january short list

Hello lovely readers! Sorry for the radio silence; I've been busy with work and lacking inspiration lately. Although it started with the fun wedding of a good friend, January is kind of a blah month for me—and as awful as it sounds, I'm ready for it to be over! I know it's important to live in the present, but sometimes, it's what's coming around the corner that keeps me going (can you relate?!). Below: what I'm wearing, eating, buying and pondering to make the first month of 2015 better when I'm blinded by a reality that is still a little out of reach (but not for much longer!). Keeping my eye on the prize. Hope your year is off to a happy, healthy start!

1 | Essie Ballet Slippers: Normally a dark lacquer lover, I'm repeatedly turning to this girly, pearly pink that lightens my look and my mood. 

2 | Shashi jewelry: The juxtaposition of bright beads and tassels with classic solitaire stones and delicate chains makes this affordably-priced, handcrafted jewelry the kind you can wear anywhere. 

3 | Chocolate Chia Smoothie: I'm a freak about getting a full day's worth of nutrients, and with almond milk, baby spinach and banana in this tasty breakfast blend, I'm off to a strong start. 

4 | Trust: I've admittedly questioned—and at times regretted—a decision that when made felt SO RIGHT (sorry for the vagueness), but am trying to remember that no hard work is for naught. 

5 | Hair: At the Golden Globes, Camilla Alves showed off the elusive ecaille highlights I'm forever chasing—scheduling a session with my stylist stat! 

6 | Facial spray: Lucy Hale's stunning skin is a little closer with this aloe, herb and rosewater mist; pulling it out of my purse for a quick hit of hydration feels so movie star.

7 | NARS Charlotte: Lipstick isn't an autopilot part of my morning, despite always feeling more confident and pulled together with a painted pout. Slowly growing my stockpile with dramatic burgundy. 

8 | Bleachers: I canNOT get enough of Jack Antonoff's indie pop band and promptly purchased tickets when I saw they're stopping by Madison this spring. Like a River Runs and Reckless Love are two of my favorite tracks, but the whole album gets tons of air time whenever I'm driving, working, running or just relaxing. 

9 | Floral sneakers: This warm weather is filling me with energy and fantasies of tossing my Bean boots to the wayside—running around town in these colorful kicks makes me feel both stylish and unstoppable. 

10 | Fedora: Hats are not in my wheelhouse, but with the new year (and new plans I have brewing), I'm craving reinvention, and the subtle mystery and screw-playing-it-safe attitude of a floppy fedora is my new true north (more options).