The Serena Saga: 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sequins, Sequins, Sequins

As I was narrowing down my New Year's Eve outfit, I realized I have collected quite a bit of sequined clothing over last few years. What girl doesn't love shiny things?

Here are a few of my favorite items in my collection.

Tracy Reese Blouse

Ann Taylor Loft "Live in Pink" statement necklace (similar here)

As you can see, I have quite a few sequined skirts. My favorite is the ivory one in the front, which I purchase while I was in Istanbul back in October (seen wearing here). I also love the versatility of this sequin skirt too. The other skirts are Express, Forever 21, Kohls' Lauren Conrad, and Macy's INC.

White House Black Market Sequined Blazer (old) (similar here)

I am leaning toward this Sequined Peplum Tube Top for my outfit for tomorrow night. Isn't it beautiful?! I'm leaning towards styling this top for New Year's Eve.

If we were going out to a party, then this would be my outfit choice. This is by far, my favorite sequined piece. I purchased this vintage dress last year only $12.00, and it fits like a glove! This is one of my best thrift store purchases.

I pray everyone has a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve.

Thank you so much for all of your support this year, and see you in 2013!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway over at Lipgloss and Crayons for the Michael Kors wrap bracelet; it ends at midnight.

Linking up with #YOLOMondays.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Outfit: Spring Colors in Winter

Happy Friday everyone!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Holiday so far and is ready for 2013.

With only a few more days before the new year, winter has finally reached us here in Atlanta. Sometimes I find myself gravitating towards dark colors when the weather starts to cool off. Just because winter has arrived, that doesn't mean the pastels and bright colors have to be put away. Wearing color always brightens my mood.

Who says you can't wear color in the winter?!

:: Outfit ::

top: Target sweater, American Eagle shirt (old)(similar here)

bottom: GAP 1969 always skinny jeans (last year)(similar here)

bag: Vintage Coach clutch (similar here)

shoes: Nine West (old)(similar here)

accessories: Target earrings, Michael Kors bracelet,

Express watch (similar here), Juicy Couture ring

I am guest posting here on

one of my favorite blogs today, and sponsoring a giveaway of this
Michael Kors Wrap Bracelet. If you missed me the first time I guest posted for Carly, you can check out that post here.

I just love Carly. She has great style, excellent beauty product suggestions, delicious recipes, and the #YOLOMonday Link-Up Party. Head on over to Lipgloss and Crayons check her out, and enter the giveaway; I promise you will love her just as much as I do!

Thank you so much for reading!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Wardrobe Wednesday, Favorite Frock Fridays, Transatlantic Blonde, and Monday Mingle.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Outfit: Oxblood and Stripes

Happy Hump Day everyone!

With only 6 more shopping days left until Christmas, I still haven't finished shopping. I know what I'm going to buy; I just have to actually go into the store. Now I'm wishing I would have just purchased everything online last week like I started to; but I was trying to hold out to see if the prices went down - they didn't. I just pray I don't have to drive all over town trying to find all of my gifts. Wish me luck!

:: Outfit ::

top: Banana Republic top (similar here), Forever 21 Blazer

bottom: Forever 21 skirt

bag: White House Black Market (old) (similar here)

shoes: Target

accessories: Natasha bracelet (similar here), Michael Kors watch,

necklace souvenir from India, thrifted ring

Thank you so much for reading!

Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Modern Modest Beauty, and Rolled Up Pretty.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Last Minute Christmas List

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Christmas is only 9 days away, so I hope you have most of your shopping done. Here are a few things I have added to my Christmas wish list.

J. Crew Enameled Leopard Bracelet - $95

Use code WISHLIST for 30% your entire purchase

Final Price: $66.50

Banana Republic Willow Riding Boot - $198

Use code: BR30LIST for 30% off your entire purchase

Final price: $138.60

Loft Collection Crystal and Snake Chain Bracelet - $49.50

use code EXTRA50 for 50% off your entire purchase

Final Price: $24.75

Forever 21 Tweed Cutaway Jacket - $37.80

30% off Select Outerwear - No Code Needed

Final Price: $26.46

Ann Taylor Lace and Georgette Blouse - $98

Use code: TOPS for 50% off all tops

Final Price: $49.00

Nine West Kelsbelle Boots - $169

No Code Needed: Up to 60% off

Final Price: $79.99

Gap Striped V-Neck Sweater - $34.99

Use code: GAPGIVE for 35% of your entire order

Final Price: $23.39

Thank you so much for reading!

Friday, December 14, 2012

Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul, Turkey - Part IV

The Pera Palace is such a beautiful hotel, I thought it deserved to have it's own post. Hotel Pera Palace is a historical and world famous luxury hotel in Istanbul. It was built in 1892 for the purpose of hosting the passengers of the Orient Express and was named after the place it is located. It holds the title of "the oldest European hotel of Turkey". Agatha Christie was in fact one of the hotel's most ardent visitors. The "Agatha Christie Room", number 411, is now preserved in her honor. It is rumored that she wrote Murder on the Orient Express here.

This elevator is still operational; each guest is taken for a ride on this elevator upon checking into their room. There is a more modern elevator located in the lobby for everyday use.

So...while we were behind the rope taking pictures in the elevator - my husband's idea - we got caught! The bellhop passed by us and stopped right in front of us. I was sure he was going to tell us to we weren't allowed to be behind the rope, but he didn't'. He asked us if we wanted him to take our picture -