Print Mania

I don't know what it is about this summer but I am obsessed with prints.  Seriously every time I walk into a store the first items that catch my eye are anything with a print on it.  The other day I stopped by American Eagle Outfitters, which I never do but saw some cute shorts in the window, and I walked out with two awesome items.  Below are the shorts I got, well actually I got them in a pink and orange color but I'm going to return them for the black and white.  The shorts are so cute and they were so cheap too.  Also I have been on the hunt for an awesome bra top and finally found one, pictured below.  It is a great color and print and has straps which I love.  Also it was 40% off so I could't really pass it up.  So in conclusion, American Eagle has a lot of hidden gems and you wouldn't expect it so check it out!

Fishtail Fanatic

A couple weeks ago while watching Fashion Star, Nicole Richie had the best fishtail braid hairstyle.  It was in a high pony tail with hair wrapped around the base of the pony tail with a fishtail braid coming out. That was a little strange of a description but just look at the picture above, which by the way is the only picture I could find of the hair style hence why it has that speech bubble.  I just love the look.  It looks fresh and summery and is better than a simple high pony.  Below is a video on how to do a fishtail braid if you don't know how.  It isn't too hard but whenever I do it my arms get really tired.  Also a quick word about Fashion Star, I love it!  You guys should watch it and if you haven't been but want to start I think the whole season is on Hulu.

A Few Things

I don't really have a theme for this blog post so instead of trying to force a theme or not post at all I thought I would just post a couple of things that I am loving right now.

I love these painted feather earrings, but I think that I could make them myself and save twenty dollars.  If you are not as inclined you can buy them here.

I love these sandals for summer.  I love the beading and the color and I want them in my closet right now.

These are the cutest vintage shorts ever.  I could wear these all summer.

Smile File

This reminds me of one of my favorite Florence + the Machine songs and it is such pretty colors.  Enjoy your Monday!

I Heart It

Today I went on a heart shopping spree.  I guess two heart items does not constitute a full on heart attack (haha see what I did there) but still I am in love with hearts.  I bought a cute gold heart necklace exactly like the one below.  It is delicate and simple and I love it.  I also bought a heart sweatshirt.  I tried to find the exact one I bought because I think it is awesome, but it wasn't online.  Mine sweatshirt is grey and baggy with a huge gold heart on the front.  The one below has a similar feel, it is just a lot brighter.

Half Marathon Mania

So I ran the Chicago Marathon in October and I vowed never to run another race again, but the other day I decided it was time to get back into running.  I went outside and ran a nice three miles.  It was so great to run without the pressure of having to train for a race, but it also got me thinking about taking up the challenge of running another race.  I have decided to cut back the milage and only run a half marathon and the race I have chosen is going to be... The San Francisco half marathon in July!  I'm looking for running partners so if anyone is interested let me know!  Also to get me going I want some new workout gear.

I love the Nike Lunar Light shoes I wore during my marathon but they don't make them anymore.  I think these shoes are similar not to mention they are on sale and really cool colors.

To keep the colorful theme going these shorts by Lululemon are so cute.  I love their running shorts because the waist band is much more comfortable than on other workout shorts.  Although they are a bit pricey for workout clothes they are worth it. 

Finally, I don't really care what shirt I run it and I usually just use a free oversized t-shirt, but since it will be summer soon and I might as well get tan while running I'm planning on turning a few of my t-shirts into cool workout tanks via this tutorial.  

Laura Mercier Purifying Oil Light

I just wanted to take a quick second to let you know that this cleansing oil is amazing! My roommate has it and doesn't like it because her skin is oily, so lucky for me that means I get to use it.  This stuff is perfect to remove makeup quickly and it leaves you skin feeling so soft and clean.  It is pretty pricy for a cleanser so I'm going on a hunt for a cheaper but similar product.

Song of the Day

Capital Cities - Kangaroo Court

This song is just so catchy.

Best Bra Tops

I love this look.  The high waisted skirt and the bra top are so cute for summer and I really think it is going to be a big trend.  Most of the bra tops I found were lace, which is cute, but I really love the how structured Selena Gomez's top is.  Below I found some options, although they are a little longer, but still cute and right on trend.  You can find the first one here and the second one here. 

Summer Love

So I have not posted in forever since I was not feeling inspired by anything, but that mood has changed just like the weather here in Chicago.  It seems like summer is coming early with temperatures in the high seventies and I have been trying to fill my wardrobe for summer.  Below are some of my favorite items for summer.

I love the color and fringe on this bikini. 

Maxi Dresses are a great summer staple and I love the ikat print and v-neck on this dress.

This hat is cute and cheap and perfect for the beach.

In Floral Fashion

I can't wait for spring to come and these floral jeans will get me in the spring spirit in a major way.  I love them!  Colored jeans and floral print jeans are very trendy this spring.  Colored jeans can be found pretty easily and are often cheap.  On the other hand, floral jeans are a bit harder to find, and the best ones are designer jeans so they come with a steep price tag (the first two pairs of jeans pictured are around $200).  The last pair of jeans below are cheaper choice but they are not my personal favorite.  I like the boldness of the first two jeans and the bottom pair just doesn't pack quite the punch.  They are only about $25 so if you want to get in on this trend without breaking the bank then these are a perfect choice.  You can find the top pair of jeans here, the ones right below here, and the bottom jeans here.

Song of the Day

Florence and the Machine - Shake It Out

I know that their new album came out a while ago but I am just getting around to listening to it.  This song was the lead single I think, and it is amazing.  

Nailed It

My roommate got this Butter London nail polish in Wallis for Valentine's Day and I love the color.  The olive green metallic color is perfect for the upcoming Mardi Gras festivities. You can find it here!

The Cold Shoulder

I recently have started liking the trend of cut out shoulders.  When I first saw the look a year or so ago I really hated it.  I thought the look was dated, but in the past year I have come around a bit and decided that this trend could be worth a try.  Above is an awesome shirt that features the cutout trend.  The pattern and cut out shoulders work together to make this a top with some serious bohemian flare, not to mention it is pretty inexpensive.  Below is a silk version of the trend that also incorporates another trend, ombre.

Happy Valentine's Day

This little guy is Valentine's festive all year round.  Below I posted some aww inducing pictures that will warm your heart on this day of love whether you have someone to celebrate with or not. 

Song of the Day

The Feeling - A Hundred Sinners (Come and Get It)

I woke up and it was just so sunny in Chicago!  This song is sunny just like my day! Enjoy your weekend.

Valentine Ideas

Valentine's Day is coming up and whether you have a special someone or not you can still celebrate.  Above are some pink flowers that I love.  I'm not sure what kind of flowers these are but I know that they were only five dollars and they look amazing and festive.  I am not a fan of roses because I think roses are too overpriced and pale in beauty compared to other flowers. So a Valentines tip is to avoid roses and embrace other flowers that are pink or red and save some money.  Below are two items that will also get you in the mood come February 14th.  First is a Clair Vivier folded leather clutch.  If you remember from my post a couple days ago I am in love with folded clutches and this one is perfect.  It is bright pink with a neon orange zipper.  Second is a pair of 7 for all Mankind pink skinny jeans.  My roommate/friend just bought a pair and they are adorable and perfect for spring.  She found a pair at H&M for only $25 but the ones below are great as well, although a bit more pricey.  

Sam's Triple Tuesday

Sam is back with another week filled with her beauty favorites.  Check it out.  The products she mentioned are linked below!

    
Urban Decay - Naked Palette 
Orofluido Elixer 

Song of the Day

Radio - Lana Del Rey

I know that there is some controversy surrounding Lana, and her performance on Saturday Night Live left a lot to be desired, but I still can't get a song off her new CD out of my head.  So, for your listening pleasure, whether you like her or not, is Radio off her new debut CD.

Black and Nude Beauty

I love black and nude together.  Something about those two colors in one piece looks luxe and expensive, even if it is not.  Above is an awesome faux leather jacket, that is actually now on sale, that has just a hint of black to the other wise nude colored jacket.  The quilting at the shoulder and ribbing at the elbow are extra touches that tae this jacket to the next level.  Below is a sweater that would look perfect with jean cutoff shorts and wedges as a transition piece into spring.

Folded Clutches

I have been seeing pictures of these folded leather clutches on the internet everywhere lately and I love them.  They are perfect because they come in a variety of colors, but what I really love about them is how slouchy and soft they look.  I would recommend getting one of these in real leather. Below are two options, a nice green color (which looks suede in the picture but is supposed to be leather) and a more versatile black color.  You can find the green clutch HERE and the black clutch HERE!

Super Sloth Love

I think this video is so funny and adorable, not to mention that Kristen's shirt is awesome and would be perfect for Valentines Day.  Check it out below.



And here is a shirt that is similar to the one she is wearing.  You can find it HERE!!

Sam's Triple Tuesday

Sam is back and dishing out her favorite products and trends for the week.  Don't forget to check out her other great videos here!
            

Hi Low

This awards season I have seen a lot of stars wearing hi-low hems in their dresses, and from what I have been reading the reviews for these dresses has not been favorable.  I on the other hand, think they are so interesting and unique. I love the different hem, and I think it adds a flowy element that is not present in many skirts.  Also it is a way to show off your legs while not exposing too much.  Both of these skirts can be found here.  

Smile File

Watch Me

I know that I already did a post about wrap watches, but I thought I would go ahead and do a post about plain old watches.  I think that watches are the best accessory, not only are they fashionable but they are useful, although I do still rely on my phone for the time even when wearing a watch.  I have a gold Michael Kors watch that I love.  Similar to mine is the gold Michael Kors watch below.  It is a bit smaller than mine, but still awesome.  Gold watches, paired with tons of bracelets, can really amp up an outfit and make a plain shirt, like a button down, unique and interesting.  I also love this Marc Jacobs watch.  The rose gold paired with the gray leather strap looks amazing together.  I have been wanting a rose gold watch and this one might just be my perfect next purchase.  

Amazing Avocado

So for the last two nights I have had avocado pasta.  I had never heard of it until I saw the recipe on Oh She Glows and decided that it looked pretty awesome, and spoiler it was awesome.  To be completely honest I am not the biggest avocado fan, but I tried it anyway to try to get more vegetables in my diet.  Some tweaks I made to the recipe was adding only a quarter of a lemon, because it can have too strong of a lemon flavor, and I also added some roasted tomatoes with red pepper flakes to up the vegetable content and add a hint of spice.  Overall the dish turned out so delicious the first night that I had to make it again.  It is super easy and much healthier than cream sauce.  You can find the recipe HERE!!

Song of the Day

Florence and the Machine - Take Care (Drake Cover)

I just found this cover last night and I have listened to it on repeat all day.  I love her voice and it sounds amazing in this song.

Sam's Triple Tuesday

So I have enlisted the help of my friend Sam to do a weekly beauty video where she will share her top three beauty products, trends, styles, and really anything you can think of relating to beauty.  Sam is a beauty junkie with more makeup and products than she knows what to do with, so she has agreed to share her expertise in what is going to be called Sam's Triple Tuesday.  I hope you enjoy it and also check out her other videos here!

Jean Queen

I'm just going to come right out and say it, Hudson Jeans are the absolute best.  They are so comfortable and they make your legs look instantly slimmer.  I find myself consistently passing over all the other jeans in my closet in favor of my Hudson Jeans.  They come in a range of styles but my favorite is their dark wash boot cut jean seen below.  The jeans can be a little pricy but they are definitely worth it. 

Home Sweet Home

Since the weather in Chicago has become so cold it is hard to make myself go outside so I have been spending a lot more time at home.  All this time at home has made me really aware of the items I am lacking, so I did a little research and came up with a couple of items that would be great in any home.  I love the smell of mint and how refreshing it is.  This candle has mint as well as moss notes so it won't be too overpowering, but would give your home a nice crisp feeling.  The glasses below are so unique and would make drinking more interesting, plus the double glass prevents the glass from becoming too hot or cold to the touch.  Finally the candlestick holders.  These are a little pricy, and to be honest I am sure you can find better cheaper ones at a second hand store.  Regardless, candlestick holders would be a great addition to any table or mantle and you could paint them a bright color to add an extra zing.