May 29, 2015

Arrivederci America!

via my brother's tumblr (check him out)

Tomorrow I head off to Italy to study art history for five weeks! I am so excited to have the opportunity to be studying in such an amazing place.  Since I'm not quite sure of what the wifi conditions will be like and if I will have a lot of time to be blogging between school work and taking in the sights I decided to change things up a little on Dash of Serendipity!

Instead of posing every day (M-F) I will be posting three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday! So don't worry, I won't be leaving ya'll hanging for the next few weeks! Almost all of my posts are pre-written (I started drafting them back in April!!).  So I apologize if I am late to respond to comments/emails as I may not be checking up on everything as regularly as I normally do!

If you want to keep up with my travels over the next few weeks follow my Instagram @dashofserendipity! I can't wait to update ya'll on my adventures! 

May 28, 2015

Summer Seersucker {Collab}









Nothing says summer like seersucker.  The fabric instantly reminds me of summer dinners on the water or nights at the beach with friends.  This Lilly Pulitzer dress is just the perfect way to incorporate seersucker into your wardrobe.  The dress is just perfect from the bow to the pockets! Since this dress is from last season, but I've found it on 6pm (on sale too)!  I have linked a few other similar seersucker dresses at the bottom of this post.   Unfortunately my camera had a slight malfunction which resulted in having to send it off to Canon to be repaired.  So, these photos were taken with my brother's older Nikon.  Parting with my camera has been like parting with a child so I can't wait to have that back!

I'm so excited to be collaborating with Maddy from The Black Barcode  today to show off our favorite seersucker pieces! I love Maddy's blog and her style is so fun! Head over to her blog to see her seersucker ensemble!



Follow Maddy on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!

May 27, 2015

What's in my Second Rocksbox


I received my second Rocksbox a few weeks ago in the chaos of moving out of my dorm room.  I'm just now getting around to making a post about what I got in this months box! I have to say, I really loved everything I was sent this month!

If you didn't see my last post about Rocksbox, what it is is a monthly subscription service where for $19/month you get sent three pieces of amazing jewelry.  Then, at the end of the month, all you have to do is send everything back and you'll get sent a new box! Now, if you find yourself really loving something from the box and just can't bear to send it back, you can go on the website and click "purchase" and it can remain in your hands forever! 

You can get your first month free with the code "dashofserendipityxoxo" so you can try it out without the commitment! It's honestly really worth the $19 because you get to try so many new pieces of jewelry, but if you realize you don't like something you're not stuck with it.  

Here's what was in my box this month!




The Loren Hope studs are perfect for Summer and I fell in love with them right away! I'm a huge stud fan and put these on the moment I opened my box! The Gojana necklace is so fun and completely not my style normally.  However, I really love this simple necklace because it really adds a new dimension to any outfit.  Finally, these Urban Gem earrings weren't my favorite until the very end of my month.  These are a little more daring than something I would normally go for- but I think that's really great because it pushes me out of my comfort zone, which is why I love Rocksbox! There's always something that I would never pick for myself in the box, but each month I work it into my outfits and end up loving it!

Don't forget to get your first month free with the code "dashofserendipityxoxo", I promise you won't regret it!

May 26, 2015

Favorite Candles

I'm actually allergic to a lot of scents.  It's hard for me to find perfumes and candles that I enjoy comfortably.  Recently, I've been really into burning the candles that I do own.  Candles (and scents) are really personal because everyone likes different things.  I always cringe when I hear of people giving them as gifts.  Yes, they're nice to have, but only when you enjoy the scents! Here are my favorites and maybe they'll become yours too!



Do you have a favorite candle?

May 22, 2015

Friday Finds



It's the weekend! And memorial weekend at that, which means long weekends for those of you still at school or at work! I'm excited for this weekend as it is the unofficial beginning of summer.  Pools are opening, it's acceptable to go to the beach, and everyone begins to wear their whites again (Lol because I've been wearing mine all year, whoops). This weekend I'm probably headed to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn, a food market home to the infamous Ramen Burger.  I'm very excited to go there again, this time with some friends!

Onto my finds for the week.... (this is actually the last Friday Finds for a few weeks, you'll find out why next week!)

How cute is this little boy who dresses exactly like Harry Styles for some Instagram photos?

Purchased this papier-mache deer head and it's currently hanging above my bed! Pictured above!

I'm obsessed with these mirrored sunglasses (just $15!)

Have an idea for a blog post? Send it over to my Tumblr! I'd love to hear!

May 21, 2015

My Everyday Makeup


My makeup routine really hasn't changed in awhile.  I occasionally switch out my foundation, but for the most part it's been the same for a few years.  I realized that I've never actually done a post about what I wear on a day to day basis (or at least when I'm wearing makeup).  

I start off by applying Maybelline's Baby Skin if I know I want my makeup to last a long time or if I'm doing something important where I want my makeup to stay looking good. Then, I'll apply Nars' Sheer Glow with a Sephora foundation brush followed by It Cosmetic's powder foundation if I want to set things (I usually skip this step).  Next, I use Nars' Laguna Bronzer which I've been using for as long as I can remember. 

I found my favorite blush from Sleek cosmetics while I was in London during christmas two years ago.  Since then, I've used it almost everyday (occasionally trading off with some other random blushes that I have), and I've barely made a dent! It's definitely worth the $15 for three blushes! 

If I'm wearing eyeshadow (usually only at night or on weekends), I always go for my Bobbi Brown eyeshadows.  I put Champagne in the inner half of the eye lid and Warm Taupe on the outer half.  I've never been a huge fan of eyeliner on me, so instead I use a navy eyeshadow from Bobbi Brown with a small eyeliner brush on my upper lid.  I don't put any eyeliner on my lower lid.   

Now, my first post on this blog was about mascara.  While I still love all of the mascaras that I mentioned in that post, my favorite now is definitely Too Faced Better Than Sex! It's really amazing and makes the eyelashes look so long and full! 

What are your holy grail makeup products? I'd love to hear! 

May 20, 2015

Save of Splurge


I've been seeing this yellow Barbour jacket everywhere and ever since I passed by the Barbour store on Madison Ave a few days ago I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  So, when I went into J.Crew factory and found a very similar jacket for a much better price I was really excited! It's probably not exactly the same quality as the Barbour jacket, but for the price that's expected.  I couldn't wait to share this find with ya'll! 

May 19, 2015

Beach Vacation Packing List

I've been having serious writer's block recently so this post is seriously lacking.  I got a message from someone on Tumblr asking about what to pack for a beach vacation in Florida and it sparked the idea to make a post about it! Many of you will be heading towards the beach in the next few weeks and here are the things I would bring with me if I were going with you!



May 18, 2015

Turquoise Tunic







Tunic (old) / Jeans / Shoes / Clutch / Sunglasses

On Friday my brother had his Junior prom.  The weather was fairly warm, but definitely a lot cooler than what I am used to in Texas.  I finally got to wear this Alice and Trixie tunic that I purchased on sale while I was in Delray, FL for spring break! While I was hesitant to buy this because I knew I really wouldn't wear it during school, I'm happy I took the plunge because I know I'll get a lot of war out of it this summer,  especially while I'm in Martha's Vineyard in July!

I paired it with white jeans from Flying Monkey.  They're super comfortable but I definitely should've worn a belt because they stretched out a ton while I wore them, to the point where I felt like I was solely worrying about whether or not they'd fall down.  

Here's a picture of my brother and I at his pre-prom! 














May 15, 2015

Friday Finds

Today is my brother's Junior prom and I'm really excited to go to the pre-prom and take some pictures of him! He's going with the younger sister of the guy I went to prom with my Junior year so I think that's pretty fun! My brother is also going to Italy next week (exciting life for him, right?) and then just two days after he comes back, I go! It's very hectic and exciting around our house right now!


Here are my Friday Finds!

-This woman perfectly lip-syncs her daughter's tantrum and I died of laughter.

-I've dying to make this Chipotle Lime Shrimp Taco recipe!

-It was time for a new pair of sneakers and I went with these Nike FS Lite Runs in a beautiful blue color!

-If you missed yesterday's post, I'm selling some of my clothes on Instagram! Check it out!

May 14, 2015

Shop My Closet

Unpacking all of my stuff from school has made me realize that I own way too many things.  I've started gathering some of my things to sell as I've been putting my things away and I've decided to make an instagram account to showcase them! It's been going really well so far (nothing has been over $35 yet!).  I'd highly suggest checking it out if you're looking to get some good deals! (@shopdashofserendipity on instagram!)








See everything else and follow along for more listings on Instagram!

May 13, 2015

Pom Poms in the West Village









Dress / Scarf / Shoes / Bag 
Gold Bracelet / White Bracelet (old: c.wonder)

Yesterday my Mom and I went into the city for an early lunch since we had a few hours to spare.  I suggested that we go to Buvette, a french restaurant in the West Village.  I read online that there was usually a long wait so we were prepared for that, but were surprised to get seated right away! I had the most delicious meal of steamed eggs, prosciutto, and parmesan over toast.  I'd highly recommend checking out the small restaurant if you get a chance! 

Since our lunch didn't take long, we walked along the streets of the quaint area and took some pictures! I'm still unpacking all over my stuff from college so my wardrobe is a little confusing right now.  Everything is either lying on my floor, in a garbage bag in the back of my car, or in a suit case.  It's a little bit of a mess.  Since today was supposed to be hot, I put on one of my go-to dresses from Naked Zebra and threw on this scarf I purchased recently at a boutique in Dallas.  The outfit was comfortable and I didn't need to take my scarf off because it really didn't get that warm.  

I'm in love with the spiked bracelet that I'm wearing that just came in the mail from Benevolent Jewels! I've been lusting over this one forever and I am so happy I finally have it.  It's definitely funkier than my other pieces of jewelry, but I think that's why I've loved wearing it.  You can get 20% off anything at Benevolent Jewels with the code "ECODE20" so I'd suggest checking out their cute pieces of jewelry! 






May 12, 2015

Summer Rompers

Who doesn't love a good romper? Rompers are so easy and just as comfortable, and perfect for the summer time! I hate having to put together a multiple piece outfit when it's so hot out so I usually gravitate towards dresses and rompers rather than skirts and shorts.  However, finding the right romper can be hard to find.  Not every romper will look good on everyone seeing as we all are proportioned differently, so it can be quite a search to find some that you love (still haven't found a jumpsuit I love).



As I've been putting this together I've fallen in love with the black romper (only $29!).  I hardly have any black in my wardrobe so I sometimes struggle when all my friends are getting ready to go out wearing black and I feel like I should be wearing the color too.  I've definitely acquired a few more pieces of black in my wardrobe since going to college! 

May 11, 2015

Instagram Lately

I'm home!! Yesterday, I had a full day of traveling, which started at 7am.  I woke up to a alert that my flight would be delayed an hour, but still headed to the airport.  Upon arrival, I found out that my flight was delayed another two hours! The joys of being at the airport (with little sleep from the night before) and have your flight be delayed.  I ended up getting home about four hours later than I thought I would, but I still got to enjoy mother's day with my mom!

Today's post is an instagram roundup because I haven't done one in a while.  I'm so excited for my instagram in the next few months so make sure you're following along because I'll be posting lots of pics during my time in europe!


My last meal in Dallas, at Mi Cocina! 


A finals study break at Sprinkles.  Honestly, their Red Velvet ice cream is my FAVORITE! There's small chunks of their cupcakes in it and it's heavenly.  


Feels like just a few days ago I was home for Easter and snapped this photo! I can't wait to get back into the city! 


I'm still so in love with this Mink Pink yellow dress! If you've missed the full outfit post you can find it here!


The Nordstrom near me had the cutest Nike pop up shop with these "Can't Stop Won't Stop" cards and gorgeous floral wallpaper.  


Ever since I got my Madewell transport tote I've been using it non stop! It's surprisingly a big bag.  I underestimated how much could fit inside of it and I'm really impressed by how sturdy it is! 



May 7, 2015

Friday Finds

This is my last Friday Finds while I am at school! I head back home this sunday, and I know I've already said this a few times, but I can't believe how fast the year has gone by! It honestly feels like yesterday that I moved into my small room, and now I'm (hectically) moving out!



Last night my room mate and I went to see Ed Sheeran as a nice study break from finals! I'm not going to lie, this may have been my seventh time seeing him live.  It was just as amazing as always.  He really inspires me to get back into music, which is something I'm planning on doing this summer! It's so awesome to see him play at different venues over the past few years! This show was one of my favorites.  We had a brother-sister duo sitting next to us that loved Ed Sheeran, so they're energy definitely contributed to the show.

Here's what's on my Friday Finds list this week...

15 Affordable Bucket List Travel Ideas Refinery 29 tweeted a link to this post and it has honestly got me so excited to be traveling this summer!

I'm obsessed with this Lilly Pulitzer Romper, I wear my other one so often that I think this might be my next purchase from the brand!

I've been super into reading Covering the Bases, a blog by Krista Roberston, every day.  I love her outfits and she's super fun to follow along on snapchat! (reminds me: should I make a snapchat for ya'll to follow along with? Especially while I'm traveling this summer...)

Yesterday on a whim I popped into Benefit's Brow Bar after stopping at Sprinkle's because they just opened up a store near me! My eyebrows were in need of a cleanup so I decided to see if they could do it! The woman who did my eyebrows was so nice and really quick (a big plus for me)! They even touched up my makeup a little for me on the way out! I'd highly recommend checking one out near you!







May Playlist


Fun fact: Yesterday I bought tickets to what I thought was Of Monsters and Men's show in NY next week only to realize after I purchased them that it was actually for a band called Of Mice and Men, which is a band that's definitely not my style.  Had to sell those on Stubhub real fast! 

Here's my playlist for the month! This is what I've been listening to non-stop while studying, so it might be helpful for those of you studying for finals (or APs!).

May 6, 2015

Get Graduation Ready

Graduation is just around the corner for many of you! I remember last year finding a dress was sort of difficult.  My school, and many others, required you to wear white so most of the options I have linked below are white but for those of you graduating from college you might be able to wear any color, which is why I have a few colorful options linked.

It's hard to believe that it's already been about a year since my high school graduation.   Freshman year of college has seriously flown by! Please excuse the shortness of this post! I'm in the middle of finals so blogging has been kind of put on the back burner while I focus on school work.  But don't worry, I'm still here! Just working away in the library :)


What did ya'll wear to your graduation? or if you're graduating this year, what are you planning on wearing?

May 5, 2015

Prom: My Experiences + Tips



Ah, Prom.  The big night you look forward to a lot of your teen/pre-teen years.  Everyone get's dressed up and looks perfect, so you can't wait to have your chance.  All the stress, rushing around, and prepping for just one night. While it may not be all it's cut out today, prom can be pretty fun.  Someone on tumblr (please send me your post requests!) asked me to do a post about prom, and here we are! My brother's prom is a week from this Friday and I'm really excited to go to the pre-party to be the one behind the camera this year.


May 4, 2015

How to Stay Focused During Finals

We're coming to the end of the semester (and the end of the year), which means just about everything seems to be wrapping up and you probably have a lot on your plate.  Between handing in end of semester projects, preparing for finals, and moving out of your dorm room, there's a lot going on.  Luckily this semester I only have to take two finals, but the pressure of moving out is definitely getting to me.


Head to the library. 
I know it can be a struggle to get out of your cozy bed sometimes, but working in the library instead of your room can make a big difference.  There's too many distractions in the space you sleep in.  The library I prefer to go to on my campus is very silent, which I've come to really appreciate.  It's nice that everyone is quiet and working away.  

Take study breaks. 
Make sure you're doing something to give yourself a rest every once and awhile.  Go to meals with friends so you can laugh and have some fun in between studying.  If you work endlessly without any sort of break you may be worn out sooner than you would be if you took some breaks! 

Find a unique study space. 
If the Library isn't for you (it's definitely not for everyone), find a quiet cafe or starbucks to study at! There's a little cafe not too far from me that's perfect for studying.  A lot of people go there to work, so all the tables are filled with people working away on their laptops.  It almost becomes a more social library! 

Get sleep! 
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get a lot of sleep the few days proceeding a big test.  You may feel like you're fine with only getting 5 hours of sleep a night, but it will effect you! You won't be as alert and you'll miss somethings that you could've gotten if you were fully alert!

Take a breath. 
As much as you want to get the best grade possible, it isn't everything.  Don't stress too much about doing well on one test.  Chances are you'll do great if you're confident in yourself! 

May 1, 2015

Friday Finds

Today has been a crazy week.  I "move in" to my storage unit (aka pick up the keys) tomorrow afternoon so I've been crazily trying to pack up a few things so that I can start moving things over.  I also have had a few last minute projects/assignments to do for all of my classes as the semester is coming to an end.  Finals start next week (gah!), so this weeks FF is a little short!

Zooey Deschanel's House

Oh my gosh, how perfect is Zooey Deschanel's kitchen? I'm obsessed! Apparently she's selling her home (why would you?!) and Refinery 29 has all the gorgeous photos! I'm ready to move in.  It's decorated so nicely and seems so cozy.

Lego Room

How cool is this guy's lego room? He takes the toy to a whole other level with a whole (completely organized) room dedicated to it.  I would love to spend a few hours in this room to see what I could create.  It's really awesome how lego has influenced his career!



 

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