Cozy Winter Scarf by DeNada

Winter has descended upon us and with it, bitterly cold temps and blustery winds to boot. While this is usually my least favorite season, there’s something I truly love about this time of year – the coziness factor. Let me explain – in the summer, we may feel carefree without all those layers, but it quickly becomes a hassle trying to find ways to keep cool. You can only remove SO many layers, after all. But in winter, you can add as many layers as you’d like! Each year, I like to find a few cozy staples that last me through the season. And my first stop is always DeNada...read more on the DeNada blog!

Wearing: 
DeNada scarf c/o, Uniqlo turtleneck (on sale!), 7FAM Denim (on sale!), UO belt, M.Gemi boots, Cuyana coat, Fossil watch c/o

Boston

Early plane flights. You think they’re a great idea when you see that they’re a hundred dollars less than the other options, but not SO much the morning-of. 

Since I used up most of my vacation days for our trip to St. Lucia, we had to make the most of our Saturday flying to Boston for my Papou’s big Red Sox debut. We arrived in Boston at about 7:30 AM (don’t even make me tell you what time we woke up) and immediately went to find coffee. But not just, like, STARBUCKS coffee. Ick. So we hopped on the bus to a little place downtown called Barrington Coffee Roasting. They not only had the yummiest latte ever, but the yummiest chocolate croissant too. Mmm. 

We made sure not to eat too much, since my sister and her boyfriend were meeting us later for brunch at Area Four. I can’t even describe the amount of happiness and joy I felt as I ate THIS french toast. Even though it was located in a business’y area off the beaten path, it ended up being one of my favorite stops on the trip!

We spent the rest of the afternoon walking around downtown, eating ice cream sandwiches, and goofing off by the pier. Surprisingly, it was kind of chilly earlier in the day, so I was thrilled that I had my Denada knit shawl with me. I also wore my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE pair of jeans ever that I found in an article from Cupcakes & Cashmere. There’s a reason why AYR jeans are a cult-classic and now I finally understand why.

Until next time, Bean Town!

Denada Oversized Shawl

We’ve come to my favorite Denada piece. Guys, I don’t like to play favorites but this one has to take the cake for me. The way it’s made is so thoughtful and the drape is incredibly flattering (THIS ONE is also outrageously gorgeous!) There is nothing more that I want than to wear this shawl every single day.

This shawl was handmade by artisans in Peru and designed by my girl, Virginia of Denada. I’m wearing this the long way, but you can actually wear it another way, a shorter shawl with an oversized collar. It’s so versatile. I would wear this in summer over a slinky dress to keep warm out at a nice restaurant (seen here!) or in fall over jeans and a tee (coming soon!)

So who’s the girl in these photos? She’s taking a staycation in DC at the Hotel Monaco (not to get off topic but have you seen their bathrooms?!) After lounging around in the oversized shawl all day, reading in her swank room and ordering room service, she's decided she wants to dress up a bit for dinner. She throws on a lightweight silk dress, and grabs the shawl at the last minute in case she gets cold in the restaurant (hint: she will.)

The shawl comes in a variety of colors and is actually on sale from $115 to $80! Denada is gearing up for their FW 15 line, so grab this piece while you still can! Head over to their website, browse through the photos, and you might even see a familiar face! ;)

On Julien: OVS Collared Shawl via Denada c/o. Dress, J.Crew, old (similar cotton J.Crew dress for $15 and fancy-pants version in army green.) Pumps, Nine West. Cuff, Hanuel.  Earrings, Hanuel.

A Good Read

This past year, I’ve really been focusing on what makes me happy. What styles bring me joy, what activities fulfill me, what people make my day? Through this journey, I’m honestly surprised how much I’ve learned. I discovered that I hate roller coasters, I abhor culottes, and I do not enjoy late nights out. One thing I’ve rediscovered my love for? Reading.

There’s something about reading an incredible book that gives me life. I was a huge nerd in elementary school and participated in every reading program offered. And when my school partnered with Pizza Hut for the most read books? You best know I conquered that ish.

And now that I take the bus into work each day, I use my kindle daily, there’s nothing like flipping through pages of your favorite book or magazine. Lately, I have been super drawn to thriller novels (The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Luckiest Girl Alive, anyone??) There’s nothing better than picking up a good book and gettin’ down with my bad ol’ mysterious self.

So who is this girl in the photos? She’s the part of me that swings by the library a few blocks down from work during her lunch break to browse her favorite books. The kindle is great to immediacy, but you can’t ponder through the shelves like you can in real life. It’s a bit chilly in the library, so she wears her favorite fingerless armwarmers from Denada. Now she can keep cozy while still being able to snapchat her trip. I’d call that a win-win.

On Julien: Fingerless armwarmers, Denada c/o. Skirt, Express. T-shirt, Halogen. Belt, J.Crew (similar.) Necklace, Hanuel. 

The Coziest Scarf of All

…And the fall inspiration continues! Yes, I know it’s blazing hot today but how could I not share another cozy look when Denada is doing ANOTHER giveaway for $100 to her shop?! (Just head to her Instagram and Facebook to enter!)

I’d like for you to meet the coziest scarf I’ve ever felt in my life. Not even like, “oh there’s another one almost as soft…” NO. This is it, folks. The softest scarf there ever was.

Since it’s hard to really imagine cozy feels when it’s 90 degrees outside, let me paint a picture for you. It’s nearing the end of Fall, and winter is just around the corner. You have a weekend client meeting (you bloggers know where I’m at) and want to portray your best cold-weather self. You throw on your high waisted black jeans and a tank top - the perfect base. Next, you search out the perfect jacket that says, “I’m professional but I’m also not trying too hard and it’s the weekend…” so you grab your cotton grey blazer from your closet. Booties because your toes get cold and a little pop of something gem-like. Subtle but stylish. Lastly, before you run out the door, you grab your favorite scarf. Because it not only keeps you warm but it’s the perfect finishing touch.

On Julien: Infinity scarf, Denada c/o. Jacket, Sweats by Norma Kamali. Pants, NYDJ. Bag, Coach (old.) Boots, Impo Ochoa via DSW.