Sweater Weather

With school just around the corner, I have been getting more and more excited for fall.  The leaves changing, the sweater weather, and just knowing that the holidays will be soon among us creates a smile on my face as I write this.

I am really looking forward to utilizing some of the sweaters I got on clearance at the end of spring, and pairing them with jeans and suede ankle booties.  It will be great to see what other sweaters will be coming out in stores.  I'm thinking...hoping... to see cable knits, thicker cardigans, along with open sweaters in creams, burgundies, forest greens, mustard and grays.

As I was browsing some shops online, I found a few great finds that I am hoping will find their way into my closet in the cooler months.

Forever21 gives this great option for a mustard color.

This Forever21 sweater completely uniques from the others due to the open front, yet it still maintains its cozy appeal.

H&M provides this simple basic that will go with jeans to those pleather leggings we might have secretly been wanting to try.

I love how they styled this piece on the model, perfect for school or a shopping trip with friends.

I love how Nordstrom styled this cardigan.  I have a feeling that dresses and tights will be seen quite a bit this season.

I LOVE this cardigan! The aztec pattern, length, and perception of coziness, really makes me wants to add this piece to my wardrobe!

Back to School: Casual Outfits

Starting this year, back-to-school means no more shorts and t-shirt combos that I have gotten used to over the summer.  Now that I will be entering graduate school, it is time to step up my game and begin rummaging through all my clothes.  I actually enjoy this process, especially for the first few weeks of school.  Ever since high school, I wanted to at least have ideas of what to wear, because I always felt better 'put together'.  Now everyone may have a different idea of what 'put together' means to them based on their style, personality, and what they find comfortable.  These are a few options that suit my style, and will help my wardrobe transition from summer to fall.

A black maxi dress (Derek Heart), a crochet cardigan (DKNY), sunglasses and necklace (Forver21), crossover bag (Jessica Simpson), sandals (Steve Madden)

This is a simple outfit that is easy to put together and create tons of variations. And one of the best parts is that it can be an affordable outfit no matter what your budget is.  Most of my outfit has been an combination of items I have accumulated throughout the years.  The dress I picked up at Meijer this past spring (who knew that they had some really cute clothes?!?), the cardigan was a Costco find, while the bag and sandals were bought at Marshalls or TJ Maxx.

Chambray shirt (Target), white v-neck (Kohls), Distressed crop capris (Kohls), most of the accessories were purchases or gifts from Poland, sunglasses (American Eagle)

I love this outfit, because it takes you from lecture to groceries, to coffee with friends on the weekend.  It's a comfortable and laid-back style that can also be switched up according to the style you are trying to achieve.  Swapping out the sandals for sneakers can bring a sportier feels to the look, while ankle booties can polish it off and make it a great coffee date outfit.

Embroidered tank top (Kenar), Skinny jeans (Old Navy), Black glitter TOMS, Bag and sunglasses (TJ Maxx)

This is another customizable outfit. Pairing it with casual leather flip flops will let you enjoy the warm days left, but when fall comes a cardigan or jacket and booties will still let you utilize your summer pieces.

Striped top (Forever 21), Skirt (Walmart- from ages ago), Shoes (restricted-kids--yes, I fit into a kids 5, which I just found out and am soo excited about haha), bag (I made it)

I love the girlies of this pairing and the mix of the stripes and florals.  I thought this was so cute for class when you need a day to just look of feel nice, or if you pair it with heels, the outfit can get a fancier feel to it and you could wear it out on a date or girls night.

Cream eyelet-sleeved sweater (W118 by Walter Baker), Skinny jeans (Old Navy), Hot pink tote (Marshalls), Moccasins (Minnetonka)

This is probably the "warmest" outfit from the bunch, but the sweater is a light enough fabric to wear as summer ends. I decided the bag had enough color not to add too many accessories, but it could easily be switched up to anyone's liking.


Most of these I would wear causally, however the skirt option could definitely be paired with some heels for a brunch or meeting.  And a easy fall transition pieces for each of these outfits would be a pair of brown ankle boots and a leather jacket for colder autumn days and nights.  Hopefully, these will bring some inspiration to your back-to-school outfits!

Summer Nails

I will be the first to say it, I am ADDICTED to nail polish.  Ever since I was about twelve, my sister and I have been buying and accumulating all types of nail polish.  Since I have such an obsession with it, I end up changing my color approximately once a week.  I wanted to share some polishes that have been given a lot of love this summer.

OPI: Oy- Another Polish Joke!, Moon Over Mumbai, Can't Find My Czechbook, You're Such A Budapest

 I tried to use 'Oy-Another Polish Joke' on all my nails, and I didn't love it.  However, it looks great as a accent nail or over certain colors.  'Moon over Mumbai' is such a pretty gray, and since it isn't too dark and has a slight shimmer, it is perfect as a muted summer color.  'Can't Find my Czechbook' has a good consistency and nice color payoff, with two coats you have a great summer blue.  Similarly, 'You're such a Budapest' has a nice constancy, and I absolutely LOVED this color on my finger nails.

Sinful Colors: Hottie, Pixi: Real Rose

I got both of these on clearance at Target a while back, and I am so happy I picked them up.  The sinful colors is great on top of blue hued varnishes.  'Real Rose' was one of my favorite toe colors, it almost looked neon-ish in the sun.

Essie: sand tropez, fiji, maintain avenue

Essie has some of my favorite nail polish, they do a good job with consistency (most of the time) and color.  'Sand Tropez' is a great neutral and can stay in a year-round collection. 'Fiji' is a great color, but the I was disappointed with the consistency. It took three-plus coats to get a nice opaque finish (color wise it was worth it, but I may look for a nicer consistency).  'Maintain Avenue' is my all time favorite Essie nail polish.  The color is amazing (even my mom, who doesn't wear nail polish LOVES this color) and with one - two coats you are good to go! I will repurchase this one once mine is gone.

One of my favorite combos of the summer was OPI Can't find my Czechbook with Sinful Colors Hottie as an accent.

Although warm weather is still shining on us, I'm looking forward to transitioning my nail polishes for the fall, but I absolutely loved these this summer.

Back to school: Shopping and lists

Back to school shopping can easily be one of the highlights of late summer.  The first 'back to school' shopping venture I remember was in preparation for the 1st grade.  I got a 64 pack of crayon, rather than the 24 they recommended, along with folders, pencils, erasers all with Barbie on the front.  All of this went along fabulously with my super trendy, matching Barbie lunch bag. I was in six year old, child of the 90's heaven.  A few years later Barbie changed into Britney, yes, that Britney, along with a mix of Lisa Frank!  Then quirky teen animations and quotes (I shake my head with you as I write this).  These days I prefer to keep things more subtle and not display my love on pieces stationary and supplies; which I find is probably best going into law school and all, haha.  Although, I am transitioning into a more professional setting, I still get too excited about writing supplies and colors of notebooks.  That is why I have conjured up a list that hopefully will help in finalizing your back to school needs.

My Back-to-School List:

-planner

Probably my most important necessity! I got myself a larger sized one at Target, but this Lilly Pulitzer one and this one from Etsy are both cute and efficient.  Free calendar apps on your phone or tablet would work wonderfully too.  I just much prefer the classic pen and paper version.

-folders 

I have about 6 folders designated for school.  I don't always end up using them for this purpose, but they end up being great for receipt storage, bills, or other important documents.

-binders 

I have learned to like binders. Before I found them clunky and just a pain to keep up with, but I have realized that a well organized binder can make a huge difference in studying and feeling organized  and on to of my studies.

-pens 

Although pens may seem fairly boring, I love trying out new ones and finding a favorite (weird, I know...but does anyone else do this??)  I have discovered these in a recent Target trip, and absolutely love using them to fill out my planner, especially since they do not bleed through the pages.

-pencils

I don't use pencils as much for notes anymore, but for any scantron exam or jotting a note in a book they are great.  I prefer mechanical ones, but any no. 2's are good to have around.

-highlighters

From my understanding these are a must for graduate school, and that is why I ended up with a Costco pack!  I didn't need highlighter quite as much in my undergrad studies, but I will try to keep a tally of how quickly they will go in the following year.

-notebooks 

This year I have decided to get 2 three-subject notebooks, and several one subject ones.  I figure that I will be using my laptop more often, but I do like to rewrite notes, or jot down main ideas when it comes time for studying.

-paper

I love having loose leaf paper! I think it is a brilliant invention! There are no coils that imprint on you hand; if your professor adds another slide that you weren't expecting you just switch the pages; your doodles consumed your note taking space, just remove your canvas, BRILLIANT! I know it sounds crazy but I think having loose leaf in your school supplies is a must.

-printer

I find that this has become a neccessity.  Of course you can use the library's printer, but it is so nice and convenient to be able to sit on your couch or at your desk and have your paper appear, without having to rummage through other people's papers or the recycling bin.

-printer paper and cartridges

Clearly, if you have a printer, you will be in need of both of these items.  Yes, cartridges are pricey but I have realized the older we get the more everything costs.  I like to get mine either through Amazon, or when Costco has a coupon for them.

-laptop

Another necessity.  We are living in a world where I don't think there is any way to go around this one...especially when it comes to school.  I have a feeling I will be using my laptop more than any other supply (well, except for maybe my books and highlighters)

-tabs

These are those sticky little foils that help you mark important info or save a chapter.  I loved these in undergrad, and I think I will get even more use out of them in the upcoming year.

-dividers

These help with the organization process of my binders, I love having my courses color coded with in sync notebooks and dividers.

-staples

No one wants to be the person who brings there paper in with a staple and then is asking everyone if they carry around a stapler.

-notecards

I have lost my love for notecards while in undergrad, but I think it is always good to have them around just in case.

I haven't listed the quantities of my supplies because I have always found that school supplies are different for everyone, and truly dependent on the educational environment you're in.  For instance, this year I know I will be using my computer over paper and pen for note taking, however I have seen computers go awry, so I still will have an ample supply of notebooks.

Packing List: Beach Town Trip

I will be heading to the west coast of Michigan soon, which is filled beach towns and lighthouses.  I have been looking forward to going with my three best friends since the start of summer.  Since the weather reports keep changing on us, we need to be prepared for rain or sun.  That said I have made a  packing list and thought I would share it with you.

I realized that I forgot to put what shoes I'm taking, which will be rubber flip flops, sandals, and tennis shoes.

Packing lightly has always been tricky for me, but since we are driving I won't have to figure in baggage weight. And since it is a full four day trip, I would prefer to have a few extras, just in case. I was able to narrow down my initial list quite a bit (crazy, I know!)  I find that my tendency to try and be over prepared always leaves me with too much stuff (does anyone else have this problem).  Off this list, I was also able to slash off the fleece (the weather seems to be looking brighter now). Now, I think I have the essentials and am ready for some R&R!

Quick Review: Origins Clear Improvement™ Active Charcoal Mask To Clear Pores

I got this mask because I had been hearing so much about how charcoal helps in clearing and purifying, and to be honest because I wanted to jump on the charcoal skincare bandwagon :)  The charcoal claims all seemed to make sense to me, since in my family we have active charcoal pill on hand just in case someone decides to digest toxins, haha.  I also used it when I would accidentally digest gluten, and it really did help in alleviating some of the pain and discomfort.  And since I hadn't tried an Origins product up to this point, I decided to treat myself.  And I'm happy I did.  I have been using this product 1-2 times a month since January 2014.  I only use a very thin layer on my nose, chin, and cheeks.  I have realized that if I try to put this on my entire face or with a thicker coating it gives a tingling/burning sensation which I personally cannot stand (this doesn't happen to me with just the thin layer...weird, I know!).  That said, I have noticed a difference with my black head when I do use this, are they gone? No, but they do look cleaner and I would even say that my pores look smaller, nothing drastic just slightly smaller.  Overall, I am happy that I got this mask.  I know that it will last me quite a while, but I am happy with how my skin feels after it, and I really like how clean my face looks after using it.

The bottom layer is what I typically apply to my face; when I tried to apply a layer similar to the top one, my face did experience a tingling/burning sensation. 

I still have plenty left because of the way I use it, which I am actually happy about, since the product is on the pricey side.

I would give the mask 3.5 out of 5 stars, because I do see some improvement in the appearance of my skin and blackheads, but I wish I was able to apply a decent amount to the entirety of my face with the dreaded tingling feeling.

DIY Citrus Lip Scrub

We all love Lush, the smell, the people, and most of all, the products.  Since I am on a student budget I can't always treat myself to the things I would like to try.  One of the products that has been on my wish list for quite some time is their lip scrub (the mint julip flavor sounds fantastic!).  So, I decided to take matters into my own hands this week, and I made a DIY version of Lush's sugar lip scrub.  I am actually very pleased with the results and how simple it was to make.

So to start off, these are the ingredients I used:
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried grapefruit rind
1/4 teaspoon Vitamin E oil

You simple mix the ingredients together, and transfer it into a empty container...simple as that!

I used non-bleached organic granulated sugar that my family gets at Costco, but I think any type of granulated sugar would work nicely. A larger sugar, similar to Sugar in the Raw that they use at Starbucks, would also give a nice consistency to the scrub, but since I didn't have any on hand, I decided to work with what I've got, haha.  When it comes to the citrus, I peeled my grapefruit 2 days before hand and let it air dry.  This, in my opinion, gives an extra boost to the exfoliation process, while still remaining completely edible, just like the Lush version. That said, any citrus will do! The best part of this DIY is that it is so customizable.  For my next one I would like to try lime peel and mint, or a lemon/orange mix. Now I used the vitamin E oil to give the scrub a moisturizing element. I got my bottle at Trader Joe's about a year or two ago, to use on scars and as an occasional skincare product. It helps moisturize the lips, while you scrub, which really helps if you suffer from dry and patchy lips, like I do. I know that it may not be the easiest item to come by, but any oil should do the trick (I would probably stray from canola and such, but olive, coconut, or avocado oils are on my list to try in the future).  Or you could drain a couple of Vitamin E capsules.

To use this scrub, I just ran my ring finger under warm water, shaking off any excess, and dipped it into the scrub and massaged it into my lips for about 30 seconds.  It worked so nicely!! I put on some lipstick after and I could not see any dry patches. Even the next day I could feel and see that my lips were softer and healthier looking.

Here's a link to a short video of the making process!