Wearing //
Loft striped tee, old but cute chevron option here
Zara pumps, similar
Chanel bag, less expensive option here
Beauty//
Essie nails in double breasted jacket
NYX butter gloss in Strawberry Parfait
1.12.2015
1.07.2015
I'm not one to set resolutions each year. I used to buy into the notion when I was younger, but I have had such struggles with maintaining them that I like to stick to writing down my "goals" rather than coming up with some grandiose plans to change my life every new year that passes. I think resolutions can often set people up for failure because some just have way too many expectations. I do like the feeling of beginning fresh each January. I often do feel revitalized after the new year, but I also know that past behavior is likely an indicator of what's to come, so I set small goals for myself and go about them in steps.
When it comes to this blog, I feel much more relaxed stating my style and beauty goals. Let's not kid ourselves. Shopping itself isn't exactly a deep hobby that involves too much critical thought. It's fun, and it should remain as lighthearted as possible. I always say, if you aren't saving a life...it isn't that important. With that in mind, I do have some thoughts on how I want to approach my personal style and beauty habits in 2015.
1. Pay more attention to details
I've noticed that as drawn as I may be to accessories, I don't really wear many of them as often as I should. Over break, I cleaned out my closet and purged old scarves, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that don't work for me anymore. In hindsight, were they ever really my style? It's easy to get caught up in trends. Companies like Baublebar are so popular because they sell pretty pieces at affordable prices, but I think for awhile there, I was getting caught up in their coupon codes and promotions. I'd look on Instagram and see a blogger wearing a necklace that I felt compelled to own myself, most likely because of the way it was styled. I ended up with way too much, and with way too many random things that didn't make sense in my wardrobe. Now I want to focus on wearing accessories that tie my outfit together and that can be mixed and matched together. A statement piece to dress up an otherwise casual look, or layered delicate accessories that make my outfit more unique and personal. Lately I've neglected much of my jewelry altogether which is such a shame. I need to pay more attention to the details.
2. Don't "Protect" or save designer goods for the shelves
4. Keep blogging for the right reasons
I've had this one on my mind for months, and I've debated on whether to throw it out there into the universe or keep quiet. I've been blogging since late 2009. Since then, so much has changed. I think girls started a blog because they genuinely loved discussing their particular hobby. Beauty lovers wanted to share their tips and tricks, so they blogged about those. Girls who had a passion for fashion put on their best clothes and blogged about their latest finds. Real people writing and sharing about what they loved. Now people blog for a living. Like, it's their sole income. People have quit jobs that they spent years in college working towards. Everything is monetized and while I can't outwardly blame them for making money on the things they would buy and recommend anyway, I do have a slight problem with those that push a sale at any cost. What happened to just doing it because you love it? What happened to interacting with other bloggers because you wanted to really connect, and not solely for networking purposes to get ahead? I do use RewardStyle links and I do make some commission from this blog but I haven't forgotten why I started it in the first place. I only work with companies that I like and would buy from myself. I hope I don't offend anyone for this slight rant, but it just needed to be said because it's been weighing on my mind. I guess everyone should do what feels right for them. For me, I just want to continue to produce content that you guys enjoy seeing and reading. If I fail at that, or am failing, please let me know and I will change what I can.
When it comes to this blog, I feel much more relaxed stating my style and beauty goals. Let's not kid ourselves. Shopping itself isn't exactly a deep hobby that involves too much critical thought. It's fun, and it should remain as lighthearted as possible. I always say, if you aren't saving a life...it isn't that important. With that in mind, I do have some thoughts on how I want to approach my personal style and beauty habits in 2015.
1. Pay more attention to details
I've noticed that as drawn as I may be to accessories, I don't really wear many of them as often as I should. Over break, I cleaned out my closet and purged old scarves, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that don't work for me anymore. In hindsight, were they ever really my style? It's easy to get caught up in trends. Companies like Baublebar are so popular because they sell pretty pieces at affordable prices, but I think for awhile there, I was getting caught up in their coupon codes and promotions. I'd look on Instagram and see a blogger wearing a necklace that I felt compelled to own myself, most likely because of the way it was styled. I ended up with way too much, and with way too many random things that didn't make sense in my wardrobe. Now I want to focus on wearing accessories that tie my outfit together and that can be mixed and matched together. A statement piece to dress up an otherwise casual look, or layered delicate accessories that make my outfit more unique and personal. Lately I've neglected much of my jewelry altogether which is such a shame. I need to pay more attention to the details.
2. Don't "Protect" or save designer goods for the shelves
I finally wore my Chanel flats over Winter break when I had time off from work. I was terrified because I haven't used a protector on them and I fear that they will get dirty and show wear way too quickly. I baby my designer items (which really only consists of two). They are such classics that I want to have them forever, and it isn't every day that they come into my life. My husband and I aren't made of money, and I still feel strange even owning anything "high-end". But what's the point of having them if I don't use them? Yes they look pretty sitting in my closet but aren't they meant to be enjoyed? I want to get rid of that fear and wear all of my things.
3. Switch up my beauty routine so I don't get stuck in a rut
I started this blog to talk about beauty. I know, shocking. I think I've diverged from that because I didn't feel like I was changing my routine too often, and I was tired of keeping up with the collections and constant buying. I'm happy that my blog went in a somewhat different direction because I feel more comfortable in the space that I'm in. But I do miss the beauty blog aspect of Beautygirl24. I think writing and reviewing less products has caused me to save more money, but the downside is that I have become so boring with my makeup. I used to do smokey eyes, nude lips, baby pink lips, a pop of color on the eyes. Now I do very simple makeup. I have some beautiful products that I've neglected and I don't want to get stuck in a rut.
4. Keep blogging for the right reasons
I've had this one on my mind for months, and I've debated on whether to throw it out there into the universe or keep quiet. I've been blogging since late 2009. Since then, so much has changed. I think girls started a blog because they genuinely loved discussing their particular hobby. Beauty lovers wanted to share their tips and tricks, so they blogged about those. Girls who had a passion for fashion put on their best clothes and blogged about their latest finds. Real people writing and sharing about what they loved. Now people blog for a living. Like, it's their sole income. People have quit jobs that they spent years in college working towards. Everything is monetized and while I can't outwardly blame them for making money on the things they would buy and recommend anyway, I do have a slight problem with those that push a sale at any cost. What happened to just doing it because you love it? What happened to interacting with other bloggers because you wanted to really connect, and not solely for networking purposes to get ahead? I do use RewardStyle links and I do make some commission from this blog but I haven't forgotten why I started it in the first place. I only work with companies that I like and would buy from myself. I hope I don't offend anyone for this slight rant, but it just needed to be said because it's been weighing on my mind. I guess everyone should do what feels right for them. For me, I just want to continue to produce content that you guys enjoy seeing and reading. If I fail at that, or am failing, please let me know and I will change what I can.
This was a long one. Thank you for reading :)
1.05.2015
Wearing //
Express romper, old.
Express moto jacket
Nordstrom necklace, similar
Steve Madden flats
Rebecca Minkoff bag
Benefit Posiebalm on lips
I decided to try something a little different this weekend. This was one of those rare moments where I didn't have an outfit planned or something in mind. I went into my closet and grabbed my romper from over the Summer. I wanted to test myself and see if I could Winterize it (if that's even a word). Since a little black dress goes with everything and is always appropriate, how about a little black romper? It could work. I threw on my favorite jacket, which became a wrinkled mess after a day out running around. A touch of leopard and my new trusty bag, and I called it good. I think it works! I obviously know this only makes sense if you live in a warmer climate like I do, but it would be good for Summer if you don't. Since I feel that I accomplished my style goal last year (buy less, choose well) I wanted to move on. This year, I still really want to reach for what I have, but come up with new ways to get more use out of them. I've been feeling so uninspired lately that anything fresh is welcomed. Give me ideas if you have any!
What are your style goals this year? Happy 2015!