Style Resolutions: How to Rock a Kimono All Season Long

At first glance, kimonos might seem like a look that only works on the runway. But they’re actually a crazy cool alternative to your traditional cardigan or go-to blazer, especially when you just need to shake things up. Plus, we doubt anyone else in the office is going to be busting out one of these chic toppers, so you can stand out amongst a sea of snooze-worthy suits (though we do a love a good #girlboss power suit). From off-duty to on-the-job, we’ve pulled together three on-point looks using this totally unexpected piece.

On Duty

Sometimes that classic blazer just isn’t going to cut it, especially when you’re in need of a serious style pick-me-up (you know, for those days when you’re just not feelin’ that whole nine-to-five thing). A kimono will give you all the polish of a tailored jacket, but with a little more wow-factor. Toss it over a simple top, like a cami or white button-down, and tailored trousers for an effortless, pulled-together look.

Mango Jacquard Kaftan ($120) + Topshop Premium Suit Trousers ($68), Dailylook Large Structured Handbag ($75), Joe’s Jeans Rocket Mesh Sandals ($125), H&M V-Neck Camisole Top ($30), ByBoe Mosaic Triple Frame Ring ($90), ByBoe Wrapped Wire Arc Earrings ($35)

Party On

When you want to look sophisticated and stylish without having that whole “I actually put effort into this” kind of look, opt for a simple grounding piece like this sleek, sleeveless midi dress. Playful add-ons can bring the outfit to life. Forget the belt for a night out. Instead, drape your kimono over your shoulders for a killer date-night getup.

Mango Jacquard Kaftan ($120) + Warehouse V-Neck Side Split Dress ($85), Heather Offord Isabel Clutch ($138), Jessica Simpson Chandra Mule ($89), Lola Rose Demi Gem Ring ($118), Olive + Piper Stella Collar Necklace ($36)

Weekend Retreat

After making it through the work week, give that leather jacket, trench or bomber a rest. Style up your off-duty look with a cool kimono that instantly imparts It Girl status to casual separates like ’70s-inspired flares and a funky tee.

Mango Jacquard Kaftan ($120) + 1964 Threads Frida Kahlo Selfie Tee ($39), Zara Flared Jeans ($60), Birkenstock Birko Flor Regular Fit Flat Sandals ($90), J.Crew Parker Cross-Body Bag ($98), Mamazoo Neon Yellow Chain Necklace ($64), CRAP Eyewear The No Wave Flat Black Sunglasses ($60)

What pieces in your closet deserve more attention, but stump your style game? Tell us about your trickiest wear-again garments in the comments below and we might feature them in our next Style Resolutions post!

If there’s one pattern with more staying power than plaid, stripes, and polka dots combined, it’s definitely leopard. As you look ahead to the upcoming ho-ho-holidays, this feline-inspired print will be the strategic piece in shaking up your winter wardrobe for everything from the office Christmas party to a blowout NYE bash. Practice moderation this season with pieces that deliver just the right amount of “rawr” without entering OTT territory. Ahead, we’re sharing three non-intimidating ways to pull off leopard, according to your fave celebrities.

How to Rock a Leopard Shift

Former SNL cast member Sasheer Zamata’s shimmery leopard shift dress was the real MVP at Kate Spade New York’s most recent fashion week presentation. Pair this long-sleeved cheetah print frock with a sleek red-orange coat and mink fur loafers that deserve a double take. Last but not least, a floral embroidered ladylike satchel and celestial-inspired drop earrings will have you channeling your inner Hollywood starlet before you know it. (Photo via Robin Marchant/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Essentiel Antwerp Leopard Print Shift Dress ($218), French Connection Platform Felt Long Sleeved Smart Fit Coat ($298), Banana Republic Celestial Linear Earring ($58), Rebecca Minkoff Amelie Flat ($250), Mango Floral Embroidery Bag ($80)

How to Rock a Leopard coat

Start taking notes, bad betches. Bella Hadid’s DGAF style is yours for the taking. Peep this textured faux fur topper that’s easy on the eyes — and wallet. Adopt a rocker ‘tude with a Nirvana t-shirt, faded black frayed-hem jeans, and scene-stealing star ankle boots from style influencer Danielle Bernstein’s debut footwear line, Archive Shoes. Transition your getup from day to night with a hands-free belt bag, a layered Bing Bang pendant necklace, and a pair of Le Specs’ now ubiquitous cat-eye frames. (Photo via Alo Ceballos/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: H&M T-Shirt With Printed Design ($18), Bing Bang Bad Bitch Necklace Set ($150), H&M Faux Fur Coat ($80), Le Specs The Last Lolita in White Marble ($119), Zara Crossbody Belt Bag ($30), Archive Shoes The Madison Boot in Black With Silver Stars ($298), RE/DONE Stove Pipe in Washed Black ($240)

How to Rock a Leopard Mini

Swedish actress Alicia Vikander successfully demonstrates how to incorporate leopard into your day-to-day uniform. On the prowl or off, this jacquard weave wrap-over skirt will always do you right. Teamed with a mini pebbled leather saddle bag and effortless Breton stripes, the result is more Kate Middleton, less tough-girl-in-training. But perhaps we spoke too soon? The addition of a denim jacket, contemporary hoops, and towering lace-up booties, and you’re ready for a night out on the town. (Photo via Pierre Suu/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: Alexa Chung Breton Stripe Top ($180), Tictail Linkage Hoop Earrings ($72), Zara Jacket With Eyelets ($70), Cuyana Mini Saddle Bag ($195), Jeffrey Campbell Legion Heeled Lace-Up Booties ($165), H&M Textured Skirt ($35)

Which of these celebrity-approved getups will you be rocking this winter? Follow us on Pinterest for more styling inspo for the season!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Last night I realized I was pregnant during the height of the pandemic and the 2020 election cycle, but I didn't have any self-care practices in sight. I was chronically stressed and spent way too much time on social media when I should've been finding ways to ground myself. After a tough four years of navigating everything from motherhood to starting my career, I've finally started utilizing gratitude journaling as a tool to get through tough days.

I don't know how you may be feeling today, but I've created journal prompts you can refer to when you're scared, anxious, unsure of the future, and more. They're not meant to replace meditation or seeking therapy, but they are here for moments you need to check in with yourself.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Worried About The Future

Arina Krasnikova

Write Down 5 Things You're Grateful You Can See, Touch, Hear, And Smell

This is actually a practice I picked up in therapy to help redirect my anxious thoughts. It's something I often refer to when I'm fixated on the future and things that might happen. Any time you feel yourself not being present because you're worried about what's next, focus on things that are immediately in front of you or around you.

For example, here's what's reminding me to be present:

  • I can hear one of my favorite gospel songs playing and the subtle humming I'm doing.
  • I can see two lime green books on my desk.
  • I can smell the clean laundry my fiancé took out of the dryer.
  • I'm touching the keys on my keyboard as I type this.
Although they seem small, I'm grateful they're helping to keep me rooted in the present moment. So, what are you grateful you can see, touch, hear, and smell today?

Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You're Experiencing Sadness

Darina Belonogova

Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Today

Practicing gratitude when you're sad isn't so you can pretend the sadness doesn't exist. It's a very real emotion that calls for us to be curious about why we're feeling that way. However, if you feel like you're 'stuck' in your sadness, you can try writing down 3 things you're grateful for right now. Again, they don't have to be grandiose. They just have to make sense to you.

You could be grateful for:

  • Eating a delicious meal
  • Having a good night's sleep
  • Hearing your favorite song at the right moment
  • Morning snuggles with your pet or toddler
  • Having access to binge watch your favorite TV show when you need to escape reality for a bit

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down The People You're Grateful You Can Rely On

My hope is that everyone has at least one person they can rely on during difficult moments in life. I know everyone doesn't have huge villages for different reasons, but I'd rather focus on who is there.

This gratitude journaling idea doesn't require you to go in depth about why you're grateful for the people in your corner unless you want to. You can simply write their names down if that's all you have the bandwidth for.

Pavel Danilyuk

Recount A Memory That Always Makes You Smile

When in doubt, think about a moment that was hilarious or filled you with joy. It can be from your childhood, first year in college, or even your wedding day! The one memory that always makes me smile is from an interesting moment I told one of my uncles he looked like Santa Claus. I was around 5 or 6 years old, so it was a super innocent comment, but still it was hilarious nonetheless. No one in my family has let my uncle or me forget that moment. It's small, but it's one of the memories I'm grateful I can remember when I'm feeling sad.

A Gratitude Journaling Idea For When You Feel You're Not Doing Enough

Antoni Shkraba

Write Down 1 Thing You've Grateful You've Accomplished

I know some journal prompts ask you to list multiple things you've recently accomplished, but I've found that makes me a little more anxious that necessary. If this sounds like you, I see you and think it's just as impactful to be grateful for one thing you've done that you're proud of. It could be as simple as:

  • "I had the strength to get out of bed today after wanting to do nothing more than hide under the covers."
  • "I did laundry and put everything away."
  • "I made myself a meal instead of ordering lunch like I usually do."
  • "I stuck to my budget this week."
  • "My presentation at work or school went really well."
  • "I made that scary phone call I've been putting off."
  • "I went for a walk around my neighborhood or local park."

Follow us on Instagram for more seasonal and daily inspo!

Power red has been dubbed the official color of fall 2017. (Millennial pink, you’ve finally met your match.) Perhaps it’s the rise of a new #girlboss, feminist-empowered era, or maybe it’s the ‘round-the-clock styling potential of this ubiquitous hue that’s keeping it around for longer than a season. Either way, this feisty and fiery shade packs no shortage of sass. Knowing how to successfully rock a kick-butt head-to-toe red lewk? Now that’s another story. We look to regional It girls, including Gigi Hadid, Olivia Palermo, and Chrissy Teigen, for tips on mastering power red like a boss.

Pantsuit Nation

You need not be the first lady or a model like Gigi Hadid to rock a power red pantsuit when out and about town like a true HBIC. The key here is to introduce non-red statement pieces — like an ivory bow-blouse and fringy yellow drop earrings — that work to counterbalance the pool of red. Working gals: Ditch the corporate schmorporate guise with one of OAD’s geometric satchels and some noir pointy-toe pumps that were made for the nine-to-five and five-to-nine grind. (Photo via Sonia Recchia/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Cuyana Silk Bow Blouse ($185), BaubleBar Bonita Drop Earrings ($42), H&M Blazer ($50), H&M Suit Pants ($35), OAD New York Mini Kit Zip Satchel in True Black ($350), La Canadienne Montreal Falone ($395)

Power Red Accessories

Bad betches everywhere, look what you made us do. Yes, power red can be intimidating, but a little bit of this mighty hue can work wonders in the sartorial department. Olivia Palermo’s style chops aside, it’s her showstopping strappy red steppers that are the real MVP here. A crazy bachelorette weekend is as good of a time as any to show off your sartorial prowess, starting with a silk mini dress and a textured leopard print topper. Enter hot-to-trot territory with a pair of trend-right OTK boots, a set of red and gold u-shaped earrings, and a slogan tote that will fo’ sure turn some heads. (Photo via Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty)

Clockwise from top left: Scotch & Soda Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat ($298), Topshop Oversized U Shape Earrings ($28), Réalisation Par The Emilie in Shibuya ($160),Zara Tall Elastic Boots ($90), Skinnydip London Bitchin Tote Bag ($13)

NIGHTTIME Frills

Take it from Chrissy Teigen, the queen of date night dressing: Frills aplenty will always do you right. Our favorite Hollywood starlet (and red haute mama) doesn’t shy away from embracing power red to the max — she brings the drama en route to dinner with her slinky red top and flowy trousers. For your next GNO, style this femme red blouse from & Other Stories alongside streamlined black culottes for instant boardroom-to-bar appeal. Allow a pair of VERAMEAT’s celestial-inspired gold half-moon earrings and some crimson-soled pumps to lend just the right amount of zhoosh to your look. Last, but not least, we recommend Madewell’s fuss-free compact leather crossbody bag that’s made to fit just the essentials. (Photo via Raymond Hall/GC Images)

Clockwise from top left: & Other Stories Ruffle Blouse ($85), VERAMEAT Lunar Face Wire Art Earring ($140), Madewell The Chain Crossbody Bag ($88), COS Chunky Heel Pumps ($133), The Group by Babaton Beecroft Pant ($98)

Will you be test-driving power red this fall? Follow us on Pinterest for more style inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

In all honestly, all I look forward to during the holidays (other than my fam) is the pie. There's pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Chocolate pie. Sweet potato pie. But more than any other dessert, pecan piejust gets me. I'm salivating as I'm thinking about it!

Anywho... making an entire pecan pie can become a whole ordeal very quickly. That's where these delicious pecan pie bars from Chahinez with Lifestyle of a Foodiestep in. They're simple to make, plus provide the ideal eating experience – pecan pie bars easily qualify under finger foods, and they are downright addictive.

Let's get into the recipe!

Ingredients For Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

For the shortbread crust:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoon cornstarch

For the pecan pie filling:

  • 2 eggs
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 & ½ cup pecans chopped

How To Make Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Lifestyle of a Foodie

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 F, then line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, add in the flour, salt, cornstarch, and mix. Add in the cold butter and work it into the dough with your hand or a pastry cutter until cookie dough forms. Press it onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, mix the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until combined. Stir in the pecan pieces.
  4. Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges will brown a little, and the center will be barely jiggly.
  5. Remove from the oven, and let cool completely before transferring to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Slice the bars and serve.

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Recipe + photography by Lifestyle of a Foodie.

This post has been updated.

The rush of the holidays and planning the perfect holiday feast is no joke — finding the best Thanksgiving cocktails, roasting a delicious turkey and, of course, getting creative with leftovers — it all makes it hard to kick back and relax. We think you should find a moment for yourself (or with a few pals) and celebrate the wonderful flavors we love so much this time of year.

Instead of going for the tired pumpkin spice latte, think more along the lines of a boozyfall cocktail. Picture bourbon cocktails with cinnamon, caramel, apple… you know, all the autumn classics. We don't recommend sampling these Thanksgiving cocktails all in one night, but let's just say it'll be difficult to only choose one. We can't wait to try these Thanksgiving cocktails!

Brit + Co

Nespresso White Russian

Combining booze with coffee makes it somewhat more acceptable to knock one back during that late-morning, gathering-before-dinner time period, no? We love any excuse to get cozy with Nespresso, and this White Russian concoction will have you feeling all the warm, Thanksgiving-y vibes.

Brit + Co

S'moretini

Whether it's too cold to sit outside and snack on some s'mores, or you don't have a fire pit to roast marshmallows (although Gilmore Girlsdid show us how to use our stovetops...), this Thanksgiving cocktail is a great alternative to the sticky dessert. The chocolate andgraham cracker coating on the rim is just the cherry on top!

Brit + Co

Rum Toddy

This cocktail recipe is great because there's a good chance you already have the majority of the ingredients in your kitchen! Just put everything you need in a thermos, stir it up, and you're good to go. Not only will toddies keep you warm on cold days, but they're good for sore throats and fighting the chills if you're feeling a lil' under the weather.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Pear Ginger Fizz

Swap your cranberry sauce for a cranberry cocktail complete with ginger beer, pears, and limes. Make sure you keep some whole cranberries and rosemary sprigs for the finishing touch. Even if you've never made cocktails before, this drink is so easy that anyone can make it!

Brit + Co

Clementine Whiskey Smash

Sweet clementine juice and rich whiskey are the perfect match in this fun Thanksgiving drink, plus you can adjust the amount of whiskey that goes in depending on how strong you'd like the drink. Go easy for a fresh taste or add a bit more if you want something warmer.

Brit + Co

Wild Turkey Cocktails

Now, we know what you're thinking: "there is no way I'm drinking a cocktail that has turkey in it." But you don't have to worry because the 'wild turkey' in this recipe actually comes from Wild Turkey American Honey! Make one for an afternoon apéritif or an evening drink once the kids have gone to bed. Now the only question is, who let the (wild) turkeys out?!

Brit + Co

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate

We're suckers for all things pumpkin spice, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to indulge in a little PSL-inspired boozy bevvy. This Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate is super easy to make — and even easier to devour.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Is The New Black Cocktail

From cranberry sauce to cranberry garlands, this red berry is definitely a holiday season staple – and now you can add it to yourbar cart! Think of this drink as an upgraded vodka cranberry, with a more sophisticated look. If you're not able to get black vodka, just sub black food coloring to achieve the same finished product.

Brit + Co

Chai Hot Toddy

If you're not a huge pumpkin person, then you have to try this spiced, creamy Thanksgiving cocktail while you wait for eggnog season. Your classic chai gets a makeover with some spiced rum and cinnamon-infused milk (YUM!) that give it a whole new holiday edge. You can also experiment with different spices and adding in a shot of espresso to change things up.

Brit + Co

Apple Cide-car Cocktail

As far as we're concerned, apple cider season should last all winter long. This easy cocktail only has four ingredients (apple cider, brandy, Cointreau, and lemon juice) which means there's no excuse to not have this on your Thanksgiving menu! Need a simple alternative for the under-21 crew? Nix the alcohol, but keep the glasses for an upscale apple cider mocktail.

Brit + Co

Convergent Opera Cake Cocktail

This cold brew concoction is perfect for getting you buzzed in more than one way. It's the perfect after-dinner dose of caffeine you need to avoid a food coma, but it'll also give you all the Thanksgiving feels.

Brit + Co

Cranberry Zinger Jam Jar Cocktail

We love jam and we love cocktails, so why not put them together? This cranberry zinger (which is basically the queen of mixed Thanksgiving cocktails) will certainly make you feel all kinds of bubbly. All you gotta do is pour your favorite gin and cranberry juice over ice, and then top with a spoonful of your go-to jam. Top it off with ginger ale, and you're done!

Brit + Co

Pomegranate Ginger Beer Cocktail

Ginger has just the right amount of warmth to keep you toasty during holiday gatherings. This delicious ginger beer concoction will be a total crowd pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving gatherings.

Wholefully

Two Ingredient Apple Cider Mimosas

If mimosas (especially apple cider mimosas) don't scream fall brunch, we don't know what does. Since it's only two ingredients, you don't have to worry about trying to put together a complex Thanksgiving cocktail recipe while also preparing dinner. Sounds like a win-win.

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Hot Cider

Add 1 gallon apple cider, 1 tbsp whole allspice, 1 tbsp whole cloves, 1 sliced orange, 1-inch sliced fresh ginger, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 4 star anise to a pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes before adding 1.5 cups of Dos Hombres Mezcal to spike the sip!

Home & Plate

Salted Caramel Apple Martini

Martinis make us feel sophisticated and mysterious, but there's one thing that's no mystery: cocktail hour will never be the same after you serve this sweet, tart drink to your family and friends. All you *really* need is a little caramel vodka and apple cider, and you're good to go. Don't forget to chill your martini glasses beforehand to keep things cool.

JoLynn Shane

Apple Cider Mojito Recipe

Mojitos might usually be a summer drink for you, but the addition of apple cider makes this one of the best Thanksgiving cocktails you could sip on. The cinnamon simple syrup in this recipe is totally worth the extra prep time. This drink is also loaded with fresh mint and cinnamon sticks for a fall flavor combo you can't miss.

Joyful Healthy Eats

Apple Cider Moscow Mule

Everyone knows that what makes a Moscow mule a true mule is the ginger beer. Well, with this easy Thanksgiving cocktail, what makes it is the hard apple cider instead of the regular kind.

Inspired by Charm

Apple Pie Sangria

Apple desserts are a must-have during the holiday season, and this apple pie-inspired sangria might just become our top pick. This is the *perfect* Thanksgiving cocktail to put out in a big pitcher and sip on during dinner, while watching the football game, or even when you're stuck cleaning up dishes.

Baked by Rachel

Apple Cider Whiskey Smash

This is an ahh-mazing seasonal twist on a traditional whiskey drink. With just three quick ingredients (whiskey, lemon juice, and apple cider) you can even make a big batch of this Thanksgiving-y drink *before* the holiday whirlwind begins.

Cookie + Kate

Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

We consider November 1 to be the official start of maple season. Even if whiskey isn't your thing, it might be after sampling this cup of Thanksgiving goodness. A little maple syrup goes a long way when you're working with this recipe!

Dos Hombres Mezcal

Dos Hombres Naughty Toddy

Mix together 1 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal, .5 oz fresh lemon juice, .25 oz honey, 1 oz whiskey, and 2 oz natural apple juice together before heating it up on the stove to make this Thanksgiving cocktail. Garnsih with a lemon wheel, and prepare to be warm AF.

Gimme Some Oven

Cranberry Margaritas

Cranberries might be reminiscent of Christmas, but cranberry sauce is basically a Thanksgiving delicacy… which is why we had to give this seasonal margarita our stamp of approval. The squeeze of lime and the salted rim puts this cocktail over the (very delicious) edge, and if you want to get extra fancy with it, there's also a recipe to make your own homemade cranberry juice.

Holly & Flora

Bourbon + Spiced Pear Cocktail

With herbs like sage and thyme topped off with allspice and cinnamon, we're totally in love with this unique Thanksgiving cocktail. Not only does the ginger liqueur give this drink a little kick, but including agave means that it's totally sugar-free.

Baker by Nature

Cranberry + Cinnamon Whiskey Sour

If you're really craving some sweetness, this is the exact drink you should go for. It calls for two cups of cranberries on top of two cups of sugar to yield four cocktails. It's safe to say you'll be perked up after just a few sips.

The Sweetest Occasion

Salted Caramel White Russian

This cocktail is creamy, sweet, and totally dessert-like, which makes it a great addition to post-dinner conversation. You could literally forget the pies and cobblers (but what's Thanksgiving without some pie?) and just drink this instead. Don't worry if you're dairy-free – just swap the caramel sauce for a coconut-based caramel instead.

Slow Cooker Spiced Wine

Okayyy – this warm drink gives us all the fall feels. Red wine and brandy warmed in a crockpot with spices and orange sounds like total heaven to us. Not to mention that you can leave this to simmer throughout the day, so your guests can help themselves and you don't have to worry about it! (viaWell Plated)

Domesticate Me

Spiced Cider Margaritas

For many, the lime margarita is a staple on Taco Tuesday, but maybe it's time to mix it up? We think YES. Cozy up by the fire with a glass of this spiced cider that's spiked with tequila and garnished with cinnamon sticks and apples. That — and the cinnamon sugar rim — sounds right up our alley.

Want more mouthwatering holiday recipes and Thanksgiving cocktails? Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more inspiration!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.