red, stripes and denim

I’ve decided.

My favorite time of the year is not October (#basic) but is the time between Halloween and Thanksgiving. The temperatures drop just a smidge during the first few days of November which I like to think is the universe’s way of reminding me to make most out of the comfort of fall before winter comes. Time also seems to slow down a bit in anticipation of the holidays but there is an excitement brewing for what is to come.  This time between Halloween and Thanksgiving serves as an opportunity for me to focus and be present before the madness –which I enjoy—of the holiday season. I feel like it’s the last 3-4 weeks of the year to be constructive, productive, catch up. Once Thanksgiving hits, I can’t help but focus on the holidays and wrapping up the year.

So cheers to the “end of the year!” Make the most of it!

PS- I am obsessed with this bag -- it literally matches everything in my closet. *picture the heart eye emoji here* Get ready to see a lot of it here!

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Hat- Eastern Market (similar)
Jacket- J.Crew Factory

Shirt- Zara

Jeans- Old Navy (DIY distressed)

Necklace- BaubleBar

Bag- vintage Coach (current version)

distressed denim and a boyfriend blazer

Happy Hump Day! I came into the office toady thinking it was Monday since it was my first day in the office after spending Monday and Tuesday traveling to and from NY for an event. One of the best work related feelings has got to be thinking its Monday and realizing it’s in fact Wednesday. Coincidentally, Wednesdays are the days I have financial accounting class so I was knocked off my high horse pretty darn fast.

I was on Manhattan soil for literally 24 hours to host a networking breakfast for work. Conveniently the breakfast - the only item on my agenda - was at my hotel meaning once I checked in, I didn't have to leave the premises for 24 hours. Now if I was traveling anywhere else, I would be flying through that green light to pack yoga pants, a cozy sweater and the suit I would wear to the event. Working in my house sweater? Yes please. Working in jeans and a blazer? Hard pass. Not in NYC though. I always feel this immense pressure to be polished even if I'm just cabbing to and from Penn Station or parking my behind at a Le Pan Quotidien to work. In DC, you best believe I'm in 100% chill wear if I'm working from a cafe. Ain't no body got time for a blazer. I just can't bring myself to do it in New York and I can't seem to figure out why. So while I'm not particularly dressed up in these pictures, this was my compromise for NY comfort: distressed denim, a boyfriend blazer and an oversized longchamp tote. No yoga pants allowed.

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Jeans- Gap (similar)

Blazer- H&M

Booties- Target

Bag- Longchamp

Top- Nordstrom Rack

Necklace- J.Crew

leopard chambray

I spent last week at home in San Francisco with Aaron beforeheading to Boston for a quick 36 hours. It was the first time in two years we were able to go back to California together which made the week all the more special. Aaron and I met in through friends that live about an hour and half north of San Francisco so while he’s been to SF a few times, we haven’t had a whole lot of opportunity for me to share with him my city. You know like my favorite coffee shop, where to get the best burrito, where I learned how to drive, or where my first job was. I’ve been feeling really nostalgic lately so being able to visit and share those places with Aaron made the week that much better.

SF is just plain FUN too. We ate and drank well, toured theamazing Airbnb offices thanks to a friend, watched some baseball and visited our college best friends. Being at home is both settling and re-energizing at the same time, which is exactly what we both needed after our busy summers at work.

^^^^^ the view from just around the corner from my house!

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Chambray- c/o aeropostale
Jeans- Gap (similar)
Shoes- Target

Bag- Madewell

florals and leopard

I'm not much of a pattern mixer because truthfully, I don't really know how to do it without looking like 6 year old Nicole dressed herself. But I want to be a pattern mixer so bad you guys! SO BAD. So I did what any modern day woman with a glass of wine, a comfy couch and an episode of the Bachelor on in the background would do- I created a pinsipration board. I'm not 100% at official pattern mixing status yet but am using my favorite neutral - leopard- to get my feet wet. It's a seemingly easy way to compliment another pattern.

I have also found that another way to ease into pattern mixing is through stripes. If you follow me on instagram you know that I have plenty of options for stripes. Between florals and stripes, I think I'll be graduating from Intro to Pattern Mixing soon. I think I'm on my way to becoming a pattern mixer!

Speaking of things I want to be SO BAD, I've really wanted to get into running but just for the life of me cannot get into it! So instead of creating another pinspiration board, Aaron and I signed up for a 10k! Its in June so I have plenty of time to become a runner (or not). We'll see how well this works out......

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Top- Gap
Jeans-Gap (this season)
Blazer- Banana Republic
Bag- Madewell
Shoes- Target (similar)
Beret- Nordstrom, old (similar)
Necklace- J. Crew Factory

Linking up with Shanna and Lindsey today!