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.

Lululemon Love

I am working at the Lululemon Warehouse Sale this weekend in Chicago, and today I spent all day sorting and setting up for the sale.  I got to see all the products that are going to be available, and it is a lot of stuff! I found some favorites that I'm going to have to buy for myself.  Below are just some items that I'm loving and planning on getting.  The Scuba hoodie is really thick and would be prefect to wear around the house, running errands, and out running.  The Wunder Under pants do double duty.  They can obviously be worn as workout pants, but they also work as leggings.  They are thick and lift your butt so they are perfect to wear out with a long top.  Finally the tank top is just so cute and would add some style to any gym workout.

All Patched Up

I love elbow patches.  I like them on sweaters, but I really love elbow patches on blazers.  It kind of gives the blazer an equestrian vibe that I love.  Below is a cute checkered blazer with elbow patches.  I like that it is cropped so it does not have the full country club look but the elbow patches still give it a little something extra.  On the bottom is an inexpensive version of the elbow patch blazer if you are looking to save some money.

Red Hot

Sometimes you just need to go with a classic, and I am talking of course about nail polish.  My go to classic is red nails, but it is hard to find just the perfect shade.  I don't like my red polish to have any shimmer and it has to be bright red, not dark or orangey.  The best red I've found is OPI Big Apple Red.  It is just the right red and great quality.

Fit Tip

I have been slowly getting back into running after finishing the Chicago Marathon. Before the marathon I could run for hours and not feel tired, but now it seems to be that around the block is enough running.  The hardest part is getting out the door though, and I am sure that many people feel the same way.  One way I have gotten out the door and on the running path on the days I absolutely do not want to work out has been by taking my dogs with me.  Dogs love running, at least my dogs do, and when they see that they are going for a run they jump, howl, and wag their tails in excitement.  That enthusiasm is contagious and really helps me realize that is is so nice to get outside and run around.  So the next time you are dreading working out just bring your dog along and let them inspire you.

Buns of Steel

I know that by now sock buns are becoming very common and I'm sure many of you have either tried or know about them, but for the people who don't I thought I would share.  I found out about sock buns a while ago and finally successfully did one today, although to be honest I did have help from my friend, and it looked awesome.  Basically the look is like the one above, without all the frizz.  It is a big perfect doughnut shaped bun right on top of your head.  While the look is elegant and pretty, it is super easy and only takes five minutes max to do.  I found a great tutorial by Opening Ceremony where they show you step-by-step with pictures.  My only addition to these directions is to use a sock that is close in color to your hair.  The bright white and yellow sock they use would look terrible if your hair started to separate and the sock showed through.  Other than that, create these easy buns to look put together without any effort.

Song of the Day

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

I really like how upbeat this Black Keys song is.  Their whole new CD is awesome. 

Winter Floral

Now that we are in the middle of winter, warm weather, flowers, and sunny skies seem to be so far away.  One way of beating the winter blahs and adding a springy touch to your wardrobe is by adding winter florals.  There is a definite distinction between florals and winter florals and it is important to have the right type of florals in your winter wardrobe so you don't look out of place.  Having a dark base color like black or blue and them bright or even darker colored florals as the print is one way to add the popular pattern into the winter season.  Above is an inexpensive but super cute shirt that has the dark base and floral pattern that make it a perfect addition to any wardrobe.  Plus the back is awesome and unique.  Below is a great dress that you could wear with tights and boots and socks to make a cute but warm outfit.  Finally the backpack is great for anyone in school who wants an easy but cute way to carry your books around all second semester.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Today I spent the afternoon in the most beautiful place in the world, Lake Tahoe.  It has been unseasonably warm and my sister, friend, and I took advantage of the great weather and made a trip to the lake.  It was so peaceful and quiet, and I mean extremely quiet.  

If you have the time this long weekend I would suggest going to somewhere beautiful and sitting still and listening to the silence.  It is a great way to recharge and relax.  And if you are ever in the Northern California/ Nevada area take a trip to Lake Tahoe, you won't regret it.  

Song of the Day

Chromeo - Night By Night

It's finally the weekend and there's no better way to get in the mood than with Chromeo.  

Enamored With Enamel

While out shopping the other day I saw these Vince Camuto bracelets (Pictured above and below) and loved them. After doing some research on the bracelets once I got home I found out that they come in a variety of colors, seriously all the colors you could imagine, and even patterns.  The bracelet is amazing. The colorful bangles would be great to add a boost to any drab outfit and I love how shiny they are.  If you aren't into such a bold bracelet I found a smaller less bulky bracelet.  The yellow bangle below has the same feel as the Vince Camuto bracelets but at about a fourth of the price. 

Song of the Day

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel

I am going out for a friends birthday tonight and this song just gets me in the mood to dance.

Song of the Day

Peter Bjorn and John - Amsterdam

It is so sunny and nice out I can't help but listen to upbeat songs.  

Magnolia Baking

For my birthday a couple months ago my roommate got me a Magnolia Bakery cupcake and it was amazing.  I haven't had as good of a cupcake since, but when I was looking for a recipe to make I stumbled across the vanilla cupcake recipe that Magnolia Bakery uses.  The cupcakes tasted just like the one I had for my birthday, but instead of just having one delicious cupcake I had a dozen.  You can find the recipe here.

Big and Beautiful

I recently just fixed my absolute favorite necklace.  I had gotten it in the summer and by fall all the chains connecting the necklace had broken.  I took to my pliers and went to work, and now I am happily wearing my favorite statement necklace with practically everything I own.  Fixing my necklace made me fall in love with big necklaces all over again, and although I have found no necklaces that can top the one I have, I found a couple that are strong contenders.  The first necklace below is a steal at just $16 and I love the purple and gold combo.  Also the chain is awesome.  The bottom necklace I first saw in a picture in an email, and I thought it looked too dainty and small, but then I looked at it in person and it is massive.  The necklace really packs a punch and is not to be missed, not to mention that it comes in three different colors.  

Song of the Day

Cold War Kids - Royal Blue

I know this is somewhat of an old song, but I just stumbled across it on my iPod and forgot how much I loved it.

Bar None

Today while shopping at Lather & Fizz, a small bath boutique, I stumbled upon a lotion bar.  I had never seen anything quite like it.  It looked and felt a bit like dry soap, but when you rubbed it on your hands it was similar to lotion without all the grease.  I bought the Life's a Beach bar which has a coconut sent and my friend got a minty scent. I am so excited for this product because I get quite dry in the winter, but now I can use this lotion bar without the greasy feeling of heavy lotion.  Also I think it would be perfect if you could find someone to massage your back with one! Below is a similar product I found because the bar I bought is not sold online. 

Song of the Day

The National - Gospel

After a whirlwind weekend of my best friend coming to visit, karaoke, and bar hopping it is nice to slow it down and relax.  This song is the perfect song to listen to after a fun filled weekend.

Back to Back

As much as I love an interesting front of a shirt, what could be better than someone being wowed when you walk away? Recently I have seen an influx of shirts with great details on the back.  The look is quirky and unexpected. Weather it be with fringe, like the top above, or a twist, like the leopard shirt below, or even just a simple overlay, like the bottom top, having a shirt with back detailing will leave an impression.  

Wrap It Up

Watches are my second favorite accessory, behind statement necklaces, and I have always wanted a La Mer wrap watch.  They are awesome because they work as both a watch and a bracelet so it is almost as if you are getting a two for one deal.  While researching these watches I came across some wrap watches that are almost identical to the La Mer watches but at a fourth of the price, perfect for all you budget shoppers.  Below is a great neon La Mer watch that would be a great accessory to punch up any drab outfit.  The blue La Mer watch has an awesome gold chain that adds an instant luxe feeling.  Finally the four watches pictures are only around $25 and come in a bunch of different colors.  I love the turquoise one myself.

Song of the Day

Yeasayer - Ambling Alp

By request, an oldie but a goodie!

DIY Hex nut Bracelet

Hex nut bracelets have been all over the internet and the other day I decided to make my own.  It was such a simple project and the results were fantastic.  You can find great step-by-step instructions here.  What I did that was used a thin strip of black suede instead of the white yarn the instructions used.  I think it gave it a much more luxe look and the black made the gold hex nuts pop.  I wore it with my Michael Kors watch and I was in accessory heaven.  I am working on a necklace version now with larger hex nuts.  

Song of the Day

Scissor Sisters - Shady Love

I heard this song a couple days ago and didn't really like it, but it has been stuck in my head since listening to it the first time and it's starting to grow on me.  The video is what really gets me though, it is so funny.  

Boot It Up

All of my boots are the standard black or tan knee-high boots.  I want to branch out and get some boots with more interesting details and would stand out when wearing them.  I found some great options in my hunt for the perfect unique boot.  The boots above, from Free People, are tough girl chic.  The boots below, by Frye, have a great pattern and have an awesome vintage look.  Finally I love the knit aspect of the grey boots.  They basically have leg warmers built right into the shoe, and as a bonus they are only around $25. 

Song of the Day

The Naked and Famous - Young Blood

If Passion Pit and MGMT got together they would make this song.  I love the song and I love the video.

Loving Leather

Leather jackets are a fashion staple.  Real leather jackets can be expensive, but they are a great investment and could be worn year after year.  A cheaper option, if you are on a budget, would be to go the faux route.  With faux leather jackets you have to be cautious because they can look cheap and plastic if your don't find a good one.  Below I picked out two options. The first jacket is real leather and by one of the best jacket designers around, Mike & Chris.  This jacket is pricey, as are their other jackets, but it is adorable and the leather is so soft and could be worn for years.  The other option is much cheaper.  It has an asymmetric zipper which I love and the black color could be worn with almost anything.

Song of the Day

Kaskade Feat. Dragonette - Fire In Your New Shoes

I'm a fan of Dragonette and they make this song so good!

Pink Pout

Bright pink lips are fun and funky.  They add a pop of color to your face and I think it is easier to pull off than red lipstick.  Below is my favorite bright pink lipstick by NARS.  It is called Schiap.  

Color Me Happy

One of my best friends came over wearing light pink jeans which looked awesome.  I had always assumed after seeing colored jeans all over the streets of Barcelona in the summer that they worked only for summer. My friend proved me wrong.  Below I picked out some perfect for winter colored jeans.  They are in deeper jewel tones that will work well in the cold weather.  You can find them here and here.