Never Done Learning

leather top: all saints (similar here) // skirt: friend of mine (similar here) // leather cape: vintage (loving this piece) // shoes: zara (similar here) // sunnies: ray ban (similar here)
photos by common dove photography

“I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou  (via wet-violet). 

One thing this last month has taught me is that you are never done learning...... Whether it be learning how to live again, learning  how to deal with pain or even something as little as learning how to fix a toilet..... Once you accept that you are never done learning life opens up even more.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

dress: zara (loving this one) // leather top: all saints (similar here) // coat: gap (similar here) // shoes: shoemint (similar here) // bag: 3.1 phillip lim (similar here) // jewels: vintage chanel and stella & dot

Last night was my Christmas girl's night at this amazing French restaurant I've been dying to try…….it finally stopped raining after about 4 days of monsoons. When thinking about holiday dinners and parties I know the obvious attire is sparkles and sequins but I challenge you to think a little outside the "holiday box" if you will. The holidays are a time to try new things and just go all out….try a new pattern or silhouette that you've been afraid to wear. Throw on some lace or your favorite pieces of jewelry. And by all means……eat, drink and be merry.

PS I'm going to be a contributor to a new blog called We the Fashionati that showcases bloggers from across the world. Cassie, one of my (seriously fierce) sorority sisters from college, is bringing style from across the globe into one site and choosing different themes for us all to interpret and style our own way and this month its "Holiday"……hence today's post. I'll keep you updated if you are interesting it out….which you should be ;)

Creating a Beautiful Life

leather top: all saints (similar here) // blazer: similar here // pants: fab'rik // boots: shoemint (similar here) // bag: madewell (available here)

A lot of times I get caught up in daydreaming about one day living in Paris or Milan or any big city in the world for that matter. And then I snap out of it and remember all of the gorgeous little escapes where I live. Life isn't about wishing you were somewhere else...its about taking advantage of what you have been given. And for me that's affinity for decadent desserts, a beautiful son and incredibly handsome husband, an amazing family and so many places to explore where I live. Also, I'm leaving for our annual mountain trip today so I get a little change of scenery in one of the most gorgeous places you can visit in the fall.....feeling pretty lucky.