1. The unexpected holiday dress pattern
Last year I wore sequins for my New Year’s look, the year before that... also sequins. So what to do if you’re looking to switch things up? Try winter florals. Aim for pieces with details like heavier fabrics (think: velvet), rich colors, and long sleeves (you can always layer a turtleneck under a strappy style, too). These patterns are versatile enough to work for dressy *and* casual parties. And florals aren't synonymous with holiday style the way sequins tend to be (i.e. you won't just wear the piece once, so it's a worthy investment). The magical dress above is from Free People. More wintry florals: embroidered floral mesh dress, mock-neck dress with pretty button details, wide-leg velvet floral jumpsuit, sustainable ankle-length dress with a slit up to there, velvet wrap dress, pleated wrap dress with waist tie.
2. The album with old-school Taylor Swift vibes
Need some fresh tunes, a break from holiday fa-la-las—or maybe you're feeling nostalgic for TSwift’s old music? (I adore her new album, just so we're clear.) Try Tennessee-native Kelsea Ballerini's new album, Unapologetically (she wrote or cowrote each song). The just-married 24-year-old says the songs cover the last few years of her life chronologically, from dealing with a hard breakup to facing her insecurities to finding a new, different kind of love. I've been playing the moody “Graveyard” on repeat ("I don't wanna be another heart in your graveyard"). I also love “Miss Me More” (about losing yourself in a relationship) and “In Between”—about that internal tug between being a kid and an adult (and still needing your mom!). The voicemail from Kelsea’s mom at the end of the song always makes me tear up a bit. 💗
3. The pumpkin-themed thing
Fall may be almost over, but I’m still loving this pumpkin smoothie: my fave snack after a yoga session. (Doesn't hurt that it tastes dessert-like, too 😜.)
4. The quirky earrings
I've seen several girls at my office and around the city wearing cool abstract earrings with faces on them and I'm really into it. I love these, these, these, and these.
5. The easy ponytail update
Dress up your ponytail with this pretty look, on some of my favorite bloggers here and here. Make a DIY version here or try this or this. P.S. Pair it will ripped jeans to edge it up or work the ladylike vibe with block-heeled shoes like these, which I’ve got my eye on. 👀
Wishing you all the best weekend and lots of snowy fun if you're seeing flurries out of your window, like we are in New York.
xoxo, Heather
Photographs by Carrington King