Gray Sweater + Gingham Collar

Happy New Year! My first post of 2017 is a short one, of course. Lately, I've been taking outfit photos more for Instagram than for blogging, but I can't quite bring myself to completely let go of this medium. I end up taking more photos than necessary on most occasions anyway, so it's nice to be able to dump them all in one spot so I don't feel like a total narcissist for taking so many.

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays! The past couple of weeks have been crazy busy, what with Christmas and my brother and his family coming into town from Illinois. It's been crazy in a good way, though, as it's been, well, joyous getting to spend so much time with loved ones. Jon and I had a bit of struggle trying to make time for both of our families, but it ended up working out great.

I also got loads of baking/cooking stuff, which I mean, definitely isn't the most important part of Christmas, but doesn't hurt. I'm still getting to used to the whole getting excited about bowls and pans rather than shoes and purses thing. It's strange growing up.

I did get excited about this sweater I just got though. I've been searching high and low for the right weight crew neck sweater that wasn't cheap looking or too expensive and I finally found this one on Amazon. It's so comfy and perfect for layering, and I never want to take it off.

Sweater: Meters/Bonwe via Amazon

Skirt: Buffalo Exchange

Gingham top: Thrifted

Boots: American Eagle

Red Skirt + Booties

It feels rather appropriate that the moment December started here in Orange County, it began to look like fall. Ah, well, I'll take it, I guess. This weekend was a busy and exciting one, but I can't believe that it's already over. After having dinner with my good friend Casey on Friday night, I went to Temecula on Saturday morning for a very special event — my brother's engagement! He and his girlfriend have been together for six years, and he's been planning his proposal for some time now. He gathered her family and ours at a winery under false pretenses that her mom had planned the whole get together. She was in complete shock when he popped the question, and I think it goes without saying that she said yes. I've known her since jr. high, and she's been a good friend of mine since before they started dating, so it's doubly exciting for me to get to welcome a good friend into the family. 

The rest of the weekend wasn't nearly as exciting, but enjoyable nonetheless. There was cake involved, not to mention breakfast with family and friends. We also saw Arrival in theaters last night, and it kind of blew my mind. I'm a fan of sci-fi in general, but this movie was far more beautiful than I ever had expected. I can't stop thinking about it.