Let's Talk About Hair

When it comes to my hair, I have just a few goals:

1) Soften

2) Smooth

3) Tame static and flyaways

4) Keep my color a rich chocolate brown (almost black is my preference)

5) Pray to the hair Gods that it doesn't consistently look like crap



I'm not going to do a complete review of the products I've been using for at least a couple of months, but I will highlight why I will continue to re-purchase.

Living Proof Night Cap - This is an overnight hair mask that I use once per week and then rinse out in the morning. It imparts tons of softness and shine. This is just a large sample that I received as a Sephora perk, but I'm buying the full size once this is gone. Hey, we use masks to moisturize our skin, why not do the same for our hair? Genius.

Aveda Phomollient - I've tried many volumizers at the roots of my hair to add some lift, but most weighed down my fine hair. This is great because it's more of a liquid instead of a mousse. I pump some out into my hands and apply directly into my roots and onto my scalp, concentrating on the crown of my head.

Matrix Biolage Anti-Static Spray - I attract static like a balloon, especially when the weather is dry and windy. This is the only product I've found that really combats and prevents my hair from standing on end. Or, looking like I stuck my finger in a light socket! It's a God-send.

Aveda Dry Shampoo - I'm not a huge fan of dry shampoo. I usually wash my hair every third day, or three times per week. In between, I just let it do its thing. I was using a spray dry shampoo, but it didn't quite absorb all the extra oils. This is very similar to baby powder. It does leave a white residue, but if you rub it into your roots like crazy, I assure you it will disappear. I love the herbal scent as well. It's refreshing and very clean, and if you're familiar with Aveda then you know what I'm referring to. Also, a little goes a long way, so I feel like this product is giving me my money's worth.



I hope you enjoyed this hair product update. Otherwise, I'm using the same products I've already written about. If you have any must-haves that I need to try, please let me know! I love experimenting.

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Feeling the Love

Wearing //

LOFT maxi dress

J.Crew Factory sandals, love these

Rebecca Minkoff bag, love this mini

Elizabeth Stone ring

Nordstrom necklace, similar

Beauty //

Hello Kitty x O.P.I. nails in "5 Apples Tall"

Benefit Posie Balm on lips

I'm still recovering from my whirlwind weekend, and yes, I am completely aware that today is Wednesday! I had such an amazing time with my best friends in Little Italy, San Diego. I know I'm beating a dead horse (wait, scratch that. I hate that visual), but I've said it so many times before - if you're ever in San Diego, you NEED to visit Little Italy. It's right next to the gaslamp district, and it's the cutest area lined with restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and bars. I definitely participated in my fair share of libations. I was looking at my snapchat Monday morning, half mortified. But, I mostly had a giant grin plastered on my face, pun intended. At a certain age, I know getting tipsy is kind of a no-no, but at this point in our lives, I don't think my friends and I care if we let loose around each other every so often. There's no fear of judgement, and we love each other unconditionally. How long will I get to do that with them? How many chances are we going to get to laugh so hard we can't breathe, dance in a dizzy circle to Lana Del Rey, and forget about our cares? Not much longer I suspect. And of course, neither of us have children so let's all keep that in mind! My cheeks still hurt from laughing so hard. It was totally worth it. Sometimes, you gotta go off the deep end ;)

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A Peek Into My Loft

I've always wanted a home office. Or any office really, even one referred to with a smirk as a cubicle. At work I share a small office space with about 100 other people in my department, and nobody really has a set place (hey, it's a non-profit). I didn't get the chance to have an office in our condo because space was limited. Now that we are in a bigger home than we had originally planned, Nate and I decided that we both wanted an office of our own. He has free reign to do whatever he wants in his, which will most likely consist of pictures of things he loves (the ocean, family members, dirt bikes, cars) and I have the same freedom to do whatever I want with my "loft". Located at the top of our stairs, it could easily have been a playroom, but since we don't have children just yet, I decided to turn it into a space where I can get ready each morning and eventually use to blog, take product photos, and read. It's as girly as I could have imagined.

This isn't quite the finished product. I still would like a small love seat so that I can actually work instead of moving around my laptop to wherever is most convenient, so I'm keeping an eye out for one. For now, all I can say is that my loft has come along rather quickly and I am absolutely loving it!

Vanity - Ikea, Chair - Wayfair

Rug - Wayfair

Table - Target

HomeGoods

Wayfair

Large Mirror - HomeGoods, Gold Vanity Mirror - Target

Waste Basket - Target

I'm not very creative with home decor. I'll admit that Pinterest has shaped most of my thought process in this area, especially the rug! It's still very much in keeping with my taste, so I can't feel guilty about it. If you have any specific questions on anything you see, let me know! Or, if you have suggestions for other items I might find useful, that is welcomed too.

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The Perfect Flats

Wearing //

Express tee (I own 3)

Nordstrom jacket, similar here and here

Loft jeans

J.Crew Factory clutch, similar

Chanel flats, similar here and here

 I'm definitely a flats type of girl. I love the LOOK of heels, but they get uncomfortable pretty quickly. I also love the FEEL of sandals, but they often are far too casual with most outfits. Flats are the happy medium. I get the comfort level I prefer, but I still look polished and put-together. In a word, perfect.

These Chanel flats were a 30th birthday present from my mom and hubby. I always admired them on others, and every time I passed by a Chanel boutique, I would stare longingly at a pair. I'm not much of a shoe girl, so I never thought I'd be lucky enough to own them one day, but I guess I underestimated my family. They really are lovely, and very comfortable as well. The best part? They are as timeless as flats come, and they will never go out of style. Catch me walking in these beauties when I'm sixty.

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Clare Vivier Alternative

Wearing //

Express one eleven tee

Express suede skirt, similar here & here

Marc Fisher pumps

Lisa Taubes chain link necklace

Delezhen labradorite necklace, similar

Le Boutique Shop clutch

Beauty //

Glo Minerals lip crayon in Bloom

If you've been around the blogosphere for at least a couple of years, you'll know that this spotted clutch is basically owned by A LOT OF PEOPLE.  I remember when I first saw it carried by a top blogger, it was only a matter of days until what seemed like every fashion blogger had the Clare Vivier clutch. I immediately wanted in on the bandwagon. Not because it was so popular, but because it's just such a well-designed piece. I love the fold-over style because it holds more than a flat clutch, and I really am enamored with the print. Subtle, not at all garish like some leopard or cheetah can be. Leopard is a neutral, but I think it sometimes runs the risk of looking a bit dated if not done correctly. So for months, I've been going back and forth, especially when Shopbop has a sale. I never pull the trigger, I just make a mental note of how much I like it, but then proceed to the Express website where I get yet another barcelona cami because that makes sense right? Can never have enough of those!

 I do spend money on handbags, as I mentioned in this post. But for some reason, I just could never bring myself to splurge on Clare V. So when I saw that an online boutique was selling a similar looking alternative for a fraction of the price, I went for it. The shipping was super fast! The quality is great, very soft and malleable. I'm sure it can't compare to the real thing and full disclosure, I've never seen the Clare V in person. However, if you're looking for a less expensive option then I highly recommend it. It is currently on the website for $45 dollars, but I purchased it during a promotion so it was a bit less. Still worth it in my opinion.

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Carlsbad Flower Fields

Nate and I have been trying in vain to see the Carlsbad flower fields for literally two years now. I clearly didn't do my homework, because the flowers are only in bloom from March through May, and we always attempted to go during the Summertime. You'd think I would just google it, but nope. I just figured eventually it would happen, and finally this weekend, it did. This post is picture heavy because it's hard to narrow down which picture is prettier than the next! Most of these aren't touched up at all because mother nature doesn't require filters. I hope you enjoy!

Elizabeth Stone Jewelry

Express dress

Kendra Scott bracelet

Sole Society heels, similar

Gorgeous right? I really can't describe it in any other manner. I'm basic that way. I will say that it was too crowded for my liking, so if you can go during the week, I'm sure you'll enjoy it more. You can't actually go into the fields, which makes sense logically but people couldn't help themselves and they got yelled at for attempting. I wanted to lie in the flowers, but that will never be the case, at least not in the Carlsbad flower fields. I'll try my luck somewhere else.

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