Friday Favorite: Layering Jewelry

Lately I have been wearing a lot of jewelry. I love mixing different metals, stones and lengths which looks great with any outfit. And on top of that, jewelry isn't very hard to pack so for college or traveling, you can mix and match many pieces to spice up your wardrobe.

Here are some of my favorite looks:

(all via Pinterest)

The more pearls the better, right?

I love this crystal on crystal look. 

By wearing the same stone, you can mix metals easily.

These delicate necklaces look great together.

This entire outfit is too cute.

From far away, these two pieces look like one- the mark of good jewelry mixing!

A neutral outfit allows big crystals to sparkle extra brightly.

Happy Friday!

xoxo

January 2014 Favorites

How is January almost over already? I feel like New Year was just yesterday!

January has been a great month of making positive changes in a lot of aspects of my life (nothing to encourage change like the new year, right?). 

---Fashion---

Hunter Boot Polish / Fur Vests / Cable Knit

This month I am loving all things warm and cozy! The weather has been in the single digits on and off lately, and layering warm clothes keeps me comfortable indoors and outside. And between the slush and the salt, my rubber boots and leather flats have taken quite the beating. Luckily, Hunter Boot Polish works on both leather and rubber and leaves looking shiny and conditioned- looking just like new!

---Beauty---

Kate Somerville / Glamglow Hydramud / L'Occitane / Dior

This month has been terrible for my skin. Initially it was drying and stung whenever I put moisturizer on. However, after using Glamglow's Hydramud mask and switching over to Kate Somerville's skincare line, my breakouts are a little more under control and my face is much more moisturized. In terms of keeping my hands moisturized, I've been loving L'Occitane's classic shea butter products. And for blush, Dior's HealthyGlow looks just that- natural!

---Miscellaneous---

Farm to Table
New England is huge on farm to table fresh food. I've been obsessed with a few restaurants that use local ingredients- everything tastes delicious and is so much lighter than deep fried, sauce-covered dishes. Recent obsession: turkey, brie and apple sandwich on ciabatta. So good.

Healthy Hair
Maybe this should be under the "beauty section" but as it isn't really a product, I've listed it here. I usually love curling my hair or putting a lot of product in it to look less pin-straight, but since getting a few really good haircuts, I have been pretty obsessive about keeping my hair healthy, especially in this dry weather.  Pureology's Hydrate shampoo and conditioner have been just the trick for a lot of natural shine.

Giving Up Diet Coke

I was not so sure I was going to stick to this resolution or that it would make a huge difference in my life. I have a (terrible) sweet tooth and love all things sugary. Artificial and process sugar in large quantities is simply unhealthy and weakens the immune system (read: sickness and breakouts- yuck!). I decided to give up Diet Coke in 2014 and actually haven't slipped once. There were initially times when I really wanted it, but between sparkling and regular water, I've been hydrated and stayed away from lots of sketchy chemicals. I can't emphasize how much good I feel. I don't get that late afternoon/early evening crash anymore which is so nice and I have so much more energy. Yay!

LDF: Long Distance Friendships
This month, I felt like a lot of my friendships changed. Not only do a lot of my "home" friends go to different schools than I do, but some of my college friends (including one of my best friends) are now studying abroad. I was a little nervous for this term because she is such a big part of my life and I was going to miss all of our bizarre traditions and the fun we have together. I've missed her so much and school is definitely not the same, but through FaceTime and iMessage we have been able to stay in touch constantly (thank you technology)! In fact, I think we are possibly closer than ever. Technology has made the many long distance friendships I have much easier to maintain and I feel like I have kept in touch with people (a New Year's resolution!) a lot better than I have previously and just love that.

Happy January!
xoxo

Speed Up Your Morning

Let's be honest, getting up in the morning is hard, especially in the winter. 

My bed is so warm and the outside world is so cold and hitting the snooze button on my phone is so easy. However, I always regret spending those extra 15 minutes resisting the inevitable rather than just getting out of bed and into the shower. 

Here's how to get out of bed and out the door as fast as possible:

via Pinterest

Night before: prepare for the next day.

Read through your calendar for the next day, noting appointments and other commitments. Consider starting your to do list at night (doing this helps me clear my mind before I sleep). Then, pack your bag and pick out your outfit (accessories included). This will prevent a closet explosion in the morning and will save you a lot of time.

When the alarm goes off: hit snooze

You don't have to get up and into the shower, but sit up in your bed after you've hit snooze once and stay up. It seems like that initial wake up point is the hardest, so ease yourself into the day. Check your email or simply stretch. Once your alarm goes off a second time, get out of bed.

When you get out of bed: make your bed

Make your bed immediately. This makes me feel like I'm starting my day out organized. Also, the physical movement wakes me up a bit. Next, I put in my contacts and head to the shower.

In the shower: wash your hair first

I wash my hair before I do anything else and let the conditioner soak in while I wash my face and body. This somehow saves me a lot of time- I can shower in 3-5 minutes if need be!

Out of the shower: let your hair down

Rather than keeping my hair wrapped in a towel, I brush it out, apply products and let it air dry while I moisturize my face and get dressed. By the time I dry my hair a lot of the water is out and it takes less than 10 minutes.

Drink up

I don't eat breakfast often (bad, I know), but I always make a point of drinking a lot of water right when I get up. After 6-8 hours of not drinking anything, rehydrating is really important and makes me feel much more alert, even before I have coffee.

The last few minutes

If you finish early enough and want coffee, get it. But only if you have time. Nothing looks worse than walking into class or a meeting late because you were obviously waiting around at Starbucks. Take that extra time instead to clean up your room or add to your to do list. 

Good morning!

xoxo

 `

5 Videos that Will Change How You Do Your Makeup (by Lisa Eldridge)

While I write and read about makeup application and products, nothing can replace actually seeing how it's done. Rather than going to a makeup counter where a professional will apply my make up, I prefer to watch videos so I can recreate different looks myself at any time. 

I mainly watch professional make up artist Lisa Eldridge's videos when I want to try out a new look. Eldridge has worked with almost every celebrity or model and has created gorgeous cover looks for every major magazine. Her videos are short and easy to follow, teaching viewers how to create a look in about 10 minutes. Here are my favorites:

One: How to Apply Foundation

Two: Smoky Eye Tutorial

Three: Date Night Makeup

Four: "No Makeup" Make Up Look

Five: Ultimate Guide to Red Lips

Happy viewing!

xoxo

Instant Chic: Elevate Your Outfit With These Tips

Hello wonderful readers! I hope you had a restful weekend. I took a much needed break and am back and ready to tackle this new week. Yipee!

Lately, I've been stuck in a little bit of a fashion rut, wearing the same few things over and over again (read: black dress, black tights, black flats- I'm not depressed, promise!).

When this happens, I try to mix things up following these tips:

Add a Scarf

via Club Monaco
A patterned or bold colored scarf can make a frequently-worn outfit look like new. I love layering a scarf over a shimmery statement necklace so the sparkle peeks through, which keeps the look daytime appropriate.

Swipe on Red Lipstick

via GirlsGuideTo
Nothing says chic like red lipstick. To keep things looking natural, apply a layer of lipstick from the bullet and then blot with a tissue a few times for a stain effect. Then, add a few coats of mascara and you're set. Seriously instant chic!

Go (almost) Monochromatic

via The Language of Yolande
A (mostly) monochromatic outfit looks amazing, especially when one accessory (i.e. shoes or scarf) is a bold color or pattern. One of my go to outfits is almost all black (dress, tights) with fire engine red rain boots. Easy!

Subtle Sparkle

via Obaz
Pair a sparkly skirt with a chambray shirt or black skinny jeans with a glittery sweatshirt. Slouchy, casual silhouettes look ultra chic with a little bit of sparkle. Bonus: they're super comfortable!

Swap Out Your Usual Flats

via Tumblr
Somehow, heels make any outfit feel ten times more glamorous. I recently purchased a pair of block heels (meaning they're about 1-2 inches high) that I wear all the time. They're comfortable enough to walk in all day but look much cuter than basic flats. If you're a die-hard flats girl, try a new color or print- I recommend these.

Pile on the Jewelry

via Pinterest
This is my favorite way to change up an outfit. I layer multiple necklaces and bracelets with my favorite earrings and watch (which I wear every day) to change things up. Mixing metals or jewels can look great (don't try to mix both though). My fail safe combinations? Different lengths of pearl necklaces and pearls + clear crystal jewelry.

Happy Monday!
xoxo

Contemporary Brands I Love

As I've learned more and more about fashion, I've found a few cool high end contemporary brands that I have fallen in love with. Clothes from these lines are mainly geared toward people in their twenties, but I think that many pieces can look great on people of all ages.

The following four lines have captured a classic feminine look, but have added modern details to keep clothes looking both current and timeless. Additionally, I've found that these lines fit really well on a range of different women because the clothes are well-structured.


Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet
This girly line features all things lace, tweed, pink and shimmery. Alice + Olivia's jackets usually feature some kind of oversized bow and many dresses have the perfect cap sleeve and universally flattering a-line skirt. I have to say that the fit of the brand's jackets is unparalleled. Somehow, they always look structured without looking stuffy and lay really well over a simple solid blouse or dress.

Rag & Bone
This New York meets London brand is the epitome of city chic. The tailoring is timeless, but I've found the line to be somewhat edgy. And while that isn't my style, I have found that many of their pieces are really versatile, which is highlighted by the options below- the cable knit could look preppy with a tartan skirt or edgy with some leather leggings. My picks from the brand are the ankle boots (so comfortable) and the sweaters.

Rebecca Taylor
Rebecca Taylor is one of the first brands I look at whenever I need a dress. The designs are so modern, young and fun, yet really wearable. I bought an open back red dress from Rebecca Taylor that I have probably worn over a dozen times in the last 6 months. The clothes tend to be pretty understated (lots of solids, leather, occasional sequins) but can easily be worn over and over again with different accessories. And the amount of tweed going on here is so good.

Equipment
Look no further for the perfect shirt. Parisian clothing brand Equipment has you covered! The blouses fall so effortlessly and come in every color and pattern imaginable. I love the neutrals (surprise, surprise) both collared and scoop neck. These are great for work, school or just hanging around and last forever. 

Happy shopping!

xoxo

Moisture Surge: Moisturizers for The Driest Season

Back in October, I wrote a post touching on cold weather skincare products (and other essentials for winter). However, this winter has been much more severe than I expected (warning: I will continue to complain about the cold until around mid-April). 

Between the wind and the cold and the snow blowing in every which way, my skin feels like it has taken a physical beating. And it isn't looking its best either. It is seriously dry.

For the record, I have pretty sensitive/combination skin (usually on the drier side). Now, I've been doing everything I can to keep my skin hydrated. There's nothing worse than that awful tight feeling after you wash your face when it is dry. 

So here are my moisturizer picks for every skin type and a few ingredients you should be looking for when choosing your own:

Dry

Look for products that contain glycerin. This helps bind water to your skin better. Dimethicone is good for all skin types as it fills in uneven gaps. To lock moisture in, petroleum is a great protectant (yes, the stuff derived from gasoline). The molecules are too big to block pores, so it will simply create a barrier from the drying environment.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer for Drier Skin Types, La Prairie Hydrating Serum, Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme

Oily

For oily skin, look for oil-free or water-based moisturizers and gels, especially steering clear of mineral oil (which is often linked to breakouts). Avoid occlusives like petroleum that are greasy. 

Kate Somerville Oil Free Moisturizer, Clarins Oil Free Serum, Kiehl's Oil Free Ultra Facial Moisturizer

Normal

Make sure your skin doesn't get too oily by avoiding aforementioned occlusives. You'll want to look for humectant-filled products that hold a lot of water and absorb into skin quickly.

Christian Dior Hydra Life, Bobbi Brown Moisturizer, Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion

Combination

A moisturizer that also contains a treatment is the way to go for combination skin. I love Kate Somerville's Goat Milk that has exfoliating lactic acid (gets rid of all the dry skin) in addition to moisturizing ingredients. 

 Kate Somerville Goat Milk, Creme de La Mer, Korres Balancing Face Nourisher

Sensitive

The key here is layering. Avoiding anything with scents (unless naturally calming like camomile) will ensure that your skin doesn't react badly to a product. Furthermore, layering lighter formulas rather than putting a thin layer of a thicker formula will prevent breakouts.

Kate Somerville Nourish Moisturizer, Fresh Soy Moisturizer, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Bonus!

Glam Glow's Thirsty Mud

If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you'll know that I really love glam glow products. They're the best and most effective face masks I've ever tried. I love that they really deliver the results they promise. I have used the whole range (judge me), and am totally sold. Clear pores? Check. Bright under eyes? Check. Soft, exfoliated skin? Check.

And now, lots of moisture!

This mask is a totally different texture than the others (not really a clay, more like a clear gel) that smells like honey and vanilla. Amazing! Put it on for 10 minutes (it will start to tingle) and then wipe off the top layer with a Kleenex. Then you can either rub it in and sleep with it on as a moisturizer or wash all of it off. I've tried both and it is certainly effective.

Stay cozy!

xoxo

Cozy Chic: Outfits For When It's Really Cold

I think saying that it is freezing in New England right now would be an understatement. Seriously, we're in single digit degree territory! Brrrrrr

As a girl who always wears skirts and dresses, adapting my wardrobe to stay super warm has been a little challenging. 

I've found that it is all about layering. I usually wear a heavy coat over a sweater over a blouse and a scarf/gloves/earmuffs. That way, I can stay warm indoors and out.

Here are a few ideas that are sure to keep you looking chic and feeling cozy:

Cozy Chic by prosepearlspolkadots featuring leather boots

Outfit 1: Dolce Gabbana Blouse, Karen Millen Coat, Ralph Lauren Blue Label Riding Pants, Marni Boots

Outfit 2: Rag & Bone Sweater, Theory Coat, AG Adriano Goldschmied Black Pants, Hunter Original Welly, Burberry Scarf

Outfit 3: Burberry Trench Coat, AG Corduroy Pants, Cole Haan Boots, Banana Republic Scarf

Stay warm!

xoxo

When You Need to Get Things Done

I've spend Monday-Wednesday this week in total denial of my ever-growing to do list. Filled with errands and long term assignments, I've realized that today is going to be a little bit of a work marathon. For me, this ends up working really well. The first week and a half of class I haven't had a ton to do, which has been a little bit boring. I work really well under pressure- I love having deadlines and meetings and a schedule packed full of things I'm excited about. Today is one of those days.

Here's how to get it all done:

via Design, Eat, Repeat

Empty your brain

Write everything you can think of on paper in no particular order. Make a column for appointments (with times next to them), one for errands, one for emails/phone calls and one for homework. 

Prioritize

What do you seriously need to get done? Put a star next to these items. You can't always do everything, but make sure you get the most important things done.

Make a schedule

On another sheet of paper, list appointments by time, and leave room in between where you can schedule in errands or work. I simply write "run errands" or "do homework" without being too specific about what exactly I'll be doing. I then make a second column with the tasks I need to complete. I then cross out items as I complete them.

Leave time for meals

A big mistake I used to make during my "work marathons" is forgetting to factor in mealtime. It is not healthy to eat every meal while you work or to skip meals- you'll crash much sooner than if you had taken even a 20 minute break to have something to eat to fuel your brain (and no, coffee is not a meal). Try to schedule a meal with someone else so you force yourself to get up from work.

Take breaks and drink water

I take a lot of quick email or Refinery 29 breaks where I mindlessly check out interesting articles or reply to new messages. However, getting up and walking around even for 5 minutes makes a huge difference. Drink lots of water too to keep your mind sharp. 

Find a work buddy

I work really well when there are other people around me who are getting things done- it's kind of inspiring! Call your best friend, your class mate or your boyfriend (hello you're sitting across from me) and get to work. To hold each other accountable and not get too distracted, set designated times where you can hang out and be totally unproductive (like getting dinner together, again hello bf).

Tackle emails

This might just be me, but sometimes when I need to get a start on being productive, I respond to all of my emails. Getting just something done makes my to do list seem way more manageable.

Turn up the music

Listen to some upbeat music every time you feel like you're losing focus. This works best when you're doing little tasks rather than say, reading or writing. Sometimes slower jams can put you to sleep.

It's almost Friday! Hooray!

xoxo

Streamline Your Style (& Shopping Tips)

via Haskell @ Home

It's taken me two decades, but now I feel like I have developed my own personal style. I've gone in and out of phases and tried out different trends, but I always seem to come back to the same kinds of pieces that I feel truly comfortable in: neutral colors, feminine silhouettes, sparkly headbands and a lot of jewelry. 

I think figuring out your basic style is both important and practical. Knowing what you like and having a closet full of clothes that work together makes getting ready for the day much quicker and presents people with an initial impression of who you are and how you carry yourself. 

This is particularly relevant in today's digitally-driven world where "personal branding" is the buzz phrase (if you will) of the moment. 

Here's how to streamline your style:

Look in your closet right now and ask yourself...

What do you wear the most? The least? 

Move these to the front of your closet.

What do you feel the best in? What makes you feel uncomfortable? 

Pull out any pieces you haven't worn in over a year or anything unflattering/uncomfortable. 

What looks great on you?

For me, it's anything A-line or nipped in at the waist. Show off your best features! Just because a piece looks amazing on a hanger doesn't mean it will fit right. 

Think about your style icons...

Often times people get caught up in labeling their style as "preppy" or "boho." If you asked me to sum up my style in one word, it would take me a long time to come up with an answer. Instead, I think of people whose styles I love and try to emulate.

Olivia Palmero. Blair Waldorf (shameless). Audrey Hepburn.

Consider your routine...

Make sure your clothes are versatile and appropriate for everyday wear. I have about 6 little black dresses that I wear constantly and can dress up or down with accessories. One of my big regret buys is a sparkly tweed dress that looked really great and fit in perfectly with my style, but hasn't been worn because it's too formal for everyday (and not formal enough for a cocktail party, ugh).

Personal basics...

People say everyone should invest in high quality "basics"- jeans, a coat, a little black dress, a white blouse- but I disagree. Invest your funds in items that you wear most. For me, that's cashmere sweaters, structured coats and ballet flats. But for some of my friends, investing in great jeans or perfect tee shirts or high end riding boots makes the most sense. Quality is important here because these pieces will hold up well over time and anchor your style.

When adding to your collection, consider: 

Comfort

If a piece of clothing itches, pulls or is in any way uncomfortable, you probably won't wear it. Your style should both make you feel and look comfortable. 

Fit

The only thing you should have to alter in an article of clothing is the hem. If something doesn't fit in the shoulders or body, it probably is the wrong size. And if something doesn't fit now, don't buy it. Dress for your current figure!

Color

When it comes to less-expensive pieces, go neutral. Bright colors don't hold up well over time if they aren't high quality. 

Trends

While I usually stick to more classic, traditional pieces I do try out trends here and there (hi color blocking), but for the most part, choosing timeless over trendy is the way to go.

And a note on sales...

 Just because something is 40% off sale price (a classic J.Crew/Madewell sale), doesn't mean it's free or that you will wear it a lot. It's always better to buy fewer, pricier pieces you'll wear a lot than a large quantity of clothes you'll only wear a handful of times. The best wardrobes are filled with clothes that fall into a similar theme and mix well together.

Happy styling!

xoxo

What's in My Shower Caddy

From shower sandals to sharing a bathroom with an entire floor of people, college makes the whole getting-ready process seem completely unglamorous. I remember freshman year feeling like it was really hard to shower when you have to wear flip flops and awkwardly move around in a tiny stall. However, since adjusting to dorm living, I've found that a well-stocked shower caddy full of my favorite products makes the whole process much more pleasant.  Here's what I'm loving:

Shampoo & Conditioner 

These two are an absolute must for any shower caddy. I love using Pureology's Hydrate shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. They have a refreshing mint and eucalyptus smell that really wakes me up in the morning and add a lot of shine while keeping static at bay (a big problem for straight hair).

Claw Clip

After I wash my hair, I put conditioner in and twist it up in a claw clip so the conditioner can absorb without getting everywhere.

Body Wash & Soap 

Unscented soap for sensitive skin is seriously a must (Dove is great). Keep these in a soap container so it doesn't make a mess in the caddy. After I use soap all over, I use a little bit of sweet-smelling body wash. My pick is Soap & Glory's floral Clean on Me.

Body Scrub 

I like to exfoliate my entire body about every other day, especially in the winter when skin gets really dry. Soap & Glory's Flake Away infused with moisturizers and lots of grains for buffing goes really well with my body wash and makes my skin so soft!

Shave Cream, Razor & Gel Lotion

Shaveworks is seriously life changing. The shave cream and gel lotion make for the closest shave ever (especially after using Soap & Glory's Flake Away!). The products smell great too.

Body Lotion

After I dry off, I apply body lotion before I leave the bathroom so that my skin retains the most moisture. This also gives it a couple of minutes to absorb before I change into my outfit for the day.

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

Settling in Back at School/My Daily Routine

The crazy chaos that is the first week back at school is now over and a second, settled week has begun. Last week was great- full of overdue reunions, new academic passions and perhaps most importantly: lots of coffee. 

It was also unsustainable- too little sleep, too much procrastinating. But by Friday, I felt like I was getting back into a good routine. 

Now that I'm settled, I have revisited my temporarily forgotten January resolution (hi, organization) and re-evaluated my schedule so that I can better accomplish my work, spend time with friends and get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

Someone once told me that every hour spent doing homework during the day equals 1.5 hours of work at night. That person is certainly right. Around 11 PM, reading Thought Catalog articles seems far more appealing than working on new vocabulary for a language course. Today, I got the majority of my work done before dinner and have planned the week out so that I won't be up late studying.

I use both a daily agenda and a lined notepad to plan out my days/weeks. I write appointments (i.e. class, meetings, meals, extra curricular activities) in my agenda and daily to do lists (i.e. homework, emails, errands) on lined paper. I carry both of these around all day to keep me on track.

For study breaks (I mainly need one right after class gets out), I usually get a cup of coffee and respond to emails, check the news and evaluate my to do list/agenda. Then, I review the notes I took in class and get to work, rotating between school work (I'm taking two English classes and an Italian course, so it's important to break up the reading) and errands.

My nights are usually filled with activities for my sorority, meetings for clubs or dinners with friends. If I have more homework, I do it afterward (last week I was definitely doing way too much homework late at night) or get ahead with reading. 

At the end of the day, I unwind by taking a shower or listening to music and check my agenda for what I have going on the next day. I also pack my school bag and pick out my outfit so mornings aren't rushed (which they always are- ugh!). After a busy day, there's no better feeling than settling down in bed and falling right to sleep.

Now, I find myself knee-deep in Great Expectations and so happy to be back in the swing of things.

Happy winter quarter!

xoxo

Make Up Looks for Every Occasion

The right make up can really pull together an outfit. Whether you want to look naturally gorgeous or add a little more drama to your look, having a few fail-safe make up looks will have you out the door and looking fabulous fast. Here are five looks I love:

Red Lips

 Natural Glow

 Glitter

 Smokey Eye

 Cat Eye

xoxo

Feel More Organized Right Now

For those of you who read my New Year's resolutions post, you'll remember that January was my organizational month. For the most part, I have been much more organized (the boyfriend agrees) but I have not posted very much about it on here.

For me, organization is really a state of mind. I know there will never be a point where I have everything together, but sometimes I can have a lot of things together. And when I start small, I am encouraged to get bigger things in order.

Here are 10 things you can do right now to kickstart your organization:

1. Clean out your bag

Take everything out of your bag and make sure nothing is left inside (even random gum wrappers/dust particles). Then wipe down the outside- if it isn't cloth- with a warm paper towel and some gentle soap. Then fill it only with the things you need.

2. Do laundry

Drop off your clothes at the dry cleaners, run a load of wash or just get everything into a hamper. Keep dirty clothes out of sight is the main point. And when you get everything cleaned, put it all in it's right places on nice hangers or folded neatly.

3. Change your sheets and make your bed

A nicely made bed can make any room look 10 times cleaner. I make my bed first thing when I get up and change the sheets weekly. That way, my day is off to a relatively neat start.

4. Go through your email

Unsubscribe from websites that email you multiple times per day, delete irrelevant emails and respond to things you've been putting off. Essentially, make sure your inbox has zero notifications. This gives me serious piece of mind.

5. Clean out your desk

If you have more time, clean out your desk. Even cleaning out one drawer a day is progress. Just make sure to keep things neat by taking the extra 10 seconds to put things back where they came from.

6. Update your agenda

This is one of my favorite things to do. I write down every assignment, social event, appointment, meeting, friend's birthday, etc. in my agenda. I usually do this about once per week but sometimes more because information always seems to be coming in. Writing these events down not only helps me remember them, but also allows me to make sure I can commit to everything I want to do.

7. Sort through your make up/skincare products

I have a make up/skincare drawer that I weirdly enjoy organizing. I lay everything out neatly and then wash all of my make up brushes so things are sterile (I recommend BeautyBlender Brush and Sponge Cleanser). This also prevents bacteria from getting into my make up which makes my skin much clearer.

8. Clear floorspace

Getting things off the floor (i.e. clothes, bags, shoes) and into where they need to be is a great way to get organized fast. Taking out the trash and opening up floorspace makes a room look much bigger and cleaner. Plus, picking things up takes about 5 minutes.

9. Organize your closet

This takes some time, but nothing makes me feel more organized than cleaning out my closet. Taking everything out, trying it all on, and then rearranging it neatly makes getting dressed so much easier and more fun.

10. Actually clean

Wipe down your counters, clean the windows and dust off your lamps. Nothing feels (or looks) better than a sparkling clean environment.

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Tortoise Shell Everything

I have a serious obsession with anything and everything tortoise shell. In fact, I wear it so much it has basically become a neutral for me. It is flattering on every skin tone and hair color (on brunettes especially!) and goes with any outfit. Here are some of my favorite tortoise shell items:

Taryn Rose

LK Bennett

Tory Burch

J. Crew

Tory Burch

France Luxe

Oliver Peoples

Michael Kors

Happy Friday!

xoxo

Baby It's Cold Outside

I am seriously freezing now that I'm back at school. It was nine degrees this morning. Nine!

Thankfully, I came prepared with snow boots, rain boots and a couple warm coats- who knew staying warm could look good?!

Here are some of my favorite cold-weather fashion picks:

J Crew t / Canada Goose / Burberry / Canada Goose / Barbour Patagonia

Tory Burch / Rag & Bone x Hunter / SOREL / J.Crew / LL Bean / SOREL

Stay warm!

xoxo

Travel Essentials

I'm headed back to school very soon and have been packing my things, which always takes so much more time than expected.

 One thing I can pack on a moment's notice? A carry on. 

Here are my essentials:

Passport Cover: My boyfriend bought me the cutest red passport cover (he has extremely good taste) that is perfect for traveling especially because the bold color stands out in the mess that is my purse. 

Cable Knit Socks: Call me a grandma, but I get so cold on planes. I'm definitely that person wearing a coat the entire flight. I always bring an extra pair of super warm, knit socks for when I fly. Really helpful!

Glasses: I have not-so-great vision (probably the result of reading under the covers my entire childhood), so flying without contacts or glasses is not an option. For longer flights when I can potentially sleep, I wear my glasses and bring a pair of contacts with solution in my carry on.

 Perfume: I always feel so gross after I fly, so I spray some perfume on right after I get off the plane. 

Lip Balm: Especially in the winter, lip balm is a must. On planes, the air is so dry that I constantly reapply lip balm the entire flight. 

Moisturizer: I also pack a mini moisturizer in my bag. I use a really gentle unscented one that I can use on my face or hands to keep them moisturized. I also make sure to drink a ton of water.

Book: My main activity on planes is reading. Depending on the flight length I bring 1-2 books. It's nice to be able to unplug from social media to just get absorbed in a great story.

Other things I don't forget?

Earphones and Emergen-C

Bon voyage!

xoxo