Our Lips are Sealed: Winter 2013 Trends

all images via glamourmagazine.co.uk

1. Wine Lips {at Lanvin}: Wine and berry stained hues are the perfect colors for the winter season. A bold lip such as this allows you to keep the rest of your makeup light and let your lips do the talking {no pun intended}!

2. Nude Lips {at Giambattista Valli}: Bold not your thing? Like nude nails, nude lips are always in. Whether you keep your eyes simple or go for a bronze smokey eye, a nude lip pairs well with any look.

3. Red Lips {at Dolce & Gabbana}: This one should come as no surprise to anyone! I'm always glad to hear that my go to lip color, red, is in for the season. Something about a red lip screams classic and put together-- pair it with thick winged eyeliner for an even more fun look!

End of Fall Essentials

{sweater} {vest} {bag} {pants} {boots}

With fall coming to an end and the snow beginning to pile up,  make sure you go out with a bang with this perfect fall outfit.

1. Fair Isle Sweaters: Patterned sweaters are the perfect key pieces for your fall wardrobe. Transition them into winter by layering a button down underneath to stay warm.

2. Puffer Vests: Vests are one of my favorite outerwear pieces for the fall months. Try a quilted one this fall to stay up to date with the latest trends.

3. Structured Bags: Structured bags are an essential for any occasion- school, running errands, shopping and more! They fit everything you need while still looking classic and professional.

4. Corduroy Pants: A perfect alternative to jeans, corduroys give an unexpected twist to any outfit.

5. Bean Boots: Finally, to top it all off, a pair of Bean Boots. L.L Bean makes the perfect pair and I don't know what I would do without mine this season!

A Little Fashion Throwback...

In honor of #throwbackthursday and Thanksgiving, I've compiled a list of seven old trends that I am thankful are no longer around:

Hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving with all your friends and family!

Nailed It!

Glitz & Glam- {ciaté} {essie} {nails inc.} {deborah lippmann}
Neutral- {ysl} {sephora by opi} {essie} {opi}
Bold- {chanel} {essie} {nars} {butter london}

With all the bundling up and layering you will be doing this winter, it's hard to show your style underneath your scarves and winter coats. This winter, channel these three nail trends (Glitzy, neutral, and bold) to help spice up your outfit and add a pop to your personal style. 

Glitz and Glam- Textures and fun effects are all the rage with this winter on the fingers. From velvet, duo-chrome and even glitter, your nails are sure to be noticed and add some fun to your winter wardrobe. {From left to right: 'Berry Poncho', 'For the Twill of it', 'Noho', 'Across the Universe'} 

Neutral- Not into bright nails but want to still look polished? Nudes, greige and other neutral tones will keep your fingers looking put together while still keeping itsimple. {'Beige Gallery', 'Color Metro Chic' (Unfortunately, this color is now sold out, however, this is a close dupe), 'Little Brown Dress', 'Did You 'ear about Van Gogh?'}

Bold- If crazy nails aren't your thing but neutral isn't either, this deep trend is the perfect middle ground for you. Bold nails are sure to stand out in the winter time and are very seasonally appropriate. {'Rouge Noir', 'Trophy Wife', 'Purple Rain', 'Big Smoke'}

Update!

Hey everyone!
So sorry for the lack of posts lately! School has been crazy busy with tons of homework, papers and tests. I'm trying to get everything together and organized so I'm able to come back and blog more regularly! Stay tuned for more posts around Thanksgiving time!

Thanks for sticking with me during this busy time!

Handbag Heaven

{Banana Republic} {kate spade} {Juicy Couture} {J. Crew} {Fossil} {Zara}

It's National Handbag Day! In honor of this newly founded "holiday", I've showcased six handbags perfect for any occasion this fall {or year round}!

1. Laurel Crossbody: The neutral color blocking of this bag allows it to be extremely versatile and paired perfectly with any outfit.

2. Claremont Drive Marcella: Like the famous Céline purse, the structure of this bag gives a professional look to any outfit. Not to mention I am obsessed with the blush color! {Blush not your thing? It's offered in other colors too!}

3. Sophia Essential Tote: This tote is simple and chic while still offering a hint of surprise with its navy blue hue.

4. Quilted Edit Purse: Anything quilted is a must for me this fall! The rich red color and gold hardware offer the perfect contrast. Its small size also makes it the perfect bag for a quick trip to run errands or a night out.

5. Sydney Satchel: If you need one "fun" bag for fall, let this be is. This satchel is the perfect size for everyday use while still adding a punch of excitement with the vibrant colors it is offered in.

6. Citybag: A basic, black, structured bag is never out of style, no matter what the season. Enough said.

Happy National Handbag Day, everyone!

Pretty in Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness 2013

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this year many beauty and fashion brands are teaming up with various breast cancer awareness foundations to help find a cure.

1. Estée Lauder: Lipstick and lipgloss duo. 20% of the suggested  retail price will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation {$29.50}

2. Sonia Kashuk: 5-piece brush set. 15% of each purchase will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation {$15.99}

3. Smashbox: Photo finish foundation primer. $5 of each purchase will go towards research at The Breast Cancer Research Foundation {$36}

4. Aerie: "The Bridget" bra. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Bright Pink {$29.95}

5. Deborah Lippmann: Nail polish in "Shape of my Heart." 10% of the proceeds of each sale will go to benefit the Hoag Memorial Hospital in Newport Beach, CA {$17}

6. Rebecca Taylor: Peplum top; not yet available online. 50% of the proceeds will be donated to The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation {$295}

Even if you don't purchase anything from this list, show support to find a cure by wearing pink throughout October!

This Just In...

source: toryburch.com

Tory Burch has officially launched her first fragrance and beauty collection! Tory Burch is one of my absolute favorite designers and I could not be more excited to check out what this collection has to offer! She's even launched a brand new "Beauty" section on her website in honor of the launch, where you can watch videos about the scent, bottle, and what inspired her for the new perfume.

The collection features a perfume in spray {1 oz, 1.7 oz, and 3.4 oz} and a solid, as well as the signature fragrance featured in a candle, body lotion, body cream, and shower gel. The fragrance offers floral notes of peony and tuberose, citrus scents including grapefruit and nerioli and an earthy smell of vetiver to top it all off.

Not only has Tory announced a new fragrance, her line includes a lipstick, blush/bronzer palette, cheek and lip tint, and a fluffy face brush. Although there is only one color option for each beauty product at the moment, I'm looking forward to how Tory with expand her collection and what she has to offer!

The collection officially launched in stores and online on September 25. You can shop the collection now here.

Will you be purchasing from the new collection?

Backpack Basics

Although the new school year is already in full swing, it is never too late to fill your backpack with important school supplies and necessities in order to ensure a great start to the school year! I know personally, even a month into school, my backpack is already a mess and missing important items. I'm already planning on reorganizing it and here are my top backpack essentials!

Backpack: Finding a good, sturdy backpack to store all your school essentials in is very important and probably my #1 recommendation when starting the new year. A good backpack {I like any from North Face} should last you many years and will save you money in the long term.

Planner: I'm absolutely obsessed with my Lilly agenda! I don't know what I would do without it or how I would keep track of my homework and important events.

Pencils, highlights, colored pens and post-its: An array of writing utensils is important for taking notes in class and working on homework. Personally, I like to color coordinate my notes or highlight in different colors for different subjects. I also use post-its to help organize my notes.

Bobby pins, hair ties, hand sanitizer, lotion, etc: You never know when you might need any of these and it's good to have them just in case! Keep them in a little makeup bag to keep track of everything.

Water bottle: Staying hydrated is important. Drink up!

Ear buds: You never know when you might have to listen to something for a class or when you may have some downtime to listen to music or catch up on your favorite Netflix show (mine is Skins right now)!

Laptop: I honestly don't know what I would do without my Macbook! I use it for everything including homework, Netflix {I'm addicted} and obviously blogging!

Have a wonderful rest of your school year and hope everyone had a good first month!

Beauty Box Break Down

With so many beauty subscription boxes on the market, how do you know which is the best one to purchase? See how these 4 boxes compare with each other to help you make the right decision!


Birchbox:

source: refinery29.com

Cost: 10$/month

Products: A mixture of beauty {makeup, hair, nails, skincare, etc.} samples from well known brands and also newly discovered ones. There are usually about five products per box plus a Birchbox extra {ear buds, bobby pins, headbands, and more!}. Boxes vary by person and month. Colors may also be different for each box.

This month: You could have received any of the following: Juice Beauty Oil- free Moisturizer, Whish Coconut Milk Correcting Gel, Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, Number 4 Beat the Heat kit, Jouer Cream Eyeshadow Crayon, Whish exfoliating body wash, Jasmine Seven Wipes, Supergoop! Sunscreen, ModelCo Party Proof lipstick, Miss Jessie's Rapid Recovery Treatment, Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment, Mally Beauty Evercolor Eye Liner, BAGGU Wedge Pouch.

Claim to fame: Birchbox was the first beauty subscription box to be available on the market. They also offer YouTube videos of box previews and tutorials which you can find here.


Beauty Box 5:

source: facebookcom/beautybox5

Cost: $12/month

Products: 4-5 beauty/cosmetic samples from varying brands {high end, new, eco friendly, etc.} Colors of products may be different depending on which box you received.

This month: You could have received any of the following: Be a Bombshell Eye Shadow, H2O+ Micro-Collagen Moisturizer, Nubar Nail Polish, Bask Heavenly Silk Moisturizer, Swissco Nail File,

Claim to fame: Often give out full size products.

Glossybox:

source: theupcoming.co.uk

Cost: $21/month

Products: Pride themselves as the "luxury" beauty box and offer 5 luxury/high end full size or deluxe sample size beauty items a month.

This month: You could have received any of the following: Pandoras Polish, Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush, Novex Hair Care Treatment Cream, Anatomicals Facial Spray, Sue Devitt Pressed Powder, Guess makeup bag.

Claim to fame: Full size products are very common in this box-- Every product in the August box is full size!

Ipsy:

source: ipsy.com

Cost: $10/month

Products: 4-5 beauty products sent in a collectible makeup bag. Each product could be a sample size, deluxe sample size or full size and many products are customizable based off of an online quiz you take when signing up.

This month: You could have received any of the following:  Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick, NOYA Lip Balm, Michael Todd Pumpkin Mark and Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub, Pixi Lash Booster Mascara, Nailtini Nail Lacqur, Chelle Eyebrow Pencil, NYX Blush, Mica Eye Shadow, Smashbox Finish Primer, Pacifica BB Cream.

Claim to fame: Ipsy {Originally MyGlam} was created by YouTuber Michelle Phan. Each month, multiple Youtubers post videos giving you tips and ideas on how to use your products.

Now that you know a little bit about each of the more popular boxes, hopefully you can make the right decision for which is best for you!

Best Dressed: MTV Video Music Awards

The VMA's just might be my favorite award show of the year. Since it's hosted by MTV, it gives celebrities an excuse to go all out and be their crazy selves. Even if you didn't watch it on Sunday, I'm sure you all heard about the highlights of the night (NSYNC and Miley Cyrus' crazy performance were the most memorable for me).

Other than the amazing music featured, so many celebrities looked absolutely amazing on the red carpet that night. Check out my favorites of the night below and let me know yours, too!

source: all; huffingtonpost.com

1. Selena Gomez: Although these pictures are in no paticular order, Selena Gomez was by far my favorite of the night. She has grown into such a gorgeous girl and although she has strayed away from her Disney Channel image, she still knows how to present herself in a classy way as show by her long navy dress and sleek hair. The slit and lingerie type top give it a sexy vibe while still keeping it appropriate.

2. Taylor Swift: ...And no wonder Taylor and Selena are best friends! Do you think they picked their dresses together? Regardless, Taylor looks very glam in her navy dress as well! Although at first I didn't like the fake, old holly wood bob she sported, it's grown on me and definitely pulls the whole look together.

3. Allison Williams: Even though Allison was just a presenter, she still dressed to impress! Her character on Girls definitely has my favorite style so no surprise that I'm bossed with Allison's look in real life too! I love how she pulled her hair back to show the high neckline and also think the black heels give a great contrast to the cream dress!

4. Ariana Grande: I don't think I've ever seen Ari not dressed extremely cute! No matter what she wears, her outfits always compliment her bubbly personality. I think this dress was perfect for her fun performance of "The Way" and also for the night in general.

And a quick shout out to the man of the night... 

source: huffingtonpost.com

The VMA's were basically just a giant Justin concert {Check it out here if you missed it}... which was fine with me!

Did you watch? Share your favorite look of the night!

{Excuse the poor quality for many of the videos.. they were the best I could find! If you find a better link to any of the videos featured above, make sure to email me so I can update this post!}

Official {and Final} Update + My Favorite Bloggers!

I know my last post, posted about a month ago, was also an update so I apologize for that! I said I would be back then but unfortunately, moving in and getting ready to leave for school were much more overwhelming then I had thought it would be {yes, packing is actually a lot of work}! Now that I've been to school for about a week and know my schedule and have a feel for how much time I will have, I officially will be back on the blogosphere {was that cheesy to say}?! I'm currently working on some posts right now so stay tuned and keep checking back!

If you would like to know as soon as a new post is published, be sure to check out my Twitter, Facebook and follow me on Bloglovin'.

In the mean time, heres a list of some of my favorite blogs that I've been tracking lately!

1. Southern Pearls and Curls {Caitlin tweeted me once and let me just say-- she is a total sweetheart!}
2. Love, Lauren Elizabeth {Also check out her fashion blogs}
3. The Beauty Department
4. Katie's Bliss {She does videos as well!}
5. Mariannan

More in vlogs? Here are some of my favorite fashion and beauty vloggers I've also been checking out recently!

1. Sarah Belle
2. Carly Cristman
3. Dani Austin
4. Caitlin {she's from the same state as me, yay!}
5. Kelly
6. Jackie Wyers

And unrelated to fashion/beauty but I couldn't mention video bloggers without talking about my two favorites.. Daily Grace and Tyler Oakley! If you need a good laugh, definitely check these two out!

Keep checking back... tons of new posts to come!

Thank you to everyone for consistently staying with me!

What I Wore: July 17

Shirt- Gap
Shorts- Target
Sandals- Target

Just wanted to post a quick outfit that I wore to work on Tuesday. I wanted something simple, but still work appropriate, and I thought this fit perfectly.. not to mention, I am obsessed with these sandals. Not only are they cute, but they are also extremely comfortable. They're very similar to these J. Crew sandals but a whole lot cheaper considering I got them on sale for about 10 dollars! I also got them in black since they were so reasonably priced. Definitely check out your local Target and see if you can find them in your size!

Lilly Pulitzer Gifts on Rue La La

Just wanted to quickly post that Lilly Pulitzer Gifts are on sale on Rue La La today!

If you aren't already a member, you can sign up here!

Check it out fast though.. some things are already sold out!

Summer 2013 Playlist

I thought it would be fun to throw in a lifestyle post amidst all the fashion and beauty ones! A week from tomorrow, I will be heading to Seattle and Vancouver on a family vacation. Being that a} I absolutely need music in order to survive the airplane ride and b} I hadn't updated my iTunes library in forever, I worked for a while and developed a wonderful {if I say so myself} playlist. Here are some of my favorite songs from the playlist and for summer! There's a little bit of everything here!

1. Acapella {Karmin}
2. All Summer Long {Kid Rock}
3. Blurred Lines {Robin Thicke feat T.I and Pharell}
4. Brave {Sara Bareilles}
5. Chloe {Emblem 3}
6. Come & Get it {Selena Gomez} {Just pre-ordered her new album.. ahh!!}
7. Cruise {Florida Georgia Line}  {And not the remix with Nelly!}
8. Homecoming {Kanye West}
9. I Want Crazy {Hunter Hayes}
10. I Would {One Direction} 
11. Jump Right In {Zac Brown Band}
12. No Faith in Brooklyn {Hoodie Allen feat. Jhameel}
13. Pusher Love Girl {Justin Timberlake}  {Must listen to the long for the full effect}
14. Radioactive {Imagine Dragons} {The follow me on Twitter, it's casual}
15. Really Don't Care {Demi Lovato feat. Cher Lloyd}
16. Royals {Lorde} 
17. We Can't Stop {Miley Cyrus} {Obviously had to finish with my girl, Miley}

If you want to see my full summer playlist, check out my Spotify playlist here.

What are your favorite songs for this summer? Let me know! I'm always interested in adding some new ones!

What I Wore: July 8

Button Down: Gap
Shorts: Banana Republic
Belt: Target
Shoes: Tory Burch

I added a white ribbon to my hair to add a more girly touch {also can I just mention how great my eyelashes look in this picture too?!}

This Tory Burch purse I got for a steal. It was originally $435 and I picked it up for only $155 at my local Nordstrom Rack!

My go to ballet flats!

Last night my family and I went out to Chinese food for dinner. It was absolutely delicious but might have been one of the longest dinners we have ever had. We waited almost an hour and a half to get our food because the restaurant was so busy and there was only one or two waiters working! Despite the extremely long wait, I had a great time. I love any excuse to put on a cute outfit!

Summer Festival Essentials

Concerts and outdoor festivals are a huge part of many peoples summer breaks. With all the fun and excitement around seeing your favorite bands and friends, sometimes we can forget what to wear, bring, or what essentials are needed. Check out my top 6 essentials for summer festivals:

{Sun Hat} {Oil Blotting Sheets} {Mascara} { Sunscreen} {Shorts} {Camera}

1. Sun Hat: A sun hat is essential to blocking your face and protecting yourself from a burn. Whether it be a fedora, a baseball cap, or a floppy hat {like pictured above,} protecting your face with a brim will help prevent the dreaded burn afterwards.. while also looking super cute!

2. Oil Blotting Sheets: Crowds of people, hot sun, and dancing around can cause sweat and oil to build up on your face. In order to protect your makeup and avoid looking like a greasy mess, oil blotting sheets are essential. Blot one on your face and you will be surprised just how much oil has built up!

3. Waterproof Mascara: Like mentioned above, concerts outside will most likely have you sweating a ton! Waterproof mascara is a fool proof way to protect yourself from the dreaded raccoon eyes.

4. Sunscreen: Along the lines of the sun hat, sunscreen with a high SPF {at least 50 if you'll be outside for a majority of the day} is important for outside events. Not only does sunscreen prevent sunburn, it also greatly helps protect again skin cancer.

5. Cute Shorts: A cute outfit is just as important as anything else when attending a summer concert, so bring your A-game. A cute pair of shorts {my fave is high waisted jean pair}is both comfy and cute.. perfect for moving around and enjoying yourself throughout the day. Pair it with a crop top or tee shirt and comfy sandals for the perfect outdoors outfit.

6. Camera:  No summer festival or concert would be complete without a camera to capture the days' events! I love the Canon t3i for high quality, professional looking pictures! Remember to take a ton of photographs so you can look back on your awesome day!

Have you been to any summer concerts or are planning on attending any? Let me know below!

4th Fashion

If you're like me, you love 4th of July and having the perfect excuse to show off your love for America {or 'Murica as some people prefer it}. However if you're also like me, you still have no idea what to wear to show your support for the red, white and blue. Here are three outfit ideas that will hopefully bring you a little 4th of July inspiration!

Tank: Tommy Hilfiger
Shorts: Gap
Button Down: Gap
Ballet Flats: Tory Burch

Dress: Forever 21
Cardigan: Target
Necklace: J Crew
Wedges: Target

Polo: Gap
Shorts: Target
Necklace: E-bay {For only $14! A steal compared to J Crew!}
Sandals: Target


Add one of these patriotic polishes and any outfit for an extra pop!

White: Sinful Colors in "Snow Me White"
Blue: Essie in "Butler Please"
Red: Maybelline in "Racy Red"

Do y'all know what you're wearing for the fourth yet? Let me know below!

Best Dressed: Met Gala

Last week on May 6, the famous Met Gala took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This years theme had celebrities dressed from head-to-toe in fashion inspired by punk rock. Some went all out {see: Miley Cyrus) while others knew how to keep it looking fun yet still sophisticated. Here are my top 4 favorite looks from the night {in no particular order}!

source: all; huffington post

1. Anne Hathaway: Two words: Her. Hair. Honestly, I don't even think I would love her all that much at the Met Gala if she hadn't taken the risk and bleached her hair for the night. The platinum blonde is such a beautiful contraste to her long-hemmed, long-sleeve gown!

2. Cara Delevingne: She's gorgeous and edgy in her everyday life, so this years Met Gala theme was practically catered towards her. I love the studding all around the top and her hair braids add to the punk theme perfectly.

3. Jennifer Lawrence: I'm obsessed with her. She could honestly wear a paper bag and still make my best dressed list. Needless to say, her dress was very glam but the texture and color helped give it that punk-rock edge.

4. Jessica Alba: Her dress is just absolutely stunning. From the length, the pattern and the cut outs in the front, her outfit is tailored perfectly for the event and for Jessica.


Also, I just thought this picture was too cute not to share. {JLaw I love you}

source: Huffington Post

Who made your best dressed list for the Met Gala 2013?

Sibling Style

My best friends and wonderful brothers

When I was little, I was dressed by my mom and dad, as most people probably were. My parents use to dress me in cute dresses and put what little hair I have up in a bow.

As I grew older and began dressing myself, my style changed and evolved as I did also. I remember in elementary school I wore the same thing everyday: some kind of hoodie and either my brown or black "yoga" pants {they weren't called that back then} and my hair in a bun. Clearly I didn't care about what I looked like then.

Last year, I also went through what I like to call my "I don't care about anything" look. Home cut muscle tees, combat boots, tons of jewelry and anything with skulls in that. I borrowed my older brothers eclectic button downs to wear with leggings and cut his old shirts up to add some of my own personal flair. I finally decided that wasn't for me. Only someone like my crazy, unique brother could pull off clothes like that in his high school days. Now he's a pretty classy dresser {He pulls off a suit like no other and looks great in any J-Crew or Banana Republic sweater you give him}, with a little bit of an artsy, indie twist {Thanks to his awesome girl friend who should basically model for Anthropologie or Madewell.. that's how cute her clothes are}.  I just hardly get to see him!

I realized my  next inspiration was right in front of me: My brother Jonathan. Everyday he looks so polished with his Sperry's, polos, button down and tailored shorts. Sometimes he even throws on a bow tie or blazer for those special events. Although I'm not a boy and wouldn't be wearing the same things as him, I knew I wanted to channel the preppy/classic look he pulled off seamlessly from day to day. Some people may think it's weird to model my style after a boy, but a classic wardrobe has no gender barriers.

I remember when I bought my first polo shirt-- a long sleeve, cream Tommy Hilfiger shirt that I LOVED. When I showed my brother and told him I wanted to start dressing more preppy he said "Okay, that'll last a month". However, I knew with such a wonderful fashion role model in my life, I'd finally be able to dress how I wanted too.

Sometimes we even match by accident. That's when I know I'm doing something right :)

Both my brothers are so inspirational in different aspects of my life and I am so blessed to have them as my role models.