Loving this Sweater

Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow earlier this month, predicting an earlier spring! Taking this news, as if this cute little ground hog meant spring would be arriving tomorrow, I instantly got excited for warmer weather, but sweater weather is sticking around a bit longer ladies! I know, I know I sound like a meteorologist when I say this, but there is a possibility for snow tomorrow! The weather is always changing in New England so I feel like its only appropriate to keep all my readers up to speed because last Tuesday it was an unexpected 70 degrees and I was literally stripping in my car the numerous layers I packed myself in that morning. Obviously this means that spring is on hold, silly me getting ahead of myself! 

Since winter is here to stay a little bit longer there is no better way to stay festive and cozy this week than this adorable red and white heart sweater for Valentines Day! The ‘Trudy’ Heart Pattern Sweater from Goodnight Macaroon has been one of my favorite Valentines Day purchases! This cutie, is a one size fits all and comes in both red and white (the white is just as cute as the red and would be amazing with denim!). Having never purchased anything that was one size fits all, I do believe the fit is great for me, but I every body is different and it may be a different fit for you. My advice, is it doesn’t hurt to try it out because you can always return it, and this is definitely worth it! Making a bold statement I paired it with white corduroy pants (petite friends, they are worth every penny, they are the perfect fit!), red flats and a red coat. Love month can only mean dressing in your best reds and this is definitely a favorite. 

Hope you all stay warm tomorrow! Snow storms make no better excuse than to stay in curled up in bed and online shop, get a head start and shop below! Oh, I almost forgot, my jacket, pants and flats are all under $50 and my sweater is under $100!

xo, 

Victoria

Valentine’s Day is a week away, can you believe it?! There isn’t a single year that it doesn’t creep up on me and this year it has snuck up incredibly fast. There are times where I would like to think that I am on top of things, so on top of my things that I already have all of my gifts for my Galentine’s Day brunch this weekend at my house wrapped with pink and red glittered wrapping paper or a heartfelt present for my husband ordered and on its way to our home, but the truth is I am always so last minute when it comes to picking out gifts. I’m not sure if its the pressure of picking out the perfect surprise that keeps me procrastinating, but there is no doubt that I have yet to pick out a few small things for my mom, best friends and husband. In an effort to save you from the last minute gift search and to help myself brainstorm I wanted to share a few gift ideas here for your girlfriends, best friends, or to treat yourself this Valentines Day! 

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats By Jan-Philipp Sendker

Love month is finally here, friends! Love letters, heart shaped everything, the brightest feminine colors a girl could fill her closet with (eeek - I am just jumping with excitement!)! If it wasn’t already obvious, Valentine’s Day is my absolute favorite and not only because I have someone to share it with, but because I just absolutely love, love! February 1^st marks the beginning of a month, yes a MONTH (even after the holiday! haha), of all things love related, which is only fitting that this month’s book pick be a romance novel.

The Art of Hearing Heartbeats was absolutely riveting and left me with a full heart and open mind. The captivating story of a young boys journey through a world of unspeakable hardship examines the power of everlasting love in its ability to triumph over fear. Jan-Philipp Sendker challenges your perceptions of life and death through the eyes of Julia Win, a young women in search for the truth behind her father’s disappearance. The Art of Hearing Heartbeats is a book written from the heart, for the heart! There is no doubt in my mind that it leave you with a smile on your face and a new perception on the many different types of love we give and receive.

Hope you all find time in your busy schedules to either listen or flip through a few pages of The Art of Hearing Heartbeats! To follow along this month you can click the links below and even if you aren’t a Mystic local, remember to show your local bookstores some love this month and pick up a copy there! Remember to also follow along this week on my Instastories for some of my favorite quotes and more information about the author! 

x Victoria 

Follow Along:

     1. Follow these links to order your copy on Audible or Amazon.

     2. Local’s should venture to Bank Square Books in Mystic or Savoy in Westerly.

Color Crushin'

Over the past year my style has evolved and with it has come bold colors, bright prints and a lot of texture pieces. As a small town New Englander I have found that fashion trends in my tiny corner of the world don’t usually extend far beyond classic timeless pieces in earthy tones or pastel hues. Patagonia and J. Crew dress at least half of my town, Flannel Fridays at work start in early October ending only once Spring has arrived and everyone owns a pair of bean boots! Don’t get me wrong, my closet is equally occupied with enough flannels to get me through the winter and my bean boots live in our mud room until I’ve replaced them with my Hunter rain boots in April, but nevertheless I don’t always fit that mold.  In fact, I find that more often than not I find myself looking straying from the typical New England attire to pieces full of color and detail.

In this place of bright shades and bold details I have found so much happiness! The statement bags, colored tights and big sunglasses have found there way into every online cart i have. I just love them all and have seriously become obsessed! As Valentines Day is fast approaching I have been crushing hard on all the love colors and this combo has been a favorite.  My red dress has the most gorgeous detailed paneling on the side that compliments the simplicity of my plum handbag. The length is petite friendly, girlies! 

Never in a million years did I expect to stray from the comfort of my neutrals, but I just can’t get enough of it, so here we are! To say that I have stepped out of my comfort zone would be a complete understatement! I hope this inspires you to get the color bug and step out of the status quo. It’s okay to change the standard and it’s even better to create a new one.

Plum Handbag Link

February Wish List

Golden Florals

Winter florals are always so beautiful! During the coldest months of the year, having the ability to dress up a darker outfit with florals can breathe life back into a deeper set of colors.  New England winters can produce some of the chilliest temperatures and with the bitter weather, New Englander’s find themselves with closets full of dark hues.

At this point, I have acknowledged that a wardrobe full of pure blacks, earthy greens and rustic reds is inescapable, so in an effort to spice things up, I add texture! My dress is an oldy but a goody. Each time I transition my wardrobe from fall to winter I am immediately excited with all the options to dress up and this is easily a favorite! I’m happy that winter florals seem to be here to stay (yay!). Add a faux fur jacket to provide a little dimension and you’re ready for the party.  

Mixing florals with faux fur is simple to take a little black dress to the next level, it also helps that it will definitely keep you warm! There is no doubt that I would brave the cold for any outfit, but it sure does make it an easier sell if it’ll keep me from frostbite (dramatic, but oh so true!).

A Grateful Heart

The beginning of the holiday season always marks the beginning to the end of the year and while I enjoy all things festive, I also appreciate the opportunity the holidays provide for reflection, appreciation and gratitude for both the big and little things in our lives. As most people would say, I am most grateful for my family and friends, but there are little things I tend to take for granted that I wanted to share that I am unbelievably grateful for this year. 

1. My husbands patience. 

Chris has more patience than anyone in the world, especially when it comes to me. The fact that he can make it through The Greatest Showman Soundtrack on repeat for months and months or any Disney playlist is an absolute miracle! 

2. Walks with my mom. 

No one listens better to my never ending rants, especially on our walls after work. This woman is the strongest I know and I hope to one day be half the mother you have been to me.

3. My bed and all the bed linens in the world! 

I’m definitely one of those people who would never leave my bed if I didn’t have to and getting out of it in the morning is an absolute struggle regardless of the day. I feel very fortunate to have a cozy place to rest my head. 

4. The people I work with. 

You all know exactly who you are and you keep me 100% sane on the busiest of weeks!

5.Furry Friend Snuggles

Snuggles are my jam and my babies give the best bedtime snuggles! 

6. Camp

Camp Rising Sun is a camp for kids with cancer that I attend every summer. These kiddos give you a real perspective on the world and what it means to be a part of a family. 

7. The Beach

A place to find peace and to allow for reflection with no bias. Spending time on the sand and by the water can give your mind and body a break. I’m a firm believer that salt water heals everything. 

8. A hot cup of tea. 

Tea, oh how I love you! There is no better way to warm up, cure a cold or put a little extra warmth in your heart than a nice warm cup of tea. I owe my grandma the biggest thank you for showing my how wonderful tea time can be! 

9. A meal with my favorite people.

Meals have always brought everyone together. Even growing up I rarely remember a dinner where not everyone was present. Today these are my favorite meals with all of my favorite people gathered around a table. 

10. Magic

There is only one thing to say, “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”

I hope that this holiday season offers each and everyone of you the opportunity to reflect on this past year. From the bottom of my heart thank you for following along, I am unbelievably grateful for all of you! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!