..Thoughts on Resolutions

All photos via instagram.

As we come to the end of the first month in 2015, I find myself feeling ready to take on the year in a way that I hadn't even felt on day one. I think because I finally had a four hour time span during my recent solo bus ride to NYC to pause and think about it. I know it's so faux pas to talk about how "busy" you are in life, and I know busy does not equal productive, however, I really do feel I have been so insanely busy over the last few months that I haven't had a lot of time to digest my life. A life that (thankfully) is filled with places to be, people to meet, things to celebrate including the start of a friends business, so many engagements, weddings, birthdays, holiday parties, family, travel plans, blog plans, work, date nights, pets, babies, happy hours, and repeat. Throw in a car accident and a couple ski trips and you have a pretty good picture of my current life.

As much of a blessing it is to have so many balls in the air, it is also taxing in ways you don't really think about when you are in the midst of pushing through. I constantly feel I am falling behind and then racing to catch up in different segments of my life (friendships, my blog, my heath, love, etc). It's like if I keep my focus on one thing for too long, the other things become blurry and I have to switch gears and repeat the process all over again, which brings be to the point of this post: Resolutions. Below are some of the resolutions I have come up with to bring more balance, happiness, and wellness to my already very full life.

1. Take a real vacation this year not related to a wedding, bachelorette, or holiday alone with the boyfriend (this is something we have never done in 8 years of dating).

2. Continue working on changing my perspective. This is something I have been working on for a couple of years now and I definitely feel a difference.

3. Actually drink the recommended amount of water every day, don't know why but this is so hard for me!

4. Be more financially responsible. Homes don't just buy themselves.

5. Keep investing in my best friends, they are people I want around far into my future.

6. Create more in general. Attempt new DIYs, try handmade gifts, paint, decorate, whatever it is, I want to spend more time physically creating things.

7. Be more unapologetic about who I am, what I want, who I love, and how I want to live while being easier on myself when I don't meet expectations. I want to be comfortable in my own life because I am the one who has to live it. No more excuses.

8. Take the leap and invest in a trainer. I have come to terms with the fact that I don't have it in me to do it alone and that is okay.

9. Schedule more "do nothing" time. Blocks during the weekend that aren't for blogging, grocery shopping, or brunches with the girls. More time to read with my cat by my side, go for a walk, or maybe even do more of  #7 on this list.

What are your resolutions this year? I would love to know! Find more of my out of character opinion-y posts here.

..Redken All Soft

The deets: REDKEN All Soft shampoo and heavy cream (they also make a conditioner).

Real talk: There are no outfits being photographed and no cute crafts or recipes up this week because this weather has me in full on hibernation this week. My hair is in bad shape because of it too, guys. The cold temps make me want to be in the warm shower every morning (and not skip a hair wash) which also prompts a hot blow dry followed by a trek in the freezing temps to the metro which dry out my face and scalp. Maybe it's just me but I would much rather have the summer frizzies than the winter flats. I hate that it somehow feels dry, flat, heavy, AND greasy all at once. I know these two products are on the pricier side but I promise you wont regret investing in them once you feel the difference. I can immediately feel the life creep back into my hair even in the shower before I dry it. It's amazing! Treat yo self.

..Work Wear on Repeat

The deets: J.Crew top (sans dots, similar dotted one), skirt (similar), & necklace (old but BB has SO many cute statement options); Madewell heels (love these; Balenciaga bag; Lancome "Pretty Burgundy" lipstick.

Happy Friday! I love this dotted boy shirt I picked up at J.Crew a while ago because it really goes with every single other work piece I have and adds just a touch of fun. I have lots of good things planned for myself this weekend including a girls dinner date at a favorite eatery and a quick trip to NY for a bestie's birthday full of yummy eats and festivities. You can follow me on the 'gram to see what kind of trouble I find. 

..Four Favorites

1. How cute are these Kate Spade "Dear Valentine" studs? They come in pink too! I am a sucker for anything heart shaped.

2. Really like this article on updating your makeup bag on any budget. There were some things on each of the four budget lists that I really want to try out now.

3. About that heart shaped sucker thing I spoke of, this is such an easy and adorable way to bring a semi-homemade v-day theme to those boxed brownies (or from scratch for you over-achievers out there).

4. This ap has changed my city girl life. Gone are the days of waiting in the awkward cigarette customer service line for quarters, which they will only ration out in 10 dollar amounts per trip, walking down to the creepy basement area of my apartment building, and then going up and down the stairs twelve times because I am horrible at correctly timing my wash cycles. Thank you laundry gods for brining Washio into my life. It's like Uber for your dirty laundry! Also you can get $10 off with code: haberman75190mv55.

..Spiked Gladiator Pumps

The deets: J.Crew crop sweater and skirt (other black pencil skirts); BCBGeneration heels; Ray-Ban sunnies; Balenciaga bag; Lancome "Wannabe" lipstick; Lisa Leonard necklace c/o, (other triangle necklaces); Michael Kors watch. 

I basically stalked the crap out of the Valentino (original) version of these heels but ultimately decided that in my world shelling out a grand for some shoes that are spiked is a level of crazy that can only be described as "Ashley S." There were many other knock-offs made (I even posted about some here) but I never purchased because I wasn't 100% sold on the quality. When I saw that BCBGeneration came out with these I got so excited because I trust the brand and also liked that they were made with real leather. I may just have to get the other colors! They aren't the original "Rockstuds" but they ARE super cute for less than 1/10th the price!

..Winter Florals?

The deets: Piperlime dress (similar print, other floral dresses); Nordstrom hat (similar); Ray-ban sunnies; J.Crew blazer, boots, earrings & tassel necklace (similar); Lancome "Violette Coquette" lipstick; Balenciaga bag.

It dawned on me today somewhere between my morning metro ride and the delicious asiago bagel that a snagged from the office kitchen this morning: I've set quite a large set of imaginary rules for myself that I don't like following and most definitely don't need. For example, why do I HAVE to put away my white blazer and floral dress during the winter months? And why am I so reluctant to rock my leather midi to the office? Is Anna Wintour going to personally issue me some kind of fashion citation on the street? No. Might the sartorial punishment come in the form of serious side eye and snickers from random lookers-on? Maybe. Do I care enough to let it change my behavior? NOPE. Winter florals. It's a thing now because, well, I said so. THERE. You guys get me.

..Black and White All Day

The deets: Claire's sunnies; Express sweater; F21 beanie; Bebe scarf (old, similar); Guess jacket (other black leather jackets); Frye boots (exact); Balenciaga bag; Lancome "Violette Coquette" lipstick.

I personally find it hard to look cute and chic on those days where I'm just running simple errands like picking up groceries, grabbing coffee, hitting the pharmacy, and trying to fit in my mani-pedi. I always see other girls that look so put together and wonder how they do it on the days that don't matter (aka the days where no one will see your outfit, duh). I ultimately think it comes down to layering. So even though I still put on my simple white oversized sweater & black leggings because of laziness, layering on a leather jacket, scarf, beanie, and fun shades makes me feel less boring. In my mind I'm all like "I have to be lookin' fly - I have on reflective shades..REFLECTIVE!"

..A Blanket Scarf

The deets: Express skirt & scarf (sold out, love this one); ASOS tee; Zara heels; Revlon "Certainly Red" lipstick; Balenciaga bag; Elizabeth and James sunnies.

I know it seems crazy to see me running around coatless since its snowy and freezing here now, but these were taken last weekend when it was warm and rainy. Can you beleive I once was a blanket scarf hater? I just didn't want to be one of twelve girls walking down he street in the same Zara plaid print blanket scarf. I saw it EVERYWHERE and on EVERYONE. It was totally cute, and everyone who wore it looked cozy and chic but I just couldn't do it. Then Express made this one that has PINK in it and I just caved. I drank the kool-aid and went back for more servings when I also bought one in navy. I don't know how I ever went through a freezing day at the office without one before, it's like having a snuggie on at work! Oh and this is what I wore to my little sisters first Christmas party in her new house.

..Four Favorites

1. Mini-bags are having a very big moment and I am INTO IT.  I think I have an affinity for all mini things, really (minus paychecks and diamonds - AM I RIGHT?). Mini cupcakes, mini animals (kittens), mini humans (babies) - all good things. I recently snagged a cute red one (last seen here) but have been thinking about getting a pastel version.

2. I have been day-dreaming about a real vacation recently. I haven't had one in so long that wasn't wedding, holiday, or bachelorette related and it would be so nice to fly away somewhere with the boyfriend for a long weekend and forget about life for a bit. These magical places are now at the top of my list.

3. How cute are these donut themed thank you's? I love a DIY that is easy and delicious.

4. Ear wings. EAR WINGS! 'Nuff said.

..A Pop of Red

The deets: ASOS shirt; F21 skirt; Steve Madden heels; Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair bag; Revlon "Certainly Red" lipstick; Elizabeth and James sunnies. 

Hello 2015! This is the skirt/top combo I chose to rock while ringing in the new year. Me and some friends gathered for champs, then went to dinner at a one my favorite local places, Rustico, followed by a ball drop, midnight kiss, and lots of Cards Against Humanity (and of course more champs). How did you guys spend your NYE?

..Leather Midi Skirts

The deets: Max Studio tee (similar); Halogen skirt (other leather skirt options); Balenciaga bag; GAP tights; Steve Madden heels; J.Crew tassel necklace (similar); Kate Spade earrings.

First, let me just say your eyes do not deceive you, I have in fact retired the tried and true Steve Madden bag I have worn on this blog for the last two years (best $40 I ever spent) and upgraded  to this Balenciaga beauty thanks to my boyfriend who gifted it to me for Christmas with the assistance of two amazing #sisterelves who helped him out and hooked it up (thanks, Katie + Molly!!).

Happy NYE! This is my last outfit post of 2014 and I just want to say thank you to anyone who follows my little blog, I appreciate it more than you know. I already have some fun things planned for the new year, so stay tuned!