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What a year 2016 has been... Have you seen those memes of people looking worse and worse throughout the year? I can definitely relate with them. However, despite all the bad there have been some truly amazing highlights - and I'll be touching on those in a post next week, so stay tuned :)

For now though, I wanted to share my 10 best pieces of 2016 -- the purchases that I've worn over and over again (and you'll probably see more of in 2017). I did this same post a couple years ago, and it's been one of your favorites so I thought I'd bring it back. These are the pieces that I reach for every time I have a 'I hate everything I own' moment. Some of them  are classics that will probably never go out of style and some I'm sure I'll be shaking my head at in just a few years. For each favorite I've also listed similar options at different price levels (save, spend, splurge). So, without further ado, in no particular order, here are my favorites!


NUMBER 1: SUEDE JACKET

This is one of those basic blogger pieces and I'm sure you're all sick of seeing it, but my suede jacket is honestly one of the best purchases I've ever made. It's really a 4 season type of jacket and works just as well thrown over a summer dress as it does layered under my winter coats. I'm sure there will be another 'it' jacket next year that I'll try to get my hands on, but better believe this suede one will remain a staple in my wardrobe for years to come. 




NUMBER 2 & 3 : THE STRIPED TEE & WHITE SHORTS COMBO
tee: save | spend | splurge
shorts: save | spend | splurge

Ok, so striped tees have been a staple in my wardrobe for as long as I can remember, but this summer can be defined as the striped tee and white boyfriend shorts summer. For almost every weekend trip I went on I packed nothing but these tees and my favorite white shorts. It's a classic New England combo and will make you feel pulled together no matter the event. 


NUMBER 4: CHUNKY CABLE KNIT

Sometimes you have to splurge to find a really amazing sweater, and other times it's on sale for $30 at Urban Outfitters. This sweater has become my go-to weekend sweater, and I've worn it in so many blog posts and Instagram pictures that even my mom noticed. My advice - when you find the perfect sweater buy multiple in every color, it's worth it. 

NUMBER 5: OVER THE KNEE BOOTS

Over the knee boots are one of those 'new classics' and while styles change a little year to year, they don't seem to be going anywhere. Another style of OTK boots even made my list in 2014. While in 2015 the suede over the style was really only available at the luxury price range, 2016 was the year they became accessible to everyone. I bought two pairs this fall and my black pair is only $30 right now! As January approaches I'll only be wearing them more than I already do since they're the perfect way to combat cold legs!



NUMBER 6: ALL THE OFF-THE-SHOULDER TOPS

Off-the-shoulder seems to be a trend that isn't headed anywhere (or at least that's what I'm hoping!), and in 2016 it was definitely the trend I bought the most of. It's a super flattering trend, both in summery tops and winter sweaters. If you've yet to dive into the trend I also suggest starting with a simple blouse like this one



NUMBER 7: OFF-THE-SHOULDER ROMPER

My most worn item of this summer was 100% this ots romper from LOFT. It was perfect thrown over a bathing suit or dressed up with wedges and a fun necklace for a humid night out in the city. Unfortunately, I couldn't find it online anywhere, but there are so many cute similar options available now. I'll definitely be adding at least one more romper to my wardrobe before my spring break trip in March. 

NUMBER 8: PATTERNED SWING DRESSES

I always thought swing dresses would be super unflattering for my body type (bigger on bottom than on top), but boy was I wrong. After buying this striped dress this spring and then this plaid one this fall I'm all about the shift dresses. Instead of making me feel bulky like I thought the style would, it actually accentuates my wait and makes my legs look way skinnier than they actually are. 


NUMBER 9: J.CREW PEACOAT

I knew I needed a new peacoat this fall, so when J.Crew surprised us all with 40% off everything over cyber week I jumped at the opportunity to invest in a high quality coat. I've already gotten such great use out of it, especially since the longer length keeps me extra warm along the windy NYC streets. Unfortunately, my coat is no longer on sale, but this great option is still on sale!

NUMBER 10: MADEWELL SKINNY JEANS

Like my striped tees, skinny jeans are obviously a classic, but this year I discovered just how amazing Madewell jeans are. They're that perfect combination of stretchy and suck you in fabric, so you know I've been wearing the life out of all my pairs. While not necessarily the best deal at full price, wait for a sale and stock up on your favorite pairs!

10 Best Pieces of 2016

What a year 2016 has been... Have you seen those memes of people looking worse and worse throughout the year? I can definitely relate wi...
Thursday, December 29, 2016

The after holiday slump is REAL guys. It feels like I've been on an olympic paced race these last few weeks and now everything is just over and I don't know what to do with myself. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for a few lazy days with lots of Netflix binging, but it always feels weird to have nothing to do when you're used to having a million things to do. 

I don't have any major New Years plans this year, so unfortunately no sparkly looks to share with your this week. Instead, today I have the one non holiday colored outfit I've worn in the last month. No matter the time of year, olive and black is a perfect combo to look pulled together and sleek. I scored this olive peacoat in stores for only $25 and have gotten a million compliments on it! Lucky for you all, it just went on sale online and is only $30! Plus, you can complete this look with this flannel button down and these otk boots, both under $30!

Hope you're all still wrapped up cozy and comfy around the fireplace (or even better the tv watching Netflix :) )!





Christmas Come Down

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

As I sign off for the holiday weekend, I wanted to wish you all the happiest of holidays and a Merry Christmas if you're celebrating. I hope you're all settled in wherever you'll be spending the weekend whether with family or friends :) 

After a week crazy weeks of finals and then saying goodbye to friends who graduated early (there's too many of them leaving me!) I'm finally back at home in New England for the holidays. My family doesn't have any major plans for Christmas this year, so I'll probably be spending most of the day in cozy Christmas pajamas, most likely these ones since I surprised my mom by buying her, my sister, and I each a pair. We'll be cozying up by the fire with cookies (the ones Santa leaves behind of course) and stockings for the whole morning if not longer!



Happy Holidays

Friday, December 23, 2016

My wardrobe over the summer was probably 80% off the shoulder pieces (see exhibit 1 2 & 3), so when I realized I didn't have to give up off the shoulder tops as the weather got colder I actually jumped with joy. Of course, then I happened across this sweater at Express and truly fell in love. It's probably the softest piece of clothing in my closet and such a good deal. I honestly might buy it in another color 🙈 This one is also super similar and has great colors as well!

Then, because I have a serious shopping problem, I realized that Express has amazing sweaters... I used to avoid the brand like the plague because it always seemed kind of tacky? or maybe cheap? Well either I was very wrong or they've being doing something new because there are so many pieces I want. There's both cozy pieces like this lace up sweater and fun party ready pieces like this top that may or may not be hanging in my closet soon. Even better, they're having a 50% off sale up until Christmas, so you can treat yourself to a comfy holiday outfit and not feel bad about it at all.









Off The Shoulder Sweater

Monday, December 19, 2016

If you're anything like me you are SO ready to curl up in front of the fireplace in Christmas pajamas with hot chocolate (preferably this kind). My finals are so close to being finished and the only thing getting me through is knowing that cozy nights are just around the corner. Plus, the month long vacation doesn't hurt either :) 

As much as I've tried to get my holiday shopping done early this year (remember this post), there are still a few people on my list that are extra hard to shop for (If you're reading mom, I'm talking about you). Whenever I'm at a loss for what to get family members or close friends for presents I automatically resort to cozy items that I know they'll reach for all winter long. I mean who doesn't want a new pair of slippers or a super soft sweater?

If you're someone who's into giving 'experience' gifts, one of my favorite ideas giving someone a luxurious day at home. Plan a whole day of relaxing and getting into the Christmas spirit with your BFF, significant other, or yours parents. For under $50 you can bake a delicious breakfast, make gourmet hot chocolate, and watch your favorite holiday movies on Netflix in plaid pajamas. A day like this would truly be a Christmas miracle for me! 





Cozy Christmas Gifts

Sunday, December 11, 2016

After taking a quick trip to Dallas for work this weekend I came back to full out Christmas spirit in New York. The Palace Hotel with it's huge Christmas tree outside is definitely one of my favorite spots (and definitely a NYC blogger fave as well), and if you're visiting the city during the Holidays I definitely suggest stopping by to have a true Gossip Girl moment. 

When planning holiday outfits I always start with causal favorites and add some special details. Since my family holiday plans are always pretty causal adding things like lace details, heeled boots (I'm always in flat shoes), or a couple sparkly bracelets. It's really the little things that elevate a look from what you'd wear any day to class to a Christmas outfit, ya know? 




OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic Sweater // Lace Cami via Marshalls // Gap Jeans // Primark Boots // Marc By Marc Jacobs Watch // Zara Peacoat



Christmas Lace Details

Monday, December 5, 2016
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