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