to make a resolution.

Time to say good-bye to another wonderful year...hope everyone has a safe and happy night tonight!

In the spirit of New Year's resolutions, I decided to make a few for the ol' blog. Here they are:

1. Take better pictures. I got an awesome deal on a Canon Rebel from Target - the camera was reduced and I got another lens for $100! Now I just have to learn how to use it...
2. Get crafty.  I had so much fun sprucing up my American Apparel clutch; I definitely want to incorporate more DIY projects into my wardrobe.
3. Make myself up. I swear I wear make-up and blow dry my hair (most the of the time), but I end up looking very unmade up most of the time. This year, I want to make an effort to mix up my look with different hairstyles, eye make-up and lipstick.
4. Stick to structure. I love how magazines have consistent features and articles across their different issues (like "Her 10 Best Ever" in Instyle) and I think monthly or weekly features would be something fun to incorporate into my blog.
5. Invest in the classics. Looking back at my favorite outfits from this year, I noticed that I definitely go back to the same basic, well-made pieces time and again (I've worn most of the items from these outfits at least a dozen times!). I think I need to be more conscious of this fact when I go shopping, and make sure whatever I purchase is going to become a classic. Speaking of those favorite outfits...

 

to spread the cheer.

Christmas miracles were all over the place for me this year. First, I got a new job! I can't tell you how excited I am to join the Trunk Club team starting next week- check them out if you haven't heard of this awesome company. Second, I made it through security at Midway in Chicago without my photo I.D. I wouldn't recommend forgetting yours (I left mine in a pants pocket) but on the off chance you do, apparently they let you through security with your credit cards. Who knew! And third, my sister, husband and I got into Grimaldi's in Brooklyn without waiting. If you haven't had this pizza and live in the NY area, do yourself a favor and eat.it.now.

Because I was so thankful for all of my little miracles, I decided to honor Father Christmas by dressing as one of his elves. Red + plaid + sparkles + sisters forever!

dress: Land's End Canvas (last year). tights: American Apparel. shoes: Kate Spade. necklace: J.Crew

to have herself a merry little Christmas.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

I know this is the time of year to buy things for loved ones, instead of for yourself, but this girl always has a hard time resisting a good deal and they were EVERYWHERE this year. Here are some of the goodies I picked up for myself:

1 , 2 , 3 , 4

to go back to her roots.

When I was a little girl, I could step out into the sun for 3 minutes and my hair would get brilliant white-blonde highlights (that turned green in the chlorine, but that's besides the point). Now that I'm OLD, I can sit in the sun for 8 hours with an entire bottle of lemon juice pored over my head, attracting every bee in the area, and I'll get nothing. Until I found John Frieda Go Blonder Spray. I tried to time using it with my trip to Mexico, so I could still pretend my hair was getting blonder from the sun, but I've gotten a few questions and comments about my newly blonde locks and I figured I should be honest.

This stuff is amazing and it's safe to say I'm obsessed. You just spray it in after a shower and let the heat from your blow dryer do the work. I started seeing results after about 2 weeks, and it really started to work while I was on vacation and spraying my hair before spending the day poolside. The caveat: you do have to be a natural blonde or you'll end up with orange locks, a la Sun-in.

Oh, and it's $7.99 a bottle. Happy Holidays, blondies.

with her friend, Pete.

Pete, my pet turtle (necklace), was very excited to join us on our honeymoon. He even helped me choose pumps that complemented the color of his spots! Good job, Pete.

dress: Kate Spade (on sale here!). shoes: Kate Spade. scarf: J.Crew (similar). 

pete: J.Crew Factory (similar bangle).

and takes home the rose.

Remember when I was in Mexico and it was warm and sunny and my biggest decision of the day was "beach or pool"? Yeah, me too. Boo.

My next few posts will be outfits from our trip, so I can reminisce for just a little longer. I wore this ensemble for our last night and most romantic dinner...except that we were on the end of a pier, a la The Bachelor, in the middle of an apparent wind storm (thank goodness I wore my hair up for the first time basically ever). We made it through the first course and then headed inside, stopping at the bar to take a shot of Bailey's (Rick) and chug a glass of champagne (me) to warm up. Despite our weather issues, it will still a wonderful last night.

skirt: Mango (old). tank: BCBG (old). necklace: BR (old).  

shoes: Calvin Klein (from DSW). scarf/wrap: J.Crew.

and goes back to reality.

Hola! I took a pretty long break from blogging while on my honeymoon in Mexico- it's good to be back. Not really a fan of this 25 degree weather and whole returning to work tomorrow thing, though...

I wore this outfit to the office the week before last. I'm loving the not-so-basic black tights I bought for my last project and herringbone print dress, which I picked up from H&M for $25! The shoes, however, were terrible. I'm hoping they get more comfortable, because I can't take 4 cabs every time I wear them (I literally couldn't walk anywhere, it was pathetic).

dress: H&M. tights: American Apparel. shoes: Calvin Klein (from DSW). 

necklace: Kate Spade (sold out). bag: DIY American Apparel

and feels like a very lucky girl.

I am feeling very fortunate and very happy today, for many reasons:

1. There was a special gift left on my desk this morning...new bright purple tights!!! My bestie/co-worker/former roommate, Jenn (of the fun foodie blog vegonomics), scooped up a pair for me at J.Crew last night. Just couldn't ask for a better friend :)
2. My husband indulges my animal print obsession. Check out the adorable belt he surprised me with from Eliza B (in the picture below).
3. We're leaving for Mexico tomorrow!!! Sun, sand & cervezas- here we come.