Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Season Transition at Chi Lin

Sweater: BP. (sold out, similar here)  |  Top: Topshop (sold out, similar here)  |  Scarf: Cynthia Rowley (old, love this)  |  Jeans: Paige  |  Shoes: BP.  |  Earrings: Kendra Scott  |  Watch: Vince Camuto (old, similar here)

This look is perfect for this time of year when it's still chilly, but you want to add a little spring to your look.  It's a basic jeans and tshirt look that is elevated by some scalloped detailing on the tshirt and added accessories.  I don't know about you, but I'm dying for spring and want all the pops of color in my life right now like this scarf.  I am also obsessing over this cardigan because it's both on trend and so cozy; it also keeps you warm and can be layered under a jacket when it's colder out too.  Last, but not least, while I absolutely love these mules and will definitely be rocking them all spring long, they can easily be switched out for boots if it's too cold to have an open back shoe on.  A look like this is easy to build with items you already have in your closet and is sure to carry you from winter to spring and beyond.

These photos are my first set I'm sharing with you from my trip to Hong Kong!  This look was shot at the Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon, Hong Kong.  I shot a few different outfits at Chi Lin Nunnery and took many photos of this gorgeous location as well.  I have so many photos that I am breaking them up into several posts so keep an eye out for them to see and learn more about Chi Lin!

photos by: jen loong via wandersnap

                    

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Twenty Six Facts

Happy Valentine's Day! I realized that haven't done a post in a long time that lets you get to know me a little better.  For my twenty sixth birthday a few weeks ago I shared twenty six fun facts about myself on InstaStories so I thought it would fun to share it on here with all of you too.  Here are twenty six completely random facts that I hope you enjoy!

1. I try not to eat fried foods, but when I do french fries and fried calamari are my favorite cheats!

2. I don't like breakfast meat or eggs other then egg whites.

3. For a big breakfast I much prefer bagels, waffles, french toast, and pancakes.

4. I don't drink alcohol anymore because it is a HUGE trigger for my Crohn's disease and I also cannot drink with the medication I take for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

5. When I was in college and could drink I either drank vodka cocktails or champagne.

6. I much prefer the snow and cold weather to the sun and hot temperatures.

7. Lately I've been obsessed with watching TLC and HGTV.

8. I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder, but thanks to medication and therapy I have it (mostly) under control.

9. When I was in high school black nail polish was very high fashion and I loved it. My Mom thought black nails looked "goth" though and wouldn't let me wear it. That is the only time I remember really arguing with my Mom about clothes or makeup as a teenager. (And eventually she let me paint my nails black!)

10. My sophomore year of college I got my cartilage pierced after I had a pretty major surgery because I felt I didn't have a choice about the surgery, but I did have a choice in getting a piercing.

11. Probably the only other clothing/makeup/accessory my Mom and I argued about was said piercing (after I got it done).

12. My Mom was super lenient with me in high school because I got good grades and was a rule follower. This is the reason we only ever had like two fights that related to fashion.

13. My Mom and I are super close and I consider her to be one of my best friends.

14. I have donated my hair three times.

15. I got my first dog when I was sixteen and I will never not have a dog.

16. I don't like musicals.

17. I've lived in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

18. I want to wear pale pink when I get married because it's my favorite color and I look awful in white.

19. I met my best friend when I was six months old.

20. I've taken Spanish, French, and Russian, but cannot speak any of them.

21. I love to travel alone.

22. I don't sleep well at night because of my chronic pain. For some reason I feel better and more awake at night then during the day so it's better for me to stay up at late night and sleep more during the day.

23. I was home instructed for most of high school because of my health and going away for college was HUGE for me. I was also terrified because I was really only used to being around adults (doctors, teachers, my parents, etc.) and hadn't been around people my age in so long. It was the BEST thing I've ever done though.

23. I did college in five years due to my health. I could only take four classes a semester because of my chronic illnesses so I needed to do an extra year to get enough credits to graduate.

25. I had to have my gallbladder out when I was 15.

26. This year was the first time it didn't snow on my birthday in twenty six years and I'd be lying if I said I was not bummed.

Now that you know more about me, I'd love to hear more about you so leave a fun fact about yourself below in the comments!

                    

Monday, February 12, 2018

Beauty Review: Drunk Elephant Protini


If you've been around for a while you know I love a good moisturizer so needless to say I was excited when Drunk Elephant sent me their newest cream, Protini.  Protini is a polypeptide cream and breakthrough protein moisturizer.  It combines a new array and concentration of signal peptides, growth factors, supportive amino acids, and pygmy waterlily for visible and immediate improvement in the appearance of skin tone, texture and firmness.  It's basically like a protein smoothie for your face and coincidentally I'm trying to increase my protein intake. 😂  Not to forget it's also a light, but very moisturizing formula that makes your skin feel amazing.

To use this I wash my face, pat it dry, apply a serum, and then apply Protini.  I like to allow my serum to fully absorb before putting on the cream and then allow that to skin in too.  It's also recommended to combine Protini with any of Drunk Elephant's other treatments or oils as an added boost.  You can use it both morning and night as your moisturizer, but I recommend pairing it with sunscreen for daytime wear for added protection.

I've been using this for a few weeks and am really happy with the results.  I feel like my skin looks more plump and overall healthier.  I also really love that this is supplying more protein to my skin!  If you're in the market for a new moisturizer with some great benefits you absolutely must check this out.

*I was given Protini by Drunk Elephant to facilitate my review, however opinions of this product are all my own.

                    

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

What to Wear: Valentine's Day

Top  |  Earrings  |  Earrings  |  Necklace  |  Bodysuit
Skirt  |  Dress  |  Dress
Heels  |  Clutch  |  Clutch
Heels  |  Heels  |  Clutch

With Valentine's Day just a week aways it's time to start thinking of what to wear if you're going out to celebrate (either with a significant other or your besties!).  For Valentine's I love to play up the holiday colors and definitely wear something red or pink (or even both together).  I had so much fun putting together these pieces that are holiday themed, without being kitschy.   Both this dress and this dress are flirty, feminine, and perfect for a date night to celebrate.  I also like pieces that you can mix and match to dress up or down like this bodysuit and this classic top, which can be paired with jeans or a skirt like this.  I love any excuse to wear heels so to finish the look you can go neutral with these, metallic with these, or add a fun pop of color with these.  Last but not least add some statement jewelry and a cute clutch (I'm obsessed with this one!) and you're all ready to go!  

The great thing about these pieces is they're perfect to wear all year round and don't have to be saved just for Valentine's Day (they're great for weddings, date nights, and girls night outs too!).  So whether you're celebrating or not you can still shop the post below!

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

SHOP THE POST HERE:

                    

Monday, February 5, 2018

The Perfect Present

Still not sure what you want for Valentine's Day or perhaps an upcoming birthday or anniversary?  I have been loving bar necklaces for quite some time now and have been wearing this one that the sweet ladies at Bip & Bop sent me on repeat.  The reason these bar necklaces make the perfect gift is because you can customize it to make it even more special to you or whoever you're giving it to.  I'm wearing The Jessica which is Bip & Bop's signature bar necklace.  I customized mine by choosing rose gold with a sixteen inch chain and having The Blush Blonde engraved on it and there are several ways your can customize yours too.

While The Jessica is my favorite bar necklace from Bip & Bop it is far from their only style bar necklace they make.  They have double bar necklaces, super skinny bar necklaces, vertical bar necklaces, and more to choose from.  The ones I really have my eye on are the coordinates collection, which allows you to engrave the coordinates of a special place onto your necklace or bracelet.

I think my favorite part about Bip & Bop, other then their gorgeous jewelry, is that they are a small female owned business.  I always love supporting small businesses and amazing fellow girl bosses!  Whether you need a gift for Valentine's Day or any other occasion check out Bip & Bop for the perfect present.

What would you have engraved on a bar necklace?

                    
f