Need/Reed/Greed with Smitten and Swell!

Halloween has never been my holiday. There isn't much gift giving, there is so much pressure to either a. come up with a clever costume, b. if no ideas come to mind show as much skin as possible, c. enjoy being terrified. I am not good at a,b,or c, so I have never quite gotten into the Halloween spirit. This Halloween, however, comes with an incredibly special gift in my honor! Ashley Fine, adorable author of Smitten and Swell, has featured this little bloggy blog on her Need/Reed/Greed series! I am so flattered, I adore Ashley and her cheery posts to no end. If she were a cupcake, she would be a funfetti inside, with polka dotted-frosting and a sparkler candle...if that doesn't make you want to be her best friend I honestly don't know what will. Bounce over to her blog and see what I'm loving!

http://smittenandswell.blogspot.com/

wedded bliss

http://vimeo.com/50861039

http://vimeo.com/26502282

http://vimeo.com/24583774

I'm not tech savvy enough to know how to get these videos to pop up by themselves, sorry about that, but regardless, what Tuesday doesn't need a little wedded bliss? I am embarrassed reluctant to tell you that I have these wedding videos bookmarked and watch them from time to time when I need a good smile...thank me later. 

xoxo

WOAH. Last weekend and the weekend before have been a whirlwind. I went to Cincinnati to visit my friends from college and was heartsick on my way home. I love those girls more than anything, and any time I am with them it is like nothing changed. I did a few syringe shots, danced my little heart out, and ate out wayyyy to much, and loved every minute of it. When I got back, I had a busy work week--lots of fun unwrapping all of Anthor's holiday trim and getting giddy along the way, and my neighbor had three emergency surgeries on her knee so I was at the hospital and helping out at her house. As cheesy as it sounds, my post weekend wish list is health, happiness, and hot chocolate this week/month/year, and this week especially reminded me of just how lucky I am. Butttt, there are a few additional things that made me smile this week...

1. How adorable is this Anthro hat?! The colors are perfect, and the cozy knit is calling my red little head!
2. Mint headphones...I have wanted a pair of large-noise canceling headphones for a while to improve my street cred, and this pair from urban is preppy and cool- I'm sold.
3. I already own this honey-comed sweater/wrap in white and I want it in black and brown-- Its everything.
4. How can you not start the day off right with this Kate Spade mug that says wink, cha cha cha, and live color in fun colors?!
5. This gap Fair Isle sweater?! Yes, please.

Its gonna be a great week!
xoxo

My Little Black Book

You know how InStyle, Allure, Vogue, all beauty editors everywhere take an indulgent (for readers) spin on the traditional contents of a little black book once a year and reveal their holy grail beauty products? Well, I'm no beauty guru, but I am the makeup whisperer of my friends, and I do have some favorite products that work wonders for me. So, before I spill all my secrets, things you should know:

Hair: Red, Curly, Mane-like

Skin: Dry/Rosy/Sensitive/Freckly

Eyes: Brown

Budget: Varying 

For You, but Better....

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: I personally don't like to wear a lot of makeup, and to me foundation often looks and feels cakey, so this lightweight tinted moisturizer is the perfect solution: coverage without the cake.  

Sephora Pink Mascara: Its very liquidy which might sound weird, but it coats really well, and because of its texture, holds curl from an eyelash curler amazingly well.  

L'Oreal Lineur Intense: The best liquid liner that I have tried. The felt tip makes it easy to use, and it is extremely opaque. This is one of those things that if a drugstore version works, why pay more

Nutrogena Shimmer Sheers: I got this in my stocking, like, 5 years ago and absolutely LOVE it. I have never found a cream shadow quite as good--its the perfect color, consistency, lasts, and doesn't crease. 

Nars Duo: Bronzer in Laguna and Blush in Orgasm. 'cause its the best. 

Dior Mascara: Dior mascaras are my favorite everyday go to mascaras; especially diorshow. its brush is uniquely shaped and it coats and lengthens lashes

Mark. Super Mark It: jumbo eye pencil in gold and white shimmery shades, perfect for inner corners and lash-line illuminating 

Tarte Lock N'Roll: Golden (sense a trend?) cream and powder shadows to be used in tandem. the color is so pigmented and it is a dream to use. 

Stila Eyeliner: It is soft enough to smudge, but thick enough for pigment and effect. It doesn't fade or get all over your face-- I am obsessed with these eyeliners. 

Benefit High Beam: For highlighting my brow bone, i love this. 

Nars Multiple: In cococabana. I also use this for highlighting my cheek area, and love, love, love it. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: I honestly only use this when I am going out or for special occasions, but it is extremely moisturizing, soft, and keeps my makeup put all night long. 

Tools and Tricks:

Dove Extra Damage Therapy Extra Hold Hairspray : This hairspray smells amazing, is super lightweight, holds your style, but your hair doesn't feel like you've even used hairspray. 

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: I got this as a gift for my 16th birthday, and just love that its gold. 

EOS Lip Balm: I pretty much collect lip balm, it falls out of every wallet/bag/purse/item of clothing I have ever owned and/or worn, and this is my favorite. Its so cute, smells heavenly, and leaves lips silky smooth. 

Kerastase Hair Elixir: smells AMAZING, leaves hair shiny and frizz-free, and holds style

Biore Nose Strip: These things are my guilty pleasure, and how cute is the limited-edition tin?! (even though I studied this stuff in college I'm still a sucker) They really work, and seeing all the dirt that comes out of my pores gives me so much satisfaction. True Life: I one time applied one of these in a Costco Parking Lot, and because your nose has to be wet before using it, I used a piece of ice from my drink, only to realize post-application that a man in his car had witnessed the whole thing. ughhh. 

Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream: I am addicted to anything that claims to tame frizz, but this stuff really works, and it works BETTER when your hair is allowed to do its thanggg- no frizz PLUS no work? duh. 

Tweezerman Tweezers: I have a thing about my eyebrows. They are big and bushy and I love them. And I touch them 3489 a day, its a thing I have developed. I've tried to break it, but I'm obsessed with each hair being in place. Enter tweezerman. 

Sally Hershberger Wave Spray: Okay, this stuff smells like you bottled up the best vacation ever in one of those luxurious tiki huts in crystal clear bora-bora. seriously. its that good. and it helps get those sexy, tousled,  laying out after my swim waves

Colorescience Sunforgettable: Powder sunscreen that is translucent, scent-free, and easy to apply on the go...my irish skin thinks yes. 

When You are too lazy, drunk, hungover, tried, lazy Can't do the whole routine....

Kirkland Daily Facial Cleansing Towlettes/ Makeup remover. The best makeup wipe ever. As if you needed another reason to go to Costco. 

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!

xoxo, 

Alex

skinny dipping.

I wish I had included a picture of a dark dock leading out to a lake with the moonshine splashing on the water and some silhouettes of bare back fun, but instead I'm going to reveal my secret to baby-soft skin that will make you WANT to skinny dip. I have to be honest: I got pretty lucky in the skin department for a while there. Aside from the occasional breakout and dry patches, I do not have acne or oily skin, and got away with falling into bed with makeup on, only using makeup wipes, and not moisturizing enough for pretty much all of college. Recently, though, instead of wearing my heart on my sleeve, Im wearing it on my face. And that means breakout central and flaky-dry. I don't usually let these kinds of things slow my roll, but I'm starting to feel like a 13 year old again. So, I've tried a slew of new products, from Birchbox samples, to drugstore favorites, to high-end Sephora samples. Some things worked, and some didn't but here is what I have found not only leaves my skin unbelievably soft, but prevents breakouts. Also, it turns out what every doctor/teacher, and most importantly, mom says is true: consistency is key. No matter what skin type or budget you have, if you're consistent with your products, you will most likely see results. For me personally, this means cleanser, exfoliator, toner, and moisturizer for both my face and body. Lets dip right in (i cant shy away from a good pun)...

Cleanser: Philosophy Clear Days Ahead. I have tried lots of cleansers, but this is one I am really loving. I have really dry skin, and this cleaner is cooling and penetrates deeply--how do I know? Because I followed the directions (novel idea...) and literally felt my skin tingle underneath my top layer. The trick? You put it on and leave it on for 60-90 seconds. Now, maybe most people already do this, but its a new habit of mine, and it works. After 60-90 seconds, I gently massage my skin with warm water and make sure all the cleanser is off. It works with salicylic acid to prevent breakouts and reduce damage of current breakouts. If you already have a cleanser you love or do not want to buy this one for about $16, I suggest using the one you have, but letting it sit on your skin a little longer than you usually do before rinsing. I use this every morning and night to make sure my face is really clean to prevent breakouts.

Exfoliater: BeFine Exfoliating Cleanser. Okay, you have to get this. Its a holy grail exfoliater, NOTHING COMPARES. plus, you can get it on amazon for like $7. Best $7 you ever spent. I promise. Its made with all natural ingredients like almonds, brown sugar, and oats and uses these ingredients to mix with warm water to completely clear away all dull and damaged skin. It smells amazing, and turns from a scrub to lather at the first contact with water. Because I do have dry, sensitive skin, I only use this 3x a week at night, but even that is enough to leave my skin feeling softer than it ever has. Proof: both my seventeen year old brother and three year old Jack touched my skin (one on accident, one in display of love...you decide who did which) and commented on how soft it is. Not exactly my intended audience, but Ill take what I can get.

Toner: Clinique Toner. I got this toner a while ago with the clinique set. To be honest, I am not well versed in the toner world, so I only use this one because I have it. It is specifically for dry skin, and while it does help spot treat and get any dirt or impurities that were missed, is also does dry out my skin a lot, so I only use it 2-3x a week after I exfoliate.

Moisturizer: Aveeno Moisturizer: This moisturizer leaves my skin feeling hydrated, evens my skin tone and smoothes the texture. It also works with salicylic acid, but because of the soy is soothing while it works. I use this 2x a day, morning and night, but also keep sample moisturizer with me because my skin does get so dry during the day.

Lotion: Philosophy Inner Grace Body Lotion: I have already mentioned this lotion, but I want to re-iterate that I literally can't get enough. The scent lingers and smells amazing (a mix of clean/citrus/flower-y/warm) and firms skin while hydrating. I use this literally all the time.

I truly rely on this routine, and so far have gone makeup free but confident!
xoxo
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

Today, all my dreams came true. My mom took me to IKEA and let me redecorate our family room (the start of many...!!!!!). So, in a matter of hours, we had driven to Chicago, played Tetris with boxes filled with new couch parts, sang independent women a la Destiny Child after succeeding in said Tetris, assembled a couch and to recover, tested out a new skin routine. woahhhhh. I'm tired just thinking about it. And thats not all. This weekend was top notch as well, one of my little brothers was home from college which means plenty of good meals courtesy of my mama, the weather was just right for some friends and I to carve pumpkins, drink spiked apple cider and cook pumpkin seeds, and in between all the fun, I found myself daydreaming about a few things....

1. Free People sweater. As if I need another sweater. But this one just looks like it is knit right on your body and the watermelon color is unexpected, but perfect. 

2. Milwaukee Cupcake Company minis. Milwaukee Cupcake Company is a darling little cupcake spot that opened a few years ago in the Third Ward, the hip, eccentric part of the city. They have holiday-inspired cupcakes as well as a variety of mini-cupcakes each day. I could use a bite-sized carrot cake/pumpkin mini cupcake right about now. 

3. Matching PJ set. I think part of growing up is also appreciating all the little things of being young. Like matching pajamas from J.Crew. 

4. Landsend Knit Sweater Socks...do these need an explanation? 

5. Fox Ring. Foxes are one of falls newest trends, and what better way to indulge than this foxy stone ring?! Its trendy, but without being too obvious. 

6. Mango Trench. This trench reminds me of the quintessential Burberry one that is on my lottery wishlist (you know, the list of things you want when you win the lottery?!) I also love the black trim, it adds that extra something. 

7. Floppy Hat. I have seen so many people try this on and look amazing...so I want in on the fun. 

8. Blair's office tonight on gossip girl...I couldn't find a picture online yet, but as soon as D opened those doors, I swoooooooned. 

Here's to a fabulous week!

xoxo,

Alex 

Vegan Leather Jacket

Meet my new vegan leather jacket!!! Its a beautiful option to the real alternative; the texture is buttery, the quilting on the sleeves is beautiful, and the lining adds extra warmth. I had some concerns as I was not sure how the texture would be, or the overall look, and it wasn't just me. I was literally stopped on the street and at Anthropologie for people to gasp and pet the newest member of my wardrobe, with the same concerns. And the consensus is that it rocks! I will be honest, I wanted a real leather jacket, but at their $500 price tags, I just can't justify it. Enter Free People. Now, I feel great about my purchase because it looks great, feels great, and does good! I mean who doesn't want to save a couple of babes along the path to fabulousness?! 

xoxo,

Alex

ZARA HOME

Zara Home launched today and to be completely honest, I am underwhelmed. I obviously found a few things that I love and that I wish were in my home, but these are, in my opinion, the best of the best. I cant resist these sweater looking blankets, anything with a british flag but this rug especially, or the gold-plated skull flatware. I also love the pineapple box, but I have a thing for pineapples (mostly because if I could be any fruit it would be a pineapple), rope door stopper (because it reminds me of a cottage on the beach), and this turquoise tumbler. And I am absolutely OBSESSED with this black globe, skull box, tableware, chain link picture frame (SO CUTE), and  this lucite tray. This tray would make such an amazing bar cart; its modern, perfectly sized, and so chic.
I'll try to keep up with the seasonal changes and add to the list, but I'm hoping there are better things to come on this one.
xoxo,
Alex

Tulle Talk

via

Today started out fantastically. Although I had to wake up early, I managed to put together a look I would pin on pinterest, or admire on the street. Nothing fancy, but I felt good. Then I took my two favorite boys to the beach for some adventures. There is something about being the only person for miles and miles on the shore of a rocky beach in fall that centers you. Add looking through the lens of two three year olds, and you're feeling like life is alright. Then, you spill your coffee everywhere, bang your elbow on the car door, and get your credit card statement in the mail, and cry out of frustration because you can't understand it correctly, and the customer service rep asks if you "really understand the concept of a billing cycle" well, sir, when you put it like that, I'm not too sure anymore.  So, I lit my favorite candle, turned on my go-to playlist, texted some of my best friends, and changed into a big sweater and leggings, cause its comfy, and familiar, and there is nothing I don't understand about a good knit and some fleece-lined leggings. As I was shedding my presentable exterior, a little piece of sea glass fell out of my pocket, and stung my heart. Everyone gets wrapped up in their daily lives and complain about things that don't really matter in the sitting-on-the-porch-at-sunset-looking-back-at-life-as-a-movie-reel scheme of things. And then that Sarah McLaughlin commercial comes on, or someone tells you that other people would be lucky to have the things you have, or you see something horrific on the news and start feeling bad for yourself all over again. At least things happens to me. So today, when that little piece of sea glass that my two little guys looked so hard to find fell out of my pocket, it brought me right back down to reality. Its impossible to be happy and optimistic all the time, and some people find those characteristics even bothersome, but I really believe its better to wake up trying to be better than you were yesterday a worthwhile cause. Small things like complimenting others instead of complaining about yourself, appreciating little things, finding the good in others, and giving life the benefit of the doubt in the end, benefits you more than anyone. No one wants to come to a pity party, they are boring and they're aren't even mason jars filled with lemons and a party straw. Instead, live life a la Kate Spade "with a cocktail in hand and confetti in [your] hair." Celebrate life, and don't sweat the small stuff. I am luckier than I even know, so if all I have to complain about is a credit card statement and an early morning, I am doing just fine. So Dan, from USAA, thanks for your patience, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your week.

Incase you are having one of those days and need a playlist: if you want to sulk for just a second:

New girl is on tonight! I can't get enough of Jess, Nick, and especially Schmidt.
xx,
Alex

Post Weekend Wishlist

Its Monday, I had to be up at 5 am this morning, I talked to at least four strangers before noticing I had something in my teeth, and there was no mail today. At least the things I'm loving this week cheer me up some...

1. Vince Wrap Sweater. I have been obsessed with wrap sweaters these last few weeks. They are so cozy,
comfy, and easy to wear. This Vince option looks like a blanket...

2. Anya Hindmarch Coffee Coins Key Pouch. How cute is this little keychain pouch for keeping loose change or my Starbucks gift card? Saves me the hassle of digging around in my bag and looks good doing it!

3. White Infinity scarf. I have been wanting an warm, bulky infinity scarf and this one from Etsy caught my eye for its soft looking texture and warm color.

4. Philosophy Inner Grace Firming Body Emulsion Body Lotion. This stuff smells AMAZING and according to my good friend Megan, who allows me to rummage through her belongings and test each and every one of her latest purchases, swears this scent lingers.I have VERY sensitive skin and used it the other day without a problem, plus it firms...no brainer.

5. Butternut Squash soup. I have been wanting to have butternut squash soup all month. Especially now with the leaves falling, its the perfect warm meal while wearing leggings and a big sweater.

6. Tomato Patagonia. I have wanted a patagonia forever, and just recently saw the most beautiful salmon/tangerine color that I HAVE TO HAVE. I can't find it online, but this tomato color is almost as gorgeous.

7. Anthropologie Arrow Necklace. The perfect layering piece; I would love to wear a warn-in grey v-neck with some jeans and this necklace, or pair it with some other gold necklaces and a chunky knit sweater.

Tuesdays are always better than Mondays...Right?
xoxo,
Alex

TGIF

This is my attempt at a futuagram...an instagram from the future. As you might be able to tell from my futuagrams, my weekend will be spent relaxing in this Stylemint hoodie, eating breakfast sandwiches, reading, and taking naps in the sun. after all, in dog years, I am 154... a lady needs her sleep and what better way to do it than under the warmth of the sun?! While I do not yet have the dream nap nooks above, I'm sure I'll be just fine. I have already flipped through Paris in Color, which features the author's view of Paris through her camera lens and collaged by color. It reminds me of my semester spent in Aix-en-Provence, in the south of France and melts my heart. Domino's book of decorating releases my inner interior designer, AND lets my use my plethora of sticky notes. And then....Paris, a Love Story. A story of an American in Paris who falls in love in more than one way and shares recipes along the way. My heart literally skips beats describing it. I went a little crazy this week and used my mastercard in place of my daily gym routine, soooo I am also anticipating a few run in's with a certain man in uniform. woo!

Hope its a full-tank-of gas, favorite-song-on-the-radio kind of weekend!

xoxo, 

Alex 

SEEING RED

All images via my Pinterest

Of all the things I love most about fall, and trust me, the list is long--from apple cider and pumpkin pie to flannels and scarves--I think the freshness in the air is what I love most. It feels like a new start, and what better way to re-invent myself than with color! This fall marks the very first fall in 18 years that I am not in school, and more importantly, the first fall in 4 years that I am not in college. Graduating college is made to be such a happy event, I am now realizing, to lessen the blow. I LOVED my college experience, and graduated with my best friends who are now dispersed among the world (yes, world!). Some still living together, some starting new exciting jobs, and others (me) trying to live each day like its my birthday to avoid the depression that is deep in my heart. It is hard to navigate a city when you grew up in the suburbs, make new friends and meet new people. Add to that a lack of career at the moment and there you have my current state of self-medicating with wine. I love my family and my parents, and living at home definitely has its perks, but I miss the old me. The me that knew who I was and where I was going and had my best friends dancing around me with beers in our hands. So, in an effort to dress for the life I want (build it and it will come type thing) I am taking inspiration from the color and the oomph of fall. So, I'm seeing red. The different red shades of leaves are amazing, and red is powerful, confident, energetic, warm, loving, and slightly exotic. My top red picks: lips, nails, wellies, doors, scarves, jeans, skirt, apples, starbucks holiday cups, umbrellas, J.Crew tissues tees, and poppies.

WHOO HOO, TOMORROW'S FRIDAY!!

WEDNES(DiY)

Hello, Lovahs! I hope everyone is having a wonderful hump day! Just to reiterate what every other blogger/instagramer/tweeter/ human being has said over the last three days: I LOVE FALL! I really do. Boots, hats, parkas, leaves, cozy knit sweaters...I can't get enough. The air is crisp, the smells warm your whole body with a sense of nostalgia, and you can look cute and rosy without having your face numb and your rose running from the bitter winter chill (that happens to you too...right?!) Even though I could go on about my love affair with this particular season, I did make a little DIY project that will have me thinking of the summer sun well into winter--plus they look so cute on the free people blog--my very own terrarium! These little guys are so darn cute! Normally, they are either contained in a covered glass bowl, fish bowl, or some variation of the two, but I found an anthro-planter that I decided would be perfect for my little friends. The best thing about these mini gardens is that they are so easy to maintain (read: you can't kill them unless you give it some effort). I water mine about once a week, but could probably get away going longer!

What you'll need:
- a glass bowl/home of some sort (preferably one without drainage holes, but Im sure there is a way to do it if you have one in mind)
-succulents of your choice (you can get these at any garden store or home depot!)
-soil (i just used potting soil my mom had)
-pebbles

I got my succulents from Home Depot as I found them to be the smallest option available:

 And as I mentioned, my pot is from Anthropologie:

As I am lucky enough to live near Lake Michigan, I walked to the beach and collected pebbles of all sizes for the bottom and top of the pot, and washed them to get rid of the lake smell: 

Next, I placed the smaller pebbles into the bottom of the pot, and added the soil halfway to the top:

I added the succulents and some larger rocks for a completed feel, and voila! I have a green thumb!

The first picture is my little terrarium living on a coffee table in my room! This is the perfect thing to make if you live in a small space, constantly kill plants, or need something to work with any decor! 

xx, 

Alex 

Post Weekend Wishlist

This weekend was a much needed weekend off. I went out to dinners, out with friends, and took one of my cousins shopping for her homecoming dress which left me full of relief. The options for a sophomore that are affordable as well as accessible are limited to put it mildly. Of course I spent some of that time coveting some items that remind me of a different kind of homecoming-- in college, with my favorite fall items playing flip cup and drinking spiked apple cider.

1. Free People Destroyer Boot. I have been lusting after these boots since last winter when they became popular on pinterest with tall boot socks. The warn-in feel, zipper up the back, and jet black color are all you need in a good boot.
2. YSL Rouge Lipstick.  More than wanting this creamy coral lipstick is wanting the ability to wear it. I just can't convince myself to wear a bright red lip, but that doesnt mean I don't put on red in the comfort of my own bathroom and sip on a glass of wine just to leave the lip marks.
3. J.Crew Flower Necklace. J.Crew can do no wrong in my eyes, and this flowered statement necklace is the perfect example. The colors, the way it lays, everything is perfection. Throw in a perfect T in grey and I'm set for life.
4. Paul Macroons. These were an important meal for me when I lived in Provence. They fell somewhere in between breakfast/ espresso/lunch, and are almost too pretty to eat. almost.
5. Veda Max Leather Moto Jacket. The silhouette of this jacket is so beautiful and flattering, and the leather looks like butta.
6. Asos Bear Hat. I mean...does this even need explanation?
7. Tory Burch Wallet. I desperately need a new wallet. I am that girl at Target/the grocery store/ Starbucks/ H&M who has to dig through her bag only to drop $0.17 cents and 3 receipts. Not only would this gorgeous wallet fix that little problem, but there would be no need for a bag as this stunner can stand alone. voila!

Cheers to a fabulous week!
xoxo,
Alex