Floral Chiffon Tiered Maxi Dress curated on LTK

Wearing a dress inspired by Janine Kovac, author of The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairytale Memoir, to see The Nutcracker this year just might be the perfect way to embrace your own main character energy. Janine’s journey, from young ballet dancer to wife, mother, and literary curator, mirrors the transformation many of us experience as we grow through different roles in life. A dress that reflects both the grace of a dancer and the strength of a woman who has embraced every stage of her life is an empowering choice. Whether it’s a ballet-inspired tulle gown or something sleek and sophisticated with a touch of sparkle, this look captures the magic of The Nutcracker and the personal evolution Janine writes about. Stepping into that dress, you’ll feel ready to take center stage in your own life, finding joy and balance just as Janine does throughout her unique and inspiring story. LTKSeasonal LTKHoliday LTKStyleTip

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Floral Chiffon Tiered Maxi Dress | Saks Fifth Avenue

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Daily Practice by Anthropologie Karigan Sweater Midi Dress: V-Back Edition | Anthropologie (US)

The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairytale Memoir | Amazon (US)

ashleyhasty

“Reading one book is like eating one potato chip.” — Diane Duane

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My week as a romcom: Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, was hitting her stride in a wintry Chicago week, fueled by caffeine and the magic of December. Monday and Tuesday brought back-to-back daycare and co-working sessions, where she tackled her to-do list with the focus of a holiday elf on a deadline, savoring the quiet moments to herself. By Wednesday, the festive vibes were in full swing at a multicultural holiday music class—Miles clapped and jingled along to songs from around the world, his joy contagious enough to make her forget the slushy sidewalks outside. Thursday was a double feature: Little Book Club in the morning for some cozy toddler chaos, and then that evening, Ashley and Miles donned their warmest layers for a Polar Express-themed book event that made the city feel like a storybook come to life. By Friday, daycare and coworking offered one last exhale before the weekend, and as she sipped her coffee, Ashley couldn’t help but grin—this season was busy, sure, but it was brimming with moments she’d carry long after the snow melted.

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On a crisp mid-December Friday, she slipped into her favorite wide-legged jeans, the kind that danced perfectly around her ankles with every step, paired with a cozy navy knit sweater that was just the right mix of relaxed and refined. Her white sneakers, well-loved but still fresh, carried her through a productive morning at daycare/cowork, where the hum of grown-up conversation felt like a luxury after a week of toddler chatter. By afternoon, her gold hoops glimmered in the soft winter light as she sprawled across the living room rug, laughing at her son’s latest attempt to turn couch cushions into a fort. It was the kind of day where work and play blended seamlessly, the slow rhythm of home punctuated by the patter of little feet and the magic of December settling into every quiet corner.

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Imagine bundling up in a cozy green winter coat, a cheerful yellow scarf, a snug white hat, blue jeans, and sturdy black boots. This outfit, inspired by Mistletoe Season's festive cover, has everything to make you feel like the main character of your own holiday romance. With each layer, you're ready to step into any scene—maybe Hailey's return to her hometown, where mistletoe might bring a romantic surprise, or perhaps Emmy’s antique shop in Mistletoe, Missouri, where nostalgic trinkets evoke memories of love lost and found. And who knows? You might even channel a bit of Prince Arran’s journey of self-discovery, finding unexpected joy in small-town charm.

The green coat wraps you in seasonal warmth, while the yellow scarf and white hat add pops of brightness, perfect for snowy strolls or spontaneous mistletoe moments. Whether you’re wandering through holiday markets, attending festive gatherings, or simply cozying up by a fire, this look isn’t just stylish—it’s imbued with all the magic of the season. You’re ready to write your own winter love story, one mistletoe moment at a time.

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On a freezing mid-December Thursday, she embraced the chill with a festive twist, slipping into brown waxed pants that felt polished yet warm, paired with a dark red sweater that shimmered just enough to catch the light—like a quiet nod to holiday magic. Brown ankle boots kept her grounded as she trudged through the icy sidewalks, gold hoops glinting as her day unfolded. The morning was all about Little Book Club, where tiny hands turned pages and giggles punctuated storytime. But the real star of the day was the evening’s Polar Express-themed book club event—her sweater’s subtle sparkle now perfectly on theme as hot cocoa, nostalgia, and the clinking of mugs replaced the usual rush of bedtime chaos. The magic of the season was alive, and she was right in the middle of it, warm and glowing.

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On a chilly mid-December Wednesday, she channeled effortless city-mom charm in wide-legged jeans that swished with every step, paired with a navy and camel striped turtleneck layered under a perfectly slouchy camel cardigan. Her white leather sneakers kept things practical but chic, while her gold hoops—her trusty signature—added a touch of easy elegance. The morning brought the joyful chaos of a multicultural holiday music class, where her little one clapped along to songs in languages neither of them knew but somehow felt familiar. By the afternoon, she slipped into her usual daycare/cowork routine, the cardigan cozily draped over her shoulders like a soft hug as she tapped away at her laptop, already humming one of the morning’s festive tunes.

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On a crisp mid-December Tuesday, she struck the perfect balance of polished and playful—skinny jeans with a button-up fly hugged her just right, paired with a black tank that peeked out beneath a perfectly tailored green knit blazer, festive but subtle. Her shearling-lined loafers were the unsung heroes, cozy enough for her morning at daycare/cowork, where the hum of productivity felt oddly satisfying against the backdrop of holiday chaos. By the afternoon, her gold hoops glinted as she sprawled on the rug with her son, building block towers only to knock them down together, laughter filling the house like the most cheerful soundtrack.

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On a mild mid-December Monday, she embraced the magic of looking put-together while feeling like she never left the couch—striped straight-leg pants in a glorious sweatpant material were the star of the show, paired with a navy long-sleeve V-neck tee under a matching cardigan that was as soft as it was polished. Her white leather sneakers carried her seamlessly from daycare drop-off to coworking space, where she powered through emails and to-do lists with a focus only Monday mornings seem to bring. By the afternoon, her gold hoops caught the glow of the winter sun as she chased her giggling son around the living room, their laughter ringing louder than any Monday blues.

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Wearing a red tank top layered under a classic black cardigan, she strikes the perfect balance between festive and effortlessly cool. The black skinny jeans, with their sleek stripe down the side, elongate her silhouette, while black boots ground the look with a touch of edge. Gold hoop earrings and a delicate gold necklace add just the right amount of sparkle, catching the light like twinkling holiday decorations. As she sips on a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc, its refreshing notes perfectly complement the moment, she feels like the main character in her own holiday season—poised, confident, and glowing with understated elegance as she moves through the magic of winter celebrations.

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My week as a romcom: Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, slid back into her Chicago routine after two weeks of turkey, travel, and family chaos, as if she’d never missed a beat. Monday and Tuesday were daycare and co-working bliss, where she finally tackled the emails and blog drafts that had piled up like leftover pie. By Wednesday, the holiday magic kicked in with a multicultural music class—Miles shaking maracas to global jingles while Ashley swayed along, latte in hand, fully feeling the festive vibes. Thursday’s Little Book Club was a cozy moment before the evening’s pièce de résistance: a mom’s night out holiday party where she traded yoga pants for heels and laughed harder than she had in weeks. By Friday, she was back in mom mode with a morning playdate that made her grateful for strong coffee and good friends, followed by Santa photos that evening—Miles giving a perfect mix of excitement and side-eye that would make for the best Christmas card yet. Ashley couldn’t help but smile; it was good to be home, just in time for the most wonderful time of the year.

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By Friday, she was finally finding her rhythm again after a whirlwind week of post-Thanksgiving transitions. She reached for her wide-legged jeans—a sartorial security blanket at this point—and layered a white oxford shirt under a green sweater for a preppy, festive vibe that said, Yes, I have holiday spirit, but no, I’m not trying too hard. Her black shearling-lined loafers whispered cozy sophistication, and her everyday gold hoops pulled the look together with their signature glint. The week had been a delightful juggle of unpacking, playdates, and reclaiming routines, and as she sipped her second cup of coffee, she couldn’t help but smile at how these little moments of chaos and joy made everything feel just right.

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Channeling the style of Elena Voss and Lawrence Higgins with a red button-down, blue-and-red plaid skirt, black loafers, a light blue apron, and a festive red mixing bowl could be the perfect way to step into a main-character moment this holiday season. The button-down and plaid skirt capture Elena’s sharp, professional flair, with a touch of warmth that feels right at home in a small town like New Hope. Adding Lawrence’s trusty apron and a fresh red mixing bowl, you’re ready to dive into some holiday baking, embracing a mix of business savvy and homey charm—just like Elena when she finds herself unexpectedly teaming up with Lawrence. Whether you're making cookies, tackling holiday tasks, or just enjoying cozy evenings at home, this look helps you feel effortlessly capable, charming, and a little bit magical—like you're the star in your own holiday rom-com.

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On a crisp December Thursday, she pulled on her trusty wide-legged jeans and paired them with a sleek black sweater, a move that felt both effortlessly chic and comfortably perfect for a long-awaited reunion. Black leather slip-ons kept her quick on her feet as she juggled a coffee thermos in one hand and Miles’ favorite book in the other. Her everyday gold jewelry—a delicate necklace and hoops that always seemed to catch the light just right—added just the right touch of polish. Walking into the Little Bookclub after two weeks away felt like coming home, the room buzzing with laughter, toddlers chasing each other, and the kind of warm camaraderie that only happens when you’re among people who just get it. It was good to be back.

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On a brisk December Wednesday, she leaned into cozy-chic with her faux leather leggings and a black-and-white Fair Isle sweater that practically screamed "I own this festive season!" Her white leather sneakers added a clean, modern touch, while her everyday gold hoops proved yet again that even casual days deserve a little sparkle. The morning was filled with tambourines, jingle bells, and a beautifully diverse playlist at the first music class of a multicultural holiday session—Miles clapping enthusiastically (and slightly offbeat) to every song. Afterward, she transitioned seamlessly into daycare/cowork mode, sipping peppermint tea and riding the productive wave of holiday cheer, her sweater reminding her coworkers that festivity is a mindset.

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On a frosty December Tuesday, she pulled together an outfit that balanced cozy and classic—wide-legged jeans paired with a crisp white oxford shirt layered under a soft gray sweater. Her shearling-lined black loafers were the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, and her everyday gold hoops added just a touch of shine to the festive chaos ahead. The day started with a productive morning at daycare/cowork (read: sipping coffee while checking off emails), transitioned into an afternoon of untangling twinkle lights and debating whether the stockings looked better on the mantle or the staircase, and ended with her chasing a giggling Miles around the living room. By bedtime, the house felt a little more like Christmas, and her heart felt a little more full.

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After two weeks of Thanksgiving travels that felt like a whirlwind of hugs, pie, and never-ending toddler energy, she embraced her first Monday back home with an outfit that screamed cozy-meets-polished. Her wide-legged jeans with chic front pocket detail paired perfectly with a blue turtleneck featuring subtle stripe detailing, layered under an oversized blue cardigan that felt like a warm hug. Shearling-lined black loafers kept her grounded, while her everyday gold hoops added a hint of sparkle as she dove back into the routine. With Christmas decorations now adorning every corner of the house and holiday tunes playing softly in the background, the day felt less like a return to normalcy and more like stepping into a Hallmark movie—routine, yes, but wrapped in the undeniable magic of the season.

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Wearing a black watch turtleneck with its deep green and navy plaid, she feels instantly wrapped in the spirit of the holiday season. Paired with wide-legged jeans, the outfit is a balance of cozy and chic, perfect for relaxed gatherings or quiet evenings by the fire. Gold hoop earrings add a subtle, festive sparkle, catching the glow of holiday lights around her. As she sips a glass of rosé, its soft blush hues a delicate contrast to the winter palette, she feels an unexpected warmth. In this moment, she’s the main character in her own holiday story—effortlessly stylish, savoring the season’s joys with elegance and ease.

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My week as a romcom: Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, had a week straight out of a holiday romcom. It all started Monday aboard the Polar Express, where Miles clutched his golden ticket like a pro and gleefully sipped hot chocolate while the grandparents beamed like they were in their own Christmas movie. Tuesday was a laid-back day of playing with Miles and cozy chats with the grandparents, perfect for gearing up for Wednesday’s trip to her hometown. There, Ashley caught up with her oldest friends, swapping stories that made her feel like she’d stepped back in time. Thursday brought turkey, pie, and plenty of laughs at her mother-in-law’s, where family stories flowed as easily as the gravy. By Friday, the holiday glow continued with a visit from her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and their adorable nephew, who made every moment feel like the perfect cap to a week brimming with love, nostalgia, and just the right amount of holiday chaos.

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On a freezing Black Friday at her in-laws, she opted for brown waxed pants that felt just edgy enough to take on the chill, paired with a camel and ivory striped boatneck top that peeked out beneath her camel coat—because cute outfits don’t stand a chance without proper layering in this weather. Her new platform sneakers with their subtle gold detail added a pop of modern flair to an otherwise classic look, while her everyday gold hoops and necklace tied it all together with effortless charm. The day started with a nostalgic coffee date with an old friend, filled with laughter and stories that made her heart warm despite the frosty air. Back at the house, her son was delighting in playtime with his cousin, aunt, and uncle, their laughter echoing through the halls—a holiday soundtrack she wished she could bottle and save for later.

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This year’s picks from the Ring Concierge Black Friday sale include a mix of timeless staples and special treats. I’m linking a few pieces from my jewelry collection including my go-to herringbone necklace and a pair of earrings similar to my beloved daily hoops—effortless pieces that elevate any outfit. For a little sparkle, I treated myself to the perfect “going-out” earrings, adding just the right amount of drama for date nights and special occasions. On my wish list? Two necklaces to complete my everyday stack that I’ve been eyeing for months. This sale made it impossible not to indulge!

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