DECEMBER FAVORITES

This month has by far been the hardest in a long time. The world lost a beautiful, creative mind, my old friend, Lindsey. Lindsey was part of the reason why I started this blog. From our Youtube adventures, to her stunning pieces of art on the internet, to her incredible Disney and pop-culture-centric brand, My Oh My Supply Co., I’ve always admired everything that girl put out into the world. She helped teach me the ways of putting myself out on the internet and feeling comfortable with the prospect of it. We also had so many laughs, so many screaming matches and so many memories running all over Westchester County, NYC, DC, Lake George and more. There will always be so much love and admiration for her in my heart and soul, and it aches to know I’ll never get to reunite with her again in this world. Hopefully, I can and will in the next.

Losing someone around Christmas is extremely difficult. Five years ago, I lost my grandfather around this time. Lindsey actually drove my mom and I to the hospital days before he died. And even though my world is missing these pieces during the holidays, the anniversaries of their passings will always be memoralized and celebrated the minute I put up my Christmas tree each year. And so, we go on for them both. Here, I’m sharing the inanimate things that made me smile this past month. My family, and my friends get the top spot on this post though as my monthly favorite. They helped me (and are helping!) me make it through.

fashion + accessories

Cider V-Necked Knit Sweater — This wrap top is such a cute style for winter! I love how there are a few different ways to wear it and tie it. I’ll be honest I originally saw this type of top from WEWOREWHAT, but opted for this dupe because of the more afforable price. Either way, it’s become one of my new favorite going out tops this past month.

Kassiopea x Anthropologie Shearling Bag – I cannot, for the life of me, find this bag online! I just picked it up at my neared Anthro store on the UES, and I’m so excited to style it over the next few months. I’ve been eyeing a shearling bag for a little while now (who wouldn’t want a bag that doubles as a pillow?!), and this one hits the nail on the head. It’s super soft, will go with basically any winter outfit and I’m loving how large it is, considering I love to carry a lot of crap with me (lol). This one is a similar find with a chain strap.

home decor

Pampas Reed Wreath from Etsy — If you know me, you know that I begrudgingly dislike the color green (sorry). Forest green is better (and obviously abundant during Christmas time), but I still prefer to opt for Christmas decor sans the hue. The pampas wreath trend, in this case, is pretty perfect for me. I found this really beautiful handmade one on Etsy that I’m obsessed with. It has a little bit of that holiday lush without going overboard. Plus, it matches the rest of my apartment stunningly.

Anecdote Candles Snow Day * Gifted * — I love a cozy candle around this time of year, and this sweet-smelling sugary scent has been burning in my apartment the past few days and has done just the trick. It smells literally like hot cocoa, brown sugar and sandalwood as it promises, and it’s a great last minute/early 2022 gift for anyone you know who loves sweet things.

Gold Vintage Mirror — Funny story about this mirror. Recently, Sean’s parents moved into an NYC apartment, and the old owners left this baroque-y looking glass behind. They didn’t want it (reasonably so, it is quite dramatic), so they gave it to me! (Thank you!!!). I love a good ornate framed mirror here and there, so we just hung it in my living area to give the space a little more dimension and a Versailles-like twang. I hope it’s working, cause I do love it.

Mini Tree — I got this mini flocked tree from Amazon a few years ago, and just wanted to share a snap of it. I’m not one to really decorate trees (yet… at least), so this one is perfect, easy to assemble and festive enough where I don’t feel like I need ornaments. Underneath you’ll see a spread of my gifts this year with this cute antler paper I also picked up from Amazon. So fun.

Leaving you with a quote, to Lindsey.

“I do love you more than words can wield the matter, Dearer than eyesight, space, and liberty,

Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare, No less than life, with grace, health, beauty, honor"

[King Lear 1.1]

Cheers to 2022, and a new chapter, but one that doesn’t forget. xx, A. Martine

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