Christmas Day Look and New Year's Eve Outfit Sneak Peek!

Mike and I spent Christmas day in Ohio with my mom's side of the family. It was ridiculously warm (50s! In Northeast Ohio! On Christmas! Sheesh!), which made me a little distressed about my outfit. I didn't want to overheat! But I definitely wanted to wear a tartan skirt and green sweater! #fashionbloggerprobs I'd purchased the skirt with Christmas in mind, but I also got to wear it to work on "red, white and green" finals spirit week day. LOVE. 

Thus, I opted for a tights-less Christmas, which I don't think I've ever had in my life! It was pretty glorious. 

Gallivanting around with glee because I was sans tights on December 25.

Embellished sweater: (old J.Crew Factory, similar from Express here). 

Skirt: sold out from J. Crew Factory, but here, here, and here are equally fabulous options!).

The weather was warm enough for us to be outside snapping pictures before my cousin and uncle came over! 

Shoes: Tory Burch, old, similar here. 

These sparkly Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flats are one of my favorite pairs of shoes, ever. They're super comfortable, and I always receive compliments on them. I wear them constantly to school, and my kids get a kick out of the sparkle. These are quite old, a gift to me in 2011, but I have since had them sewn on the back (from sheer overuse), and they're currently being re-insoled! I cannot let these babies go! 

Yes, the Tory flats are pricey-- there is no two ways about it-- but for the amount of mileage these beauties get, it is so worth every cent. I recently helped my friend Scott pick out a pair of Revas for his fiance (and my friend, too!), Lauren. I think I can attest to the fact that she was one happy camper upon receiving the gift! 

Side note: the Tory Burch ballet flats often go on sale. Also, Tory Burch has 30% off sitewide sales quite regularly-- just get on her email list! I have 3 pairs of these ballet flats in different colors and styles, and I have had each for YEARS. They outlast all my other work shoes! Plus, they're gorgeous!

I am in love with embellished sweaters. You can skip a necklace thanks to the detailing. This sweater was a Christmas gift last year, but I have gotten so much use out of it. Check out my current favorite embellished sweaters: 60% off at Ann Taylor, 60% at Loft, too!

Lipstick: MAC Brave Red

My Kate Spade knot earrings are my go-to gold earrings. My bestie, Mandy, got me these when Mike and I got engaged in 2014! I haven't stopped wearing them since. It was such a thoughtful gift for a newly engaged gal-- for "tying the knot"! A perfect, thoughtful gift if you have any newly engaged gal pals. 

I've talked about my Alex and Ani bracelets before, but I can't get over how much I adore them. I have the Saint Mary's College one, an F, a guardian angel of answers (in honor of my aunt Sue), a Godmother bangle (from Beth and Bryn), and a beautiful feather wrap bracelet (that doesn't hang) from my hubs. These can be stacked and worn all at once (as pictured) or worn individually. My sister has gold and silver bangles and mixes them, which looks super chic. They're a perfect gift and extremely meaningful collection to start for any woman in your life. 

We had the most hilariously fun Christmas with our family. We missed my aunt so very much, but we could tell she was watching over us as we ate Holiday Potatoes, drank Christmas Ales, danced in the family room and cracked up about all our ridiculous family memories. The stories were the best part of the day. We sat in the dining room and talked about our Notre Dame game shenanigans, my timeliness, our shower-hair rituals, and the Sobotka wedding on the bay (LOL).  I love everyone in this picture so much, and I am so thankful to have them in my life.

Auntie Ash and Auntie Mar are going to spoil Baby Boy Connolly so much! So happy for my sister and her husband! I can't wait to meet him in April! 

And now for a little sneak peek of tonight's New Year's Eve ensemble! 

Yesterday, I headed into the city for a shoot of my New Year's Eve outfit with Gabby. However, the weather was NOT in agreement with our plans. We had to cancel because downtown Chicago weather yesterday was not conducive to a photoshoot. Gabby and I were so sad, but we are going to try again soon! She is a FABULOUS photographer and incredibly talented. Check out her website, here. 

Instead, my BFF, Mandy, came to my rescue and shot a few pics in the burbs. We laughed so hard and got a few great snaps in. Thanks to Mandy for brightening my day! More to come on the NYE look soon!

Here she is! I had to turn the cam on her because she cheered me up so much! Thanks, girl!

Her North Face Thermoball jacket is so amazing. It's unbelievably lightweight but INCREDIBLY warm. I was, of course, obsessed, and ordered myself this one from the Nordstrom's sale! Mandy's is here in Dramatic Plum. Her distressed jeans are Gap (here) and the lace shirt she has on is Ann Taylor (currently 40% off here!).

Heading out for a haircut and then into the city for a NYE party with my SMC/ND Chicago besties! I am so excited to be together tonight! How are you ringing in the new year? 

Be safe and have a phenomenal time tonight!

xxoo

Mary