Thursday, March 27, 2014

.:My Uniform:.



 //Jacket:  Burberry // Sweater:  Banana Republic Factory (similar) // Jeans:  Hudson // Flats:  Steve Madden // Handbag:  Celine // Necklaces:  J.Crew (here) & ℅ Mindy Mae's Market//

This is probably my most worn outfit.  Whenever I don't know what to wear, I almost always reach for a striped top, pile on the jewels and add my trusty leopard flats.  "Go to" outfits like this make hectic mornings a lot easier.  What's your go to outfit?

xoxo,

Abbie

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

.:Gingham:.




//Sweater:  J.Crew (nearly identical)// Skirt:  Banana Republic // Necklaces:  J.Crew (identical; super similar) // Pumps:  Christian Louboutin//

When out shopping this weekend, I laid my eyes on this adorable skirt and didn't have a fighting chance of walking away.  This will be so adorable with leopard heels and a bright top.  I can picture it with nude pumps and a polka dot tee.  The ways to style it are endless.

I'll be honest, this is not what I wore to work today.  I wish it was, and it will be as soon as spring shows its glorious face here again.  The truth is, it was sprinkling when I woke up this morning and I resorted to a combo just like this except with boring black pants instead of this adorable skirt.  That said, two minutes after we got home and took outfit pictures, it started raining.  I can't wait to wear this combo super soon!

xoxo,

Abbie

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

.:Springtime Stripes:.

//Sweater:  Piperlime (on sale!!!) // Shirt:  Victoria's Secret // Pants:  Gap // Shoes:  Steve Madden // Necklace:  Kate Spade (on sale during their surprise sale late last week)//  Handbag:  Celine Mini Luggage//

I love simple basics with a pop of print and sparkle to add interest to an otherwise menial outfit.

It's no secret that I love anything with stripes.  This cardigan was a must for me.

In addition,  my necklace was part of a flash sale that Kate Spade had online late last week.  I had almost purchased this necklace when it was full price quite some time ago.  I am so glad that I waited and it found me again.  Keep an eye out for Kate Spades private sales as they often hold some spectacular gems.  I love simple basics with a pop of print and sparkle to add interest to an otherwise menial outfit.

Hope your week is off to a great start!  We are running around like crazy getting ready for our move to our new home at the end of this week!

xoxo,

Abbie

Thursday, March 20, 2014

.:Military Chic:.





//Jacket:  J.Crew Factory (old; similar) // Necklaces:  J.Crew (similar here and here) // Brooch:  Chanel // Sweater:  J.Crew // Pants:  Loft (last year; similar) // Flats:  Steve Madden// Handbag:  Celine//

I'm sure you noticed by now that I absolutely love mixing unexpected pieces.  The combination of the military jacket mixed with the jewels and leopard flats is totally unexpected.  There's nothing that I love more than combining pieces that are opposites on the spectrum.  To be honest, it's these simple, wearable outfits that I love the most.  

xoxo,

Abbie

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

.:Worn to Death:.



//Necklaces:  J.Crew(old but identical at J.Crew Factory in store now), J.Crew Factory// Sweater:  Loft // Pants:  Gap (old, similar)// Flats:  Steve Madden// Handbag:  Celine Mini Luggage//

There are definitely pieces in my wardrobe that I wear to death.  Two of these said pieces are my green pants & leopard flats.  These green pants are constantly in my wardrobe rotation.  I can't get enough of colored pants for brightening up a long workday.  The leopard flats that I've had from Steve Madden have been such an essential thrice weekly staple in my wardrobe.  I wore them so much that I had to purchase a second pair.  Do you have any pieces that you wear until they are completely worn out?  I would love to hear about them!

xoxo,

Abbie

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

.: Current Makeup & Skincare Favorites:.

I am by no means a makeup artist but I love dabbling in makeup when I can.  I watch way to many YouTube tutorials/hauls/product reviews to count and almost always end up trying a new something or other because of it.  

These are my current favorite products in my makeup & skincare drawer:


Loreal Butterfly Mascara:
 It adds great length and volume.  It's comparable drugstore alternative to my beloved Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara.  

Bobbi Brown Peony Blush: 
 The best pink blush.  Apply sparingly as a little goes a long way.  It gives the perfect everyday flush.  I've repurchased it multiple times in the past few years.

Maybeline Instant Age Rewind Concealer: 
 A fabulous concealer that hides Louis Vuitton Luggage sized bags!

Mac Angel Lipstick: 
 A nudish-pinky lip that is great for everyday.

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation: 
 This powder foundation goes on in seconds without the mess that the liquids tend to create.  I also love that it doesn't transfer onto clothes, etc. like liquids I've used.  Considering I've lost count of how many of these I've purchased, it's safe to say that I'm in love.

MAC Fluidline in Dipdown:  
I love this gel eyeliner.  It gives you the perfect line every time (anything from thick to thin to cat eye is totally doable).  I have purchased this over 5 times.  It's safe to say that it's a winner.

Urban Decay Naked Palette: 
I use this every morning.  It has the most fabulous neutral colors that compliment one another perfectly.  I am hitting pan on so many of the colors that its almost time to invest in a new palette.  I am heavily considering the new Smashbox palette.


Clarisonic Mia:  
I LOVE this baby!  It helps my sensitive skin like no other.  This helps keep my breakouts at bay and I  definitely see a difference when I don't use it for a week.

Philosophy Purity Cleanser:
I have used this sudsy, nourishing cleanser for years.  It removes EVERYTHING!  It will even take off mascara!  It's a holy grail product for me.

Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter:
Since I wash my hands so often working with my little first graders, my hands are consistently cracking and bleeding if I don't use this stuff.  I great smell and rich texture help to combat even the driest of skin.  I love it so much that I keep one in my purse and one in the bathroom.

Josie Maran Argan Oil:
This helps to balance out my combination skin like no other.  It also seems to reduce breakouts for me as my skin stays hydrated and doesn't tend to produce as much excess oil when I use it.  It's been a favorite for YEARS!  I've purchased over 5 bottles of it so far!

Body Shop Strawberry Beautifying Oil:  
I hate the feeling of cold moisturizing cream in the morning.  This stuff doesn't feel cold to the like touch like lotions can.  It helps to lock in moisture when applied right out of the shower for a totally non-greasy feel.  This is another holy grail produce for me.  I have repurchased it twice so far!

Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm:
When I initially purchased this I thought is was absolutely ridiculous to pay the price for this.  Once I used it, I couldn't live without it any longer.  There is a reason that it's a cult favorite.  I keep one on my nightstand and one in my purse because it is literally that good.

What are your favorite beauty and skincare products?  I'm always on the hunt for new great products!  Does anyone have any products that are on the "must try" list?

xoxo,

Abbie

Monday, March 17, 2014

.:Current Favorite Nail Polishes:.

Collecting nail polish has been one of my vices for a few years now.  I had french gel nails for six years straight.  Once I removed them a few years ago, I went nail polish crazy and haven't really stopped since.  Essie has become my favorite in terms of nail polish brands.  The skinny brush and fantastic formulas are almost always a hit for me.  

Since the weather here can't really seem to decide if its winter or spring yet, I haven't really been able to fully let go of all of my favorite winter polishes.  However, I have started introducing my favorite spring colors to my nail polish lineup.  That said, these are the best of both.  Here are my current favorite colors that have been in heavy rotation:

The Neutrals:

//OPI Taupe-less Beach (from the newest OPI collection) // Essie Chinchilly (my most used polish of all time) // OPI You Don't Know Jacques (a favorite of mine for years) // Essie Smokin' Hot (neutral with a tinge of purple for interest) //

The Brights:

//Orly Beach Cruiser (literally the best neon pink there ever was; which is much brighter in person) // Essie French Affair (an amazing basic light pink) // Essie Mint Candy Apple // Essie Turquoise & Caicos (fabulously close to Tiffany blue) // Marc Jacobs Lola (the best red for my skin tone that I've encountered) //

Happy Polishing!

xoxo, 

Abbie

Friday, March 14, 2014

.:CĂ©line:.





//Sweater:  Banana Republic (on sale in stores) // Tee:  Victoria's Secret // Jeans:  Hudson // Necklaces:  J.Crew (similar) // Flats:  Steve Maddden // Handbag:  CĂ©line//

Spring is here in California (it was sunny and 75 degrees today).  Since our pup, Louie, loves the amazing weather, we decided to take him on a quick walk during photo time today!  We are so excited to be moving to a house with a yard where we can let him loose running!  

Since the future H and I will be working on the house all weekend (crossing my fingers we are done this weekend), we had date night tonight.  I was so jazzed to bring my new handbag out for her debut!  I'm so in love with her!  I think what I love the most is the understated elegance that she holds.  I love that it's not an "in your face labeled" handbag, but instead showcases itself with clean, classic lines and amazing leather!  I am so thrilled that she is now living with me!  Yes, you read that right…I'm referring to my bag as a "she."

Now, I have to ask, what handbag is on your wish list? 

xoxo,

Abbie

Thursday, March 13, 2014

.:Life as of Late:.

Life has been insane the past two weeks and, from the looks of it, the next two are going to be equally crazy.  In between grading a stack of papers equivalent to the size of a toddler, completing report cards, scheduling 30 conferences, working on wedding things (invitations currently), the death of a loved one (Kiss Kiss Auntie), and remodeling a home that we hope to be moving into in the next two weeks (literally redoing EVERYTHING from cabinets to flooring to walls), I am finding that there are not enough hours in the day.  That said, this week hasn't left much time for daily outfit snaps that are blog worthy.  Let's be honest here:  my closet looks like a tornado hit not once, but two or three times.  Today, I was found in a very basic sweater/trouser combo that was then followed by tiffany blue paint-stained yoga pants for a night of ceiling and cupboard painting.  In the meantime, here are the glamourous portions of my life as of late:
// My birthday outfit that I wore to work //

//Louboutin Completas that I wore this week for my favorite cousin's graduation//

//My 1st Official Chanel Purchase//

//Chanel Brooch Happiness//

//Getting Wedding Ready with this FABULOUS skirt from @peacelovetulle //

xoxo,

Abbie


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

.:Colorblocked:.




//Sweater:  Banana Republic (similar) // Pants:  Gap (similar) // Shirt:  Forever 21 (similar) // Flats:  J.Crew (almost identical) // Firework Necklace: Instagram sale (identical)//

After working on the house that we are getting ready to move into all weekend, there wasn't enough coffee in the world today.  Thus, my outfit resulted in a super simple look.  My saving grace for this crazy busy week was a fabulous little package that the mailman dropped off today!  I can't wait to style her and show you all very very soon!  Hope your week is going swimmingly!

xoxo,

Abbie

Monday, March 10, 2014

.:For The Love Of All Things Tiffany Blue:.





// Sweater:  J.Crew (super similar) // Skirt:  Francescas (in store; similar) // Shoes:  Christian Louboutin // Necklaces:  top:  J.Crew Factory, 2nd:  Mindy Mae's Market c/ o, 3rd:  Mindy Mae's Market c/ o//

As you have probably already guessed, my absolute favorite color is Tiffany Blue.  From the moment that I laid my eyes on this skirt a week ago at Francescas, I knew that it belonged with me.  The cut of these skirts is so flattering and feminine that I now have collected them in three colors and keep wanting more.  I would literally wear them every day if I could.  

xoxo,

Abbie

Friday, March 7, 2014

.:Our Wedding Series on Wedding Paper Divas:.


I am so excited to let everyone know that the first Friday of every month, from now until August, I will be posting a wedding related piece on the fabulous Wedding Paper Divas blog!  Today, the post is all about how we selected our Save the Dates and gives you a little insight into our wedding journey!

xoxo,

Abbie

.:Boy Meets Girl:.


Hi Everyone!  I'm guest posting over at Mindy Mae's Market today! 
 Swing on by to see the entire look!

xoxo,

Abbie

Thursday, March 6, 2014

.: The Beaded Rose :.








//Sweater:  J.Crew Factory // Necklaces:  J.Crew (similar) // Pants:  Paige (will be purchasing ASAP) // Flats:  Valentino // Clutch:  The Providence Story //

It's been a year and I'm still totally smitten with my J.Crew Beaded Rose Necklace.  It adds the perfect pop of color to an outfit.  The factory store now has a super similar one!  Hope your week is going amazingly well!

xoxo,

Abbie