Where to Find My Favorite Christmas Gifts of 2022

I'm sharing an Instagram reel today that features some of my favorite Christmas gifts I received this holiday season. Since a lot of people ask me where I get things (and since a lot of us have similar taste!), I wanted to provide links for the items that are still available. Some of these are dupes or can only be found on resale sites, but I did manage to track down similar or exact items for everything featured! Please note that there are a few affiliate links featured, which means I can earn a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you do make a purchase.

 

1. April Cornell lilac plaid tablecloth and matching napkins
2. Ryka training shoes
3. Gold starburst glassware (similar)
4. Cath Kidston West End travel wallet
5. Johanna Parker cream and sugar set
6. Mickey and Minnie holiday baking dish
7. Little Women book locket

What's a favorite present you received (or gave!) during the holidays this year?

Friday Favorites #162: Valentine Wish List

Today's the last day of January (finally!!!), which means that Valentine's Day is just two weeks away. I may not have a sweetheart this year, but I'm taking that as an excuse to treat myself instead. I thought it was high time I put together a new Friday Favorites post – and this one is Valentine-themed! See what I'm swooning over below.

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may receive a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e 

f   ||   g   ||   h   ||   i

Have a LOVE-ly weekend!

HSP Gift Guide: Perfect Presents for Highly Sensitive People

This time of year, there's no shortage of gift guides out there in the blogosphere. I really enjoy putting these kinds of posts together, but I wanted to make sure that mine was a little bit different. And then I remembered the post I wrote on self-care tips for introverts and highly sensitive people (a.k.a. me) a while back. The post seemed to resonate with a lot of you, as well. Maybe it was time to write about that subject again, but in a different way.

A lot of my friends who are writers, bloggers, artists, and creatives identify with being empaths, HSPs, and introverts. And I think it can be really easy to forget that these traits are actually gifts, rather than faults. So what better way to remind you all of these special gifts than by putting together a gift guide for yourself or for the sensitive, introverted, or empathic person in your life?

As a rule, HSPs tend to feel more deeply and observe more closely than other people and we have to be very careful about how we use our energy. Self-care is important for everyone, but I feel really strongly that it's especially so for us. I've curated some gift ideas that are introspective and comforting for when the world overwhelms us and we desperately need to check in with ourselves.

a.  The Highly Sensitive Person (the go-to read for HSPs!)

b.  Weighted blanket (to help you sleep more soundly)

c.  Start Where You Are (a nurturing self-exploration journal)

d.  Cowl neck pullover (made of the *softest* material)

e.  Kate Gabrielle pin (to remind people to handle your heart with care)

f.  Peach plushie heating pad (this will keep you snuggly and pain-free this winter)

g.  Color Theory sensitive tote bag (to carry around your comforting must-haves)
h.  ban.do anxiety necklace (a stylish way to end the mental health stigma)
i.  Get Relaxed tea (a soothing blend of chamomile, lavender, and rose)
j.  Mist Your Mood (an equally comforting room mist of lavender and chamomile)
k.  The Introvert Activity Book (for when you need to recharge, distract, and express yourself)
l.  Lavender blossoms grow kit (so you can grow your own soothing scent at home)
m.  I Don't Know How to Cook (to help you nourish your body without feeling overwhelmed)
n.  "Sensitivity is my superpower" mug (to remind you that your sensitivity really is a gift)
o.  Lavender and sage soy candle (a way to instantly make you feel cozy and calm)
p.  S'mores USB heat-up slippers (to make you smile and keep your feet toasty)
q.  The Great British Baking Show on DVD (for when you need the ultimate comfort show)
r.  "Stay Home Club" print (for when you need an excuse to stay home with your cat)
s.  Bamboo bath caddy (so you can treat yourself to a *fancy* soak in the tub)
t.  Bee Balm healing salve (for when your sensitive skin needs some TLC)
u.  The Mini Book of Mindfulness (so you can learn to live in the moment)

Of course, the best gift you can give to your HSP may not be material at all. Experience gifts can be even more appreciated because it can convince us to really take the time to take care of ourselves. If you really want to pamper your HSP and show them how much they're loved, I'd recommend: a professional massage, a day outdoors, or a weekend at a quaint bed and breakfast. Helping them with chores around the house, cooking them their favorite meal, or offering to take a major task off their plate can be a huge relief and be even better than unwrapping a present. Anything that prioritizes their well-being and makes them special and taken care of is usually a good bet in my book.

I can speak only from my personal experience as an introverted HSP who's been dealing with a lot of stress and sleep issues for the past couple of years, so some of these picks may end up being more beneficial to me than others. But I hope you'll find this guide at least a little bit helpful for someone on your list! Do you have any suggestions that I missed? I'd love to hear about them in the comments so that others can heed your advice, too.

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may earn a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Favorites #156: Black Friday 2018 Edition [DEALS AND PROMO CODES]

Happy Black Friday, everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and are ready to drop some cash. I put together a wish list of items I may be purchasing for myself this year (I promise, I'm buying things for other people, too!). Plus, I've rounded up a TON of promo codes and deals for you to use as a reference for all of your shopping needs. If you're planning on buying something today (or already bought something!), tell me all about it in the comments so I can live vicariously! :)

Please note that this post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of those links, I may earn a small commission that helps to run my blog. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

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f   ||   g   ||   h   ||   i   ||   j

k   ||   l   ||   m   ||   n   ||   o  

And now for the deals and promo codes! I'll be adding to this list as others come in, so check back!

• aerie: 40% off the Aerie Collection / undies 10 for $35 / free blanket with $75+ purchase 
• ALDO: 20% off all regular-priced merchandise and 50% off sale section
• Ashbury Skies: 20% off all black styles with code BLACK
• ASOS: 25% off everything with code EPIC25
• B.A.I.T. Footwear: up to 40% off (prices as marked)
• ban.do: 30% off everything with code THIRTYOFF
• Barnes and Noble: 20% off orders $40+ with code BLKFRIDAY
• Bernie Dexter: 60% off with code BLACK60
• Betsey Johnson: 35% off + free shipping with code WOW35
• Betty and Veronica: 50% off everything with code FRIYAY
• Box Lunch: 20% off site and 50% off clearance
• Cakeworthy: 40% off with code BLACKFRIDAY18
• Cats Like Us: 25% off with code BCFM-18
• Collectif: 25% off everything with code BF25
• Dangerfield: 20-50% off storewide
• Dolly and Dotty: up to 70% of everything
• DSW: 20% off everything with code MADHOUSE
• Erstwilder: 30% off almost everything with code 30OFFEVENT
• Gal Meets Glam: 40% off select styles + free shipping with code GMGSHIPFREE
• Gap: 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY
• Heart of Haute: 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY (ends at midnight)
• Hearts and Found: 35% off with code BLACKFRIDAY35
• Hello Crumpet: 15% off everything with code FRIYAY
• Hello Holiday: 20% off with code BRIGHT
• Hey Chickadee: 25% off your order with code CYPURR25, plus up to 50% off 250+ items
• J.Crew: 40% off with code TOGETHER
• Joanie Clothing: 40% off everything (excluding sale)
• Karina Dresses: 30% off with code GIVETHANKS
• Kate Gabrielle: 30% off with code MISTLETOE
• Kitschy Witch Designs: 20% off sitewide with code WITCHCRAFT
• Loco Lindo: 30% off sitewide + free shipping with code BFSAVE30
• Lotta From Stockholm: 15% off (excluding sales and specials) with code BLACK18
• Madewell: 25% off your purchase with code DEALWITHIT
• Mischief Made: 20% off with code BLKFRIDAY
• Miss Candyfloss: 20% off (excluding new collection) with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ModCloth: 30% off $100+, 40% off $200+ (including sale)
• Modern Millie Shop: 15% off sitewide
• Nordstrom: 60% off select items
• The Oblong Box Shop: 30% off orders $75+ with code THANKS30
• Old Friends Vintage: 20% off Etsy shop
• PBTeen: 25% off your order with code OHWHATFUN
• The Pretty Dress Company: 25% off with code BLACK25
• Re-Mix Vintage Shoes: 10% off + free shipping with code SHOPSMALL
• Retro Glam: 25% off with code BLACK25 (or 20% off after today with CYBER20)
• Retrolicious: 30% off with code THANKS30
• Retrospec'd: 25% of everything with coupon BIGBIGSALE
• shopDisney: up to 60% off sitewide with code AMAZING
• Sirens Swimwear: up to 70% off
• Sourpuss Clothing: 25% off with code BLACK
• Steady Clothing: 25% off everything with code HOLIDAY2018
• Tatyana: 35% off with code BF35
• Too Faced Cosmetics: 30% off with code PINK30
• Top Vintage: 20% off sitewide
• Torrid: 40% off regular-priced items + free shipping over $50 
• Trashy Diva: 30% off everything with code TALKTURKEY
• ULTA: tons of mark-downs + free shipping on orders $35+
• Unique Vintage: 25% off everything with code BESTWEEK
• Vendula London: buy 3 select items and get 20% off with code CBW20
• Vintage Inspired By Jackie: 20% off select items
• Vixen by Micheline Pitt: 30% all regular-priced items with code BACKTOBLACK; 50% off sale items and 15% off pre-order items (no code needed)

Happy Shopping!

Friday Favorites #120

I'm really glad it's finally Friday. And I can't believe January is almost over! Here are a few things I've been loving this week... starting with the perfect Valentine's gifties to treat yo' self with:

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e   ||   f   ||   g   ||   h   ||   i   ||   j

This brooch by Kate Gabrielle is pretty purrfect:

I may have already ordered this suspender skirt from The Oblong Box Shop...

... And I kind of really want to pair it with this sweater!

I need to take a trip just to have an excuse to get this weekender bag:

This might be the sweetest lip gloss set in the entire world.

And I <3 these flats!

I'm all googly-eyed over these purses:

1   //   2   //   3

This looks like the coziest sweatshirt ever.

And these lapel pins by Creature Type are adorable!

Flamingo shoes!!

This dress! Ah!

And this one, too:

I love this vintage makeup tutorial! So fascinating.

These swimsuits have me dreaming about warmer weather (and also about baked goods):

a   ||   b   ||   c

Hats off to Aerie for this! It's awesome to see more "mainstream" brands embracing body positivity.

And for that matter, kudos to Mattel for finally introducing Barbie dolls with different body types and skin tones! (Though honestly, it took them long enough, and I think the "curvy" Barbies look pretty average-sized by actual human standards.)

Someone please get me these stuffed animal otters, please!

And finally, this list is all too real for me!

Oh Jinkx, I love you.

Have a great weekend!

PS: Be sure to check back here on Monday for a very exciting post I promise you won't want to miss! :)

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog. I link only to items and brands I absolutely love. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Friday Favorites #116: Christmas Wish List

Can you believe Christmas is just one week away? I've finished all of my holiday shopping for my loved ones, so I'm sharing some things that I'd love to find under the tree for myself this year! I've been nowhere near this good (ha!), but here's hoping Santa Claus got the memo and brings me a few things... :)

a  //  Sounds Like Me: My Life (So Far) in Song by Sara Bareilles

b  //  Harlequin Getaway Skirt from Heart of Haute

c  //  Urban Decay Vice4 Palette

d  //  "Book" perfume by Commodity

e  //  Faux fur stole

f  //  Miss L-Fire booties

g  //  Ampersand necklace

h  //  Bernie Dexter New Year's Eve print dress

i  //  Your Beauty Mark by Dita Von Teese

j  //  Betsey Johnson bouquet writstlet

k  //  Kate Spade champagne bottle clutch

l  //  Gold crown headband by Crown and Glory

m  //  Miss Ladybug lambs t-shirt

n  //  Secret Garden coloring book

o  //  Popcorn iPhone 6 case

p  //  Candy cane Christmas dress by Oh My Honey

q  //  Harney & Sons earl grey tea

r  //  Downton Abbey tea ornament

s  //  B.A.I.T. Footwear scalloped heels

t  //  Erstwilder Christmas tree brooch

u  //  Balsam & Spice candle

v  // Friends quotes long-sleeved tee

What are you wishing for this Christmas?

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog. I link only to items and brands I absolutely love. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Friday Favorites #109: Birthday Wish List

My birthday is fast-approaching (it's only 5 days away!), so this week's Friday Favorites is doubling as my birthday wish list. I'd be lucky to get just a few of these items (and I've essentially resigned myself to the fact that I may never own a Kate Spade bag), so here are some of my ultimate birthday dream presents:

a   ||   b   ||   c   ||   d   ||   e   ||   f   ||   g   ||   h

i   ||   j   ||   k   ||   l   ||   m   ||   n   ||   o

   p   ||   q   ||   r   ||   s   ||   t

And speaking of presents... be sure to check back here on Monday. If I'm getting gifts, my readers will be too! If you've been following my blog for a while, you might know what's coming... and let's just say you don't want to miss it! ;)

Have a great start to your weekend!

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog. I link only to items and brands I absolutely love. Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Friday Favorites #75: Holiday Wish List Edition

Happy Friday!  Can you believe that Christmas is less than a week away?!  Maybe it was because Thanksgiving was so late this year, but the holidays creeped up so quickly!  I ended up doing nearly all of my gift shopping way in advance (thanks, Internet!), but there are lots of things currently on my own wish list... Santa, if you're reading this, take note.  :)

a  //  That Polonius Guy Necklace

b  //  Royal Apothic Perfume in Balmoral Rain

c  //  Lindy Bop "Cindy" Dress

d  //  Scatter Necklace Jumper

e  //  Sail Away Heels

f  //  Kate Spade Agenda  

g  //  Out Of Print Library Stamp Top

h  //  As You Wish by Cary Elwes  

i  //  Irregular Choice Unicorn Heels  

j  //  Erstwilder Trixie Bunny Honey Brooch  

k  //  Bear Ears Wool Cape

l  //  Dear Creatures Starlight Dress

m  //  Hare-est of Them All Sweater

n  //  Pink Cupcake Purse

o  //  Ida Spectators in Black

p  //  White Photography Background  

And here are some of my favorite stocking stuffers:

1  //  Make Up Eraser

2  //  Hollywood Fashion Tape 

(this stuff is the BEST - my secret weapon for belts!)

3  //  Music Note Cosmetic Case

4  //  Licorice Allsorts

What about you?  What are you wishing for this holiday?

That's all for this post!  And don't forget: today is your last day to enter my Etsy Wintery Wonders Giveaway!  One lucky reader will receive 4 adorable wintertime accessories.  You have until midnight (EST) to enter, so hop to it & enter here!

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog.  I link only to items I absolutely love, from companies I wholeheartedly support.  Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Friday Favorites #69: Birthday Wish List

For those of you who don't know, my 26th birthday is on Tuesday!  I thought it might be apropos to make this week's Friday Favorites post into a birthday wish list.  Some of these pieces are brand new arrivals, and some of them have appeared in previous FF posts... but either way, they're all items I'm dying to unwrap!  :)

a  //  Irregular Choice cherry deer heels

b  //  Black & white polka dot swing dress

c  //  Lindy Bop 'Tuesday' collared swing dress

d  //  Yes Please by Amy Poehler

e  //  BonLook Keiko Frames in Lily White

f  //  Crust Be Dreaming USB Warming Pillow

g  //  Melissa + Karl Lagerfeld ice cream heels

h  //  Hey Viv! pink pillbox hat

i  //  Tatty Devine poodle brooch

j  //  Mermaid Perfume Spray 

k  //  My Little Pony: The Complete Series

l  //  Tending the Tunes Sweater

m  //  Moschino mirror iPhone case

n  //  Lime Crime Lipstick in Glamour 101

o  //  Be Still My Locket Necklace 

p  //  Betsey Johnson radio crossbody bag

q  //  Flower veil hair combs

r  //  White faux fur tied cape

s  //  The Vintage Tea Party Book

I won't be doing much celebrating this weekend (I'll be working and performing, instead!), but I do have something very special planned for Sunday right here on the blog!!  I promise that you won't want to miss it, so be sure to check back later this weekend.  <3  

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links, I may receive a small commission, which helps to run my blog.  I link only to items I absolutely love, from companies I wholeheartedly support.  Thank you for supporting The Soubrette Brunette!

Friday Favorites #34: New Year's Eve!

It's hard to believe that Christmas is already over, and that the next holiday is hot on its heels!  To me, New Year's Eve is filled with feathers, frills, faux fur, and everything festive and fun!  I don't even know what I'm doing this year, though I think it's going to be the first time in a while that I'm not going out for it.  New Year's Eve has romantic connotations for me (and for most people, probably), but I've had just as much fun with friends on NYE, and sometimes I miss the simplicity of that.  Whatever I end up doing, you can bet I'll still be dressed to the nines!  Here are some of my top pieces that are perfect for ringing in the new year, starting with the quintessential NYE hue: black!

a // b // c // d // e // f // g // h // i // j // k // l // m

I definitely want to have a masquerade party at some point (I thought about having one for my birthday this year, but NYE would be a perfect time!).  And that feathered capelet is everything.  I've worn black for nearly every New Year's Eve in the recent past, but last year, I wore a light gold brocade dress that I absolutely loved.  Gold is a wonderful option for this holiday, and I love it because there are so many different tones of gold to choose from!

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7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13

I don't incorporate a ton of sparkle and glitter into what I normally wear, but I think it's perfect --  and sometimes necessary! -- for New Year's Eve!  Gold is definitely what I prefer, but I think silver can be a really pretty option, especially when it's snowy outside!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

For some reason, I always opt for neutrals for this holiday, but I think these two brighter dresses would be divine for NYE festivities:

via ASOS

via Dolls Kill

I think pink is a wonderful idea for this holiday, and this beautiful blush color is a great way to make a basic have more pop!  These peachy pieces remind me of bubbly pink champagne!

a // b // c // d // e // f // g // h // i // j // k // l

And speaking of champagne, isn't this Bernie Dexter champagne print dress adorable?

After the partying is over, you remember that a whole new year has begun, and you think about all that the new year has in store.  I'm planning on doing a New Year's Eve outfit post and really reflect on my year in that, but I wanted to say that I really loved this list of blogging resolutions!  I have so many goals and resolutions I want to strive for this year.  In fact, the sheer amount of things I want to accomplish is a little overwhelming, but here is a sampling of my many New Year's resolutions:

* learn how to drive!!!

* create a budget & save at least one full paycheck per month

* organize my bedroom and do a full makeover

* clean out my closets (and listing many more pieces in my shop my closet store!)

* make headway on my website

* upload production videos to YouTube and start work on a reel

* make exercise a priority again

* be diligent about Weight Watchers

* make a blogging schedule calendar & work on other blogging goals from list

* start to figure out more long-term goals (where I want to live, how I'm going to go about it, etc.) -- this is definitely the most daunting one at this point!

* work harder, but remember to be kind to myself

 * be okay with being single & remember to always find the joy

What are some of your New Year's resolutions?  Do you end up keeping them?  I feel like my most meaningful goals and promises to myself didn't come from New Year's resolutions at all.  I don't think it's ever been enough to motivate me, frankly.  But I hope I'll do better with my goals this year!

Have a wonderful Friday!

xox Sammi

Friday Favorites #33: Party Time!

I can scarcely believe that Christmas is only five days away!!  I'm sure a lot of holiday parties have already come and gone, but since I always dress to the nines on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I thought it would be fun to compile a few little color-coordinated wish lists for things that I'd love to wear for the most wonderful time of the year!

a // b // c // d // e // f // g // h // i // j // k // l

Of course, red is a very traditional choice for these wintery holidays, but I have to say that I really love the resurgence in the emerald to forest green tones for this whole season.  I learned on an episode Project Runway last week that green simply doesn't "sell" (in terms of magazine covers), but I think it's such a stunning choice!  I may be totally biased though, since I wore a green dress in Wednesday's blog post, and it may be my favorite holiday dress ever.  Here are some other great green garments:

m // n // o // p // q // r // s // t // u // v // w // x

Finally, I absolutely adore winter white.  I think it's incredibly classy, and it can be worn for both Christmas and New Year's Eve.  I am a staunch believer that white can be worn any time of year (that no-white-after-Labor-Day thing is just nonsense), and it'll make you look positively angelic!  Here are some of my favorite snow-colored pieces:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 

9 // 10 // 11 // 12 // 13

I also desperately want to make these gingerbread house spiked holiday milkshakes this week!

And aren't these Olympia Le-Tan clutches incredible?!

Well... I'm off to gorge myself on peppermint bark (if you're in the market for some, Williams-Sonoma's is the absolute best -- and it's 20% off right now!).  :)

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi

PS:  Don't forget, today's your last chance to enter my giveaway!  It'll close at midnight tonight!

Friday Favorites #32: Christmastime is here

I don't know about you, but I'm definitely in the full swing of holiday cheer!  Our house is all decorated, and I'm eager to start baking Christmas cookies and planning our Christmas Eve festivities!  Christmas-y apparel is popping up all over, and here are some of my favorites:

a // b // c // d // e // f // g // h // i // j // k

I especially love the Christmas pudding fascinator, the gingerbread house purse (which was available at ModCloth, but sold out very quickly), and that Tatty Devine heart brooch!  I would also love to get my hands on those red snow boots, since it's so difficult to find pretty shoes that are weather-resistant!

Isn't this Christmas kitten dress from I'm Your Present just precious?  The shop has tons of other Christmas goodies too -- perfect for kitschy stocking stuffers!

And speaking of Christmas kittens, I'm so in love with this kooky cat skirt (which may or may not already be on its way to me... oops):

These Christmas cake necklaces are just delicious!

And so are these holiday designs from Charlotte Olympia:

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

And speaking of fun shoes, I love these green velvet foxy ones!

I want to wear this dress and take part in some holiday period drama:

This white dress is so pretty -- and could work throughout the winter, too (and would be great for New Year's Eve)!  I love the bow belt, especially:

I've been eyeing this silver present bow ring for the longest time, and it's so perfect for the holidays:

This green sequin dress is so classy:

And finally, this vintage number is so dear!  I love the rosette on the belt!

I always opt for a dress on the holidays, and this year, I'll be wearing this Bernie Dexter dress on Christmas Eve (when we do the bulk of our celebrating).  Do you go more casual on the holidays, or do you like to get gussied up like I do?  I'm always curious to know about other people's traditions!

Have a great Friday!

xox Sammi