Remember that time I said my new belt would be making an appearance more than once? I kept my word!
During my last week in London, I did some vintage shopping with the QUEEN of vintage. Christiana if you are reading this, I love you forever.
We stumbled upon this incredible vintage store that only left me teary eyed knowing I had found it JUST DAYS before I was leaving to come home. I mean, why did that happen!?
For being a vintage store placed in the middle of Central London the prices were amazing and the options were endless. I left with this cropped Rolling Stones t-shirt, that was a whopping £14. It is safe to say I grabbed it and ran.
Naturally I wanted to center an entire look around this find. So, I paired it with high waisted black jeans and my Gucci belt for some added detail. Not to mention, these backgrounds couldn’t be more perfect. (Nicole, you are a gem).
I would also like to mention that these photos were taken after consuming an entire bottle of prosecco with said Nicole.
Ive been home from studying abroad for 2 months now. How? Beats me. How do you say goodbye to a place that impacted you in countless ways? There are simply not enough hours in a day to explain the love that I have for London. In 5 months I traveled around Europe and did more things than I knew I was capable of. I conquered more anxiety driven fears and more bucket list dreams than I knew was possible in such a short amount of time.
I’ve been wanting to sit down and write about my experience in London ever since I got home, but I’ve struggled. Truthfully, it’s because I’ve been wishing I was still there. Thinking about it too much stings a little bit more than I thought it would. Not being able to wake up on a Saturday morning and hop on the tube to Portobello Market or Carnaby Street makes my heart hurt. I wouldn’t and couldn’t explain my adventure over the last 5 months even if I wanted to. When asked “how was London?” I literally draw a blank. The first word that comes to my mind is “amazing” but that is simply not enough. How do you explain a culture, the people and the life you’ve been a part of and adapted to? You can’t.
I didn’t know a once completely foreign place had the power to change me so much. I knew this experience was going to be “life changing” as they say, but I definitely didn’t grasp the magnitude of that phrase. It was most definitely, life changing. Aside from my education and internship, simply being so free felt, well so free. I was introduced to a place I had never been to, with free reign taking me anywhere. London was my playground and I truly did feel like a kid. I think we often psych ourselves out into thinking we can’t do the unimaginable. But sometimes it’s the littlest strides that take you the furthest places.
My mind would often wander as I was waiting for the tube, or walking a crowded street about how I got so lucky. How did I get here? I experienced so many moments of pure bliss. In these moments, I would turn to my friends and say “soon were going to be home and wishing so badly we were back here, in this moment. So lets enjoy every single second of it.” And its true. I wish I was back there. In those moments (I was the sappy friend, ask anyone).
Very few times I wished to be back home in Bucks County, PA. Homesick I wasn’t. Actually, I would say that was one of the last emotions I felt during the course of my trip. I knew that everything I may have been longing for was going to be waiting for me when I got home. My room, my car, friends/family, Target (lol), it would all be there. Waiting for me.
In the past I would constantly have to remind myself to live in the now. Which is pretty shitty when you think about it. Sometimes it would be my anxious mind taking me somewhere else, and other times it was the block of metal I was holding in my hand distracting me from life’s blessings that were right in front of me. I’ve been so cautious of that recently, and wow is life sweet. I’ve been thankful enough to have experienced so many moments over the last few months that I knew were only going to happen that once, in that particular way. It was a strange, sweet and amazing mix of emotions that was pretty difficult to take in all at once. But I knew, I was never going to be in that exact moment again.
London was the sweetest adventure I’ve been on in my life. I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I needed to be there at that time in my life. I needed to experience everything I did and meet the people I met along the way. I wish these people knew how much they impacted me.
What blows me away the most is how picture perfect this world is. Physically that is, don’t be mistaken. The planet we live on is so breathtakingly beautiful it’s hard to recognize that its real. It wasn’t until I had moments like one in Greece where we were driving to the red clay beach on the edge of a cliff with the ocean to our left that I realized just how small we are. We are minuscule and the world around us is massive and beautiful. We are so lucky.
I saw so many places I have dreamt of my entire life, and other places I didn’t know I needed to go to, but I left a piece of my heart there, knowing I would one day be back.
Within the first month of us being in London, we started planning out our big adventure. Now when I say big adventure, I mean that very, very literally. A month-long trip around Europe, country and city hopping with a suitcase (ok maybe make that 2), with hostiles and Airbnb’s booked, we were ready to take on those 9 or so flights just knowing we wouldn’t be back in our beloved London until a month later. You can bet your bottom dollar we conquered that month like it was our job. Our itinerary included—Amsterdam, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Barcelona, Milan, Florence/Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Rome, Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. The amount of research that we had to do in order to make this trip successful took WEEKS. In our next life, we would most definitely be coming back as travel agents. We were just 4 girls figuring out one metro system after another. In a plethora of languages, that is.
I’ve been waking up day after day with a weird feeling. I guess indifferent towards where I am.. location wise. Sad wouldn’t be the right word, because I am not necessarily sad to be here, just longing for more. For a month straight I woke up every day not knowing what adventure I was going to go on next, or what I was going to see that day. I loved that feeling. Sometimes the day ended with seeing an 800 year old monument that left you in awe, or it ended with us at the local snack food store buying anything and everything that resembled American food. I loved waking up everyday not knowing what was going to take my breath away, but having the feeling that something most definitely was going to.
So I guess what I am trying to say is… to travel is to live. Yes it is cliché, and yes it is a quote via Google, however it is beyond true. I have truly never felt more alive than within these past 5 months.
I have never felt more determined to see the world than I am right now. I stepped out of my comfort zone a long time ago, and I never plan on going back.
If I am being honest, I have read this over what feels like a thousand times. I am really not sure if I got all of my thoughts down on paper, but I sure did try. But, it makes sense considering this experience left me speechless, this trip left me speechless, and London left me speechless.
I will be back for you Europe, that I can promise.
Every makeup junkie knows, taking part in the Sephora Rouge/VIB sale is simply a must. One of the very few times a year that Sephora offers a twenty percent discount on everything. Making it the perfect time to stock up on all essentials, try new things, get started on holiday shopping, and splurge on that clarisonic you’ve had your eye on.
Before taking part in this sale, I did SO much research. Of course I had run out of all my products at once (just my luck) which required me to basically refill my everyday essentials, which included foundation, primer, skincare, etc. Yes my wallet is still crying.
I also wanted to make sure I was fully stocked being that I leave for London in a short two months. *Acts as if there are no stores in London, using that as an excuse to keep Sephora in business and buy everything* BUT ACTUALLY.. the twenty percent makes a difference and you bet your bottom dollar I took advantage of that.
I added a bunch of items that I planned on getting in my cart on the Sephora app, just so when I went into the store I wouldn’t be overwhelmed and at a loss of what to get. I also had a great employee helping me who made the process really easy and informative.
On to the products:
Primer: Cover FX Mattifying Primer- (originally tried the Smashbox poreless primer but it made me breakout, so I exchanged it for this one but have not tried it yet).
Foundation:Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation– Love this stuff. I have very oily skin and although this foundation is hydrating, it’s also long lasting and keeps the oil at bay. It’s buildable coverage, however I like to apply it with a beauty blender to simply even out my skin tone and then I am good to go! LOVE IT.
Powder:Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder– Finished my mini version, so I upgraded! This product is definitely pricey, but I love setting my makeup with it and “baking”, it definitely helps to keep me matte which is my number one priority when it comes to a powder.
Skincare: Kate Somerville Cult Favorites Kit-I’ve experimented with these slowly so my skin doesn’t go into shock with the change of season mixed with new products and so far so good. I’m trying to use my old products down to the core which I just about did before really diving into these. However, the reviews are AMAZING and this value is pretty insane. It’s no longer available on Sephora but Kate Somerville offers the same product on her site.
Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Highlighting Duo Pencil- LOVE this product. The perfect finisher for cleaner looking brows. The lady helping me told me to go for the golder shade and I’m so happy I did. I definitely recommend this product.
Brows: Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade-Already had this product in my collection, however I couldn’t use it because it was way too light. So I brought it back and exchanged it for soft brown and I have incorporated it back into my routine along with my new Benefit Brow Pencil.
Eyeliner: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eyeliner- Purchased my first high end liquid eyeliner after years of sticking to drugstore. Haven’t tried it out yet, however I have heard amazing things about this one and decided to give it a go.
* Also bought a cute little set of beauty blender dupes but I can’t find them on Sephora’s site*
So curious as to what other people purchased during this glorious sale.
What did you buy and what are some of your all time favs from Sephora?! Let me know below♥
Over the last few weeks, I have been on quite a spending spree of all things fall themed. The stores are stocked to the brim with fall inspired gems that get me so excited and giddy for the upcoming season.
I thought I would share a few fun things I’ve purchased the last few weeks and maybe help spark your spirit. Warning: This is incredibly random
Treat yo self. I stopped at a brand new Nordstrom Rack that opened up by my house and picked up a few fun things (also threw in a Lush item). Not exactly sure who allowed this store to open up so close to me considering my will power is non existent, but nonetheless IT DID.
♥ Mario Badescu rose water & aloe facial spray – heard amazing things and was so so excited to pick this lil guy up for just five dollars (reviews to come).
♥ Rose Gold Stainless Steel Bottle (was able to find a link!!) Using this bad boy now for the first time and I am literally obsessed. I didn’t know a water bottle could put me in such a good mood but I guess it’s just the little things, ya know!? Keeps my water cold all day and there’s no sweating, not to mention its rose gold so…
♥ Anti Aging facial masks- really enjoyed my first time trying these out!
♥ Lush Honey Bee Bath Bomb- stopped in lush for the first time in what feels like ages and bought myself a little cute bath bomb. Honey is one of my favorite scents (honey I washed the kids soap is EVERYTHING) & was so excited to see they had this bath bomb. However, I was informed they are discontinuing this item *sheds real tears*
Going into fall I desperately needed a transition pair of shoes to help take me from birkenstocks to booties. I knew immediately that slip ons were the answer, and went straight to the Vans store to pick up a pair. I’m obsessed and have worn them with every one of my outfits!
*Blacks out and orders another pair of Vans*
TO MY DEFENSE… Urban Outfitters was having an extra 40% off on sale items and it would have been morally wrong if I didn’t get them. If I’m being honest, I really saw myself trotting around London in these and from there my debit card was just doomed.
*All the twinkle light everywhere* Nothing screams cozy quite like twinkle lights. Shoutout to my dad for buying these christmas lights that I have been on the search for. Quite a random haul item but I love the way they make my room look & feel. I don’t know what it is but they just shine bright like diamonds and make me feel some type of way. Definitely a fall necessity if I do say so myself.
Food, food, food! I stopped by Trader Joe’s (thank you Amanda for the inspo) for some basic pumpkin flavored necessities. Blacked out, once more. Two boxes of pumpkin macaroons, two bags of pumpkin flavored tortilla chips, and two boxes of pumpkin waffles later, Trader Joe’s did things to my soul. Go now. You will not regret it. You’ll just end up with doubles of everything in fear that you’ll never see it again.
Fall is in the air, or at least I thought it was before mother nature sprung 83 degrees our way.
There are few things better than fall fashion, one of them being the infinite pumpkin flavored items that are stocked on every stores shelves (this was proven to be true when I tried pumpkin flavored tortilla chips and macaroons for the first time WOW).
I find the best season to experiment with fashion ends up being the fall. The weather is just right and our favorite stores finally get their heads back in the game and hand us coveted trends on a silver platter.
One of my favorite humans that I have mentioned too many times to count; Nicole, was dressed in the THE perfect fall outfit. OUTFIT OF THE DAY TIME LEZ DO IT.
CAUTION: PERFECT HUMAN AHEAD
For this look Nicole is wearing ⇓⇓
Frayed & ripped skinny jeans, paired with an off the shoulder quarter sleeve top both from Urban Outfitters, open toed nude booties from Dolce Vita for Target, a patterned orange scarf from India, and all da jewels from Free People mixed with Urban.
I mean…. need I say more???
If you are unsure of how to handle fall fashion, have no fear. Finding the basics is the most important step, and then from there Zara is your playground. Having a good pair of ripped jeans can take you a really long way. Not to mention nude booties can take you from school, to dinner to a night out on the town.
Being that fall fashion is my favorite, I am SO excited for future outfit posts. I haven’t been online shopping instead of sleeping just for shits and giggles ya know.
Also, shout out to my badass blondie girlfrand Nicole for allowing me to take an aggressive amount of photos of her. Check out Nicole on her blog, Wanderess World as well as her Instagram.
I know I know, it’s time I stop talking about chokers. Or is it? I just can’t help it, okay!?
When I come across a good deal on something I love, I feel the need to share it with others! I came across a brand called UltimateZen via Instagram, and have been hooked ever since.
UltimateZen sells their chokers and other products on Etsy which is a jewelry addicts dream, with unbeatable prices.
I was given the opportunity to try out some of these chokers and I have been wearing them with almost every outfit. Take a look:
My favorite so far is the gold Mini O Seiki choker. One of my favorite things to do is layer dainty necklaces and this one is perfect for just that. The blush velvet choker is a must have as well and adds the perfect pop to a monochromatic or funky look.
Check out some of these chokers if you want to add a little spunk to your fall wardrobe:)
Well I finally did it. I let my will power (that I never really had to begin with) disappear into thin air as I placed my order withColourpop#onlineshoppingaddictionstillgoingstrong.
Quite frankly, I am not sure why it took me so long to do so!
I placed an order with Colourpop during their Labor Day promotion (if you spent a certain amount you would get a certain number of items free) and of course I spent the amount that allowed me to get all 5 items for free#prayforsami2016.
I was SO unbelievably excited to receive my order in the mail and it’s safe to say it completely exceeded my expectations.
I have to say, after experimenting with some of these products I’M IN LOVE. I am not only blown away by the price (nothing was more than 8 dollars), but the quality compares and beats some of my higher end makeup.
The Lippie Stix in particular are my favorites. I am not one to throw on a lip product and go on my merry way, mostly because I usually stop at chapstick. However, the Lippie Stix are incredibly light weight while giving you the perfect amount of color. Not to mention, they are so moisturizing.
The eyeshadows and highlighter are so buttery and smooth and you couldn’t ask for better color pay off, especially at the price AM I RIGHT LADIES.
If you are lacking in the eyeshadow, lip or highlighter department I would highly recommend checking out Colourpop! Just in time for fall ♥
If you read one of my latest blog posts, you would know that I received a gorgeous Saint Laurent handbag for my birthday. (If you haven’t read it go check it out here). Being that I showed you the outside I thought it was only right to show you the inside as well.
I am an avid watcher of Youtube, and one of my favorite videos to binge watch has always been “what’s in my bag” videos. There is just something about seeing what another girl keeps in her handbag that intrigues me. Plus, I’m nosy when it comes to this stuff and love getting ideas for myself.
Whenever I get a new bag, the first thing I want to do is organize it. In most circumstances it doesn’t remain that pristine for long, but this bag is WAY too special to me for me to allow it to get cluttered (if you opened up my suitcase sized Longchamp you would discover that I am in fact a hoarder).
So what is in my bag you ask? Lets see!
I like to keep a makeup bag to store all of those items we find ourselves needing throughout the day. I am THAT girl that has a life supply of Advil, floss, probably a first aid kit, 97 bandaids, probably a blow dryer and maybe even a game of Twister. Who knows man.
In my makeup bag: spare contact case, eye drops, Advil, floss (not kidding I am literally a lunatic), First Aid Beauty Lip Therapy, mini Wet Brush, DKNY rollerball perfume, Burts Bees Chapstick, Pacifica Blood Orange hand lotion, Tarte large powder brush, Makeup Forever HD Matifying powder, Elf Blotting Sheets, Chanel Mascara, Sephora Mirror, Orbit gum, Colourpop Lippie Stix
My new little babes that I just found, from Forever 21. Mirrored lenses (that look black in this photo) with clear frames that I have been searching for for SO long.
My personal “Oh Shit Kit” that has been the perfect storage for coupons, gift cards and receipts that I don’t want to lose! (Thank you Dara) (Purchased on Etsy)
Not shown: Wallet & phone, but those are a given! What do you keep in your bag? I hope you enjoyed♥
If you are a student, person on the go, or just an all around snack lover like myself, Graze is about to become your new best friend.
Living a healthy lifestyle is so incredibly important to me and keeping up with it while going from class to class tends to be a struggle that I’ve been working to fix. Not to mention, snacking can become quite dangerous if you’re not reaching for the right ones.
Not only are these snacks portion controlled so you can’t over indulge like most of us do on a roll of Oreos, but the options are endless. When I say endless I mean over 100 snacks to choose from aka regardless if you have a sweet tooth or a salty tooth, you’re set.
I was sent a box of amazing snacks from Graze to try, and spent this week doing just that! Let’s take a look:)
ON TO THE SNACKS:
1. Kettle Corn Kern Pops 2. Protein Cashew Kick 3. Zesty Lime & Red Pepper Salsa with Pita Chips 4. Cocoa & Vanilla Protein Flapjack
HOW good do these snacks look!? Like I said, this last week I spent time trying out these snacks for myself. So here are some of my favorites ↓
Cocoa & Vanilla Flapjack– SO good. The perfect pre workout snack and reminded me of cocoa krispies from my childhood days *sigh*
Protein Cashew Kick- If you like yourself a nice trail mix, you will definitely enjoy this one. The dried chickpeas were my favorite part not to mention it has got quite a kick to it if you like spicy food!
Kettle Corn Kern Pop– Need I say more?
Strawberries & Cream Protein Granola Topper- Great for on top of some yogurt, or by itself as a snack!
Those were just a few of my favorites out of this Graze box. Who doesn’t love snacking? Be sure to check out Graze and try out a box of your own!!
It has been way too long since I’ve talked about my current favorites. So what better day than today!? I feel like I’ve dabbled quite a bit with some cool items and have accumulated a few new favs from fashion, to beauty to music that I would love to share! (Warning: these are incredibly random).
Sidenote: You know it’s been a successful month when you discover a new podcast (In the Dark) and finally pick up a book after way too much time using Netflix as a time passer (this is what happens when you break the sound on your computer and have no other choice).
What are your current favs? Let a girl know! Also- on the search for my next book and podcast so if you have any suggestions I would love to hear it.
*EXTRA FAVORITE*
This amazing little post from celebrity journalist Keltie Knight, on an article I had written for my internship with The Odyssey that is now posted on The Ladygang website:) High key one of the best moments ever. Check it out! ↓
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