Booties and Fringe

Socialite Tiered Tank || Blanket Cardigan || Similar Army Green Pants (also here and here)  || 

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

Target Stack Rings (Under $10) || Michael Kors Watch || Similar Druzy Drop earrings || 

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, 

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!

Maybelline Super Stay 24 2-Step Lipcolor in So Pearly Pink

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. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

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!

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Palette in The Blushed Nudes

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. 

Maybelline Face Studio Master Highlight Blush in Pink Rose

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!

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

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, 

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,

Socializing at Table 20

 Ivanka Trump Shirt Dress (Similar here, here, and here) || 

Similar Dolce Vita Heels (here, here, and here) || Similar Claire V. Clutch || 

Ring (I bought mine at a boutique. Original DY Design here, cheaper option here) || 

Stone Bracelet || Kate Spade Earrings || Gold Nail Polish ||

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, 

Good Christian Bitches by Kim Gatlin

*Psst* Click the picture to find a copy

I haven't been reading a lot lately because I have been so busy, but I needed a lightweight book to carry on a plane with me and Good Christian Bitches won the coveted spot in my backpack. I wanted a quick read and this definitely was one. Seriously, I read it in two days, mostly on a flight from Texas to California.

I watched the ABC remake of this book a few years ago and I loved it (in a trashy, guilty-pleasure-viewing kind of way)! I mean Kristin Chenoweth in a television show... it can't be bad! It might just be funny because I am from Texas and the women portrayed actually exist, but I think anyone can find humor somewhere in the show. So when I was checking out at B&N and needed $4 more to get free shipping and GCB was on sale, I thought I'd give it a chance. 

If you have seen the show, don't worry the script and the book are completely different. There are no spoilers in the series and the characters and their roles are even different. There are characters in the book that don't make an appearance in the show at all and vice versa. I'm still sad the show only lasted one season.

This is the first book that author Kim Gatlin wrote and it's rather obvious. I give her a pass on that though because writing a book is so difficult and I think it's great that she wrote something, got it published, and it sold enough copies to be turned into a show! I have started many novels that have just become Word documents saved to the Cloud never to become anything, but my ramblings. So you go, Kim for making your book happen!

But because this is a book review, here's the truth: I thought the characters were well-developed, maybe because there are speculations that they take after real people, but the writing was a little abrupt. I thought the endings of conversations and chapters were really abrupt, like there could have been a more natural way to end them, but instead they just stopped or were rushed to the point. I don't know if I would spend the money on a sequel if one were to come out, but for a plane read this book did the job. It is a rare time that I actually enjoyed the adaptation more than the original, but in this case I really did.

If you want a book for the pool, something fluffy to read after you've finished a tome or you really enjoy lady drama then this book will do the trick.

Love you lots,

Fall Must-Have List cont.

I didn't want to overwhelm anyone with the longest blog post of the century, so I broke this list into two! As promised here is the rest of my must-have items for Fall! Plus, I am super excited about it being Friday and wanted to do something fun and special! 

One || Two || Three

Too cold to wear leggings or you want a little more coverage (back pockets!)? Everyone needs a great fitting pair of skinny black jeans! Tuck them into boots, cute heels, or your favorite flats there really isn't a wrong way to wear them! I still love Taylor Swift's black ensemble from the Shake It Off Video and you could definitely recreate it with a pair of these. I've heard amazing things about the TopShop black jeans (2), but I am always a little partial to Joe's (3). 

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I never thought I would get behind this trend, but I am jumping on board. I'd pair them with a long grey sweater, black suede OTK boots (for some texture contrast) and dainty jewelry. I don't think this trend will be around for an extended time, so I wouldn't spend a ton of money on these, but for a fun weekend look I say, "Go for it!" It's also a cute item to stash away and rock on New Year's Eve if it's too cold for an LBD. 

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SUEDE IS HUGE! I bought this TopShop skirt (2) during the Anniversary Sale and I absolutely love it! The point is that heavy fabric skirts like ones made of suede, wool, or tweed add a definite cool weather feel to your look! Pair them with a simpler, light-weight top and let the specialness of your skirt shine. To my shock (and probably my mom's), I am really loving the fringe one!  

Just a tip: Splurge for nice suede or a good faux, cheaper options can look like craft store fabric and detract from your overall look!

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Ahhh! The trench coat! I don't know if there is anything that can make a fall outfit look more polished than a great-fitting trench! Obviously, I dream about owning a classic Burberry, but until I have that kind of cash hanging out in my bank account one of these options will have to do. I love all the colors you can get a trench coat in and it still looks cute! Go for a neutral if you plan to wear it a lot, or be brave and go for a bright color like red to add an instant pop to any outfit!

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This last one isn't inspired by fashion magazines, things I've seen on the runway or a starlets paparazzi photo, but it's just something that I want for this Fall! I am looking for a pull over, but the cardigan with a chambray shirt underneath is so cute, too! It's perfect for football games (Boomer Sooner) and I love the color red for Fall and Winter, despite how cliché it might be. I also think a deep crimson or bordeaux will look great with skinny jeans and these boots! If you want a good quality and super warm sweater definitely check out Barbour (it's one of Kate Middleton's favorites and mine, too!).

Hope you are having a great Friday and have an exciting weekend planned! Let me know what some of your favorite pieces for fall are and which ones from this post you like most! I'd love that! 

Lots of love, 

Fall Must-Have List

Fall is fast approaching even though the temperatures outside might have a different opinion. But with Labor Day behind us, it's totally acceptable to start (slowly) switching out your summer wardrobe with your fall favorites. This is just a list of some of the staples I plan to incorporate into my fall closet!

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This is just a classic piece that goes with everything! I've had my current wool camel coat for two years and it's still as perfect as ever! I love the robe-style tie and the toggle buttons if you want something a little extra! Since this is such a classic, you should feel ok splurging on a more expensive one. It will last forever so it's a great investment!

One || Two || Three

You don't need real leather to add this edgy look to your wardrobe and a moto jacket doesn't have to be expensive. However, this is another piece that will last forever and can be worn so many different ways that if you chose to buy a little more expensive, you won't regret it. I also love the collarless looks that are out there for something more streamlined, especially if the moto-style is too heavy for you and the pieces you tend to wear!

One || Two || Three

As wasteful as it might seem, I am a strong believer in replacing your whites in the Spring and in the Fall. Whites start to look dingy, get stained so easy and that's not what you want to start your new season look with. White sweaters are a must have because they are so versatile. I recommend buying looser fitting styles and adding a blanket scarf, boots and your favorite jeans for a super easy and cute outfit.

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Plaid is huge right now! Kate Spade's Fall line is packed with plaid midi skirt, overcoats and purses that are all so cute! I am really into these long sleeve plaid shirt dresses and I can't wait to get mine in the mail (oh the joys of exchanging online purchases...). Of course you can go classic with a plaid flannel and a puffer vest or you can really branch out and try on a pair of plaid shoes!!

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In my opinion, long sweaters are the best item to have for cold weather. There are so many options out there, whether you do a lace trim, a boyfriend fit or the very popular open-front duster these are great for on-the-go outfits. Pair them with leggings, your booty will be covered, and you're out the door!

One || Two || Three

I don't think you can have enough flannel. Why? Because it layers well, looks cute and is so comfortable. If you want to try something new check out the patterned flannels like this one from TopShop! Of course, you can always go more traditional with navys and reds OR try a fun mixture of colors with a neutral wool skirt!

Check back this afternoon for more pieces from my Fall Must-Have list!
That's right it's a double post day!

Love you lots and lots!