travel
Instagram Look – 07/07/2019
AMAZON CASUAL FALL FASHION HAUL | JULY
Happy August Friends!! I am so excited to share this amazon casual fall fashion haul and finally share all my amazon finds and the outfits I packed for my trip to Europe in July! This post is long overdue, but the focus of this order was all super casual things that were easy to layer since the weather was a little unpredictable, mix and match, and also easy to nurse in and lets not forget, super affordable! So every item has functional buttons or a surplice top, but let me tell you, these items I kept are so so cute, I’ve been wearing them on repeat and all $25 or less!
Make sure you check out my Instagram Highlights if you want to see the full try-on session as well as letting me know which one is your favorite from my amazon casual fall fashion haul in the comments below. In addition, I included the links to shop at the very bottom of the post! If you have any questions feel free to comment or email me!
Other Retailers: Pink Mini Purse / Phone Case
Outfit 1:
This romper has been so easy for traveling and hanging out this summer! In addition, it fits true to size, I got a medium (in black) and it comes in about 15 options of solid colors, other stripes and even florals. I love the functional buttons, it has great length and it’s so comfy it’s like wearing pajamas around!
Other Retailers: Phone Case
Outfit 2:
This romper is also super comfy, but looks much more dressy! It’s actually really lightweight, fits true to size and comes in 7 colors (and even polka dots- I thought about getting that one too!). I love that it has great coverage on the arms and good length on the shorts. It does have the functional tie I mentioned in the video, but I also linked the belt bag/fanny pack that I used and loved for traveling overseas!
Other Retailers: Gold Sandals / Phone Case
Outfit 3:
How fun is this sassy dress? I love the stripes, I think they are so fun and flattering. In addition, a huge plus is the longer sleeves and the extra fabric in the bottom to give it that fun movement. I would say it runs a little small because I’m in my true size medium and it is pretty short on me (I’m 5’6″). However, the rest of it is fine, but I don’t think it would be too big on me if I would have sized up one. It comes in several other striped colors as well!
Other Retailers: Black Mules / Dark Jeans / Phone Case
Outfit 4:
This might be my favorite of the haul. I didn’t think I would like the kimono trend, but i have been loving it and actually want to buy a few for fall as well! This kimono is giving me all the boho vibes and also give great coverage/layering option that doesn’t add any warmth at all! I do think this kimono runs large, I would recommend sizing down one. And I’m also loving these henley button tanks. I got three of them!! These tanks actually run small and I sized up one so it wouldn’t be fitted
Other Retailers: Black Mules / Phone Case
Outfit 5:
So this is my second favorite item of the haul! I love this flirty, green printed skirt. It fits so well and will be so good to pair with graphic tees, jackets and even sweaters this fall. This is the same henley tank as the last picture, it also runs small, I sized up one to a large. It’s such a great staple for layering! And same sizing with the skirt, I sized up one to a large for a little longer length.
Other Retailers: Black Mules / Dark Jeans / Phone Case
Outfit 6:
How fall is this little outfit? I’ve had this utility jacket for years and wear it all the time, but actually I also wear it all year long. In the spring and summer I just cuff up the sleeves and it’s a great light layering piece! In addition, are you surprised I needed this striped henley tank? It is perfect to tuck in, knot and even long enough for leggings!
Other Retailers: Dark Jeans / Phone Case
Outfit 7:
This pink top is a nice, waffle material that is super lightweight. I loved this color for spring and summer, but it comes in lots of fall colors as well. In addition, the other colors are great too! I am looking at the olive one, but they also have black, oatmeal, burgundy and more! The sleeve length is perfect and it also looks really cute tucked in or just untied with leggings!
Other Retailers: Dark Jeans / Phone Case
Outfit 8:
I love this black button front tie tank because I think the tan buttons pop and give it such cute detail. This is a great weight to be worn alone in summer, but will also be great to tuck in and pair with cardigans and jackets this fall. In addition, it comes in 10 colors and is a perfect staple!
Other Retailers: Dark Jeans / Phone Case
Outfit 9:
Last, but not least is this bodysuit! I actually got it in both black and white. This tank is going to be more of a layering tank for me so I have something not so bulky to tuck into my jeans this fall. In addition, it has a slight racerback and functional buttons. I love the button detail because I think it gives it a nice pop!
shop my amazon casual fall fashion haul below:
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June Birchbox Review | 2015
Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my June Birchbox review below and share what you think in the comments!
If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!
Check out my June Birchbox Review:
Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15
Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water
Klorane Shampoo with Mango Butter
Klorane Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter
Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner Travel Kit
TOCCA Eau de Parfum, Isabel
Emi Jay Solid Hair Tie 5-Pack
So far I’ve loved all Caudalie products I’ve received over the years. This Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Fluid SPF 15 is no exception! It is super lightweight and gives me a ton of moisture without leaving my face greasy. I don’t wear foundation so I love that it’s slightly tinted. But beware! Although it evens out my skin tone, it doesn’t add much coverage. It’s doesn’t solve my everyday needs, but the SPF and sheer formula make it a great option for summer!
A girl can never have too much makeup remover! I have been bouncing back and forth from makeup removers for awhile. And I found a new one for my collection! Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water is a cleansing water that brightens skin. The great thing about this cleanser is how well it works! I know that sounds simple, but a lot of cleansers tend to smear around the makeup on my face and have to be rinsed after. This micro water is a miracle! It not only completely cleans the skin in one swipe, it doesn’t even need to be rinsed after! I will for sure be investing in this makeup remover with my birchbox points!
Klorane Shampoo and Conditioning Balm with Mango Butter is up next! This shampoo and conditioner combo is amazing! I love the delicious mango smell. As I’m washing my hair it almost tricks me into thinking I’m actually on a beach eating a mango! It’s the perfect shampoo scent for summer. The sample was pretty small so I didn’t notice any lasting effects, but if you want to switch up your normal shower routine, this mango shampoo is a great option!
I got the Mulberry Marcelle Mini Waterproof Eyeliner in my birchbox. I love trying new eyeliners and colors. This eyeliner went on super smooth and was easy to apply. Although I love the deep mulberry color, it took several coats to make much of an impact. But once I got it applied, it lasted all day! It’s super waterproof and smudge-free! And the best part about it? It came off so easily when I used my new micro water face cleanser!
Next up, I got a small sample of TOCCA Eau de Parfum. This perfume was inspired by a chic city girl from Barcelona. At first sniff I really loved it, it is full of floral rose notes. But the more I smelled it, the less I actually like it. The scent is really strong and after awhile it started to smell a little matronly to me and all of the sudden I felt like an old lady who put one too many sprays of perfume on! This is not a perfume I would recommend for younger women.
Lastly I was surprised with the Emi Jay Solid Hair Tie. I love knotted hair ties. They are always fun colors and prints and never slip on my short hair! This lavender hair tie is great for summer, I’ve been in buns ever since receiving it!
And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!
Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, May Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!
10 Summer Must Haves to get you through this summer
Summer always seems to just fly by! No matter where you live, everyone seems to be on the go. That’s why I pulled together these ten summer must haves that you need now to make your summer a breeze.
1- A comfy, wear-everywhere tank. I have the boyfriend tank below that I wear non-stop. The fit is perfect and it looks great with distressed denim.
2- A bandana. Bandanas are the hot new accessory and this bandana scarf will save you the trouble of rolling and knotting one. Throw it in your hair for a quick fix to a bad hair day!
3- Statement sunglasses. These round shades scream boho and give a nod to the seventies.
4- A tote. I am obsessed with this reversible tote. One- it’s reversible! Two- it fits a ton of stuff. Three- it has a handy attached pouch to keep your valuables (aka your lipstick).
5- Summer cardigan. Layers are key for those chilly summer bonfires! This patterned cardigan gives you coverage and warmth while keeping a summer look.
6- Hat. Perfect for covering up that pool hair that didn’t quite dry right. You will be glad you have this hat to cover up any bad hair days.
7- Boho top. I love having a go-to top that screams summer and this bell sleeved lace top does the trick. Did someone say coachella?
8- Boyfriend jeans. For those days you don’t have time to shave your legs? Never fear, your boyfriend jeans are here!
9- Denim cutoffs. Enough said… it’s summer!
10- Walk everywhere sandals. In the summer, I find myself walking my sandals into the ground! What better shoes to prance around town in than these lace-up sandals that go with everything?
shop my 10 summer must haves:
Boyfriend Tank ($16) / Bandana Scarf ($6) / Round Sunglasses ($18) / Reversible Tote ($48) / Patterned Cardigan ($18) / Straw Hat ($13) / Lace Top ($30) / Boyfriend Jeans ($33) / Denim Cutoffs ($18) / Lace-Up Sandals ($65)
BBQ Bound | Get Memorial Day Ready!
Being born and raised in Indianapolis, Memorial Day has always meant a few things to me… The Indy 500, tanlines and backyard barbecues. This year I unfortunately can’t make it back to Indiana to go to the Indy 500, but that doesn’t mean I can’t pick out an outfit for the race! Whether you are spending the long weekend at the race, barbecuing with friends or just soaking up the sun, I’ve got the perfect head to toe looks for you!
I’ve recently discovered this new affordable shopping site called boohoo and ordered this adorable pom pom romper featured below (and the first romper on the left is from boohoo too!). This site is perfect for a girl on a budget like me and they even had 25% off yesterday! They have some really fun, trendy items and I can’t wait to receive this romper below to share with you guys!
shop memorial day outfits left to right:
Accessories– Cat Eye Sunglasses ($34) / Straw Hat ($15) / Watermelon Clutch ($35) / Tassel Bracelets ($32) / Fringe Earrings ($13)
Dresses– Embroidered Romper ($44) / Star Print Chambray Dress ($35) / Pom Pom Romper ($35) / Chambray Embroidered Romper ($52)
Shoes– Blue Criss-Cross Sandals ($56) / Stitched Espadrille Wedges ($80) / Gold Lace-up Gladiator Sandals ($65) / White Espadrille Sandals ($100)
April Birchbox Review 2015
Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my April Birchbox Review below and share what you think in the comments!
If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!
Check out my April Birchbox Review:
Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream
POP Beauty POP Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette
WEI™ Manuka Bee Venom Mask
Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator
Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm
Have you heard of Whish yet? Well, birchbox has been loving this brand lately! This Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream sample is the third Whish product I’ve received in my birchbox so far. I’ve actually even received this same product in a different scent in a previous box. Thus far, I haven’t been blown away by any of their products. My main issue with this shaving cream is the texture, it doesn’t foam or lather. Therefore, I find myself using much more than I would a traditional lathering shaving cream. On the other hand, one definite perk is my legs actually felt moisturized after shaving. I don’t mean they felt less dry than normal, they actually felt moisturized with no need for any lotion after shaving!
Next to be reviewed is the POP Beauty Portfolio Eyeshadow Palette. I’m a sucker for makeup palettes! I have palettes from a few different brands, but I haven’t heard of POP Beauty before receiving this sample. My sample is a trio of shimmery bronze eye shadows… which is right up my alley! I think the colors are great. They give the perfect amount of shimmer and bronze that can pass for both daytime and evening wear. The colors look great blended together, perfect for everyday use! And the full palette has 36 colors, enough for even the most adventurous girls!
Now for an interesting one, WEI™ Manuka Bee Venom Mask. Yeah you read right, I said bee venom! I am told by birchbox, “the purified venom in this mask is gentle and nourishing, and combines with healing herbs to help to fight wrinkles, correct imperfections, and firm skin.” Not sure what benefits are coming from the bee venom, but I did really love this mask! The texture was more of a heavy cream and left my skin feeling soft, firm and youthful. I’m not sure how long-term these results are, but it’s a great treatment to give your skin a “tune up!”.
Up next is the Cynthia Rowley Beauty Brightening Illuminator. Best word to describe this sample? Luminous. I was a little thrown off by the texture of this illuminator. Instead of the expected cream, it was actually a little runny (making it challenging to just get a little out of the sample tube!). I found this illuminator perfect for early mornings. It gives me just the glow I need at that hour in the morning to distract from the large, dark circles under my eyes and it’s super versatile. I use it for my inner eyes, cheek bones, brow bones, etc. It’s lightweight, subtle and goes on smooth, the perfect addition to my summer makeup routine.
Lastly, I’m wrapping up with my favorite sample from this month’s box, Temple Spa Peace Be Still Calming Face & Body Balm. This lotion makes me feel like I just walked into a fabulous spa! The scent of lemon and lavender is so dreamy and soothing. It has an immediate calming effect that lingers, making it great to use right before bed. The texture of the lotion is a bit thicker than I expected, but once it absorbs into the skin, it leaves it feeling softer and smoother than ever! I will definitely be investing my reward points into a full size bottle of this, it’s a must have! (my husband even agrees!)
And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!
Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, March Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!
Our Trip Across the Pond | 2015
We got back from our european vacation about two weeks ago and we are already getting the itch to travel again! I’ve written a few posts on the trip so far, but I wanted to share all the miscellaneous, random fun we had while traveling around Europe. Check out our adventures in each of our stops along the way below!
European Vacation | Paris:
Our first stop on our European Vacation was Paris. We had a fabulous time! Along with eating macarons and pastries at every adorable cafe we passed, we also climbed the steps of the Eiffel Tower, explored the grounds of the Palace of Versailles and saw the Mona Lisa at the Musee de Louvre. To see more of our time in Paris, click through the pictures below and check out my posts at the Palace of Versailles and the Musee de Louvre!
View from the top of the Eiffel Tower
The view of the Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Square
The golden gates of The Palace of Versailles
Paris in Full Bloom
Delicious macaron cocktail from laduree
View of the sunset from the top of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower at Night
The fabulous grounds of the Palace of Versaillles
Early morning stroll to get pastries
The view while climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower
Admiring the gargoyles on the Notre Dame Cathedral
Arc de Triomphe
Crossing over one of the bridges into the ile de la cite
The Gardens of The Palace of Versailles
Couldn’t get enough of the French Pastries | Laduree
Waiting in line bright and early at the Louvre
Some delicious macarons from laduree
Selfie at the Palace of Versailles
The enchanting Notre Dame Cathedral
Beautiful blooms in from of the Eiffel Tower
Reflections of The Louvre
Carousel Rides in front of the Eiffel Tower
European Vacation | London:
One thing we knew how to do in London was eat! We went to some great restaurants and some amazing markets! You can see from my pictures below, I was mostly interested in the sweets (especially the donuts!) We also made the journey to Windsor to check out the beautiful Castle, where the Queen hangs her crown on the weekends. But my favorite part of all was the London Eye. It had the most amazing views of the skyline, Big Ben and all the beautiful bridges! And don’t forget to check out the adorable neighborhood we stayed in on my Notting Hill post!
Jeff and I in front of my favorite bridges to date, the Tower Bridge of London
The prettiest (and tastiest) fudge in England
Big Ben in all it’s glory
Hanging out in front of The Parliament
The Queen is In! The beautiful Windsor Castle from afar
A quick stroll enjoying nature in Hyde Park
Bright Blooms in Hyde Park
The Queen is In! Checking out Windsor Castle
Some irresistable treats from the market
Westminster Abbey
The Tower Bridge of London
The Tower London Bridge
One of the many colorful bridges in London
Tempting pastries from the market
Vanilla, Hazelnut and Blackberry Rose filled Donuts!- Blackberry was my favorite!
The London Skyline
Getting on the London Eye
One of our favorites in London, The London Eye
One of the queen’s guards
Gelato as big as my head!
The Towers of the Windsor Castle
As close as they would let us get to the Queen’s quarters
The grounds of the Windsor Castle
Donuts seem to be their specialty in London!
European Vacation | Scotland:
We ended our trip in the beautiful country of Scotland. We had quite the adventure driving on the left side of the road through mountains. We spent our days exploring the countryside, hanging out in the dreary, but amazing, town of Edinburgh and taking in the sights. Our Scotland adventure was much different than our usual city excursions, but it was a nice break from the hustle and bustle. Check out my pictures from the last leg of our trip below, hope you enjoy them!
Our scenic drive through Scotland
Castle Stalker from afar
One of our pit stops on our journey through Scotland
Steps to the Top of Arthur’s Seat
View of the Edinburgh Castle from Arthur’s Seat
Feeling exremeley outdoorsy
Edinburgh Castle from Arthur’s Seat
Gothic Churches in Scotland
Edinburgh at night
Gothic Churches in Scotland
The medieval town of Edinburgh
The medieval town of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle from below
Edinburgh Castle from below
The windy hike up Arthur’s Seat
On the top of Arthur’s Seat
Hiking down to a pebbled beach
The quaint city of Oban
Another adorable cafe in Scotland
Delicious treats in Scotland
Spring Strolls in Notting Hill
One of my favorite areas in London is the neighborhood we stayed in, Notting Hill. It’s an adorable, contemporary neighborhood where the streets are lined with beautiful Victorian homes, trendy restaurants, great shopping and of course the infamous Portobello Road Market!
We were lucky enough to stay in one of these magical Victorian homes in the heart of Notting Hill. It was relaxing to be able to leave the craziness of tourism in the city and come home to this charming community. It even curbed our homesickness and reminded us a bit of the painted ladies in San Francisco. I mean just look how cute these painted doors and tiled steps are, I couldn’t get enough!
One of our favorite things to do in London was exploring the city and finding new food markets. Little did we know, we were staying blocks away from one of London’s most infamous markets, Portobello Road Market. We taste-tested donuts, fudge and other deliciousness from every market we came across. Our favorite market of all ended up being the Borough Market near the London Bridge. Everything we tasted there was primo, we had to go twice because we couldn’t stop thinking about the donuts! I’m already planning my trip back to London, just for the donuts! 
shop my notting hill look:
Leopard Mini Skirt- similar here ($50) and here ($20) / Chambray Shirt- similar here ($23) and here ($30) / Leather Jacket- similar here ($40) and here ($24) / Topshop Skater Shoes ($32) / ASOS Slanted Bar Clutch Bag ($27) / Nordstrom BP Heart Sunglasses ($12)
Feeling Blue at the Louvre
The Louvre not only houses some of the world’s most famous art, but it’s a work of art itself! I remember sitting in French class in middle school dreaming about the day I would eat a macaron in front of the Eiffel Tower and peer into the glass pyramids of the Louvre. And let me tell you, the Louvre did NOT disappoint… and Mona Lisa says hi!
The weather was so unpredictable on these spring Parisian days so layers were key! Our days were long and consisted of waking up early for coffee and sights, walking around and exploring the city all day and ending the night with drinks and dinner. A coat was necessary for early mornings and night, but when the sun was out it got pretty warm!
This light sweater, coat and tight combination was perfect for Paris’s unpredictable state of mind. I got this bright cobalt blue statement coat right before my trip and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. I don’t have a ton of need for a wool coat in San Francisco, but I definitely got my money’s worth of this one in Europe! Especially since it’s on sale for $40! Check out the rest of the outfit below and share your favorite Paris travel tips in the comments!
shop my look from the louvre:
Blue Wool Coat- similar here (on sale for $40!) / Forever 21 Marled Sweater ($15) / Faux Leather Embroidered Skirt- similar here ($60) and here ($58) / Sam Edelman Booties (on sale for $98!) / Coach Crossbody ($175) / Rocksbox Necklace / BP Sunglasses ($12)
