When I was a kid, the public library was like a wonderland. I loved the way the books smelled, getting lost in the twists and turns of literary catacombs and that it was always a journey I embarked on with my grandmother. Magical worlds and characters lived at the library. I knew it was a place I could escape and dream.

Clothing has a very similar effect on me. Whatever I choose to put on each day channels a different mindset, a different expression. When I put on my Elton John booties and leather jacket and descended upon the library, I thought we’d shoot in the beautiful, historic section. The expertly crafted sea of mahogany pulled straight from the Library of Congress. But the regular old stacks proved to be much more interesting. The mood completely shifted and I was suddenly transported into a Kubrick movie. I love that about the library.

Now I just need a twin.

A Saturday trip to the farmers market was the perfect chance to break out my work boots.  These babies are so comfortable and sturdy I could wander the stalls for hours.  It was also fun to stay warm and cozy underneath my turtleneck and experience what it would be like to have a lob.  What do you think?  Can I pull it off?

This vest bore a tradition.

Back in the day my husband and I used to cart around on a suped up golf cart. It went 50 mph and had a skull on the clutch. Quite a site. We especially loved taking it to nice restaurants. One day I threw this vest over navy blue polka dots and electric yellow Louboutins and my husband donned his Marty McFly outfit. Weird Outfit Friday was born.

I loved that golf cart and I love this vest. It makes me look like a crazy Muppet and yet I find that so comforting. We all need at least one ridiculous piece in our closet. That philosophy is what has grown my wardrobe over the years. It’s good to be different. It’s good, essential really, to dress for yourself. Just like a song reminds of us of an old memory or a certain aroma brings us the comfort of home, a unique piece highlights that little facet inside yourself that may not come out quite so often.

What’s your crazy cozy?

I like to start each new year with a fresh perspective. While I’ve never been one to make resolutions, I think it’s important to clear out your mind, body and soul so you can be ready to receive the many adventures that will come. For me, this starts in little steps: mind (reflection on the past year and intentions for the new year), body (3-day juice cleanse) and soul (The Artist’s Way). I also inevitably go through a spring cleaning purge and happen upon things I forgot I had. Most of them go in the donate pile, but others receive a breath of new life. Case in point, this orange skirt which belonged to two people before it found it’s way to me.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with fresh ideas, lovely discoveries and appreciation for the things you have and those that have yet to come.

One of the great things about writing a fashion blog is that serendipity can often play an integral part in the creative process. While visiting my family in the Midwest over Christmas, we passed these two Palomino horses and just had to stop and say hi. I was smitten over their long eyelashes and blonde manes and I’m pretty sure they loved my Russian hat, which I borrowed from my mom. Equipped with only an iPhone, we began to play and talk to each other. Soon the word of our galavanting spread, and three curious donkeys, much larger than the Palominos, emerged along with a barn cat. It was our own little party.

With only a few days left in 2014, our barnyard party reminded me to slow down and savor the little serendipitous moments. It reminded me of the power of just being present. I hope that your remaining days in 2014 are filled with quiet moments along with celebratory ones, moments of reflecting on all you’ve accomplished rather than worrying about that to-do list, and love.  Lots and lots of love.