12.12.2014


I've recently received a couple reader emails about my current hair routine. To say these types of emails are incredibly sweet and flattering are an understatement, because I really don't do much and I HATE doing my own hair! I really think a lot of it has to do with genes. Mine is as frizzy and unruly as my dad's (thank you for that Mr. man)

I haven't changed things up too much, but I do want to let you know the products I swear by. First, let me say that my hair is naturally wavy, but not the "pretty mermaid" kind. I have a ton of it, but the actual texture is very soft and fine. I wash it every two days, and can't go any longer because that's just a personal preference. I have friends who wash theirs every day, and I have some that can go up to four. I think it depends on your hair's texture. It also depends on your lifestyle. Every two days is perfect for me. So that's the back story. You ladies know I chopped it early this year after frying it during and after my wedding and honeymoon. I felt a new sense of self after getting married, and I wanted my outer appearance to reflect that, however slight the change might have seemed.

                                                                                 Before:





After:




So as you can see, the color is still the same. My hair is naturally pretty dark, but I do darken it up with all-over color about two or three times per year to keep it rich. If it ever looks lighter, it's either the sunlight or it's faded a bit. My color holds a lot of red.




Products I use:

 Clear Total Care shampoo/conditioner. 
You can buy it at any drugstore, it smells amazing, and it's really whipped my dry scalp into shape. It does contain sulfates, which was something I was against for a long time, but now that I don't color my hair very often, I really don't mind. It's also super affordable. 



Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 
I use this about once per week for extra moisture. It really helps to soften my ends and eliminate extra frizz. Don't get me wrong, my hair is still frizzy as Hell even after using this, but it's less so.

I mentioned the Aveda Volumizing Tonic a few weeks back, and it really is the lightest but most effective volumizer I've ever tried. 
It really adds some natural body to my fine hair without weighing it down too much. 


TRESemme Keratin Smooth Treatment
I only use this when I want super straight locks. It really works, to my own surprise! It sounded like a gimmick to me, but I tried it using a coupon and I really enjoy it. It works with the heat of your straightener. I use a GHD by the way, and have for years now. Before that, I loved my Chi. Both are great if you're in the market for one. I don't curl my hair very often, maybe just a couple times per month. I have a Hot Tools for that. And I'm laughing because I just realized that my hair is all curls in the pictures above!


Fekkai Glossing Cream
My all-time favorite for shine and smoothing after I finish styling my hair. If you haven't tried it, you need to.





Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
My friend introduced me to this, as well as many of you beauty bloggers who convinced me I needed it. There's a wonderful salon in my area that sells it exclusively, so it's quite convenient (albeit expensive). It's really pricey, but worth the volume it provides. Nothing makes my hair bigger than this. Not that I have big hair at all, but it does reach the ceiling until I smooth it down with a brush!





So this seems like a lot, doesn't it? I don't feel it in my routine though, probably because I don't use these on a daily basis. I hope this helps any of you who are interested in new products. I can attest to the quality of them all. 
As you read this, I'm looking like a boho queen in Hawaii. Or at least I hope I am! I didn't pack really any of these products. Nope, just random minis I found at CVS. I like to go au natural when I'm by the beach :)

12.09.2014





Wearing //
Sole Society booties (last year), similar style and color


This little trench coat was almost perfect when I received it in the mail during all of the crazy sales. Almost. The sleeves were too long, so I took it to my tailor and she was able to shorten them for me. I'm so happy she did. Gone are the days when I rolled up everything! Before I met my tailor, I would just deal with extra material by cuffing sleeves and rolling up jeans. I didn't mind so much back then, but now that I'm older and the college days are in the rear-view mirror, I feel sloppy rolling up my coats. I'd rather pay a little extra because I know that means I'll actually wear the piece more often.

How are you ladies doing this week? I'm getting ready to hop on a plane with my best friend and I feel obnoxious saying that I'm headed for Hawaii again. Six days, five nights on Oahu. I've never been to that island, so I'm very excited to explore and compare it to Maui. I'm still going to post maybe one or two more times while I'm away, but just know that I might be a little silent on your blogs until I get back. Don't forget to check with my fellow bloggers tomorrow when the Express gift card winner is announced! I'll probably post something on Instagram since I won't be sitting behind my computer.

12.05.2014




Wearing //
J.Crew Factory necklace, love this too
Elizabeth Stone bracelet (formerly Oia Jules)



These pictures were taken on Thanksgiving. We actually didn't celebrate with family until a few days later, but it was nice to relax at home just the two of us for the first time...well ever. Since we didn't do much other then listen to music, cook for ourselves, and play with Nettie, I didn't feel like dressing up either. Honestly, I could have lounged in PJ's all day. This outfit was the next best thing. Comfortable, and most importantly, clean! I forgot to do laundry last week so I worked with what I had. I'm still enjoying my Express buys, in particular the green portofino. It's such a beautiful shade that the camera really doesn't do it justice. The next day, we went for a hike in San Diego at Torrey Pines. We deliberately went late so that we could watch the sunset overlooking the ocean. How gorgeous was it? No filter folks, just God's beauty at work. I love watching surfers. Although the water looked cold, I bet they felt blissful out there. 


~ Happy Friday ~

12.03.2014




Yes, I had to do a twirl. And yes, I looked ridiculous. 


Wearing //
Express twill moto jacket (comes in other colors)
Express cami (also in many colors)
Vince Camuto Pumps, Similar
J.Crew Factory clutch, Similar

Beauty //




Windy Autumn days call for swaths of pleated chiffon. Just make sure the skirt is long enough, as to avoid any embarrassing "accidents". My midi skirt curiosity continues, so I decided to order one from the petite line off of the Asos website. I figured it would be the perfect length, but it's actually quite a bit longer than I had anticipated. I've had it in my closet for over a month, contemplating daily whether I should take it to the tailor's shop for a hem. I decided against it, although I'm still unsure. What do you ladies think? Too long? I love the berry color and the movement it creates when I walk (or even when I'm standing still). The air hits it just right! So it's a keeper, despite some slight reservations. I think it works well year-round here in California.

If you haven't yet entered the giveaway I last blogged about, well what are you waiting for?! I hope you all are doing well today. It's raining here, so wish me luck driving around for work :)

11.30.2014



This is such an exciting giveaway! I've teamed up with some of my fellow bloggers and Express enthusiasts to give away a $650 dollar E-gift card to one of my favorite (and most shopped in) stores. This is a great opportunity for one lucky reader, but it's also a special way for us to give a thank you to our wonderful friends and readers. 

Here are the rules:
1) It begins today and will end on Monday, December 8th at 11:59 pm central.
2) The winner will be announced on Wednesday, December 10th.
3) This is open to both U.S, and Canadian residents, but the total of the E-card is $650 USD.

To enter: 
Fill out the rafflecopter below! Good luck :)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

11.26.2014

I may be the only blogger who doesn't enjoy shopping on Black Friday, or during the Holidays for that matter. It gives me the worst anxiety being out amongst throngs of people making mad dashes for just about anything with "sale" listed. I do however carefully watch from a distance, usually during a coffee or lunch outing. Nate and I can't help but laugh at all of the craziness. Some of it is just too much for my nerves.

I can't even remember if I created gift or sale guides in the past, but I thought it would be useful this year to remind you ladies about my must-haves in the style and beauty departments. I myself have already done some early shopping, picking up another twill moto jacket from Express (they are back in stock and in all colors from what I could see). So here we go:

From Express:
(I got another in Stone. For reference, I take a size 8 in these jackets)


(I have one in white, black, and recently just purchased pink for my upcoming Oahu trip)


(Comfortable and thicker than your average)


(Comes in so many colors and prints and is my ultimate must-have)



From Loft:
(But all of their denim is great, and for the price, I highly recommend giving them a try)


Chambray shirt, similar


From Sole Society & J.Crew:
Sole Society makes the cutest, most feminine shoes! And the best part? They are affordable! They are available through their own site, or at Nordstrom. 


I love J.Crew for more luxurious pumps, although I don't splurge often. I do think that when they are are on sale though, it's time to jump! My favorite are the blue pumps pictured above, but I also love their mirrored metallic pumps.



**I've heard through the grapevine that my other standard shop spots like Banana Republic and Old Navy will also have sales for Black Friday.**


As for beauty, I highly recommend stocking up on gift sets at Sephora and Ulta. You really can get a lot for your money. Not to mention gift cards always come in handy. Some of my suggestions:



Soap & Glory Hand Food for stocking stuffers 
(I'm on tube numero dos)



Other sales include Stella & Dot and Benevolent Jewels for pretty bits and baubles. I'm eyeing two pieces from Elizabeth Stone, formerly known as Oia Jules. That may be the extent of my "me" shopping.


I hope this was somewhat helpful in case you're brave enough to venture out into the shops this weekend. If not, there's always Cyber Monday. 


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'll be back next week after a nice break with family and friends. As always, thank you for stopping by and reading :)