Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // All that Shines

blue shimmer shorts / colorblock pencil skirt /  snakeskin belt / sequined clutch / velvet sequined leggings / ivory sequin top / velvet sequined skirt  / glitter sneakers / trapeze top / romper 

While a little shine and sparkle may be reserved for special occasions for most of the year, the holiday season seems like the perfect time to bust out a all the glitter, sequins and shimmer you have hidden in your closet. With so many great options, it is easy to find something for an office work party (pair these leggings with a black blazer & heel), celebration with friends, or christmas day with the family. I personally can't get enough of Madewell's shimmer collection, everything is amazing!

Are you planning to add a little extra shine this season? I'd love to know how!

In the Tundra

Here's a little 'behind the scenes' information if you will - I was freezing in these pictures. Remember when I said I was ready for winter? Well I lied. I'm ready for winter if it means a low of 40 degrees.  Unfortunately, I don't live the land of temperate weather, I live in Ohio and winter means 20 degrees with my worst enemy - windchill. Yuck. 

But, I digress. Back to the outfit at hand. I got this leather jacket a couple of weeks ago and I'm in love. A leather jacket was on the top of my list for fall, and I couldn't be happier with this one. It is perfectly structured with great details - and surpisingly warm when used as a winter coat for a night out. In full disclosure, not pictured: a chunky scarf, hat, and gloves.

warby parker glasses / mac ruby woo lipstick / leather jacket / minkpink top / old leopard clutch, similarold denim leggings, great option here / similar leopard socks / booties

I Believe In // Making Christmas Lists

Here's a quick fact about me - I love making lists. To-do lists, grocery lists, you name it. The best kind of list in my opinion though, is one that catalogs activities and events for celebration! So while I am fortunate enough to be able to send my lovely mother a list of a few things I'm lusting after, I thought I'd take a different approach and write down my must-do's for this holiday season:

1. Skate under the Rockefeller tree during our trip to New York in a few weeks

2. Spend an entire day decorating our apartment for Christmas

3. Watch White Christmas (best holiday movie!) as much as humanly possible

4. Perfect my Bing Crosby impresssion

5. Try a new Christmas Cookie recipe 

6. Visit our local zoo's Christmas Light display

7. Find the most hideous Christmas sweater for multiple parties we have lined up

8. Handmake a few Christmas presents

9. Start a new tradition - maybe breakfast Christmas morning?!

10. Let those I care about know I love them

I'd love to know, what's on your holiday to-do list?!

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Wanderlust Wednesday // Vermont

flannel shirt / winter scarf / knit beanie / faux-fur hooded parka / cozy throw / winter boots / jeans / calf hair belt

I don't know if it's because I've grudgingly come to terms with the fact that I won't be seeing much of the sun until April or that I've secretly set my alarm to a Christmas music station (sneaking it in!), but I (think) I'm ready for winter. 

And when I say I'm ready for winter, I really mean I'm ready for more excuses to have lazy nights cuddled up in a blanket watching movies or binging on episodes of Scandal (starting watching Sunday & already my favorite show of all time - or a close second behind Laguna Beach). For some reason, when I think of a cozy winter vacation, I instantly think of Vermont. I image snow-covered woods with  old red barns, sleigh rides, and crisp air - sounds perfect, no?

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials: Tulle Skirt

tulle skirts clockwise from top left: blush, midi, layered, maxi

pair with: plaid, sequined, embellished

Okay, so "essential" may be overdoing it. Obviously you will survive without a tulle skirt for the holidays, but we're bringing on the drama over here. 

When I think of dressing for the holidays, my mind immediately goes to ultra-girly pieces that perhaps would seem out of place any other time of the year. While I think tulle has play outside of the holidays, I think it is the perfect excuse to branch out from a typical skirt - all in the name of celebration & cheer! 

I feel like tulle can be so verstile, and I love the idea of pairing a skirt with everything from plaid to sequins! I think this tartan print would be fun too!

Looking for a few more options - loving tulle skirts from loft, urban outfitters, & anthropologie

In Transition

So, I'm not used to the time change as it relates to this here blog. This weekend, I was getting ready and noticed that I had about 10 minutes of daylight left (it was 4:30pm - argh!), so I got my rear in gear and rushed out the door to take a few pictures - and then it started raining. The husband and I tried to snap a few photos on our apartment steps and needless to say, it just wasn't happening. Can't win 'em all.  

Luckily, I had a few photos left on my computer from last winter before I launched this little blog. I think these were taken in February and it made me even less excited for this winter - hello freezing cold conditions that are not friendly for any type of outfit photo. On the bright side, it made me remember to borrow my husband's hats more often. 

husband's beanie, adorable option / tory burch sunglasses / old blazer, loving this / old express sweater, similar / old white jeans, similar / old black booties, crushing on these / zara shopper, very similar

I Believe In // Being Thankful

Can you believe we're already halfway through November? Real crazy! 

After a weekend spent with best friends celebrating and Thanksgiving right around the corner, I have done a lot of reflecting lately and have started to become more thankful for the life I have been given. It's so easy in this world of consumerism to become unsatisfied with life, and constantly want more. I admittedly struggle with this, so I thought it would be helpful to document a few things I am thankful for lately:

1. The most caring and loving husband this gal could have asked for

2. Friends that know my soul, and have become my family

3. A supportive family who cares deeply for me

4. An apartment that is warm and cozy, one that we call home

5. The blessing of food & not having to go hungry for any meal

6. Celebrating small traditions

7. Quiet mornings for reading and reflecting

8. This little blog that allows me to pursue a passion 

I'd love to know, what are you thankful for lately?

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