Well we all know what we think of the year 2020. Let’s just say, it’s been hell. But to close out this awful year I thought our holiday giveaway would just be too good to be true! I have chosen four gifts, each one incredibly great on their own, and all items that I own and use every day. So hear we go, and good luck to everyone! 

One of my favorite skin care lines, Drunk Elephant, always does an amazing Holiday Set and this year they have outdone themselves. Once again, The Trunk has sold out because it’s always that coveted gift that everyone is looking to score. 

This year they have partnered with MONOS Luggage to stock you with everything you need to make your skin healthy and happy. I love that this kit comes with a piece of luggage - which by the way is the cutest little carry-on I have ever seen - and gives us hope for travel in the (hopefully) not too far distant future.  

Here is a list of everything that is included in this year’s Drunk Elephant Trunk:

• 30 ml / 1 fl oz A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream - Individual Price $74
• 30 ml / 1 fl oz C-Firma™ Day Serum - Individual Price $80
• 30 ml / 1 fl oz T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum - Individual Price $90
• 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ - Individual Price $80
• 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz Protini™ Polypeptide Cream - Individual Price $68
• 50 ml / 1.69 fl oz B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum - Individual Price $48
• 30 ml / 1 fl oz Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil - Individual Price $72
• 150ml / 5 fl oz Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser - Individual Price $32
• 90 ml / 3 fl oz Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense - Individual Price $34
• 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz Shaba Complex™ Eye Serum - Individual Price $60
• MONOS luggage
• Sample bag

These are all full size items and really outstanding products. This highly sought-after set is a $638 value, so hurry and enter to win the Drunk Elephant The Trunk 4.0 by filling out the form below! 

There is not a product in this gift that I do not use. I’ve spoken many times about how I love the B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum, which I use every morning and night. I especially love wearing this as a first step when putting on my foundation.

The T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is fantastic when used once a week. It leaves your skin feeling just like the name says - baby soft. The Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is fantastic applied after the facial, or as a last step in your skin routine in the evening.

The A-Passioni Retinol Cream is gentle enough for most of us to use, but still gives you the great benefits that we look for in a retinol product. Learn more about retinols and how to use them in my previous blog posts.

Drunk Elephant's website and social media accounts do a great job in giving you ideas on how, when and what products to mix and use together. They call them Smoothies (love it!!!) They will give you day and night routines and it’s a great way to learn what products work best together, but more importantly what products not to mix together.

You do not want to miss out on this one! Good Luck!!!

Be on the lookout next week for our next fabulous piece in my 2020 Ultimate Holiday Giveaway.

​Sign up below for your chance to win Drunk Elephant The Trunk 4.0! It is sold out everywhere and certainly the ULTIMATE gift this year in beauty to give - or keep for yourself!

Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community, where no topic is off-limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I'm starting my sixties, and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women and trying to have some fun in the meantime.

Attention Ladies: We'd love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don't hesitate to comment, especially on the "Real Talk" series as well as "Glowing with Mrs. Stafford." Without you, there is no discussion, so don't be shy!

​If you follow my blog, you know that I am a lover of shoes! I have way too many pairs for one just woman, but for a good reason. As many women know, shoes are always a great choice to buy because they always fit. You can’t say the same when you’re shopping for clothes. With the colder seasons upon us, boots are very much appropriate, and the endless style options make it even more exciting to browse through. 

One of my favorite brands is M. Gemi. I can confidently say that I own more M.Gemi shoes than any other brand in my closet. If they come out with a new shoe, I am right on there buying it in, sometimes, every color they have available. There are many reasons why I am so crazy and on the verge of obsessed with this brand: 

First of all, all their shoes and boots are handmade in Italy. M.Gemi’s primary mission is to provide beautiful shoes handmade by professional Italian artisans, and at the same time having each shoe affordably priced. 

​M. Gemi’s selection of styles, including pointed toe flats, driving moccasins, sandals, heels, and boots, are all beautifully designed and extremely classic to last you through the years. No matter the season, I am always impressed with their attention to detail with every shoe they produce. They are able to incorporate popular trends into their designs while also keeping them timeless. 

Most importantly, the comfort each shoe allows is unreal. Even the majority of their heels are so easy on the foot, which is not typical for fashionable shoes. This probably is due to the professional artisans they have designing each shoe. 

Another reason why M. Gemi is such a great company is because all the materials they use are of top quality. This goes hand-in-hand with being handmade in Italy, but it is worth noting. Not all brands, even some expensive brands, can say this about all of their products. 

Finally, to top it all off, M. Gemi is founded by a woman, Maria Gangemi. As many of you know, I am a big supporter of other women in business, especially when their vision alines with mine. I love seeing women supporting other women in general because MORE often than not they have extraordinary company values and quality products. 

Just recently, M. Gemi released their new line of Italian handbags. All handmade, they are, of course, beautifully designed as well as still being affordably priced. I own the tote and clutch in two colors. These bags have been a staple in my wardrobe since I purchased them a few months ago. 

Autumn is just about every girl's favorite season of the year, myself included. Living in Vermont, I am lucky enough to get the quintessential Autumn weather with a backdrop that looks like it was pulled straight out of a movie. If you follow me on social media, you have seen how fantastic this year's foliage has been. So, living in such an ideal area to enjoy Fall, I try to make my style match.

With Fall comes colder days and endless options for outfit ideas. All the layering possibilities and accessories choices only make the season even more fun to play around with your style. Looking at this year's fashion trends has given me flashbacks to the '80s, and I love it! I noticed menswear style has dominated this season, and I decided to play around with my wardrobe to try out some of these trends. ​

Camel is a staple color in my wardrobe. It's a classic color that always looks chic, and it's a great neutral that goes with everything. This outfit is simple and can be worn throughout the years, no matter the current trends. Even though this outfit is a timeless, I still pulled some ideas from the 2020 fashion trends I've seen, including the oversized blazer. 

My turtle neck sweater is from Show Me Your MuMu. They currently don't have the cropped sleeveless sweater available on their website but they have the same style as a sweater dress, called the "Fauna Dress," for $144. The sweater dress version would look amazing with a straight-legged pair of pants. 

If you don't like the sweater dress option, I found a similar sweater on J.Crew called the Ribbed turtleneck sweater-vest for $98. It's currently on sale and also 40% OFF FULL PRICE WITH CODE: SHOPNEW.

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I'm wearing the blazer from FRAME - ​Imaan x FRAME Darted Blazer Off White, currently on sale for $230. I love this blazer because it's comfortable and its fun bunched up sleeves. You can wear this blazer with anything - it can be worn with a casual outfit, to work, or even dressed up for a night out. It's incredibly versatile.

My pants are from Everlane, which I bought a few years ago. The closest style I could find that they currently carry is The Put-Together Pleat Pant for $88 in Clay. But they aren't the classic style camel pant that I'm wearing in this picture. These pants from Theory - Terena Pant in Sleek Flannel ($385) and the Mason Pant from Reformation ($178) are the best matches I could find. 

My bag is Dolce and Gabana - Sicily medium textured-leather tote.
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​My shoes are from M.Gemi - The Esatto 90mm $278. 

A Camel Coat is equivalent to having a classic Little Black Dress, meaning every woman should have one in their closet. I bought this coat from J.Crew last year, but they always carry the classics. Even if it's not exactly the same, you will still be able to find a peacoat or camel coat. Right now, their Double-breasted topcoat in Italian wool-cashmere ($398) is the same style coat I'm wearing. 

My pants are from MaxMara - Wool and silk trousers for $410. They are very similar to the pants I'm wearing in the first outfit - which I posted some matching options for you to choose from. 

My sweater is from Jenni Kayne (one of my new favorite shops) - Everyday Slim Crewneck for $145. A similar, more affordable option is the BANANA REPUBLIC - Lofty Crew-Neck Sweater for $39.99. 

I know you can't see my boots from the pictures, but they are fabulous, so I thought I would link for you to check out. They are Stuart Weitzman - THE CARESSA 80 BOOT. I love these so much, and they are the perfect fall boot, even though they are white. I'm not going to do a similar option or more affordable because I couldn't find any good quality white boots that were less than the ones I'm wearing. 

My bag is actually from M.GEMI, which is a new line for them. They have done bags before but only as a collaboration project. Now that they are making their own, I was so excited to get my first one I have in the picture above - The Lucia for $198.00. ​M.Gemi's shoes are of high quality for an affordable price, and the same can be said for their bags. 

Velvet has become very trendy in the last few years. As we know, fashion trends always come back after a decade or so, and with the '80s and 90's inspired fashion, I've seen crop up recently; of course, velvet is going to be included. I personally love velvet. The outfit I'm wearing above is full of combination textures - including the linen jacket, knitted sweater, and velvet pants. The textures really give the outfit a little something extra, especially because the colors are all very neutral. 

Okay, so I bought my pants several years ago at a boutique in Burlington, VT, on Church Street. The brand or designer is Fabrizio Gianni. These are great pants because they have a fair amount of stretch to them, plus I love the color. It was not easy to find a similar option, but I found these great Faux Suede Side Zip Legging from LOFT for $69.50. 

My coat is from Jenni Kayne - Linen Trench Coat for $425. Some other options for a classic trench are EILEEN FISHER - RECYCLED POLYESTER TWILL TRENCH COAT for $219 or Everlane's The Drape Trench for $148.

My shoes are from M.Gemi, but they are no longer available. Here is a similar option from Zappos called the Frye Karem Combat boot for $262. This style boot is another trend that I have seen a lot lately and I love it. They give you the high but easy to walk in, so you can't get better than that! 

The sweater I'm wearing is from Jenni Kayne - Cashmere Fisherman Sweater for $395.

My bag is a Salvatore Ferragamo. This is basically the same bag, but the only difference is the handle, THALIA LEATHER CROSSBODY BAG.

This outfit was probably my favorite from this photoshoot. I felt classy but also like a boss wearing this. The tied sweater around my shoulders made me totally feel like a prep from the '80s. Simultaneously, I think the sweater makes this outfit a little different from just a typically button-down shirt with a nice pair of trousers. The sweater is from Everlane - The Italian Merino Rib Turtleneck for $90. 

My blouse is from FRAME - ​Washable Silk Perfect Shirt Blanc for $325. I found a similar option which is The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt from Everlane for $98, which comes in various colors. ​

The pants are from JOSEPH, but unfortunately, they are sold out. The Tima Silk Wool Flannel Trousers from JOSEPH are very similar to mine, just slightly darker grey. Now I am 5'2, so pants like this are tough for me to find that fit me. I had to get these hemmed (a lot) for them to work. I could have even gotten them hemmed a little shorter, to be honest. Short girl problems!

Also, my belt I borrowed from my husband's closet, which is from HUGO BOSS. Haha! Taking menswear literally. 

Okay, the "MOM JEAN" is back with a vengeance! Honestly, on their own, yes, they look very frumpy but styled the right way. I think they look fabulous! I got these from ASOS - Mango slouchy jeans in light blue for $60. 

The white top is actually the Yummie Seamless Long Sleeve Thong Back Body Suit for $56.51. ​Bodysuits have been my new obsession - especially if I'm layering - bodysuits are so much easier. 

Belts are another fashion accessory I've seen more of lately. In the early 2000s, big chunky and colorful belts were all the rage, and for some reason never put through the pant loops. Thank God that is not a trend that is coming back.  What I am talking about is the classic leather belt. The belt gives an outfit with oversized elements the cinched factor, so it doesn't look like you're drowning in your clothes. But I digress, the belt I'm wearing is from J.Crew - Classic belt for $39.50. 

My blazer is from Blaze Milano and the name is CHOLITA - EVERYDAY BLAZER for $1,125. A similar option for a more affordable price would be The Easy Blazer from Everlane for $128. 

My shoes are SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker - Fawn Newsprint Leather Pumps for $395. 

My bag is the Arden Tote by Shiraleah for $75. 

My blazer is from Level99 - ​Rachel Oversized Blazer $80.40. The belt is from J.Crew - Classic Belt - the same as the other outfit, only in black. 

Again my top is from Yummie Seamless Long Sleeve Thong Back Body Suit for $77.99.
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My bag is from Salvatore Ferragamo.

Again, my jeans are from ASOS - lightweight 'slouchy' mom jeans in midwash - and for such a reasonable price of $48, which are currently unavailable. But ASOS has so many similar options such as the ASOS DESIGN high rise 'original' mom jeans in lightwash.

​My shoes are from M.Gemi THE ESATTO 105MM for sale right now for $175.

Layering has been huge this season, and I tried to achieve that with this look. I've seen women over-layering knits on top of chunkier knits, boyfriend blazers with jackets, etc. I love this idea because you can include so many fabulous pieces with just one outfit.

Now plaid blazers are also all the rage, and it's a very classic plaid version that looks chic but at the same time very Fall appropriate. My blazer is from Net-A-Porter - BLAZÉ MILANO for $1,620. A more affordable option is The Oversized Blazer from Everlane for $180 or ​the Caldwell Double-Breasted Blazer in Mandell Plaid for $168.

My trench coat is a vintage Burberry. 

My jeans are from FRAME - Le High Flare Dublin for $228. Again, I'm rocking The Classic belt from J.Crew for $39.50. 

My white top is the Yummie Seamless Long Sleeve Thong Back Body Suit for $56.51.