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| Black Princess Coat Steve Madden | Red Sweater Alexander McQueen | Demask Black Pants Alice + Olivia | Ring Forever 21 | Black Scarf Marc Jacobs x Target | Suede Black Booties Nine West |
I wore this outfit to our office’s holiday party which happened 2 days before I left to Japan. I found/thrifted both the red Alexander McQueen sweater and demask print Alice + Olivia Pants at Crossroads Trading Co. I won the festive, Christmas headband at a holiday event the week before and knew I had to wear it to my office’s holiday party. We had it at a restaurant down the street from our office at the end of the work day, so I tried to dress festive but still be work appropriate.
It’s amazing to me how quickly the month and my trip went by. I’ve been absent from blogging not only because of the travel back to the U.S. and then to my hometown, but also because of some unfortunate tragedies that occurred while I was gone. To start, Armando’s car was broken into and his bike, his alternate mode of transportation, was stolen. That bummed me out to hear when I returned back because although he wasn’t hurt physically, I could tell he was affected by it as evident as the broken window of the car. As we cleaned the glass out of the car it made me reflect on how lucky we have been these past years together. Bad things happen sometimes, but we have each other and are lucky that we are okay physically.
The worst thing that occurred while I was in Japan was learning that someone from our office had passed away. It was completely unexpected and I am still in disbelief over the news. He was fairly young, about 39, and I had made cupcakes for his wedding in June of a vegetable garden. He was also part of the paintball team. My office environment is like a big, extended family and since I have been out of the office I can only imagine how devastating a blow this been to everyone who heard the news firsthand. It feels only fitting that this post is also one of those memories of him because I vividly remember him trying to convince others to “steal” his white elephant gift at our holiday party.
His sudden and unexpected death has made me very aware of how short life is and that tomorrow is not guaranteed. I spent the holidays with my family and I can honestly say that I treasured just being able to be with them.
I hope you had a Merry Christmas surrounded by family or close friends. With that in mind, please also send your thoughts or prayers to the family and friends of my beloved coworker and friend, Steve Maranzana.
Brandy