My 15 Resolutions for 2015

1 thing I know about myself is that I hold myself to very high standards. If I make a goal, I have to make sure I accomplish it. My to do list is simultaneously a strength and weakness, as it allows me to be organized but even leaving one minuscule task undone makes me feel disappointed in myself. So, this year, I'm making resolutions that I know I will be able to keep. While that may seem like the real-world equivalent of retaking an elective for an easy A, I don't really care. This year I am going to try to give myself credit for what I do, even if it's something as small as making my bed. I will get back to you in a year and let you know how this little experiment works out.

Favorite Music from 2014

Those of you who know me know I'm all about female power in music. The last couple years have seen some awesome releases from female artists in every genre, and as I was creating my "Best of 2014" playlist to celebrate the end of the year, I found that this year was no exception. There were some serious anthems written and sung this last year. Lucky for you, I've compiled my 45 faves into my latest 8tracks playlist. Check it out here and read the tracklist below.

1. Murda Murda – Nicki Minaj
2. Trendsetter – Lil Kim
3. 7/11 – Beyoncé
4. Bo$$ – Fifth Harmony
5. Do It – Selena Gomez
6. Killing It – Cher Lloyd
7. Hard Out Here – Lily Allen
8. Bitch, Please! – Jessi Smiles
9. Afterlife – Ingrid Michaelson
10. Casper – Russian Red
11. Free the Animal – Sia
12. Kiss and Not Tell – La Roux
13. Sexercize – Kylie Minogue
14. Sucker – Charli XCX
15. Strip – Jessie J
16. Get It – Kyla La Grange
17. Creation – The Pierces
18. Easy Easy (cover) – Willow Smith
19. Glow – Ella Henderson
20. Alex T – Russian Red
21. Drama (feat. Drapht) – Kate Miller-Heidke
22. A Rose By Any Name – Blondie
23. My Dilemma 2.0 – Selena Gomez
24. Jerk Ribs – Kelis
25. Dollhouse – Melanie Martinez
26. Money Power Glory – Lana Del Rey
27. Video Girl – FKA Twigs
28. Goldmine – Kimbra
29. Blank Space – Taylor Swift
30. Do It Again – The Ting Tings
31. L.A. Love (La La) – Fergie
32. Jersey – Bella Thorne
33. So Good – Jennifer Lopez
34. Flawless Remix (feat. Nicki Minaj) – Beyoncé
35. Idle Delilah – Azealia Banks
36. Monsters – The Pierces
37. You Know Me Well – Sharon Van Etten
38. (I'll Be Glad When You're Dead) You Rascal You (cover) – Ingrid Michaelson
39. Are You That Somebody (cover) – BANKS
40. Maia – Kyla La Grange
41. Wanker! – Lily Allen
42. Speeding – LIGHTS
43. Sapphire Blue – Katy B
44. No Rest for the Wicked – Lykke Li
45. Runnin' – Kelis

OOTD: Black & Blue

Shoes: Sam Edelman
Skirt: Similar from Lulu*s
Shirt: Similar from Avenle
Sweater: Similar from Mango
Necklace: Target

As much as I love layering, I must admit: it can be pretty difficult to create a cute outfit that looks cute with or without every item of clothing on. I've come to the conclusion that a cute layered look inherently cannot be low-maintenance. Taking off this sweater took some skill to avoid ruining my hair or button-up underneath, and putting it back on required me to stand in front of a mirror for at least a minute. If I had to lose a couple minutes of my day to look cute, I'd say the sacrifice was worth it.

Fashionista Friday: Neutral-Chic

Shoes: Similar from GoJane
Leggings: Similar from Nasty Gal
Tank top: Similar from Gap
Cardigan: Similar from Mango
Scarf: Similar from ASOS
Purse: Similar from Forever 21
Ring: Similar from Nectar

This is, in my opinion, the ideal finals week outfit. Simple, comfy, and super cute!

And So Ends Hanukkah

Last night was the last night of Hanukkah, and I must say, my family had a wonderful Hanukkah. We all got to be together for 3 of the 8 nights and we even Skyped the extended family on the last night to light the menorah together. I'm so fortunate to be able to spend the full holiday with my family. I also love how this year Hanukkah flows seamlessly into Christmas! This year, I only asked my parents for one thing: a new camera. My parents are awesome and gave me a beautiful new Fujifilm camera, which I got to use to document several of the nights of Hanukkah.

Sales Report: Last Minute Holiday Shopping Edition

Cichic

Up to 80% off select items

Expiration date: December 28

My pick: this "love & ice cream" tee

boohoo

Extra 20% off with promo code YESPLEASE

Expiration date: December 29

My pick: this faux fur scarf

ModCloth

50% off select items

Expiration date: December 30

My pick: these adorable tissue paper decorations

Front Row Shop

Up to 40% off

Expiration date: December 30

My pick: this cute red tee

Gap

Up to 60% off

Expiration date: December 31

My pick: this black cross-body bag

Choies

Up to 70% off year-end sale

Expiration date: December 31

My pick: this mermaid tee

Stella & Dot

50% off select items

Expiration date: December 31

My pick: this pearl bracelet

Jollychic

Sale starting at $9.99

Expiration date: December 31

My pick: this classic leather tote

Garage

Up to 70% off and free shipping

Expiration date: January 4

My pick: these cute slippers

kate spade

25% off sale items with promo code JINGLE25

Expiration date: January 7

My pick: this cute wine stopper

Mango

Up to 50% off select items

Expiration date: January 18

My pick: this arrow earring collection

DownEast Basics

30% off apparel items with promo code MERRY30!

Expiration date: January 25

My pick: this fringe scarf