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Friday, September 18, 2015

Manly Friday cont.!

Ready for the right side of the checklist? Here goes nothing!

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Nothing says fall like a flannel! These shirts will keep you warm, look nice tucked into jeans and maybe make you feel a little bit like a lumberjack (I promise that doesn't mean you have to grow out your facial hair). Flannels come in so many colors that you can definitely find one in your favorite shade. I really like the original reds and blues, but I tend to be a traditionalist. I buy all my flannels from J. Crew and J. Crew Factory, but if you want the original king of flannel then test out an L.L. Bean (they also come fleece-lined for those really cold days)! 
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Vests for men have been a big thing for a while and I really like the trend. You can go for an athletic Patagonia look with a cool long sleeve T-shirt and Jeans or you can go dressier with a quilted option. I didn't add one to the photo list above, but a hunter green vest is also a really good look with brown shoes and dark pants. This trend might not be for everyone, but if it's not too cold then I love a vest because it doesn't fully cover you like a coat. You'll stay warm, but have your arms free to do whatever you please. It sounds silly, but really its pretty great (think gloves vs. mittens).
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There are hundreds of coats out there to choose from, but this year I think the bomber coat is a great look. Once again you can go leather and wear it to the office or pick a microfiber to stay dry in the rain. This is just a super classic coat that looks good on everybody! I love the blue in this Bonobos jacket, but the very expensive suede version here is also amazing. I do believe that every man should own a wool Peacoat in their closet, but not everyone has an occasion or reason to wear that polished of a coat. Try out a bomber because unlike the peacoat it will fit into any lifestyle!

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Right off the bat I am admitting that these are a selfish addition, but I do think chunky wool or cotton socks are something EVERYONE should own. The reason these are selfish is because every time KB has these in his drawer I steal them and wear them around the house instead of my moccasins. I actually bought a pair in the men's section last year for myself because they are so warm. So pick up some of these and do your significant other a favor! But seriously, if you're going to be wearing any kind of boot this fall you'll want a nice thick sock. Not only will it keep your feet from blistering in new boots, but they'll stay warm on your outdoor adventures. J. Crew's camp socks are amazing, but places like L.L. Bean and other camping stores have them for a lot cheaper!

So that wraps up this Manly Friday! I hope this helps all my gentlemen readers and ladies shopping for their guys! Let me know which pieces you liked best, I'd love to hear from you!

Lots of love,

Manly Friday!

A lot of people really enjoyed the Fall Must-Have List I posted last week and I am so happy that it was well-received. However, I surprisingly have a lot of men, who follow this blog and some of them are feeling a little left out by my content. So welcome to the Man's Fall Wardrobe needs! 

Ladies, don't worry we will be back to regular programming tomorrow, but this was requested on Twitter and I aim to please! So take a minute scroll through and maybe find some gift ideas for the men in your lives or some ideas to take them shopping for! 

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When the temperatures drop most guys fall into the habit of wearing jeans every single day. This say mix your wardrobe up a little this year and try a pair of colored chinos! I love how the Bonobos ones (1) fit and they'll be just as comfortable as your blue jeans! If you aren't crazy about trying a colored pant, I totally get it, so try a neutral. Khakis, navys, browns, and grays will look just a fashionable and still give your wardrobe some versatility. Jack Spade (3) and Penguin also make great fitting trousers in a variety of color and if those don't work with your budget you can't go wrong with J. Crew Factory to get the second pair above on sale!

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If you're going to buy one thing from this list please let it be a pair of these Chukka/Dessert boots. I have thought for a long time that these are the perfect men's shoe for colder months! They'll keep your ankles warm, wear well with whichever pants you're wearing (Like the chinos above), and they add so much style to your outfit. I feel like these Clarks are at every Nordstrom Rack I've ever gone to, so I know you can get them for a discount! However, if you're willing to invest you will never be sorry going with a Johnston & Murphy shoe!

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I love this look because it adds some interest to a regular sweater. I've seen this style described as a shawl neck quite a bit, but really anything with a button up neck will do. I also really like the Polo quarter-zip sweaters, but those should be saved for more casual situations. Layer these with a contrasting T-shirt for less bulk or look super put together by adding a printed button up underneath. You'll want to layer something under it to protect the sweater especially if it's wool, so make your choice. Just remember that if the sweater is printed like this Barbour one stay neutral underneath! Get some one to help you roll the sleeves for a casual vibe or watch a YouTube video because it can be done wrong. I did include one here to share with you, but for the most part I am pretty anti-elbow patch. That's just a style that you will have to decide on for yourself and your personality.

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There is no way that men can always fit everything in their pockets and the messenger bag (a trend I was never really a fan of) needs to take a break. Women's fashion this fall is bursting at the seams with trendy backpacks to use instead of a purse. I think that there is no reason men shouldn't jump on this trend, too. You'll look professional and put together where ever you go and you'll have everything you need. No you can't go to Wal-Mart and pick up a new JanSport unless you're thirteen. Go for a Herschel if you're lifestyle is a little more casual. If you're traveling a lot then definitely go for the second option, a Tumi bag may seem expensive, but it will NEVER have to be replaced! And for those of you who are super confident and consider yourself more fashionable than most then find a structured leather backpack, it will get heavy, but that just means you're working out as you go!

Click here for even more Men's Fall Must-Haves! The checklist above will be completed just in time to jumpstart your fall wardrobe over the weekend!

Lots of love,

Thursday, September 17, 2015

My Fall Uniform!!







Welcome to my fall uniform! On any given day, once the temperatures drop, I throw on a button up shirt (flannel or otherwise), my favorite jeans and an puffer vest! Not only is it extremely comfortable, but it's warm and looks put together without a whole lot of fuss! I loved the gingham trend from Spring/Summer and I love that I can carry it into fall with this great shirt. 

Every year I worry that puffer vests won't be in style anymore, but so far they are still rocking the casual fashion world! If you're going to buy one piece this year for fall get one of these vests! It's the best transitional piece because it keeps you really warm on chilly mornings, but they aren't as cumbersome as a full jacket when it warms up in the afternoon. 

Also! These boots are going to be in so many posts in the coming months. Please don't get annoyed, but seriously they go with everything! They're a Nordstrom exclusive and they sell out of sizes really fast! They also come in gray! I love the over-the-knee look and the stacked heel is extremely comfortable. I wore these all day and had zero complaints! 

I am definitely going to miss summer, but I am having so much fun styling these fall outfits! And grabbing hot Chai Lattes from Dean & DeLuca isn't so shabby either! 

Don't forget to spread some sunlight today! 

Love you lots!









Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Booties and Fringe








Franco Sarto Booties || Kendra Scott Necklace || Vintage Ring (similar options here and here) || 

For the first time in months, I woke up and it wasn't a million degrees outside. So when I realized I needed a sweater, I immediately reached for this blanket sweater with the fringed bottom. I brewed some coffee, threw on my favorite new booties and headed out for the day. I loved pairing the army green pants (an absolute favorite in my closet and a great Marshall's find) with this deep red fringed top. I usually only wear one color at a time and mix in a bunch of neutrals, but I've been trying to mix and match and be a little more adventurous. 

If you are looking for a good layering top, I love this tank! It comes in a few colors and it looks so cute under sweaters! It's flowy and so it gives you some room to breathe, while also adding a little texture because of the eyelet trim in between the tiers and on the bottom. Plus, it's only $20 right now! I wore this under an all white cardigan with jeans already and I've played with the idea of layering it under a chambray shirt, so we will see!! 

Hope you've all had a good week! Take some time to count your blessings today and spread some sunlight to those around you! The world can always use a little extra!

Love you lots, 

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Pretty and Pink!


I went to Target and picked up a few new toys to play with! I was in desperate need of mascara because mine had run its course. I also was looking for a new blush after an unfortunate incident at the gym where my Tarte blush crashed to the floor and dyed the grout in the locker room pink. Oops! 

So while wandering through the aisles I picked up my intended purchases and because it was Target and it's inevitable I also found a couple of extra things! I only realized at the register that everything I picked out was a pretty, girly light pink color. Apparently, I was in a pink mood!

This was the last thing that I threw into my basket. It was on a display on the aisle cap and the whole 24-hour thing had me more than a little interested. I am the absolute worst about reapplying my lip color. Lip gloss or lipstick, it really doesn't matter what it is I put in on in the morning and by the afternoon have completely forgotten to touch it up. Therefore after a few cups of coffee, lunch and a liter of water there's nothing left. I wanted to put this product to the test and I was pretty impressed. No... it didn't last all day, I did have to fix it after lunch, but there wasn't lipstick residue on my coffee mug. I thought it was a little sticky, but no more than any other lipgloss. I like the second step of the product a lot! I thought it would wipe some of the gloss off, but instead it went on clean. It was magic. 

Like I said before my old mascara was old and had started to get dried out. I had been using the Maybelline Volum' Express Pumped Up! Colossal and I liked it quite a bit. Maybelline just makes so many different mascaras that I always try a different one when I need to re-buy. I was skeptical when I first applied this mascara because it seemed a little clumpy. I think that there was too much on the applicator when I first took it out of the tube because once I spread it out my lashes looked AH-mazing! I definitely recommend this product if you're looking for a false eyelash look without the glue! Also, the wand is curved which made applying to my lower lashes a breeze!

I have never really been happy with the way my eyeshadow turns out. I am no makeup artist and I have always wondered how other women get there eyeshadow so perfect. I thought it was a lost cause, but I have recently realized that it wasn't just me, but actually the product I was using. The shadow I used before didn't have a lot of color payoff and since I always wear nudes and pinks on my eyes they just weren't showing up. I saw this palette in a few magazines and I knew that I wanted to try it. I love these colors! I will use each and every one of them! There is another palette simply called The Nudes, but I prefer the blushed version.  I'm sure the other palette is great, but the colors are much darker and with my under eye circles that I desperately try to cover up, I like to lighten my upper lid rather than make it darker. 

So I have been without blush for about a month. I had fallen in love with my Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour blush in True Love, but like I said it plunged to its tragic death. I will definitely be replacing it, but until I make it to an Ulta or Sephora I wanted a drugstore blush to use. I really like the color combination this blush offers and it definitely highlights my cheek bones. I don't contour too much, but I do use a bit of bronzer and this blush sits wonderfully on top. It was a very hot day when I used it for the first time ... and I was sweating a little bit (I mean sparkling), but when I got home the color was still on my cheeks and it still looked really nice! I liked that it had that kind of lasting power!

I saw this packaging with the textured frosted cap and I really loved it. I have a Revlon color stick that is really bright pink (it reminds me of Barbie!), I wanted a similar pink, but a little toned down to work my way into fall. My mom swears by Revlon lipstick and coming from someone who always wore Dior I think that is a pretty great review. This color goes on pretty translucent and gives a really nice sheen. It's really moisturizing and has a really nice feel on my lips. This is going to be a staple in my purse from now until the dark reds take over. I'm also considering trying a plum! If you have a favorite plum shade please let me know in the comments! 

What other drugstore items should I add to my vanity? I'd love to hear all of your favorites!

Lots of love, 



Monday, September 14, 2015

Dorm Room Workout!!


Many of you have gone back to school, taken jobs and moved into a small apartment or just need a quick indoor fitness routine! All you need are a couple of large books and a chair!

Don't let your fitness goals fall to the wayside now that school is back in session! Try these easy dorm room exercises! You don't have to spend hours working out, you don't have to walk across campus or through your apartment complex to the gym! Basically, you are out of excuses, so put on those cute gym clothes you bought while back-to-school shopping and try these out! Do as many rounds as you want! Go until your muscles are sore and you break a sweat!

Fitting in a quick exercise in between study sessions can really help you refocus and retain more information! You can also do these in the morning to help wake you up for that dreaded 8 or 9 AM class!

Happy workout! And don't forget to spread some sunlight today!

Love you lots,

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Socializing at Table 20








 Ivanka Trump Shirt Dress (Similar here, here, and here) || 
Ring (I bought mine at a boutique. Original DY Design here, cheaper option here) || 

This weekend KB and I attended a charity event, which meant getting dressed up, drinking a little champagne and ogling over the auction lots we couldn't afford. It's been such a busy week and with this event on Friday night I didn't have time to shop and buy a new outfit. So I went shopping in my closet and pulled out this Ivanka Trump dress and my favorite black strappy heels! I bought this whole outfit (minus the clutch) a few months ago at Saks Off Fifth and love the pairing. I'm so sorry I don't have exact links for all of the items, but I love all of the alternatives and would totally add them to my closet! 

The event was so much fun, the food was amazing (and I don't usually like duck) and we had a great time! I love going to events like this and can't wait until the next one we get to go to. There's nothing like going to a charity event to remind you how lucky many of us are. I think it is extremely important to find a cause you believe in and support it in any way that you can! That doesn't mean monetary donation, although those are great, but spreading the word and even donating your time are great ways to show support.  

Make sure you spread some sunlight today! 

Lots of love,