Advent No. 25!!!!!

Merry Christmas to you all!!! It's finally here! 

How's your day been so far? 

Did you all get fabulous gifts?! 

How were your gifts received? 

Well, this been so fun learning about how others have celebrated their holidays! I want to personally thank Dominique, Anna, Meshali, Sundee, Aubrey, Jenny, Anneke, Melina, Nicole, Caitlin & Shae! Thank you so much for participating in styled by Ryn's annual advent countdown! It blessed me so much for each of you to be a part! You all are wonderful! And it blesses me that I call each of you friends! Have a very Merry Christmas! Love you all! -Ryn

So wonderful readers, what I want you to do is rest, relax & remember the reason for this season! We wouldn't be celebrating without Jesus coming to save us! So hug your loved ones & be thankful! 

Love you all so so much! 

P.s. Styledbyryn is moving after the first of the year! We will be on wordpress! But I will leave all of these posts here for your reading enjoyment! So it will for now be styledbyryn.wordpress.com : ) hope to see you there! 

Have a very Merry Christmas! -Ryn

Advent No.22: Anna's ornaments

 

 

This girl, Anna, is amazing & I love her so much! She has a huge heart and she's beautiful inside & out! She's the oldest daughter of my pastors Larry & Tiz Huch and she herself with her musically talented husband have three adorable kiddos! She's so stylish and ever so sweet! I asked her just few question about her style and of Christmas! Yay! 

 

1. What does Christmas mean to you?

 

When I think about Christmas, I feel a profound sense of gratefulness. First and foremost, for the gift of Jesus. Godgave us His very best, so that through Jesus we would know the inexhaustible love of God. I’m also incredibly grateful for my family. I love making special memories with my three kids and my husband! Recently a friend posted about feeling the loss of loved ones for the first time this Christmas, and asked how we would arrange our holiday priorities if we knew that the next Christmas may well be without some of the people we love. That was a great reminder to me of what’s truly important during the holidays – sharing love and joy with everyone we can, not taking them for granted!

 

2. What is your day to day uniform for winter?

I definitely have a winter uniform! I’m a busy mom and my clothes need to be functional AND cute! At least a few days of the week (more!) I wear a variation of boots, leggings and sweater. A few years ago I was in Bend, Oregon and discovered Nikibiki leggings and camisoles at a cute little boutique. Their pieces are seamless knit, making them super comfy and they really last. Since then, I’ve found them at a local boutique and have several pairs of leggings in solids and cute prints. Can’t live withoutthem!

 

3. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies to watch?

As I’m writing this, I’m watching Polar Express with my kids, for probably the 5th time this month. It’s their favorite!Home Alone (KEVIN!!!), The Holiday, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf.

 

4. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?

Christmas lights! One of the happiest days of the year for me is the day the lights go up on our house! It makes me grin like a loon to see them, every time! The other day my son remarked to my mom,” Nana, don’t you love the lights on the tree? They make me feel so…comfortable.” Ha! Exactly!

 

5. Describe your worst fashion faux pas.

Oh, there have been many. I have to admit though that most of my teenage years in Portland, Oregon were spent in Vamp lipstick and matching purple black hair! Pearl Jam and Nirvana, guys. What can I say? I don’t regret the Doc Martens, though!

 

6. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy?

Corduroy, for sure. I feel uncomfortable at just the thought of wearing velvet! Eek!

 

7. Name 3 items on your Christmas list.

1. The Nook GlowLight (already treated myself and I’m in love!)

2. Topshop Faux Leather Satchel (also treated myself to this, courtesy of my husband. I could have put in under the tree but who are we kiddin..?)

3. New slippers. Because I live in my Uggs at home and they’re Tore. Up.

 

 

8. Name three things your are gifting others with.

1. I ordered my husband a custom made wallet with guitar pick holder and his initials stamped into the leather. Thanks, Etsy!

2. A bright orange tote for my mom from Henry Bendel.

3. An Easy Bake Oven for my Sweet Pea!

 

9. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you’re getting?

I love surprises! Having said that, I usually give my husband hints and he chooses from those hints! Live and learn.

 

10. What are your favorite stores and why?

1. Target is my favorite store. No apologies! Coffee creamer? Jacket? My Little Pony undies? Done.

2. Nordstrom, for all the obvious and timeless reasons. My heart, forever.

 

11. Describe the perfect outfit.

The perfect outfit just makes you feel confident, no matter the occasion. Sometimes the perfect outfit is yoga pants and a sweatshirt, sometimes it’s a pencil skirt and sparkly jacket. Anything that makes me feel self conscious or requires constant adjusteding..? No. Just no.

 

12. What is your favorite perfume/scent?

I went years without a specific fragrance. This year a friend gifted me Vanille & Narcisse by L’Occitane. Y’all, I am in LOVE. A text from me to her: “So, I was out to dinner tonight and thought, whoa, Somebody smells Gooood. OH MY GOSH IT’S ME! I smell delish!!!”

 

13. Do you prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?

Back to the winter uniform, I am fortunate to have a few pairs of flat Frye boots, they’re timeless. One is a knee high brown riding boot; the other a black motorcycle boot. Fingers crossed, I’ll be wearing them both til I’m grey!This fall I also  bought the Sam Edelman Louie bootie, which is very wearable with only a 2 ¼ inch heel.

 

 

14. Any charities you’re giving to this year?

Our church, DFW New Beginnings, has orphanages in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We were blessed with the opportunity to sponsor Isaac, an 11 year old boy in Haiti. Two of our dear friends took him and many other children new clothes, shoes, toys, soccer balls and toiletries for Christmas. We are blessed to be a blessing!

 

Merry Christmas y'all! 

Advent No.21: Nutcrackering with Nicole

I met Nicole years ago... Maybe 14 or 15 years? I was always friends with her younger sister Dara, But I've always liked Nicole and now we're friends! Yay! She's now the market director for J.Crew in Dallas TX. She's Gorgeous(like model status), She's talented, she has two adorable kiddos, an amazing husband, a great job(obviously!) & She Loves the Lord! What more could you possibly want!? Oh and did I mention She LOVES Christmas?

I had her answer a few questions about Christmas & Fashion... two things that I myself like! and so does Nicole! Read & Be Merry! - Ryn

 

1. What does Christmas mean to you?
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year.  The reason for the season is celebrating Christ and his ultimate love for us, and the greatest gift we've all been given - His Son.

2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

Family, food and just the general feeling of the season.  As soon as Nov. gets into full swing, I turn up the Christmas carols and start pinning away!!  From decor to this year's must-have gift wrap...I absolutely can't get enough!!

3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?

I work in an environment where I have to be dressed up every day (maybe "have" to is a bit of an exaggeration...:), so my casual is not everyone else's idea of cas!  My favorite pieces for this season are my J. Crew pixie pants, Blythe silk blouses and an excursion quilted vest.  I also am absolutely obsessed with my Rag and Bone Newbury booties!!
4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?

I love (love!!) my Dior Air Flash makeup, Too Faced bronzer and Mac Creme Blush!!

5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?

I will have to say it's a tie between the incredible Italian sandwiches (fresh prosciutto, salami, provolone cheese, crusty Italian bread and prepared peppers...nom nom) my family makes and my mother-in-law's cornbread stuffing (my mouth waters just typing it :).
6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?

With a 3 and 5-year-old all of our Christmas traditions have Christmas traditions!  I am a bit of a Christmas nut :), so lots of things are very special.  New pjs for Christmas Eve are a tradition my grandmother had with all of the grandkids (there were some beauts!), and it's definitely one I continue with my kids.  This year we ordered from Chasing Fireflies and had them personalized.  I absolutely CAN NOT wait to see their faces when they open them!!  There's nothing more fun than watching them race downstairs in their holiday pjs to see what's under the tree!!  As you can tell, I love me some Christmas!!!

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?

1.  Elf

2.  Scrooge

3.  Miracle on 34th St.

4.  It's a Wonderful Life

5.  White Christmas
8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?

It doesn't take much.  Everything from cooler weather to Breakfast with Santa at Neimans - I love it all!

9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas?

Oh goodness, this is a tough one!  I think there are ultimately no fashion rules, however you have to know your body and stay true to your style.  When I think of iconic style, Jennifer Aniston always pops into mind.  You rarely see her in prints or anything too fussy...solid colors and great-fitting denim are staples.  Silky, shiny simple hair and natural makeup always complete her look.  I think she's a great person to emulate, specifically if fashion feels daunting!  I regularly look to Olivia Palermo when I'm conjuring up special event outfits.  I love her use of prints, fur and leather while still keeping a classic Jackie O vibe.  Ultimately, noone did it better than Jackie O (my first fashion love!!).

10. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy? Explain why.

Velvet...no question...velvet!!  Corduroy always seems like a good idea to me, until I put it on.  I swear, it's like adding 10 lbs to my hips - not an area that needs added girth!!  I love cord details on barn jackets, etc., but that's where it ends!!

11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?
Christmas is all about the kiddos in our house, but my running list includes the following:  a Goyard bag, David Yurman bracelets (in all shapes, sizes and diamonds ;) and Ancient Greek sandals.

12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?
My angels and incredible hubs are the only things I need to make my home cozy for the winter!  But, a blazing fire, flocked tree (real!) and J. Crew PJs are a nice touch!!

13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)

My favorite 3 purchases this season are definitely my Sorel for J. Crew Joan of Arc boots, J. Crew sweaters and Parker booties.

14. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?

This is hard to imagine, but it's all J. Crew!!  I'm loving the pjs this year, blue and white ikat jewelry dish and a giftcard is always the perfect gift!!

15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving?

My husband gives the most thoughtful gifts.  That being said, he knows that I often have my eye on something specific, so there are few surprises!!  For our last anniversary he bought me the most beautiful vintage Chanel necklace and a vintage Louis Vuitton cross body bag that's not in production anymore.  I treasure both things (and wear them as often as possible!!).

16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?
I feel so blessed to work for a company where I'm also a loyal client.  J. Crew focuses on quality in product and customer service...hard to go wrong shopping there!  I also love Neiman Marcus for special pieces and Horchow for home goods.  There are lots of Horchow items on my "big girl" wishlist!!

17. Describe the perfect outfit?
Right now, a collection silk blouse from J. Crew, fur vest and leather pixie pants with heels/booties makes me feel feminine and dressed up!  Over the summer, I love a great pair of Jimmy Choo wedges with an easy, printed dress.  Madewell carries a great assortment every year!

18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?

Soooo love Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb

19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?
I prefer a real fire and real candles...period.  I love Voluspa candles, vert and vanille is my fav scent!!  Bonus - they're really pretty!!

20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?

HEELS!!!  My Christian Louboutin Bianca and J. Crew Everly heels are some of my favorite!  It's hard to debate with something that makes you look taller, thinner and a little more sophisticated every time you put them on your feetsies!!

21. Do you have any blogs you like to read?

I like Luella and June, Atlantic Pacific, House of Turquoise and (of course) Styled by Ryn!!

22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?
I love some Celine and Mariah this time of year!!  However, my favorite album this year is Wanted by Dara Maclean.  There's not a greater message or voice out there (I'm not biased at all)!!!

23. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?

N/A

 24. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking?

I think I have an unhealthy obsession with Pinterest. :)  I pin everything from outfit inspirations and hair styles to decor.  I don't discriminate!

25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?

I go back to Lincoln Park in the Dark by OPI as soon as the weather turns cool.  It's just such a great nail color and always makes me feel a touch more sophisticated!  I typically keep my lip color pretty nude, with just a touch of color.  Mac's Japanese Maple is absolutely amazing!!  However, you can NEVER go wrong with a great red.  Extreme by Dior is one of my favorites.  

26. What is your favorite scripture?

I Corinthians 13 is definitely my favorite.  We are nothing without God's love.  Literally useless, empty vessels.  It's a constant reminder when I want to get offended easily, or not see the good in a situation - God's love is constant and unconditional.

27. What is your ultimate Christmas carol?

O Holy Night.

28. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?
There is absolutely nothing better than seeing the looks on my kiddies faces Christmas morn!!  Such wonder and excitement is priceless and my greatest gift!!

29. What has been the best Christmas gift you've ever received so far?

There's not a single material thing that compares to Christmas at home with my precious family.  Every year, Gigi (my mother) has a birthday cake to celebrate Jesus' birthday with the kids.  That's truly my greatest gift...celebrating the true meaning of Christmas!

30. Any charities you're giving to this year?

HMC Presents

Advent 23: a quick Christmas wrapping DIY

An infamous tradition growing up was pitching in the night before Christmas, my siblings and I would help my mom by wrapping eachothers presents that my parents got for each of us. And then of course, if we hadn't already wrapped our own gifts for others, we would have a wrapping fest altogether! 

This year it's a bit different because we won't be celebrating as a family until Friday, but I'm accustom to it, my dad was a pilot for all my life, and sometimes he would work on Christmas...so we would sometimes have to wait. That being said, I am hoping I get all MY wrapping done before I help mom wrap the fam's gifts! 

Here is an idea for gift tags that you can use any day of the year, but Chistmas time for sure! This is such a quick DIY. I just adore the look of chalk paint & Kraft paper! So I combined them into these super cute gift tags!!! It takes about 20 minutes! 

I would show you how I wrapping but I haven't wrapped single thing! Whoops! Will post a pic on Instagram: @RynB!

What to gather:

Kraft paper (I used kraft paper bookmarks and tore them in half.)

Chalkboard paint ( I used the color black)

Hole puncher

Chalk marker

Sponge paintbrush 

1. Get your kraft paper. Tear or cut it into 3"x2" rectangles.

2. Load your paintbrush with chalkboard paint, and swipe. Swipe a few times until you like the coverage. 

3. Let dry.

4. Use the hole punch and punch a hole at one end of the rectangle. 

5. Use the chalk pen to write the names of whom you are gifting. 

6. Tie it on your package! 

7. Give the gift! 

Plus you'll get super cute confetti you can add to a package by the whole punch! See!

See told ya! Easy peasy lemon squeezey! 

Adorable, right?!

Hope you have an amazing holiday! See you tomorrow with a great cookie recipe! ; ) 

-Ryn

*disclaimer: if you have a polished manicure, I would wear gloves while doing this project, because if not, your hands will look like this when finished...

And it may or may not wash off with scrubbing! Just an FYI!

Advent No.13: Favorites with Melina

 

 

 

1. What does Christmas mean to you? It’s my favorite holiday season!  Cause it sparks the HOPE of Jesus into the darkness & chaos of the world and makes everyone pause, turn from themselves and gaze on-- JESUS. That’s what Christmas mean to me that Christ-Love- was born in the earth and it changed everything!

2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?

I love fireplaces, snow, but mostly families coming together!!

3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter?

Booties, jeans, fashionable scarfs and warm hats! I am a great fan of hats 

4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials?

A good covering makeup, brown eye-pencil, blush

5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?

Starter: Chicken soup with egg and lemon, Main Dish: lamb with potatoes in the oven.

6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?

The Christmas carols that children sing knocking the doors (greek tradition), but of course decorating the Christmas tree with family while listening to Christmas music!

7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?

Home alone, Narnia, Serendipity, Oliver (Charles Dicken), Nativity Story

8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?

Christmas lights, Christmas tree, carols, kourabiedes-melomakarona (traditional greek sweets)

9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas? 

I don’ t like fashion that looks too fake…

10. Which do you prefer, velvet or corduroy? Explain why.

Velvet, cause it’s more feminine..

11. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?

a) outfit for New Year’s Eve b)new christmas music c)gifts

12. What makes your home extra cozy for winter?

Fireplace, comfortable warm pajamas, christmas decoration (not too much though)

13. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.)

Variety of Christmas decoration, stylish hats and boots.

14. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?

Earrings, blouse, perfume…

15. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving? 

I do like surprises 

16. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why?

I like a lot european fashion like… Zara, Stradivarius, Pull & Bear, Berskah, Quaso… are my favorite. They are stylish and always have variety in their style.

17. Describe the perfect outfit?

Boots with skinny jeans or tights, long knitted blouse and a cool hat.

18. What is your favorite perfume/scent?

Body (Burberry)

19. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?

To light candles… I like vanilla & cinnamon.

20. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?

Flats mainly…heels on special occasions. I like shoes from Zara and Stradivarius.

21. Do you have any blogs you like to read?

My friend’s Janice Olivia blogs and Timothy Generation.

22. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?

Absolute Favorite Christmas, Wow Christmas, Christmas (Jaci Velasquez)

23. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?   

I don’t really like shopping online, I like the traditional way of trying things 

24. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking?

It’s a creative idea but haven’t used it much..

25. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?

Nails: grey, brown, red

Lips: Shimmer lip gloss, red lipstick

26. What is your favorite scripture?

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18)

27. What is your ultimate Christmas carol?

“Fall on your knees”

28. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?

I believe we receive to give back. It’s a circle that must be flowing all the time. There is joy in both when there is no selfishness.

29. What has been the best Christmas gift you've ever received so far? 

Some years ago…When I was able to fly back and see my family after being one year away in Australia for Bible College…

30. Any charities you're giving to this year?

There is an organization that we started with my family named “Hopespot” after seeing so many needs caused by the economic crisis….The main goal is to give hope in desperate situations, as to gather and give out food and clothes to poor families in Greece, to provide temporary shelter for abused women, to organize creative time for young kids that come from these families. I am pouring into that for this season.

Advent No.11: It's a Shae-lebration!

Ryn, Here. I asked Shae from www.Hello-homebody.com  a few questions about fashion & Christmas time! Here are her answers:

1. What does Christmas mean to you?Christmas is all about spending time with family and celebrating the birth of our Savior! 2. What is your favorite thing about Christmas?Spending time with family around good food! I also love all of the shopping and decorating leading up to Christmas. 3. What is your day to day "uniform" for winter? Working from home as a blogger, my style is definitely on the casual side. I love oversized, cozy tops over leggings. 4. What are your top 3 beauty/makeup essentials? B.B. Cream (I’m currently using Garnier’s B.B. Cream) Liquid Eyeliner (Maybelline’s Stilleto Ultimate Precision Liner) Mascara (Covergirl’s Clump Crusher) 5. What is your favorite Holiday food dish?My family always has Hash Brown Casserole and Spinach Dip sometime around the Christmas. It’s really the only time of the year that we enjoy those two dishes, so I always look forward to them! 6. What is your most favorite Christmas tradition?I just got married last year, so I’m enjoying making new traditions with my husband! My favorite is probably picking out a tiny real tree every year, bringing it home and decorating it! 7. What are your Top 5 Christmas movies you like to watch?Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and good Hallmark Christmas movies. 8. What gets you in the mood for the holidays?Drinking a Peppermint White Mocha from Starbucks while shopping through Target’s Christmas section! 9. Describe your worst fashion faux pas?  See #3. I use every excuse that I can to wear (not always fashionable) comfortable clothing. I do try to make the effort to look nice when I leave the house! 10. Name 3 items on your Christmas list?I don’t have a lot on my wishlist yet, I’m definitely wishing for Kitchenaid’s ice cream maker attachement. I’ve really been wanting to experiment with homemade ice cream flavors! 11. What makes your home extra cozy for winter? I love candles and think they give the perfect feel to a room. Also, hot drinks! From coffee, to hot chocolate, to apple cider, I love having warm drinks at hand in the wintertime. 12. What are your top 3 things you've been eyeing this season. (Housewares, fashion, beauty, etc.) I love the holiday eye shadow sets that M.A.C. comes out with every year! All three kits are perfect this year. Each of Essie’s Winter 2013 nail colors are so pretty! If I didn’t already have so many nail polishes, I’d buy them all.I have been collecting mercury glass ornaments and Christmas trees, I have a hard time passing them up when I see ones that I don’t have. 13. Name 3 things you are gifting others with?It’s a secret! 14. Do you like surprises or do you like to know what you're receiving? I’m not really a fan of surprises in general, but surprise gifts are a different thing... I love them! 15. What is/are your favorite store(s)? And why? Anthropologie: I love their clothing, but I’m usually there to look at their kitchen and home goodies! Target: I love their home decor line and the fact that they have so many stylish dresses and tops that are so affordable. 16. Describe the perfect outfit?A cute belted dress with tights and lace-up wedge booties. 17. What is your favorite perfume/scent?It’s actually Ed Hardy for women! I’m not a fan of strong scents, this one is a light mixture of fruits and sweet vanilla. 18. Do you prefer to light candles or use battery operated candles? Which scented candles do you like at the moment?I love the real thing. Capri Blue’s Volcano scent is my favorite scent but Voluspa’s Santiago Huckleberry scent is so perfect for winter! 19. Do prefer heels or flats? Any brands you like?I prefer flats . I LOVE riding boots is the winter. This year I purchased TOMS lace-up wedge booties, which I’d been eyeing for quite a while, they’re my favorite right now! 20. Do you have any blogs you like to read? My current favorites are: A Beautiful Mess, Joy the Baker, and Freutcake. These are definitely my go-to blogs for inspiration! 21. What are your favorite Christmas tunes? Any albums that are on repeat this year?I like a variety of Christmas music… this year I’ve been listening to She and Him, Hillsong, Michael Buble, and Ben Rector. 22. Do you shop on etsy? If so, can you recommend 3 shops you like?    I love shopping on Etsy, especially for home décor! ABJglassworks (so many cute glass terrariums and display boxes) HookaholicHandspun (I love chunky yarn for wrapping packages) SpiralSage (every party supply you could ever want) 23. Do you like Pinterest? If so, what do you pin more of: Home, style or cooking? I love Pinterest! Recipes are what I’m usually pinning, but I find lots of home and fashion ideas there too. 24. What is your signature color for nails/lips this season?I love deep berry and plum nails for the winter! 25. What is your favorite scripture? John 14:27 "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. 26. Do you prefer to give or to receive more?I love receiving gifts, but at Christmas time I most enjoy shopping and finding gifts for others! 27. Any charities you're giving to this year? Compassion International. We sponsor a child throughout the year, but give a little extra at Christmastime. You can sponsor a child, give a one-time gift, or purchase something from their gift catalog (which gives necessities to people in need). http://www.compassion.com/catalog.htm -Shae I hope y'all enjoyed it! And will find inspiration out of her answers! whether it be baking, shopping for mercury glass ornaments or simply enjoying the season with a Starbucks white peppermint mocha! Merry Christmas Shae! And thank you so much for writing for me! : ) Merry Christmas y'all! -Ryn