We recently had the pleasure of exploring one of the local manor houses, the Argory, all decked out in Christmas splendor. A manor house seems a most fitting place to appreciate Christmas decor since it truly mimics Christmas as we think of it in our heads from the classic tree with candle lights to the vintage cards decorating the piano--it seems a scene straight out of a Dickens novel. Victorian Christmas cards mimic those today with frilly and gilt cards sent to loved ones and often collected and preserved in albums. Truly, many of our Christmas traditions today from caroling to decorating with holly and mistletoe to our large family feasts find their origins in the Victorian period--so to wander around an old house were time seems frozen from that era feels most apt. We found ourselves here sandwiched between school groups hearing about the history of Boxing Day and listening to the children singing popular carols. I often think of visiting the local manor houses in spring or summer for a wander through the manicured gardens, but it's worth visiting them in the winter as well to see these festive scenes created in each room.  

If you're looking for books, head to your nearest library. If you're in the mood for slogan sweaters, check out Joanie. (For a combination of the two, still look to Joanie for bookish sweaters and book print dresses.) Cozy sweaters are a bit staple of my style and I recently snagged a few I couldn't resist from Joanie. I went for this one for the slogan, but it's become a repeat favorite of mine for lazy days around the house because it's incredibly soft and warm. This particular style has sold out, but they still have sweatshirts for "avid readers" and Jane Austen fans. Plus, they are the sort of brand that re-releases popular styles so check back if you're coveting this particular sweater. I really do like brands that bring back their popular styles and even re-create them in various colors. I know the trend these days is to create buzz with limited editions and drive sales by telling people they only have so long to get a certain style before it's gone forever, but I prefer a brand that isn't afraid to repeat. Like a classic novel, good taste does not go out of style and if you love a piece or style you can continue to wear it long past what is vogue.

This outfit is basically my ideal winter look right now. I find myself favoring more and more classic dresses like the ones Son de Flor makes; timeless and chic with a bit of ease to them. I especially like their new festive capsule collection with the embroidered collars or this gingham style I'm wearing today. Add some cozy knits and a backpack for collecting little foraged bits and this outfit couldn't get better. Wellie boots means it's even a practical one as we did tramp through quite a bit of mud to this pretty patch of woods. I feel a bit like a storybook character in this outfit. I've received a few comments on my Instagram lately asking me what I wear on more casual days or if I always look so "dressed up" and while it's certainly true that I have my down days at home in leggings and an oversized sweater--I don't leave the house like that! My blog outfits are my real outfits. I admire people who can pull off more slouchy, casual outfits and still look and feel cool. The truth is I don't feel good in those types of clothes. These outfits as "dressed up" or more effort as they might seem give me confidence. Sure it can take a bit longer to coordinate an outfit in the morning (although honestly I don't think it does; I probably spend the same amount of time getting ready as the average person), but it's worth it if you step outside feeling good about yourself. To each their own!   

One of the ways I'm trying to keep my inspiration and motivation through winter is by tackling new creative projects. My latest little side project is to make seasonally inspired crowns with foraged bits throughout the year. I made my first crown last week using very prickly holly which was pretty but not the most comfortable crown in the world! I want my next one to be using evergreen branches and bits of white--either leftover baby's breath that has been drying in our living room, or some silver dollar branches I found in the woods recently. It's good motivation to get outside and exploring in this colder season.

I'm all for waiting until December to start blasting the Christmas music and putting up all of your twinkle lights, but once it is December I'm so happy to see stores and homes decked out in all the gaudy decorations! As winter settles in and the evenings grow dark far to early, I find the festive flair everywhere truly comforting. A few cheerful bows and flickering lights and the grimmest of corners feels a bit magical. Throw a load of garlands and baubles into an already cute pub (like our local favorite Tomney's) and it's especially jolly. The winter blues have already started to creep up on me, so I'll take comfort in any form I can get it. It does strike me a bit bittersweet that all these sweet decorations will be ripped down in January, but there's no point in focusing on that. If there's any way to get through winter with your spirits high it has to be by appreciating the moment you're in. So right now I'm celebrating the Christmas markets, cute church festivals, and the coziest corners to curl up in with a hot toddy and good book.