"All About the Outfit (Christmas Recap)"

Getting dressed up is always one of my favorite parts of any occasion so when the holidays come around, I use it as an opportunity to pull out the dresses and special pieces that I wouldn't necessarily wear on just any day. I have been hanging onto this Free People headpiece since the summer, waiting for the perfect occasion to pair it with the perfect outfit, and this Christmas seemed like just as good a time as any.

For this outfit, I started with the gold Dripping Coins Headpiece and worked my way to the dress, choosing a soft, ivory lace dress by Kimchi Blue. The details of this dress are very feminine and pretty with ruffled shoulders and a see-through back, perfect for showing off my delicate side and shoulder tattoos. Luckily for me, the warmer weather made an appearance this Christmas, allowing me to get away without wearing tights. Instead, I paired the dress with my Free People Vegan Leather Hooded Jacket, (minus the detachable hood), for a more wintery look. I also like to play with the leather and lace look sometimes for a tough-meets-feminine effect. The shoes fell into place after the jacket, as these Ecote ankle booties paired well against the leather as well as any outfit sans tights at this time of year. These ankle booties have become my favorite touch to many mini dresses. Final touches consisted of creating loose waves in my hair, a middle part, and a small section of braided hair to compliment the headpiece. 

And so this is my process of creating a perfect outfit for Christmas day festivities. 

How do you prepare your holiday looks? Do you have any special pieces that you save for the holidays? Comment below with your own favorite Christmastime looks this season and check out the links posted below to get this look! 

Get the look here:

Kimchi Blue Eloise Lace Dress

Vegan Leather Hooded Motorcycle Jacket

Dripping Coins Headpiece

Pskaufman Frwy Chelsea Western Boot

"The Perfect Plaid Parka"

Finding the perfect winter coat has been a fashion endeavor of mine for the last couple of years. Up until I had the experience of living through a brutal New York City winter, I never truly knew the importance of a warm, yet fashionable winter coat. I also never realized how important the versatility of a coat is, as living in the city calls for a coat that can take you to many different occasions without letting the icy wind sneak its way in. 

Living in New Jersey where a warm car is always just a short walk away, I have a little more room to play with different styles without suffering for the sake of fashion. Months ago I decided my coat of the season would be a plaid wool coat much like the Free People one I was lusting over. But just as all of my most treasured wish list items seem to do, it sold out by the time I committed to the purchase. So imagine my excitement when I came across this similar gem, (for a much lower price might I add), while doing some Christmas shopping recently. I walked into Forever 21, and there it was in all of it's on-sale glory, finally, my perfect plaid wool coat. It's warm, the perfect length, and the plaid is versatile enough to wear with just about anything. And so my annual winter coat need has been satisfied! 

Get the look here:

Wool-Blend Plaid Parka

Lucky Brand Emmie Flats

Capsule Slouchy Beanie

"Music Inspiration: Joni Mitchell"

I have always thought of Joni Mitchell as a source of inspiration for everything from her effortless style, iconic beauty, and of course her talent as a gifted musician. She is mind-blowingly inspirational to me, and her 1971 album, Blue, is a personal favorite of mine, something I've been listening to quite a bit during this holiday season. 

-Polaroid of Joni Mitchell by Andy Warhol. She signed "Startled to see you."

The song "River" off of her album, Blue, is particularly special to me at this time of year. The lyrics demonstrate a feeling of sadness as Christmastime approaches, a time for loved ones. After a heartbreak or loss of any kind, this can be a sensitive time of year to cope with pain and sadness as it seems everything revolves around the theme of love, family, and togetherness.

"It's coming on Christmas 
They're cutting down trees 
They're putting up reindeer 
And singing songs of joy and peace Oh I wish I had a river I could skate away on "

The pressure surrounding the holidays can create a feeling of loneliness that is captured in the tenderness of this song. 

https://open.spotify.com/user/1236486098/playlist/7H65pTpFiBek3QCXTu2HRK

As an alternative to the traditional Christmas music that I personally have never been a fan of, I will be listening to classics such as Blue and other albums that resonate with me during the holiday season.

Comment below with your own personal soundtrack to the season. What songs feel like Christmas to you? 

"Changing with the Seasons"

Before the cold weather officially plants its feet for the winter and the outdoors become blanketed in snow, I try to make it a point to spend as much time with nature as possible. Fall is the perfect time of year to spend that extra hour we get here and there outside, breathing in fresh air, and soaking up nature's abundant benefits. I personally am a summer girl through and through. So I use this as a transitional period for my mind, body, and wardrobe to adjust to the upcoming season, and one way that I peacefully come to terms with this change is through the beauty I find in nature. 

Right before the first official snowfall of the season, we had some almost abnormally warm days that I took advantage of. I have found that often times you don't have to go somewhere exotic or travel far at all to find a beautiful little slice of nature. We often don't realize how accessible this serenity really is. All you need is a little curiosity and sense of adventure to jump in your car and drive a little off your usual path. Take a road you've never taken before or google the nearest hiking trails. It's my go-to way of gaining some perspective and recharging my energy. In the next couple of weeks, the autumn days will come to an end as winter greets us on December 21st, at which point the frigid air becomes strikingly blunt and less peaceful. With this one last adventure I say goodbye to the great outdoors and will be patiently awaiting the return of spring. 

Get the look: 

Urban Renewal Super-Destroyed Levi's Jean

Blanket Sweater

Open-Weave Slouch Beanie

Steve Madden Troopa Lace-Up Boot