Friday, September 21, 2018

Basic

There's absolutely no shame in being a basic, fall-loving, PSL-drinking, flannel-wearing gal. *Waves hands wildly from the back. But this year, I'm ready for a little upgrade. I'm going to step outside my comfort zone and bring in a few trendy yet unique pieces to my wardrobe for fall. I'm loving the idea of colored denim and mixing textures with lace and denim. If you were going to upgrade from basic, what styles would you want to try?
left outfit: sunnies | sweater | bag | jeans | loafer
right outfit: sunnies | blouse | bag | jeans | heels

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Artist Love

I can't believe I haven't already shared my love of Whistleburg with y'all! I discovered this shop quite awhile ago when they paired up with another instagrammer for a giveaway. I ended up winning that giveaway (yayyy!) and had an adorable magnet on my fridge in no time. Immediately I placed an order for a four-piece set and they are so stinking cute.

Renee is the artist behind the whimsical shop and she's not afraid to be bold in her art. Her style is unique and clever and there's sure to be a character for everyone's taste. Currently, she's sharing a fun series on Instagram of astrological girls. I'm straight up loving her Aquarius gal (very bottom) but I can't wait to see her Gemini illustration.

Go give Renee a follow on Instagram and check out all of the fun products on her Society6 shop and Etsy.




Friday, September 14, 2018

Step In Style

Fall is for suede, leather, leopard print, and dark colors. This shoe combo couldn't be more fall if I tried - believe me, I tried. I wanted to pull together the best fall shoe wardrobe out there, and I'm in love with this selection!

Tan leather boot | Black leather boot | Mulberry mule | Perforated, open-toe bootie | Leopard calf hair bootie | Navy bow bootie

Friday, September 7, 2018

Skincare Overhaul

I've recently mentioned I'm on the search for cleaner, safer skincare products. After ditching my current products, there's a lot less in my drawer but I'm feeling really good about what I do have. While I haven't used most of these products for an extended period of time, and I can't give a full review, it's at least be helpful to share what I found and will be using for a couple of months. Then I'll come back and give my opinion.


Clockwise from top left.

Lush Ocean Salt Scrub: Using this day and night to cleanse my face. I've used this in the past as a weekly body scrub, so I know I like it for that purpose.

Beautycounter Countermatch Moisture Lotion: Beautycounter is the first brand I turned to when I had my freak out moment with skincare. Why? Because they have a great reputation for having a wide variety of products for every skin type. Been using this for two weeks and really enjoy it.

Beautycounter Eye Rescue Cream: This is another product I've used for two weeks and I can confidently say, this is my eye cream of choice. My eye area is visibly brighter and actually feels hydrated - something my poor dry skin has never felt. While most of my skin is pretty oily, the skin around my eyes have always felt and looked dry and cakey with concealer.

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: Coconut oil has become my go-to for makeup removal, coating my lashes and brows (my brows are made up of coarse, stubborn hair and it's done wonders to soften them!), and occasionally a deep moisturizer when my skin gets crazy dry. It's also wonderful after a day in the sun.

Young Living Sheerlume: I plan to use this at night after my shower and before my serum. It's on it's way to me now and I'm interested to see if it helps with brightening.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Sunscreen: Haven't opened it yet, but I have some outdoor weekends in my future that will be make-up free, so I'll really be able to test the coverage of the tint.

Lush Tea Tree Water: As part of my routine for about six months, I feel good about this guy. First, it doesn't feel drying like other toners I've used. It's a great option if I'm running late in the morning to cleanse quickly. I've noticed I don't get as oily in the afternoon when I use this.

Beautycounter Countermatch Intense Moisture Serum: For my nighttime routine, I prefer an oil or a serum. I find with my oily skin, it needs these treatments regularly. I purchased this recently, after I loved the moisture lotion and eye cream, so it has not arrived yet.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment: This guy has been a lifesaver for me! My hyper-pigmentation has come a long way since I started using it and when I started the overhaul to safer skin, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it made the cut. I have been using it morning and night, but I'll switch to day time only when I get my Sheerlume, since I'll be using that like a treatment, and I don't really need an SPF product at night.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Top 3 Chicago Breakfast Spots


Morning, friends! How's the heat where you are? Last week was so dang humid here in the Midwest, but the temps came down a little for the long weekend. It wasn't much, but still, the relief was so appreciated. While I love summer (it's my favorite season!), I'm always ready for the cool air to swoop in and save us from heat stroke.

If you don't know, breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I love meeting friends for breakfast because I think it's so fun to start out the day socially. Maybe that's the 30-something in me, but I really prefer to be at home in the evening, doing my own thing, which makes breakfast perfect for meeting people. This makes me realize I'm definitely a morning person.

The past few years I've spent more and more time in Chicago, both for work and pleasure, and I've come up with a few great spots that are perfect for a morning out. Be sure to pin this post so when you're planning your next trip, you can give these a try!


Location 1: Green City Market is a wonderful farmer's market full of local produce, meats, bread, homemade syrups and sauces, as well as delicious ready-to-eat options. These mushroom tarts were just one option from one vendor but there were breakfast sandwiches, donuts, soups, and more. Everything looked so good, plus you can eat while you browse! The market moves depending on the time of year, so make sure to check their calendar to get to the right place.


As a bonus to location 1, if the market is in Lincoln Park while you're there, make sure to pop into Elaine's Coffee Call for a drink. The coffee shop is attached to the lobby of Hotel Lincoln which has a cool neon sign in the lobby and a rooftop bar.

Extra bonus location: Westtown Bakery has three locations around the city. Pop in for a coffee and a treat - the cake balls are AHMAZING.


Location 2: Stan's Donuts will hit the sweet spot if you want a quick, breakfast treat. In addition to donuts, they have an espresso bar so you only have to make one stop in the morning. One of my few regrets in life was not trying the Biscoff Pocket donut. I got a strawberry glazed cake donut and an iced latte. Bit of a warning: they go heavy on the cream so if that's not your jam, be sure to let them know ahead of time. My donut was delicious (made from real strawberry not just strawberry flavored) and I'm betting they all are.



Location 3: Ann Sathers is, hands-down, my favorite breakfast spot in Chicago. Three locations, all equally good, and the best spot for a casual morning with family and friends. It's always busy so the atmosphere is social and bubbly. Their food selections are wide and the best part is their cinnamon rolls. These gooey, delicious buns are one of the side options and one serving consists of two rolls. OMG. SO. GOOD. The portion sizes are generous, so I always take one of my rolls to-go so I can reheat it the next morning and relive the gloriousness. Cinnamon buns not your thing? Their fruit bowl is a great alternative; still sweet but not as guilty feeling.