Birthday Outfit

Dress / Boots

On January 22nd, I turned 21! I can’t believe I am that old, oh boy.  When I was younger I felt like I was growing up slowly, but ever since I turned 18 the years have just flown by, which I’m not happy about.  But, it is exciting to be turning 21! On my actual birthday, my sorority had Bid Day, which was fun but really hectic! When I celebrated my birthday with my friends over diner last week, I decided to wear this outfit. 

I was eyeing this For Love and Lemons dress online for months, but my size was sold out.  A few weeks ago, I saw that it was back in stock in my size with just one left and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try it out.  I absolutely love it.  It’s very different from other dresses I own and I know I’ll get a lot of use out of it.  I love the detailing and the silhouette so much.  

I love these thigh high heeled boots that look a lot like the Stuart Weitzman boots, but are from Steve Madden! I love the Stuart Weitzman version but couldn’t justify spending so much on a heeled boot that I will probably only wear when I go out.  

Glossier Review

If you follow me on Instagram, or read last week’s recap post you probably know that I’ve recently hopped on the Glossier band wagon.  Glossier is a makeup and skincare brand that prioritizes keeping skin healthy.  It was hard to miss the their beautiful instagram and I was so excited when I received a few products for Christmas.  They don’t call it “cult beauty” for nothing.  After trying out the products I got for Christmas I really wanted to try more.  I was so excited to check out the showroom in New York last week, where they were selling all of their products so I got to pick up some new stuff. 

One of my friends texted me last week asking about the Glossier products because she too had seen them online and thought they looked interesting but didn’t know anyone who had actually tried them yet.  That made me realize that maybe many of y'all have been seeing Glossier products talked bout online, but didn’t know if they were really worth trying.  I’m hoping this review of the products I’ve tried so far helps you if you’re thinking of trying out the brand.  

Balm Dotcom This skin salve has been great because it’s really moisturizing and small enough o bring in your bag whereever you go.  I’ve been putting the salve on my lips and cuticles before I go to bed every night and they haven’t felt dry at all. 

Priming Moisturizer I love this product because it combines two products (or steps from my makeup routine) into one.  It’s extremely moisturizing without being sticky and the moisturizer settles into the skin quickly and nicely after applying.  I’ve been using this almost every morning after washing my face. 

Priming Moisturizer Rich This is a new product that was just released the day before I went to the showroom.  This is very similar to the normal Priming Moisturizer, but it;s a thicker more hydrating formula, plus it comes in a jar instead of a tube.  I’ve been using this after washing my face at night.  I want to point out that this also doesn’t get sticky or oily even if you apply a little too much.  

The Supers This is one of the things I was most excited to get from glossier.  The 3-pack of sereums (also available individually) work to purify, add bounce or glow. Honestly, I feel like they are a little disappointing.  I haven’t noticed a true difference when I use them versus when i don’t.  I’m still using them at night before I go to bed, but I can’t tell if they’ve really had any effect on my skin.  

Boy Brow I wasn’t planning on trying this product because I have tried Benefit’s version of this product and didn’t like it.  But I heard so many positive things about it, I thought I’d give it a shot.  I learned that the product was inspired by mustache wax and uses a similar formula rather than using fibers as many other eyebrow products like this do.  I am presently surprised with Boy Brow and I can see why so many people like it.  I think it does a great job of making your eyebrows look fuller rather than just darker.  

Milky Jelly Cleanser I was excited to try this cleanser and so far haven’t found it to be too special.  I don’t hate it, but I don’t think I’d repurchase it.  I use the St Ives Apricot Scrub whenever I’m in the shower, which is a pretty rough exfoliant.  This cleanser is the complete opposite of that, and well of course it is because it’s a cleanser, but when I use this product it feels more like I’m rubbing lotion across my face. It doesn’t really lather, but it did a good job of removing my makeup and cleaning my face, so I guess it does it’s job. 

Haloscope Highlighters are everything in your makeup routine these days.  I think that this highlighter is really fun and great if you’re looking for a dewy look as it isn’t a powder. It’s really moisturizing and obviously highlights your cheekbones or wherever you choose to put it. 

Perfecting Skin Tint I actually really love this foundation.  It’s perfect for days where you want to let your skin breathe, but don’t want to not wear anything.  I think this would be the best foundation for the summer since it’s so breathable and light, but I have enjoyed wearing it in the winter too.  If you like something that has full coverage or is build-able, this is not the foundation or you.  But if you’re looking for something natural and light, check it out! 

Cocoon Coat

Coat / Sweater / Sunglasses / Jeans / Boots 

This coat has been at J.Crew for a few years now and I’ve always had my eye on it.  Before Christmas I realized that I don’t have a coat like this.  I have other coats, but nothing that’s as thick as this an good for cold winters, which is why I was excited to receive this one for Christmas this year. I contemplated if I wanted the camel color of grey, and I’m really happy I ended up choosing the grey. I’ve worn it with a bunch of different outfits and it is very versatile and easy to wear.  

Eleuthera, Bahamas Travel Diary

Hammock at The Cove

I am excited to be talking about my trip to the Bahamas on the blog today! I was so excited to go on this trip because I had never been to the Bahamas before, but my Mom has been in love with the islands ever since she was younger.  After about three weeks in cold New Jersey I was of course ready to get somewhere warmer!

So Matcha Grey

Vest / Shirt / Jeans / Boots / Bag / Earrings / Sunglasses / Scarf

One of the places on my list to hit in the city was Cha Cha Matcha.  It's basically a shop dedicated solely to matcha and matcha flavored things.  The matcha latte was delicious and so was the matcha "doissant" (crossiant and donut). 

I mentioned earlier that I stopped by the Club Monaco outlet last week, where I found this vest on sale.  It's still available in the store so I linked it above.  I'm so happy I found it.  I don't have anything like this, but it's so comfortable and versatile!

My bag has been sold out for the past few months, but I've noticed it's back in stock! I haven't been able to find this exact style and pattern anywhere since I got it, but there's just one left on ShopBop's website! So, if you've been eyeing it, this may be your last chance to pick it up! I have loved using it because it perfectly fits everything I need! On this day, I was carrying my DSLR Camera, Polaroid Camera, Wallet and my phone! Can you believe all of it fit in there?

Dreamy Earrings

Gold Earrings / Light Pink Earrings / Bubble Earrings / Pearl Hoops 

Navy Tassels / Green Agate / Light Blue / Hot Pink

I love wearing statement earrings.  While sometimes overlooked, I think earrings can completely transform any outfit.  If you're wearing just a simple sweater and jeans and add one of these earrings to your look it becomes instantly elevated.  I get complimented pretty often on my earrings and frequently get asked to borrow some of my studs.  

I think a lot of people are afraid that such bright, colorful earrings may be too out there, but if you wear them with simple outfits you can certainly play it safe.  

Week 2/52

Going into the new year, I wanted to change up what I normally did for my Friday posts.  I've been keeping up with the "Friday finds" series for a few years and started to get tired of it, which is why my blog was quiet on a lot of Friday mornings recently.  While brainstorming what else I could bring to the blog on a Friday, I thought of sharing a weekly recap each week.  Looking back over my weeks for these posts will allow me to sit down and reflecting on what's happening while also inviting y'all to see a more personal side of me.

Unfortunately, getting a post for week 1 proved difficult because I was on vacation in the Bahamas where the wifi was just awful.  I really wasn't anticipating such bad wifi, so we'll have to get started with a post for week 2!

This was my last week at home before heading back to school for the semester.  I can't believe how quickly this break has gone and how used to having no obligations I've gotten, well at least not as many as I have while I'm at school.

On Tuesday I decided to make a trip to Woodbury Common Outlets, about an hour from my house.  One of my friends told me that there is a CLUB MONACO OUTLET a few weeks ago, yep a Club Monaco outlet!! I couldn't believe it.  Club Monaco is one of my favorite stores, but it's so expensive.  When I heard about this outlet location I had to go check it out.  Plus, Woodbury Commons is the best outlet center.  If you are in the New York area I would highly suggest making a trip.  They have everything: Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines, Steve Madden, St Laurent, AG Jeans, Burberry, Stuart Weitzman, etc.

I was really impressed with the selection at the outlet.  It was small, but they had a lot of inventory.  I even found a sweater vest I was about to purchase online for $100 less than what it's currently priced at.  I also found the craziest cashmere sweater that's sort of shaped like a zip up sweatshirt.  It's super cute and I ended up paying around $100 for it, but I saw the original price on the tag and nearly fainted.  $695! For a simple, thin sweater.  Crazy!

On Wednesday my Mom and I made a trip into the city per my request so that I could spend the day in New York one more time before spending the next few months back in Dallas.  I really wanted to stop at the Glossier Showroom (open to the public!) because after receiving a few Glossier products for Christmas, I've become obsessed. The showroom was beautiful and I was happy to pick up a few things like the highly praised Boy Brow, Haloscope, and the new Priming Moisturizer Rich.  If you want me to do a review on the products I've tried, let me know!

I head back to school this afternoon.  While I am so excited to get back to my friends, I always get pretty nostalgic when I leave home. As I've gotten further into my college career leaving home after each break gets a little bit harder because I know I don't have many more breaks at home left.  In a little over a year, I embark on my journey into the real world, where I won't be able to take a break and sit at home for months at a time.

Sorority Recruitment Outfit Guide

In just 12 days my sorority will be welcoming out 2017 pledge class! Everyone is so excited because we have been preparing all semester for rush week.  I'm extra excited because my 21st birthday is on bid day this year! Understandably, PNM's (Potential New Members aka the girls going through rush) tend to be nervous about a multitude of things, but outfits definitely rank high up there on things they're nervous about.  Each school should give a description of what they recommend girls wear each day, but it's still hard to figure out what you want to wear from that.

I'd strongly recommend wearing something that you feel confident and comfortable in.  You know that feeling when you're wearing a brand new outfit and you just feel great? Feeling that way during the week is a huge plus.  If you're not thinking about how uncomfortable your shoes are or that your jeans are digging into your sides, you can't make great conversation or leave a lasting impression.  If you're looking for tips for how to get through the week, here's a blog post I did on that.

Something a lot of people wouldn't think about, but can be a great ice-breaker and help you look great, is to focus on your accessories.  When I rushed I wore a bauble bar pearl tassel necklace and got complimented on it in nearly every house.  It was also a great way to start talking about my love for bauble bar, shopping, accessories, etc which is something I can talk about for ages and was a little bit different than the boring conversations about your major, what you did over winter break, or where you're from.

The schedule I'm referencing and attire guidelines are what my school, Southern Methodist University, gives so they may be different from your school, so you definitely want to check on what your Panhellenic program recommends.

Day 1: Open House "Wear your favorite SMU shirt. Wear jeans, khakis, or other casual pants and tennis shoes" On this day I wore an SMU t-shirt with jeans and riding boots.  I think I may have also worn a leather jacket over my t-shirt since it was cold and they allowed me to keep it on.  On this day, girls in sororities wear their jerseys and jeans.  The jeans I've linked below are my favorite jeans ever.  The material is really stretchy and comfortable because they're almost like jeggings.  I'm going to be wearing these during rush this year so that I'm not uncomfortable during the long days.

Day 2: Philanthropy PNMs are provided a panhellenic t-shirt and are recommended to wear jeans, khakis or tennis shoes again.  This day has a very similar dress code to the first day.  I think I wore the t-shirt, jeans, riding boots and a scarf just hung over my neck loosely.  Actives wear the same t-shirt in a different color and jeans.

Day 3: Sisterhood "Jeans, blouses, khakis, flats are all appropriate" I wore a skirt during this round last year with my over the knee boots.  Actives wear a blouse and a skirt or jeans.

Day 4: Preference Cocktail attire.  At my school they say to wear something you'd wear to church or to brunch with your family.  I ended up wearing this outfit last year, which was very comfortable and easy to move around in.  I'd recommend wearing a loose fitting shift dress with a high neckline, or at least something that isn't too provocative.  Actives all wear dresses on this day with heels.

Bahama Beachwear

December 2016 Favorites

I didn't have to focus on school very much for the majority of December, which was so nice.  The extra time I had that would normally be devoted to school work allowed me to discover and fall in  love with new things.  I'm thinking of starting a favorites series (if I can remember each month...) I love watching favorites videos on YouTube because it offers a glimpse at what someone's life was like a little bit over that month.

Here are my favorites for December 2016!

J.Crew Vail Parka I bought this coat early in the month and I wore it almost every day! I was so happy I purchased it (it's only $100) because it's very warm and looks cute.  Many coats hide a cute outfit, but I felt like this coat just enhanced everything else I wore!

Glossier Pink Pouches I got a few Glossier products for Christmas and they came with two of these pink bubble wrap pouches.  No big deal, right? Just small little pouches.  Weirdly, these things have worked their way up onto this favorites list! I've been using my pouches for just about everything.  To travel with my Glossier products (no spills!) and to even store all of my polaroid pictures! Side note: I wanted to put the glossier products I got on this list, but I really haven't gotten enough time with them yet to tell if I really like them or not!).

Madewell Flannel Pajama Shorts I looove flannel pajama bottoms.  I have three pairs of Vineyard Vines' flannel pajama pants, which I'm guilty of wearing even in the dead of summer.  I am so happy I now have a pair of flannel shorts, which are just as comfortable as my pants, but are a little more comfortable for warmer nights.  Although it's December, I've been wearing these non-stop!

New Year's Eve Outfit 2017

Top / Vest / Sunglasses / Bag / Jeans / Booties

Happy New Year!! Just a few days into 2017, but I'm already feeling great about what this year will hold.  While I wore this outfit for New Year's Eve, I think it's a great option for any exciting winter event.  I'm debating wearing this for bid day (which is later this month!!).  I was so excited to find this sequin top at Zara because it's of course very sparkly, but it's styled like a t-shirt so it's extremely comfortable.  I paired it with my old favorite Club Monaco feather vest.  Side note, I just found out that there's a Club Monaco outlet store (YES, you heard that right!!), just about an hour from where I live.  I think I need to make a trip up to the Woodbury Commons outlets before I head back to school. 

Resolutions for 2017

I'm so excited for 2017 to start.  I can't wait to see what will happen as the year unfolds and I'm ready to embark on some challenges and step outside of my comfort zone.  I felt like 2016 was a year where I didn't take chances or opportunities that were too outside of the box, so I want to take this year to capture those moments. 

Last night, I started a poll on twitter asking what kind of content you would like to see this year, and I was surprised to see that 40% of the people who responded said they'd like to see more personal posts.  Honestly, I'd like to write those posts as well. 

Dedicate more time to the blog.  I've found that as the semester starts to heat up, I have to move the blog to the back burner.  As much as it saddens me sometimes, school has to come first.  This year I want to allocate my time more efficiently so that I have enough time to be focusing on school and the blog. 

Work out three times a week. Who doesn't have some sort of health related resolution each year? Usually my resolution is pretty generic like, "be healthy", so this year I want to make it a little more defined.  This semester I'm a personal wellness class, which my school makes us take.  I'm doing "individual fitness," which I've heard is basically just a designated gym session twice a week.  Since I already knock out two of the three days with that class, I'm hoping getting to the gym for the one extra day won't be too hard. 

Wash my face twice a day, everyday. Sooo I don't wash my face every night and sometimes forget to take off my makeup... but I really want to make a point this year to take care of my skin.  I've been using Glossier products ever since Christmas and I've loved them! Let me know if you want to see a full review of the products I've tried! 

Take time to breathe. I want to spend more time consciously stopping for a moment to just breathe. No electronics, no phones, no internet, just for a few seconds.  I love those few moments where I really take a deep breathe and take in my surroundings, so I want to make an effort to do that more often.