'Tis the Season.

My Favorites.

{The stunning tree in my apartment lobby.}

After a grueling set of exams, I am glad this week is coming to a close. I have one more week of intense studying to get through and then it's homeward bound for me! Even at times like this when the work seems nigh insurmountable, I need to step back and realize how fortunate I am to have this opportunity to be here in Boston. And studying tax. And taking finals. And preparing for my dream job. Really, what more could a girl ask for? Besides, any time I need a pick-me-up, I just need to ride down the elevator and stare at my building's beautiful tree. I couldn't ask for a more cheerful sight to come home to every single day.

{Pink binder clips to secure my work. Really, its the little things}

{Stag Collection dishes at Williams Sonoma.}

{Newbury Street.}

{Wreath adorned doors.}

{My new toy!}

A Nutcracker Christmas.

Last year, I got introduced to a whole new world of decorations. It was the day before Thanksgiving, and my man and I were doing some light shopping after dinner. He asked if I wanted to look at the holiday decorations at the Bloomingdales. Obviously...Yes. Did he really want to look at them was the better question. In fact, he truly did. Little did I know at the time, that he loves decorating for Christmas. For the past 20 years of so, he has been collecting Nutcrackers to display atop his mantle. Not just any nutcrackers...Steinbach Nutcrackers. These wooden holiday dolls are as authentic as they come and are imported from Germany. They are beautiful in person and the detailing is exquisite. So, for our first Christmas together, I decided to get him a new nutcracker for his collection. I went with the Leonardo DaVinci special edition nutcracker complete with a mini replica of the Mona Lisa. Cute, yes? We share the same name. I thought it was perfect. He loved it, and I had a great time picking it out. Bentley also thought it was pretty great and even helped wrap.

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Linked up at Michaela Noelle Designs

Two Down...

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...and four to go. After completeing what was the most technically challenging final exam of my life {thank you corporate taxation} and finishing up international tax today, I'm gearing up for the home stretch. I'm living on coffee, tax, running, and very little sleep, but am keeping my eye on the finish line. That is, finishing up the first half of my LL.M. and then going HOME! I'm so excited to go back to California, bask in the sun, take walks on the beach, and see family, friends, my man, and Bentley. Yes, I realize this reads like a pagent acceptance speech, but I'm serious. And for the record, I also want world peace. But that's the glorious thing about California. Basking in the sun and walking on the beach can be and often are daily occurrances. Until then, I am relying on coffee to solve everything. In the mean time, feel free to sign up to be my sponsor at coffee-a-holics anonymous.

Joyeux Noel.

I love Paris, I love Christmas, and I love stationary. So, when I found a shop that was the perfect combination of these things, I obviously had to share it with you! I came across this shop by FifiFlowers and fell in love with her whimsical drawings. She specializes in feminine and flirty scenes that take place in none other than my favorite city...the City of Lights. These are all images from her holiday card collection, and I think they are so fun. She also has lots of other prints for framing, stationary for writing {read collecting if you're me!}, and adorable 2012 calendars. You should go check it out!

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Winter Plaid.

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 I found this outfit and fell in love. I think it is the perfect winter ensemble. Plaid is wonderful to wear in the winter, and nothing welcomes the holidays like a good red plaid. The bauble pearls are stunning and make a lovely statement piece. However, the rain boots dress down the look, making it seem very wearable. The layered turtleneck seems cozy and practical in freezing weather. Gotta love my layers in Boston. The sunnies and red lips top it off and make me feel like I should be going out to pick up a Christmas tree. Because I like this look so much, I found pieces to make it my very own. Who better to turn to for plaid then Ralph Lauren? It should also be noted that although a small part of this outfit, the DKNY opaque are my absolute favorites. If you're looking for a good staple pair, these are the best. Enjoy!
 

1. Black Turtleneck {H&M} | 2. Over the Knee Socks {Nicole Miller} | 3. Opaque Black Tights {DKNY} | 4. Cross Body Bag {Marc Jacobs} | 5. Victoria Pearl Necklace {Banana Republic} | 6. Sunglasses {Oliver Peoples} | 7. Rain Boots {Hunter} | 8. Wool Mini Skirt {J.Crew} | 9. Plaid Ruffle Shirt {Ralph Lauren}