May the Merry Bells Keep Ringing, Happy Holidays...to You

...That particular Christmas song, sung so sweetly by Andy Williams brings me back to my childhood as my sister and I woke up early on Christmas morn and gathered together with my parents in our dining room feasting on my mom's special Christmas french toast with custard and berries off the lovely gold rimmed china and drinking mimosas (non-alcoholic) from the sparkling crystal glasses. After that my dad always read the Christmas story then we opened presents around the tree. Such sweet memories.

To this day, this tradition has carried out as my hubby and I packed our bags and spent Christmas Eve night at my parents house. The Christmas breakfast was delectable and I am truly thankful for the beautiful gifts but there's nothing better than spending this beautiful day with the ones I cherish most.

On that note, I truly hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. Happy Holidays to each and everyone of you.

Unfortunately, I didn't manage to take many pics this year. This was my Christmas Eve dress...same one showed in my previous post. Despite being almost 8 months pregnant and feeling as big as a Macy's parade float, I felt quite festive and lovely in this outfit. The bow headband reminded me of a daintily wrapped Christmas gift and the heart tights were the perfect whimsy little touch to the flowy black dress.

Deck the Tree

Last night we finally got around to putting up our Christmas tree. While Christmas classics played in the background, my husband and I adorned our tree with an eclectic mix of ornaments; some handmade, many collected from our childhood, and my personal favorites - vintage ones handed down from my grandmother. These ornaments are very special to me as they have been in the family for many years and after all, Christmas is all about family. I snapped some pics of some of my favs to share with you. I truly enjoy this time of year, as love and joy and something a bit more magical fills the air.

This one is not vintage but rather it is from my childhood collection. Since I was born, I have collected Hallmark keepsake ornaments. My absolute favorite is my It's A Wonderful Life ornament. I guess that's because it's one of my favorite movies as well.

I thought it would be fun to dress up in my Christmas Eve outfit. I know it's a week too early, but I just couldn't wait to try it on.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Modcloth

Tights: Topshop

Shoes: Urban Outfitters

Headband: Etsy - Hopes & Rainbows

Coat: Alloy

Rain Rain Go Away - Let It Snow Instead

Ugh, it has been rainy and cold this whole week and taking pictures has been next to impossible. I have been chilled to the bone in this gray and dreary weather and wish that it would at least snow so I can enjoy the beauty of the crystal like icicles on the trees and pure white blanket that covers the ground. No such luck though.

Anyways, onto happier things. In lieu of getting into the Christmas spirit (which I have been since Thanksgiving) - my Christmas Day dress recently arrived in the mail and I have been itching to try it on with all the accessories.

PS - I would much rather have taken pics outside, but these indoor ones will have to do for now.

Outfit Details:

Dress: Yesstyle.com

Hair clip & tights: Modcloth

Shoes: Steve Madden via Ebay

The Refined Gypsy

Today I had a lovely lunch with my parents at one of our favorite Greek restaurants. The moussaka, pastichio, and Greek salad were de-lish. This is what I wore:

I recently purchased this top on sale at Anthropologie. I guess you could say I am currently obsessed with bold floral prints, as I seem to be adding more and more of them to my wardrobe. Pairing this top with the large bow headscarf and gold earrings made me feel like a gypsy. Adding the blazer gave it a new twist, making it feel a bit more refined.

Yesterday central PA, received it's first snow of the season. Today was so beautiful as the bright sunshine rays reflected off the remnants of snow left on the ground and on the trees.

Not only do I love the vivid print on this top, the collar is adorable as well.

This onyx ring is from Germany. My grandmother handed it down to me. She has some of the coolest pieces I have ever come across.

Outfit Details:

Top: Anthropologie

Blazer: Forever 21

Headscarf: Urban Outfitters

Leggings: Topshop

Boots: Macy's

Ring: Vintage