Whew.

I feel like I have written a lot about the perception of time on this blog.  Sorry, friends.  (Broken record alert.)  It’s just been such a bizarre year–lots of changes, lots of stresses, and a whole cascade of events and emotions happening in fits and starts.  In some ways, I can’t believe it’s the holidays and that we’ve nearly made it through the year.  In other ways, it’s been the longest and most tedious year in my life and it feels like I’ve been waiting breathlessly for this time of year for months and months on end.  I anticipate I’ll one day look back on 2016 and think: “Lady, I am so proud of you for really going for it with your business, for forging your own path, for giving something your all.”  But right now I’m feeling exhausted and relieved that it’s the holidays and that soon we’ll be spending time with our parents and feeling cared-after.  (My parents flew into Chicago for a night a few weeks ago, just to take us out to eat and to buy me some new fall gear.  I felt like I was on the verge of tears the entire time, I was so touched and relieved.  It’s so extravagant to be looked after, worried about.  My God, are parents not the best?  You think you’ll get to the age of 32 and have it all figured out, but I, for one, still need my mom and dad.  When I’m sick, weary, confused, there’s no one I rely on more than my parents.)

A few of you have asked me how I’ve kept this little bloglet alive during this year of change.  It’s amazing what you can do when you have very few local friends (like 10 of our friends moved away in the last few months) and have not been exercising as much AND you majorly need a creative outlet to offset the intensity of your workday.  I so look forward to closing up shop and sharing the latest things on my radar. Which, this week, includes…

I’m DYING over this gold hands vase ($144).  How cool?!  Love it with these pink peonies in it.  This would look so major on a coffee table or end table, mixed in with some other gold accent pieces.

I am obsessing over this precious watercolor floral dress from new-to-me line Troubadour, on sale for $171 right now.  I know it’s off-season right now, but what an adorable spring or summer dress for a baby shower / bridal shower / even a work event or a casual wedding.  Same shape but different (epically cool!) print available here.

These Manolos ($965) are perennial hits, and I have been eyeing them for nearly a decade.  My sister bought a pair to wear for her epically romantic Manhattan wedding last December but swapped them out at the last minute for a pair of wilder, more-her-style Bionda Castanas.  (She’s in fashion so she knows all the best new hot labels.)

Love this floral-print, bow-necked blouse from Vivetta ($470).  This is just the kind of unique, quirky piece that can make your closet the covet of everyone in your life.

These patent Everlane mules ($145) are so on-trend.  I love their understated chicness.  No labels, no hardware.  Just a great foil for a holiday look.

While I’ve been partial to Korres’ rose nighttime brightening facial, I’ve heard really good things about this overnight rose cream from Aerin Beauty ($80).

Ann Taylor just released a set of adorable silk scarves ($39 each), and I LOVE the patterns, especially this one and this one, and all of the different styling suggestions they feature:

This Cynthia Rowley suede, bell-sleeved dress ($325) is such a great base for an epic evening look.  You could pair with some bold heels or OTK boots, or a big old pair of statement earrings, and really knock things out of the park.  Also comes in a great poppy red color and a sweet blush pink hue.

I’ve been spying a lot of malachite across the interior design blogs/pinterest accounts I frequent, and I’m intrigued.  Such a great natural, textural element to it.  And that emerald green color is so fun and unexpected.

A few pieces to get the look:

+Accent pillow ($35+ — PS, this shop is my favorite source for great patterns for pillows).

+Jonathan Adler vase ($118).

+Set of 4 plates ($175).

+Set of 3 ornaments ($21).

+Malachite console.

I’m on the hunt for a good and affordable concealer.  I love Cle de Peau but it is pricey and I’m open to other options.  I’ve been using Nars’ radiant concealer ($28), but find it can look a little cakey.  I’ve heard good things about Bare Minerals’ BARESKIN concealer ($21).  Any other suggestions?