{LIFE} To a New Year

To say that 2013 has been my absolute best year yet would be an understatement. This time last year, I was saying good riddance to the 365-days behind me: 2012 was a huge, disastrous mess. Yes, I accomplished a lot, but it was mostly a year of chaotic and uncomfortable change. It's shocking that, somehow, 2012 was not the year of my Saturn Return - but at least I know I survived that and came out of the darkness 134,985 times better (rough approximation), stronger, and more committed to living life awesomely. I didn't start this year with many resolutions or goals, just the one: to be happy... and I can definitely say that living with the intention of being happy has worked out to be the best thing I could have done for myself.

In my personal life -- you know that adage that says one woman can never have it all? 2013 felt like I could get pretty damn close to actually having it all. I completely fell in love with someone who I know I will be spending the rest of my life with... In fact, just a few days shy of the New Year, my S.O. got down on the proverbial knee (not literally, though), and proposed - standing outside The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of our most favorite places in NYC. We moved in together, redecorated our home to really reflect the two of us, traveled all across the country... it's a fairytale love that I never could have imagined for myself. In platonic relationships, I recommitted myself to my friends - the ones who I know will always be part of my life and who have been an unconditionally loving source of support through the last few immeasurably difficult years. I made a point to be intentional about the time I spent with people, however limited it may have been, and to make sure my loved ones always knew how appreciated they were in my life.

Professionally, this year has taken me far beyond my humble expectations. The year started with a bang when I was invited to be part of the Clements Ribeiro for Evans campaign in London, which was equally awesome and surreal. Over the course of the following twelve months, I continued my monthly column at Marie Claire, designed my very own leather jacket with emerging brand MYNT1792, covered two more seasons of NYFW, collaborated with Rent the Runway on the unveiling of RTR+, began the process of designing a line that will launch later this year, went on a whirlwind trip to Berlin to brainstorm with Navabi and join their Style Council, I partnered with Simply Be to host the "Celebrate You" project, worked with Panache on educating women on bra fit, created a plus-size Style Guide for Bloomingdale's - and hosted an event at one of their NY stores, toured the studios of some of my favorite designers - from Anna Sheffield to Tarina Tarantino to Joy Gryson, wrote a feature story for Bust Magazine, curated a jewelry set with BaubleBar... And the list goes on. There are even a few BIG projects happening behind the scenes that I can't quite let on, yet.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Disclaimer: Photos taken pre-blizzard, pre-engagement, pre-flu

ASOS Pink Spot Knit T-Shirt and Skirt, ASOS Vintage Style Cocoon Coat, Lulu Frost Milky Way Pendant, Jennie Kwon Charlotte's Web Ring, "Oui" Ring via Etsy, Bing Bang Bracelet, Loeffler Randall Rider Bag, Shoe Cult by Nasty Gal Heels, Stila Vinyl Lip Gloss

Though the past year exceeded all of my expectations, there's still a list of, well, not resolutions - but personal goals and reminders that are carrying me through the start of the new year...

Never miss an opportunity to express your gratitude. 

Time is precious. Be intentional with how you spend it. 

Step away from the screen!  You won't miss anything when you do; I promise.

Be positive. It really can change your outcomes.

Remember that health and wellness is equal parts physical and emotional.
Take care of yourself.

Spend less. Waste less. Save more. Head start: no non-essential shopping in January!

Relax. Breathe. You can't continue your ascent to the top if you never pause to recharge. 

Keep your friends and family close - and forget the enemies. 

Promote the people, causes, and organizations that share your values - and remember to Do, Say, Do rather than Say, Do, Say, (much credit to Gail Becker for this one). 

Challenge yourself, never stop learning, and stimulate your mind. Psst: TED Talks on Netflix. 

Be true to yourself. Present yourself authentically. Be honest with others.