Channeling Mad Men...Shift dress and leopard cardigan.

I'm so excited for the holidays! There's something about seeing the lights twinkling on every streets and the pine trees for sale on every corner that makes me so happy - and oh, all the yummy Christmas-themed drinks for sale!  

But even though it is almost Christmas, the weather doesn't feel like it! Today was almost 60 degrees; I think this has even been recorded as one of the warmest Decembers recorded in history. I'm loving it, and definitely taking advantage of it to wear out some of my dresses sans tights for as long as I can.

I'm a huge fan of Mad Men, and absolutely adore the styles on the show (and have seriously missed it during its almost year-long hiatus). When I finally bought myself a leopard print cardigan, I initially struggled in my attempts to pair it for a work-appropriate look...until I found myself dusting off this shift dress that has been sitting at the back of my closet since early summer. 

Dress, H&M Sz 2 (similar here); Cardigan, H&M Sz XS (similar here); Jewelry, Old/thrifted;
Watch, MK Mini-Runway in Gold; Shoes, Nine West Celestia Sz 5

I love the look of this dress paired with the cardigan. The bow at the collar is part of the dress, but layers perfectly over the cardigan to form a really classic, really Mad Men-esque look. To finish it all off, I paired my outfit with some classic pearl accessories and a pair of black pumps.

It's somewhat difficult to tell in these photos (still trying to figure out how to use my new Nikon DSLR!), but I also finally mustered up the courage to try and style my makeup with the Sephora lipstick I tweeted about a couple of weeks back. 

How are you all preparing for the holidays? Have you scored any exciting deals at the stores (or found yourself the perfect dress for that inevitable office holiday party)? I'm trying so hard not to go crazy shopping for myself at the sales since I have so much gift-giving to do, but I did spent far too much at AT.com last week when they were doing their $25 for $50 (at the same time that they had free shipping and 50% off sale items, no less). I can't wait to share what I bought with you all!