Wet Christmas

Head to Toe: Top, Forever 21 // Flannel, Kmart // Jeans, Old Navy // Boots, Coolway // Hat, Target // Bag, Zara

Dear Santa, maybe you miss-heard me, but I said white Christmas. It looks like anyone dreaming of snow (unless perhaps you live in the rockies) will have to wait until January. I'm heading south for the next few days, so I certainly won't have a frosty holiday. Packing was admittedly a challenge, but I opted for light layers and festive extras—like socks and scarves—that don't add bulk. When in doubt, a bright red lip always adds a little cheer. Peace and joy to all!

Black, White & Christmas All Over

Head to Toe: Blouse, thrifted // Jeans, Forever 21 // Boots, Coolway // Bag, Zara // Scarf, Target

The older I get, the more I can relate to Christmas Vacation's Ellen Griswold: "It's Christmas, and we're all in misery." Don't get me wrong, I love the holiday season—decorating, cooking, family. Just thinking about it gives me the warm and fuzzies...But it also gives me a fair heap of anxiety. There's all the planning involved in traveling and gift-giving, all while fitting in a full-time (or overtime) workload. I'm just reminding myself that a few days off, quality family time and some good old home cooking will make it all worth it. For now, I'm rocking my reindeer scarf, eating my mom's Christmas cookies, jamming to Spotify's holiday playlists and putting my nose to the grindstone. Happy holidays!

New Year's Style Resolutions 2016

With my New Year's Eve date, 2015

When the peeps at Farfetch (a site for designer merchandise shipped from independent boutiques) asked me to do a post about my style resolutions, I thought...Do I have style resolutions? While I've never made them in the past, it quickly hit me that I should, especially with how much I've struggled with what I put on my body these days. In a new city where people dress to the extreme, it's been a daunting task to figure out where I fall on the scale, and to resist the temptation of constant shopping. (In fact, I spent the day preparing my apartment for my upcoming move and filled three-plus garbage bags with clothes to donate.) So, to help tackle that task, I've herby formed six style resolutions for 2016. And along with these, it is probably my most important "style" resolution to share my sartorial pursuits here more often. Starting now!

Vince

1. Invest in basics: My style of the past would have favored a ton of statement pieces to fill-out my closet. But for the most bang for your buck—and your apartment space—quality basics paired with fun accessories can still be stylish.

Nº21

2. Mix and match: Resolution number two is to make those basics go the extra mile by pairing them in creative ways. A collared shirt underneath elevates a sweater in the wintertime, and it only takes an extra minute getting ready.

Harris Wharf London 

3. Quality over quantity: I'm a big bargain shopper, but now that I'm getting older, I'm starting to realize that a few quality pieces can be more of an investment than a splurge in the long-term. Instead of three sweaters that will last one season, one higher-end piece can last for years.

Stella McCartney

4. Start at the bottom: Since I started working at Footwear Plus, I've noticed people's shoes more than ever before...And in turn I can't help but feel like people are noticing mine, so I'm making it a goal to stay on-trend in that department.

Moschino 

5. It is better to be overdressed than under: A few weeks ago, I attended an after-work cocktail party that I assumed would be business casual. It was closer to black tie, and I felt horribly under-dressed. For that reason, I'm going to go with the rule to err on the side of formal when I'm not sure of the attire.

Dsquared2

6. Keep it colorful: In New York City, there's a lot of black. Since I'll soon be living there, I'm making a resolution to keep my signature colorful pieces as a regular rotation in my wardrobe.

Best Vest

Head to Toe: Vest and Blouse, Forever 21 // Jeans and Necklace, Old Navy // Booties, Victoria's Secret 

Since I started working in New York, I've been feeling in a major fashion slump. Between my shortened morning hours and being surrounded by ultra-trendy city girls, it feels hard to keep up without buying a whole new wardrobe (which is just not an option these days). This furry pink vest, a gift from my mamma last Christmas, was the medicine for a morning of previews and an office holiday gathering. Someone even introduced themselves to me at an event and asked what media outlet I was with, saying she could tell I worked for a magazine by my outfit. Win! Admittedly, I wore leggings and a sweater the next day, but it was a step in the right direction. I'm digging the fun accessories out of my closet to keep the momentum going. How do you get out of a style rut without hitting the mall?

Fantastic Elastic

Head to Toe: Blazer and boots, Zara // Leggings, Marshall's

Full disclosure: This was not the outfit I had planned on wearing Monday. I bought a fabulous pair of suede bootcut slacks over the summer at Salvation Army with my grandmother for $5, and have been waiting for the perfect time to wear them. A post-Thanksgiving Monday felt like that time, but, when I pulled them on, they were admittedly tight around the waist from too much turkey (and stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, pie...). Frantic for another outfit on a rushed morning, I decided to forgo the pain of putting on anything else with a zipper and opted from some nice leggings instead, and dressed them up with a blazer and boots (I thought the wine color was also post-turkey day appropriate). In the meantime, I've been wearing my Fitbit and logging three to four miles of walking a day between my commute and traveling to other appointments. I think anyone who attempts a diet between Thanksgiving and New Year's is a glutton for punishment, but I'm going to attempt to be mindful between holidays...Either that or I'm going to have to buy more stretchy pants. How do you stay fit this time of year?

Thank(full)

Head to Toe: Turtleneck, H&M // Overalls, Hollister // Booties, Victoria's Secret // Wallet, Furla

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving (and a five-day weekend) has already come and gone, but I'm feeling recharged with a whole lot to be thankful for. Wednesday night I prepped some yummy sides for my family's turkey day and went out with friends for a drink to celebrate. Sean and I split the holiday between our families and had a great time eating and talking and eating some more. The rest of the break was majorly relaxing...We saw The Night Before, and it was absolutely hysterical. Sunday I started my Christmas prepping and got a little tree for our apartment. I even have most of my shopping done and got everything wrapped. Let me note that this is not the norm. While I'm an avid decorator, I can be more of a last-minute shopper. But with my free time being so slim these days, it feels great to be ahead of things. My goal for this holiday season is to enjoy the little things among the business. And for a month that's all about "stuff," I'm trying to downsize (partially for peace of mind and partially to prepare for my move coming up). So I'm avoiding the holiday mall mayhem and sticking to tried-and-trues, which believe it or not include these comfy overalls. Anyone (like me) who has avoided trend should give in and buy a pair. 

Work Hard, Play Hard

Happy Tuesday, fashionistas!...It's been a whirlwind few weeks, so apologies for my lack of posting. I've been loving my new gig at Footwear Plus and Earnshaw's magazines, and it's been great to be in the city. But New York, especially with a commute from Connecticut, is a bit tiring. My sweet pup also had surgery last week (everything went well and we took him home from the hospital yesterday). So needless to say it's been a struggle to get clothes on my body every day, let alone blog about them. But don't worry, it hasn't been all work and no play for this dull girl. This past weekend we celebrated my bestie and roomie's birthday with a night out, and I never shared photos from Halloween a few weeks back (snaps below). Otherwise, there have been a lot of late nights and early mornings, and I've found myself lacking the energy to put together creative outfits. Do you have any advice/tricks to look stylish in less time? Signed, in a rut. 

Tight Decision

Head to Toe: Sweater, H&M // Skirt and tights, Marshall's // Oxfords, Forever 21 // Coat, thrifted

After last week's warm spell, it's finally starting to feel like November in the Northeast. I did some Marshall's shopping this past weekend to stock up on some commuter necessities (including these ultra comfy fleece-lined tights) and scored this denim skirt on the clearance rack to boot. On a particularly cold night a few weeks ago, I was out to dinner with my boyfriend when he commented on a crew of women that came in, sans tights: "Do girls ever wear tights? They must be freezing." My mom and dad--who herald from Maryland and Delaware, respectively--would attribute this to New England stubbornness, but I think there's more. I told Sean that I thought most women put off wearing tights for as long as possible since, in my opinion, most dresses and skirts look better without them (more shape, less bulk). And in New York City, bare legs are a downright status symbol. In an article for the Guardian, Jess Cartner-Morley asserts that black tights are what separates the models from the mortals (i.e., if you take the subway and can't afford a St. Barth's tan in December, tights are a matter of practicality). But the jury's still out. In a reaction to Cartner-Morley's article, Refinery 29 writer Rachel Syme defends her beloved, luxurious black tights. I guess I am on the fence...I have suffered through many a freezing Connecticut winter and am absolutely miserable if I'm too cold. I have a drawer-full of tights in every color of the rainbow that I wear all winter long, and they can absolutely look adorable (I wouldn't have shared this look with you if I didn't think so). But, there is something to opting out when it comes to really showing off a dress. I'll admit to toughing out both New Year's and my birthday (which is in late January) in bare legs. Bottom line is that this blog is about how everyday girls dress for everyday life, and going to work between November and March (let's be real, April in the Northeast) in bare legs is quite silly. But on special occasions when I can spring for a cab, you might see me pretending to be an it girl for a night (sporting a drugstore faux tan).

Locally Made: Mint City U.S.

Hey, fashionistas! I want to bring your attention to a really cool brand that's designed and made locally in Norwalk, Connecticut called Mint City. Just in time for holiday shopping (yes, terrifying that that time has come) are two new collections: Intergallactic MeltCrew and Melt Cycles. The line includes graphic tees, jackets, hoodies and hats in both printed and embroidered designs. For products that are handmade in small batches, the price point is unbeatable (Tees are $30 and under; beanies run for $15). The selection is perfect for the man in your life who insists on American-made, and chicks can rock it too. My loyal readers are already aware of my beanie obsession in the wintertime, so I styled a perfect Saturday look with one of the new hats, above. Happy shopping!

Life Lately and Flashback Halloweens

Last year's vintage circus performer costume is an all-time favorite!

Happy Halloweekend, fashionistas! It's been a busy October for me, and as it turns out, the end of a chapter. I'm starting a new job on Monday in New York City that will shake up my current routine, so I've been admittedly a bit preoccupied with the transition. While I am SO excited for this new venture (details to come), I'm sad to leave the support I've had in this role for the past several years. Some of my coworkers are also people that I call my dearest friends. But in this case, change is a great thing, and I can't wait to get to it!

In some un-preoccupied time (new word?), I have been enjoying what is arguably my favorite month of the year. Sean and I carved pumpkins, explored new neighborhoods, and I went to my first pro hockey game. My share of seasonal beers and ciders have been consumed. Best yet, tomorrow is my favorite holiday! (I'm sharing two of my most-recent, and most-loved, costumes here). And the soundtrack is just as important, so tune into my Spotify "Halloweekend" playlist and get in the mood!

Totally channelling Daisy Buchanan from my favorite book, The Great Gatsby, two Halloweens ago.

Workweek Outfits

Happy hump day, fashionistas! Last week was a busy one of meetings, appointments and after-hours cocktailing (for both work and play), so my outfits had to go the distance. It was also, sadly, one of the last warm weeks of fall. Any other New Englanders turn on their heat this weekend? *sobs internally* I better refresh my tights collection, because I don't think I can tough it out in bare legs much longer...

Monday Head to Toe: Dress, Old Navy // Jacket, Wilson (hand-me-down) // Booties, VS

Tuesday Head to Toe: Sweater, Zara // Vest, DWR Consignments // Jeans, Continuations Consignments // Booties, VS

Wednesday Head to Toe: Dress, Marshalls // Top (underneath), Urban Outfitters // Boots, Steve Madden

Friday Head to Toe: Tee, Old Navy // Flannel, Urban Outfitters // Jacket, Target // Jeans, Old Navy // Booties, thrifted

DIY Closet Costumes for Halloween

Happy Monday, fashionistas! I hope you enjoyed this blustery fall weekend as much as I did. The cold front is a reminder that Halloween is less than two week away. Have you planned your costume yet? Sean and I are doing a couple's costume, but, as always, I'm keeping the details quiet until Halloween. If you aren't as crazy as me, you may not have even thought about what you'll be: Hence, my annual DIY last-minute costume post. The only thing worse than an expensive store-bought look is a lame pair of cat ears, or (gasp!) nothing at all. These ideas can be put together with clothes you already have in your closet, plus a few accessories if you want to up the ante. Timeless or timely, check out these Instagram-worthy looks that will win Halloween.

Any Grecian dress can serve as the base for this Helen of Troy costume. Pair with gold bangles, and slip on braided sandals. A gauzy scarf makes a good headpiece and adds warmth. The final accessory? An armor-clad Paris with a bow and arrow.

Have a white collared shirt and long sleeved black LBD in your closet? Then you've got all it takes to look like an Adams daughter. Layer the two and add pigtail braids and black tights. Extra points for pale makeup and a scowl. 

Claire from Jurassic World was definitely one of this year's most badass female characters. A white pencil skirt and blouse layered over a tank is all it takes. (Messy it up for the full effect.) One caveat: No taking off your heels—all. night. long. If Claire can run from the Velociraptors in hers, then you can get from your apartment to the party and back.

Speaking of badass female characters, Taylor Swift's Bad Blood video has a ton. Wear this solo or with your whole squad. Leather leggings and a clingy black turtleneck make the look. A funky belt and some big glasses (ski goggles maybe?) bring it home.

Besides for her emails, democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is perhaps most famous for her power suits. Find one cheap at the thrift store (or pair a blazer and slacks in the same color), then add pearls and a patriotic pin.