Transitioning into Fall | Style and State of Mind

The summer to fall transition is one that I half accept with open arms and half want to run away from as fast as I can. For me, fall and winter is when I feel my best when it comes to style. I much prefer layering up rather than trying to be cute when it's a million (or at least 90+) degrees outside. I love a good cardigan and pair of boots. 

Tonight my man and I are going to a concert and I wanted to find something that was cute but casual (This is definitely a chill, laid back concert...no Yeezus or Drake happening tonight) :) So I picked out a few of my favorite things: slightly distressed denim, stripes and a cardigan. 
It isn't super chilly here today, about 67 degrees, but you never know how high the venue will have the A/C cranked, which is why I opted for the cardigan and options of layers.



I found this pair of distressed denim at The Gap earlier this summer and they have been my weekend staple ever since. (Work for me calls for business casual, or I would honestly wear them every single day!) I paired it with a striped tank I found at Marshalls for, of course, an amazing price. My cardigan is a gorgeous burgundy color that is from Express. I finished it off with my plain black flats from Target that are also one of my staple items! My jewelry is a super simple but adorable nescklace from Old Navy (I hunted for another one at about 4 different stores because I loved it that much and wanted a backup!!) My everyday Charming Charlie blush colored watch, and a gorgeous dotted bracelet from Purple Peridot

This is definitely an outfit that I feel put together in, but definitely not over done.  Now it's time for a drink and some good tunes! Happy Saturday!!

XOXO,
E

Sephora Favorites - Brow Raising Kit

Happy holiday weekend everyone! 


I've had a crazy past few weeks but I'm very thankful that things are starting to slow down...finally! One of the things that I've really been wanting to improve on (I should say just branch out on and try new products) are my brows. I saw another blogger post about Sephora's Favorites that included so many amazing brow products and of course I jumped right on the bandwagon! 


Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat | Review


Does anyone else remember when everyone couldn't get enough of the Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant Touch? Well, It's about to happen all over again with YSL's new Touche Eclat Blur Primer ($52) and the Eclat Blur Profector. ($55)

July Beauty Favorites | 2015


July has been absolutely an amazing month! We've traveled to the far ends of the state and soaked up as much sunshine as we could! Thank goodness the summer isn't completely over....yet! 


I have somehow accumulated so many new products this month, but these made THE cut!

Rebecca Minkoff Medium M.A.B Tote

This was the best birthday I've had in a long time. We had brunch plans and that's it. The older I get, the less I want to do on my birthday. Of course, if we had had a trip planned or something I'd be all over that as well but since we were staying at home, relaxing is just what I wanted.  After brunch and bottomless mimosas we came home where there was a beautifully wrapped present waiting for me on the table. 

Now, I've been swooning over this bag for well over a year. I've always dreamed of owning something so simple and classy. I've also shown my boyfriend many times as I really tried to convince myself I needed it and should take the splurge and purchase it. Well, well, well. What do you know. 


I can't believe she is finally mine! I'm so incredibly lucky to have such a giving and caring man in my life, and no, I don't only mean because he gifted me this beautiful bag! 

May Favorites | 2015




Once again, how is it almost June?! May has been an incredible month for me and this summer (of course, if all things go according to plan which....we'll see) will also be amazing. I have the excitement of a new (amazing) job opportunity, which in turn brings a new apartment and (!!!!) a new car! Eeeeek! I am just so incredibly excited. 


L'Oreal EverPure Blonde Brass Banisher Shampoo and Conditioner | Review



I've been a HUGE fan of the L'Oreal EverPure products since I laid eyes on them probably about 8 months ago. The sulfate and paraben free formula is amazing especially for chemically treated blondes. When I saw that L'Oreal came out with a blonde version I knew I had to pick it up and try it out! 


NYX "Sweet Pink" Matte Lipstick

Is it summer yet? Is it summer yet? 
I know I keep talking about warmer weather but it's all I can think about! Today I picked up a beautiful new matte lippie at Target and I think I might start wearing it even though it's only March! 

A few January Favorites!

I am so excited that January is almost over! I'm still trying to process why I live somewhere SO incredibly cold when I'm always thinking about summer. (A move South might be in my future soon....stay tuned!) 
But for now, while the cold isn't going anywhere, here are a few things that are getting me through these chilly months! 



 The first thing I can't wait to talk about is the incredibly inexpensive ELF HD Under Eye Powder. This powder is surprisingly amazing! I use it as an under eye setting powder for my concealer. While I've never used a high end setting powder (I'm more a drug-store makeup with a few higher end products sprinkled in) I've read many many reviews about this powder, and quite a few people prefer it over a high end setting powder. I use a small very fluffy brush and just swipe it wherever I applied my concealer. There are some noticeable glitter pieces in it, but they are so small that you don't notice them once on your face! At $3, you really can't go wrong! 

The next drug store item is the fabulous NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat Powder Foundation
I was really interested in trying the Mac Studio Fix Powder, but upon researching and reading reviews I decided to give the NYX powder foundation a try. Apparently it's a very close dupe and I have to say it's a new staple in my morning routine. I wouldn't use this as my only form of cover-up (I almost use it more as a setting powder) but it definitely has great coverage on it's own. I think over top of concealer or a light layer of foundation this powder is perfection.  You really can't beat it especially when it's less than half of the Mac powder! ($9.50)

I finally convinced myself that I needed the famous Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and boy OH BOY am I glad I picked this up. I can say that I've probably tried just about every single liquid eye liner the drugstore has to offer constantly searching for my holy grail. I think there are just SOME products that if you spend just a few dollars more, you can really notice a difference in quality. This eyeliner DOES. NOT. BUDGE. I honestly can't even explain just how black, beautiful and buttery this eyeliner truly is. I used to have to use a few different liners in the morning to get the color, but also the crisp line that I grave in a winged liner (what I do most). I just can't explain how amazing this is enough. Go pick it up, you will NOT be disappointed! 

Last but not least is this adorable necklace that I found in a boutique here. I wanted to include it because usually I go for the statement necklaces and love a good blingy necklace (don't get me wrong - I still do!) But this little baby stood out to me with it's simplicity. I love pairing this with a simple top or layer it with a shorter necklace. I think these pieces are great to have in your collection, a girl always has to have options, right?! 

If you're somewhere cold like me, I hope you're making it through these chilly months well! Layer up on the tropical smelling lotion and pretend you're laying on the beach with a piña colada!

XOXO,
E









Dior inspired 360 Pearl Earrings | Splurge vs Save

Yes. I too...am obsessed. Dior created the most beautiful, elegant, timeless earring that I think is perfect for a night out, or the perfect cherry on top of your favorite outfit. These earrings have been popping up everywhere, gaining popularity and being worn by many celebrities. 

That being said, the Dior price tag (I think goes without saying) is not for your average Joe. Lucky for us, many companies have been creating earrings inspired by Dior's beautiful design at a cost that is friendly with our pocketbooks! 

 I've found a "splurge" version of the 360 degree pearl earring via The Limited for right around the $30 mark and a save version via Charlotte Russe for under $10! 



Top Tips for Taming the Winter Static!



Alright....it's time. Now that it's finally cold and dry my hair has gone into full on static mode! I gathered my favorite / top ways to help tame the static during these already awfully cold months!

Tip #1: Make sure you're using a moisturizing conditioner! 
This may sound....silly, but sometimes the lower end conditioners don't cut it during the brutal winter months. A good recommendation is to invest in a conditioning mask and use it once or twice a week ONLY ON MID AND ENDS of hair shaft! If you use it too close to the scalp it can really cause your hair to be weighed down and look oily.  Here is the one I use and LOVE. It has lasted me months and smells amazing! (And at $8.99 it won't break the bank!)

Tip #2: Cut back on hairspray.
I know it's normal to think "add hairspray" when you want your hair to stay in place, but hairspray contains alcohol which essentially causes hair to dry out. You don't need to cut it out completely but cut back to just a fine mist (if you can). A great alternative is to use an anti-frizz serum or cream on wet and dry hair. (Just don't go overboard!)

Tip #3: Don't use a brush!
Plastic brushes are a breading ground for static! Cut out your flat paddle brush and opt for a wide tooth comb. If you must use a flat paddle brush, try to find one with metal bristles instead of plastic. 

Tip #4: Blow dry your hair half way.
When blow drying your hair, use a lower heat setting and only dry your hair about 70-80%. In doing this, you'll gain the benefits of blow drying (for me - it's all about the volume) and you'll also leave a lot more moisture in your hair. 
Another great tip is to invest in an ionic blow dryer. These have some magical components that neutralize electric components in your hair. Those components are the ones responsible for all that static! 

Tip #5: Wash your hair less often!
I go as long as I possibly can (and then even another day) between washings no matter what time of the year. I know that a lot of people can't stand the feeling / get oily too quickly / use a lot of product causing build up. However! If you can even try to go one extra day, the natural oils your scalp produces will help tremendously in taming the frizz and static. Going along with the moisturizing conditioner tip; try a hydrating shampoo in the winter instead of a clarifying one. A clarifying shampoo will completely strip your hair, while a hydrating shampoo will clean to surface level, which is best during the winter. 

A few extra, not so conventional tips!

Use lotion to help tame static!
The first time I heard this I thought the person was absolutely bonkers. But it works! If you use lotion on your hands, make sure most of it is rubbed in and gently glide over the ends of your hair to quickly eliminate static. 

Carry a dryer sheet with you.
I know!! Where do people find these absurd ideas?! Yet again, this works too! I would recommend being very very light handed with them though, as a few times I've done this method my hair seemed to be left with a layer of ....dryer sheet stuff (haha) on it. After a few uses it would definitely be down to enough product that you wouldn't need to worry about it though.


Those are my top tips! Do you have any others that I need to know about? Please let me know!

XOXO,
E

Happy New Year! | 2015







I know I know! HOW is it 2015? This past year was a good one for me. I didn't have a lot of life-changing moments, but a bunch of little moments that I will hold onto forever! 

Im not big on making New Years resolutions, as I whole-heartedly believe that you can decide to change anything about yourself at any given moment. However! This year I want to commit to blogging. I'm sure only my mom and best friend, HI MORG! will read my blog, but I want to hold onto these moments, memories, feelings, things I love for myself. The internet has infinite amounts of space, so why not fill some of it up on things that make me happy?  (And of course I want to eat better, go to the gym, think positively, etc etc) ;)

I hope you all have an amazing year! Here's to a BRAND spanking new year. Here's to day 1 of 365. What will you do with them? 

XOXO,
E