B&W Sweater: Zara (Banana Republic makes a cozy sweater dress in this B&W pattern... think I might need it!) // Base Sweater: Banana Republic // Jeans: Levis // Boots: Madewell // Scarf: Asos // Hat: Nordstrom Rack // Gloves: Nordstrom // Sunnies: Forever 21

I can't believe it's already the 11th and this is my first real outfit post of the new year. Where have I been? Oh man, where have I been. It's hard to blurt it out (I've been intentionally compartmentalizing my real life and my blogging life) but we lost Gary my father-in-law on New Year's morning after a long bout with brain cancer. I thank God for the long warning he gave us and that my husband and I moved our lives to be nearer him. I'm thankful Gary had Drema to so tenderly take care of him through his entire life and illness. I'm thankful for God's mercy because it's starting to feel ok knowing he's not here but rather everywhere. And I'm so thankful for the love and support of our friends and family because it allowed us to come together to celebrate his life and remember him young and beautiful.

And as for my outfit, the arctic temperatures have been forcing me to wear layered sweaters and cozy scarves and hats almost everywhere. But it's great weather for showing off my new newest very favorite boot from Madewell which combines the best parts of a chelsea boot with those of a western boot: walkable comfort with a downtown vibe and leg elongating pointed toe. Yeah, I've been searching for this shoe for a while.

Not gonna lie: blogging again feels a little weird. Devoting energy to outfits and shoes and things feels a little pointless because life is so much more than a wardrobe (obviously). Anyway, it's been a roller-coaster and I'm still grieving. Thank you for being here. I mean it! Your support and kind words mean a lot to me. xo