Day 122 -- Happy New Year!

When: Monday, December 31st, 2012 -- New Years Eve

Where: Party at Jessica's place

If New Years Eve isn't a time to wear sparkles, then no time would be! I bought this dress months ago and got the best deal of my life on it! Humble brag -- this dress retails for $699 but I got it for $44! I mean, REALLY!

Dress: Tory Burch via TJ Maxx | Tank: Target | Jacket: Maralyn and Me via Burlington Coat Factory, gift from Lindsey | Tights: Ann Klein | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Bag: Furla, gift from my future mother-in-law

Day 121 -- Road Trip Ruffle

When: Sunday, December 30th, 2012

Where: Driving back to LA

Ugh, long drives make me feel so grimy. No makeup, greasy hair and stretched out clothing from wear is a combination doesn't make for the best appearance in photos... but such is the reality.

I have to admit that I was comfortable in my attire on the ride down, and sometimes, there's nothing better than that.

Sweater: Gap, hand-me-down from Maija | Top: Urban Outfitters | Jeans: Zara

Boots: DV for Target | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Day 120 -- A Cardinal Sin

When: Saturday, December 29th, 2012

Where: Maples Pavilion at Stanford 

Even though I wore my lucky red shirt, and a pair of golden trousers, the Stanford Women's Basketball team delivered one of the most abismal games I've ever witnessed! It was positively terrible. I mean, look at the score board behind me! 35 to 61! And Stanford was supposed to be the number one team in the country. I suppose that is no longer... I still love them though.

I even did up my nails for the occasion, though I must admit they certainly suited the holiday season.

 

Shirt: Stanford Store | Jeans: Silence and Noise via Urban Outfitters | Flats: Rocketdog via Marshall's

Day 119 -- Engaged

When: Friday, December 28th, 2012

Where: Our engagement party!

Sometimes it's just so fun getting dressed up! I had previously worn this dress to a party at my old job, but my co-worker and friend (and fellow blogger!), Jessica mentioned to me at the time what a perfect dress this would be for an engagement party. And how right she was!

I bought this necklace just for the occasion. It's from Kate Spade's "Say Yes" collection. I love the explicative symbols on it! I guess it's what you might say when someone proposes -- a lot of profanities... I know I certainly did (in the best way possible).

These shoes also bear something of a story themselves. I had deeply coveted them when I had shopped the Margiela for H&M collection on Day 76, but alas the $300 price tag alluded me. But when I was in the city shopping for a wedding dress, I ran into a fellow in the Marc Jacobs store who was carrying the candy wrapper clutch and we got to chatting. He tipped me off too a monster of a sale happening at the H&M down the street. I rushed over there, sisters and mother in tow, and snapped up the very last part -- in my size, no less -- for $30! That's 90% for crying out loud!

Here's me and my dear friend, Emilie, reuniting with friends is one of the best excuses to party!

Dress: Cynthia Steffe via Marshall's | Sweater: Pas Un Ange | Shoes: Margiela for H&M

Necklace: Kate Spade | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs | Bracelet: Alexis Bittar | Ring: Vintage

Day 118 -- In Search of a White Dress

When: Thursday, December 27th, 2012

Where: San Francisco for wedding dress shopping!

What a fun day! My sisters, mother and I trucked up to San Francisco to take a peek at Amy Kuchel's bridal collection. I had the best time trying on dresses and I may have just found the one! It felt so surreal to put on white gowns and picture myself as a bride, but it also felt so good! I can't way enough about my experience in the salon. My consultant, Teresa, helped me pick out just the right thing and was so lovely to work with... Just a bit more thinking and planning until I can decide, but, boy oh boy, am I excited to pick a dress and call it my own!

After a very big day shopping, I needed a very big drink. Luckily the gin and tonics were handy when we got back. And what a view there was that night. The fog around the moon created an amazing halo in the dark sky. It was beyond cool.

Dress: Anthropologie | Sweater: Target | Tights: Walgreens | Shoes: BDG via Urban Outfitters

Belt: ASOS | Earrings: Alexis Bittar | Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Day 117 -- Burgers and Beer

When: Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

Where: Zotts for some killer burgers

The day after Christmas, we decided to add to our holiday feasting by heading out to our favorite burger dive. Zott's (aka Rosatti's, previously known as the Harpoon Lodge, currently the Alpine Inn) is the location from which the first email was ever sent! But you wouldn't know it to look at the place. It's the kind of place with raunchy beer ads on the walls graffiti-laden wood bench tables and a handwritten menu that hasn't changed in decades.

We took these photos in the back, where, on a good day, you could enjoy your pitcher of beer out of a plastic cup creekside.

I opted for a simple a cozy look for the day's outing. Jeans and a sweater gifted to me from my sister, Maija, made for the perfect beer-and-burgers outfit.

Please note the wool felt heart elbow patches that she lovingly DIY'd onto the sweater she gave me. I have very talented family members, indeed!

Sweater: Gap, DIY, gift from Maija | Jeans: Lux via Urban Outfitters

Boots: White Mountain via TJ Maxx

Day 116 -- Christmas!

When: Tuesday, December 25th, 2012 -- Christmas Day!

Where: Home

There I am, sitting among all my new gifts! I got everything I could have asked for and more! My favorite gift is sitting in my lap, my little Bucket boy. He has made the holidays so different and so fun! I love having that pup in my life!

Gap head to toe! Sweater, skirt, and socks are all Gap!

Day 115 -- Eve

When: Monday, December 24th, 2012 -- Christmas Eve!

Where: Walking Bucket, at home making bread, eating crab and opening gifts!
 

It was only appropriate to visit our neighborhood donkeys on Christmas Eve; it just felt so biblical. It was rainy and a bit chilly, so I layered my raincoat over a sweater and dress. I probably should have worn better walking shoes for out in the mud, but these new flats held up just fine.

This Christmas felt so wonderful and full with so many people (and a dog!) in the house together. Although my dad had to work both Christmas Eve and Christmas, we found a way to enjoy our togetherness to the fullest!

Dress: Theory via Marshall's | Sweater: Kimchi Blue via Urban Outfitters

Raincoat: Ellen Tracy | Shoes: Gap

Day 114 -- Merry and Bright

When: Sunday, December 23rd, 2012

Where: Holiday Party at Home

I got this sweater on deep discount months ago and I could hardly wait to don it come the holiday season! I paired it with this fun and playful pink striped skirt and matching heart polka dot tights. I really felt holiday cheer in this look!

Don't me and my sister, Lindsey, look like twins with our matching haircuts?

You can catch a glimpse of our tree behind me in these shots. I think it was our best tree ever! We added a lot of natural elements this year and I think it gave it a vintage appeal and filled the room with joy.

Sweater: Designed By via Marshall's | Skirt: Maeve via Anthropologie | Tights: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: BDG via Urban Outffiters | Earrings: Macy's

Day 113 -- Dinner Party

When: Saturday, December 22nd

Where: Dinner party at Linda's house!

I didn't mean to take a break from blogging, but it seems I have, haven't I? I did take photos of my outfits daily, so pardon me while I play catch up!

This outfit was thrown together at this last minute when I needed to find something nice to wear. I kept the colors of the outfit neutral to avoid any clashing happening as I hurried to get dressed. These platforms added just the touch of color I needed to spare this look for going bland.
 

Blouse: Pure Sugar via Marshall's | Tank: Sparkle via Urban Outfitters | Jeans: Rich and Skinny via TJ Maxx | Shoes: Via Spiga via Marshall's

Day 112 -- Oh Christmas Tree

When: Friday, December 21st, 2012

Where: Half Moon Bay for tree cutting and sushi!


It is a family tradition to travel to Half Moon Bay every year to cut down our tree ourselves. It's usually wet and rainy and this year was so exception. I planned my outfit accordingly as I was packing for home, and came up with this cheeky mix. Wearing a mini skirt did keep me from sawing down the thing myself, but my duck boots and raincoat kept me dry and happy! 

Above is each Benitz sister with their significant other. This year our house is full of boys! It's been so fun having everyone together. For those who may not know, from left to right -- Lindsey and her husband, Danny; Maija and her boyfriend Gordie; and me with my fiance Alex.

Below is a shot of just the girls. I have the most gorgeous sisters ever!

 

Raincoat: Ellen Tracy | Sweater: Vince via Wasteland | Shirt: Anthropologie, birthday gift from mom | Skirt: Forever 21 | Tights: Ann Klein via Marshall's | Shoes: Sperry via TJ Maxx

All photos were taken by my mother!