Polka Dots & Pops of Pink
First things first: SALE ALERT! These Sam Edelman sandal-heels are on sale right now! Run, don't walk, to grab these must-have statement heels!
I adore a casual-cute look, especially when it involves pops of pink. I think literally every outfit I pick out has had and will have a pop of pink. One of my coworkers when I worked at Lilly Pulitzer always kidded me about owning exclusively pink clothing, its too true. I mean hey, if you have a signature color, why not rock it? This styled outfit is super easy to throw on for any type of occasion - date night, shopping outing, or lunch plans with a friend. The heels + bag combo are the real focal points of the outfit, the bright pink hue of the pair really brings an element of flair to the look. I paired the statement pieces with a pair of subtle boyfriend jeans. I wear my distressed boyfriend jeans with literally everything - they are the perfect blank canvas for you to build your outfit upon. I added a white polka dot top to have a girly vibe that didn't take too much attention away from the statement pink accessories.
I've linked most of the items in this look below except the bag is the Shop Bando BFF crossbody circle bag in rosé, the top is the Zara Polka Dot Top, and I made my earrings!
My Current Beauty Travel Essentials
Y'ALL... I feel as if I've been all over the world this summer. I was in Paris all of June then California, North Carolina x2 and all over Texas for July - I haven't been home for more than four days in a row. I have NEVER traveled so much in my life and I weirdly kind of love it. Living out of a carry-on has forced me to parse down all my crap into the true essentials. Don't get me wrong, I adore all of my crap, but I can't tell you how freeing it is to know that you don't need as much stuff as you think you do.
For my makeup and skincare travel essentials, I only have two requirements. First, they have to be less than 3.5 oz so I can take them in my carry on and avoid the nightmare of getting my checked bag lost (happened in NY three years ago and I am still not over it). Second, they have to be good quality because duh. I found almost all of my beauty travel essentials at Sephora in the "dangerous zone of tiny products" right before the check out counter. This zone gets me EVERY TIME because all of the minis are too damn cute to pass by. I know you know what I'm talking about. You can find some fab little travel-sized goodies there, or even just minis to try before you splurge on the full-sized version.
I've linked my fave travel essentials in the "shop the post" section at the bottom where you can buy them online as well as explained where I got each one in store!
MAKEUP
Chanel CC Cream - (Nordstrom) My go-to foundation happens to be carry-on size! This tinted beauty balm is awesome because it has nice coverage without being too cakey. It is moisturizing and great for sensitive skin.
Bobbi Brown Mini Medium Bronzer - (Found at Sephora's "dangerous zone of tiny products") This bronzer is teeny, yet super potent - perfect for a quick & easy glow on the go.
Bobbi Brown Smoky Eye Mini Mascara - (Sephora's danger zone) A mini version of one of my fave mascaras.
Glossier Cloud Paint in Puff - (glossier.com) This blush is perfect because all you need is your fingertips for perfect application.
Sonia Kashuk Brush - (Target) I love these brushes. I think they are not only better but also half the price of the Sephora brushes.
SKINCARE
Foreo Play - (Sephora's danger zone) This is my favorite little facial cleansing brush!! It vibrates for a deep clean and helps speed up cell turnover for a youthful glow.
Mario Badescu Cucumber, Aloe and Green Tea Facial Spray in 2oz size - (Ulta's "dangerous zone of tiny products") This spray is the perfect pick-me-up for dry, dull post-flight skin. It is full of soothing ingredients and smells like heaven.
Glossier Super Bounce Serum - (glossier.com) The best hyaluronic acid serum I've ever come across. Remember when I raved about it a few weeks ago in the Glossier post? Still obsessed.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - (Sephora's danger zone) Clean and soft skin are always a must and this little cleanser gives you just that. It is loaded with amino acids and is super gentle on even sensitive skin.
HAIR CARE
Living Proof Travel Trio - (Sephora's danger zone! Told you I went a little cray there.) A haircare fave in a mini version!
Jeans & Pumps: A Perfect Pairing
Sometimes a pair of soft cotton jeans and a pair of lady-like pumps belong together. They simply long to be with one another, like me and the McDonald's breakfast menu. Some may think its wrong, but it feels oh so right... the outfit pairing, I mean. Like Ross and Rachel, these closet classics compliment each other through juxtaposition and somehow it just works. A tee and a few accessories are the final touches on a simple look that still has plenty of pizzaz. I hardcore dig this look, if you can't tell.
P.S. - I designed my tee to have a super light blush graphic on it that reads "bring me champagne," but the colors were so light in the photos that its barely visible. So squint - its cute, trust me.
Would you rock a pair of jeans and pumps?? Is it as fab as I think or a bit of a miss? I want to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Photography by Meggie Taylor
Blues at Bird Bakery
Hey babes! Its been a hot minute since I've posted on the blog - I've had SO much craziness going on! First of all, I was finally able to visit my bf after several months of not even being able to speak to one another. He was in Ranger School for the US Army, an incredibly intense program out in the deep woods of Georgia. We were only able to communicate through a few letters (it was actually rather romantic). Secondly, grad school midterms came at me like whoa... am I really a month into my second semester?! Its been a whirlwind May already, ya'll.
Anyway, I'm really excited to share this presh spring look with ya'll today! I have been all over these Sam Edelman block heel sandals lately (they are freaking fab) and these high-waisted shorts are crazy comfy! I'm beyond psyched to now be a part of the RewardStyle program, so you can directly shop my posts!! You'll see the little "Shop the Post" section at the bottom where you can see what I've linked.
Photography by Meggie Taylor
Leopard Love
I'm currently working on my packing list for my Paris trip in June, and this leopard jacket is going to be one of my go-to's. Paris can be relatively chilly in the summers compared to blazing-hot Texas, so I know this jacket will come in handy. I'm currently working on a future post all about what to pack for a trip to Paris, or a trip to Europe in general!
The tailored cut and eye-catching print of this jacket make it a great piece to have in one's wardrobe. I paired it with nude pumps and my favorite tulle skirt for a formal + feminine look, but I've even worn it with boyfriend jeans and slip on sneakers for a casual day look.
Leopard coat // Tulle skirt // Nude pumps
Photography by Meggie Taylor
How I Motivate Myself to Work Out
I have a confession... I am kind of a brat about working out. Actually, I sort of hate it. I don't like forcing myself to go to the gym just to be embarrassed at how I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, or make myself run for literally any length of time. I know it's not cool (nor healthy) to dislike exercise, but it's my reality. Now saying this, however, I always feel amazing about myself in the following hours and days after I do exercise. It's such a mood booster and (no duh) it's wonderful for you. So since I'm a brat about working out, I have to trick myself into doing it. I've laid out just a few of the tricks that I use to make myself break a sweat - and actually enjoy it!
COOL WORKOUT GEAR
Don't you feel so sporty when you put on a pair of cute leggings or a new workout top? Me too! Using workout gear that I think is cute is probably the number one way I trick myself into working out. Once I put on my disco leggings, I'm launched into a "sporty-chic" mindset which makes me actually want to put my cute gear to work!
KILLER TUNES
The right playlist can set a fire under my lazy butt and make me want to move. With a good playlist, running on the elliptical feels like dancing. I linked one of my workout playlists below!
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE
Finding an aspect of exercise that you really enjoy and setting your focus on it can not only improve your workout in the moment, but it can also shift how you view exercising as a whole. One of the features that I enjoy focusing on is getting better at the individual moves or poses in my classes. I'm currently in love with yoga, so there is a lot of room for growth in my practice in that regard. My favorite studio is Karmany Yoga in Fort Worth & Dallas!
