welcome this Broke & Fabulous holiday season!

1. Navy and white scarf from Accessories 212– Scarves are always appropriate holiday gifts, especially if you live somewhere chilly.

2. Black cashmere-blend tech gloves from Portolano– Everyone deserves to have their hands pampered in cold weather!

3. Black and gold shades from Nasty Gal– Show them you know just how cool they are with a very cool (and practical) pair of shades.

4. Plaid Minimergency kit from Pinch for J. Crew– For your reckless or organized friends alike; these kits are cute and handy to have around.

5. Floral bath truffles from Anthropologie– Give the people in your life an excuse to treat themselves.

1. Bear socks from PJ Salvage– Honestly, how cute are these? Plus, they're more unique than your average pair of socks, so you won't get labelled as that person who "just gives socks".

2. Rhinestone cluster studs earrings from Lydell NYC– Super cute earrings that are especially appropriate for the holiday season but can be worn year-round.

3. Jewelry bag from kate spade new york– Everyone who wears jewelry can always use an extra organizer; plus, this one is travel-friendly!

4. Gold antler jewelry tray from Tri-Coastal Design– Simple colors and design make it compliment any type of decor, so don't worry about having to match an aesthetic.

5. Silver nail ring from Natalie B Jewelry– Badasses and jewelry-enthusiasts will love this unique ring! Plus, the design transcends gender and can be gifted to anyone who likes jewelry.

1. Eyelash-print sleep mask from MSSilk– I actually own this sleep mask and it's the perfect weight and size to help me snooze wherever I am, from my own bed to the airplane.

2. Beige fringe scarf from H&M– A super simple and classic scarf for anyone on your holiday gift list.

3. Nature print colorable postcards from Chronicle Books– I own this, too! Coloring is one of the most cathartic activities you can do, and you can send them when you're done coloring which makes it practical.

4. Dachshund print nylon tote from Baggu– Who doesn't need another grocery or beach bag? Plus, the dachshund print is totally adorable and unique.

5. "I woke up like this" gold polka dot mug from Tri-Coastal Design– Everyone deserves to wake up to a Beyoncé motto.

1. Gold glitter nail polish from Morgan Taylor– Glitter is perfect for the holiday season, and this gold will transition perfectly into spring, summer, and fall.

2. Minted rose lip balm from Rosebud Perfume Co.– Sweet portable, and good for your skin: shouldn't everything be like that?

3. Rose gold tealight from west elm– I've never met anyone who doesn't like candle light, and this tealight helps create the perfect ambience.

4. Sculpted love cuff from Forever 21– So cute and simple!

5. 3D animal alphabet mug from Pottery Barn– These are on sale and most letters are still available! Even if their initial isn't there, buy them their favorite animal.

OOTD: J & J Forever

Two weeks ago, my cousin Jenny married the love of her life. I was so fortunate to be able to join them and celebrate their love with some of my favorite people in the world: my family and Brendan. We dressed ourselves to the nines and spent the evening dancing and eating and generally having a good time. 

I spent months searching for the perfect dress and accessories. After all, it's not every day that your closest cousin gets married! I finally found a dress from ASOS after some non-response on Poshmark. I actually ended up getting a different dress from the website than I'd ordered, but at least it was still red and long, so I wasn't going to let it ruin my weekend!

I was so glad that Brendan got to join us in Arizona for the weekend after my birthday. We got to celebrate my birthday just days after and he got to take part in his first big Goldstein family event.

This was the first time our family had been together since Winter Break last year. I'm so lucky to be able to be able to see them so often.

Photo by April Maura Photography