It's 2016! Ah, what an exciting time! First off, I have to apologize for my severe absence as of late. This past semester has been nothing short of hectic; I considered dropping out of grad school about three times (curse you accounting!). I survived, however, and am so thankful for this new year because it will truly be an exciting one. It's the year I will graduate with my MBA and start my career. It's also the year I vow to better myself both personally and in my creative and intellectual endeavors. I'm finally learning how to speak Japanese, dedicating more time to the blog, and pursuing my greatest passion of all, music. More to come on that last point.

Now that I'm on winter break, Fonzi and I have finally found time to get out and shoot, and thankfully, the weather has cooled down so we could break out our winter clothing! With Christmas having just passed, I thought I'd style some of my favorite gifts from the holiday with a pair of trend-of-the-moment over-the-knee (OTK) boots. For those looking to edge up their style in 2016, read on.

OTK boots are all over Instagram. Just about every fashion blogger I follow has a pair, and the most coveted have to be the Stuart Weitzman Highland boots. I've been eyeing these boots since last fall, but the $798 price tag is just too luxe for my budget. Since the boots have trended big time this fall, many fast fashion companies have swooped in with their own versions. When I found this strikingly similar pair from ASOS for $108, nearly one-eighth of the price of the Highland boots, I immediately ordered my size before they sold out. My fear with OTK boots has always been fit; I have larger calves and often struggle finding thigh-high stockings or knee socks that don't cut in to me. With boots, there's more of a concern as they have limited stretch. These ASOS pair proved no such problem, fitting oh so perfectly. My favorite details are the lace-up backs, providing extra room to stretch. I can only hope the cold weather keeps on because I don't want to take these off!

For Christmas, I got this abstract Kensie dress and badass Coach leather motorcycle jacket from my parents. The dress has a very '60s mod cut with its short hemline and drop waist, so I paired it with a chain and tassel studded belt from Betsey Johnson to further emphasize that '60s aesthetic. With my OTK boots, I felt like a go-go dancer who just joined a motorcycle gang. Yeah, sums up my style...

I've been wanting a real leather motorcycle jacket since high school, so this present was a true treat. I regularly talk about investment pieces throughout the blog, and this definitely counts. OTK boots are fun but ultimately trendy, so save and go for the fast fashion equivalent when you're on a budget. For classic pieces that transcend time and really define your style (as a motorcycle jacket does mine), invest in high quality pieces that will last your lifetime with proper love and care.

To accessorize this look, I chose my favorite Coach purchases as of late. The Fall 2015 collection was incredible and definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen it. It was inspired my motorcycle gangs and magpie birds, which collect shiny objects to bring to their nests. The Coach girl, therefore, was defined as a traveling magpie, or nomad, collecting objects along her travels to incorporate in to her edgy aesthetic. The collection as a whole perfectly encapsulated my style, and I wanted nearly every piece, from this "Nomad" block letters necklace and crossbody to my found objects charm bracelet and "Wanted" script ring. I paired these with feather studs from Forever 21 and my go-to Prada shades.

I have a lot more fashion to share with you all this exciting new year, so get ready! To get this look yourself, check out the gallery below with my picks.

Till next time!