Resolutions for A New Year: 2014

Happy New Year's Eve!

In the words of Oprah, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."

Yesterday, I posted about writing New Year's resolutions, and today I've decided to post what my actual resolutions are. I can honestly say I've been really struggling to come up with twelve different resolutions this year. My resolutions for 2013 were the best I had ever written, and they helped me have an incredible year. So as I was writing, I felt a little bit of pressure to do even better.

However, with a little inspiration from some friends, family and much internet research (true story), I think I've come up with some goals I want to achieve this year. Here they are:

January: Organization

I wanted to start out with a pretty easy and definitely attainable resolution this year: managing my room. When I'm at home, I am a complete neat freak, but ever since starting college, I find myself in such a rush to just get to class that I often leave a heap of clothes I thought about wearing on my bed or a slew make up scattered all over my dresser. So, this year I resolve to spend fifteen minutes every day (or night) cleaning up and choosing an outfit for the next day. This will really streamline my morning and possibly even give me enough time to grab a cup of coffee before class (yum!).

February: Love

This year's love resolution is going to be a little different than previous (read: single) years. In fact, I find coming up with a relationship resolution really challenging because I am in such a happy relationship. But everyone (read: I) always has some things to work on. Over the last few weeks, I've felt the reality of being in a long distance relationship set in (it's hard!). In 2014, I resolve to slow down and enjoy every moment of being together. This resolution isn't as specific as others I've made. However, it addresses one of the biggest challenges long distance relationships pose: impending separation. Focusing on the present together, rather than future times apart is a much better outlook.   

March: Health

I have a really weak immune system and am definitely prone to getting sick. However, there are a lot of things I could be doing to strengthen my immune system, namely cutting out soda. Therefore, I resolve to stop drinking Diet Coke (ugh) this year and drink water instead. Sugar (and artificial sweeteners) lowers your immune system defenses significantly. And, artificial sweeteners paired with carbonation majorly zap energy and can also cause breakouts (artificial sugar = inflammatory, yikes!). I know I will look and feel so much better by making this simple switch!

April: Travel

I'll be studying abroad in Italy this spring and am really excited about a new experience. However, I'm also a little nervous. I've always really struggled with accents and the idea of speaking a new language in a new country is admittedly daunting. I want to face this fear, so I resolve to throw myself into speaking Italian before and during my abroad program, regardless of how bad (or good!) my accent is. Ciao!

May: Friendship

I am so lucky that I have made a lot of great friends in 2013. I really want these friendships to last. However, many of my friends any I are studying abroad in different countries this year or go to different schools. In 2014, I resolve to check in with my friends at least weekly via email, Facebook, text message or some other form of social media. In the past, I have not done a great job of keeping in touch with my friends. Therefore, setting a weekly time (TBD based on my class schedule) to catch up on my friends' lives and share my life with them will make the distance easier and the friendship stronger.

June: Academics

I know June is a strange month to make an academic resolution. However, I will be taking classes over the summer at my university. Anyway, I have noticed a trend in my study habits the last few quarters: my productivity really declines after dinner. I guess I just get really tired and distracted when the sun starts going down! Therefore, I resolve to get the majority of my weekly work done before dinner and spend evenings working on long term assignments or relaxing.

July: Fitness

I used to work out all the time. Then sophomore fall happened. Between classes and joining a sorority and friends, there were a million things I'd rather be doing than spending time on the elliptical. And by this point, I've accepted that I walk around campus a lot and I usually take the stairs, so I'm not going to resolve to work out more. Instead, I resolve to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. I can't emphasize enough how important sleep is for physical and mental fitness. In fact, I wrote extensively about it here and here if you want to read more.

August: Reflect

I do reflect on my past, present and future a lot. I think reflection is vital to leading a fulfilling life and has contributed to 2013 being such a great year. I really want to keep my life moving in a positive direction without totally driving myself crazy (i.e. making more to-do/goal lists). So I reflected a little more and came up with this: I resolve to unplug for 30 minutes per day (and during mealtimes). Technology is a huge distraction from being in the present moment, and taking a break (meaning no checking text messages or emails) is so important for creativity and general sanity.

September: Write

Over the summer, I was on an ultra-intense schedule where I was weeks ahead on writing posts for my blog because I was traveling so much. When school started that slipped, and I was barely keeping up with my daily posts and sometimes had to skip because of unforseen life events. So in 2014, I resolve to get ahead on my posts by writing a few extras every weekend. This will majorly reduce stress!

October: Relax

Carving out daily time to relax alone or with friends is really important. During midterms and finals and basically the entire academic term, it is really difficult to find time to just kick back on a daily basis. I skipped way too many meals with friends because I wanted to study a little more or go to a meeting for an extra curricular, both of which are important but can be stressful. Therefore, I resolve to do one intentional, completely non-academic thing every day with my friends or on my own. And note: talking to people in line while waiting for coffee and studying in a group doesn't count.

November: Read

As an English major, I read a lot. However, I don't always get to read for pleasure, especially at school. Therefore, I resolve to make time to read for pleasure on the weekends (and hopefully during the week to) during the school year. This is such a good way to unwind before bed or after class and also makes for better writing. Plus, I have a whole bunch of books I got for Christmas that I can't want to read.

December: Give

Philanthropy has always been really important to my family. More than just giving money, but actually doing something. I found that in high school, there were so many opportunities to volunteer for really worthy causes, but in college it can be a little more difficult to find time to give back. This year, I resolve to get involved with volunteer opportunities at my school beyond just what is required for an organization (club, sorority, etc). I always feel so great when I am able to give my time and energy to an important cause. I've been blessed with so many incredible things (both tangible and intangible) in my life, and hope that some small action I take will make someone else's life a little easier.

Cheers to the happiest New Year yet!

xoxo

Writing New Year's Resolutions

2014 is upon us! Hooray!

I really love New Year. More than the countdown or the parties or the sparkly dresses, I love New Year because it is a fresh start. And being the Type A crazy person that I am, one of my favorite things to do every year is to make a list of New Year's resolutions. 

And let me tell you, I really do follow through on these. I think it's because I've developed my own way of writing resolutions that doesn't make them seem life-altering or overwhelmingly difficult. I'm not at all into the "new year, new me" mantra. I think of it as a "better year, better me." New Year isn't meant for radically changing yourself. Rather, it is an opportunity to improve who you are. And with the right resolutions, you can do great things.

Here's what I think about when writing resolutions.
(And yes, writing them down or typing them out is key to keeping them!)

Number of Resolutions

For the past couple of years, I've written 12 resolutions- one assigned to every month. I find that easing myself into a change every month keeps me motivated and also makes one resolution sink and become a habit in before I start focusing on another.

Categorizing

Each resolution I make deals with a different aspect of my life. For example, I make one resolution for my health, another for academics, one for friendships, etc. This reminds me to maintain balance- no one aspect of my life is more important than another. This also makes keeping resolutions easier (I know I wouldn't be able to eat super healthy, work out and cut out Diet Coke all at the same time!).

Specificity
For resolutions to stick, they have to be specific. Is there a book you can't finish but feel like you should? A certain food that is unhealthy that you eat too often? A particular habit that causes trouble in friendships or relationships? Now is the time to get these things right. Recognizing things you want to improve on is half the battle of making a resolution. Resolving to work out a certain number of times per week or to turn off your electronics by a specific time every night leave no room for grey area. Either you've made the change you want to make or you haven't. Easy!

Attainability
One of the most common complaints about New Year's resolutions I hear is that they're too big to be attained. You should not resolve to find a boyfriend or get promoted or get into a good college. You have very little control over these things. These "resolutions" are actually not actions, rather, they are events. To make sure your resolution is something you can attain, ask yourself how much control you have over it. If you are the one who gets to make all (or most) of the decision, then it's attainable.

Comprehensiveness
When making multiple resolutions, think about how they fit together. In 2013, one of my resolutions was to spend at least one night per week "letting go" and having fun with friends. Obviously, this would probably be in contradiction with a resolution that involved getting to sleep early every night. Think about how to tweak your resolutions so they fit together and you won't have to make exceptions. Once you let yourself slip once, you're more likely to do it again.

--

The bottom line is that resolutions are personal. No one has to read them if you don't want them to. This means that you can resolve to do whatever crazy, silly, bizarre thing you want!

However, New Year's Resolutions can be more serious. They are concrete expressions of how we are going to take advantage of an opportunity to be happier, more fulfilled and overall better people.

Cheers!
xoxo

2014 Trend Report

We only have a few days left of 2013. Wow! While it's been a great year, I have a feeling that 2014 will be even better (more on this in another, ahem, tomorrow's post!).

Today we look ahead to some of the fashion trends we will be seeing in the next 12 months. And let me tell you, there are some great ones!

Here's what the next 365 days have in store.

Fendi / Saint Laurent / Prada / Louis Vuitton

In terms of bags, small to mid-size structured bags have been popular recently and were all over the Spring 2014 runway. Some of the latest bags (like Prada's Saffiano and the new Louis Vuitton BB Alma) come with an attachable shoulder strap which can adjust all the way to cross body length for easy carrying. I am really loving this trend as structured bags are so easy to organize (they usually have lots of pockets!) and make any outfit seem polished.

Juicy Couture / Diane Von Furstenberg / Valentino 

Alice + Olivia

Sheer lace is one of my all time favorite trends and is here to stay in 2014. Lace is such an elegant, feminine fabric, but sheer paneling on the back, neck or sleeves keeps dresses from looking too stuffy. They're going to look simply perfect in light colors for spring and summer.

Miu Miu  / Madewell / Alice + Olivia / RED Valentino

Throwback to my elementary school uniform- pleats have returned! Paired with a billowy, loose blouse, structured pleated skirts are ultra flattering. Watch out for skirts made in (faux) leather this year.

Miu Miu  / Joie / Charlotte Olympia / Salvatore Ferragamo 

J. Crew  / Madewell

In terms of shoes, the smoking slipper is here to stay. Nothing says sophistication like a classic loafer. This year, the traditional show is updated with new materials: metallics, animal print, tortoise shell and gemstones.

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Review of Alexa Chung's It and Reading List

I'm an English major, so naturally I love to read. Every year I ask for a number of books for Christmas. And spend the weeks following just completely immersed in new reading material. I finished the first book I asked for today, Alexa Chung's It. 

It is a compilation of model, style icon, TV personality and contributing writer for British Vogue Alexa Chung's thoughts and inspirations. The book features a number of photographs of Chung and the things she loves, which make it read sort of like a series of photo essays.

It is so excellent. I love Chung's writing- it is witty, honest and conversational. By the end of the book I felt like I knew her- or at least some part of her. Filled with personal anecdotes and unfiltered musings, It is more of a journal than an autobiography. 

On a fashion level, Alexa Chung's inspirations are diverse, ranging from Mick Jagger to Jane Birkin to Wednesday Addams. Her eclectic style has gained a steady following- it seems as if whatever she wears (say, peter pan collars), are instantly in style. 

"It" seems like an appropriate title for her book given that Chung is certainly an "it girl"- Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs sing her praises, Mulberry named a bag after her, she's collaborated with Madewell and been hailed as "the Kate Moss of the new generation."

A glimpse into Chung's world shows the reader that fashion is a complex form of self expression. Living in a world where we are often judged on how we dress, fashion gives us the opportunity to tell people who we are and where we come from without even having to speak. And that is something unexpectedly profound.

I highly recommend this book.

In addition to It, I received many new fiction books I had been eyeing on various bestseller lists. 

Here they are:

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P by Adelle Waldman

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Happy reading!

xoxo

Post-Holiday Recovery

For the record, I had a truly incredible birthday full of surprises (including a totally unexpected visit from a certain, greatest boyfriend). I feel so loved and am so grateful for all of the wonderful people who made yesterday special. What a day!

Admittedly, I'm also a little exhausted.

The Christmas Eve-Christmas Day-Birthday marathon is so fun while it's happening, but afterward my body always reminds me that 4 or 5 hours of sleep simply aren't enough.

So, what do I do to relax, recover and rejuvenate so I can start off the new year at my best?

Sleep

I look and feel my best when I have had a few good nights of sleep. I'll definitely be hitting the hay earlier these next few days to make sure I get 8-10 hours while I can. If you have trouble falling asleep read this post I wrote over the summer.

Drink More Water

Over the last few years, I have developed a love for Diet Coke. Despite the research that says I'm basically drinking poison, I just love how it tastes. However, I don't love how it has been making me feel. It messes with my appetite and makes me feel tired when I drink too much of it. I will be majorly cutting back on my Diet Coke consumption- I know I'll be feeling better in no time!

Health(ier) Eating

Goodbye, gingerbread cookies. After the holidays, I find that my sweet tooth is simply maxed out. While I don't see myself ever becoming a health nut, there are times when I do reach for natural, healthy foods. After the holidays is certainly one of those times. Here are the foods I'll be reaching for to re-energize.

Exercise

I have not exercised in the longest time (whoops). I'm going to make a huge effort to just get outside and run, walk or hike and to the gym a few times a week. Working out is one of my favorite stress releases and I'm always in a good mood afterward.

Massage

I hold all of my stress in my shoulders and upper back. Getting a massage helps release built up physical and mental tension. 

Spa: Hair, Nails, Facial

Post-holiday pampering is so great. In fact, it's one of the times I think I actually need to get my very chipped nails done at a salon. I've already booked my hair cut and color appointment as well as a mani/pedi and a facial. I am so excited!

I'm excited to start the new year feeling great!

xoxo

The Twentieth Year

Started from the bottom, now we're... 20!

Today, I turn 20 years old. Yikes. Where has the time gone?!

While 20 isn't old by any stretch of the imagination, I have officially moved out of my teens and well, onto the rest of my life. It's incredible how much has happened over the last two decades!

The last year has been my best one yet. I've grown a lot, tested my limits and met some truly special people. Things just feel so right, right now. 

20 Lessons in 20 Years

1. Embrace imperfection.

Throughout my life I've struggled with trying to do everything "right." However, in the last year especially I have realized that imperfection is interesting and wonderful. Doing everything right means living a very external life. At the end of the day, I answer to my very imperfect self. It's taken 20 years, and while I'm not totally there yet, I know I'm headed down the road of acceptance.

2. Fortune favors the bold.

One of my mom's friends told me this and it has really stuck with me. Over the past 5 years in particular, I've faced a number of challenges where I chose to take big risks. I have to say that this quote has proven itself to be true. Sometimes a big change is needed to get you moving in the right direction.

3. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

While I'll never be the girl who wants to go sky diving or get a tattoo, I do intentionally seek out opportunities to do things that are initially scary. Join a team for a sport you've never played before. Take interesting and challenging classes. Get coffee with people you have little in common with. Every time you move outside your comfort zone, you grow. Whether you stumble along the way doesn't really matter.

4. Success is not final, failure is not fatal.

In that same vein, both successes and failures are valuable. They teach us lessons about what works and what doesn't work. I find great comfort in knowing that both success and failure are temporary. No single action defines me.

5. You get to choose your friends. Choose wisely.

The people you surround yourself with are a reflection of you. There have been times in my life where I was surrounded by the wrong people and have felt really bad about myself. Friends should be supportive, loving and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. People who treat you poorly have no place in your life.

6. Family is, well, family.

No one will support you through the ups and downs like family- they've been there from the start! I was blessed with an incredible family who always show me how much they care. However, no one is perfect. Accept your family for who they are. Blood really is thicker than water.

7. It's okay to be irresponsible.

Letting go and having fun is important and healthy. When you have the opportunity to let loose, take advantage of it.

8. Love does not need to be tough.

If there is more hurt than happiness in a relationship, it probably isn't healthy. Right now, I am so lucky to be with someone who emphasizes celebrating and supporting each other. All relationships involve give and take, but painful sacrifice and love are not always the same thing.

9. Love always finds a way.

Real love knows no time or distance. 

10. Be kind- everyone is fighting their own battle.

My high school AP English teacher told me this and I think about it all the time. You never know what someone else is going through. Make life a little easier by spreading kindness. You'll be surprised that most people will be kind back.

11. Life's short- buy the shoes.

Celebrate often, but responsibly. Enjoy every minute of your life because as cliche as it sounds, you never know what tomorrow holds. Live in the now.

12. Be good to your body.

I think my body is hyper-sensitive to my lifestyle habits. The second I stop sleeping enough or eat at weird times or lay around all day I get sick. Exercise, eat a healthy diet and sleep a lot. Not only will you look good, but you will feel great.

13. Do one thing every day that makes you happy.

Not everything has to have a purpose. I've struggled with unproductive "downtime" before. In fact, that is partially why I started this blog. Doing things just because they make you happy is perfectly okay.

14. Don't sweat the small stuff.

Details. Details. Details. Everybody always says details are important. How can I not be stressed about the details?! Paying attention to details and stressing over details are not the same thing. I've finally started to see a bigger picture for my life, which makes the little worries seem just that- little.

15. Work hard.

My parents have always emphasized the importance of hard work. My mom says it's just a life mentality- do the best you can always. This is such a valuable life lesson. For a long time, I was able to get good grades in school without working that hard. However, because the principle of working hard was so central in my family, I developed good habits that have stayed with me my whole life.

16. Expand your mind through reading.

Read everything: books, newspapers, poetry, magazines. Play with words, sentences, paragraphs, punctuation. Nothing teaches you how to write well like reading.

17. Sleep on it.

My dad always says this to me when I'm upset. It is such a valuable piece of advice. While I don't always physically go to sleep before I deal with a problem, taking 20 or 30 minutes to just calm down (usually involves working out, writing in my journal or taking a shower) can really put the issue into perspective. Often times my so called "problems" are not problems at all.

18. Give.

My mom is huge on philanthropy and giving to those who are less fortunate than we are. While I write about (and love) fashion, my mom always emphasizes the importance of balance. It's okay to have nice things, but it is also important to give (especially time) to make the world a better place.

19. Spend time alone.

I've always thought of myself as a total extrovert. I'm friendly and outgoing. However, I recently took a personality test that told me I was an introvert because I derive my energy from within. Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, spending time alone to reflect is so beneficial. I'm obviously very into the idea of putting things into perspective. Alone time is really important for that.

20. Carpe diem.

Enough said.

Here's to another wonderful year!

xoxo

Christmas Traditions

Clearly not much has changed

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! 

Christmas Eve and Christmas day are simply the best.

My parents are both one of six children, so I have a massive, loud and completely amazing extended family. Because my family is Irish-Italian and Peruvian, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, as is traditional for both cultures. On my dad's (Irish-Italian) side, we all get together before the big day to make handmade ravioli as well as a porcini mushroom sauce that we all eat on Christmas Eve. I love that we prepare everything together, emphasizing what Christmas is really about: family (and food)! We meet again on Christmas Eve for late lunch and a secret santa gift exchange between my many cousins.

Afterwards, we head over to my Grandie's house (maternal grandmother). Again, we cook as a family, this time making alfajores, traditional Peruvian cookies. I'm the oldest cousin on that side so it is so fun when I (and the other three older cousins) play with the five younger cousins who are all under five years old- crazy! After a very late dinner, we talk and listen to music, and then open presents together. Every year my Grandie's living room turns into a wrapping paper war zone with crumpled "snowballs" thrown at, well everyone, by the younger cousins. Before too long the little ones crash and we put them to bed upstairs for a sleepover.

My immediate family then heads to Midnight Mass, which brings a little peace to our Christmas Eve marathon.

Christmas day is perfectly low key for my family. We get up late and open presents followed by a delicious brunch that we prepare together. Then we watch a movie (usually Irving Berlin's White Christmas) and relax. Most years, two cousins that my brother and I are really close to come over with their parents for a delicious dinner made by my mom. The cousins usually sleep over as my birthday is the next day and the past couple of years, I've been opening my presents at midnight (talk about never-ending celebrations).

Despite the stress of preparing for the holidays, the family traditions I value so much reinforce that Christmas is special to me because I get to spend time with people I love. Thoughts of the presents under the tree or in my stocking totally disappear the second I see the faces of the people who've supported me my whole life. This is why I love Christmas so much.

And every year, it seems to get better and better.

I know this year will be no exception.

Merry Christmas!

xoxo 

drybar.

I had such a busy weekend (sorry for the lack of posting!). It kicked off on Saturday with all day preparations for a black tie event in the evening. I was extra excited about the getting-ready process as I had booked my first ever appointment at drybar, a blowout-only hair salon.

What a treat.

My experience at the salon was phenomenal! Here's how it went:

After checking in at the reception desk, I was led to a room with about 12 sinks and reclining chairs to get my hair washed. My stylist, Alex, washed, conditioned and massaged my hair. After wringing out most of the water with a towel, he led me over to the actual blowout bar and brought me a glass of water (other drinks for 21 and up!). He asked me to select which hairstyle I wanted from drybar's signature menu. I chose the Cosmo-Tai, but here are all options:

Cosmo-Tai

My pick!

The Cosmo

Hot Toddy

Mai Tai

Manhattan

Southern Comfort

Straight Up

After I chose my style, Alex applied volumizing mousse to my hair and turned on the dryer. He styled my hair into big, bouncy curls and then re-curled it with a curling iron so the curls would last all night. Finally, he misted everything with hairspray.

I was so happy with how my hair turned out (bonus: it smelled amazing) that I ended up purchasing a few of the products used: Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse, Money Maker Flexible Hold Hairspray and Detox Dry Shampoo. Here are some of drybar's bestsellers:

Shop them all here.

Anyway, here was my end result- shiny, messy curls that I pinned back on one side:

Cheers!

xoxo

Last Minute Gift Ideas

If you haven't finished (or started for that matter!) your holiday shopping, it's crunch time now. Out of ideas? Need inspiration? Here are my picks for everyone on your list:

Kiehl's Men's Starter Kit / Brooks Brothers How to be a Gentleman by John Bridges Book / Barbour Leather Washbag / UGG Australia Men's Suede Slippers - Chestnut / Brooks Brothers Bow Tie / Burberry Cufflinks / Jack Black Lip Treatment / Cufflink Chest / Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker  / 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die By Robert Dimery

Williams Sonoma Apron / Sur La Table Kitchen Linen / Anthropologie Measuring Cups / Anthropologie Measuring Spoons / Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven / Sur La Table Kitchen Linen / Chez Panisse Cafe Cookbook / Miette Cookbook

J.Crew "The Etta" Pumps  / Tory Burch Crossbody  / J. Crew x Lulu Frost Necklace / Kate Spade Glitter Watch / J. Crew Pearl Bracelet / Anthropologie Earrings / Tasha Headband / Kate Spade Pearl iPhone Case / J. Crew Tortoise Hair Clip / Crane & Co. La Tour Eiffel Notes / Anthropologie Initial Mug

GlamGlow Face Mask / Drybar VIP Pack / Philosophy Gingerbread House Bath + Lip Set / Christian Dior Nail Polish Tocca Fragrance

Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Merry & Bright: Holiday Dresses & Ties

One of my mom and my holiday traditions is picking out a dress for me to wear on Christmas Eve when we have lunch with my Dad's family and then dinner with my Mom's family (so much good food!). It's so fun to look back on photos and remember the fun I had bonding with my mom while shopping. In terms of fashion, it's really neat to see how styles change from year to year. 

This year, I am loving solid colors and shimmer. I picked out a few of my favorite dresses that I could definitely see myself wearing for Christmas.

Here are my ideas:

Rachel Zoe  / J. Crew / Alice Olivia / RED Valentino Anthropologie

I also saw some really great ties for men. Nothing says festive like sporting some red, green or a holiday pattern!

Hermès / Salvatore Ferragamo / Brooks Brothers Bow Tie / Nordstrom  /  Brooks Brothers

Happy holidays!

xoxo

Five Festive Polishes

After all the running around getting ready for the holidays, I'm looking forward to relaxing this weekend with a mani/pedi and a big cup of tea.

Every year, nail polish lines come out with a great line of festive colors for the holiday season. Here are some of my favorites:

Ciate / Christian Dior  / Butter London

Deborah Lippmann / OPI 

Happy holidays!

xoxo

Far Away Friends

I've had a really good last couple of days. Most of my friends from high school are now back home for winter break and it has been great to see them after time apart.

Two nights ago I got together with one of my closest girlfriends from high school. She's one of those people I can be completely genuine with- we can talk about anything. 

And isn't that just the best feeling?

Anyway, we had a really fun night of ice-cream-for-dinner and meeting up with a few other friends. Eventually, the whole group was talking and laughing and it felt just like we were back in 12th grade again, but somehow better. That's when I realized that these people were my true friends. 

Despite falling in and out of touch over the last year or so, my friends and I always somehow end up together like nothing has changed even though in some ways, everything has. I deeply value that my closest friends and I can just pick up our friendship right where we left off, even if we haven't talked in weeks. We feel comfortable talking about the "big stuff"- challenges, successes, the future- even if we haven't kept up with what we all do every day.

Coming home from college for the first time last fall was a little strange in terms of friendships. All of a sudden I felt like my pool of friends had shrunk and that those people I had been casual friends with were more like strangers I could no longer call. However, now I realize that college is an important test of the friendships I made while living at home.

Over the last year, I learned a really important lesson: 

I will not keep all of the friends I make. In fact, I won't want to.

We all keep a few friends from every phase in our life. These are our true friends. No amount of time or distance will crack the solid foundation these friendships were built on. In fact, it will only make them stronger. And while we grow independently, when we share our growth with our friends, our friendship grows too.

So, here's to true friends, the people who made us who we are!

xoxo

Skincare Update

I'm going to be completely honest: I'm a total princess about skincare products. I like make up and hair products, but skincare has always been the main "beauty thing" I obsess about (as evidenced by my previous in depth post).

This obsession is a little bizarre as I have never had problematic skin or any real "trigger experience" that made me self conscious about my skin. In fact, my skin is pretty good. I think I'm just paranoid that one day my skin will suddenly get bad and I just want to avoid that (does skin karma exist?).

Anyway, I've been sticking to the same skincare routine for about a year, but over the last month or so I felt like my skin wasn't benefitting from the products the way it used to. When I got home for break, I started using a Caudalie face wash and remembered how much I liked that skincare line. 

Since then, I've been slowly replacing some products in my routine, and will describe the changes below. 

Here's my skincare update:

Cleansers
I have used Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser for a really long time and have always loved it. It leaves my face feeling clean, but not dry. I am most certainly not replacing this product! However, I recently purchased Bobbi Brown's Soothing Cleansing Oil which is specifically a make up remover. Honestly, I don't use it that often (I'm seriously lazy about taking off my make up and the Kiehl's cleanser gets my every day stuff off), but when I'm wearing anything waterproof or have a lip/cheek stain on, I use this.

Serums
I used to use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate at night and Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Treatment in the morning. The Midnight Recovery Concentrate is great and smells delicious. It is hydrating and makes skin glow the next morning. I will continue to use this. However, the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Treatment has not held up as well long term. I probably never needed to use this-- I initially bought it on impulse as the sales associate helping me said it would wake up/ brighten my skin (I guess lack of sleep is my biggest skin problem). However, I don't have any dark spots so this really doesn't work that well for me. I'm replacing it with Caudalie's Vinoperfect Radiance Serum which I've only tried as a sample (amazing), but will be purchasing the full size ASAP. I also love Caudalie's Beauty Elixir, which is a completely luxurious and unnecessary product, but it feels so refreshing on my skin that I've become addicted to it.

Eye Creams
I like both of my eye creams a lot, although I sometimes (okay, most times) forget to apply them. I will continue to use them, in no particular order. I usually just apply whichever one I see first in my drawer. I use Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye Treatment and Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Eye Cream.

Moisturizers
I have always loved Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer. However, this winter my skin has been extremely dry and the Ultra Facial Moisturizer has not been enough. After hearing many rave reviews about Origins' "A Perfect World" White Tea Moisturizer, I decided to try it out.  So far, so good! It smells great and is very hydrating, absorbing quickly when it is applied to skin. I think this will be a little too heavy in the summer, but for the next 4 or so months, I think it will counteract the drying effects of the cold winter air.

Exfoliating Peel & Scrub
Everyone tells me that manual exfoliation (grainy scrubs) are really bad for my skin. But rules are meant to be broken, right? I love using these. My skin feels so soft after I use Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains for Face. The grains are actually ground up beans/seeds so they are actually pretty gentle on skin. I also occasionally use an enzyme peel, Caudalie's Vinoperfect Enzyme Peel that is more focused on brightening than exfoliating. It's great for brightening.

Masques
I will always love Glam Glow's Original Face Mask. Nothing makes my skin look better! However, it is a little bit too intense for use more than one or two times a week. So when I want to put on a milder face mask, I use Caudalie's Vinopure Purifying Mask that gently removes impurities and tightens pores.

So, there you have it! Those are my past and present skincare loves.

Happy Tuesday!
xoxo

Outfit of the Day

Blouse: Lilly Pulitzer / Fur Vest: Madewell (old) similar

Skirt:  Hinge Shoes:  Salvatore Ferragamo / Necklace:  J. Crew Belt: Tory Burch / Bag: Kate Spade Scout (old)

Kick Up Your Heels: Festive Shoes for the Holidays

I simply love dressing up for holiday parties. I have a few different events to attend in the next couple of weeks, and while I have been looking for some new cocktail dresses (you can never have too many, right?), nothing completes an outfit like an eye catching pair of shoes. And this means a little (okay, a lot) of sparkle.

And this year flat's aren't off limits. 

Last December, I bought a pair of 4-inch glittery heels that were classic and so festive. They weren't even uncomfortable when I walked around on the soft carpet of the store and I knew they would look great in pictures with my black dress (shocker) and polka dot nylons.

I was wrong.

Unfortunately, I found out the hard way: by attempting to break them in at a holiday cocktail party. I was absolutely miserable in the pumps after standing in them for more than 10 minutes- my feet were killing me! This year, a shorter heel (or none at all) will still feel dressy, especially if sequins are involved.

Here are some of my favorite kicks:

Mary Jane: Miu Miu / Etta: J.Crew / Charm: Kate Spade Biella: J Crew / Trick: Kate Spade / Darby: J Crew 

Felicia: Sam Edelman

Happy Holidays!

xoxo