September 2013 Favorites

I can't believe it is almost October! Seriously, where did the time go? I felt like it was just yesterday I was writing my 'August Favorites' post. Jeez! Anyway September has been a month of great transition. From returning to college for sophomore year to taking on new responsibilities to challenging myself with harder classes, I think I've tested my boundaries and grown a lot over the past 30 days. I absolutely do want to continue on this trajectory of personal growth and reflection in October and beyond. And now, here is my month in favorites:

------------------------------This Month in Fashion: Structure------------------------------

I've been really into structured dresses, skirts and jackets this month. Fitted dresses and strong-shouldered jackets feel so 'fall' to me.

Courtesy of Alice + Olivia

------------------------------This Month in Literature: Shakespeare------------------------------

I'm currently taking a Shakespeare class and am obsessed. From movie adaptations to the original texts, Shakespeare really is the real deal.

Romeo + Juliet

The sweetest and most frustrating tragedy of all time

Hamlet

To be or not to be?

------------------------------This Month in Music: A Return to Classics------------------------------

Frank Sinatra

------------------------------This Month in Beauty: Natural------------------------------

Neutral Nails

Painted with Deborah Lippmann's Modern Love & Hard Rock

Signature Scent

Spritzing Jo Malone

Perfect Pout

Moisturized by Christian Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm

Long Lashes

Curled with Sephora's Eyelash Curler and Diorshow New Look Mascara

------------------------------Mind & Body: Calm------------------------------

Peace of Mind
Thanks to Yogi's Calming Tea

Best Friends

Saving the best for last. This month has reinforced just how lucky I am to have such amazing friends. From bringing my treats to cheer me up to going on long walks and talking about everything and anything, my friends have been the most incredible support system I could ask for.

Happy (almost) October!

xoxo

Good Morning, Gorgeous! How to Look Rested after a Restless Night

Truth be told, I have been exhausted lately. From already studying for midterms (how is this possible so early in the term?!) to going through sorority rush to three hour dinners with friends and sometimes (read: never) making it to the gym, I have been getting far from 8 hours of sleep per night. And even when I get close, I still feel like I've been hit by a train. And my skin, eyes and hair aren't happy either. So, here's my go-to-guide for faking eight hours of rest, even when you haven't slept a wink:

ONE: Roll out of bed

Those 15 minutes are better spent fixing the damage than rolling around in bed trying to squeeze in a few extra zzz's.

TWO: Toss your moisturizer and eye cream in the fridge before heading to the shower

I'm not kidding. Then massage the product all over your face post shower. The cold will encourage blood vessels to contract, making eyes look more awake and skin more alive. Try this caffeine-filled eye cream for eyes that always seems tired.

THREE: Massage in your conditioner

Conditioner usually works best when only applied to the mid-lengths and ends of hair, but massaging it into the scalp makes tired, dry strands shiny. Rinse thoroughly.

FOUR: Blow dry

Give your hair a quick blast of air to speedy dry time and boost body. Focus at the roots, then flip your head over and dry your hair upside down for extra volume.

FIVE: Curl your lashes

I never believed in the hype of spending money on an eyelash curler until I tried my friend's. Suddenly, my lashes looked longer and my eyes looked wider. After using some eye drops to whiten and soothe irritated eyes, curl your lashes before putting on any make up. 

SIX: Fake flawless skin 

Spend the majority of your time on creating an all over even base. Conceal imperfections, under eye circles and blotchy skin. Then warm up skin with a pearlescent blush (try this) or dewey illuminator (like this). 

SEVEN: Open your eyes

Here's where make up can help the most. Apply a natural, matte eyeshadow (shimmer can make eyes look puffy) and eyeliner along the lash line as well as mascara. Line the inner bottom rim of your eyes with flesh toned concealor or a cream eyeshadow pencil to make eyes look whiter. Take this same color and apply to the inner corner of eyes for a wide awake look.

Good morning!

xoxo

Classical Studies: A Look at Fashion's Most Iconic Pieces

Before Celine released it's gorgeous phantom bag or Hermes' colorful enamel bangles were seen on the wrists of celebrities and socialites across the globe, there were classics that made these designer labels legendary. From Chanel in France to Burberry in England to Tiffany & Co. in New York, these iconic pieces will never go out of style.

Timeless Classics by prosepearlspolkadots

Hermes Birkin Bag | The iconic bag created for singer/actress Jane Birkin is custom-made for customers and is distributed unpredictably at Hermes boutiques internationally.

Ray Ban Wayfarers | These classic tortoise shell frames look cute on or pushing back hair, headband-style. Added benefit: the minimal hardware means they can be paired with your favorite jewelry and every outfit.

Christian Louboutin Red Soled Pumps | Black or nude patent leather pumps make go from basic to bold with shocking red soles. Louboutin's soon-to-be-trademarked classic goes with just about anything.

Chanel Quilted Flap Bag | For the lady in all of us and more elegant times, Chanel's classic quilted flap bag can be worn with double straps over one shoulder or cross body.

Tiffany & Co. Silver Charm Bracelet | The ultimate display of a girl's personality is a charm bracelet. This classic silver linked bracelet, complete with toggle and Return to Tiffany heart charm looks elegant with charms in all silver with enamel finishes.

Burberry Trench Coat | You won't want the rain to go away if you have this classic piece. Burberry's classic tan or black trench goes great with wellies on a drizzly day.

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag | This iconic bag is the perfect size for girls in all times. With room for all of the essentials (phone, lip gloss, wallet, sunglasses) and then some (a magazine or small book, make up bag, note book), the Speedy will have you on your way with all of the necessities in tow.

Stay classic!
xoxo

Fit Friday: Pumped Up Kicks

Shopping for workout shoes is so fun. I'm no marathoner (definitely the slowest in cross country- yikes!), but I do work out a lot. Whether it's spinning, using a machine at the gym, hiking or running, working out well starts with a good, supportive pair of shoes. Here are the cutest- and most comfortable- kicks I've found for working out.

NikeFree TR Fit 3 Training Shoe

This lightweight shoe, designed for cross-training, features an internal support system and grooved soles, so feet are comfortable and stable on any terrain. Like all NikeFrees, the TR Fit 3 Trainers give that barefoot-running feeling while toning calf and quad muscles.

Puma Formlite XT Ultra Training Shoe

These aerodynamic and lightweight shoes are designed for those with a need for speed. They're perfect for sprinting, interval training and other workouts where every second counts.

Reebok RealFlex Scream 3.0 Running Shoe

This ultra-flexible shoe features an injected heel counter that promotes rear foot support and increases the "lifespan" of the shoe, so your shoe won't run out of steam before you do.

Nike Free 5.0 Running Shoe

The fifth generation of obsession-worthy NikeFrees is brighter and more comfortable than ever. Frees are perfect for that barefoot running feel without any of the injuries that come with actually running barefoot. 

Saucony Cortana 3 Running Shoe

New FlexFilm, PowerGrid and iBR+ technology add support and cushion to this responsive, lightweight running shoe.

Nike Free Flyknit Running Shoe

Being green has never been so chic. These intricately designed Frees fit like socks for a "virtually seamless running shoe." Best of all? The upper part of the shoe is made using a process that creates little or no waste.

Happy running!

xoxo

Spotlight On: Bobbi Brown

I'm starting a new "category" of beauty posts (you can find all of my beauty posts here) where I talk about specific brands I think are great across the board. The first of these awesome make up brands is Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

Brown debuted her line in 1991 with 10 lipsticks that were carried exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman. Since then, Brown's lipsticks and other beauty products have gained a cult following, and I definitely believe these products are worth the hype. Here are my favorites:

Corrector

No matter how much I sleep, I always have a case of the dark under-eye circles. To fake a restful night's sleep, I apply Bobbi Brown's corrector (I wear the shade 'Light Bisque') under eyes. The coverage is flawless, especially when blended with a little bit of your daily moisturizer or under eye cream. This corrector does not disappoint!

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

I love this eyeliner. It's easier to apply than liquid, stays on all day, and I never seem to run out of product (seriously it takes me forever to get through the jar). The pigments are natural, blend easily and stay on all day. Pair with Bobbi's award-winning eyeliner brush and you're good to go!

Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks

This is the coolest product. It is buildable and natural, and I always get a ton of compliments when I wear it. The huge range of colors means there's a perfect shade for everyone, but you can also mix two shades together to create a one-of-a-kind custom shade.

Shimmer Brick

Looking for glowy lids or cheeks? Then this product is for you! Use a single shade or mix and match for a glow that best suits you.

Brushes

Bobbi's Brushes are my favorite. They can be pretty expensive if you buy them individually, but they're way more reasonable if you purchase a set (that's what I did). I find the travel set most convenient because the brush heads are the same as the standard brushes, but the wooden handle is a little shorter and way more convenient for on the go use.

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Keep it Neat: Emails

Yes, this was my inbox at one point.

Keeping my email inbox in order is a constant struggle. I am semi-paranoid and never want to unsubscribe from anything. I mean, how else would I have found out about Kate Spade's surprise sale last week? Or that there's an insanely cool guest lecturer on campus? That aside, life is way too short to be dedicating hours to sorting through and responding to emails every day. Here are a couple of tips I have to streamlining your inbox and avoiding 149 unread emails.

1. Unsubscribe: There. I said it. Spend a good hour going through those email blasts you get from different companies, groups and websites every day. Do you really need Web MD's health update to land in your inbox every day? What about campus emails from groups you never plan on joining? Hit unsubscribe. Stay on the list for your favorite stores, campus groups you're apart of and international news sources. 
2. Flag: When you read an email that is important but not, you know, that important where you need to reply back, flag it. Flagged emails go into a separate folder on almost all email platforms so they're easy to refer back to. This is good for flash sales, promo codes, events or general information that you don't need to respond to.
3. Mark as Unread: Mark emails you need to reply to as unread. This forces you to see the annoying notification every time you look at your phone or computer. I've tried to get by with just flagging things, but somehow I always forget to check my flagged folder and then I never end up replying to the emails end everything ends up getting confused. Marking as unread forces me to reply in a timely manner.
4. Checking Email: Some people check email throughout the day, others only in the morning or night. I fall somewhere in between. I try to check three times per day- once in the morning, once around lunch and once before I go to sleep. Unless I'm...
5. Waiting for Important Emails: Sometimes, I'm waiting for an important email or working on an article for the campus newspaper when I need to be checking my inbox pretty frequently. During times like these, I change the preferences on my smart phone so I am notified when I get new emails (they appear as alerts- like text messages- on the lock screen). At the end of the day (or however long the period of time is), I just switch these settings off.

Happy emailing!

xoxo

Crazy for Coffee

Ain't that the truth?

I remember the first time I drank coffee: I was in seventh grade and ordered a latte from Starbucks after school while hanging out with friends. I felt so mature. The strong, bitter taste filled my mouth and I loved that smoky flavor in addition to the sudden burst of energy espresso gave me. I was hooked.

"I orchestrate my morning to the tune of coffee" -Henry Mahtar

Since then, preparing and drinking coffee has become almost ritualistic for me. The bold taste of coffee tells me it's time to wake up. There's nothing like the smell of brewing french roast on a cold winter morning.

Every morning, I wake up and either prepare my own coffee or walk to a local coffee shop (okay, sometimes Starbucks) and buy a cup. When I'm making coffee myself, I use a three-cup french press.

Bodum Chambord 3 Cup French Press Coffee Maker

How To French Press: For a three-cup press, measure a heaping tablespoon of roughly ground espresso. Pour this into the bottom of the glass part of the press and then add hot (but not boiling) water. Let the coffee steep for at least four minutes (I usually aim for 6 or 7 because I like strong coffee). And then attach the top of the press and push down on the plunger part very slowly. Then pour into a mug and enjoy.

Favorite Coffees: French Roast (try this one from Peets), Illy coffee (the best!) and Jacob's Wonderbar blend from Philz Coffee. I also love this Bella Donovan Blue Bottle coffee blend. They're all available for order on line.

Rise and shine!

xoxo

Favorite Fall Coats

The mornings are getting frosty and the nights are getting chilly. It's time to break out your favorite warm coat. Here are my picks to look cool and stay warm:

J. Crew Captain Coat

Madewell All Weather Plaid Coat

BB Dakota Collarless Color Block Coat

Banana Republic Flared Trench

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Classic Pea Coat

Brooks Brothers Wool Trench Coat

Bundle up!

xoxo

Sweet Dreams: My Favorite PJs

There's something just so luxurious about wearing really pretty PJs. Sleep in style by wearing an adorable and comfortable sleepwear set. These PJ options really are the cat's pajamas:

Tory Burch Pajamas | J. Crew Pajamas | H&M Pajamas | Juicy Couture Sleep

Sleep tight!

xoxo

Current Obsessions

After a brief first-week-of-school hiatus, I am back to the blogosphere! Hooray! And with a new quarter, comes new obsessions. Here's what I'm...

Hearing: The Golden Age

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour is such a phenomenal group. My favorite song of theirs is The Golden Age- always puts me in a happy mood.

Eating: Kashi Go Lean Crunch Bars

Kashi Go Lean Crunch Bars are scrumptious. I'm a longtime Luna Bar addict, and never thought I would find a bigger and less caloric replacement. At 150 calories for a pretty large and tasty bar, I'll take -like- six.

Reading: J.D. Salinger

Well I guess this is a re-read, but who doesn't love a good coming-of-age-turned-mental-insanity story? While Franny is my favorite, Zooey is also a masterpiece worth reading.

Wearing: Big Bows

I love hair bows. The bigger, the better. My current favorite is a large black velvet bow clip that was my mom's and is covered in vintage buttons. So cute!

Drinking: French Press

French-pressed-French-roast with a dash of milk is my favorite way to drink coffee. Like Harry Mahtar once said, "I orchestrate my mornings to the tune of coffee." Mmmmm

Smelling: Philosophy Bath/Shower Products

Philosophy just has the greatest range of scents for every mood. I love the citrusy cocktail-inspired scents to wake me up in the morning such as Seniorita Margarita or Passion Fruit Daquiri. At night, I opt for something along the lines of Vanilla Birthday Cake or Cinnamon Twirl. 

Happy September!

xoxo

Favorite Fall Nail Colors

Fall 2013 Nail Colors by prosepearlspolkadots featuring a butter london nail polish

Fall has officially arrived in New England. The mornings are perfectly brisk and the leaves are getting the slightest tinge of orange. Pretty soon autumn will be in full swing! Here are my favorite colors to welcome in this wonderful season (in order of left to right, top to bottom).

'Oxblood' by RGB | 'In The Cable Car Pool Lane' by OPI | 'Goldie but Goodie' by China Glaze | 'Peace, Love & OPI' by OPI 'Honey Rider' by OPI Liquid Sand | 'Wallis' by Butter London | 'Bewitched' by Laura Mercier | 'I Fought The Law' by Deborah Lippmann

Also, I'm obsessed with OPI's new San Francisco line. Check it out here!

Happy pampering!

xoxo

New York Fashion Week, I Love You! A Wrap Up of My Favorite Looks

Another reason to love September: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York! The looks on the runway are works of beautiful art. It's safe to say, this year's trends are amazing. While it's barely even fall, the shows over the last week have focused on Spring 2014 trends. Here are my favorites:

Oscar de la Renta

I don't think I could be more in love with Oscar de la Renta's clothes. Honestly, the looks keep getting better and better if that's even possible. The designs so feminine and elegant- from tweed to lace to chiffon to floral, girly has never been more graceful.

Marchesa

One part ladylike, another part provocateur, Marchesa's spring line is filled with long hemlines and slinky embellished silhouettes. Adorned with lace, chiffon and intricate beading, these almost sheer pieces are just the right amount of sweet and sultry.

Nanette Lepore

I've been a longtime fan of Nanette Lepore's ladylike pieces (noticing a trend here?). There's something about the cut of these clothes that accentuates my best features and makes me walk a little taller. This spring's flirty florals and perfect pastels are to die for! 

Diane von Furstenberg

All I can say is since the wrap dress, DVF has never disappointed. Spring's show was no different. Trading her often bold and bright prints for darker ones, von Furstenberg perfectly captures what it means to be a woman in 2013. Obsessed!

I'm already excited for spring!

xoxo