Less than a week until Christmas! Less than a week until Christmas! Less than a week until Christmas! Where does the time go?

This weekend was when I *finally* felt like I was in a full festive spirit. My best friend’s holiday party that I mentioned on Friday was a highlight, as always. And, my family decided last minute to attend the Amy Grant holiday concert. My sisters and I definitely brought the median age down, but my family’s special thing is going to concerts together, and since we grew up listening to the Amy Grant Christmas albums, it really was so cool to hear her sing our favorite Christmas carols live.

These next five days are the last five work days of the year for me (!)—and then I don’t have to go back until January 3. I’m so lucky I work in a job that allows me the flexibility to take some R&R this time of year.

During my time off, I’m excited to celebrate my favorite holiday traditions, but most importantly, the true reason for the season. If you feel like something is missing in your life this Christmas season or need a higher power to appeal to anytime, my God is omnipresent, all-forgiving, loves unconditionally, and, luckily for me, always has an ear available. He doesn’t promise that everything will be easy, but he promises to always be there right next to me. His light is always on for you, too. Shoot me an email if you want to talk more about the Big Man upstairs: katie@atouchoteal.com.

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Today, I want to talk to you about my favorite Black Friday purchase—this J Crew Factory Velvet Peplum Top. I love it so much I actually bought it in both green and black—and know they both will be staple pieces of my work and holiday outfits for the new few years!

When I purchased this top, it was only $25—which I consider a super steal since it’s perfect for both work and holiday parties. It definitely can be worn without the white tweed jacket I’ve paired with it here, but since my office is perpetually *freezing*, I love to have the option to layer. I scooped this white tweed jacket up at Banana Republic Factory a few years ago, but I’ve found similar ones for you here and here.

If you have a LOFT outlet near you—DC team, there’s one at the National Harbor Outlets and the Leesburg Outlets—definitely head there and scoop up these velvet leggings. Unfortunately, last winter, I had worn through the pair I had (and loved!), so I decided to part with them at the end of the season. Luckily for me, I found a new pair on-sale for $30 when I was at the outlets two weeks ago! They’re great because even though they’re leggings, they’re easy to pass off as work pants. If you’re in-between sizes, definitely size down—I wish I had because they definitely stretch out a bit!

I’d love to know what you’re wearing to work this time of year! x

(PS—I went back to my naturally dark brown hair a couple of weekends ago! It took a little getting used to, but now I’m so happy with the result!)

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J Crew Factory Velvet Peplum Top—I also have it in black!
LOFT Factory Velvet Leggings—similar here and here
Ann Taylor Leopard Block Heels—similar here
BP Leopard Clutch—similar here and here
Baublebar Mya Drops
Banana Republic Factory White Tweed Jacket—similar here and here

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Photos by Monica