David and I snapped these on Christmas Eve on Chapel Hill’s Campus. Even though he worked on Christmas we got to spend a whole week before Christmas with my family skiing in Deer Valley, Utah and almost a whole week after Christmas with his family in Jackson, MS and it was glorious. We just got back and I honestly can’t believe it but ………we’re unpacked too! It’s a Christmas miracle! I think this was my first New Years ever to not stay up until midnight and I don’t regret it at all. Sleep is fabulous and one of the best gifts of all.

When I saw this coat it reminded me of this one worn by the one and only Blair Eadie… the blogger I stalked all through law school. Has anyone not crushed on her at this point? And although you can’t beat the original, this pretty plaid coat is much cheaper than the Blair’s and the other burberry coats that have a similar pattern. I’ve loved layering it over simple pieces. Almost all my coats are solids so this adds a fun little print into the mix.

I received this necklace from a friend etched with the word “brave” and it was definitely a meaningful gift (aren’t those the best?) Whether it’s cancer, motherhood, a new chapter of life, or just for being her, I love the idea of women building each other up and letting one another know when they think they are brave. Royal Scout makes them and I’m a longtime fan of all of their fur scarves, stoles, and blankets. If you see me wearing fur there’s a 100% chance it’s from them. They are giving 20% off with code “RoyalLC-Steele16” all winter!

Hope you are enjoying the fresh start to the year. 2017 will definitely be the best one yet!