New In: Sézane Bag

If you've been reading here for any length of time, I think you'll know how much I love a good handbag. I tend to splurge on them because I see a bag as more of an investment rather than clothes or even shoes. A beautiful bag can transform your look, and with careful consideration, it can last for years to come.

 I've been on the hunt specifically for a black shoulder bag with gold hardware. I always have criteria in mind and this time was fairly simple: easy to get in and out of (no front flap or cumbersome details), no big logos, medium in size, and above all, polished enough for everyday use.

Enter the French brand Sézane, which I have fallen completely in love with thanks to some of my favorite bloggers. Do yourself a favor and take a look at their site. So much inspiration! Introducing the "abelle".

Abelle bag

It has such an elegant look without being overstated. Zip top closure, brushed rounded gold chain that's incredibly light, feet on the bottom, outside and inside pocket, suede and leather body - It really is everything I wanted. Shipping only took a week. I had never heard of Sézane until the Summer, but now I want it all!

What do you ladies think? Have you made any exciting handbag purchases for Fall?

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Polka Dot Swing Dress

I'm loving the polka dot trend! Wait, are polka dots a trend? It seems like a fairly classic print to me, although it comes around every couple of years.

Wearing //

Old Navy dress

Sam Edelman pumps

Elizabeth Stone ring, similar

Stella & Dot studs

Beauty //

Lips in NARS "Sex Machine"

A swingy little dress like this is a curvy girl's dream. The jersey fabric feels as soft as pj's, but it's great for work and play. I love this style in particular because the silhouette skims the body in all the right places and allows for lots of movement. You can dress it up with pumps, or dress it down with ankle boots and flats. Pick your favorite accessories and you have a complete outfit you probably won't want to take off!

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm tackling my to-do list one item at a time and am feeling productive! After taking a couple weeks off from yoga, I'm back at it tonight. I can see why people get addicted - it really does have an impact on me, more so mentally than physically which is what I need. If your mind isn't in the right place, it affects your entire well-being.

I'll be back on Thursday with a fun post on my new Fall/Winter bag so be sure to come back then!

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L'Oreal Paris: Stand-out Products

These products were sent courtesy of L'Oreal Paris. All opinions expressed below are my own and I was not compensated in any way. 

As most of you may know, L'Oreal was generous enough to gift me with a PR package a few months back that included their newest products of 2017. I've been playing around and testing them since, and these are the stand-outs that I will (and have) purchased with my own money. Read on for my thoughts!

1) Infallible Pro-Glow 24 hour foundation: This light-weight foundation matches my skin to a T. I've always been reluctant to buy drugstore foundation because the color match is usually all wrong, and the formulation can be hit or miss. This foundation is probably best suited for drier skin, as it definitely promotes a dewy appearance. It's very watery in consistency, but it's also buildable. I shake mine before applying it with a damp beauty blender. My skin looks instantly more radiant, as well as moisturized. In fact, because it has SPF 15, I think it's perfect as a tinted moisturizer.

2) Pure-Clay Cleanser: This is the most incredible feeling cleanser I've ever used, and I've tried a few over the years. You know when you get a facial and the esthetician paints on a layer of green mud? Or at least that's what mine does! It feels exactly like that...like you're at a spa and getting a real full-blown treatment. L'Oreal has three different types and I like them all! This is currently the one I am using, meant for more glowing skin (notice a trend?)

3) Pure-Clay Mask: This is a great mask for getting rid of blackheads and other blemishes. It also banishes oil. Feels and smells amazing on and then rinses to a squeaky clean.

4) Voluminous Lash Primer: I had tried this before, and when I was sent the package I was thrilled because mine had almost run out. I never thought a lash primer would actually help with building volume, but it really does! I look like I'm wearing falsies when I apply a thin layer before using the next product...

5) Lash Paradise: You can read my thoughts in this post. One thing to note that I didn't mention - although I love this mascara for its volumizing and lengthening effect, I had to purchase another one because it dried up too quickly. That's the only downside. Otherwise, it's the only mascara I'm wearing and I don't plan on changing that. If I do, I'll let you know.

6) Brow Stylist Shape & Fill: I can't rave enough about this! I've used brow pencils in the past from different brands, but I wasn't crazy about any of them. What I love about this pencil is that it has an angled tip which allows for precise control. I just sweep it on the sparse areas where I need color the most. The spoolie on the other end of the pencil is an actual brush, not some plastic wand that barely does anything. Brush hairs, apply the product, then brush again. It lasts all day.

If you have any questions, I'm here to help. I've been swearing by these for quite awhile now 😊

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My Favorite Cardigan

Wearing //

Love Street cardigan

LOFT tank

Express jeans on sale

Sole Society pumps, similar here

Loeffler Randall bag

Gorjana rings

Stella & Dot bar necklace and bangle

C.Henry necklace

True story about my favorite cardigan (and I might have mentioned it before) but this is actually my second one. No, not because I'm crazy and wanted another but because Nettie unfortunately had a "bad dog" moment and ruined my first. I gave in as she stared up at me with those big sad puppy dog eyes. She knew she was in trouble. Anyways, I tried to forget about it but when I saw that it had been restocked for Fall, I ordered it! It's the softest knit in the prettiest color. I do wish it were a bit more fitted but that loose oversized feel makes it extra cozy. I love taking a chunky sweater and pairing it with leggings or denim. It's perfect for running around town when you still want to look put-together. Most of what I'm wearing is recent so you should be able to find them if you're interested! I hope you guys have a great day. 

My thoughts and prayers are still with those in Las Vegas, as well as Puerto Rico. It's difficult to blog about trivial things when so much pain is around us. The best thing we can do is express love to one another. 

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