Outfit of the Day

Rebecca Taylor Blouse  / Madewell Trench Coat / Alice + Olivia Skirt  Sam Edelman Ballet Flats  / Cara Headband / Louis Vuitton Purse

Gift Wrap Guide

Christmas is coming... fast!

I'm wrapping up my holiday shopping (no pun intended), and am ready to break out the ribbons and gift tags to get everything ready for the upcoming festivities. I think presentation is a huge part of gift giving. Wrapping gifts nicely shows the recipient how much effort you put into their gift.

Here's how to make your gifts look extra special:

Supplies
Gift
Box
Wrapping paper
Scissors
Ribbon
Decorations
Gift tag
Pen/Permanent marker

How to Wrap a Present
graphics from oprah.com

Before you wrap...
First make sure to remove all of the price tags from your gift. If you can't remove the tag, black out the price with a black permanent marker. Next, put the gift in a box. This makes wrapping much easier. If the object won't fit into a standard box, consider using a cute gift bag.

Now, find an open, level surface and unroll a large length of wrapping paper. Place the box on top and determine how much paper it will take to cover the entire package. Make sure you have a little extra- it's easier to cut off wrapping paper than add more. Turn the box upside down and place it in the center of the paper. This will ensure that the wrapping seams are at the bottom of the package.

Fold the paper on the long side of the gift and secure with two pieces of tape.

Then, move to the sides. Fold both sides against the box. The top and bottom of the excess paper should form two triangle/trapezoid-like shapes.

Make sure the creases for the excess are firm and then fold the bottom one up against the box. Fold the top triangle/trapezoid over the bottom one and tape.

All finished!

Wrapping Paper

There are just so many cute wrapping paper prints out right now. While I love the classic kraft paper and burlap/twine look (very rustic), I'm also loving these bold and colorful prints. Paired with a metallic bow and simple present toppers (see below), these will look great under the tree.

Here are my favorites (pictured above):
Skiing Gnomes | Watercolor Mistletoe | Red Dots | Urban Snowflakes
Pine Branch on Slate | Snow Globe Jars | Winter Berries    


Present Toppers 

Present toppers really add a special touch to a present. Whether it's a well-designed gift tag, an initial, some rustic twine, fresh mistletoe or an ornament, these little baubles add an extra bit of holiday cheer.

Here are some of my favorites (pictured above):

Snowflake Ornament | Glitter Hedgehog | Glass Initial Letter | Twine

Fresh Mistletoe | Bunting | Gift Tag | Bird Ornament | Eiffel Tower Ornament

Need more inspiration? Check out my present wrapping board on Pinterest.

Happy holidays!

xoxo

Current Obsessions

First, an explanation:

Full disclosure: I have been completely MIA on the blog for the past week as my boyfriend was visiting me from across the country. I honestly did not really want to spend time editing posts while he was here as I wanted to take advantage of every minute of the trip. This was definitely the right move. It was a wonderful week!

Anyway, back to business as usual:

Salvatore Ferragamo Smoking Slippers

I've always wanted a pair of smoking slippers but didn't think I would find a pair that A) I could pull off, B) would work with my existing wardrobe and C) be comfortable. Enter an adorable pair of black velvet smoking slippers with a gold and tortoise shell bow. Feminine, easy to wear and totally comfortable- no breaking in period required. I am sold!

Diptyque's "Baies" Candle

I will never get tired of this rose and blackcurrant scent. I keep a small candle and the matching room spray next to my bed and the scents always make me relax before I go to sleep. Plus, the simple black and white designs are very chic and look great on my night table.

Deborah Lippmann's "It's Raining Men" Nail Polish

While I typically stick to neutral nail colors like pink and mauve, I wanted to try out a bold color during my most recent visit to the nail salon. Red was the perfect choice. In fact, I'm really obsessed with the color red in general right now. A couple of months ago I purchased a pair of fire engine red rain boots and think they add the perfect pop of color to any outfit.

Alice + Olivia Skirt

Alice + Olivia is one of my favorite new clothing lines. The clothes fit so well.  I love that the line includes a lot of traditional elements but keeps pieces looking young with modern silhouettes and unexpected details. The pleated skirt I purchased is the perfect blend of traditional Scottish tartan and a contemporary short, swingy hemline. It also looks great with black tights and the aforementioned smoking slippers!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

This is one of those totally unnecessary items that has become a very necessary part of my pre-bed routine. I mist Caudalie's beauty elixir over my face before I apply my moisturizer to make sure my skin doesn't get dry in the cold winter air. The bottle, designed by L'Wren Scott, is gorgeous and the mist smells and feels incredibly refreshing after a long day.

Madewell Field Parka

I've been looking for a cute and extra warm coat for when I return to college in New England after New Year. When I was shopping at Madewell recently, this field parka caught my eye. I absolutely love it! There is a removable fur lining inside and a detachable hood that I know will be used a lot when snow is falling heavily. Note: the coat runs a bit big so plan to go down at least one size.

The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman

I've been hearing great things about this book for a while now and I finally understand why. Although I'm only about halfway into the story, I've been completely sucked into the world that Waldman has crafted. Her exploration of 21st century love is witty and thought-provoking. A book review will most certainly be coming soon.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I will never sleep enough. I've grown to accept it. However, my skin hasn't. I sometimes get unfortunately dark under eye circles from lack of sleep but this concealer and setting powder duo (paired with a double shot cappuccino) help me look and feel like I've slept 10 hours.

Happy Saturday!

xoxo

How to Pull Off Bold Lipstick

I have been really into bold lip colors lately. They're perfect for the girl on the go (me!) since they look best when paired with minimal face and eye make up. Confession: the past three days I've been in such a rush I've skipped foundation altogether and just put on some mascara and lipstick. And I have to say, I've actually received a ton of compliments on my make up. Who knew I would look better on the days I spend less time getting ready? Dark berry and bright red have been my go-to shades. 

Beginners

For those of you starting out, try staying within two shades of your natural lip color (two shades lighter or darker). This will elevate your make up without being too big of a risk. In order to find this shade, apply it to your upper or lower lip and leave the other lip bare. If the color is one or two shades darker, you've found the right color.

Experimenting with Color

Also, take into account the shape of your lips. For girls with thinner lips, stay away from dark colors and go more for bright, fun pops of color (pink looks great). For ladies who have fuller lips, go for darker colors and stay away from light, frosty colors (for the most part, pinks are hard to wear on full lips as they tend to look a little Barbie-esque).

Getting a little more complicated, use your skin's shade to find other perfect color matches. Here are some ideas: 

Fair skin- nude, apricot, light pink, coral

Medium skin- rose, mauve, berry, wine

Dark skin- deep plum, chocolate, caramel, walnut

Now, for the big challenge: red lipstick.

What girl hasn't wanted to try this timeless look out? In order to find the right shade of red, you have to consider your skin tone. Pink undertones? Go for a cherry or pinkish red. Olive skin? Go for a more orangey red (fire engine). Deep skin? Dark reds look great.  

Have fun!

xoxo

Let's Be Still

A couple of nights ago I saw The Head & The Heart in concert, promoting their new album Let's Be Still. The Head & The Heart is one of my favorite live bands- on top of making great music, they have an incredible stage dynamic that really makes me buy into them as a group. It's like I want to be friends with the whole band!

Let's Be Still is the band's second album, and, while it hasn't gained the same popularity as their first album (The Head & The Heart), it is solid overall. I really love the lyrics of the band's songs- they're totally unique from the love ballads and party anthems that usually dominate the top of the music charts. They're music is introspective and often focuses on specific moments or feelings which I think fills a gap in the music world today.

My favorite song on the new album is definitely "Let's Be Still." The lyrics resonate with me because they're about just slowing down and being still for a moment. And lately life has been anything but still- the past 6 weeks or so have been a whirlwind of change.

 I've done a lot of reflecting and maturing in what seems like a short amount of time. I've placed a premium on pursuing my own happiness. I've really done everything except "be still," yet I do feel overwhelming inner peace.

I think I realized all of this when I heard this song live (admittedly, the first time I had heard this song period) at the concert. 

Despite my lack of sleep and busy schedule, I have recently found a such a sense of purpose and have finally felt like my life is moving in the "right" direction.

Hopefully, this continues and my future is filled with good friends, time with family and great music.

Listen to The Head & The Heart here: Let's Be Still 

Happy listening!

xoxo

November Favorites

I know I'm posting this a little later than usual, but hey- better late than never, right?

November was a really fantastic month overall. I truly feel like my life is heading in the right direction and that I'm so happy with the meaningful relationships that I have. 

However, November was also a really busy month. Between finals and formals and flights back home, I felt like I was in go mode all the time. These are the things I reached for the most:

Pearls

I've been wearing a really special pair of pearl earrings I have nonstop and I can't get enough of them. First of all, pearls are timeless. Second, they go with absolutely everything. Silver? Gold? Black? White? They're perfect for any occasion.

Sparkly Tweed

This is strangely specific, but I purchased a sparkly tweed pleated skirt from Nordstrom at the beginning of September and have been wearing it a ton lately. Since then, I've also purchased a couple of sparkly tweed dresses and another skirt. Tweed is feminine and classic and paired with a little bit of shimmer, the material is youthful and fun. Obsessed!

Sarah McNamara Miracle Skin Transformer

My mom surprised me with this face mask and a bunch of other spa goodies when she came to visit me last term. I have to say this is pretty incredible. It leaves skin feeling so smooth and hydrated. It isn't really a treatment for anything (i.e. acne, hyper pigmentation, etc.) 

Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Lacquer
I've been loving "Today Was a Fairy Tale" as a topcoat over neutral colors such as "Modern Love" or "Chasing Pavements." 

Curled Hair

I've been in major need of a haircut (actually getting one today, yippee!) so to camouflage my undyed roots and scraggly ends I've been curling my hair and really liking it.

The xx

I've liked The xx for awhile, but recently I've just been listening to their music nonstop. I rotate that with Lorde and my ears are very happy.

Stationary
I've been into writing little notes, cards and longer letters lately so I've been going through stationary like crazy. Anything personalized is right up my alley.

Happy December!
xoxo

Holiday Makeup

I love a good holiday party. From the Christmas music to the warm cider to the general feeling of cheer, holiday parties are simply the best. 

Another aspect of holiday parties I love? 

Dressing up in festive sparkles.

I'll write another post specifically on my favorite holiday dresses (and some ideas for men too!), but this post is dedicated to adding a little bit of glam to your make up and hair.

Often times during the holidays, you see family and friends who you really don't see many other times. So, naturally, you'll want to look your best. Other than getting a lot of sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating healthfully, you can follow this skincare guide so you're glowing from head to toe, even before you apply makeup.

In terms of make up, I think there are three looks that look flattering and classy on everyone during the holidays: bold lips, sparkly eyes or glowy skin.

Red Lips

This look is perfect for when you're running a little late to a party or if you're going straight from work or another event as it really only requires a few quick steps. 

First, make sure your lips are free of any product and then put a little bit of lip balm on. Let that absorb while you touch up your foundation or apply some mascara. Red lipstick looks best when paired with lots of black eyeliner and mascara and minimal eyeshadow (or else you'll look like a pageant queen). 

Next, wipe off any excess lip balm with a tissue and apply red lip liner all over your lips. If you don't have any lip liner or are short on time, apply one coat of red lipstick like Nars' Jungle Red or Chanel's Coromandel. Then blot your lipstick on a tissue. You can apply a little translucent powder like Make Up For Ever's HD Powder here if you want to set the lipstick, but it is not necessary. Then apply a second coat of lipstick and you're set! 

A big trend right now is matching your lipstick to your manicure. I think Chanel's Dragon Nail Polish works really well with most red lipsticks. However, if you want a perfect match, Butter London has a line of lip colors that match their nail polishes perfectly. Check them out here.

Gold Eyes

This look is perfect if you have a little more time to get ready and want something that will last all night. 

Start out by priming your eyelids with an eye shadow primer such as Urban Decay's Primer Potion. This will ensure that your eye make up stays on all night without creasing or running.

Then apply a bronze or gold eyeshadow- I love MAC's Woodwinked or Stila's Foil Finish Eye Shadow- all over your eyelid and blend.

Next, line your eyes with black eyeliner- preferably a gel or liquid. Make sure the line is dark and clean (this isn't a smudgy, smoky eye). Also line your waterline to make your lashes look fuller.

Add some extra sparkle by applying a little bit of cream eyeshadow to the inner corner/area around the tear duct of your eye. This will make eyes appear whiter and bigger. I suggest Dior's Ivory Glow Luminous Eyeshadow. Then add loose glitter all over the eye. My picks are Make Up For Ever's gold glitter or iridescent white glitter (it basically blends into whatever color you have on and adds sparkle).

Then, add lots of black waterproof mascara, pair with light blush and natural lips. Voila, you're set for the night!

Glowy Skin

This is my personal favorite makeup and the look I most often wear. Having all over radiant skin and eye make up is timeless and always photographs well. This look focuses mainly on flawless, glowy skin.

First, I apply lots of foundation primer and eyeshadow primer. Then apply a light-medium coverage foundation such as Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua all over your face and conceal imperfections with a heavy concealor (I like Bobbi Brown's corrector).

Apply a champagne colored eyeshadow- for example MAC's All That Glitters- all over your eyes. Line eyes with black eyeliner and add lots of mascara.

Then go back to your skin and set your foundation with a translucent powder like Make Up For Ever's HD Powder. Tap a little bit of illuminator on your cheek bones. My favorite is Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl. Also apply some of this on your brow bone and to the center of your lips. 

Apply a shimmery blush like Nars' Orgasm to the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards and outwards. 

Lips should be a natural looking color like a soft red or pinkish shade. 

Happy holidays!

xoxo