winter

Lifestyle

The holidays are over and it’s a new year! I’m back at it here on SSD after a little holiday time off. We took our honeymoon to Montego Bay (pics coming soon, I swear) and then spent some quality time at home with friends and family. After two weeks of r&r, I went back to the real world this week.

Which is honestly, kind of nice. I thrive on a routine and it definitely threw me off having so little to do. I def missed the gym too!

I am not a really dedicated new year’s resolutions type of gal, but I do have some general things  I’d like to accomplish and incorporate into my life this year.

Home wise

Organizing is one of my favorite things (I know, I’ve completely lost it) but something I want to do this year is make it a priority to stay organized. Instead of having to totally redo my organizing system every three months, I want to continuously sort my stuff and make sure everything always goes back to its home.

Clothing wise

Lately I’ve really been trying to make sure pieces I purchase are things I will wear time and time again, and can pair with plenty of other things in my closet. I want to stop having to go through my clothes and donate things every few months so I can fit in more stuff and stop being stressed when it’s time to pick out an outfit— I want to only keep pieces I love and am excited to wear. It’s the “if it doesn’t bring you joy” method for sure, but it works for me. 

Life wise

It’s hard to make time, but it’s possible. While I definitely want to take time to center myself and regroup, I also want to make it a priority to use my time more wisely. My husband works full-time and is in law school, and that means he’s tied up a lot right now. When he’s holed up studying, I want to spend less time napping and being lazy and more time cleaning (see above!) and being productive. That means I will have more time this year to devote to my blog, too!

Blog wise

Obviously I want to grow my blog, but I really want to make sure my readers are happy and seeing content they really are interested in. If there’s something you want to know about, like what my favorite brand of makeup is or what in my closet is on repeat, please let me know! I would love to talk with any of ya’ll and write posts that you want to see on this blog. After all, that’s what its for!

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Style

It’s boot season ya’ll, and I love it so much!

While I typically opt for shorter, heeled booties, I went for something different recently and picked up these over the knee boots from Seven Dial. To be honest, the girl who did my makeup on my wedding day was wearing them, and I immediately asked her the brand and where she bought them because I knew I had to have them!

I only have one other pair of tall boots, and I knew I didn’t want to invest a lot of money in something I wasn’t sure how much I would wear, so I was so excited these boots were under $100.

 

I wanted to show ya’ll how I wore these shoes, since it seems like taller boots are so in season this year. I paired these studded OTK boots with my favorite leggings— the Spanx faux leather leggings. These are the BEST ya’ll and are worth every dime! My plaid surplice shirt is from beach lunch lounge. I love how loose it is, and how the shirt tail covers my back end. It’s easily one of my favorite tops for the cold weather, and I found mine at TJ Maxx!

Do you like tall boots better than booties? How are you styling yours this holiday season?

xoxo

ivana

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Style

I don’t know about you, but I’m into the embroidery trend.

I admit, I have bought way too many embroidered items this season… but I don’t regret any of them! One of my favorite purchases is these embroidered booties from Karl Lagerfeld.  I. Am. Obsessed.

When I bought these, so many people were like, “but what will you wear them with?” The answer is everything. Literally, everything. I have worn these booties SO many times, and I’ve only had them two months! They are comfortable, the 3 inch heel is a perfect height, and I love the colors.

Here is one of my favorite outfits to pair my embroidered booties with. I hope this encourages you to buy shoes that you were a little worried about being “impractical,” because those are always the best kind.

Links to buy all products are underlined!

Southern Style Diaries, Southern Style, Ivana Hrynkiw, Ivana

This top is from last year’s fall collection at H&M, and I am regretting not buying it in the other two colors it came in. It is so soft, I could sleep in it! I love the funnel neck detail, and it’s the perfect length for tucking in. (See a similar one here)

Mitri always likes to do a few shots playing around with the focus. And actually, sometimes they turn out pretty cool.

Zara’s jeans are some of my favorites, and this pair is evidence. They came hole-y, but they have definitely gained more holes throughout the years. (Similar jeans linked here)

& for those who have asked before, I use the Beachwaver Pro Curling Iron to do my hair. It’s expensive, but worth every penny. I can do my whole head in about 8 minutes, and the waves last into day two! (See it here)

That’s it! It’s so easy to rock the embroidered trend. I hope you use my look for inspiration, and let me know if you do so I can see. As always, thanks to my future husband for the photos. He knows the way to my heart! (Buy my booties here)

This post is not sponsored; all opinions are my own.

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Lifestyle

It can be so challenging to eat well during the holidays.
I know when I am with my family and off my daily schedule, I want to eat like a trash can. And sometimes I do, but I wanted to give ya’ll 10 quick tips on how to stay healthy and stay (mostly!) on track with your eating during the holiday season.

I hope these tips help you! If you need motivation, feel free to reach out and we can do this together… in between Christmas cookies.

Southern Style Diaries

(Yes, my Christmas cooking tips all stem from Paula Deen!)

-Eat a fiber-filled, balanced breakfast. Those cinnamon rolls are fine once or twice, but try to start your day out with good carbs (like a banana nut muffin) and yogurt, or an egg sandwich and a fruit cup.

-Guzzle that water! If you’re like me and love a good glass of eggnog (or two), you need to make sure you’re staying hydrated and getting your electrolytes. A Gatorade is also good to add in, especially if you feel like you went a little too hard at the ugly sweater party.

-Divide your plate. At buffet-style gatherings, try to fill half your plate with veggies. Use the other two quarters each for protein and starchy dishes. Also, try not to up your serving size more than you would at a typical dinner at home.

-Speaking of veggies, try to bring a good veggie plate to your gatherings, so everyone can have a healthier option. My mom always makes a veggie and cheese board shaped like a tree for Christmas morning, and it’s gone within the hour! Check that out on my Pinterest here.

-Have a dessert rule. Try not to go for the sweets at every event– stop by the dessert table at one party, and skip it at the next.

-Eat your lean meats! Lean chicken and turkey are better options than a pork chop or a steak smothered in butter.

-And get in your protein if you aren’t into meat. Peanut butter is my go to for a good shot of protein if I need something fast between meals!

-Pre-made meals are your friend. I typically eat prepped meals throughout the week anyway, but it’s SO helpful during the holiday season, because things are always much busier than normal and it’s hard to find a healthy option. For lunch, they can be a lifesaver–either at work or doing last minute Christmas shopping.

-While I know I said this post was about eating well, I have to add this in: Get in exercise when you can! It’s really tough to make time for the gym when you have parties and family obligations, but everyone can fit in some type of exercise. Take a walk with your baby cousins, opt for the stairs at the mall, lift the heavy presents and carry them to the car. Anything helps, especially when you’re probably consuming more food and being more sedentary than normal. If you want some of my ideas for quick exercises you can do at home, click here.

-Don’t beat yourself up over a binge. It’s the holidays, for the Lord’s sake. Have a peppermint cupcake.

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Beauty, Home, Style

I love the holiday season for so many reasons, and one of my favorite things is shopping for that perfect gift for my friends and family! Nowadays, there are so many products shoved in our faces that sometimes it’s tough to figure out what the best gifts really are. I put together a gift guide of some of my favorite things to get for Christmas, so maybe it will help you figure out what to buy that special someone (or to ask Santa for!)

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping Season to all, and to all a good night! 

Shop the gift guide

1- Mou Eskimo Sheepskin Winter Boot

I am slightly obsessed with these boots! The only thing I don’t love is the price point, so I’m working to find dupes on Amazon or a gently used pair on eBay. But, in a perfect world, I would have ordered these babies yesterday. A great gift for any woman is always a good pair of fuzzy slippers or comfy boots!

2- InkJoy Pens & Cambridge Notebooks
There is nothing I need more in life, or love, more than pens and a cute notebook to write in! Both my day job and this blog require lots of writing, and I am a person that would much rather write things down on paper than electronically.

3- Apple Watch

Truth, I asked my daddy for a gold Apple Watch with a pink band… I have a problem. But, everyone and their mother has an iWatch these days! I know, because my mom has one.

4- Nike Pro Warm Dri-FIT Leggings

Most of my days consist of going to work, to the gym, and home. If its not work clothes or gym clothes, I don’t need it! I have several pairs of exercise shorts, but I only have a few pairs of leggings that I rotate during the winter months for my workouts. I’m sure my trainers and my workout friends would really appreciate a few new, clean leggings.

5- Target’s Animal Print Design Faux Fur Throw

Every year I ask for a fuzzy blanket. I have never regretted it, and she won’t either.

6- Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

I have fought the crowd so hard on this palette, but I’m close to breaking. It is just SO gorgeous! And, word on the street is, the colors are beautifully pigmented and have minimal fallout. Every beauty guru either wants this product, or already has it. Ya’ll know I love a good bargain though, and I have heard this Wet N Wild version in “Rose in the Air” is a complete dupe!

7- Copper Measuring Spoons

I have copper pots, an ice bucket, measuring cups, pans, you name it. They look beautiful hanging on my kitchen wall, and they’re useful too! The only thing I’m missing is copper measuring spoons… meaning I may have to buy these for myself.

This post is not sponsored; all opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I could earn a percentage from your purchase.

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Style

I survived the southern snow storm of 2017! However, because of icy road conditions, my blog post for this week went a little haywire (I left my camera at my boyfriend’s house, and I can’t get there!) so that post will be up next week.

For this week, I’m going to show you the winter fashion trends I am loving or those I can’t wait to try. Below are items that I want/need in my closet, and why I can’t wait to embrace the trend.

A new year calls for new clothes, right?

Bomber Jackets

I’ve always had a thing for short jackets, because they show off my long torso. I am SO happy bomber jackets are back in style because they are typically short and also keep you warm- something that can be hard to pull off while looking on trend. You can’t go wrong with an olive or army-green jacket; but, because I have two army-green jackets, I am thinking of snagging a black one à la GiGi Hadid.

Try this one (via H&M) or this one

Tote Purses

By this point I think everyone knows that Santa brought me the best Christmas present in the form of a Louis Vuitton tote. I am all about big purses, because you can throw literally anything you need into it and run out the door. My new LV is slightly too big for a purse (even for me) but it’s perfect for throwing my laptop and chargers in for work or when I’m working on something and have to run out for coffee, a meeting, etc. It’s basically life.

lv

I also love the Madewell totes that come in different colors and shapes with monograms; and Target always has great, colorful bags for your computer. This trend is not only cute- but functional, too.

This is one of my favorites– try the studded version, too! (via Madewell) And these reversible options are great because… reversible. (via Nordstrom)

Over the Knee Boots

Okay, okay, I think everyone is on this trend now… but seriously, what is cooler than OTK boots? You can make this look dressy or casual and take it into the spring with a flowy dress. Lots of these boots are expensive (think Free People, Sam Edelman, Marc Fisher) but you can snag can inexpensive pair (like I did from Forever 21) that will do the trick.

Tip: Before you buy, make sure you do a through walk around the store- I bought a pair two years ago that were not cheap, but when I got home and wore them I could hardly bend my knee. I sold them on Poshmark, but you get the picture.

These are similar to the ones I bought (via Forever 21)

Similar ones here, without heel and in more colors (via Amazon)

Off the Shoulder Sweaters

I can’t get enough of this season’s off the shoulder look. I bought the cutest sweater from my friend Peyton’s online boutique and it is one of my favorite purchases! It can be worn on or off the shoulder, which I love.

When looking at these, a chunky material will keep you warm and make up for the heat lost on your bare shoulders. Careful with buying one too small- if your sweater is too tight, it can quickly look cheap. Try these in neutral colors that you can wear into the spring with ripped jeans and booties.

off-the-shoulder-sweater

Buy mine here, or get it in burgundy! (via ThirtyOne Boutique)

Or this one here (via Amazon)

This post is not sponsored; all opinions are my own

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Style

Winter is coming, winter is coming! While we all know I don’t really NEED anything new, here are some of the pieces I want to add to my closet this season. I’m going out of town this weekend, and will definitely be on the lookout for some of these items or something similar. Plus, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are quickly approaching, meaning so are the sales! We have to get ourselves Christmas presents too, right? 🙂 

Velvet errrrything

Velvet shoes, joggers, and tanks are everywhere right now, and for good reason. Velvet is warm, soft, and has an I-woke-up-like-this vibe. One of my favorite velvet items I have seen this season is this Missguided velvet bomber jacket, available from Asos. Best part? It’s ballerina pink: The color of the season! If you’re trying to ease yourself into the trend, Target has some amazing joggers in gray and blue velvet by Who What Wear. Unfortunately, they didn’t have my size at my local Target and I couldn’t get them- but it’s totally worth checking out. Check out this guide from Pinterest on some of the best velvet looks.

This gorgeous black lace maxi

For winter parties, cocktail dresses are great and fun- but they can get kind of boring. This dress is beautifully crafted, with intricate lace covering the entire dress. The slip just covers your chest, stomach, and upper thighs, which shows just enough skin. The deep V is also stunning!  I’ve had my eye on this dress since I met Stefanie and Tracy of the Eleventh Gorgeous YouTube channel and Madison and Mallory boutique. Spoiler: They’re amazingly sweet and just as beautiful in real life. Anyway, I have wanted this dress ever since this online store opened, but every single time it gets restocked, it sells out! This lace maxi comes in black, pink, maroon, and periwinkle- all are equally stunning. I want the black one (because, black) and I will keep stalking this site until it is mine.

Work appropriate leggings

I own these leggings from Loft in grey and in burgundy, and they have changed my life. Not kidding. They are super thick to keep you warm and to suck you in, and you don’t have to worry about finding a sweater to cover your rear end. I bought a small (I’m 5’6, and a 4/6 in pants) and they are definitely snug, but comfortable. And, for once, they are long enough to wear booties and don’t ride up! Definitely, definitely, definitely recommend. No, they aren’t paying me to say this. I’m just a slave to these leggings.

Sweater for cold mornings or late nights

In the mornings, I like to throw on a sweater while I drink my coffee for a little extra coziness. This Free People sweater-kimono is perfect for that. If you’re going out, you don’t want a bulky jacket over your outfit. This piece is perfect for that, too. The fringe keeps this sweater from looking too much like the shawl your mom wore to that wedding that time, and the delicate fur collar gives it a little flair. Basically I don’t need any other reasons to buy this. I’m obsessed.

Sassy over-the-knee boots

Not your faux leather boots stashed in the back of the closet. These babies are suede with metal detailing, and a pointy toe. First of all, pointy toes are the key to my heart. Second, the metal details are precious. Third, there is an inside zipper so you don’t have to send 45 minutes tugging them on. I could wear these with denim shorts in the spring, a dress in the fall with a long cardigan, and tights and a skirt in the winter. They also seem like they are fitted through the leg and won’t fall down, which is a plus when wearing skirts. These are going on my Christmas list, like now.

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