Photo from my @retroflame Instagram

Yumi Direct Coat // Asos Jeans // Boohoo Fedora Hat // Topshop Shoes (Similar) // Furla Bag (Similar)

I’m currently at the airport waiting to board my flight home to Ireland for Christmas. I can’t even describe how much I’m looking forward to the break! These last 4 months in NYC have been some of the best yet…but I’m 100% ready to get out of the city for a while. I think the bags under my eyes are looking forward to the trip too! You’ll know from my Christmas in New York post that the atmosphere here in New York over the past few weeks has been so amazing and I’m beyond grateful to have experienced that ‘Christmas in New York Feeling’. They take decorations to a whole new level here in NY. How cool is the tree at The Palace Hotel? All you Gossip Girl fans will especially appreciate this :)

I arrive home to Ireland first thing in the morning and I plan on spending the WHOLE day relaxing and catching up with friends and family. Oh and eating…lots of eating!! Below is a look at the things I’m most looking forward to doing while I’m at home….

1. Shopping & Trips
On Monday, I have a really exciting shoot in Dublin and I’m also hoping to make a detour to Kildare Village on the way. I’ve seen so many snaps online and it just looks so lovely at this time of year. I loved watching all their ‘Step into the Story‘ videos – too cute! I’ve been a big Kildare Village fan for a while now, but recently became an even bigger fan when I heard that there is now a Kate Spade store there!! It just opened there a few weeks ago and I can’t wait to visit.

Kildare Village

2. Rossbeigh
If you’ve followed my @retroflame Instagram for a while now, you’ll know that Rossbeigh (a beach near where I live in Kerry) is up there with my very favourite places. Apparently the weather is a bit crazy at home at the moment? But I don’t think it will stop me. I know this sounds crazy, but I’m just really looking forward to the fresh air. New York has made me seriously appreciate it!

3. Nights out
Where I’m from, Christmas nights-out are definitely the best of the whole year. I’m so excited to catch up with all my friends! Nessa is coming down to Kerry this weekend and I literally can’t wait to pop open the prettiest Champagne bottle ever which arrived to my apartment this morning. Get ready for lots of night-out outfits on my Instagram.

4. Space
So My NYC Apartment is pretty small, to say the least….so I just can’t wait to have some space at my house in Kerry. Another little thing, I know, but something I’m so excited about. It will be nice to be back in my own little office space and of course, to be reunited with my coffee & hot chocolate machines :) My sweet tooth is going to be in it’s element!

5. Family
…and finally, the thing I’m most looking forward to, of course, is seeing all my family. Especially my Mom! I’ve made my Mom a promise that wherever I move to in the world…I’ll always come home for Christmas :) I’m planning a trip spa trip for us at The Brehon Hotel in Killarney which will be such a nice treat.

Wherever in the world you guys are, I hope you have an amazing one! And if you are away from family & friends…just remember that they’re only a skype call away :) I’m hoping to take a proper break while I’m at home so my blog might be a little quieter over the next week, but you can keep up with everything through my @retroflame Instagram & snapchat (retroflame1).

Hope you’re all having a great week,

Stylishly Yours,

Erika x