7 Favorite Blog Posts of 2016

Since I'm still in school, it's always a bit weird to talk about the end of the year when it's not the end of the school year. Regardless, it's a good time to do a bit of reflection and given this year I've chosen to keep it postitive. I rounded up my favorite blog posts of 2016. It was a great year particulary with all the Star Wars and books.

As for resolutions I figured graduating college is enough of a life change to warrant less intense goals. I just want to make small changes, and try new things.

Favorite Blog Posts of 2016:

Some Sun and Ballerinas

A great vintage style shirt and the best coat I've ever bought.

A Day in Dublin

Tea, comfort food, and great views in Dublin. 

A bit of Hawaii in the Cold

Birthdays should always include books and brunch from now on. 

A Day at Star Wars: The Power of Costume Exhibit

I'm obviously a big fan of Star Wars, so seeing all the costumes and inspiration behind them was amazing. 

70s Outfit, 90s Heels

I loved mixing these trends during the summer. 

On Striped Shirts and a Trip to a Tim Burton Bar

I'm all for themed restaurants and being a lover of Tim Burton since I was a kid this trip was pretty cool. I would love to head back. 

Book Rec: Where am I Now? by Mara Wilson

My favorite book I've read this year. A funny and emotional memoir from a childhood hero. 

What's your New Years resolution? 

x Jasmine 

Christmas Wish List 2016

It's that time of the year again where I start dreaming of what may be under the tree come the 25th. Here's what's been dancing around my head this month: 

Sweaters in any form are welcome when I start gearing up for serious winter weather. Black overalls have been in the back of my mind forever and I think they will be my next 'Treat Yo Self' moment. Going out clothes that aren't dresses are something that I need to add to my closet and these Free People slips could be layered so many ways. 

Unfortunately, my skeleton sneakers have been destroyed, so new black sneakers are a must. Equally important are classic black heels and warm socks. 

With all the shows I've watched on the Food Network, I feel ready to start amassing tons of cookbooks and messing with an immersion blender. I may not be successful, but I can guarantee a mess at least. Lotion is always a winter must, and I would like to give this brand a try. 

Any Treat Yo Self items you're eyeing?

xx Jasmine  

Rory Gilmore | Style Inspiration

It's hard to point to just one thing about Gilmore Girls that appeals to me and so many of my friends. There's the obvious things I can relate to having been raised by her mother, growing up as one of the "smart girls" (rather than any other type of young girl portrayed on TV at the time) and an eventual journalism student. But I don't quite feel like any of those points lead to that feeling the show gives me. Ultimately, the show feels like home, whatever that may be. The show was funny, smart, bold and a bit whimsical. 

The Inspiration 

So, when Netflix added Gilmore, of course I was going to rewatch all of it. It was something from my childhood that only got better as I watched it later in life.  The one thing that surprised me is how I ended up making a pinterest board of Rory's style. Like the the show, there's something about her style that feels so familiar to me. Though I don't think it's the most exciting or unique TV wardrobe that's ever been, there are a few key pieces I'd love to add to my closet. 

The Picks

Black Dress | Check Day Dress | Plaid skirt | Full Skirt |  Cable Knit Sweater | Reading Tee 

My favorite part of Rory's style is the recurring plaid pattern. Plaid is something I see on the daily in New England and I don't think I could ever grow to hate it. Full skirts would be a new concept to my wardrobe. I'd usually avoid it for fear of looking shorter than I already am, but I think the high waist of the ModCloth skirt would solve that problem quite easily. Staying away from anything too full will keep me from looking overwhelmed too. Throw in a cheeky tee and a warm sweater and I'll have home, or just a part of it, in my closet. 

Oi with the poodles already,

x Jasmine 

A Trip To See Fantastic Beasts

After all of the emotions and subsequent personal planning that took up most of the beginning of the month, there was a desperate need for some pure fun. This came in the form of Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them for me. Being a longtime potterhead, very little could have stopped me from seeing the film, and though I wasn't blown away, Rowling still pulled me in with the darker side of her plots. It was also a treat to see Ezra Miller give an incredible performance. Though it's not my favorite Harry Potter film, it still brightened my world a little bit more. 

After the film, we headed over to Union Square to look at all the pop-up shops for the holidays. The space feels like it belongs in the countryside rather than amongst skyscrapers, and it instantly gets you in the Christmas spirit. If you're craving any cider, head over soon.

Staying away from anything '20s inspired, I surprisingly ended up with a bit of a victorian outfit. This shirt is actually too large for me, hence its rare appearance on the blog. It has been revived though, through a venture into wearing a turtleneck for the first time since I was single digits in age. This sweater inspired some layering and saves this blouse from being a little too revealing. I think some black, lace and purple lip can easily give you a solid witchy vibe, no matter that era. 

Dressed In: Mango turtleneck, Asos lace shirt (similar), Levi jeans, Zara flats, Deathly Hallows necklace, Bite Beauty  Amuse Bouche lipstick in Thistle 

5 Noteworthy Bags For Winter

My black, Zara city bag has been a great everyday bag for a couple of years now. Thankfully, it's also holding up well and I'm sure it will be my staple bag for a while. Though, recently, I've been getting that itch for something new. I've never personally been a 'bag-lady' but sometimes you need something that's a little more unique and brings some color to your outfit. Here's a few I've noted in my searches. 

Structured Bags by adayinthelife featuring a dry erase

I'm very attracted to ModCloth's bags. They have a great selection of classic, structures in a variety of colors. I can't resist the straight out of a vintage boarding school look. The Zara bag is a bit more unique and great for a night out. The dark blue color and embroidery also reminds me of Hermione's bag. 

Festive Red Bags by adayinthelife featuring leather crossbody purses

I've been having a bit of a red moment and it has worked its way into my choice of bags. BritStich has a great selection of buckle-front bags in a variety of sizes and colors, that all look stunning. I also have a soft spot for 90% of Madewell's items. Their purses are equally gorgeous and practical. I could seriously fill that tote up.

I hope a bag makes it way to your Christmas list,
x Jasmine 

Book Rec: Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson

The Book: I was straight-up pumped to start reading Where Am I Now? I started following Mara Wilson on Twitter about a year ago, and was thrilled to hear she was writing a book. As a lover of memoirs (spy Grace in the stack) I'm always up to looking into to people's live, particularly what they themselves have to say about it. Though, this one caught me off guard the minute I read through the first page. 

Sitting on the subway headed back to my dorm, I was torn between shock and falling off of my seat laughing: essentially, completely hooked. She takes a storytelling approach to each chapter, sectioned off by life experiences, not fully contained by chronological order. The way she writes is humorous without losing a sense of connection between her and the reader. As I was reading, I could tell she wasn't trying very hard to be relatable, and that made it more so. It took me back to a time where I would watch Matilda every time it was on TV, but it also made me think about my convictions and thought process through those years, both bold and naïve. 

This is a great book for anyone who thinks they were a weird kid and recognizes that it's not a point of shame, but a moment of growth. And we are still growing. 

While you're reading you should listen to: 

The Playlist: It was difficult finding a playlist to exactly match the book. Every chapter has such different emotions, and though it flows well in word-form, playlists usually stick to a stricter theme. Instead I share with you something that reminds me of my childhood, Throwback Jamz by axelas. It includes the essential Disney mega-hits and bubblegum pop music that was certainly too sexual for my age. 

Enjoy the nostalgia,

x Jasmine 

5 Anthropologie Boots I'm Loving

The other week I had the dangerous thought 'I haven't looked at Anthropologie's website in a while.' Anthropologie is one of my biggest retail soft spots. Whenever I go in the store or on their site I'm there for hours looking through everything. This time I somehow reigned myself in to only look at the boot section. Here are the best ones I found: 

1. Farylrobin Dee Ankle Boots: This boot is so 70s, from the color to the heel shape. The only downside is it's suede, so they'd have to stay inside for most of winter. 

2. Alba Moda Colorblock Booties: Another great colorful 70s boot. A darker green is such a festive color for the holidays as well.

3. City Stomper Ankle Booties: These would be a solid companion to my black chelsea boots. Another neutral color, but with more of a heel. 

4. KMB Patent Chelsea Ankle Boots: This is a great twist on the classic chelsea boot. Plus the sole looks like it could really take some serious winter weather. 

5. Rachel Comey Noor Patchwork Oxfords: These are way too expensive, but I think they're so gorgeous. I don't usually like snake skin style shoes, but I guess these are my exception. Thankfully, Jeffrey Campbell has a similar style boot. 

Having fun stomping around,

x Jasmine 

Back at the Bazaar | Halloween 2016

This Halloween was a throwback. The Brooklyn Bazaar has opened their doors again, now at a brand spanking new location, and I was really excited to check it out.  We had a lot of fun there two years ago dancing, playing mini golf, and eating pie on Halloween.  Only, this year I traded in my Gene Belcher costume for the lamp from A Christmas Story. 

The new place is very different. Unlike just a huge warehouse with everything flowing into each other, everything's a little more sectioned off. We grabbed some drinks downstairs and after messing around in the photo booth we headed upstairs for the concert. Way Out were my favorite out of lineup, but like every Halloween I was more focused on checking out everyone else's' costume. 

Though it's not the crazy mash-up of everything in one room like it once was, I enjoyed seeing the new Bazaar and I think a trip back for one of their market nights is in the near future.

On to the next holiday, 

x Jasmine 

Back on The Ranch

Another autumn, another trip to the Queens County Farm Museum. This year things were a little warmer (my hands are very thankful) but just as enjoyable. One of our main goals was to get a better finishing time trying to navigate the Amazing Maize Maze. Last year we spent a good hour, victims of our terrible senses of direction, walking in circles. This time we got it down to about 30 minutes due to a little bit of luck and a real attempt to read the map. 

This shirt is my way of cheating the mock neck. I have seen striped, 70s mock necks in many varieties in the past couple of months and though I think they're cute, I could never bring myself to purchase one. Thankfully, this Vila top looks like a mock neck but is actually an intentionally backwards shirt. Whether it's a true 70s style or not, there is something about those warm, slightly off-kilter colors from the era that feel homey, and the farm evokes that same feeling. I love Halloween dearly, but the best part of October is cuddling up with a mug of warm cider and enjoying a New England fall. 

Dressed in: Vila via Asos top (similar), Levi jeans, Modcloth brogues and Urban Outfitters necklace and Emma sunglasses.