sheer skirts

This new sheer, black maxi skirt (which I scored at a local boutique for only 13 dollars!) has quickly become a wardrobe staple. Paired with a sweater and boots, it's a perfect look for a chilly day. I plan on transistioning it into summer with sandals and tucked-in, loose tanks tops. On Sunday, which  turned out to be an oddly cool day, I wore it to church followed by brunch with friends. The skirt itself is a bit on the dressier side, but a slouchy, heather grey sweater turns the look a little more casual.

skirt&necklace:local boutique. sweater:forever21. ballet flats:banana republic.

weekending

It's funny how one new pair of shoes can completely change your entire outlook.

For the past year my perspective on exercising has been indefinite. I'll have a week where I work out consistently, and then a month when I don't head to the gym at all. However, the recent purchase of a new pair of Nikes has suddenly motivated me to start becoming more active. In fact, for over two months now I have been consistenly crossing paths with the gym-- and if not the gym, the outdoors. My friend and I decided to take a hike on a trail in Orange County this weekend, and it definitely provided a decent workout. And, being California, the views were excellent as well. This is actually our second hiking adventure (the first covered cliffs along the beach), and I cannot wait to find our next trail to explore!





ultimate motivaters





beautiful views

 



various trails





photo break



everyday faves

There are a few beauty goodies that I just can't live without. All four of these are great for everyday use and, even better, none of them will break the bank!

Tom's is a recent find, but one that I quickly fell in love with. It is a natural, clear deoderant that comes either unscented or in fresh lavender and does not participate in animal testing or contain artificial colors, fragrance, or preservatives.

Dove Nutritive Therapy is a leave-in conditioner/ shine treatment. I first discovered this product when my hair was super long and prone to tangles. This cream was able to zap the knots plus add a little shine-- even though my hair is shorter now, I still add a dab to the ends of my locks each day.

Origins Clear Improvement is a charcoal mask that I use every few days. It is so easy to apply and leaves your pores nice and clean. It doesn't smell wonderful and actually looks like dirt on your face ( as you can see), but the results are amazing!

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub provides just the right amount of exfoliation without actually feeling like you're rubbing sand paper on in the shower. I have tried many of the different Neutrogena face scrubs, but this one is definitely my favorite. The orange scent doesn't hurt, either.

gearing up for Vday

I'm typically not one to go all-out for a holiday like Valentine's Day. However, I felt like some festive nails would be an appropriate alternative to, say, a knitted heart sweater.

Loreal polish in: Apple Of My Eye, ULTA Nail lacquer in: Heirhead, Bronze glitter: Target.

jewelry judgement day

I have way too much jewelry and very little space to put it. Part of this may stem from the fact that I keep every piece of jewelry, including the earring whose other half has gone missing and the necklaces with broken clasps. In the back of my mind I suppose I'm always imagining one day finding the lost gems and fixing broken parts. So in order to maintain my hoarding ways I had to come up with a storage system. Since my closet is already jammed with clothes and other accessories, I had no choice but to find ways to display my jewelry throughout my room:

a ceramic artichoke cup for bracelets/watches

simple white hooks for necklaces

bird-topped earring stand

easy-to-reach earrings





the nose knows

When I first moved into my apartment, there was a distinct, musty scent that dominated the entire place. It wasn't a horrible smell, but it certainly wasn't inviting either. Lighting candles (my preferred method of adding a nice, light scent to the home) couldn't seem to cut the odor, however. That's when I knew I had to take this a step further. I have never been a big fan of plug-ins or other products meant to keep your home smelling sweet-- they always seem a little overbearing to me, and can have a fairly pricy upkeep. I needed a quick, cheap, more natural fix. That is when I found (drumroll please)... essential oils! Although I have heard of these little olfactory pleasers before I had never considered making good use of them in the home. However, I have found that they provide a welcome alternative to store bought air fresheners, and come in a variety of smells-- eucalyptus (one of my favorites), cedar, lemon, etc. Simply dip a cotton ball into the oil and place in a cabinet, under a couch, or wherever your heart and nose desire. I like to place one in my closet and another in a kitchen cupboard for a soft whiff of freshness.




eucalyptus essential oil

 



cotton balls



Essential oils can be found at swansonvitamins.com

luxe bath

Showers are an amazing mini-getaway each day for me. This daily cleanse is the easiest place for me to relax and think, especially when I have an abundance of time and lots of hot water to spare. Due to my love for showers, you'd think I would possess an assortment of fancy bath products... unfortunately this is not the case. All of my shampoo, conditioner, and soap are budget-friendly drug store purchases that typically come in unattractive bottles and certainly do not add visual appeal to my favorite relaxation spot.  In order to rid my shower of this unsightly clutter and up the luxe factor on my cheap products, I decided to start placing my bath goods in prettier containers.This simple change has already upped the ante on my bathroom ambience.



Shampoo/Conditioner: Pump Bottles
Bath Gel: Glass Decanter
Bubble Bath: Old Champagne Bottle
Bar Soaps: Mason Jar
Deep Conditioners: Ceramic Shell Bowl



Viva Las Vegas

My sister gave me long, sheer, gold-sequined encrusted pants as a recent gift... and I was absolutely thrilled. The only problem? Deciding where and how to wear them! Although I found these urban outfitters gems to be outrageously awesome, I was hesitant to walk around in public in them for fear they'd come off as tacky or way too ridiculous. Fortunately for me I took a recent trip to Vegas, the place where anything goes. I wore them out for drinks with friends during the day, paring them with a plain white top, black sweater, long necklace, and strappy wedges. I'm already debating my next place to pull off these babies!

the pants

long wooden cross necklace



Vegas worthy



pants: urban outfitters. shirt: gap. necklace: forever21.
shoes: nine west. earrings: banana republic. sweater: h&m.



make my bed?

I am certainly not one to make my bed every morning. I have found, however, that I do enjoy the peace that comes with having a beautifully made bed to look at during the day and crawl into at night. And although simple, unpatterned textiles can be quite lovely, I've found that I'm drawn to bedrooms that have either a little more texture or a little more color (plus numerous pillows). The current palette of my bed is a blend of predominantly neutral tones, with a hint of turquoise and an abundance of pattern. It's just enough brightness to spice up my room yet bland enough to provide a sense of tranquility when it is time to get some shut eye. Maybe I should reconsider the whole morning bed-making routine...

various prints in a similar color scheme

a fluffy throw for texture

i couldn't resist a touch of leopard

OBSESSION: trays

The allure of a beautifully set tray has completely captured my heart. I have always imagined having my own vanity covered in mirrors and fancy perfume bottles, with a little pouf for a seat. However, it appears as though this small-scale tray version will have to soothe my imagination for now.

bust: goodwill. glass hurricane: goodwill. luminous creme & rollerball: juicy couture.

perfume: victoria's secret. glass perfume bottle: anthropologie. 

candle & tray: pottery barn.

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