I don’t know about where you are, but here in the A, sweater weather has been flirting with us.  At this point I’m beyond ready to curl up in anything and everything plaid, sip on some boozy cider, and rock my favorite Frye boots all cold-weather-season long. You had a taste of The Frye Life recently when I shared my favorite haunts in town with Frye (here and here), and I have a feeling I’ll be frequenting those spots quite often in a get-up like today’s.

You’ve heard me describe my style as “tomboy” with a bit of a feminine edge, and this outfit embodies just that. By mixing feminine and masculine details with always-a-staple boyfriend jeans, Frye fringe bag (this bag is what fringe dreams are made of, I might add), chunky gold baubles, lace-up boots with a bit of height, I quickly put my own spin on otherwise basic pieces. But then of course, the classic red and black lumberjack plaid really just had me at hello.  TRULY, MKR

P.S. Frye Atlanta loves, join us as we celebrate The Frye Company‘s first ever, beyond-gorgeous store in Atlanta at Ponce City Market on 11/11 from 7 to 9 p.m.  I’ll be there helping you pick out this season’s must-haves and of course chatting all all things bags, boots, leather and style while we enjoy some of my favorite bites and sips from a favorite, The Optimist! 

As I slip into the latter end of my twenties, I have a whole new appreciation for mind and body wellness.  Over the past few years, I’ve noticed a shift in how I take care of myself:  I watch what I’m eating (even more so now), I push myself into the boot camps that I used to avoid, I literally pencil in “me time” on my calendar, and I seek natural beauty buys in place of products I’ve loved for years.  

With my recent focus on these habits, I quickly recognized that wellness is something you have to prioritize into your every day.  Only by making time for wellness do my habits show any sign of evolving into those of a truly healthier lifestyle.  And believe me, I still have a looong way to go (I’m no GP), so any daily encouragement tips or “hacks” are much-welcomed. 

When considering how to prioritize wellness into your every day, think baby steps. It’s as simple as getting a better night’s sleep and swapping out a few of your beauty buys. Click through the slideshow to learn more.  Cheers, Kat

Though seemingly simple enough, the thought of giving back during the holidays can sometimes feel daunting.  Sure, everyone agrees that you should make it a habit to volunteer and donate (during the holidays, and all year for that matter), but sadly the plan can easily fall to the wayside when life happens. The list of excuses seems to warrant a “let’s do it next year,” as you write the idea off, whether it’s for lack of time, extra cash, resources, etc. 

This holiday season, consider these five easy ways to give back in your community. By starting small, you can easily fit these simple acts into your schedule and budget.  Since the act of “giving” can mean your wallet, but also your time, the possibilities are endless and can be easily-tailored to your lifestyle. (And sometimes giving of your time is even the most rewarding of all). If you’re looking for more opportunities, check out VolunteerMatch.org for information on hundreds of localized efforts. Tell me Loves, how are you planning to give back this holiday season? Truly, MKR

1. Volunteer at Your Local Soup Kitchen
According to the USDA, one in every six Americans is food insecure, which means they’re lacking access to adequate food resulting from the lack of money and other resources. Local nonprofit organizations, churches and community centers invite volunteers to help in both small and large capacities in designated shifts at their soup kitchens. Can’t commit to working a few shifts or even one full shift? Work with the volunteer coordinator to make specific arrangements, or consider making a small monetary donation.  No Kid Hungry turns every $1 into 10 meals for kids (!).  Find more ways to give here.  

2. Give Your Time 
Whether this means reading to the blind, visiting with the elderly or helping out at the children’s hospital, these acts can be extremely rewarding. Contacting the organization you wish to visit is generally very easy, as many websites include volunteer opportunities and contact info. Get involved with Children’s National here. 

3. Donate to a Local Food Bank 
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a pantry (or grocery list) that doesn’t have a few cans to spare. Consider donating to or starting your own food drive, whether that is your nonperishable food or cash. We’re collecting items at our Brick & Mortar Shop, located at Shops Around Lenox next to Crate & Barrel and Lululemon – so come swing by if you’re in the A.  Find your local food bank here.

4. Help Fight Poverty Housing and Homelessness
Habitat for Humanity offers an amazing array of ways to help fight poverty and homelessness in the US, but also internationally. Helping on a build site is a fun way to get involved with others, but there are countless other ways to help the cause.  Right now, Habitat for Humanity will match your monetary donations 2x! Find out more info on how to get involved here. 

5. Help Your Furry Friends
We’re huge advocates for our furry friends for obvious reasons, so when it comes to the safety of any animals that are abused and abandoned, we’re all in.  Adopting, donating, fundraising and volunteering with ASPCA is one of our favorite ways to give back.  Find out how to get involved here.