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?