Today's Outfit: Thoughts on 2012

• Joe Fresh blazer and cashmere sweater
• Mexx necklace
• J. Crew no. 2 pencil skirt in wool
• Urban Outfitters tights
• Marc by Marc Jacobs bag
• Bloch 'Florence' flats
• Lipstick: Stila Long Wear Lip Color in 'Intriguing'

Who's as sad about returning to work and/or school after the Christmas holidays as I am? This was the first vacation in a long time where I didn't have to go anywhere or get anything done; I could simply do nothing. And what glorious nothingness it was! Days filled with big dinners, movies watched on screens big and small, glittery manicures, quality time with the boy, intimate gatherings with family and friends. The boy and I even managed to fit in a small day trip to Seattle, which is where I found this J. Crew wool pencil skirt on sale. (The Bloch flats were another sale purchase, but from The Block in Gastown.)

Now it's time to put my nose to the grindstone again. 2011 was such a big year. While blogging and freelance writing gigs kept me busy, I also switched jobs and began working at a new tech company. My relationship with the boy deepened and we're now at the point where we're talking about buying a home together. My goals for 2012 :

• Professionally, I want to keep doing what I'm doing now, but better. That shouldn't be too hard with no shortage of hardworking and inspired individuals in my life whom I can emulate.
• Personally, I want to take better care of myself by finding a balance between a hectic work schedule and my own fitness/nutrition needs. There were times in 2011 when I let the latter take a hit because the former was overwhelming. As a result, my overall well-being definitely suffered.
• Financially, the boy and I are going to take our first steps towards buying a home. This means saving more money, finding a realtor, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage this year.
• Fashion-wise, I want to stick to the adage "Buy less, but buy better." Sometime between my 2008 shopping ban (during which I stopped buying any clothes and accessories for 5 months) and now, I feel like I lost sight of that motto. The past few months have seen quite a few closet cleanings, prompting thoughts like "I could have saved all that money for something else!" I'd like to have a closet of well-loved pieces I wear often and find different ways of wearing, rather than random blouses and dresses that only see the light of day once every year or two years. Plus, learning to limit myself to a smaller, more versatile wardrobe is going to serve me well when I have to share teensy condo closets with the boy.

What are your goals for 2012?

P.S. Thanks to Julie of Pop Champagne for taking these photos for me! We had a great time hanging out on the afternoon of NYE. Clear skies, window-shopping along Robson and Granville, checking out the sale at The Room...what's not to love?