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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Fall Forecast: Must-Have Lip Colors

There's one thing I love most about changing up my beauty routine in the Fall, and it's all about the lips. In Summer, I still wear color but I go for a balm with SPF, followed by a bright stain on top. Heavy lipsticks don't seem appropriate, do they?

However, once we kiss Summer goodbye, I begin reaching for saturated plums, reds, and rosy hues. A glam lip automatically transforms your look, and it beautifully compliments all of the rich textures we begin to wear. Think about the trends we are seeing: velvet, chunky knits, lace, suede - all gorgeous materials that look even more sumptuous paired with a striking bold lip. Obviously I'm all about it and I've listed my favorite lipsticks this year below.

NARS "Sex Machine" - a slightly shimmery rose that's great for day. It's my new neutral. 

Glo Skin Beauty "It Girl" - pinky plum cream. 

M.A.C. "Ravishing" - red that leans orange. 

Clinique "Black Honey" - looks scary in the tube but applies like a balm and has some shine to it. I remember it was a big seller in the 90's! It's very sheer so it's a great way to start if you haven't delved into bold lips yet. 

Left to right

Glo Skin Beauty It Girl, NARS Sex Machine, Clinique Black Honey, M.A.C. Ravishing 

Other lip colors I love for Fall:

NYX Butter Gloss in Angel Food Cake

Too Faced Spice Spice Baby

All by M.A.C. - Syrup, Twig, See Sheer, Hot Gossip, Velvet Teddy

Can you see how beautiful a bold lip will be with all of Fall's outfits?

Do you play with darker lip colors in the Fall? Let me know of any I may "need."

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September Nights

Wearing //

Rebecca Minkoff top on sale

Topshop jeans

J.Crew shoes, similar here and so comfy

Gifted Rebecca Minkoff WOC

Stella & Dot earrings and ring

Beauty //

Lips in Glo Beauty "It Girl" c/o

There's something a bit magical about late September nights, isn't there? We've had an unseasonably cool few days and the nights have been crisp. It's a reminder that Summer really is fading away. Suddenly the days are getting shorter, and every year around this time, I recap how my Summer was. For the most part it was good, but it felt unusually short and I didn't get to the beach much. I'm sure you can tell by my lack of a tan!

September is a sweet month for me. With all of the birthdays and celebrations, the excuse to dress up is very real and I love every moment of it. Aside from the holidays, this is when I get the most use out of my formal pieces. I've worn every single little dress, all of my colorful pumps, and this pretty top (more than once). And yes, jeans CAN be formal when paired with the right shoes, bag, and jewelry. I go for a darker rinse with no distressing. Perfect for those in-between September nights.

Linking up with: Gina, Amy Ann, Laura, Brooke, Carylee, and Rachelle.

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Weekend Wear in Fall

This post is so fun because today, I'm featuring my friend Gina from On the Daily Express! We met up last week to take some photos for blogging purposes, but it also gave us a much needed break to catch up. We live about an hour apart and yet life doesn't allow for too many get togethers...blogging is a great excuse to change that. I'm not very comfortable in front of or behind the camera, so hopefully after a few more sessions with Gina, I will be. It was good practice, and it was a fun departure from having Nate as my photographer!

This outfit is my go-to in Fall, but especially on casual weekends. A simple tee, jeans, flats, and statement earrings! These are by Stella & Dot. They are so light-weight that I hardly notice wearing them. Kendra Scott has a pair that I'm dying to get, and I plan on meeting Gina again tomorrow to use my birthday discount (you get 50% off an item at KS during your birthday month). I don't wear earrings often, but with all of the beautiful options this season, I'm gravitating towards them more and more.

Wearing //

Olivia Moon tee (so soft)

Topshop jeans, similar here

Dolce Vita mules

Stella & Dot earrings (you NEED these)

Chelsea28 bag, love this for Fall

Here's Gina wearing something that's perfect for going out at night. I especially love the wine colored camisole with the black jeans. It's polished, yet still a little sexy with the accessories she chose. 

Head over to her blog to get the details of what she's wearing! I'm linking up with her and Amy Ann.

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