Just popping in to wish you all a happy new year! Hope you have a very fun and safe night- can't wait for all the good things that are to come in 2012! Sneak peak of tonight's outfit...

 

A Gift from Vogue

A couple of weeks ago I received an unexpected surprise in the mail. I've been a longtime luster (again another word that only exists in my personal vocabulary) of Michael Kors' watches. They so instantly add such a classy elegance to any look. So imagine my happiness when I opened up this little beauty.







Might not be Michael Kors but still has that oversized look, and I can't wait to remix it into my outfits!

Red Lace

Don't think there was anything too unique about my outfit. I wanted to keep it simple but sophisticated. Unfortunately, you can't really see in the pictures but the skirt actually has some draping in the front. I kept all my accessories basic-swapped out by typical brown braided bracelet for a silver charm bracelet and just wore my usual infinity necklace. Thought I had lost these red/black earrings but after some digging in my jewelry box, I found it! Love when that happens. I hope you're all enjoying what's left of the holiday season and 2011!

This Weekend...

I spent some much needed relaxing time with my family which will continue all week. Just want to share with you some pictures from Christmas Eve and Christmas. I'll be sharing my Christmas outfit in tomorrow's post!

Bringing slight touches of green and red for Christmas Eve dinner.

Candy cane nails!

Made peanut butter cookies with Hershey's kisses.

Piling on presents for gift opening at midnight.

Late night snack after opening gifts at midnight- we have "filhoses," a portuguese dessert.

Preparing the table for Christmas day dinner.

Merry Christmas...

Santa Baby...

Below is my Christmas wishlist! Just in time too- a day before Christmas Eve. Looking at them all mixed together makes it seems a bit random, but read below to see just why these pieces made my list!

1. ASOS Chunky Link Bracelet

 I've been loving the mixed bracelet and bangle look, but I'm missing a chain link bracelet from my collection.

2. Aerie Skinny Slim Gym
I recently (and finally) joined a gym, and I'm on the hunt for something other than basketball shorts to spruce up my gym wear.

3. Rachel Roy Faux Fur Long Vest
Fur...I'm a bit afraid to do fur. I don't like real fur, but I think most fake fur looks and feels tacky. This Rachel Roy vest actually looks good!

4. Sephora Lipstick in Red Flirt
I'm a chapstick or lip gloss (on a fancy day) type of girl. I'm hoping to break out of my shell a bit in the new year with a great red lipstick.

5. Chinese Laundry Women's Triple Play Boots
I already have my fair share of black and brown boots. I think it's about time to bring a little grey into my life.

6. H&M Necklace
I have a lot of long and simple necklaces, and while I love them, I really want more statement pieces.

7. AE Sequined Corset Dress
I have an alumni event coming up in January. Last year, I (along with 70% of the other guests) wore a LBD. I want to do something a little different- some color and a dash of shine should do the trick!

Business Casual

I'm lucky to work in this weird, small and rare market where fashion meets tech. Tech is the most casual type of environment you could ask for. And fashion- well fashion is all about personal style and self-expression, so you can get away with a lot more in a business meeting than you would in any other industry. This is probably one of my most businessy (I like to make up words once in a while) outfits. This wide leg trouser denim gives off a silhouette that resembles slacks. Paired it with a loose blouse, heels and unique pieces of jewelry, and I'm ready for a meeting.

Twisted Knot

Went a bit casual with this look. I still don't know how I really feel about three-quarter length sleeves for sweaters. My arms get cold! Seems almost a bit contradictive, no? Nevertheless, they win me over. Most sweaters I wear regularly are three-quarter length. I like how it looks especially when it has dolman sleeves. Those are my favorite. When I don't feel like doing much with my hair, I tend to just throw it up in a bun.  Fun headbands, scarves, wraps just make it that much better. This one here is my absolute favorite.

Golden Touches

Winter has most certainly arrived. I can't believe just last week I was able to wear my parka when it rained. It felt like May and now I can't even take out my phone without my hands freezing. Walking out into the brisk cold definitely was a sharp wake up call this morning-what a way to start the week. My favorite part of what I wore was the small touches of gold- my earrings in particular. They're simple but so easily wearable and give the outfit that little something extra that wasn't there before.

This Weekend...

The thing about getting away is it makes it that much harder to come back.  Don't get me wrong, I love the city and everything about life here, but outside the city definitely has its perks. 

I went to a Christmas play at a nearby seaport, and it was the perfect activity for the weekend before Christmas.

A Christmas tree at the seaport decorated all in shells.

Baked a delicious hot melted cake... 

..during which some friends came out to say hello. 

Beautiful sunset on the drive to the train station.

Time to go home...

Pretty Pleats

Almost a year ago I saw pleats all over the FW11 runway and while I'm not one to stick to runway trends, I knew I wanted a pleated skirt. I love their movement and shape- so feminine and pretty. I'm excited to remix it in casually with flats or an oversized shirt.I wore this to our office holiday party.  The view from our venue was breathtaking. Unfortunately, all I had was my phone, but I've included a picture at the end of this post. I'm born and raised in the city but it's views like these that make me fall in love with it over and over again.

Winter Flats

I'm pretty much a flats and boots type of girl. Throw in some sandals here and there, and it's a done deal. As much as I love heels, I walk everywhere in the city and just can't do it. That being said, it gets quite cold and I often feel I'm wearing the same boots day in and day out in the winter. I've tried mixing in flats, but I just don't like the pants, flats, and socks look. Then a thought occurred- flats and skirts! While I may not be able to pull this off on really cold days (tights are just not warm enough!), it will definitely give some versatility in the cold months.



 

Cozy

This sweater is probably my favorite of all (and that's a lot...) my sweaters. It's oversized and slouchy. The dolman sleeves give it that untraditional touch that typically bores me about sweaters and why I tend to shy away from them. It's also that perfect shade of taupe that gives me the freedom to mix in silver or gold accessories or in this case both!

This Weekend...

I went down by the river to cheer on my younger brother at his soccer game. While nothing beats my native SoHo, Battery Park City is one of my favorite areas in the city. It's a bit quieter and has that residential touch while still being young and modern. It's typically a spot I visit often in the summer but not so much in the winter. It was refreshingly empty. I also visited the South Street Seaport this weekend where they've set up a small holiday market and tree. One of my favorite things about the holidays? Shamelessly indulging in delicious treats and warm drinks.