OOPS I DID IT AGAIN: A HAUL

So...I may have been a little naughty, and a bought a few things recently. I always tell myself I'll save my money for more important things or use it for the big "ticket items." But, I find myself to be one of those shoppers that buys a few things here and there, and by the end of the month I realize what I've actually spent. There's just too many pretty things out there, and is it bad to say that after I've been shopping I'm excited to add items to what I call my "collection" (aka my closet, makeup organizer, jewelry organizer, etc)?

Shirt: Banana Republic  Skirt: Forever21  Wallet: Kate Spade

Purse: Vintage Gucci 

Clockwise: Mint Julep Masque, Urban Decay Setting Spray, OPI Polish in Passion,

Bobbi Pins, Lumene Vitamin C+ Day Lotion

I bought the small Kate spade wallet to go inside my smaller handbags. I usually tie my ID and cards together with a hair tie when my big wallet doesn't fit. However, I'm always worried they will fall out without me knowing so I constantly check my handbag (Yes, I worry about things like that). I thought it was finally  time to find a small wallet. 

Here is an up close picture of the wallet. In my photo it is difficult to see the bow details. There is enough room for an ID, a few cards, bills, and a zipper on the back for coins. Most small wallets I looked at did not have any space for coins, which makes no sense (If you use cash then one would think you need room for coins). I've been using the wallet for almost two weeks now, and I haven't gone back to my big wallet. It's just so light, and convenient. 

I hope you enjoyed my haul. If you would like a review of any items or more pictures leave me a comment. So what's been on your shopping list lately? 

A HOP, SKIP, AND JUMP AWAY FROM SPRING

As the end of winter nears, I know we all have spring on our minds. I just keep telling myself it's only a month away before I can pull out my favorite spring pieces. I don't know about you, but after New Years I'm pretty much ready to roll into the warmer months. Here are a few spring inspired items while we tolerate the rest of "winter"...


1. Sacai Luck Gingham Dress  2. Topshop Apricot Scalloped Hem Shorts  3. Burberry Prorsum Blouse  4. Tory Burch Miller Cork Sandals   5. Miss Selfridge Flower Pastel Chain Necklace 
6. Urban Decay Naked 3 palette  7. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Muggins   8. YSL Rouge Volupte in Lingerie Pink   9. Knights and Roses Dalia Crossbody in Light Blue

What are you excited about for the upcoming spring?

CHINO? YES, PLEASE!

With the warmer weather approaching I can't help, but get my mind off spring clothes. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of the cold (except for the holidays where it is more the merrier). My favorite clothing item/holy grail item for spring and summer is J Crew chino shorts. They come in various lengths from 3" for those who like to show some leg to 9" for the more conservative woman. I find 4" to be the perfect length between show some leg, but still remaining classy. Don't let the J Crew price tag scare you as J Crew is always having sales in stores and online (show a student ID in stores for 15% off). If that isn't good enough for you J Crew Factory also carries chino shorts. For the next decade I can't see myself buying any other shorts besides J Crew novelty or chino shorts...so I say it's life changing!

Pros:
-Often on sale
-Comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and a variety of lengths
-Great quality
-Easy to wear during the day and dress up at night

Cons:
-Wrinkles easily

My Collection: 

A Few Ways I Wear My Chinos:

Shirt: Honey Punch (Bought off Tobi) Necklace: Accessorize 

Shorts: Hot Pink J Crew Chino  Shoes: Cole Haan

Shirt: Kenar (Bought at Marshall's) Necklace: Etsy 

Shorts:Mint J Crew Chino  Shoes: Vince Camuto

Shirt: J Crew  Necklace: Charming Charlie 

Shorts: Navy J Crew Chino  Shoes: Tory Burch

NYFW S/S 2014 STREET STYLE

I find fashion show street style almost as fascinating as the fashion from the shows themselves. I love watching women bring out their finest clothes where you see the designer items and trends in a wearable way. The shows are for art and appreciation, where as the fashion show street style is for inspiration (at least for teary-eyed fashionistas who wish they were at the shows) *sigh*

All Pictures from Pinterest

FIRST AID BEAUTY

If you're a beauty addict like me you MUST have heard about the new cult products from First Aid Beauty. I admit I had heard about the brand in the past, but didn't think anything of it. I'm always researching the new skin product out there to make my skin glowing and fabulous, but the actually leap to buy the products is difficult. When you find a system that works for you switching (depending on the skin) can cause havoc. Who wants to voluntarily cause breakouts?

First Aid Beauty contains products for skin rescue, treats, and facial radiance. However, I've been hearing more about their facial radiance products from blogs, and beauty gurus (Many I've been following religiously for the past 5 years). I am 100% interested in trying a few products from the line, especially the facial radiance pads as an addition to my skincare routine. Have any of you tried this line before? Thoughts?

MOST TALKED ABOUT PRODUCTS:

Face Cleanser ($20)- Rich cream cleanser, clams redness, pH-balanced to help maintains skins natural pH balance

Ultra Repair Cream ($28)- whipped & non-greasy texture, works well for severely dry skin due to weather or skin conditions such as eczema, defends skin from free radical damage 

Facial Radiance Pads (28 pads $14, 60 pads $30)- daily renewal treatment; contains glycolic acid,  cucumber, Indian gooseberry, lemon, and licorice root

PROS:

-Alcohol Free

-Without parabens or sulfates

-Used for Sensitive Skin

-Decent price for "department" store priced skincare 

CONS:

-Doesn't contain salicylic acid so if you're looking for a harsher skin clearing product this might not be the one for you

-Only available in person at Sephora 

WHERE TO FIND:

-Sephora

-Amazon

-Ebay

LIVING THAT PREPPY LIFE

Taken from Pinterest

Over the last few years (or maybe even one year) my style has evolved. Previously, I would have described my style as girly and trendy. I was always more interested in staying on trend, and following what I saw in magazines or on the runway. Now I would describe my style as preppy with a twist or preppy chic (did I just make that up?). What I mean by preppy chic is classic pieces but with a youthful and trendy twist. A classic button down with a statement necklace or a conservative sweater with embellishment.

It's all about adding classic pieces than can be used for years to come, but adding some unique pieces that transform the outfit from traditional and conservative to still classy, but youthful.

I find it more important to buy pieces that I know I can carry with me throughout my 20's. My clothing has also become more conservative since high school. When I look back at pictures of myself in high school (cringe) I didn't always follow the rule of either showing off cleavage or legs. How did my mother let me out of the house?

Now don't get me wrong I don't dress like Mother Theresa. I'm still in my early 20's so might as well show off some of what "my momma gave me" before it's social unacceptable. I prefer medium length shorts and skirts (JCrew Chino 4" for a reference). I usually choose to show off my legs since I'm not comfortable with too much cleavage.

NUMBER 1 RULE: TAILORING!! I cannot stress this enough. Tailoring can take a less expensive outfit and make it look like it was made for you. Don't be afraid to get your clothes tailored.

Shopping: 
J Crew/J Crew Factory - The holy grail of preppy chic, 15% off with student ID, and continually having sales
Tory Burch
Nordstrom
Lilly Pulitzer
Kate Spade
Lacoste
Ralph Lauren
Asos.com
Tobi.com
Marshalls
TJ Maxx
Sail to Sable
Barbour
Ebay- Can find more expensive pieces for a great price
Forever 21 -I'm usually mixed about this store, I find the quality to be minimal. However, there are times when I find a quality piece with a great price...you HAVE to search
Zara- great for blazers or blouses
Bauble Bar

Bloggers/Youtubers Inspiration:
SarahBelle
Sarah Vickers
Blair Eadie
Krista Robertson
Emily (BowsandDepos)

Inspiration for Preppy Chic: