I Believe In // Saying No

The other day, I was talking with a friend about an upcoming party - trying to figure out who we would see and who wouldn't be able to make it. A mutual friend's attendance was brought up and how she had decided not to come. She wasn't coming because she had a prior commitment or because she was out of town, but instead the week leading up was filled with more then a healthy amount of activity and another engagement would have been too much. I was proud and inspired.

There are so many weeks where I am running from work to one function or another on back-to-back days that by the end of the week I am exhausted and bitter. Of course I want to spend time with friends and be involved, but if it leaves me a grump is it worth it? A few weeks ago I declined to attend a Christmas party on a day we returned from vacation, and as much as I wanted to be there, it felt good. I knew I would have been stressed from being gone all weekend and trying to get my life in order for the week ahead. I realized that in 2014, I want to do a better job of knowing my limits so that I am fully present and engaged wherever I go. 

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Shorts

clockwise from top left: topical / leather / lace (on sale!) / sequined / embellished / jacquard / lace trim / floral

Yikes. So I learned the last two days that next year I should probably plan my posts for Christmas ahead of time. Opps. The last minute errands and merriment got ahead of me and all plans to post went right out my third-floor apartment window. 

On another note - can you believe Christmas is over? I feel like I ran around like a chicken when no head the past week preparing, and now it's over. Definitely experiencing a few post-Christmas blues. Luckily, we still have New Years! While I will be having a low-key New Years visiting our new niece in Alabama, if I was going out I would undoubtedly pull out my faux-leather shorts that I have been living in this past week. I love that they are slightly untraditional for dressy occasions, and with so many options, you can easily find a pair to compliment the perfect NYE top already in your closet. PS- I am loving these jacquard shorts - so good!

Moody Holiday

We kicked off our holiday festivities this weekend with Christmas parties both Friday & Saturday night with friends. On Saturday, my college roommates and I met at a Spanish restaurant to: 1. be obnoxious (this is an understatement, we love each other too much to be calm) and 2. celebrate Christmas. I don't think I have quite shared my burning passion for all things hispanic food yet, but let me tell you I was elated by this backdrop to our festivity as my favorite way to say "Merry Christmas" is "Feliz Navidad!" This night may or may not have included my killer sub-par impression of Bing Crosby's White Christmas (and yes, I was sober - doesn't take much encouragement). 

Ah but I digress. For our Spanish Christmas Fete, I decided to take a more moody approach and wear all black, accented only with my newest accessory - the Christmas Crown, which I was having way too much fun with. My dear friend also joined me & made a gold leaf version, similar to the one these ladies sported. 

 christmas crown / embellished top / old vegan leather shorts, similar / fleece-lined tights (aka the best invention ever) / old black boots, these are both affordable & cute! / old clutch, almost identical

DIY // Christmas Crown

After seeing this beautiful image on TJ's blog over the weekend, I was instantly inspired to create a similar version for the holiday parties that I have coming up. Good news - this is SUPER easy. This is very exciting for me as I have the patience of a 5 year old when it comes to anything crafty - it's a bit of a curse. See instructions below!

materials needed: twine, floral wire, fake cranberries and pine branches. not pictured: seriously strong scissors.  tip - make sure  you get soft pine tree branches, you want to make sure it is comfortable while on your head!

form & cut the twine so it sits comfortably on your head. make sure to keep it loose so there is room for the branches & cranberries!

cut the branches and use the floral wire to attach to the twine. make sure the ends of the floral wire are wrapped tightly around the twine so they don't poke you. 

getting there!

cut cranberries into small bunches and use the floral wire to attach - you can add as many or as few as you'd like!

 finished product! what do you think - yay or nay?!

ps- sorry for the sub-par picture quality. shooting anything with fake light is the worst. of course, I had every intention of doing this over the weekend during the day, but as they story typically goes, life happened. oops. 

Holiday Wardrobe Essentials // Embellished

clockwise from top left: dorothy perkins top (on sale!) / boden dress / zara jeweled should shirt / ann taylor loafer / zara vest / topshop embellished shorts / urban outfitters heels

In lieu of Wanderlust Wednesday, I'm bringing you two Holiday features today - this post followed by a little holiday DIY later this evening!

As soon as I saw this beautiful skirt on pinterest, I knew it was the perfect inspiration for this little holiday wardrobe essentials series. Whether the jewels are front & center or provide an unexpected pop of fancy, it seems like the perfect addition to any outfit for the season!

PS - if you're on the hunt for an embellished dress, I think this is pretty awesome. 

Time Flies

Anyone else feel like this weekend flew by? We made the trip to Pennsylvania to see my little sister perform in the Nutcracker which was followed by an insane amount of food & laughter back at the house with my step-siblings. Then, driving home on Sunday, it dawned on my husband & I that it was our 8 year anniversary from when we started dating - I was sixteen, yikes! Nothing like a relationship the age of a 3rd grader to make you feel old. 

I picked up these coated jeans & boots while in New York last weekend and it's safe to say I'm in love. Both are proving to be very versatile and will undoubtedly be a staple of wardrobe through the rest of the winter. 

similar sunnglasses / j.crew plaid shirt (sold out) / old leopard belt, love this option with fun details / coated denim / oxblood handbag / porter bootie 

I Believe In // TIme for Myself

During the week, I have made a habit of getting up a little earlier to spend some time by myself in the stillness of the morning, reading and just letting myself think. It dawned on me the other day how important this time is to my days & weeks. While I love interacting with colleagues at work, catching up with friends & spending some good old quality time with my husband, I've found "me" time to be crucial. I've realized it screws my head on straight, and allows me to focus on what is and what I want to be important in my life before I leave my house and enter into the distraction that is the everyday grind.

Oh, and I also consider it equally as important to have moments by yourself when you can rock-out to your favorite music sans any judgement for dance moves or signing voice. 

Has anyone ever traveled by themselves? I've heard from a few that it's awesome, but don't know if I could do it! Thoughts?!