october favorites

This new hair product has made a huge difference in how my hair behaves and feels. I used to use the Bumble and Bumble color-minded shampoo and conditioner, but now that they have come out with this new Hairdresser's invisible oil line I'm never going back. This new line of theirs makes my hair so soft and leaves it feeling moisturized yet still weightless-- a really good thing especially since I have fine hair that can be weighed down easily.

I was browsing NARS's new audacious lipstick formula and was instantly wooed by the super pigmented, gorgeous range of colors. I was tempted to get a vampy red or deep berry color, but since I already have many a shade like them at home, I opted for this color called Anna. It's a purple-toned neutral and like nothing I have at home. I have been wearing it non-stop since I got it and that trend will likely carry over into November too.

How I had not had a cosmetics bag/pouch is beyond me. Now I can keep all the makeup I usually throw into my handbag in one place and don't have to worry about caps or lids falling off and ruining the inside of my purse. This pouch in particular I made myself from remnant fabric I bought from my trip to Portland a couple years back and I love it so much.

I've wanted a leather backpack for a while now and this one from Madewell totally fits the bill. I really love that I can wear the weight evenly on my back now instead of carrying around a shoulder bag that tires out only one of my shoulders. The only downside (or could be a good thing) is the space inside is quite large so I've been filling it up with all kinds of things and man is it heavy!

I really love a messy, undone hair style so you'll rarely see me with a completely polished look, instead I like rocking that matte, choppy, piecey 'do and these two products have been helping me achieve that lately with the utmost ease.

These boots from Madewell are surprisingly comfy even with the short heel on them. They have been the perfect addition to Fall and slightly dressing up casual outfits to avoid looking frumpy has been effortless.

I haven't yet finished this book but I'm more than half way through and it's been so entertaining a little funny, and just really refreshing to read. If you're interested in reading about a company that saw a need for a product, filled that need by making quality products, turned it into a growing business that started to boom, and through that growth continued it's philosophy on business then this one's for you. Totally recommend this one and I haven't even finished it yet.

september favorites

I realize I haven't done a favorites in a while-- but it's probably because there hasn't been anything I've been really loving enough to share with y'all. This past month was different. There have been a lot of good things I've been loving and not all of them new. Some of them have been re-discovered in my beauty stash, read on to find out!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and creamy concealer. Both I've had for and am really loving using both. I forgot how pretty the finish on the foundation is and how incredibly good the coverage is on this concealer, it covers like nobody's business and still looks very natural.

Can we first take a moment to give a nod to what this girl is doing with her makeup/hair/fashion game? It's hugely influencing a lot of the fashion world at the moment and it's no doubt she had a little influence on me. Because of this I had to pull out my Bobbi Brown lip color in Brown as well as my long-wear eye pencil in Mahogany to achieve a sort of Kylie Jenner inspired look. I added a mascara that I've had before and absolutely loved, but this time I got it in the waterproof version. I'll have you know my version is no where near as overdrawn and dramatic as hers, but a more wearable, simple version.

These cotton pads from Muji have made my nighttime routine much easier. Something about the square cotton pad is more absorbent (than a regular cotton ball) and makes removing my waterproof makeup that much easier.

I have been obsessed with this cami and would wear it every day if I didn't think my friends would look at me like I was disgusting.

The other item I've been practically living in is this hoodie from Mollusk Surf Shop. In my college days and even a couple years after I was all about wearing hoodies. Soon after that, I got rid of most all my hoodies and didn't go near one for a while, until this bad boy. The marled heather gray material, it's slightly loose, but not sloppy fit, and the sewn on captain steering wheel makes this the perfect throw-on cover up.

I've never been a huge fan of dresses, but immediately when I saw this one I knew it was love. I'm excited to keep wearing it through the colder months with tights and oversized cardigans.

I got the audiobook version of #GIRLBOSS and it was an entertaining book about how Sophia Amoruso, Founder and CEO of the ever popular Nasty Gal built her empire. With her unconventional approach to just about everything, she now owns one of the fastest growing women's retail companies and she started it all out of her love for finding and selling vintage items on Ebay. She's got a bad-ass attitude (which I think every entrepreneur should have a little bit of) and a lot of passion for the Nasty Gal brand. An inspiring and fun read that I'd recommend to anyone needing a little inspiration or motivation, not just in business, but in life.

what goes around comes back around...

Lately I've been super into 90's fashion. The makeup was always on point with either a super clean fresh face, or a more grungy vibe. I especially love the minimalist, simple silhouettes and the looks that gave off that rocker, grungy-chic vibe. While there were a few trends during that time that did not make it on my radar, there were a lot of looks that have inspired my day to day dressing-- only made into a more current and modern version of the classic 90's. Here are a few old and new looks that I'm loving.

what's in my beach bag

Here's a glimpse of some items I keep in my beach bag, and some items that I'm still pining for that would make my beach (or pool) bag complete! I've been loving the Skipping Girl tote bags for some time now and have yet to get my hands on one. It's awesome because they're made from recycled/repurposed old fishing twine which means they are not only eco-friendly, but the twine allows any bits of sand to just fall through so it doesn't get stuck in your bag! They come in so many fun patterns, this one is currently my favorite (cherry pattern pictured above). What's in your beach bag?

Left to right:
Insulated Klean Kanteen - there's nothing more refreshing than an ice cold drink on a hot day
Baby Lips Dr. Rescue - who wants dry, chapped lips in the sweltering sun? Not me!
Ocean Potion Sunblock - this is my favorite brand of sunscreen. It absorbs quickly and does the job
Kindle - it's nice to have a few option of books to read at the beach while not having to tote around all the extra weight
Triple C earbuds - these ones by Triple C are stylish and retract so you don't have to worry about cords getting all tangled in your bag
Topshop sunglasses - these are fun and inexpensive enough to where you won't have to worry if they get sandy, wet, or oily from sunblock
Clear Avery Lolo Bag - this small waterproof pouch is perfect to throw jewelry in or if you're a beachcomber like me, any treasures you find on the beach
Pack to Basics reusable lunch bag - I like to maximize every minute at the beach, so I usually pack lunch or snacks so I don't have to pack up and leave, then come back. This insulated bag is perfect for sandwiches, fruit, or even snacky foods like cheeses and chocolate because it keeps everything cool
REI Binoculars - compact and powerful enough to see if there's any marine life you can see from shore
Samudra pouch - excellent pouch/clutch to put your wallet, phone, and anything else you want to keep protected. They come in awesome prints which are actually photos printed on material
Turkish Towel/Blanket - nice and large, perfect for beach lounging and it's by a brand I love
Watershot underwater housing for iPhone - I still have my eye on one of these for my iPhone. It's portable, easy and reliable for getting awesome underwater photos
Biltmore x Madewell cap - caps are awesome for covering up unruly beach hair and giving your face some much needed sun protection

rainy day light

Even though it's been raining pretty much non-stop the light has been beautiful for taking pictures. I couldn't help but want to snap a few photos in the rain. Dressed in almost everything from my most favorite store ever, Aritzia. If I could, I'd have an entire closet full of Aritzia (instead, it's only half full ;) hehe)

Babaton Henry Jacket, Wilfred Free tee, Aritzia belt, Bebe denim, Kamik rainboots

peek-a-boo

There are a few things about this top that I love besides the very obvious surprise in the back. I love it's minimalist shape and the fact that it's actually a wool blend so it keeps me surprisingly warmer than expected. I wore it with my high-waisted denim and is generally how I like wearing this top so it shows just a bit of skin.

Babaton Ashton shirt, Madewell denim, BCBG cardigan, Asics, Crushed Plum lipstick Bobbi Brown

january favorites

This month I've got a variety of things to throw at you, enjoy!

Oh, and I'm sorry for the long rant at the end. It's just a product I love too much. If I could buy everyone one of these bottles, I totally would.

Oribe Surfcomber Tousled Texture Mousse - gives volume and messy, effortless texture

Benefit's Watt's Up! Not sure how I ever did without highlighter. This one gives your face just a tad more depth and definition without being obnoxiously sparkly. 

Loving Oribe, can you tell? Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray - gives my hair just that tad bit of edge it needs. Hourglass Femme Nude in No. 6 - the perfect nude shade that doesn't make you look washed out

Chunky, oversized knit sweaters. Could not live without these this Winter. L to R: Wilfred, TNA, Zara

And last, but not least, my klean kanteen insulated canister. I've had these for years now and love them to death; I couldn't leave home without one. Even if I'm out getting coffee somewhere I have them fill my kanteen instead of giving me a cup. It got me thinking about how much single-use plastic I've saved from ending up in landfills and the environment just by using a re-useable water bottle. I think everyone should have one of these, imagine how much less waste we would have from all those coffee cups and plastic water bottles. The frequency of which I use these bottles warranted me buying my fifth one (that and Sports Basement was having a 20% off sale) and I'm loving my new navy bottle. :)

If you're thinking about getting a re-useable bottle this one is highly recommended. It's got a wide mouth for easy cleaning, is all stainless steel (no BPA), comes with different lid attachments you can buy, comes in different sizes and beautiful colors, and last but not least it's INSULATED (but they also have non-insulated if you want). Have your hot or cold liquids on the go and for hours on end!

Not pictured: Oral-B electric toothbrush. With a family full of dentists and hygienists, I don't know how I lived without one all these years. It's pretty unlike me, but I didn't do any research on this one I just bought it. I'm not really sure how it compares to the Sonicare other than the fact that it's cheaper in price. What I do know, is that my teeth already feel cleaner and fresher than they did with a traditional toothbrush. Not only does it clean better, but it also protects your gums from receding if you're like me and brush too hard.

sunny side

Wool sweater, Bebe denim, Nine West boots (few years old), handmade ring