Happy Tuesday, loves! Just 2 more days until New Years Eve and I'm running around frantic--trying to get organized after my move back home from university and setting goals/resolutions for the new year! Best thing about graduating a semester early? I've got about 3 months on my hands before my commitment to a full-time job and I intend to make the most of it! 

2015 was definitely a year of personal growth, both individually and as a blogger. I've found inspiration in other fellow bloggers and am so happy to have been able to connect with some of them to share in our blogging struggles and triumphs. But most of all, I've come to terms with myself and finally understand that I can strive to achieve the success that others have attained, but in the end...it's about my own personal fulfillment and happiness.

Happy Christmas Eve, loves! Apologies for the later post time today. It's been such a crazy holiday season, trying to finish up the last finals of my undergrad career AND get holiday shopping done. I've been spending today trying to get organized--packing to go home, paying bills, finishing up last minute holiday errands...can't believe that it's already the end of the year again! I swear, each year passes faster and faster as we get older...a reminder to savor small moments because it's the small ones that make up all the good times. 

Happy Saturday, loves! It's officially the weekend before Christmas--which means it's crunch time if you haven't checked off all those people on your gift list! Not to worry though, I've gone through and picked out some of my top gifting items for all of you guys! Best of all, most of them are on sale! There's something for everyone on your "nice" list in this little gift guide. ;D 

Happy Friday, loves! Holiday season is now in full swing and gift-giving is almost upon us...which means running around the shops trying to pick out the perfect present for everyone on your gift list! I've been hitting the shops (with a holiday expresso in tow) during the weekends to try and get all my holiday shopping done!

When I'm headed out to pick out presents for friends and family, I'm always in a rush heading out the door--which means I'll be throwing on my go-to cable knit turtleneck and a pair of broken in jeans. I prefer shopping in more comfortable pieces since I know I'll be heading into a lot of different stores to pick out items for everyone on my list, so I'll probably be in jeans most of the time. 

Gotta get that holiday expresso! My favorite for the season is by far is the peppermint mocha. Love that extra kick of mint in my coffee and it makes me feel extra festive. Perfect for getting into the mood of holiday shopping!

I love dressing up a casual look with some elevated accessories. I'm always slipping these pumps on because they are honestly one of the comfiest pairs of shoes I own. I know you're probably wondering, how can a pair of heels ever be comfortable? I've pretty much always been the shortest person in a room, so wearing heels has become a daily routine for me. Trust me though, you really get what you pay for when it comes to footwear and I'm reminded of that every time I wear these. I'm a big believer of investing in the classics and nude pumps are on the top of that list. The quality of leather and overall design of the heels matters a lot when determining if they'll be a good shoe for everyday wear. I've found the heels of these pumps to be just the right height (about 3.5"), without putting too much strain on my ankles. These have honestly been the only pair of pumps that my feet still feel good in after a couple hours and you can bet that I'll be going back to get these in multiple colors. 

I'm guilty of just throwing my keys, phone and wallet in a clutch when I'm headed out for holiday shopping. Just bringing my essentials saves me a lot of hassle when I'm browsing through a holiday collection. I love that a clutch is something that you can just carry easily under your arms when you're looking for a particular size or going through merchandise. Plus, with all the holiday bags you'll be carrying after your trip, it's nice to be able to just carry the clutch in one of those instead of adding to the weight by being on your shoulders. 

How's all your holiday shopping coming along? I'm still struggling to find gifts for a few individuals on my list--but stay tuned because I'll be rounding up some of the coolest finds I've come across so far in a gift guide for you guys! Happy gifting fashionistas,

{Wrap Coat: Aritzia; Similar here}

{Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch}

{Jeans: Banana Republic, ON SALE!}

{Heels: Prada}

{Clutch: Clare V.}

{Sunglasses: Burberry; Similar here}

Happy Tuesday, loves! I'm super excited to be participating in the ShopStyle's Bloggers Give Back Campaign with "Dress for Success" today! I know that often times, being a fashion or style blogger may seem like it's all about taking that perfect #ootd or flatlay--but in reality, there is so much more to it than that! Sure, on the outside, it's striving to take gorgeous, high quality photos of clothes that you're wearing (but, that's incredibly superficial and definitely NOT the point). So, what's my motivation every morning to continue fashion blogging?

To inspire other women in their fields to dress their best, and set themselves up for success. 

Therefore, I will be contributing 10% of my sales from my blog from Dec 8-9 to Dress for Success, an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence, and ShopStyle will be matching 100% of my contribution! 

(**Contribution Disclaimer)

Let's face it, first impressions really are everything. And let's be real, what we're wearing is pretty much 80% of that first impression--and it's why I so strongly believe that dressing your best IS setting yourself up for success. It ends up being a cycle actually...because when I'm dressed up in my "power outfit," I feel like I can take on just about anything the day is going to throw at me. That feeling of confidence on the inside most definitely appears on the outside. Because when you feel confident, you hold your head up just a little higher and stand up just a little straighter, and that kind of body language makes up the other 20% of that first impression. 

This is exactly why I wanted to share my "power outfit" with you ladies today--as well as a few women who have inspired and empowered me to go after the life I had always envisioned for myself these past few years. My personal style has always been a mix of classy, chic and a bit of that New England prep. This collarless suit jacket is pretty much the epitome of my personal style and I loved how the pockets and lining was tipped in black. The piece itself is very Chanel-esque, so I kept the rest of the look simple with a little black dress and layered pearls as an accent. In terms of other accessories and footwear, I knew that this structured tote would continue that boxy-structured look of the jacket and neutral toned accessories would bring out the contrasting B&W of the look. 

To be honest, I didn't even know that fashion blogging existed until I started my first year at university in New York City. I'd always seen clothing pieces as a way to express an individual's personality and believed that there was a kind of magic in the "perfect outfit" or "perfect dress" that could empower and motivate someone to do the otherwise impossible. Moving to the fashion capital of the nation, I realized that individuals were actually sharing their daily outfits on social media and stumbled upon my first fashion blogger ever, Wendy's Lookbook. I was completely enamored by her style and her personality--her ability to inspire other women to strive to be the best versions of themselves. This was exactly what I hoped to do one day.

(*I actually almost cried when I met her in person last year at a Bergdorf's event and definitely hyperventilated a little >.<)

Anddddd, two and a half years and a whole new blog relaunch later...I'm exactly where I think I should be, doing what I love every day--hoping to inspire all of you guys to live the life that you've always envisioned. I know that there's always room for growth, but honestly, I am perfectly happy with where these past few years have taken me. I hope that when you get dressed every morning, you get dressed with a purpose, with a goal in mind to reach and to allow your daily outfit to empower you and take you there.

So when it comes down to it, my one tip for dressing for success:

Make sure your clothes are tailored to fit your body!

I didn't learn about this until halfway through my college career and I seriously wish someone had told me sooner! As a petite individual, I always have the hardest time finding pants inseams and shirt sleeves that cut off at the right length. I used to wear clothing that did not fit me perfectly, and would end up looking frumpy, which didn't exactly make me feel my best. Purchasing pieces that actually fit your body type is key and once you've got that down, you'll be well on your way to "dressing for success!" (P.S. A ton of clothing retailers, like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor, now offer petite and tall sizing--so never give up on getting that perfect fit!) Let me know in the comments if you guys have any questions or need more advice! Happy styling fashionistas,

{Jacket: Ann Taylor; Similar here & here}

{Dress: Loft; Similar here}

{Bag: Rebecca Minkoff; Similar here}

{Heels: Ann Taylor; Similar here}

{Pearl Cluster Necklace: Express; Similar here}

{Pearl Layered Necklace: Vintage; Similar here}

{Watch: Daniel Wellington}

{Double Pearl Earrings: Bauble Bar; Similar here}

Happy Thursday, loves! A huggeeee throwback for all you guys today, with the long awaited and first ever Areta's Style Secrets travel diary! It's been a long time coming, and now that I've documented my travels, it seems like a bit of a shame that I didn't do so while I was traveling in Europe. Well, that's all going to change from now on! Hope you guys like this little weekend wanderings travel diary. More to come in the future! (For a more detailed account of our trip, keep reading below!)

Happy Tuesday, loves--and a warm welcome to the new month! Holiday decor and planning will be in full swing now that it's officially December...but I'm still reminiscing of autumn in the city.  A little fall farewell today, with a stroll through Central Park from a couple of weeks ago. This was the first chance I'd gotten to visit Central Park during the fall time, and oh my god. It was absolutely breathtaking. 

Exploring the area around Bow Bridge and then making our way to the great Bethesda Fountain that day. I used to live on the East Side, so whenever I visited Central Park in the past, it'd always be from the east. I cannot believe what I've been missing all these years! Making our way through Central Park from the west with the most amazing fall foliage and scenery--Bow Bridge was an absolute architectural wonder. Making a mental note as a future (wedding) photo location... ;D

Whenever I think of fall and fall style, my mind immediately goes to that statement overcoat. Cold weather fashion is all about that perfect statement outerwear piece, and I must say, I'm guilty of purchasing several coats with each new winter season. >.< It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago though that I finally found that perfect classic red peacoat. I love how this particular coat has an oversized design, perfect for layering up underneath without feeling too bulky. Can't wait to restyle this coat for the holidays as well! 

Couldn't resist a good leaf toss while we were at it. Trying not to look incredibly awkward as my photographer took this shot LOL--obviously failed. I have this bad habit of looking up at all the leaves after I've tossed them, which obviously does not make for a good photo op. xD Nevertheless, I think we got one good one in at the very end. :)

I've come to see the Bestheda from the very first year I started living in Manhattan. I'd always wanted to visit, half in part of that scene from Gossip Girl where Serena and Blair have their heart to heart and make up. The other half of me wanted to be a part of the incredible beauty of Bethesda plaza and every time I find myself back there, I'm always in awe and silent appreciation. The fountain never fails to inspire and every visit back reminds me that great things were not built in one day, but through dedication and discipline.

Hope you're all having a great start to the new month! Getting the last of fall out of my system before jumping into the holiday season! Be prepared for lots of holiday goodness headed your way! Happy styling fashionistas,

Photography By: Brittany

{Coat: Ann Taylor, ON SALE (under $100!)}

{Sweater: Banana Republic; Similar here}

{Pants: Banana Republic, ON SALE!}

{Crossbody Bag: Rebecca Minkoff}

{Heels: Ann Taylor; Similar here}

{Sunglasses: Burberry; Similar here}

{Earrings: Bauble Bar}