Merry Merry Xmas

We wish you and your families lots of food, laughter, and fun over this holiday weekend! We will be enjoying our time back in Minnesota. Our Xmas traditions include lasagna, ping pong tournaments, cheesy lifetime movies by the fire and board games.What are yours? 

xoxo Bear & Al

Sheerly Fab

Olivaceous Sheer Single Pocket Blouse in Green Teal

 Hudson Collin Skinny in Rebel

 Free People Pieced Lace Cropped Bralette

One of the perks of flying back home to Minnesota is I get to spend some quality time at Covered Boutique.  I helped the owner open her first store in 2006 when I was just starting college.When I am home visiting, the ladies there let me hang out at the store and sometimes even use me for their online website. Nothing is better than surrounding myself with sick clothes and amazing chicks. Shop these goods and many others at www.shopcovered.com.

Santa Baby

Just in case I get a little peek of Santa this Christmas Eve my nails will be ready for him..not like he would really care but whatevs. I look forward to my weekly changing of my nails. I am not very skilled so I usually  paint the entire finger and scrub the rest off in the shower. My left hand always turns out better than the right. Get this look with OPI's Kennebunk-Port & Sephora by OPI Only Gold for Me.

Stocking Stuffers @ Stephanies

Last week was very exciting for the alexa collection. Several of my pieces found a new temporary home (because you guys are going to swoop them up and take them home) at Stephanie's Shop. If you are looking for the perfect stocking stuffer, & happen to live in MN, head over to Stephanie's Shop in St.Paul.  All of my pieces are handmade and recreated from vintage jewelry.  Stephanie's also carries clothing, handbags, and accessories so you are bound to fall in love with more than the alexa collection.

Like Stephanie's Shop on Facebook

Like alexa collection on Facebook if you haven't already!

Must Have Mondays

This week there is only one thing on the must have list and that is Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Body Lotion. I have been using this product for over two years now. I don't use it on my entire body rather just my face and neck. It is not too heavy, greasy, or brown tinted. After wearing it daily for a couple weeks you will notice a nice tint and glow to your skin! I have super sensitive skin and my face loves this stuff, seriously.

Feel Good Friday

Consider this a little pick me before the weekend. A clip from my holiday favorite, Elf. Have a wonderful weekend!

Unwrap Me...

 You can't actually unwrap my fingernail but man it looks cute with the stripe of "red ribbon" across Essie playa del platinum grey. A little bit of fun and unexpectedness during this Christmas season! I should mention I got the straight edge with the help of scotch tape. I highly recommend waiting until your base coat is for sure dry. Otherwise you will be touching it up after the glitter free hand.

What He Really Wants

Hey, your boyfriend called this is what he wants for Christmas. He is sick of getting ties....why not get him something that you know he will enjoy and maybe you will too. All Gifts are under $100 bucks!

1. TOMS Grey Plaid Men's Classic $54.00

2. hanky panky Betty Balconette Set $65.00

3. Nixon The Time Teller $60.00

4. KIEHLS Essentials for Him $41.00

5. LODIS Leather Wallet $50.00

6. Urban Outfitters Happy Socks $12.00 
7. GQ Subscription $15.00

What She Really Wants

Does your significant other always seem to miss the mark when it comes to your Christmas present? Send him this way... my top picks for the perfect present! It is sure to please any chica without draining his bank account. All gifts are under $150 bucks.

1. TOMS Red Houndstooth $54.00

2. Pendleton Patterned Wool Scarf $105.00

3. MATT & NAT Marlon $115.00

4. House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Cat Eye $138.00

5. OPI Glitter & Sparkle Set $28.00

6. URBAN DECAY NAKED Palette $48.00

Must Have Mondays

All of the picks this week can be found at my favorite beauty headquarters, Sephora. Today I share with you a glimpse into my makeup drawer. I swear these products are the best of the best not only for value but quality and longevity as well. I am a sucker for Sephora's gift value sets; it allows you the opportunity to get colors or product you would not normally gravitate towards such as emerald or sapphire eyeliner (smashbox). 

1. smashbox Life is Your Set Eyeliners $18.00

2. NARS Botan Brush $75.00

3. Korres Lip Butter Blockbuster $39.00

4. benefit They're Real! Mascara $22.00

5. Stila Dream In Full Color Palette $39.00

6. NARS Trio Eyeshadow $45.00

7. Benefit Stay Don't Stray $26.00

Feel Good Friday

This quote was originally stated by an American author known for his flamboyant writing style. However, it was made famous in my eyes from my late grandpa. Known for his determination and hard work this quote was something he lived by. I grew up hearing this and have found someway to relate it to many aspects in my life. Think about it... how can you apply it to yours?

Shake It Out

{Florence + The Machine - Shake It Out}

It only happens every so often when I hear a song that seems to take over my entire body. The type of song that you drop what you're doing and just dance. Shake It Out from Florence + The Machine's sophomore album has me doing just that. I was a big fan of her debut album Lungs. However, her sophomore album Ceremonials has me literally begging for more. Her voice....her look... you could say I have a lady crush on this redheaded beauty. 

Goody Goody Gum Drop

It's the time of the year when we take on decorating & building the gingerbread house. While it is one of our favorite traditions, it is definitely not our finest work. This years kit did not have any fancy building system, therefore our structure isn't very sound. In fact I barely had time to snap a picture of the final product before the walls started caving in. I know most people don't actually eat the finished product but at least they have something good to look at. Ours you wouldn't want to eat (sharpie on the snowman) or even really look at... ha. There is always next year.

Sparklin'

Ever since my left hand has received a little sparkle I have been feeling the need to deck out my fingernails as well. This time I am embracing the christmas season with essie sew physched and gold glitter. This look is easy to create as long as you are willing to put your glittering skills to the test. I have tried the sprinkling, dusting, and dunking method. I highly suggest the third option! I am warning you once you start with the sparkle its hard to stop.

Sparklin' How To:

1. Apply your first & second coat of color making sure to skip the nail/s you will be applying glitter to

2. Apply the clear top coat to the nail/s you wish to sparkle

3. Dunk, sprinkle, or dust the glitter onto the nail/s with the clear top coat (I suggest doing this over a paper towel)

4. Tap off excess glitter 

5. Apply the clear top coat over all of your nails including the glittered one/s

Now your nails will be sparklin'

Must Have Mondays

It is hard to believe it is already December. As the weather starts to plummet towards the lower end of the double digits I find myself gravitating towards cozy, warm, yet chic clothing and accessories. For me it is all about the detail whether it be fringe, a pattern, or color! Here are this week's monday must haves.

1. Left on Houston Dynamite navajo poncho $209.00

2. Minnetonka Chestnut Sheepskin Ankle Bootie $80.00

3. Current/Elliott The Ankle Skinny Jeans $295.00

4. Wooden ShipsMitten The Middle $42.99

5. Topshop Pom Pom Bobble Scarf $44.00

Blogging..sure why not?!

 { alexa collection Leaves of Gold $40.00}

After a bit of peer pressure I have finally caved in and created my very first blog. I welcome you to follow me as I share a bit of what makes me tick. I would love to start off by sharing my favorite earrings from my fall/winter 2011 collection. Something about the pairing of gold leaves and blue "stone" has me mesmerized.