Happy Monday, loves! Taking the day and enjoying a bit of time to myself now that I'm officially back in my hometown. It's been a more mild winter than last year and I am taking full advantage of it! It's nice to go for a little walk in the afternoon, to be alone with nothing but your thoughts and the crisp leaves from autumns past under your feet. Living in the city these past three years, I've gotten quite used to the hustle and bustle and overall noises of the city environment. You never seem to have the luxury of quite having your thoughts all to yourself, so I welcome the change of pace as a gateway to learning more about myself.

Happy Friday, loves! First week of 2016 officially down! Hope everyone had a great start to the new year and got an extra head start on those resolutions! I've made many resolutions for 2016, spanning a variety of categories from health to shopping habits to work goals. It's really easy to just write a resolution down and say, "okay, within this year, I want to have 'this' done." But the actual follow through is few and far in between. I am so guilty of this--I'm not even sure what my resolutions from last year were, let alone if I reached them. So, no more procrastination, no more excuses. 2016 is going to be the year for major change, and if you're one that struggles with that resolution follow through, I've got a few tips that I'll be using this year to keep myself in check!

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}

Happy belated Turkey Day, loves! Spent the night before last prepping and cooking and just caught up in the whirlwood of good conversation and family bonding. For Thanksgiving, we usually head over to a family friend's house and do a little potluck with everyone and it's been tradition for the past 10 or so years. But this year, we decided to host our own Thanksgiving at the Chen family household, with two honorary friends who couldn't make it back to their own family during the occasion. This is the event that I look forward to all year--kind of the event that kicks off the holiday season. 

I wasn't able to spend as much time with my family last year because of studying abroad, so I'm super happy to be back in the States this year to spend all the time in the world with them. This was the first time that we'd spent all day prepping and cooking together. Menu items included mashed potatoes & gravy of course, cream of corn, honey maple roasted carrots, bacon wrapped brussels sprouts and the main dish: turkey & stuffing with cranberry sauce! Fairly traditional Thanksgiving meal and it was certainly an event to prepare. I haven't spent that much time cooking the past 6 months than I had in just that one day. 

Kept it cozy this Thanksgiving, bundled in a knit turtleneck sweater and a poncho! Love the feeling of being all bundled up and sitting down to a nice meal with family and friends. The smell of turkey in the air and conversation and laughter as a backdrop...

Hope you all got stuffed and ate your weight in turkey...cause we definitely did! A Thanksgiving to remember, with good food and better company. Hoping that this will soon be the norm and tradition here at the Chen family household. 

Look at those forks, all ready to go and dig in. I'm probably one of the worst people you'll invite over for dinner or just eat dinner with, cause I'm the one that makes you wait a good 5 mins before digging, just to get that perfect #OnTheTable flatlay. Yup. Shameless, I know. LOL

Hope you're all having an amazing Thanksgiving holiday with all of your loved ones! Eat (and shop) to your hearts content! Happy Thanksgiving fashionistas,

{Sweater: Banana Republic; Similar here, ON SALE!}

{Poncho: Abercrombie & Fitch}

{Leggings: H&M}

{Grey OTK Boots: Guess, Similar here}

{Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, ON SALE! Similar here}

{Necklace: Banana Republic; Similar here}