Reflecting on 2016 + Favorite Outfits of the Year

It's hard to believe that 2016 is nearly over. 

I know I've said it before, but where on earth did the year already go? Maybe it's the sleep deprivation that comes hand-in-hand with being a busy mommy of 3 (among other things) and accepting that the days only continue to accelerate in a hazy blur, but it seems this year has really come and gone in the blink of an eye. 

2016 has been an exciting and fulfilling year for me.

I made the decision to start this humble, little fashion blog, which has been extremely rewarding and somewhat chaotic all at the same time (lol.) Blogging is certainly not an easy feat when you already feel like you're juggling a million responsibilities, never quite finding enough time in the day to accomplish everything you set out to, no matter how hard you try or how best your intentions.  And if you're even a bit of a perfectionist like I am, you never seem to quite perfect things the way you had hoped because something else always needs to get done or you're busy self-editing or self-analyzing. 

All of that said, I wouldn't change it for the world. It has been such an amazing adventure and extremely rewarding to launch a creative space that shares my passion for all things fashion-related. And if I have helped inspire even a few readers over the course of the year, then I have fulfilled my purpose and feel immense pride. Really. I truly love sharing my favorite outfits, fashion finds and sale picks with you all, and enjoy highlighting pieces that can be re-mixed and re-worn to give you oodles of amazing, stylish outfits that don't cost an arm and leg yet make you feel beautiful and confident. Yes, even on those days you're feeling "blah" and barely have time to wash or brush your hair. If I can do it, you can do it. I promise you. I've been there more days than you probably realize. Social media is known to show the over-idealized view on everything, but remember -- nothing and no one is perfect. I'm not always polished, dressed glamorously, or leisurely sipping on coffee from the cutest gold monogram mug. (lol) But, I can also tell you: getting dressed and putting yourself together even just a little bit -- a quick swipe of lipstick or gloss, a pretty no-fuss dress that you throw on in 2 minutes flat -- can really do wonders to elevate your mood and confidence.

And that's what I hope to inspire every day. 

So, thank you to each and every one of you who has followed along on my journey from day one, and to those of you who have been following me on Instagram over the years, and who encouraged me to venture out and start this blog.  I tend to be more of a private person in general, so it took some nudging from some seriously amazing ladies to get here, so I am indebted to them and to those of you who have really stuck by me, supported me, encouraged me, and uplifted me with your kind and thoughtful comments, likes, e-mail, etc. Admittedly, it can be all too easy to become discouraged in the all-consuming and over-saturated world of social media -- especially when you find yourself zooming in on those posts or photos that get less likes/comments than others or when you start comparing yourself to other, more "popular" bloggers. I myself am far too self-critical, and am working on it slowly; it's definitely something I want to improve upon in 2017. Surround yourself with those who are positive, uplifting and who champion your progress and success. 

 I have met some incredible people on this journey so far -- many of whom I am now grateful to call friends. It's such a wonderful thing when you can connect with like-minded people from all over the globe who are cheering you on. Let's try to spread more of that in the coming year. Everyone deserves kindness and a chance to shine.

Now, after my long-winded reflections, let's get to the outfits! 

Here are the favorite outfits of the year, in no particular order. :-)

Favorite Outfits of 2016

 Shein Striped Bow-Sleeved Sweater // Ann Taylor Blush Flare Skirt, (similar here, here) //

Vince Camuto Gold Pumps - sold out (similar here, here, here) // 

Rocksbox Talia Necklace* (also cute here)

*Use code 'StyleMePretty661xoxo' to get 1 month free!

 Ann Taylor Polka Dot Button-Down Blouse - old (similar here, here) // 

Nordstrom Halogen Mint Cashmere Sweater - old (similar here, here) //

J.Crew Blush Wool Coat - sold out (also cute here, here, here) //

Baublebar x Anthropologie Statement Necklace - old (similar here, here, here, here)

 Mossimo Sleeveless Oxford Shirt - old (similar here, here, here) // 

Silk Sash (borrowed from a dress) (similar here, here, here) //

Forever 21 Mixed Lace Flare Skirt - old (similar here, here, here) // 
J.Crew Everly Pink Suede Pumps - old (similar here, here, here) //

Ann Taylor Stretch Pearl Bracelet - old (similar here, here)

 Ann Taylor Sleeveless Floral Blouse - sold out (similar here, here, here) // 

Forever 21 Pink Collarless Blazer - old (similar here, here) //

LOFT Navy Pencil Skirt - sold out (similar here) // 

Arcadia Patent Dome Satchel - old (similar here) // 

Ann Taylor Pearl Stud Earrings - sold out (similar here, here)

 The Limited Mustard Ruffle Shell - sold out (similar here) //

Ann Taylor Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans - sold out (similar here, here) //

Ann Taylor Single-Button Textured Blazer - sold out (similar here) // 

Ann Taylor Gingham Pumps - sold out (similar here, here) //

J.Crew Pearl Cluster Necklace - sold out (similar here, here, splurge here) // 

Anthropologie Taupe Sunglasses - old (similar here, here)

 Chicwish Crochet Lace Dress // 

Tory Burch Thea Triple-Zip Blush Satchel - sold out (cute here, here, here) //

Ivanka Trump Floral Slingback Pumps - old (similar here, here, cute pre-loved here)

 Ann Taylor Cream Cashmere Sweater Shell - old (cute here, here) // 

Brooks Brothers Plaid Skirt - sold out (similar here, here, here, here, here //

Ann Taylor Gold Skinny Belt // 

Banana Republic Burgundy Wool Coat - old (similar here, here, here)

 LOFT Cranberry Pleated-Hem Shell - sold out (similar here, here) // 

Ann Taylor Textured Open Blazer - sold out (similar here, here, here) //

Ann Taylor Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans - sold out (similar here) // 

Vince Camuto Gold Pumps - sold out (similar here, here, here) //

 Monet Vintage Pearl Brooch (also here) //

Marc Jacobs Black Quilted Clutch (similar here, here, here)

 Express 2-in-1 Snood Sweater // Express Grey Distressed Skinny Jeans //

LOFT Ivory Shell - old (similar here) //

Jessica Simpson Claudette Nude Patent Pumps // 

Mossimo Nude Faux Suede Crossbody (also cute here, here)

 Forever 21 Marled Grey Mock-neck Swing Dress (similar here, here, here) // 

J.Crew Blush Wool Coat - sold out (also cute here, here, here) //

Target Black Opaque Tights // Rocksbox Talia Necklace* (also cute here) //

*Use code 'StyleMePretty661xoxo' to get 1 month free!

J.Crew Factory Statement Necklace - sold out (similar here, here)

 Express Floral Peplum Tank - old (similar here, here, here) // 

Ann Taylor Striped Pencil Skirt - sold out (similar here, here, here) //

Mossimo Blush Open Cardigan - sold out (similar here, here) // 

LOFT Collar Statement Necklace - old (similar here, here)

 Nordstrom Pastel Plaid Blanket Scarf - old (similar here, here, here) // 

LOFT Bubble-knit Cream Sweater - old (cute here, here)

Forever 21 White Pleated Tank - old (similar here) // 

Ann Taylor Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans - sold out (similar here, here) //

The Limited Blush Dome Satchel - old (similar here) // 

Choies Pink Faux Suede Lace-up Pumps - sold out (similar here, here)

 Nordstrom Blush Mock-Neck Lace Sheath Dress (similar here, here) // 

J.Crew Double-Cloth Lady Day Wool Coat (also cute here, here) //

Kate Spade Glitter Bug Cami Gold Clutch (similar here, here, here) //

Ann Taylor Stretch Pearl Bracelet - old (similar here, here) // 

Gold Leather Tassel Keychain // 

Vince Camuto Gold Pumps - sold out (similar here, here, here)

 Ann Taylor Botanical Floral Blouse // (also cute here, here) //

Ann Taylor Striped Ruffle-Neck Blouse - sold out (also cute here, here) //

Ann Taylor White Diamond Eyelet Skirt // 

Ann Taylor Blush Flare Skirt - sold out (similar here, here) //

Kendra Scott Elisa Necklace via Rocksbox*

*Use code 'StyleMePretty661xoxo' to get 1 month free!

 Banana Republic Dotted Tie-Neck Dress - sold out (similar here, here, here) // 

Nordstrom Cropped Mint Cardigan - old (similar here, here) //

Ann Taylor Gold Metallic Braided Belt - sold out (similar here) // 

Forever 21 Bangles - old (similar here, here, here) //

Tory Burch Thea Triple-Zip Blush Satchel - sold out (cute here, here) // 

J.Crew Everly Pink Suede Pumps - old (similar here, here, here)

Ann Taylor Hibiscus Pencil Skirt - old (similar here, here, here) // 

Ann Taylor Contrast-Trim Blouse - old (similar here, here, here) //

Forever 21 Faux Suede Bow Pumps - old (similar here, here, here) // 

Kate Spade Floral Collar Necklace - old (similar here, here)

Nordstrom Cashmere Button-Down Sweater - old (similar here, here, here) //

Ann Taylor Pastel Tweed Pencil Skirt - old (similar here, here) //

Black Self-Tie Necklace (borrowed from a lace-up belt) (similar here, here, here) // 

Charles David Grey Suede Pumps (cute here) //

Marc Jacobs Black Quilted Clutch (similar here, here, here) //

Ann Taylor Stretch Pearl Bracelet - old (similar here, here)

There you have it! 
Lots of textures, patterns, and pretty details seem to be the recurring theme -- not surprising since it summarizes all that I adore. My style will no doubt continue to evolve into the new year, but classic and feminine pieces will always remain the core and foundation of my looks.

I'm thrilled you loved these outfits as much as I did! 
Thank you again for all of your support. If you have been inspired to re-create any of these looks either in-part or wholly, please tag me on Instagram or send me the web links; I'd love to see them!

Also, if you have any of your own personal reflections on 2016 that you would like to share, I'd love to hear those, too!

I'm wishing each of you an amazing 2017 filled with love, happiness, success, peace, good health, and of course -- style. 

I appreciate you!

XO