Rebecca Taylor Off the Shoulder Blouse

 

Rebecca Taylor Off the Shoulder Blouse (similar here, here, here, here, and here)
Paige Denim Skyline Jeans 
Cole Haan Peep-toe Flats (also here, other colors here, similar here, here, here, and major splurge here)
Kate Spade Bow Cross Body (similar options here, here, here, here, here, and here)
Bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4
Bow Earrings
H&M Sunglasses

Thanks for reading!

Summer Skin Protection

With summer in full gear I wanted to share some stylish sun protection. Summer days are made for trips to the beach, afternoons at the lake, and cook outs by the pool. With spending so much time outside (#praise), it's important to keep your skin protected from the sun's UVA and UVB rays to prevent skin cancer! Here are a few of my favorites!

Lands End UPF tops - After doing a bunch of research on the best UPF shirts, Lands End had the best reviews for high quality and cutest styles. I love my new top! It's very cute and breathable so I don't feel like I'm overheating even when it's crazy hot outside. I wore it to the beach and I didn't get burned at all because of the special UPF 50 material! That one is on super sale and there are tons of other cute options here! Also definitely check their size guide and go with your number size (2, 4, 6) rather than your usual shirt size (small, medium, large).

Athleta UPF Cover Up - I've been eyeing this UPF 50 dress all summer and I think it would be the perfect option for throwing on top of your swimsuit at the pool or just wearing around to run errands. This dress is also extra cute and also UPF 50!

Floppy Hat - Large-brimmed hats are perfect for protecting your scalp and your face from the sun! I've also been eyeing this beauty!

Sunscreen - I wear this moisturizer with SPF 30 on my face daily and will reapply if I'm out in the sun. For the rest of my body I love Blue Lizard and the Coppertone Sport spray!

Sunglasses - Check that your sunglasses are UVA/UVB protective because you also want to protect your eyes (and yes, unfortunately eyes can get cancer too)! I was so excited when I bought these! I also love this pair if you're looking for a splurge!

Umbrellas - Umbrellas are the perfect way to be outside while keeping your skin protected! This umbrella is great because you can set it up as a traditional umbrella or have it slanted on the ground so your back is completely protected! This canopy is also perfect for the beach or the pool!

Do you have any other tips for protecting your skin?! I'd love to hear them in a comment!

The Perfect Tote Bags for Work & the Weekend

Tote bags are the best invention ever. A cute alternative to the backpack that's professional and stylish. What more could a working girl want?! In the last few years I've become obessesed with tote bags because they are SO convenient, especially for work. Being able to fit my computer, notes, wallet, daily essentials, water bottle, coffee mug, and lunch into one bag is such a game-changer. I wanted to round up my 3 favorite totes and then some similar options for all the working ladies out there!

1. Black Tumi Q-Tote - This bag is super spacious and has tons of pockets. I love that it's sleek and black so it's super professional for work! It also has a pocket in the back so you can put it on your suitcase handle, which is super handy for traveling! I also love that it zips up so if I'm running out in the rain, I can just zip up my purse and everything is protected! Tumi has super high-quality bags -- this bag has been through T O N S of use is still as good as new. It's currently on sale here, here, here and here!

2. Pink Coach Tote - One fun thing I've discovered from Laura is that diaper bags are major winners. I was looking for a fun and colorful every day tote that would fit all my daily essentials including my laptop and lunch. Most of the regular totes were a tad small for all of this and the diaper bag ended up being perfect! It has SO MANY POCKETS and then 4 extra pockets for bottles which is great for my coffee travel mug and water bottle. This is definitely my favorite because it is so fun and spacious. I seriously get compliments on it most days I wear it!

3. Brown Michael Kors Tote - In my mind this is the quintessential "tote". It's structured, leather, and super stylish. It has a dedicated laptop pocket in the middle which is perfect for storing your tablet or important folders! Also found here and on sale here!

My biggest advice is to get a high-quality brand with durable leather or nylon. If you're using a tote bag daily and stuffing it with things (#guilty), you don't want a bag whose straps are going to break after a few months! I know the initial cost is high, but if you can buy it on sale it's definitely worth splurging a little for a bag that will last for years and years!

Other favorites + sales!!
Kate Spade Tote - Kate Spade has tons of great quality bags in every shape and color. All of these are already on sale AND an extra 30% off with code "SUNSHINE"! One, two, three, four, five.

Tory Burch Tote - Another quintessential tote that has a middle laptop pocket and is very structured. Also love this style for a more laid/unstructured tote! You can get 30% off with code "EXTRA30" on the sale styles like this fun tote!

Madewell Transport Tote - Really great quality leather and also super cute! This one is also super cute and is 20% off with code "META20"!

Dooney and Burke Tote - Dooney and Burke also has tons of styles and so many color choices for each style! These are good classic totes if you don't want something too distracting! One, two, three.

Louis Vuitton Tote - This is definitely a major splurge but talk about a dream bag!!

Thanks for reading!

PS Isn't this outtake hilarious! *insert laugh-crying emoji*

Summer Outfit Watermelon Blouse

I love this watermelon blouse! It's so fun and summery! I paired it with some white lace shorts to complete the classic summer look. It's the perfect outfit to wear to a cook out with family, or you can swap the shorts for some white jeans and wedges for a girls night out! Outfit details below!!

Everly Watermelon Blouse
White Lace Shorts (old, similar here, here for $10!!, here, here, and splurge here)
Gem Sandals (currently 50% off!!)
Kate Spade Bow Cross Body (similar options here, here, here, here, and here)
Bracelet 1, 2, 3, 4 (How fun is this one?!)
Gold Glitter Earrings
Free People Sunglasses

Thanks for reading!

Summer Wish List

I'm already in the summer state of mind and my wish list is definitely getting longer and longer. I'm trying to hold off until some of these pieces are on sale but I wanted to share some of the pieces I'm wishing for!

Victoria's Secret Getaway Halter | Do Not Disturb Hat

Free People Kensington Sun Glasses | Lakitia Glitter Sandals | J. Crew Scalloped Shorts

Mott 50 Stripe Tunic Dress | Straw Tote | Cheetah Print Bandeau

Victoria's Secret Getaway Halter - Victoria's Secret makes high quality and supportive bathing suits that are super cute. Use SAVE40SWIM at checkout for 40% off swim wear!

Do Not Disturb Hat - This hat is so stylish and fun! Whether you splurge on the Eugenia Kim version, or save on the more budge-friendly B.P. hat, make sure you protect your face from UV rays with style!

Free People Kensington Sun Glasses - These sunnies are so cute and I love the wide frames, so you have more sun protection!

Lakitia Glitter Sandals -These sandals are so cute and brighten any outfit. At $20, they're comfortable and a total steal!

J. Crew Factory Scalloped Shorts - J. Crew makes THE best shorts that are just the right length and just the right cut. How cute are the scallops?!

Mott 50 Stripe Tunic Dress - I love Mott 50 because they make sun protective clothing that are stylish. This cute dress is UPF 50 and is great for throwing on to go to the pool, beach, or around town without getting sunburned!

Straw Tote - This straw tote is the perfect pool or beach bag! It's extremely spacious for all your pool and beach-side necessities, and it's only $35!

Cheetah Print Bandeau - This bikini is so fun and it's under $20! It would be perfect with the matching bottoms or with a fun different colored bottoms, like these in "coral island".


Is there anything you have your eye on this summer? Comment below!

Thanks for reading! 

Stitch Fix Review

I've been wanting to do a Stitch Fix review for a while now and I am so excited to share my opinions with you! I just received my 5th Fix and I love love love the program!

How it works: You complete a style profile with all your sizes (bust, pants, dress, shoes, etc) and fill out a style quiz of your favorites fashion styles. Then you make a Pinterest board and pin your favorite clothes, jewelry, purses, and shoes. You can also leave a comment for each fix requesting specific pieces. Your stylist will look through your comments, style quiz, and Pinterest board and will curate a box of 5 pieces for you. The box is sent straight to your door and you keep the things you like and send back the things you don't (free shipping both ways!). There is a $20 "styling fee" only if you don't like any of the items, but if you buy even 1, then the "style fee" is deducted from what you pay (aka no "styling fee"!!)! For reference, I've never had a fix where I didn't love/keep at least one piece and I am THE PICKIEST MOST PARTICULAR person ever!!

Why should I do it? I LOVE Stitch Fix and I would HIGHLY recommend it! It's definitely targeted towards especially busy ladies who don't have time to shop, or for ladies who don't live near tons of shops and boutiques! If you're looking for really ridiculously good sales and deals, this is not for you as you pay a little extra for the convenience of not having to search for the best price. The clothes are really nice and good quality and the stylists so a really good job of sending you pieces that you would like.

Pro Tip: If you're really picky or apprehensive about having someone else pick out your clothes, be really specific in your comments box and pin things you would actually buy so that your stylist can pick things that you will for sure love! For example, I've been eyeing this leopard print clutch for ages but wasn't sure about the price, so I asked my stylist and voila a beautiful leopard clutch (under $50 I might add!) was in my next fix!!!

Some of my favorite pieces:

How cute is this leopard print clutch?! The tassels though! See more pictures here!

The necklace from this post!

This beautiful dress plus the necklace!

How gorgeous is this dress? I can't wait to wear it to all the fancy events!

The polka-dot sweater from this post!

My favorite new top! The lace is gorgeous and I get so many compliments when I wear it!

I didn't end up keeping this dress but loved the pattern and cut!

What do you think?! Those are just a few of my favorites but it doesn't include a gorgeous infinity scarf, a chunky grey sweater, a purple work dress, and tons more! If you're interested, sign up here!!

Thanks for reading!

Pink and Leopard Print

I'm so excited that the weather is finally starting to warm up but during this weird transition of sometimes-cold-sometimes-hot days, it's hard to find the right outfit. You don't want to keep wearing your dark wintery colors, but at the same time it's not warm enough to bust out the summer dresses and shorts. I put together a fun springy outfit that's still weather-appropriate for the cooler days!

 

Pink J. Crew sweater (similar here, here, and here)
Pink stripped Gap tunic (old, super similar here, on sale here and short sleeve version here)
White jeans (similar here, here, and save here)
Pink scarf (similar here, here, here, here, and here)
Leopard clutch (from Stitch Fix but splurge here, and save here and here)
French Connection Brown leather sandals (similar here, here, and here)

Thanks for reading!

Spring Transitional Outfit

Happy Spring! Now that we're moving into warmer temperatures, it's time to hang up the heavy coats but it's not quite warm enough to bust out the shorts and tank tops. I have the perfect transition outfit to help you move into warm weather!

Striped shirt similar here, here, here, and here
White fur vest similar here, here, and here
Paige Jeans similar here
Silver Sam Edelman flats, on sale here
Stichfix necklace similar here, here, and here
Bracelet one and two
Kate Spade purse, other cute blue options here, here, & obsessed with this one
Navy polka-dot hair bow

Thanks for reading!

Drug Store Beauty Products

I love quality beauty products at drug store prices. I have a few products that I absolutely love, and because you can get them at the drug store, they are extra affordable! I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.

1. Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Balm Stain - LOVE THESE. I have at least 5 of these because they work so well. I love having some color on my lip but I hate having to reapply. If I have to reapply a lipstick, you can count me out. Most lip stains I've tried are either super sticky or super drying, or both. This lip stain is amazing. It goes on like chapstick and has a slight minty flavor. I can wear it all day at work or out to dinner and it stays right where it needs to be! My favorite colors are "honey", "cherish", and "romantic".

2. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara - I swear by this mascara and have been using it for Y-E-A-R-S. No other mascara compares. I am really picky about mascara because I want something that is lengthening AND volumizing. Basically, I want to look like I have false eyelashes on, without the pain of false eyelashes! This stuff really works, I regularly have strangers tell me that my eyelashes are "flawless" (no joke!!). It definitely takes a few coats but it does the trick. I usually use the color "blackest black".

3. CoverGirl Classic Color Blush - If I'm feeling like a minimal-make up kind of day, I usually just put a little bit of this blush on my cheeks and voila I look 2x more lively. This blush is really great for sensitive skin and has a slight shimmer but no glitter, so it's definitely professional.

4. Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Polish - I've already gone on about how much I love Revlon nail polishes here but they're just a fun thing to buy at the drug store. Definitely not a necessity but painting your nails a fun new color is definitely a pick-me-up (and cheaper than a mani!)!

5. St. Ive's Fresh Skin Apricot - This is a treat yo self kind of product. This stuff smells amazing, even my guy friends secretly like using it! Just lather on, wait a few minutes, and rinse. It feels (and smells!) like you just got a professional facial!

Do you use any of these products? Do you have any drug store beauty recommendations?

Thanks for reading!

Polka Dot Sweater Layering

Layering button downs with a sweater is my favorite (as seen here)! It's a fun way to brighten up winter-wear. When I got this polka dot sweater in the mail I swooned. It's beautiful by itself and is super fun when layered with other colors/patterns. I layered it with a chambray button down and added a necklace for an extra pop! It was a little chilly so I grabbed my vest, but it would look great without a vest as well. Outfit details are below :)

Chambray Button-down
Polka Dot Sweater (from Stitch Fix, similar here, here, and here)
Necklace (old, similar linked)
Black leggings (similar here, here, and here)
Beige Booties (similar here, here, here, and here)
Black Puffer Vest
Marc Jacobs Cross Body (similar here and here)
Gorjana Bracelet
Tortoise Watch
Bauble Bar Ring (save here!)

Thanks for reading!

Scarves and Sweets

Paige Skyline Jeans

 Recently, I was on the hunt for the perfect dark-wash jean. I wanted something sophisticated yet comfy and professional yet fashionable. I searched everywhere (seriously! it was starting to drive me nuts). I finally stopped looking online and just went to Nordstroms, and luckily I had an amazing saleswoman who found these beauties. I LOVE these Paige Skyline jeans. I am not a jeans kind of gal but now I want to wear these every day. They are SO stinking soft that they feel like leggings but they are classy and sophisticated and flattering in all the right places. Just trying them on, I could tell that they are super well-made. Lucky for you, they are currently on S-A-L-E for 35% off (plus free shipping!). Get them here! You can also check out the whole Paige line.

Thanks for reading!!

Scarves and Sweets

"Jackpot" Gold and Shimmery Nails

I love painting my nails. Looking down at my hands and seeing a pop of color always makes me smile. Buying new nail polish is definitely a treat for me (treat yo self). So when I found this gorgeous color at the grocery store, I jumped right on it. I have another Revlon Colorstay nail polish and it lasts for the longest time (longer than OPI or Essie in my opinion! Any other Revlon Colorstay fans out there?!). I didn't realize this color was meant to be used with a gel topcoat until I got home (woops...!). Instead, I used a normal top coat and it's still been really long-lasting. Can we take a minute to talk about this color?! It's so gorgeous and shimmery, it looks like liquid gold!

For application I just applied 1 coat of the "Jackpot" Revlon Colorstay nail polish and once I finished every nail, I went back and applied a second coat. Then I let them dry for a few minutes and applied a clear topcoat from OPI (I've had it for years and topcoats make everything stay longer and make them more glossy, instead of more matte-looking.)

Do you have a favorite nail polish brand? Do you have a favorite metallic nail color? Comment below, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks for reading!!

Scarves and Sweets

PS I love this Stay Focused Pouch. It's so cute and inspirational and the back is glossy and mint. What's not to love?!

Perfect Fall Outfit

Now that the temperatures are starting to drop, I've started reaching for my sweaters. I realized a few weeks ago that I only had a few sweaters, and that they were all really light and summery. Ever since I've been on hunt for the perfect neutral, semi-thick sweater. This weekend I was so stoked to find this beauty on sale at Gap for $18!! This is my perfect fall outfit and I've been wearing variations of it on repeat because it's super easy yet super cute! The outfit details are below :)

Gap Sweater, J. Crew Gingham Button Down, Green True Religion Jeans (old, similar here, here, and here), Melissa Frye Boots (old and on sale a few years back, but save options here and here), Nordstrom Necklace, Gorjana Bracelet, Tortoise Watch, Bauble Bar Ring

And for the current sales (because why pay full price?!)

Bauble Bar: 20% off your first purchase for entering your email

Gap: 40% off and free 2 day shipping with code "FAST"

Gorjana: 15% off your first item by entering your email

J. Crew: 30% off tops and outerwear & an extra 40% off final sale styles with code "LAYERUP"

J. Crew Factory: 30-40% off outerwear, hats, scarves, and gloves & extra 30% off clearance with code "EXTRA30"

Loft: 40% off pants and sweaters & extra 40% off sale styles!

Nordstrom: Free shipping and returns

Thanks for reading!!

Scarves and Sweets

Fall Fashion Finds and Sales

With fall in full swing, I thought I would share my favorite fall fashion finds. Fall is such a great season filled with button downs, vests, booties, scarves (!!!), and sweaters. Here are some of my favorites that I've been eyeing or that I already wear on repeat!

Tribal Sweater

Cable Sweater

Navy Gingham

Olive Puffer Vest

Beige Faux Fur Vest (If only I could fit into this beauty!!)

Beige Booties

Cheetah Print Scarf 

This Colorful Scarf is the closest I could find to the scarf in the picture above (aka my favorite scarf!). It's from Charming Charlie's last year, so they may have a similar option in stores, but I couldn't find one online!

Blue Herringbone Scarf

White Converses

Sam Edelman Flats

Also while we're talking about shopping, lets talk about SALES!!

Aeropostale: 30% off until 10/12 with code BDAY

Charming Charlie: Buy one get one free all sale jewelry, no code!

J. Crew: Extra 30% off full-price styles and extra 40% off sale styles with code WEEKEND

J. Crew Factory: 50% off men and women's styles, no code!

Nordstrom: Free shipping & free returns!

Lands' End: $15 off $75 // $25 off $100 // $50 off $150 // $100 off $250 with code HARVEST

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!!

Scarves and Sweets

Labor Day Sales

I hope you are enjoying your long weekend with a view as beautiful as this! With Fall just around the corner, stores are putting everything on mega-sale, so I thought I'd share a few hoppin' sales and some of my picks!

LOFT: 30% off fall arrivals and an extra 50% off summer styles

Gap: 40% off with code "LABOR" and free shipping on orders $50+

Express: 40% off select styles

Nordstroms: Up to 40% off summer styles until 9/13

Live Love Dream: Additional 20% off and free shipping on orders $50+ with code "SCORE"

Charming Charlies: Buy 1 get 1 free jewelry plus free shipping on orders $50+

Target: 25% off online and an extra 10% off with code "LABORDAY"

J. Crew Factory: Additional 50% off everything plus free shipping with code "FREESHIP". Some of my picks from J. Crew Factory (clearly my favorite!) are below!

C'est Une Belle Vie Tee

Pink Eyelet Shorts

Scalloped Linen Tee

Alpine Blue Chinos

Tropical Orange Cardi 

Stripped Summer Dress 

Crystal Necklace

Metallic Slingback Flats

Pink Bow Flats

Nude Strappy Heels 

Navy Pajama Set

Thanks for reading!

 

Scarves and Sweets 

 
 P.S. Ashley Brooke Designs is giving 20% off with code "INSTAFRIENDS" and my favorite Etsy print shop is giving 25% off with code "LABORDAY25"!

Curls That Last All Day and the Next Day!

I have very thick, straight hair. Growing up, I always loved trying different ways to curl my hair: crimping, sleeping with wet braids, using hot gel wands, hot rollers, curling irons, you name it (thanks mom!). I'd even buy shampoos with promises to curl my hair and borrow gel from my friends who had beautiful, curly hair. If a curling method miraculously worked to create curls in my thick hair, it would last for a few hours and then go back to being pin straight. I've grown to love my easy, minimum-maintenance straight hair, but there are times I like switching it up with some curls. Over the last few months I've tried tons of hair products, read lots of advice online, and talked to my hair stylist and I've found the remedy: an amazing routine for curls that last all day, and (bonus!) they last the next day too!

 

1.  "Dirty" hair - If you just washed your hair that day or the night before, your hair is clean and therefore slick. Curls need grease or a little grit to help them stay in place or they will just fall out. There are two options: curl your hair a day or two post-shampooing OR put some dry shampoo in the roots to create more volume or "grit" so your hair is less slick/slippery. Side note: I LOVE Batiste Dry Shampoo because it is pretty cheap and works great!

2.  Heat protection - A heat protector keeps your hair healthy and undamaged, so your hair doesn't have tons of split ends and look matte. You wouldn't take a cupcake pan out of the oven without mitts, so don't curl your hair without a heat protector! The heat protector also adds a little extra grit to help keep the curls in place.

3. Curling - I section my hair into 3 main parts: top, middle, and bottom. I start with the top and middle sections in a hair clip and leave the bottom section down. I brush through the bottom section and then divide it off into about 6-7 pieces and curl them individually, twisting each piece in the direction away from my face. Once I'm done with the bottom section, I move to the middle section, and then finally finish with the top section. I use a Hot Tools 1" curling iron (on sale now!) set to about 400 degrees. The older your curling iron gets (mine is 6 years old), the hotter it'll need to be, but 350 degrees should be plenty for a new iron.

4. Hairspray and cooling - As soon as I'm done curling all my hair, I spray hairspray all around the curls. I 1000% recommend Redken Control Addict 28 (on sale at Ulta, and even cheaper on Amazon) if you have straight, thick hair. It's by far the best hairspray I've ever used! Then I let my hair cool for about 10 minutes.

5. One last spray - Once my hair has cooled down, I run my fingers through my hair to make more natural waves and then spray is again. This time I'll flip my hair over and spray the underside and all over. Go flaunt your gorgeous curls :)

The proof is in the curls! After 6 hours my curls were still going STRONG! The next day I just slept normally and when I woke up, put a little more hairspray in my hair. The second day curls are looser with a more natural-looking waves.  Curls that last 2 days with budget products?! Count me in, am I right?!

I've been eyeing this beauty but haven't pulled the trigger because of the price. Do you have any curling tips or favorite products? Comment below!

PS If you're not an Ulta Rewards member, you need to join! You don't need to pay or do anything special to join, it's just a rewards program. If you're part of the program, they send you monthly catalogs of new or on sale products and it always has a $3.50 coupon attached. If you use it every time you buy a beauty product (includes make-up remover, shampoo, blush, mascara, etc), that's $42 in savings a year. Cha-ching money back in you're wallet :)

Thanks for reading!