Best of Beauty 2016

This is my last post of 2016! Hard to believe that the year will be over in a blink, but so it goes like this every December. Similar to my round-up of style last week, I wanted to share my favorite beauty products that I reached for time and time again. I hope this gives you some ideas if you're wanting to try new products. I recommend these to anyone! If you have any specific questions, feel free to leave them below and I will be happy to give a detailed description.

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Faux Fur

Wearing //

H&M sweater

Express jean leggings

Sole Society fur scarf and pumps

Michael Kors bag

Beauty //

Benefit Balm

When I think about taking these photos, I can't help but smile and laugh! You all must know by now that Nate takes my pictures, and I wouldn't have it any other way. In the past, I've thought about hiring a pro, but number 1) I can't afford a pro 2) I wouldn't feel comfortable posing for anyone else and 3) my blog is small and I want to keep it that way.

 I truly dislike being in front of the camera. Hey, before you roll your eyes and state the obvious, relax. I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's the honest truth! Even taking selfies with my best friend involves her coaxing me, a snap filter of some sort, and usually a few drinks. Because whenever I take pictures, I feel like I'm back in high school and it's prom season. 

I've come a long way though, since I can now comfortably go out in public for these. But I always keep certain things in mind: What do I do with my hands? How can I make each photo look different? Am I capturing the outfit and its details properly cuz Lord knows I'm not a skinny mini model and I don't need you staring at my gut thinking "I wonder if she's pregnant yet?" For the record, I've been asked that on here before, and no I am not. I just like cheese. 

This particular "shoot" I couldn't stop laughing because Nate was cracking jokes the entire time and I felt like a fool wearing the faux fur stole. I do like it, and I really think it'll look beautiful tucked into one of my trench coats. But it's definitely not something I'd normally wear, and I kept taking it on and off, trying to decide if it was going to translate well in photos. I think it does, but I'll leave you to decide...

 I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

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Best of Style 2016

Since the year is quickly coming to an end, I wanted to showcase some of my favorite style moments of 2016. I'm no Rachel Zoe, so I guess having a "style moment" sounds silly, but hey, that is why most of you stop by right?

This year, I definitely was a repeat offender. I wore so many pieces over and over again - I have found that having a smaller selection in my closet helps me get ready in a pinch, and I know that everything fits relatively well (with the exception of a few things that are too snug but can't let go of just yet). It's hard being a style blogger today and NOT giving in to every sale, promotion, or outfit that another blogger is wearing, but I'm at the point where having too much clutter isn't good for me. I don't want to rely heavily on possessions to make me happy; rather I'm working towards finding that within. It's a novel concept. Although I love having this space to share my finds, I think it's important to take it with a grain of salt. I know you understand.

Laura explains this better than I can. 

Anyway, some discoveries of keeping a style record in 2016:

1. Favorite color combinations

• Blue and white
• Olive and white
• Red as an accent

2) I really like black pumps. I own four different pairs.

3) I have about ten pairs of jeans in my closet, but really only wear half of them regularly.

4) Little dresses are my "thing"

5) Little bags are also my "thing"

6) Fit and flare styles flatter my body best, since I'm slightly smaller on top than I am on the bottom.

7) I wear the same sunglasses too often! I promise I have eyeballs. I think most of you know that but I'll try to skip them more often in the future.

8) My style is really simple, bordering on...boring?

I plan on doing a round-up next week of my favorite beauty finds this year, so stay tuned for that! I also have a few more outfit posts planned. I just wanted to get this up before things get too hectic! Have a Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and I'll see you back here on Monday. 

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