The holiday cheer is everywhere these days, or, at the very least, it’s there when it comes to decorations. I like that Florida is not holding back on that, and from neighborhoods to parks and other establishments, it has embraced the holidays fully. And we definitely need that after the tough couple of years we’ve had.

As far as the weather here, we’ve had a mix of cold days and early summer-like temperatures, and it never gets old for me. Yes, once in a while I do miss a snow-covered landscape, sprinkled with holiday decorations, but I cannot deny the fact that I’m happy to not have to bundle up for months-on-end, and I can keep wearing my favorite dresses and summer clothes year-round, as seen in these photos.

This holiday season, I’ve decided to “shop my closet” and not purchase anything new, even though the sales and styles have been giving me butterflies lately.

However, I still have several clothing pieces I haven’t worn and I am making an effort to do so before I shop for anything new.

Case in point… I’ve had this Loft floral jumpsuit for a while now and didn’t have the chance to wear it until I decided that it has a certain “Christmas-y” look — I love the print, and wore it for a day of fun in the sun visiting Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo (well, it was actually cloudy that day).

Sadly, it’s no longer available, however, if you come across it somewhere, know that it’s true to size, well-made with very little to no stretch, lightweight, and comfy, and it has pockets.

Also, these shoes (only a few sizes left) that I’ve been wearing a lot lately, are my version of white sneakers - they are very comfortable, and, of course, a lot cuter than actual sneakers that I’m not a fan of. And though you can’t see it well in these photos, this is the bag I’m wearing (available here as well).

About the gardens… they are currently decked with one million (no, really) different lights as well as holiday decorations, and are a delight to visit (however, be aware that there are gator babies, and most likely, their mother as well in the area). The Botanical Gardens are free to visit, however, if you want to enjoy the lights (which come on at 5:30pm), as well as all the other holiday-related fun, a donation of $10 is kindly requested. For more information, check their website.

For other holiday events in the Tampa Bay area, check this website that did a great job at compiling them all. If you’re in the area, I hope you get to enjoy these events, and they bring you a lot of cheer.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo,

Em