CHEERS to 2017!

We are only days away from January 1st and welcoming a whole new year. A year of new plans, new commitments, great expectations and a lot of learning! Even though I started my blog toward the end of 2016, I feel like I have already learned so much in a little amount of time. Through trial and error, and sometimes just "winging it", I have discovered that styling and blogging as a 40 (something) woman is great fun! At at my age there are so many ways to dress and feel young without looking inappropriate or embarrassing your children (though I take great joy in that sometimes!) So, what am I looking forward to in 2017? What are my goals? Well, definitely to feel good in what I am wearing, because a bad outfit often affects my mood. (Ask my husband) and make dressing each day easier for others...women, men and children! And most importantly, to have fun, laugh more and not take myself too seriously. So, Bottoms up 2016! It's been great, but I am ready and excited for 2017! Here are a few photo highlights of my favorite style blogs this year.

All blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty On Location

New Year's Ready!

New Year's Eve in the North East is almost always freezing. Long gone are the days of me running around NYC in my short cocktail dress, trying to find a cab home and freezing my fanny off (and not caring)! However fun that may have been, I am happy now to be invited to a local party, with easier and more reliable transportation and a more practical (warmer) outfit.

I found this perfect New Year's Eve look at The Diamond Dream in Bernardsville. This black Rachel Comey jumpsuit is super chic, comfortable and warm(er) than other options in my closet. The neckline is so pretty and perfect for this dainty necklace from Willow St. And the only other thing you need for this simple, yet sophisticated look is a pair of black open toe heels! Here's to a happy, healthy and bright New Year! I hope you have a fantastic celebration wherever you are! See you in 2017. xo

All Blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty On Location

Bundle Up!

Here in NJ we've had our first snowfall of the season and we'll probably have many more before the grass turns green and the flowers bloom again. And, it's freaking COLD outside! Thankfully, I found some great pieces that will keep you warm and stylish all at the same time, while sipping a delicious cup of coffee (or Winter cocktail)!

So, my grandma always told me that if my head was cold, the rest of me would be cold...and I have to say, she is right! A hat is a must-have accessory for Winter and I love this fleece lined one from Free People. It's super warm and I just love the pom pom! As I have mentioned before in many Instagram posts, I love pairing black and navy. Some are opposed to this color relationship, but I'm all for it! I found this coat at Karen Millen. It's navy, very warm, has fur trim on the bottom, and a cool belt that is super flattering. What's not to like?? Underneath, a navy turtleneck cashmere sweater from Aqua (yup - my long, skinny neck is always cold), black suede leggings from Aritzia and snow worthy boots from Sorel. And I can't ignore my awesome accessories - a beautiful ring and charm bracelet from Ward Vintage and my go to Ray Ban Aviators. Here's to keeping warm and enjoying the Winter season!

All Blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

Early Resolutions!

We all wait until December 31st or January 1st to choose and commit to a New Year's Resolution. Be more patient, don't sweat the small stuff, stop swearing, eat healthier, laugh more and of course, work out and get into shape. These are just a few resolutions I've heard over the past few years. I say commit NOW, and get a new and cute workout outfit for a little motivation and inspiration! I know I am always more inclined to work out if I feel good in what I am wearing.

My youngest and I both love clothes and exercise (well, I love clothes a bit more than exercise!), so I thought it would be fun to do this blog together. Cam loves dance and gymnastics and I found the cutest work out clothes for her at Attiva Collection (check them out on Facebook!) which is part of Annie's Playhouse. The clothes are fun and versatile. The black long sleeve shirt is great for the cold weather and the paisley genie pant is an awesome alternative to a work out legging. The second look which Cam has been living in since I bought it for her, is perfect for all of her Annie's Playhouse activities. Whether she's doing cartwheels or tap dancing, she's comfortable, warm and super cute! Now, I always want to look good while sweating as well as when I am running errands or picking the kids up from school! I found these black and white pants, black tank and jog bra at Attiva Collection and they all work so well with my existing work out clothes (bonus!). Final touches, my fave retro New Balance sneakers, a light weight jacket from Athleta, a gorgeous bracelet from Ward Vintage and a "love" necklace from Henri Bendl. Yes...I wear jewelry when I work out. LOL

All Blog Photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location

Christmas Chaos

We are that crazy family with the tree on top of our car before the last bit of Thanksgiving left overs are eaten. My family loves the holiday season and everything that goes along with it. I admit there are arguments and some swearing (usually over the lights - my husband).  Then you have the crazies...the ones who stalk you in the parking lot at the mall or the ones who give you the hand gesture (you know which one I mean) because you are taking too long to pull out of the coveted parking spot. But putting all of that aside- I love this time of year. The decorations around the house, the smell of the tree, and our big family Christmas Eve celebration. I guess it's all about balance....or planning ahead....or online shopping? Honestly, I'm starting to get embarrassed by how often UPS stops at my house! In the end I try to take deep breaths and enjoy the chaos and even the shopping (well, I actually do love it!), because the look of delight when someone opens the perfect gift - well it makes it all worth it!

I borrowed this cute Christmas tree from Cooper's room. All of my girls have little trees in their rooms, something we started doing a few years ago. They love the lights when they go to bed at night. I chose this outfit for the blog, because I wanted to show how to mix casual with dressy. Sometimes you need an "in-between look". Whether it is for a lunch, a meeting or get together - you don't want to be too dressed up, but you also don't want to show up in your work out clothes (however tempting that is). I have had these "boyfriend jeans"  from the Gap for a while now. They are super comfy and hang loose (bonus for making you feel skinny!) and I paired them with my new fave top from Aritzia. And finally the perfect accessories to complete the look - an amazing black tote from August Designs (meganwschroeder @gmail.com), a gold cuff from Posh Shop, and black velvet pumps with sparkly detail - yes, I am fully channeling my junior prom night with these shoes, but I love them! Here's to Holiday Spirit, deep breaths and no jerks in the mall parking lot!

All blog photography by Monika de Myer Photography

Makeup by Beauty on Location