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Friday, August 29, 2014

Labor Day Sales & Steals


Happy Friday! I'm getting a head start on my Labor Day Weekend sales today so I can keep up with the festivities at home before I go back to school Tuesday! It's a bittersweet feeling, but it's about time to head back now and getting new clothes in definitely sweetens the deal! Shop some of my favorite labor day sales and pieces below:


Club Monaco is having a killer sale right now with an extra 40% sale items and 50% off clearance pieces with code: HEYFALL. I've been waiting to get these pants and now I'm definitely thinking about biting the bullet and purchasing them! I mean with an extra 50%, how could I not?

Get an extra 30% off at Madewell with code: YESYES. I'm thinking about getting this adorable graphic tee I featured back in this post, it's just too cute to pass up at this price!

Save an extra 20-60% at Bloomingdales this weekend with code: BIG20! My favorites are this Marc coat and this Alice + Olivia skirt!

Shopbop has up to 70% off regular prices and this adorable blouse is calling my name! (:

J. Crew Factory is having an extra 40-60% off everything and I am loving all of their new sweaters for Fall!

Nordstrom is having an up to 40% off clearance sale until Sept 7! I've had my eye on this Chelsea sweater and these FRAME jeans!


Happy shopping and early Labor Day! (:
xoxo

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

White Haute Summer









Ralph Lauren Button Down (similar for less here) / Joie White Dress (similar style here and skirt version here) / Betseyville Cat Eye Sunglasses (old, similar here) / MIA Thong Sandals (old, similar here) / OPI Nail Polish

Happy Hump-day!

Lately, I have been wearing A LOT of white. Maybe due to the fact that I'm trying to get in as much of it as I can before Labor Day (not that I actually listen to that old fashion wise tale), or maybe because it's just a timeless summer color, but either way I've always loved the simplicity of a monochromatic look; it makes for an elegant yet understated look that I can't seem to get any other way. This Joie Dress I picked up from Nordstrom Rack a few weeks ago is just that - elegant, yet understated - and I absolutely love it. I've been wearing it just about everywhere with just about everything! It's such a timeless piece, and hardly an investment for something I know will last me for years. I've been pairing it with button downs like in this look, or, on cooler days, with cardigans and blazers to take me from day to night. The possibilities are really endless with the perfect little white dress! 



Shop some of my favorite little white dresses below:
xoxo

Monday, August 25, 2014

What A Tee's


When the school year swings back around, I always try to get my closet game in check - but I'd be lying to you if I told you that I've never tried to take the easy way out and add comfort to the mix of style. I find that one of the best single pieces I can add to my closet for low-key comfort and style are graphic tee shirt's - and, due to that fact, I usually end up buying them in bulk. I can't help it! I love fungraphic tee's (and tee's in general) for not only their comfort and added edge when they have fun catch phrases, but also their versatility. You can pair one with a skirt and blazer for a polished look, or your favorite jeans and slip-ons for a laid back, errands-running one. The possibilities are endless! It makes for a great look, whether I'm giving a presentation or taking an exam I always seem effortlessly put together. So, comfortable and cute? That's a win-win in my book.

xoxo

Friday, August 22, 2014

Weekend Links

Happy Friday! I decided to end the week with some more links to my favorites shopping of the week, enjoy!


The strappy heels I found for a steal at Target (less than $30, how crazy is that!)


My new favorite dress by Joie (under $100!) - I've been layer it with everything and haven't been able to take it off!


The new Piperlime Collection is killing me with all of the gorgeous pieces, I want every one in my Fall Wardrobe - especially this leopard coat!


The Spring App just launched and it's already made shopping 10x easier for this gal - my favorite shops on the app so far are AYR, OTTE, and Milly! Although I can't wait for Kate Spade to join, I love their cute-sy pieces and am always looking for a sale!

And of course, what would a weekend be without shopping some sales? I'm checking out J. Crew who has 25% off a purchase with code SHOPNOW (I've been eying up this top already) and the Nasty Gal sale when this asymmetrical skirt and orange blazer I've been waiting to buy are both less than $30!


Happy shopping!

xoxo



Wednesday, August 20, 2014

DIY Coffee Scrub


I loooveee coffee. The smell, the taste, the texture - coffee is all around ah-mazing. So when I first came across the concept of using it outside of the kitchen, I was all on board. The first time I came across the idea of a coffee scrub was actually through Instagram when I noticed that one of my favorite bloggers (who has AMAZING skin) was using it. She had been using FRANK coffee scrub, which seemed like the total package (and believe me, he was), but I ran out of it so quickly that I found myself in a 30 minute time crunch to either buy or make some myself, and I chose the latter.

Coffee Scrubs have been getting a lot of hype lately, and with good reason. Scrubs in general are amazing for they're stimulation and increased circulation properties alone. Now combine that with all of the benefits of coffee, coconut oil, and certain spices and you have a mixture meant for beautiful  success.


The first thing I did was run to my past lip/body scrub recipes which involved sugar or salt as the exfoliants, and added coffee grounds that I had on hand to the mix. The basic scrub combines Coffee, Sugar, Salt, and Oil. The combination of spices is up to you, and try to buy everything organic, if possible. It's easy to put together, really feels delicious, and, honestly, what else are we going to do with all those grounds (including the leftover ones!). Now, let's talk benefits!

Coffee: is rich in antioxidants, making it an awesome anti-inflammatory ingredient. It contains caffeine, which draws out excess moisture from your skin, causing it to look and feel smoother and firmer. In this scrub, coffee acts as a mild exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and exposing fresh, soft skin.

Coconut Palm Sugar: acts as a second exfoliant in this scrub. For more of a deep exfoliation, you can use a sugar with
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a coarser texture, like cane sugar.
Coconut Oil: is one of our favorite natural beauty ingredients over here. It’s incredibly moisturizing and filled with vitamins and minerals, which it locks securely into your skin. 

Salt: acts as the 3rd exfoliant that helps eliminate water bloat and inflammation, and also helps remove dead skin cells to unclog pores.

(optional) Cinnamon: helps to clear your skin of any bacteria. It also brings blood to the surface of the skin, helping to smooth out any lines that may be present. 

(optional) Cacao: contains antioxidants that help attribute to it's anti-inflammatory properties, along with adding a slightly darker tan tint to the skin.

(optional) Honey: is rich in anti-microbial that kill bacteria and it helps to sooth and nourish the skin.

The spilled sugar may have been a mistake, but it made for a great shot! (But still not a fun mess to clean up!)


Ingredients:
1/2 cup ground coffee (you can use pre-used grounds, just leave them out overnight/in the oven at the lowest setting to dry out and prevent molding)
1/2 cup coconut palm sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons sea salt
(optional) 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
(optional) 1 tablespoon (raw) honey
(optional) 1 tablespoon cacao powder


To make the scrub, mix all of the ingredients together until well-combined. If your coconut oil is solid, gently heat it until it melts, but wait for it to go back to room temperature before adding the other ingredients. This is to ensure that your exfoliants don’t dissolve in the oil! 
Slowly add the coconut oil to the mixture - you don't want the mixture to be runny, just clumpy enough to grab semi-solid chunks with your hands. When using the scrub, be sure to wet the area prior to applying the scrub and let it set on for 10-15 minutes to ensure the benefits are absorbed into the skin. Store it in an air tight container for up to two weeks. 



After I used the scrub the first time I was in awe at how soft my skin felt already. Two weeks later my skin is literally glowing - I haven't seen it looking this good or this soft in years. I also took the opportunity to taste it since I had a little left on my finger (I mean, why not?), and you guys, it was delicious. I may have to make a batch just to eat... Enjoy!


xoxo

Monday, August 18, 2014

Black and White Stripes







Victoria's Secret Stripe Tee (bought this one with it for the 2/$40 deal!) / Target White Vest (old, similar here) / American Eagle Black Shorts (on sale, also loving this leather pair) / Steve Madden Quilted Sneakers / Vintage Black Sunnies (similar here for less than $10)

I have always had a soft spot for a black and white combo, and stripes embody that simple perfection seamlessly (literally). The vest over top adds a contrast and put-together feel to an other wise simple, monochromatic look which explains why I wear it and other vests so often with more comfortable looks. I should also mention that when I first found this top, I instantly feel in love. The oversized fit was exactly what I had been looking for because it creates more of that Boy-Meets-Girl feeling that I've been drawn to lately. I just love a classic black and white look and I can't wait to wear this one and versions of it throughout Fall.

xoxo

Friday, August 15, 2014

Back to Cool

I know that term is cliche, but c'mon, it's catchy.


 "I Am Very Busy" Agenda Book / kate spade new york "Eat Cake for Breakfast" Mug / Multicolor Pencil Pouch / FRENDS headphones / Blue Polka Dot Backpack / Blue Stripes With Peonies Notepad / Backup iPhone Charger / Express Argyle Socks / Hair Ties / kate spade new york "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" thermal

Back to school has always been a bittersweet time for me - on one end of the spectrum I'm getting an entirely new wardrobe and fun pieces to brighten up the year, while on the other end - I'm going back to school. Pretty much speaks for itself there. Although, this year not only do I plan on bringing my A-Game in the wardrobe department, I also want to get everything I need before I realize I need it, especially for those out of the blue Fall mornings where I walk out the door and instantly find that I really didn't need to spend that extra minute on blush (hello natural freezing-my-nose-off flush!). On those days, you usually can't force me out of the house unless I've got some hot cocoa in hand, and if it's in an adorable mug or thermal you get an A+ in my book. The rest of these are usually things I just find I need during the school day: hair ties for when you look like your swatting a fly in your hair because it's getting that annoying (and gladly I say my hair is finally getting long enough to fit in a pony tail! Just in time, right?), a note pad to doodle in, argyle socks because you've always wanted to have a pair of the preppy, private school-girl staples, and a phone charger because less than an hour into the day your already at 30% battery life from texting and checking your feeds non-stop between classes. Or is that just me?

xoxo

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Glam







Dolce Vita sandals (on sale!) / Forever 21 Blazer / Forever 21 Ruffle Dress (similar here and here) / Forever 21 sunglasses (less than $10!) / Stacked Bracelets (also loving this one) / Dangle Earrings

This past weekend was my brother's 18 birthday, so our entire family (as tradition) went out to celebrate. We went to a higher-end restaurant than usual, so I wore something a little more glam than usual and was more than happy to get in touch with my girly-er side. And, as always, I couldn't resist throwing a jacket over the top of it (hello statement maker!). This jacket in particular was a steal from Forever 21, less than $30 for this constructed beauty! I paired it with a dress I bought from there a few months back and I instantly fell in love with the combo. I really love this look because you could wear it to a bunch of events, and it hardly feels like your even trying. Just a dress, blazer, and some "hardly heels". Plus some accessories to top it off, because how can you feel glam without a little gold?


xoxo

Friday, August 8, 2014

Links I Love

Happy Friday!

1) For all of you headed to a brunch this weekend, here is some inspiration of what to wear, and order (refinery29.com)

2) The 7 secrets to walking gracefully in heels (I could have used this a long time ago!) (whowhatwear.com)

3) Banana Republic revealed a completely new look yesterday after receiving a makeover from their new Creative Director, Marissa Webb, and I have already fallen head-over-heels in love with the new staples they've released (bananarepublic.com) #thenewBR

4) Blake Lively was also among a new-comer to the interwebs this month with the launch of her lifestyle blog Preserve - here's a ceviche recipe I'm dying to try out  (preserve.us)

5) Do you worship Alexa Chung like I do? Well then I have an article for you - "Am I Alexa Chung Yet?" (intothegloss.com)

6) I's here! Your first sneak peek at Altuzarra for Target! (Need I say more?) (whowhatwear.com)

7) Because this girl loves her brows and thinks you should too (thezoereport.com)

8) If you've been living under a rock for the last month, you've been some fabulous looks by Olivia Palermo, but don't worry, I've got you covered (oliviapalermo.com)

9) A single pancake for us single girls (or the ones who want a little taste of everything and not just pancakes!) (joythebaker.com) Mmm... blueberries.


xoxo

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Wear Now & Later


Once Fall pieces start hitting the stores (um, didn't Summer just start?) I can't help but start my "back to Fall" list of clothing. Here, I've put together my list of favorite "Wear it Now & Wear it Later" pieces that can easily transition from Summer to Fall. Depending on how you decide to wear and layer the pieces is really all that matters, and many of these pieces can stand up season to season with just a couple other elements changing around them. This romper for example, would alone be perfect for a warm summer day, but would also look just as adorable with some booties and a warm jacket over the top when cooler weather hits. So, even if it's still hot out, it's never too early the start preparing for the Fall weather that's right around the corner.


What pieces are you looking to wear for Fall?
xoxo

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Light as a Leather (Jacket)








Aviator Sunglasses (old, similar here) / Express Faux Leather Jacket (and one I'm coveting here!) / Boyfriend Denim Shorts (old, similar here) / Michael Stars Black and White Stripe Tee Shirt / Layering Rings / Lip Color / White Converse Shoes

Let's face it; in the Summer, we often have to store our favorite Fall jackets away until it's abrupt re-arrival in mid September. I know, it's illogical (and downright uncomfortable ) to break out your thickest fur jacket or heavy duty trench coat, but who's to say we can't break some of them out a little early? I'm talking about those simple layering jackets hanging out in your closet waiting for a little loving. Those jackets are perfect for cloudy or unpredictable summer days! Yes, your light trench coats, favorite staple blazers, and one I can't seem to be able to take off: the perfect (faux) leather jacket. This Express jacket (I call it my "LBJ") in particular not only goes with everything, but also gets complements left and right. I have yet to find an outfit it doesn't go with and a person who isn't infatuated with it. In fact, I'm even looking into purchasing a another one for it's quality and versatility. Quilting may play a minor role in that too, because, I mean, quilting - I just can't get enough. 


Shop some of my favorite leather jackets here:

What jackets are you thinking of breaking out early? Any particular way you plan to style it? Let me know in the comments!

xoxo



Monday, August 4, 2014

Road Trip








Custom Made PIOL Dress (I'll have a review soon with my other favorite one, I promise!) (Similar style here and floral print here) / Black Vintage Aviator Sunglasses (similar here FOR $5) / Ralph Lauren Boyfriend Button Down Shirt (similar from GAP here for 35% with code BTSAVE) / Black Suede Booties (old, similar here) / White Converse Shoes / Bauble Bar x Anthropologie Bar Necklace (old, similar from F21 here) / J. Crew Panama Fedora Hat 

Lately our weekends have been filled with a bunch of traveling and running around; and I'm loving every minute of it. Although, my feet on the other hand quickly disagreed with this ensemble. I'm realizing that, more often than not, heels aren't always the most functional shoe (although walking around in these booties were MUCH more comfortable than that time I tried to walk my dog while in stilettos - yes I did try that once and it may or may not have been inspired by my foolish instincts to believe that I could pull off a "Carrie Bradshaw" - no judgement, ladies.) Thus, halfway through the day I switched over to my trusted, and freshly cleaned converse (find out how to clean them here!). I always keep a pair of flats on hand for that purpose; I may love the shoes, but my feet tend to have an opinion of their own.


Shop some of my favorite flat shoes here:
What do you do when your feet start acting up on you?

xoxo

Friday, August 1, 2014

Weekend Links: Let's Shop Sales!



Happy Friday, everyone!

Since Fall is quickly approaching, a lot of stores are beginning to empty their racks on summer pieces and even start sales on Fall 2014 items for us early birds getting ready! And since the dreaded days of being a student are still with me, I know that preparing early is a lot better than scrambling at the last second in stores that are usually sold out of my size in everything (funny how that works?). Shop some of my favorite sales and sale finds below:

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is coming to an end in a few days (Monday, Aug 4th), and I can't get this jacket or these faux leather pants out of my mind (shop some more of my favorites here)

Even though it's the middle of July, it doesn't stop me from fantasizing about how I plan to wear this fur jacket everywhere. I can't help it, when you can get an extra 40% off of it's clearance price with code WEEKEND, how could you? 

The GAP sale is killing me with classic pieces at steal prices, did you see my insta post? They have everything your heart could ever desire, I mean just look at these sneakers - $20! The same Sam Edelman ones retail for $110!

Buying my first pair of boyfriend jeans was bound to happen, and boy do I want this pair to be them (get an extra 40% of with code TREAT)


Happy Shopping!
xoxo