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I've been putting off writing this post for days now because I don't really know to summarize 2015.  I was talking with a friend the other day about how 2015 has been an incredibly confusing year and came to the conclusion that it has really been about growing up. I moved into my first real apartment, spent the summer away from home, and have started to really think about what I want the rest of my life to look like. All of this was both terrifying and incredibly exciting, and I've definitely been tested over and over again. I can tell you that the there were many lows this year, when I realized just how lucky I am to have friends that I can call crying anytime, but there were also many highs that will go down as some of the best days of my life. 

As the year comes to an end though, I want to take a moment to look back at some of the best parts of 2015 because, while the stressful and scary days will fade away, the amazing memories truly will last forever. Make sure to read to the bottom for the three most important lessons I've learned this year. 

A Look Back at 2015

I've been putting off writing this post for days now because I don't really know to summarize 2015.  I was talking with a frie...
Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Who else is coming down with after Christmas depression? I know 'the holidays' aren't technically over yet, but I'm already wishing we could go back to the week before Thanksgiving and start over again. These last few days have been a whirlwind, but that is pretty typical for my family during the holidays. We've always had big family Thanksgivings and Christmases, which often means quick trips to see family in Connecticut. This year we spent just over 42 hours in Connecticut, arriving Christmas Eve and leaving on the morning of the 26th. 

OUTFIT: Black Tie Blouse

Monday, December 28, 2015

Since getting home this past weekend I've really begun to appreciate how amazing a great pair of flannel pajama pants can be. As my friends know, my house is almost always freezing once cold weather descends. I'm talking wool socks, thick pants, and a double layer of sweatshirts cold, so my flannel pajama bottoms have come in handy these last few nights. 

Plus, a great pair of lounging pants is a must-have in the wintertime. Spending the morning in bed with a cup of coffee and a magazine is one of the best parts of winter break, and it's made even better by a comfy pair of pajamas :)

Unfortunately, this pair of pajamas is sold out in most sizes at J.Crew so I've linked to my other favorite lounge clothes at the bottom of this post! 

Outfit: Lounging Around

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Can you believe Christmas is THIS WEEK?! Despite my best efforts to finish my shopping early I still have plenty to do before Thursday. Luckily, amazing technology and a lifesaver called Amazon Prime means that I don't actually have to leave my couch to do week-of-Christmas shopping. I hate dealing with those Christmas Eve mall shoppers, so ordering last minute gifts online is one of my best secrets. 

Every student should have Amazon Prime (sign up here) because not only do you get a huge student discount, but it is a lifesaver year around. Now that Christmas is just 4 days away I'm taking major advantage of Amazon Prime's 1 and 2 day free shipping as well as their partnership with Shopbop that also gives you free 2 day shipping of Shopbop products with your Prime subscription. You can order up until Tuesday and have gifts on your doorstep before Christmas. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather shop looking like this than search for parking spots and wait in ridiculous lines. 


HOLIDAY 2015: Last Minute Gifts

Sunday, December 20, 2015
If you're like me then you've been bombarded with all the holiday content over the last few weeks. I feel like I even started extra early this year with my Gift Guide Under $25 and now I'm just ready for the day to arrive already. Don't get me wrong, I've fully embraced the festive spirit over on my Instagram, but sometimes we all just need a bit of a break from the holiday spirit. 

OUTFIT: A Break From the Holidays

Friday, December 18, 2015

Christmas is fast approaching and before we know it the holiday season will be over. As my finals are finishing up today I've completely switched over to the holiday mind set. I still have a few more people to find gifts for (hint hint little sis, let me know what you want), but I'm mostly focused on what I'll be wearing to various holiday events. My family will be heading down to Connecticut for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but then I'll be back in Boston for NYE. It will be a nice change going out with friends for NYE this year, since last year I was sitting at home recovering from getting my wisdom teeth teeth removed. 

Whether your plans for the holidays include dressy Christmas parties, NYE house parties, or just opening gifts around the tree on Christmas morning I hope these looks can give you a little inspiration :) While it should go without saying all of these looks are finished off perfectly with a bright red lip. 

HOLIDAY 2015: Christmas and NYE Outfits

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
My only purchase for myself during Black Friday weekend was this amazing boyfriend sweater from J.Crew. Not only does it feel as soft as cashmere, but it is also so warm (a little too warm for this 60 degree days we'e been having). Since I'm one of those people tends who buys something new and wear it constantly you can bet I've been wearing this sweater all the time. 

Instead of pairing the sweater with my usual jeans and slip on sneakers combo I styled it two different ways last week. Leggings and a blanket scarf are perfect for a dreary day, while a skirt and booties elevate the very casual sweater. While I got the sweater at 40% off on Black Friday, it's actually 30% off right now at J.Crew, so don't miss the great deal!

OUTFIT: Boyfriend Sweater Two Ways

Monday, December 14, 2015
Many people say fall in New York is the best time of year, but I believe nothing can compare to the holidays in NYC. The city becomes a magical place with pretty lights and decorated Christmas trees in almost every park. As soon as Thanksgiving is over every vendor sets up Christmas tree shops on the sidewalks, so it constantly feels like you're walking through a holiday wonderland. 

Being abroad last year there were many things I missed about the city, but mostly I missed the magic of New York as Christmas approaches. Ever since I can remember my family has come to New York for a weekend in December to visit my aunt and uncle and see a show on Broadway. These weekends are some of my favorite childhood memories and honestly part of the reason I so desperately wanted to go to college in New York. Everything from going to the American Girl Doll store and riding the ferris wheel at Toys R Us to pushing through the crowd to reach the Rockefeller Christmas tree made me fall in love with this city before I was ten years old. 

Now, years later I still look forward to the most 'touristy' parts of Christmas in the city, but I've also started to make my own traditions and have a bucket list of smaller holiday festivities I want to see before I graduate.  Keep reading to find out what's on my must-do list around the holidays :)

1. A visit to the Rockefeller Christmas tree. So I know this is #1 on the tourist to-do list, but I have a thing for beautiful Christmas trees (evident by my instagram) and Rockefeller will always be the best. A trip after dark is always incredible, but if you live around New York try going on a weekday morning. It will be way less crowded and you will really be able to appreciate the decorations. 

2. A stop at Ralph's Coffee Shop inside Polo Ralph Lauren. This hidden gem has been on my Christmas wish(to-do)list for years and I finally went last week. While the shop is open year around, you can't miss the Christmas decor. The whole shop twinkles and it's the perfect escape from the surrounding midtown craziness this time of year. 

HOLIDAY 2015: NYC Christmas Bucket List

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Turtlenecks are back with a serious vengeance from all those years we saw them as the ugly sweater. I walked into my USWIB meeting the other day to see at least 8 different girls wearing turtlenecks. While I'm sure my mom is dying looking back on all the years I refused to even try on a turtleneck, I never want to take this one off.

My go-to look as finals approach has become a soft turtleneck, casual ripped jeans, and my black vans because who really has time for anything more than that? I sure don't. To try and switch things up last week I let a striped tee peek out from underneath and threw on a pair of booties. It was the perfect look for my Thursday night class that is always freezing!

Keep reading below for a few of my favorite extra cozy turtlenecks :)

OUTFIT: Go-To Finals Look

Monday, December 7, 2015

So, let's be real, every year the holidays come around and I ask myself the same quesion, what the hell am I going to get my parents? They are always. always. the hardest to shop for because when I ask them what they want for Christmas the response I usually get is something like hugs or your love. And that's great and all, but when I plan on getting them a real present it's not exactly helpful to hear 'hugs'. 

Instead of stressing out as per usual, I started thinking about presents for mom & dad extra early this year. While these two gift guides are somewhat tailored to my parents specifically (love cooking and really love the patriots) the idea is really to find something that they wouldn't necessarily buy themselves. The best gift you can get your parents is something that they secretly want but feel like it's stupid to blow the money on. So, if you're in need of help like I usually am, check out my 2015 gift guide for mom & dad!

HOLIDAY 2015: Gifts for Mom & Dad

Wednesday, December 2, 2015
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