Holiday Hangover

    I hope everybody had a great Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate).  We went to the (future) in-laws' on the 24th and came back yesterday.  We had a great time and enjoyed spending time with his parents and grandfather.  Unfortunately we weren't able to visit my parents in Puerto Rico this year, but we're hoping that we might be able to next Christmas.  At the very least, we'll go in August.  

    The Fiance and I decided about a month ago that Bella would be our X-mas gift to each other, so we weren't supposed to get each other gifts.  Fat chance.  I didn't want him to feel left out so I got him a pair of boxers and so he wouldn't feel bad that he didn't get me anything, I got him a pair of L'eggs Bordeaux microfiber tights for him to give to me.  Little did I know that he had gotten me a Moravian Star all on his own.  I also got some yummy vanilla body wash and body lotion from Bath & Body Works and some cash.  I'll be using the cash to give myself some X-mas gifts since I used the check my parents sent me to get The Fiance and his grandfather gifts.  I figure I deserve to get myself some stuff that I want, right?

  I'm thinking that I'll get this dress on the left from Old Navy in gray and black.    The dress I really wanted from Bravissimo is now gone, but I might order this coat in its place.  I might head to the mall to see if I can find a pair of knee high boots that fit my calves or look for more cute dresses.  
    One thing I've noticed since starting the blog is that I really want to wear dresses and skirts more often.  I appreciate the ease and comfort of a dress now way more than I did before.   In fact, there are a lot of things that have changed since I started blogging.  So here is my list of things I've learned/done since I've started blogging (all of 3 months ago)

1. I am more willing to take a chance on clothes.  Examples abound just from the past month: I would never have bought this dress, or bought and belted this one until I started reading and writing a fashion blog. 
2. I am more creative with clothes now.  I would never have thought to belt a sweater or rework dresses the way I did here and here until now.
3. I have also become more accepting of myself.  This one is kind of odd considering I have been taking pictures of myself and posting them online for the past 3 months.  But rather than let myself become hyper-critical, I have come to accept that this is the shape of my body and how I look.  If anyone really feels that that should change, its their own problem and not mine.
4. People on the internet can be very sweet and kind.  I have not once received a negative comment or email because of this blog.  People have been nothing but kind, caring and helpful.  I have "met" several bloggers that if it weren't for the distance, I would love to hang out, go to dinner and go shopping with them on a regular basis.  It really is wonderful to be connected to people from all over the world because of a fashion blog I started on a whim.  
5. Lastly (for now), I've also come to the conclusion that money does not equal style nor do you need a lot of money to be stylish.  Sure, it helps to have loads of discretionary spending money, but even without it, anyone with a little bit of effort and creativity can create stylish looks and a flexible wardrobe that lends itself to stylish outfits.   

That's it for now.  I'm going to continue enjoying my holiday weekend by cuddling on the couch with The Fiance.  Hope you have a good one!