marie-80marie-78marie-87

Top (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Jeans (Gap) | Bag (Gucci from Vivrelle)

Neck Scarf (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Booties (J.Crew)

How are we only halfway through the week?! The weeks leading up to the holidays always feel like they FLY by, but the days feel so slow. I don’t know about you, but I still haven’t completely adapted to daylights savings and can’t cope with how early it starts to get dark. As soon as it hits 4:30p I’m ready for bed and completely unmotivated to do anything at all.

That said, it is Christmastime in the city and New York has so many incredible ways to celebrate so I truly have to push myself to get cocktails with my friends, try a festive restaurant or do something a little extra special after work. Monday was a classic case, I was absolutely exhausted from the weekend and the crazy workday but months ago I bought tickets for John Legend’s Legendary Christmas Special (get highlights on my Instagram Stories!) and there was no way I was missing it.

With a demanding job and a comfortable apartment, it’s so easy to skip the afterwork activities and head right to bed, but I have a little tip to avoid this trap– dress for happy hour. Whether your want to admit it or not, you know you dress differently when you have afterwork plans. I’ll usually wear booties or a dressier top. So the secret is to get in the mindset first thing in the morning when you are getting dressed. If you start your day by getting dressed for happy hour, you’ll plan your day accordingly. You’ll work a little bit more efficiently, you’ll spend less time chatting with co-workers, and you’ll do anything to get out on time. YOU know I won’t be dressing up for nothing!

What I’m Wearing

marie-91

Top (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Jeans (Gap) | Bag (Gucci from Vivrelle)

Neck Scarf (ThePreppyMAG Boutique) | Booties (J.Crew)

Naturally, I’m wearing ThePreppyMAG Boutique’s ‘What You’re Wearing To Happy Hour‘ on this lovely hump day. This is exactly what I mean when I say a ‘dressy top.’ I love anything with a simply detailed sleeve or neckline and these ruffles are just EVERYTHING to me. Whether you are dressing it down with a pair of jeans like I have here or dressing up with a black leather skirt or maybe even a pop-of-red, I just love how comfortable and special this top looks and feels.

marie-119

I honestly don’t wear a ton of red but during the holidays I just can’t help myself, which is why I opted for a red Gucci for my monthly handbag from Vivrelle. If you haven’t heard yet, Vivrelle is a monthly subscription service for designer handbags, jewelry, watches and diamonds. I’m so obsessed with this bag and definitely considering a more permanent investment. 😉  I love the red and gold color combination, it feels so festive and royal!

marie-130

Last but not least, I accessorized with a little silk neck scarf from ThePreppyMAG Boutique. I’m usually the WORST at tying neck scarves. I always feel like they are super bulky or way too big for neck, but this one is the perfect size. I also love the splash of leopard and holiday colors included in the scarf. So if you are trying to dip a toe in the latest leopard trend, this is absolutely a MUST-HAVE in your accessories armory.

marie-132