Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Lip Stains

I've found a new lipstick obsession-- and they're from the drugstore! I've always been a big fan of the original Revlon balm stains but this new matte formula has outdone itself. The line is absolutely amazing and there is a huge range of colors. I picked up three from Ulta today {they were buy two, get one free!} and I've been loving wearing them to work all summer. The colors are gorgeous and the pictures do not do them justice. I highly recommend stopping by your local Ulta or drugstore to check these beauties out.. you won't be disappointed!

What I Wore: May 30

On Friday I traveled to Connecticut where I will be living for the summer for an internship I'm extremely excited to participate in {more info to come soon!}. Dressing comfortable while traveling is extremely important to me, especially during this trip when I had two flights due to a layover. My t-shirt dress was super soft and perfect for traveling.. throw on a cute hat and you're set to travel in style!

Dress: Target

Belt: Target

Hat: Old Navy

Shoes: Target

Watch: Michael Kors

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Yesterday for Memorial Day, I had the chance to go to a Minnesota Twin's game with my family! It was such a beautiful day out {although pretty humid too… but sunny, so I'll take it} and it was so nice to spend it with my parents and brother!

First, we went to lunch at The Loon Cafe and I had the most delicious veggie wrap I've ever had! If you live in/near the Twin Cities, I highly recommend you eat here sometime!

Always gotta rock the baseball cap for a baseball game.. Go Twins!


Outfit Details:
Tank: Target
Shorts: Delias (Throwback??)
Shoes: Converse
Hat: Twins
Necklace: Bauble Bar
Watch: Michael Kors

What did you do for Memorial Day?!

Rainy Day Essentials

It's pouring here in Minnesota today. Although it's gloomy out, I thought I'd take this opportunity to let you all know some of my must haves for rainy days!

{umbrella} {anti-frizz serum} {mug} {book} {hair ties} {mascara} {rain boots}

1. Umbrella: An umbrella is an obvious need if you're going to be trekking outside during the rain. This Jonathan Adler one will definitely brighten anyones gloomy, rainy day.

2. Anti-frizz hair serum: With rain, comes frizz. I love any product to keep my curly hair smooth during rainy days and Bumble and Bumble is an amazing brand and has definitely perfected its products.

3. Mug: One of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is cuddle up on the couch and drink a glass of hot cocoa {although this super cute elephant mug is perfect for coffee or a yummy cup of tea, too!}

4. A good book: If I'm not spending my lazy days watching Netflix {which I usually am, let's be honest.. One Tree Hill is just toooo good}, a good book is always a good second option. #GIRLBOSS is the next book I'll be picking up for the summer.. I've heard amazing things about it!

5. Hair ties: Sometimes your hair is just too frizzy to handle, sometimes throwing it up in a cute top knot or braid is all you need! These colorful twist bands are perfect for that, too!

6. Waterproof mascara: Waterproof mascara is one of my most important essentials for a rainy day. Nothing is worse then running errands in the rain only to have your mascara running down your face!  I love Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara and the waterproof version is just as amazing.

7. Rain boots: Saving the best and most important for last… What's a rainy day without a cute pair of rain boots?!

Coming in Clutch

clockwise from top: {tory burch} {anthropologie} {dsw} {anthropologie} {dsw} {nasty gal}

Lately I have fallen in love with clutches. From simply running errands to a girls night out, clutches are easy to grab and go and perfect for stopping that unnecessary clutter that can be found at the bottom of your bag {I'm looking at you Longchamp}. I love to throw my wallet, phone and lipstick of the day in my bag and run out the door- I have what I need without feeling weighed down by other items! Not to mention, the clutches I've seen lately are absolutely beautiful {like some shown above}. Keeping things neutral is never boring with the beautiful weaving and bead work done on so many clutches in stores now and they still match with everything!

Are you all about the clutches too?

It's Been Too Long...

School was crazy this year! I just finished my freshman year of college and it was absolutely an amazing experience. I made so many friends, joined a sorority, and learned so much this year, however, I've been slacking on my posts lately! I never realized how hard it would be to keep up with my blog, schoolwork, social life and sorority. Hopefully this summer I can get a routine going and stick to it during the school year next year as well.

Anyways,  wishing everyone good luck on finals (for those still in school) and a good rest of the year!

Ring in the New Year with Lilly Pulitzer!

source: Lilly Pulitzer Blog

Lilly Pulitzer loves to surprise us all with a few sales here and there and this year the New Year's sale is back! Tomorrow at 8 a.m EST time, some Lilly will be on sale!

Want more information on the sale? Check out their FAQ here or more general details about the sale here!

Aside from the sale, make sure to "Like" Lilly on Facebook for a flash sale exclusive to Lilly Pulitzer Facebook fans at 11 a.m EST!

Here is a preview of four items that will be available exclusively for Facebook fans!

source: Lilly Pulitzer Facebook

See you all bright and early!

Celeb Style: White Button Downs

White button downs are one of the most versatile fashion items that every woman should own. While still keeping a crisp and put together look, button downs are a great staple to help keep you warm in the chilly, winter months. Check out how these four celebrities style them!

all images via google.com

1. Olivia Palmero: A white button down is the perfect shirt to dress up, while still giving a casual feel. Here, Palmero paired her shirt with black pants and pumps to keep it simple and classic. The fabric of the shirt gives it a dressier feel as well, which contrasts her choice of pants.

2. Miranda Kerr: The sleeveless white button down is perfect for the warmer summer months! Like Olivia, Kerr paired this simple shirt with pants and black pumps. Like Palmero, this outfit is the perfect in-between for a dressy, yet casual time out. Throw a grandpa style cardigan over to keep your arms warm if you're inspired by this for the winter time!

3: Lauren Conrad: I absolutely love how Lauren Conrad paired her simple white top with a bright blue skirt. Keeping the other items neutral (like her purse and heels} keeps the skirt as the center focus. Remember to add a pair of tights so your legs don't freeze!

4. Lucy Hale: Although white button downs are frequently thought of as abundant at business conventions, pairing them with jeans allows anybody to pull it off! Along with a simple pair of jeans, Hale's pair of tennis shoes and hat give a casual vibe to her outfit.

Although not shown on any of these celebs, try pairing a white button down under a chunky, colorful sweater for a warm, layered look for January!

Happy New Year!

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!