By now I'm sure we all can agree this cold weather has got to go. Being in Dallas we haven't experienced it quite like other areas, but I sure do miss patio weather. I can't help but dream of a sitting on a beach in Mexico!
In effort to make winter more bearable, Austin and I decided to plan a little "Winter Escape" in February. I'm heading to Cabo to work on a project for The Teacher Diva, but we decided to extend the trip a couple days and make a little getaway out of it.
Just as I’ve been counting down the days until this little trip, I’ve also been planning out my packing list. The thing I love about traveling to the beach is that you really don’t need much. I try to keep my packing limited to these essentials:
SWIMWEAR
What is a trip to the beach without fabulous (and affordable) swimwear? I am in love with these suits from Modcloth. I can't get over this Pastel One-Piece Swimsuit. The colors are so beautiful and I love the way it fits (I am always a fan of a cute one-piece)! I also found this high-wasted Two-Piece that will look great with my fringed and lace coverup. Speaking of coverups, I have been looking for a white ...
Plaid Details
It's no secret, I have been loving capes this season. You've seen me wear them many times on the blog (here and here are a few of my favorites), but it just goes to show how versatile this layering piece can be. I love to layer capes with chunky sweater, tunics or in this case, a simple white button down shirt.
Did I mention this cape is actually reversible? That's right, you can choose to wear the plaid side or keep it all black. This was such a great find for only $60. I found a ton of other great options linked below all under $100.
Thanks for stopping by and thank you so much for the sweet comments and emails about our home tour! You guys are truly the best. xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Topshop Reversible Cape |
Our Home Tour
Today, I’m excited to share a project that Austin and I have been working very hard on for the past several months.
Austin and I purchased our first home two and a half years ago. After months of looking, we finally found one we fell in love with. Coming from a tiny 700 square foot apartment, we felt a bit overwhelmed after realizing we had to fill it with something besides a hand-me-down bed and a Craigslist couch. So after several months of planning, hard work, and saving, Austin and I finally feel cozy at home. And we are so excited to share it with all of you! We are very pleased with how everything turned out and we couldn't have done it without the help of our dear friend and designer, Jessie Russell. ...
Skin Care in 3 Easy Steps
When it comes to skin care, I like to stick to a daily and nightly routine. However, that has not always been the case. For years, I struggled with problem skin, and looking back on it, I was totally the cause.
I hate to admit it, but I used to be pretty lazy when it came to washing my face. Each night I would use a face wipe (thinking it would take off all of my makeup) followed by night cream. And in the morning, I would use face wash with my trustworthy Clarisonic (which I love). I thought I was doing everything right yet was left confused as to why my face was still suffering from surface breakouts.
My dermatologist told me that while the face wipes are great for the girl on the go, they do not clean your skin entirely nor do they remove all of your makeup...(!) She really stressed the importance of having a strict routine and using a cleanser that took off every trace of makeup.
A few months ago I had the opportunity to try this brand new skin care line by bareMinerals, called Skinsorials. I've used their makeup since high school. so I knew it had to be great, but I was anxious to see if the skin care really lived up to all of the hype. The Skinsorials line has a handful of cleansers and
Black & White Spots
If there's one blouse you need to own, it's this Tiered Tunic by Maeve. I love longer tops, so it's no surprise I found this one last week when checking out Anthropologie's 40% Off Sale. Unfortunately, this wasn't on sale, but it was too good to pass up. I actually want to buy it in white and another print!
For an office look, simply pair this tunic black pants (I also love these white trousers) . If you want a little more color, I found these green pants that would look adorable with this top. I love the idea of pairing this with a Nude Pump or keeping it comfy is a pair of flats.
If you're looking for something a little more casual, I opted to pair it with my Current Elliot Jeans and Nine West Purple Flats. This Wool Moto Jacket is (finally) on sale, and I can't help but get excited to wear this through winter and early spring. I love winter whites and this coat is beautiful (and ...
Valentine’s Gift Guide
With Valentine's Day just a few weeks away, I wanted to share with you some of my favorite gifting ideas for him or her. I know how tricky it can to find the perfect gift, so I reviewed some of my recent buys that could be a great option for you (or him).
Austin and I always laugh about Valentine's Day (and maybe you can relate) because in college I always tried to "make" his gift. Because every college guy wants a stuffed bear or a photo collage right? Well, I remember buying him a stuffed Koala (it was an inside joke) and I painted a heart on it's tummy and wrote "Be Mine" on the heart. I also included a photo of us with an obnoxious amount of heart stickers that went around the frame and all over the card. Subtle right? I knew he was a keeper when he kept it on his desk in a house full of other boys. Ha!
We always laugh about those gifts, but love looking back on those memories. We still have those hand made gifts saved in our memory box! To this day, I always try to make him a little something in addition to his actual gift. I guess it brings out the inner 1st grade teacher in me!
Below are a few of my favorite practical gifts. I included items at all price points, but for more options, be sure to check out this Valentine's Gift Shop at Nordstrom.
Happy shopping and thanks so much for stopping by! xx
Escape the Cold
Hi guys! As promised, here is a warm weather guide perfect for those who are getting to escape the cold and jet set off to somewhere warm. While I am a little jealous, I wanted to partake in your exciting adventure and share some of my favorite warm weather essentials. There are so many new sandals, swim suits, and coverups out right now that I can't help but get a little excited for warmer weather.
Happy shopping! xx
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Instagram Lately .06
I am happy to bring back a new instagram roundup featuring some of my recent instagram images. It's been a while since I've posted one of these roundups, but I've had a few requests to bring this series back, so I wanted to include some of my recent favorite photos. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions!
Thanks for reading xx
plaid cape (reversible!) | black leggings (fit: tts // these are the best and most flattering pair I've tried) | black boots | turtleneck sweater (fit: tts, follow US sizing in parenthesis) | necklace | clutch | sunglasses
strappy flats (fit: size up, I normally wear an 8, but I went up to the 8.5) | denim | bag | cardigan | top (old, similar here)
Blush & Grey Details
Today's post is short and sweet, but I wanted to share that this grey and white scarf (or wrap, depending on how you wear it) is on sale at Club Monaco. I found this little gem with my Mom last week, and I feel in love with how soft it was and the size. It's perfect for wearing as a traditional scarf, or thrown over your shoulder as a wrap. Looking forward to wearing this many times with the colder weeks ahead! PS: My turtleneck is also on sale!
A few of you have been asking for sandal recommendations and swimsuit (!) suggestions (I can't believe it's time to start thinking about switching seasons) so I will do a little round up this week. Some mentioned going on a beach getaway...I'm super jealous! I would love to take a break from this cold weather. Anyways, be on the lookout for a Warm Weather guide coming later this week.
Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Monday xx
OUTFIT DETAILS: Club Monaco Blanc De Blanc Scarf | Nordstrom Turtleneck (fit: wearing a small, it fits oversized) | AG Denim ( fit: tts, love these jeans!) | Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Medium Tote Bag | Chanel Flats (identical
Effortless Waves Tutorial
Happy Friday! One of my favorite (and easiest) ways I like to style my hair, is by throwing in a few loose waves. And while I love curls, waves are definitely my go-to look for an easy, every day style. Many of you have requested more hair tips & tutorials, so I'm excited to kick off 2016 with my most requested tutorial; tousled waves.
Here's to happy, healthy hair!
To achieve this look, simply start with clean, damp hair. I have been using the Nexxus New York Salon Care Color Assure Regimen and have been very happy with the results. I find myself to be pretty picky when it comes to hair products (aren't we all?) and this regimen has worked wonderful for my hair. It's so important to use a sulfate free shampoo when you have color treated hair. Here, you can read more hair tips for color treated hair.
PREP
Before blowdrying, use Nexxus New York Salon Care Oil Infinite Nourishing Hair Oil on towel dried hair. This stuff is the bomb. It ...
