Friday Favorites!

Summer officially ended this week with school starting on Monday. Although I have been getting to know a brand new school all week, it still feels a tad bit like summer. Then again, it could be from the continuous sunshine or the fact that I'm not in my normal college back in the U.S. Either way, here are some of my recent favorites!

Favorite Fall Fashion Inspiration

Photos above: Bows and Sequins / The Sweetest Thing Blog / Southern Curls and Pearls / Stephanie Sterjovski

Favorite Dream Closet

Favorite Food Inspiration: Chocolate Loving

Recipes above: Homemade Fudge Rounds - Handle the Heat / Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Pop Tarts - Half Baked Harvest / Oatmeal Butterscotch Chocolate Chip Cookies - Mels Kitchen Cafe / Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte - Half Baked Harvest

Favorite Moment: Cuves de Sassenage

Grenoble, France

What was a favorite yours this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Summer to Fall Transition Pieces

Items above: Lush 'Karly' Shift Dress / American Eagle Petal Back Sweater / American Eagle Jegging / J. Crew Chambray Shirt / American Eagle Cardigan / BP. 'Trolley' Ankle Bootie / Phase 3 'Pom Ringer' Infinity Scarf

The transition from fall to summer can cause mixed feelings for those who soaked up every minute of summer. While some scramble to get flannels and everything pumpkin, others (like myself) hang out to summer until the very last drop. However, the transition between fall and summer can be just a little bit easier by including some fashion pieces to your look that dabble, rather than plunge, into fall.

Shift Dress

A simple shift dress can be useful to you in many ways year round. Whether it's dressed up with a pair of wedges during the summer or dressed down with a comfy cardigan and boots, a shift dress can save you during those days when you don't know what to wear.

Light Sweater

Perfect for those late summer nights to cooler autumn days. A light sweater can give you warmth without feeling like your trapped in a thick layer of unnecessary fabric. Wear with a skirt during the summer while pairing it with skinny jeans during those cooler days.

Distressed Jeans 

Distressed jeans adds a laid-back feel as well as a bit of personality to any outfit. If you enjoyed wearing distressed jeans during those cooler summer days, swapping the sandals with a pair of riding boots and t-shirt for an oversized sweater will give you the perfect fall outfit.

Cardigan 

A long sleeved cardigan allows you to stretch the wear time of your tank tops through those chiller days when no-sleeves won't cut it, but you still want to wear that cute tank that you're not quite ready to let go and leave it behind with those long summer days.

Chambray Shirt

A chambray shirt is a great staple to have in any wardrobe, but especially during transitions between seasons. Whether it's buttoned or unbuttoned, a chambray shirt can provide added warmth to a look while giving the outfit the laid-back feel of summer.

Booties 

Booties are wearable year round, but are especially useful during the transitions to and from summer. Booties are the perfect shoes to pair with a sundress during the dog days of summer, while also being a perfect edition to a fall flannel and jeans ensemble.

Scarf 

Scarves are a great accessory to have in your wardrobe if you want a simple way to add detail to an outfit. Light scarves can be easily worn with your summer tops for some warmth to your outfit without overheating in an otherwise thicker scarf or coat.

Are you excited for fall?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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So It's Been a Week...

It's been a week since I last posted, and let me tell you, it feels like FOREVER. This past week has been the longest, but most exciting week yet. Throughout most of the week, I either had no adapter for my laptop charger or no wifi, causing me to not be able to use the internet, which in turn I ended up liking a little. Let me break the week down for you:

Saturday

Took a four hour drive up to the Seattle airport for London, since my airport doesn't make a direct flight. Although my study abroad is taking place in Grenoble, France, my study abroad program organized a trip to London where we could meet other students.

Sunday

After 9 hours in the plane and time zone changes, I arrived at the London airport early in the morning where I met other students in my study abroad program whom I didn't know before the trip. After meeting other students, the long day was made up of meeting other and exploring the town. Suffice to say, it was a long and exciting day filled with lack of sleep (went 30+ hours without sleep since I couldn't sleep on the plane) and lots of adrenaline.

Monday

Monday morning, the study abroad program organized a tour around London. Although we lucked out with sunshine the day before, Monday was filled with off-and-on typical rainy weather. We visited Buckingham Palace, The London Eye, The London Bridge, and the Tower of London. The rest of the day was spent exploring the streets near the place where we were staying and further getting to know our fellow students.

Tuesday

Tuesday was another long day, since it started with us having to leave the hotel at 4 in the morning to catch a plane to Lyon. At Lyon, we got on a bus for a one hour ride to Grenoble. After arriving at our hotel in Grenoble, we met for an orientation meeting to fill out paperwork and learn a little about the culture. After, we had a dinner filled with pasta and a dessert filled with a variety of French pastries, from tirimisu to cannoli. C'est très délicieux!

Wednesday

After a night of little to no sleep, Wednesday felt fairly long. Although much of the day was filled with orientations and information, the rest of the day was left to explore the city!

Thursday

Thursday was definitely the most stressful day of the week. Most of the morning and afternoon was comprised of taking a placement test for the French classes at the university. After a stress filled day of testing, in the evening we all met our host families whom we would be staying with for the rest of the semester.

Friday

Most of Friday was once again spent at the University. We took tours of the gorgeous campus and found out the results of our placement tests. The rest of the day was spent to further explore the city and have fun around town.

Saturday

Saturday was a "free" day with no activities planned by the program. In the morning, my host mother kindly showed me around the city. The rest of the day was further filled with exploring the city and of course lots of eating and shopping!


So there's a very brief and vague breakdown of the week and why I haven't had time to post. I am planning on doing a weekly post at the end of the week to hopefully update on some of the shenanigans throughout the week. More fashion/beauty posts will be posted soon!

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Friday Favorites!

I can not believe I'm saying this, but today was my last day of summer! I know, I would normally want to avoid the idea of summer ending, but tomorrow I'll be heading off to the airport to board a plane to Europe for study abroad! I'm excited as well as very nervous and anxious for the unexpected. Here are some of my favorites pieces of inspiration!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration

Outfits above: The Style Bungalow / Hello Fashion Blog / Stephanie Sterjovski / Niomi Smart

Favorite Food Inspiration: Peach Lovin'

Peaches are one of my favorite fruits and they're best now since they are in season. Here are the recipes above: Peach Crumble Bars - As Easy As Apple Pie / Fried Mozzarella and Caramelized Peach Caprese Burger - Half Baked Harvest / Three Cheese Peach and Prosciutto Pizza - Cooking Classy / Crispy Peach Cobbler - Smitten Kitchen

Favorites Little Change: Chopping Off Some Locks

Favorite Piece of Home

Source

What was a favorite yours this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Everyday Work Makeup

As someone who likes to keep their makeup on the natural side, finding a quick routine on work day mornings was not impossible. During the days that I work, I get up at 6 am and then hope to leave the house no later than 6:40. Since I appreciate sleep too much, the time that I have to get ready is limited. The look that I usually wear may be more or less makeup than that typically worn by others for work, but I find that this look takes me about 10 minutes to achieve.

I start my makeup look by first applying the Urban Decay Primer Potion across my lids. Although I don't wear eyeshadow to work, my eyelids get oily throughout the day, so an eyeshadow primer helps prevent this oiliness. After I curl my lashes, I then line the outer half of my upper lash line with a dark brown eyeshadow from the Maybelline The Nudes Palette, keeping the line very thin. After eyeliner, I'll apply the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara on my upper and lower lashes to separate my lashes and add volume.

I have horrible under eye bags, so applying a concealer under my eyes is key. I blend the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (review here) under my eyes and then blend the concealer on any blemishes I have that day. I will then go into brows, which I keep fairly simple by running the Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara (review here) through my brows to shape and set my brows in place.

I always wear sunscreen as a base, which is often overlooked by many, but is important for the obvious consequences of sunlight. Next, I'll add a touch of NYC Sunny Bronzer (review here) to the hollows of my cheekbones, temples, and down my jawline to help my face look more alive. After the bronzer, I finish the look by brushing the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder on my eyelids, under my eyes over the concealer, forehead, and on the rest of my t-zone. And volia! In ten minutes or less, I'm done with makeup, ready to grab breakfast and head out the door.

Do you do your makeup differently for work?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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10 College Essential Wardrobe Pieces

Items above: 1. J.Crew Knit Tee / 2. Tart Adair Jersey Dress / 3. Forever 21 Knit Open-Front / 4. PRESS Military Jacket / 5. H&M Purl-knit Sweater / 6. ASOS Biker Jacket / 7. Forever 21 Ribbed Cardigan / 8. American Eagle Skinny Jeans / 9. Aerie Leggings / 10. J.Crew Pleated Skirt

September is right around the corner and the school year is approaching, which for many of us means the start or return to college. Figuring out what to bring to college can be overwhelming and stressful, especially when it comes to clothing. When you have to fit your clothes into a closet three feet long, sometimes not all of your clothes will make the college-cut. However, you can easily stretch your wardrobe by bringing some basic essentials that can be worn year-round and dressed up or down.

1. Basic Tee. Whether it's for lounging around during lazy weekend or dressed up with a necklace for a night out, a basic v-neck tee is a must for those who are looking for versatile pieces. Although my musts are neutral black and white tees, having other colors is an easy way to add color to your wardrobe.

2. Little Black Dress. This one is probably no surprise. You've probably all heard that a little black dress is must, but it is honestly a great piece to add to your wardrobe. It will be convenient having a go-to dress that will work for most expected or unexpected occasions that requires more formal wear.

3. Blazer. Just like the little black dress, a classic, go-to blazer is the perfect staple to transition from a professional to less-professional ensemble. A classic blazer can last you for years, making it a piece that can be carried with you beyond college.

4. Versatile Jacket. A versatile jacket that transitions nicely from summer to fall is an essential in every college wardrobe. A lighter (or heavier) grey or green jacket is perfect for class and goes with nearly every outfit.

5. Oversized Sweater. Nothing says comfy like a good oversized sweater. Oversized sweaters hits the spot by adding warmth while being stylish paired with scarf and boots.

6. Leather Jacket. A (faux) leather jacket may not be everyone's style, but for those who want to add a clothing piece with personality to their look, a leather jacket is the way to go. A leather jacket can dress up any outfit and like the other jackets mentioned in this post, it can easily be worn throughout the school.

7. Cardigan. Cardigans are the perfect way to stretch your wardrobe and wear tank tops and short-sleeves into the fall and winter. There are also currently various styles of cardigans in stores, so you are most likely bound to find that fits your needs and style.

8. Dark Wash Skinny Jeans. Classic and go with anything. Dress the jeans down for classic with a comfy sweater or dress them up with a cute top and heels. Dark wash skinny jeans are a great piece to have in your wardrobe if you want something practical and can be worn to almost any occasion.

9. Leggings. A pair (or multiple pairs) of leggings are a great essential to have in college, since they are not only comfortable, but also worn in various ways. Wear them while being comfortable in your dorm room or dress them up with a sweater and tucked into boots. What more can you ask?

10. Skirt. A solid skirt is a great piece to have in your wardrobe if you want a piece that transitions smoothly from day to night. Whether it's a pencil or skater skirt, a simple skirt can also stretch your wardrobe by being easily worn throughout the year.

What is a must have in your wardrobe?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Friday Favorites!

Where did this week fly by? I feel as if it's still Monday and I'm beginning to plan out the rest of my week. Although it doesn't feel as if it's quite the weekend yet, I'm pretty glad that I can sleep in tomorrow and start a fresh weekend. Here are some of my recent favorites!

Favorite Fashion Inspiration: Light and Dark Distressed Denim

From top left: Southern Curls and Pearls / Pink Peonies / Crystalin Marie / The Sweetest Thing Blog

Favorite Hair Inspiration: Twisted Bun

Lulu's

Food Favorites

Made all four recipes this week and loved them! From top left: Banana Bread - Averie Cook / Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake - Half Baked Harvest / Lemonies - Mels Kitchen Cafe / Blueberry Muffins - Cooking Classy

Favorite Moment

Earlier this week, my family and I took a day trip down to a lake appropriately named Lost Lake to go canoeing. Although the high was in the 90's, the lake was beautifully surrounded by trees with a gorgeous view of the mountain, making canoeing against a wind bearable.

What was a favorite moment of yours this week?
I would love to read it in a comment below!

Thank you for reading!

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Get the Look: Gigi Hadid Inspired Summer Makeup Look!

Photo Credit

Gigi Hadid has been making her way in modeling over the past few years, quickly being the new "it" girl in the modeling world. Gigi is becoming increasing known for her laid back street style (post here), but along with taking inspiration from her effortless style, her natural makeup looks are the perfect inspiration for either long summer days or for back to school. Gigi's look often incorporates light champagnes or golds in her makeup, giving her a beachy glow while still remaining natural. Continue reading to see how to recreate her look!

MAC Eyeshadow in 'All That Glitters' / Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Vanilla" / Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner / Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

1. Champagne-Gold Eyeshadow. Apply the eyeshadow, such as MAC's 'All That Glitters' (review here) all over the lid and into your crease.
2. Light Champagne Eyeshadow. Apply the eyeshadow, such as the Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Vanilla" to the inner corner of your eyes to brighten the eye area.
3. Black Liquid Eyeliner. Gigi Hadid often wears winged eyeliner and to create this look, apply an eyeliner from the inner corner of the upper lash line to the outer corner. Make sure to start the line thin, making the liner thicker towards the outer corner. Extend the eyeliner on the outer corner, making a small wing.
4. Black Mascara. Apply mascara to your top and lower lashes

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer / Bobbi Brown Blush in "Nude Peach" / Stila 'Sheer Color' Tinted Moisturizer / Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder

1. Tinted Moisturizer. Gigi does not seem to often wear wear layers of foundation, so keep it natural with a tinted moisturizer or concealer.
2. Bronzer. To recreate Gigi's 'Califorinian Girl' look, apply a bronzer with a fluffy brush lightly to wear the sun natural hits your face, such as the hollows of your cheek bones and temples.
3. Peach Blush. Add to the natural look by applying a peach blush, such as the Bobbi Brown Blush in "Nude Peach" on the apples of your cheeks.
4. Illuminator. Create her glowy look by applying a highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones

Finish the look with a Nude-Pink Lipgloss, such as the NYX Butter Gloss in "Tiramisu".

Do you like a natural look?

Thank you for reading!

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