I don't have a ton of readers, but those of you who have stopped by repeatedly over the past few years will recognize this location. I've called New York home for years now, though this pocket of Jersey will always be the true definition of the word. It's funny how living in the suburbs had me constantly dreaming of the city, and now I find myself needing the occasional break from urban life. I guess it's all about balance.

I hear it's just a part of growing up, but lately I haven't gone home as often as I used to. The way I see adulting, it means having fewer friends and a busier schedule. I'm not quite sure how that works, but then again do any of us twenty-somethings really have a clue about what's going on? Life in the city is both exciting and menacing, and sometimes when the latter hits a high I become nostalgic for years past in my Jersey suburb. 

I'm not sure I could live permanently in the quiet of the suburbs just yet, but then again I don't see myself as a permanent resident of NYC, either. I think that's part of the excitement of your twenties. I have no idea where I'm headed or what destination lies ahead, but there is so much to be done right now. So for now I'll continue living in the city and exploring out, knowing that I'll always have the constant of the suburbs to escape to. 

If you follow me on Instagram you'll know I recently celebrated my 23rd birthday on a trip to the music city of Nashville, Tennessee. Though unlike the hoards of bachelorette parties that take over Nashville's streets, this was yet another relaxed mother-daughter adventure.

As I get older I tend to keep my birthday quieter each time -- not for any particular reason, but I guess April 7th keeps coming around faster than expected. My mom and I spent this sunny Friday strolling Nashville's 12 South and Gulch neighborhoods with no particular path in mind. One of my favorite stops was at Amelia's Flower Truck, partly for the lovely flowers, along with the salesperson who was also named Christina and celebrating her birthday that day. What a strangely coincidental birthday surprise, right? For that reason we just had to fight logic and buy a bouquet despite leaving two days later (#treatyourself).

The remainder of the day was perfectly pleasant, between getting dressed up in this one-shoulder number for a French brunch and boutique-hopping around town. As an age twenty-tree never seems too special, but this quiet celebration leaves me with confidence that this year will be a good one.

Lately it seems as if this military-inspired coat couldn't have met my closet at a better time, for more reasons than following fall trends. Since exactly a week ago this nation as changed, though I'm not here to rant about the sources or implications. 

What I will say is that our country and people have been through much worse. We've conquered tragedies and overcome injustices, together. The worst thing we could do now is erase everything that was worked for over the past several decades. Unfavorable outcomes are no reason to regress. Whether at a personal or macro level, the struggles we are met with only give us more reason to stay determined, passionate, and compassionate. Change is what you make of it, so throw on your game face and soldier on.

Knotted, layered, or half-tucked, there is no shortage of variations when it comes to styling the classic button-down shirt. The best wardrobe pieces are those that evolve with you, like the close friend you've had since middle school. A perfectly-fitting button-down shirt is one you can keep forever. 

I took my newest button-down from the office to the weekend with a pair of distressed girlfriend jeans and my favorite everyday mules. Despite the beaming sunshine, the light cotton of this top kept things comfortable with the rooftop breeze. It's safe to say that classics never disappoint. 

Spring is one of the most exciting seasons when it comes to personal style. It means stripping off those heavy coats for the first time each year and bringing some life back into our wardrobes. As we move closer towards the peak of the season, I'm partnering with Banana Republic to share how I'm styling their spring collection for both day and night.