It was a pretty rainy morning on Saturday so we decided to take photos with an umbrella. Of course by the time we got to the park it had stopped for a bit, but we carried on with umbrella shots even though it wasn't raining. Sometimes you just have to fake it! (And of course it started sprinkling again as we left.)

This umbrella was a special piece in the Altuzarra for Target collection and I believe was only available to giveaway winners. Somehow I got lucky and won it on Instagram! WOO!

Floral Camisole: eight sixty (dress version),  Jeans: IRO "Faxy Cropped Jean" (Gilt c/o Wikibuy), Sandals: Seyschelles (DSW), Umbrella: Altuzarra for Target (giveaway win)

Happy almost Christmas! I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and weekend. Mine is going to be full of family and friends. I'm extending the break through New Years (mostly because my clients will also be taking time off.) I'll have a bit of work but will be able to do a LOT of relaxing.

This Monday, Nonee of CT Blogger Babes hosted a wonderful holiday soiree for Connecticut bloggers! Having gone to their smaller brunch back in July, I knew this would be a great event so it was worth the hour drive. It was held at Flora, a vegan restaurant/bar, in West Hartford. I was worried about the vegan aspect since I'm a picky eater but luckily they had some chicken and fish options for those of us who eat meat. My favorite bite was their vegetable fried rice, I even took a bunch home in a doggy bag and had it with dinner the next night!

This crimson Altuzarra for Target embroidered dress is perfect for holiday get together. The color is gorgeous and I love the detailing up top. I've had the dress for a little over 3 years and I still get compliments on it.

Dress: Altuzarra for Target embroidered pleated georgette dress, Merino Tights c/o Wolford (also here), Patent Leather and Pony Hair Boots: 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Peggy' Ankle Boot (Barneys Warehouse), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay), Earrings: Mejuri 'Loop' by Jamie-Lee, Coat: DKNY (old)

This outfit is a little out there, but I still like it! Without the blazer it's slightly more normal but it was a very chilly day so I  decided to go monochromatic-ish with my layers. I can pretty much wear this dress with anything underneath. Previously I wore it with my Zara crop top and a black shirt.

I wore this for a little mid-week excursion with my parents to Kringle Candle in Bernadston, Massachusetts. While I technically played hooky for the day, I really didn't. I had my computer on hand so I could work in the car on the 2 hour drive if need be and I worked from about 3-8 once we got home. That's the good thing about freelance, I don't have to work 9-5, although I usually do. It's just nice to have some flexibility if I need/want to do something during the day.

Blazer: PBM Women's (Coco's $10 Sale),  Top: Altuzarra for Target, Sweater Dress: Miss Selfridge (Lord & Taylor), Necklace: Madewell, Boots: Miu Miu (Roundabout Resale), Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay), Sunglasses: Gucci (bought in Italy), Eyeglasses chain: Tinksky (Amazon)


The store is FULL of candles (and Christmas decor) but it doesn't smell like you've walked into a perfume shop full of smells. They also have a house-wear/Christmas/toy/food shop as well as a chocolate shop to enjoy!



We also stopped at The Farm Table, Kringle Candle's farm to table restaurant, for lunch. I had "The Lulu" a DELICIOUS flatbread with pickled onions, cured Italian meats, mozzarella and some oregano. My dad had the Thai Shrimp wrap and my mom went for a special - the squash & brussell sprout risotto.

We're slowly replacing thick layers with thinner layers and letting the toes out to breathe. Hopefully the temperature keeps inching up these next few weeks! I always forget how nice the color of this shirt is until I decide to wear it.

Vest: Ella Moss (Marshalls), Top: Altuzarra for Target, Jeans: Mother (Marshalls), Sandals: Franco Sarto (DSW)

Who says you can't wear black and brown together? I think this outfit looks just fine and I'm wearing two different shades of brown with my black vest. Although, I guess it could be considered dark gray. Either way, the colors work well together, don't you think? The mild weather we had in December made it possible for me to get more use out of my vests, always a plus! This may be my favorite of my vests because the (faux) fur is so soft!

Top: Altuzarra x Target, Vest: Simply Vera Vera Wang Faux-Fur Collar Shawl c/o Kohl's, Jeans:  J Brand Mid Rise Photo Ready Super Skinny Jean in Bluebird (Gilt), Boots: White Mountain c/o Marshalls

I hope everyone had a great Christmas (or time off if you don't celebrate.) This is what I wore for our first party, with my Mom's side of the family.  I had wanted to wear this dress for Christmas last year but ended up wearing a brand new dress instead since I had worn this a couple months previously (here and here). What I love about this dress is I don't have to worry about accessories! Just throw on shoes and you're good to go.

Dress: Altuzarra for Target (shirt version), Heels: Prada (The Real Real)

Sometimes you just have to surrender to the weather. Last week we had a lot or rain, so I coped by wearing big sweaters and leggings with rain boots. The only place I went on this day was my parents for dinner, but I like to think I could have work it out in the real world too. This sweater one of my favorites because it is so huge and comfy. It's from the men's section, so if it was small on me that would be a problem.

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Marshalls), Leggings: Rock & Republic 'Star Wars' leggings c/o Kohl's, Boots: däv (giveaway win), Umbrella: Altuzarra for Target (exclusive giveaway win)