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 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 Monday, loves! I wanted to share one of the classiest lunch experiences I've had from a couple of weeks ago while staying at Virgin Hotels Chicago! We'd actually gone to the Commons Club for a nightcap the evening before, since hotel guests are offered a complimentary cocktail during their nightly "Social Hour" event. After seeing the space, I was dying to go back for a proper meal. (View my full experience in the video below!)

The decor within the whole space was absolutely phenomenal. They had quirky little pieces of furniture and created a very cozy, at home feeling. This light teal armchair was definitely of my favorite pieces within the restaurant lounge.  I could see it fitting right in as a little armchair in a corner of my future apartment. ;)

How adorable are these little transparent ornaments?! It wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized there were little toy figurines within each one! Absolutely adorable in design and such "out of the box" thinking. It's the little details that really set this space apart from any other restaurant lounge I'd ever been in.

The space is a combination of a lounge, restaurant and bar. So whatever your endeavors are, the space will be able to adapt to your needs. I'm loving how the areas were sectioned off, so you could wine, dine, converse, or otherwise just hang out, all within The Commons Club. Whether you're looking for a quiet area for business collaborations, a quick pick-me-up at the bar, or a nice meal before heading off to the airport, Virgin Hotels Chicago has got you covered. 

The other highlight of the space? These cascading light fixtures overlooking the restaurant bar. These fixtures light up the entire area. and at 8:04pm sharp, they dim these down for a bit of "mood lighting." Absolutely breathtaking center piece of the whole space!

I'll be honest and admit, while shooting this video, I felt pretty BAMF. I just kept thinking, Areta Style Secrets...fashion blogger by day, international spy by night. I definitely had some James Bond 007 influences while shooting and editing the short video...especially with that new movie that just came out--Spectre. I'm always a huge fan of spy movies and who can resist a classic British spy film?

Anndddddd...the bae makes his first debut on the new blog site! This guy's usually the one behind the camera, helping me shoot, film, and whatever else my mind can think of to share with all of you guys. He's my biggest supporter, right from the beginning of this blogging endeavor and I really could not have grown to where I am today without his constant love and his faith in me. He'll always be my travel buddy and I'm excited to see where life will take us next!

{Dress: Ann Taylor; Similar here}

{Necklace: Bauble Bar, ON SALE!}

{Clutch: Clare V.}

{Heels: Prada}

{Phone Case: Kate Spade}

{Watch: Michael Kors, ON SALE!}