There is no better way to welcome in the new school season than by sitting down in the salon chair and re-inventing you look. 2016 was all about the retro throwback styles, like the 20's inspired Gatsby Bob. But this year it has been all about making a statement, in the most subtle way possible. I know 2017 is almost coming to an end, but I promise that these styles aren't. They are sure to stick around for another season at least.
Eye-Length Fringe
This haircut is the epitome of cool. Its a little bit 70's rocker, and totally 2017 chic.
The Mordern 70's Shag
The Shag was huge last year thanks to stars like Taylor Swift, but lucky for us it doesn't seem like its going anywhere soon. This is the ultimate it-girl style (Farrah Fawcett anyone?). Its effortless, easy, lived in, and promises to make you 10X cooler. (okay maybe not 10X cooler, but it will definitely up your style game)
The Mid-length Chop
It seems now that everyone is growing out their 2016 bobs the mid-length cut has become oh so popular. Its not a bob, its not a lob, and its not long; its somewhere in between. We can thank Kendall Jenner for making this cut trendy.
If you're thinking about committing to the chop this year, you can't go wrong with any of these styles.
If I learned anything during my few months living in Paris, it's that skin care is important. Each morning I would walk by my neighborhood café to grab a coffee, and leave feeling horrible about my skin after seeing my Batista's radiant glow. What made her skin so amazing? This was the question running through my head each morning as I forked over 5.50 for a overpriced Americano. (other than the question, "why am I paying this much for a coffee?") One morning as I sat in front of my mirror unsuccessfully trying to conceal my zits, I decided enough was enough. I was going to march in there with my horrible French accent and ask her what her secret was. Before I knew it we were sitting down over an overpriced coffee and discussing her skin care routine. I imagined her telling me about her Chanel face masks, and extravagant spa treatments; but to my surprise her skin care was surprisingly simple. Here are some of the things she told me-
1.Get married to your skin routine. In other words find a nightly routine and stick with it.
2.Go natural- Try to use the least amount of chemicals as possible.
3.Tee Tree Oil- Find products that contain tee tree oil because it helps hydrate, and reduce redness. She uses Mario Badescu aloe and green tea facial spray. It's only $7! WHAT?!
4. MOISTURIZE! She couldn't stress this enough! She said to moisturize once in the morning and once at night. She uses Renee Rouleau Glow Enhancing Cream
5.Minimal Makeup-"Don't cake it on. Always remember that a little bit will go a long way"
When I returned home I decided to take her advice and create a skincare routine of my own on a tight budget! So far it has been working amazingly! Thank you girl, I owe you one!
Organic African Black Soap.
1.Get married to your skin routine. In other words find a nightly routine and stick with it.
2.Go natural- Try to use the least amount of chemicals as possible.
3.Tee Tree Oil- Find products that contain tee tree oil because it helps hydrate, and reduce redness. She uses Mario Badescu aloe and green tea facial spray. It's only $7! WHAT?!
4. MOISTURIZE! She couldn't stress this enough! She said to moisturize once in the morning and once at night. She uses Renee Rouleau Glow Enhancing Cream
5.Minimal Makeup-"Don't cake it on. Always remember that a little bit will go a long way"
When I returned home I decided to take her advice and create a skincare routine of my own on a tight budget! So far it has been working amazingly! Thank you girl, I owe you one!
Taking her advice I use only natural products; nothing with those nasty chemicals that leave bleach stains on all of your favorite towels. (just think of what its doing to your skin)
This is the first step to my nightly routine. With a warm washcloth I prep my skin by cleaning off my makeup with this African black soap. This is especially good for sensitive skin because it's organic and contains all natural ingredients like tea tree extract which helps fight acne, and control redness! (plus its only $4!)
Next I apply a dime size amount of facial scrub onto my AcneFree Brush and scrub my face. I usually let the wash sit for about 5 minutes to allow the tamarind extract to work its magic!
Mud Mask- When my skin is looking dull or starting to break out I apply this face mask for 10 minutes. Its amazing because it won't dry out your skin, and its not too oily! It reduces inflammation and redness while also keeping blemishes under control!
Moisturizer- I love, love, love this moisturizer! I have horribly dry skin, and this gives me the moisture I need without creating that oh so dreaded oily T-zone. And guess what?! I get it at dollar tree for $1! Coconut oil is amazing for your skin; It hydrates and also helps cure acne scars! You can even use this on your hair once a week as a deep conditioner. I apply this once in the morning and once before bed.
Toner - After my moisturizer I use a spritz of this on my skin. I perfectly evens out your skin tone.
Exfoliator- On the nights when my skin feels scaly I love using this lush exfoliator! After using this stuff your skin will feel baby soft! It gets rid of dry skin and gives you that dewy glow! Plus its vegan, cruelty free, and smells like coffee!
AcneFree Brush - This little tool is amazing, and its only $20! This bristles penetrated the skin to get rid of any dirt, oil, or dry skin. Buh Bye congested, dull skin!
Light Therapy Mask -For those of you wondering if this really works, the answer is yes! The pink light kills acne causing bacteria and reduces the amount of breakouts. Ever since I started using this have seen a dramatic difference!
After experimenting with many different products, these were the ones tat were the most effective, and they are super inexpensive! I hope these tips help!
XX,
S
Fall is just around the corner, and I couldn't be more excited. I have already packed away all of my summer tanks, and in its place took my suede skirts, oversized sweaters, and shearling jackets! I just can't wait to wear all of my favorite fall pieces, and sip my pumpkin spice late by the fire. Here's a little outfit I put together to welcome the Fall season!
When you want to wear a classic mini skirt (like my oh so loved suede mini) you can style it many different. ways. I always like to add an edge to my looks, so I decided to pair it with my favorite leather jacket and a vintage band tee. When you add two different textures it adds dimension, and makes the look more interesting (buh bye boring)
By wearing your skirt with a tee, it transforms it into a causal piece. If you style it with a button up blouse, and tights you have something you could wear to a work meeting. Same skirt, so many options.
My current trend obsession is layering jewelry (also how amazing are these necklaces?!). I usually layer 3-4 necklaces at a time, but because of the graphics on the tee, you don't want too much distraction. Keep it simple.
Snag this cool look here...
Free People Jacket, Brandy Melville Tee, Anthropologie Skirt-Similar Here, Alex and Ani Skull Necklace, Alex and Ani Horn Necklace
More and more people are turning to "capsule wardrobes" which I think is a great model to get you inspired! I don't know if I could ever commit to such a small number of items, and everyone has a different ideal wardrobe. So i'm just going to share what has worked for me so far!
ONE- Take everything out of your closet and dresser. Seriously. EVERYTING
TWO- Identify the duplicates. Do you have two black v-neck tees, or two red tank tops? If so, choose the one you like the most and toss the other. If you absolutely love them both, its okay keep it! Purging your wardrobe is all about creating a closet with only pieces that you love.
THREE- Now that the duplicate items are gone, go through every single piece and ask yourself these questions.
Is it in good condition?
Does it fit me well?
Have I worn it in the last 12 months?
The most important question- Do I LOVE it? Whenever I wear it does it make me feel confident?
FOUR- Grab some boxes and bags. Anything that didn't have a yes answer must be separated into these categories.
Trash- Anything that is stained, torn, or stretched out. JUST THROW IT AWAY!
Sell- Anything that is still up to date, in good condition, or hasn't been worn can be sold! I always take my clothes to uptown cheapskate, or platos closet. It's an easy way to earn some extra cash, and you won't feel bad about getting rid of those good quality items that you just no longer love.
Donate-Everything that wasn't bought or is no longer in the best condition donate! Get rid of it right away to prevent those last minute mind changes.
Undecided-For those tricky items that you're just not sure about. Put them in a box at the back of your closet. If you don't find yourself thinking about, or reaching for them in the next 4 weeks... toss them!
Doing this ritual every 6 months will help you tremendously in developing your personal style. You'll start to understand what you like, what flatters you, and what you will honestly wear once it comes home with you. This will also help you understand where the gaps in your wardrobe are. Now you can think about adding a few pieces, but keep thee tips in mind:
Only buy the things you love! Don't buy things that are on the sale rack because they're cheap; instead save that money you would have spent and put it towards an amazing piece that you feel great in!
Buy the classics- Sure, it's fun to buy trendy pieces, but in six months you will just end up throwing them out. My rule is that each season I can buy two or three inexpensive trendy items. That way I still feel like I'm staying in trend, but I'm not blowing my money and wasting my closet space for items that won't mean anything in the future. It's important to start creating a wardrobe that can stay with you for years to come.
Replace items- When you're first starting your closet purge you will have to keep some items. Maybe your favorite black sweater is starting to pill, or you jeans are extremely faded. It's impractical to throw those items ways, and immediately go buy new ones. Instead put a little money aside each month to replace those items and get rid of the old.
Invest in quality- Sure right now those 10 dollar jeans sound pretty good, but in the long run its going to be worth spending a little bit more money. Remember that its better to spend $60 dollars on a pair of jeans that fit amazingly and are durable, instead of spending 5 bucks on 10 different pair of thrift jeans that never fit quite right.
I hope that these tips are helpful! Just try this once, and I promise that it will make your life, and your wardrobe so much easier to handle!
Hey friends! I just wanted to let you all now that my blog will now be on bloglovin as well! This will provide you easier access to my blog from your mobile device, and it's a great way to read all of your posts in one place! Also I will be taking post suggestions once a week, so if there anything you want to me talk about this week let me know in the comments!
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There is something so magical about Paris during fashion week; you can't walk down a single street without hearing the distinct clack of Chanel Pumps against the cobble-stone walkways. During this one week the city completely transforms. Everywhere you look there are designer handbags, outrageous outfits, and there is no such thing as the world practical. Time seems to stand still, and you begin to wonder if this is real life. The whole city is buzzing with excitement, and you can feel the creativity pumping throughout the veins of Paris. I will never forget my first designer photo-shoot opportunity for Chanel. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and was left with no choice but to fake it. I still remember looking around to see me standing in a group with some of the worlds best photographers. Talk about intimidating! This was the moment that realized I could make it in the fashion world. They didn't question if I belonged there, instead they asked what article I was shooting for. "Ummm, my blog?" I responded. If an editor from one of Paris's biggest fashion magazines believed in me, I guess I could too. This opportunity sparked my interest in the fashion world, and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and for the people who helped make this shoot happen. I can not wait for what opportunities lie ahead!
