SmartBuyGlasses

Bonus post for tonight!
Here is a little company preview, featuring SmartBuyGlasses! I have loved exploring their site and have been pleased with the wide variety of options the company offers. There are all types of eye gear: sport, sun, or prescription. You can shop styles, brand, or price range. And, in honor of the holiday season, there are phenomenal discounts, up to 50% off & free shipping!
 I have always been an accessory girl...and sunglasses are one of my must-haves. I can't leave for the day without having a pair of shades with me. The site carries my sunglass brand of choice: Persol. They also have other brands I highly recommend such as: Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Ray Ban.
Below, I will show you some of my favorite picks for the sunny winter days...and those who need a more than "sunnies".
One of my favorite elements of the company is their: Buy One, Give One program. With every pair of glasses you buy, SmartBuyGlasses, donates a pair to someone in need. To date, they have donated over $600,000 worth in glasses. What a perfect way to give back to the community during the holidays?!
Have fun exploring the great options and take full advantage of their sales. 

Eyewear is a great gift for family and friends...and I am sure you can find a couple to add to your own wish list. It never hurts to treat yourself, toodles!

Here are some of my favorites:

Coach Allie

Rayban Clubmaster

Rayban Wayfarer

Ralph Lauren

Persol

Rayban Cats

And for the eye-glasses:

Hugo Boss Boss

Balenciaga

Ray Ban

Emporio Armani

Nine West

D&G

Gift Guide: For the Guys

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I felt as though it was due time for gift guides. We are going to start with the men, covering dads, brothers, and boy friends. Hope you find some direction!

Shop below:

1. Orvis Pure Cashmere Simoom Sweater

2. Brooks Brothers Boxers

3. J.Crew Flannel Robe

4. Banana Republic Brown Leather Belt

5. Men's Monogram Stationery: William Arthur

6. Hav-a-Hank

7. Subscription to THE WEEK

8. Men's Camp Socks

9. Patagonia Classic Retro Vest

10. Flask

11. Clark's Desert Boots

12. Taigan Hats

glam + wine

I am busy working on 'gift guide' posts to air next week, hence the lack of a Friday outfit post today. 

But I found a great assortment of images that I hope you are inspired by as much as I am!

I will be helping host a cocktail party this evening and then doing my little DJ (itunes control) gig afterwards.

Because the holidays should always be a glamorous time, the beautiful images below have provided the perfect 'theme' for any sort of festive gathering or holiday cocktail party. 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, see you next week!

Toodles

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Guest Post: A New Twist on the Holiday Parties

How to Make the Most of the Holiday Season for Networking

The holidays are a great time to enjoy festivities with friends and family. However, they can also be a great time to build business contacts. While everyone else is chugging back the eggnog and planning a rendezvous under the mistletoe, you can be networking and laying the groundwork for your next job or your next big deal.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few tips for how you can make the most of the holiday season for networking:

Fill Your Dance Card

Everyone is in the mood for a party during the holidays. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet as many new people as you can and accept all the invitations that you are given. Even if the invite comes from your annoying neighbor who's been unemployed for months, you never know if one of the guests will include an uncle who works at one of the biggest companies in town or an old high school friend who just so happens to be the hiring manager of a company you've been trying to work at for years.

Host Your Own Party

Even though you already know all the people you'd be inviting to a party, you never know who those people may bring along. Host a large party, and invite as many people in your contact list as you can afford to host. Then encourage those people to invite friends. You can also invite clients and former clients, some of whom may become repeat customers or who could help lead you to new opportunities.

Mix Business and Pleasure

When you network at parties, you have to know when to talk business and when to just have a good time. No one wants to be cornered at the cheese table to talk about that investing opportunity you think is going to be gold. Make sure you strike the right balance between having a good time and making social conversation and talking about business plans and opportunities. Remember: If the time isn't right now, you can always plant the seed for follow up later.

Send Cards and Small Gifts

Even if you can't meet your contacts in person through parties and other holiday events, you can still connect by sending out cards and small gifts. By doing so, you are supporting your ongoing relationship and smoothing the way for future networking opportunities -- like when you hear about a job opening at that person's company in a few month's time. Be sure to include a personalized note with your card or gift.

Follow Up

Once the parties have ended and the cards have all been trashed, make sure to follow up on the work you have done to strengthen those connections. Send an e-mail after a few weeks, or make a personal phone call. Ask to meet for coffee or lunch to talk about your ideas or to explore opportunities together. Networking is about building and fostering relationships, so you should follow up regularly to maintain the connection.

The holidays are a great time to network because everyone is in a festive mood and is ready to rub elbows with new people. Take advantage of this time to reach out to new contacts and to reconnect with old ones. You never know what new opportunities you may discover!

How do you network at the holidays? Share your tips for success in the comments!

Sarah Clare is a writer and oversees the site projectmanagementsoftware.com, where she has recently been researching project scheduling software. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys cooking and scrap-booking.

houndstooth

Shop the look:

My Latest Adventure

I am ecstatic to announce my latest project with all of my readers. 

I am the Editorial Intern for Matchbook Magazine!

The December issue released yesterday and I'd love for you to check-it out. 

My articles are:

"10 Things You Didn't Know About...James Stewart"

&

"Lulie's Floral Fancy"

Let me know what you think!

I hope you can continue to join me on this adventure throughout the next few months.

Toodles, 

Twirling Clare

President's Ball Update

The ball was wonderful this weekend and I am excited to show you a little recap today. With encouragement from the lovely Emily of Simply Southern, I am actually doing a little bit of an outfit post! I know I showed you my outfit inspiration on my board for Friday's Fancies...but below there are some shots of me bringing it to life; photo credits to Em!

We had phenomenal decorations with colorful ornaments hanging from the entryway, brightly wrapped boxes, sparkly christmas trees, and fabulous lights!

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