Nicole Kiger ART fashion : H&M

LOOK OF THE DAY: FORMAL CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER ATTIRE UNDER $85

Happy Monday, Everyone!

I hope each of you had a magical holiday season and were able to celebrate around friends, family and/or loved ones.

I was fortunate to be surrounded by my entire family this year, including my niece and 3 nephews, which made it extra special for me. There truly is nothing like being with those whom you care about most and having little ones running around...it's really all I ever need for Christmas.

Our family tradition is getting dressed up on Christmas Eve and having a big, formal dinner following cocktails and a plethora of hors d'oeuvres. This year, was the first in many where I hadn't chosen to wear a strapless or sleeveless dress, as to not freeze, and it was 75 degrees in VA, naturally! ;)

I paired a fitted black turtleneck, that I’ve had for years and is a favorite of mine, with a full, flirty and bouncy black skirt, which I refer to as my "big girl tutu," a new pair of red faux suede heels and a variety of gold and sparkle affordable accessories.

My entire look cost under $85, and it could easily double as a NYE look by simply adding a bit more sparkle and switching out the heels.

Below, I break it all down for you along with some pictures from our celebration. Enjoy! :)

Black Turtleneck

H&M = $7.99 (on sale)

(similar fitted style found here)

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt

Love Culture = $24.95

(similar styles found here and here)

Red Faux Suede Heels

Forever 21 = $27.80

(same heels, but in different colors, found here)

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace

Forever 21 = $12.80

(similar style and look found here)

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring

Forever 21 = $6.80

(similar look created pairing these found here)

Gold Open Bangle

Forever 21 = $1.80

(similar styles in the bangle set found here)

__________________________________________________________

TOTAL LOOK = $82.12

Black “Big Girl Tutu” Skirt: Love Couture = $$24.95 /Red Faux Suede Heels Forever 21 = $27.80

Gold Hammered Bars Statement Necklace: Forever 21 = $12.80

Gold & Crystal Sparkle Ring: Forever 21 = $6.80 / Gold Open Bangle: Forever 21 = $1.80

One of my brothers-in-law with my dad, two of the most incredible men I know, and my extraordinary dad with my super sisters.

Good Eats.

Niece Nugget!

My incredible nephews and extraordinary parents.

Marvelous Mother and Super Sisters

My silly and super fun family, minus the 2 littlest ones who had gone to bed. :)

"Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night."

UPDATE AND LOOK OF THE DAY: FALL DINNER AND A PLAY READING IN NYC

Happy Holidays and Monday, Bogland!

It has been far too long since I posted here, and I have truly missed you all so much!

Honestly, it has been a busy and difficult year for me personally. Yet have no fear because in 2016 I plan to be back with a new look and posting weekly, once again.

As many of you know, blogging was a passion of mine for years, but life got in the way a bit and I found myself without time, true inspiration or the energy you all deserve.

That said, I'm getting ready to take a risk, fully follow my heart, embrace my creative soul and get back to sharing affordable fashions, my 'Get Crafty' DIY ideas, quotes and positivity in 2016. All in hopes of leaving each of you who stop by a little space in bogland a bit more inspired.

In the meantime, enjoy this affordable Look of the Day for under $75.00, from head to toe. I recently sported it to dinner at the Pinnacle Bar in Times Square and a play reading of You Never Can Tell, starring Stockard Channing, which The Roundabout Theatre Company o kindly invited me to attained in NYC.

Fall has been gorgeous on the East coast and incredibly warm as we approach winter and Christmas, record breaking even, which makes me feel as though I'm back in LA LA Land, but with lovely leaves.

Thank you all for your patience and continued support over the past year, it means more than you know, and I'm sending each of you great big hugs and hope you are enjoying the holiday season thus far.

If you are interested in a further look into my life through pictures, you can always follow me on my Instagram @lieslehardt where I post daily! :)