Monochromatic

Kenneth Cole Blazer // Zara Tank // American Eagle Distresses Denim // Chanel Bag // Old Vera Wang Lavender Label Flats {This Season's Version} // Hermes Belt // Michelle Watch // Old Forever 21 Necklace {Similar} // David Yurman Bracelets // Roberto Coin Bracelet // Francesca's Earrings // David Yurman Ring // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Prada Sunnies // YSL Matt Rouge Grenat Satisfaction

I never seem to get tired of the black and white, monochromatic look. It's a great way to achieve a classic, timeless, and effortlessly polished look. I decided to spice up my look a bit with a geometric necklace and clunky black ring. I also always like to do a red lip to add some color to the pallet!   

Savoring Summer Dresses

Ann Taylor Maxi Dress {On Sale!} // Gap Denim Jacket {On Sale!} // Sam Edelman Sandals // BGBG Clutch // Roberto Coin Necklace // Tiffany & Co. Diamonds By The Yard // Michelle Watch // David Yurman Bracelets // South Moon Under Bracelet {old} // Roberto Coin Bangle // David Yurman Ring // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Fendi Sunnies // Almay Pink Pout Lip Gloss // Essie Ballet Slippers Nail Polish & OPI Cajum Shrimp Toe Polish

With the summer season quickly coming to an end, I'm finding that I'm recently torn between savoring these last  few opportunities to wear my favorite warm-weather pieces, and transitioning into some of my fall favorites. Yesterday I opted to savor summer in this brightly colored maxi that I recently snagged from the sale racks {gets me every time}. I love the the various patterns and shades of blue, it's one of those pieces that speaks for itself. No fancy accessories or statement pieces are needed; the dress is the statement {making my life much easier when I'm struggling to get out the door in the morning}!

Safari

Club Monaco Jacket {Similar} // Gap Tee {On Sale!} // J.Brand White Denim // Theodora & Callum Scarf c/o // J.Crew Belt // Guiseppe Zanotti Pumps {Identical} // ASOS Clutch {Similar} // Wrap Leather Bracelet {Loving this one!} // Cusp by Neiman Marcus Cuff {Craving this one!} //  Charm Bracelet via Etsy c/o // Michael Kors Wire Gold Hoops // Ray-Ban Sunnies // Chanel Rouge Allure Pirate Lipstick

Usually when I get dressed in the morning I start putting together my outfit by choosing one "jump off" piece. Basically I choose one item from my closet that I know I want to wear that day, and work from there! Today, my jump off piece was this fabulous Theodora & Callum scarf! I love absolutely everything they do, but their signature pieces {scarves} are what they do best. They are all so unique and fun, and have the ability to completely transform a look. I had so much fun styling this glammed up camo scarf! I have to admit, I was inwardly channeling the Ralph Lauren Safari Campaign {I think it's absolutely fabulous!}.   

Theodora & Callum Special!

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you my discount code for Theodora & Callum! Tomorrow's post will feature one of my favorite scarves from T&C! If you use this code upon checkout you will receive 10% off your total purchase price! Enjoy!

{Discount Code: CWhite10}

REBEL

Aqua Sweater // Club Monaco Skirt // Zara Shoes // Frederic of Paris Purse {Old, Purchased On A Trip To Paris} // David Yurman Bracelet // Earrings via Gilt Group {Old} // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Stella & Dot Ring // Ray Ban Sunnies // YSL Matt Rouge Grenat Satisfaction

I love graphic tee's and sweaters! They're so fun and flirty and give that coveted "effortless appeal" that we all strive so hard to master. I always try to look put together and well coordinated without looking like I tried too hard. Fun sweaters like this make it so easy! Statement accessories are not necessary if your top makes a statement all of its own! 

My Makeup Bag

Chanel Le Blanc De Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base// Chanel Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup // Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup // Chanel Foundation Brush // Chanel Foundation Blending Brush // Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Fresh & Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup // Givenchy Photo Perfection Fluid Foundation // Makeup Forever HD Invisible Cover Foundation // Chanel Long Lasting Concealer  // Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick // Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer // Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder // Givenchy Powder Compact // Bare Minerals Mineral Veil // Chanel Healthy Glow Bronzer // Givenchy Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder // Too Faced Snow Bunny Luminous Bronzer // Chanel Powder Blush // Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Color // Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge Cream Blush // Smashbox Under Eye Brightener // Benefit Fine One One Highlighter // Alicia Silverstone Irresistible Glow Highlighter // Benefit Cheek Tint Trio // YSL Radiant Touch Highlighter

When it comes to building your makeup bag, it can be difficult to know where to start, and what products to invest in. When I decided to revamp my makeup routine, around the same time I decided to update my skincare regimen {look here for my skincare tips}, I went about the process in much of the same way. I went to various make up counters and took advantage of the makeup artists at each and every station; everyone that I spoke to had a new beauty tip or insight to share. I am a believer in investing in good quality makeup. I skip the drug store brands for several reasons, the biggest being that they almost never have testers available. You could easily rack up costs just by trying to find the right colors to match your skin tone. I have also found that the drug store brands tend to dry out quicker, particularly mascaras and foundations. If you're looking to be as budget friendly as possible, try brands like Clinique and Smashbox, both of which can be found in Sephora {brimming with testers!}  

Primer & Foundation

My first stop was the Chanel counter at Neiman's. I've always been a fan of their beauty products and I find that their beauticians are exceptionally knowledgeable about their particular products. I ended up taking home a primer, as well as three {very} different foundations. I think that one of the biggest mistakes that women make is expecting one foundation to solve all of their problems. Depending on the condition of my skin from one day to another, or one season to another, I use a different foundation. These three were my "starter kit." The Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation gives medium coverage and has a completely matte finish. It takes away any shine for your face and gives a flawless airbrushed look. Being as this is a matte foundation, it can tend to be a bit on the chalkier side, and would work very well for more oily skin types. The second foundation I chose is the Chanel Ultra Light Skin Perfecting Makeup, an extremely light coverage foundation, perfect for the summer months when your skin already has a natural glow from the sun. This foundation gives the skin an more dewy and natural look {kind of like a "no makeup" makeup}, another good quality for a summer makeup. The third foundation that I snagged was the Chanel Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup. This foundation gives the most coverage, and is great for the days that your skin simply refuses to cooperate. It is a very build-able product and while it has the ability to give maximum coverage, it can also give a more sheer coverage depending on the application. When I ran out of the Chanel Perfection Lumiere I opted to try something new in the medium coverage range. This was right around the time that Givenchy launched their makeup line, and I decided to give it a go! I came home with the Givency Fluid Foundation, and instantly fell in love. It did not have the same chalky appearance as the Chanel Perfection Lumiere {which I liked}, and it also had more of a moisturizing effect {which I also liked}. When I ran out of that product {clearly I use medium weight foundations the most frequently} I decided to try a completely different product that I had been hearing a ton of buzz about, the Makeup Forever Invisible Cover Foundation. This foundation is now the most essential part of my makeup bag! It makes my skin glow unlike any other product I have ever tried, and it gives that "no makeup look" {that we all so desperately strive for} while still giving incredible coverage. I always struggled with finding that perfect balance: a foundation with enough coverage to serve its purpose, without resulting in a cakey and unnatural appearance. After testing out all of these products my choice was very simple to make. My makeup bag now consists of the Makeup Forever Invisible Cover Foundation and the Chanel Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup. The Makeup Forever is my everyday, go-to, foundation, and I keel the Chanel Compact on hand for those days that my skin does not want to cooperate. The ability to build up the product makes it worth the splurge! I also included the links to the foundation brushes that I use! I have found that they make foundation stretch further than if you were to use your hand. 

Concealers & Cover-Ups

Concealers and cover-ups are arguably the most important part of a girls makeup bag! I think I experimented with every concealer and coverup known to man during my college years {I needed it, trust me}. Eventually I found my two favorite concealers, the closest things I have ever found to magic potions. Between the Chanel Long Lasting Concealer, Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick, and the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, there is nothing I can't hide! {Even the horrifying dark circles under my eyes curtsy of one-too-many all-nighters} The Chanel Concealer comes in liquid form and is perfect for under-eye circles and blemishes {it doesn't cake!}, and the Bobbi Brown Concealer is wonderfully buildable, and gives great coverage to the under eye area! The Bobbi Brown Touch Up Stick is specifically designed for blemishes and work to dry them out while still covering them up while they last! 

Powders

I think that powders all come down to personal preference. I tend to like lighter, airier, and more sheer products that don't cake with my foundation, but still even out my skin tone. I love both each the Givenchy and Chanel powders, and randomly switch back and forth between the two. The most important part of a powder is finding the correct color. Always go one shade lighter than your skin tone, don't make the mistake of trying to use your powder as a pseudo bronzer, you don't want to end up with the dreaded chin lines. You want your makeup to be flawless and well blended. In the summers  in particular I swear by the BareMinerals Mineral Veil. It sets my makeup and keeps the shine away on the hot summer days!

Bronzers

When choosing a bronzer, the most important thing is to find the right balance of colors for your skin. All bronzers contain some degree of yellows, oranges, browns, golds, and sometimes pinks. A good bronzer has the correct combination of all of these colors. Bronzers with too much brown can make you look dirty and bronzers with too much orange and yellow can make you look like one of Willy Wonka's Oompa Loompa's {a look only appropriate for Halloween}. If you have a lighter skin tone, look for a bronzer with fewer browns and oranges, and more golds and pinks. Another thing to consider is whether or not you want any shimmer in your bronzer {I like to keep both on hand for different occasions}. This Chanel bronzer is a fantastic matte bronzer that is shimmer free, and these Too Faced and Givenchy options both have shimmer in them. The key to using a shimmery bronzer is to use a minimal amount of the product {you don't want to look like a poster child for a 90's girl band}.

Blushes

Blushes are another thing that I think also depends on personal preference. In the winters I prefer to use a more crimson-colored blush because I love the "just-came-in-from-the-cold" look. In the summers I prefer more peach colored, and light pink options because I feel they give a more casual and natural appearance. I use this Chanel blush is the colder months and opt for this Laura Mercier option for the summer months. I tend to reach for powder blushes for the day-to-day look, but I absolutely love the dewy, sun-kissed look that this Bobbi Brown Cream Blush gives, and I love that I know I can count on the color to last all day.

Highlighters

Highlighting never used to be something that I concerned myself with, but a few months ago I saw this video on MaskCara, and I swear it changed the way I looked at makeup. Her video is fantastic and gives a step by step guide on how to highlight and contour your face. While I was still learning {not gonna like, it took a while for me to get the hang of it} I lived for this Benefit Fine One One highlighter. It's a one step highlighting stick for your cheekbones and it really does work wonders and gives your face dimension and definition! I also included the links to some other highlighting products that I have come to love. They all work their magic in different ways! 

I hope this little cheat sheet provided some insight on how to begin revamping your makeup bag! Thanks for stopping by!    

Skincare Staples

Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads // Fresh Soy Face Cleanser // Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes // Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover // Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer // Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 // Clarisonic Mia Exfoliating Brush

When it comes to skincare I truly believe that you reap what you sew. I was never particularly religious in my skincare regimen, but about a year ago I made a resolution to step up my game. I took a trip to Sephora and stocked up on a ton of small, travel sized products and samples so that I could try some of the different options without breaking the bank. In the following few months I tried out all of the loot I came home with and decided on the products that I found worked best for my skin. Since I'm still in my 20's and have been lucky enough not to struggle with much more than the occasional blemish, and seasonally dry skin, I have a fairly normal skin type, so all of the products that I chose therefore work for most every skin type. You can always tweak any of these items to suit your own needs. Also, don't be afraid of taking advantage of the beauticians at your disposal; they tend to know all of the little tricks of the trade that the rest of us {me} are oblivious to! I would also definitely suggest trying out a few different options before setting your routine in stone. If you ask the beauticians for samples or travel sizes they will be more than helpful! {Girl code demands that women share secrets to good skin, it's just one of those things in life that is sacrosanct for females} Test out your new products in various waves, and give each product a week before you dismiss it {unless something crazy goes wrong}, sometimes it takes a few days to really see a difference in your skin! Regardless of what products you choose for your skin, give yourself the extra time to treat your skin right! Since allotting ten extra minutes every morning and evening solely for skincare, I have noticed an unbelievable difference in the tone, texture, and clarity of my skin. Below are the steps that I take each day to keep my skin, clean, hydrated, and smooth! 

Morning

1. Remove - Because I am religious about taking off my makeup before bed each night {if you're not, it's time to find Jesus, your skin will thank you later} I skip the removal step of the regimen in the morning.  

2. Cleanse - I found that if I use my Mia exfoliator twice a day, it leaves my skin a bit dry, so in the mornings I opt for these Aveeno Clear Complexion Daily Cleansing Pads. They're very gentle and leave my skin feeling clean and refreshed. 

3. Clarify - I absolutely fell in love with Clinique Clarifying Lotion Number 2, absolutely nothing compares! I swear this stuff is magic juice that shrinks my pores, and leaves my skin feeling cleaner than I ever though possible {sorry if I sound like a billboard, I'm honestly obsessed}  I always used to think I successfully removed all of the gunk and grime with my remover and cleanser, I was wrong. This stuff is the make-it-or-break-it part of my skincare regimen and also helps prevent those pesky little break outs that we all love so much.  

4. Moisturize - So I know that I'm no expert, but I can't stress enough how important it is to moisturize! You'r makeup will go on so much better if your skin is well hydrated! It keeps you looking fresh and clean, and gives you that "no-make-up," glowy look. If your skin is dehydrated your makeup will look cakey and flat {not ideal}. It is a common misconception that moisturizers lead to breakouts {a misconception that I will admit to having fallen for at one point} but I swear it's not true! I live for this Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer. It's thin, but super hydrating, and great for youthful skin types! A friend of mine also swears by the Clinique Moisturizing Gel, she was always more prone to break outs that me, and she will swear to you that this stuff is heaven in a bottle so if you're still worried about breakouts from moisturizing, give this stuff a try!  

Night 

1. Remove - First, I remove my eye makeup with Lancome's Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. I have found that many other makeup removers that are not dedicated solely to the eyes can be a little on the harsher side, and  leave the skin around my eyes dry and irritated. I then use these Aveeno Ultra-Calimng Makeup Removing Wipes to remove the remainder of my makeup {I avoid the eye area though because they have a tendency to irritate the skin around my eyes}. 

2. Cleanse & Exfoliate - Every night I cleanse my skin with Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser. It's very gentle, but removes the excess makeup from the surface of my skin that the makeup wipe missed {a surprising and depressing amount}. I use my Clarisonic Mia Exfoliating Brush for this step but you can absolutely just use your hands. I do find that the Mia does a fantastic job of cleaning and softening my skin, but it is by no means a necessity! There are also some more budget friendly options out there now too {Here & Here}

3. Clarify - I use the same Clinique Clarifying Lotion Number 2 {aka magic juice} at night. This step is even more crucial at night because it removes all of the leftover makeup that gets stuck deep in your pores {and then leads to breakouts}.

4. Moisturize - I use the same Estee Lauder Daily Wear Moisturizer at night, but if your skin tends to be on the drier side, I recommend using a thicker moisturizer for your nighttime regimen. Even if you're too young for the "anti-aging" line of products, many of the moisturizers in that particular category are ultra hydrating.  I use June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Hydrating Complex during the winter months because my skin tends to get much drier in the cold weather.  

Good Luck & Thanks For Stopping By! 

Wardrobe Revamp

I think that getting bored with your wardrobe is a pretty common occurrence. There is absolutely no way {or at least I hope not.....} that I'm the only one who fixates on something sparkly, obsesses over it, and then gets bored and looks for something newer and shinier. I swear this is just one of the many curses that females are forced to endure, but don't fret, along with being the fairer of the sexes, we are also the stronger {metaphorically in my case; I can hardly lift my own purse}. Sadly, my attention span when it comes to shiny new things is comparable to that of a teenaged boy {I know, don't judge} so I am constantly on the hunt for the next glamorous thing to bring home with me {my wallet obviously hates me, it's beautiful, but perpetually empty}. If we were all married to Mr. Big, Chuck Bass, or that guy from Maid in Manhattan, than this wouldn't necessarily be an issue. The sad truth is that most of us do not have a net worth comparable to that of Donald Trump {but at least we have better hair, I desperately cling to that fact}. So being as I'm not married to a billionaire, and am still waiting to rake in my own billions {absurdly wishful thinking}, I am constantly looking for new and fun ways to update my wardrobe without spending a ton of money. These are my tips for updating your closet on a budget! 

1. CLEAN - I know that this is not quite what you want to hear, but it's impossible to update your wardrobe when you don't even know what it consists of! At the start of every season, when you're rotating your clothes {if you don't know what I'm talking about than you clearly have FAR more closet space than yours truly, and for that I hate you {kidding....maybe}}. It's so important to be organized so that you know what you have plenty of, and what you could use some more of. I suggest organizing by color and weight. For example: pile all of your sweaters together and within those piles, color coordinate. Do the same for t-shirts, pants, jackets etc. This will give you a really great sense of what you already have to work with in terms of both colors and weights {which if you think about it, are really the two most distinguishing factors when you're deciding what to wear}. Another fun plus: when you're flipping your closet I can almost guarantee that you will find at least one thing that you completely forgot that you had {exciting, I know}. 

2. LAYERING - A great way to refresh and revamp some of your old favorites is to wear them in completely different ways. Layering is the easiest way to accomplish this. Try wearing one of your favorite dresses as a skirt, throwing on a cozy sweater, button down {tie at the waist for shape}, or printed tee. Maybe try wearing a button down under a favorite sweater or top of yours. I love the way a crisp white button down looks underneath a sleek black peplum {a look that I stumbled across by layering  some of my old favorites!} Layering is also great for incorporating new trends into your wardrobe. Tuxedo coloring is a huge look for fall, try experimenting with your blacks and whites to see if you can come up with a fun, unexpected combination that will keep your look fresh! 

3. ADD-ONS - Another favorite trick of mine is to add a scarf to a old handbag, {look here for my take} it gives the bag a completely fresh feel and is a great way to pull together a look.  You can also add pins to basic blouses or older coats {Etsy has some great budget-friendly options}. Another one of my favorite tricks is to add a bow to a collared shirt. Pick up some black ribbon from your local craft store and tie a loose, hanging bow around the collar of your button down. This small trick can make even a plain white button-down interesting and updated. Another trick I sometimes use is to add clip-on earrings to the top of my flats. The clip-ons have the potential to add glamour to an otherwise basic pair of flats! Sometimes all it takes is adding the smallest touches to take a look from dated to trendy. 

4. JEWELRY UPDATE - If you can't easily see all of your jewelry options, it might be time for the proverbial spring cleaning, only this time for your jewelry box! {Look here for my jewelry organization solutions} After everything is nice and organized, take a look through your collection and pick out some of the items that you haven't worn in a long time. If you have excessive amounts of long, beaded necklaces from that questionable trend from the early 2000's {guilty}, rather than toss them or leave them sitting unused, try wearing them as bracelets! You can opt for complete simplicity and just wrap a bunch around your wrist or your can wrap them and tie them with a ribbon bow to really update the look. On the opposite end, if you happen to have any choker length necklaces laying around from the nineties, I happen to know that the length is perfect for a double wrap around your wrist {a little birdie told me...?} I have a fabulous choker length necklace from Tiffany's that I had not worn in probably six or seven years, but have recently started wearing it as a bracelet, and I love it! This is a great way to save your jewelry from collecting dust and to update your look without spending a dime!  

5. DIY - The best way to expand and update your wardrobe on a budget will forever be DIY projects! Try adding patches to the elbows of your old tee's {This site has a great tutorial for heart shaped elbow pads}. Make the craft section of Pinterest your best friend {lets be real, this wont be a problem}. Check out my Pinterest Craft Board for some more great ideas! 

Black & Tan

Urban Outfitters Top {Old} // Joe's Jeans Denim Shorts // Target Belt // Target Booties // Furla Bag // Vintage Scarf // Ray-Ban Sunnies // Tiffany & Co. Diamonds By The Yard Necklace // Michael Kors Watch // Vintage Gold Bracelet // Giles & Brother Railroad Spike Cuff // Tory Burch Hexagonal Hoops // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Stella & Dot Ring // Chanel Mademoiselle Rouge Coco

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do fashion on a budget! I don't like to spend a ton of money on pieces that I don't see myself getting a ton of wear out of. I'm a complete believer in investing in classic wardrobe staples, but when it comes to the trendier items, I almost always choose to save rather than splurge. These Target booties are almost identical to a sinful pair of Helmut Lang's that I stumbled across not too long ago. They're cute, comfy, trendy, and they cost me hardly anything! Window-shopping in designer boutiques is a great way to get inspired and pick out the latest trends that you're loving {and the occasional splurge is sometimes necessary} but you can do your bank account a favor by browsing some budget-friendly online websites before you take the plunge! 

Black & Blue

Only Hearts Top // Million Pleated Skirt via LF {Similar} // Gap Denim Jacket // Breckelle's Wedges via Beyond The Rack // House of Harlow Sunnies // Chanel Bag // ASOS Belt {On Sale} // Michelle Watch // David Yurman Bracelets // Roberto Coin Bracelet // Vintage Snake Ring {Similar} // Stella & Dot Ring // Revlon Just Bitten Frenzy Lip Stain

I love a good pleated skirt. You can dress them up or down, and you can always depend on them to be light and airy, perfect for a hot summer night! Even after the sun went down today, the humidity {unfortunately} lingered. I grabbed for this skirt because I knew it would be loose and flowy, and wouldn't stick to me in the heat! I paired it with a more form-fitting top to balance out the fullness of the skirt, and grabbed my trusty denim jacket incase the restaurant was a little on the chilly side. I don't know about you guys, but I think an electric colored accessory is always a "do!" These shoes are super comfy and added a little extra somethin-somethin to my otherwise mostly black get-up! 

Back To Boots!

Gap T-Shirt // Joe's Denim Shorts // Unknown Belt {Similar} // Roberto Cavalli Bag // BCBGeneration Boots // Katie Waltman Necklace  //  Tiffany & Co. Diamonds By The Yard Necklace  //Tory Burch Hexagonal Hoops // Giles & Brother Railroad Spike Cuff // Alex & Ani Feather Bangle // Tiffany & Co. Ring // Stella & Dot Rings // Ray-Ban Sunnies 

I tend to have the bad habit of forgetting about my boots during the summer. While summer is probably not the time for big, clunky, or furry boots, mid-calf boots and ankle booties are a definite yes! I love that adding boots to a simple outfit {as opposed to flats or sandals} completely changes the vibe of the look. These particular boots are super breathable and doable on even the warmest days of summer! Since it was incredibly hot today I kept the accessories simple and lightweight! Thanks for reading!