this is not about a train

I continue to insist on wearing this coat despite the cold, harsh reality that it is winter in the outside world. It's a hard piece to resist (note the perfectly defined shoulders and bright blush of red), and I feel terrible just letting it hang in my closet without me. In fact, I felt terrible leaving it in the store after trying it on...but I did (someone had to pry it from my hands, of course). This was a wonderfully, amazing Christmas gift and surprise from my FAVORITE brother. He is my only brother, so I suppose the favoritism is implied, but I'm also his favorite sister. Anyways, I found this coat when I went holiday shopping with him and after we parted he apparently went back and snuck the last one in my size (awww!). The rest is Christmas giving history and I am so grateful he brought this gem back into my life!

{Zara coat; H&M pants; F21 top and jewelry; Sam Eldman shoes; Zara bag; Juicy Couture earmuffs}

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stems

How refreshing is it to see actual plant life in the dead of winter? Being surrounded by greenery, bold flowers and succulents often inspires me to build my own collection of vegetation at home -- unfortunately, they would be brown and not alive under my care. This is a lazy day outfit (note the signature big sweater) worn while wandering around town on a misty afternoon. I cannot stop wearing this sparkly mini, nor can I put down this gorgeous bag (thanks Mar!!). And now that I mention it, I love this sweater as well. Finding new staples is an amazing way to start the New Year off right, don't you agree? Oh, and I am officially on a wild hunt to find the exact color of these magenta orchids for my lips.

{ASOS sweater; F21 skirt; vintage scarf; Coach boots; Zara bag; UO bracelet; Hue tights}

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so this is the new year...

It seems that time goes by too fast as you get older, and this year just flew. Armed with both ups and downs, years become those fond and sometimes bittersweet memories that culminate and make up who you are. My own identity has changed significantly these past few months as I added blogging to my channel of self-discovery and expression -- a decision I am beyond thrilled I finally acted upon. Thank you to all of my readers and followers for coming back time and time again and for your incredible words that have made this blog so rewarding from the very start. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you do, and I hope to continue to entertain and inspire you in the New Year. 

Wishing you all the best in 2011! I hope your celebrations were magic -- full of family, friends and confetti!!

{French Connection dress; Pour la Victoire shoes; Juicy Couture ring and cuff; Hue tights}

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borrowed

I can't express my delight more when outfits come together in a flash. Some days can be pure torture getting dressed, especially when nothing looks good (and all your fool-proof pieces are nowhere to be found). But other days are surprising -- and it's even better when a look is created from something that inspired you. I liked this picture (below) from the Jak and Jil Blog, and thought it was quite charming. Never had I thought pairing polka dots with leopard would be a complimentary combo, but I rather like it, and I rather like my own spin on it. What do you guys think?

{H&M sweater and dress; Anthropologie belt; Coach boots; UO bracelet (gift); Hue tights}

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snow globe

The end of the Christmas season is bittersweet -- transitioning from all the high paced anticipation back to the daily life drag can be a little difficult to get use to. However, we luckily still have New Year's Eve to look forward to. In the wake of our first big snowfall of the season, it seemed necessary that I send the holidays away in style, testing out some of the newest additions to my closet. I must say I had a hard time walking on the icy snow in these boots. As much as I love them, some kind of alteration must be made to their soles in order to avoid some serious injuries this winter. Yet, their perfection knowns no words and I adore the pairing of this caramel-colored scarf along with the sneak peak pattern underneath this brilliant red coat. 


By the way, I am in love with this red coat.

{Zara coat and scarf; UO top and skirt (underneath); Marc Jacobs boots; Hue tights}

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merry christmas

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and bunches of holiday cheer!!

{UO top; F21 skirt; Gap flats; Anthropologie turtle belt; vintage charm bracelet; Hue tights}

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snow leopard

I secretly have about 25 layers underneath this coat -- it's the only way I know how to dress for the promise of snow. I purchased this winter must-have about three years ago and for some reason haven't worn it too much...quite blasphemous. I've forgotten how much I love it and might need to take a vow to wear it more often. 

With Christmas only five days away (!!), it seems as if every store has a sale going on in Boston. Lucky for me, I was able to finish somewhat early, scoring armfuls of great finds for my friends and family. Including these leggings I bought as an early holiday gift for myself (they are the same pattern as the dress I wore here). I simply adore the color, and they are the perfect partner to this cream fabric and fuzzy boots. 

Now all I am dreaming for is a White Christmas.

{Marc by Marc Jacobs coat and sweater (underneath); H&M leggings; Coach boots; vintage earmuffs}

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