Thoughts on Beauty

After seeing this post by a makeup-less Katherine Webb on Instagram last week, I was inspired to share my thoughts on beauty, and give you a glimpse of a few makeup-less photos of my own from my trip to Florida.

If you've seen any of my blogposts, it's obvious that I can be quite the girly girl. You won't find too many backwards-cap photos of me (unless you hunt down my middle school photos, and I think everyone would be better off not seeing my fast-and-the-furious years.) And I love makeup. Curling my hair and getting all dolled up is SO much fun.

That being said, there are days when I don't even brush my hair (see photos below for reference.) There are days (Sundays, mostly) where I don't care to pretty myself up for an in-house marathon of House of Cards. 

I think in growing up, I'm learning to be more comfortable in my skin. 

No, I haven't been to the gym in weeks (ok, months). 
Yes, I have the kind of skin that dries out one day and is gaining an army of blackheads the next. 
Yes, someone once asked me if I had broken my nose (no I have not.)

And while I believe we should constantly work to improve ourselves, I also believe in feeling beautiful with who you are. Society always tries to dictate the definition of beauty, and I'm ready to take that back into our own hands. If you want to get dreadlocks and wear red lipstick everyday, that's beautiful. If you want to embrace your natural features with no makeup at all, that's beautiful too.

What makes you feel beautiful?

Outfit details: Skirt, Martin & Osa (similar from ASOS here.) Shirt, Banana Republic (similar from JCREW Factory here.) Belt, JCREW Factory (similar here.)

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Valentine's Day

Happy (early) Valentine's Day! I've spent the last week in paradise, so coming home was definitely bittersweet. I decided to brighten my spirits by dressing up in my Valentine's best and share tomorrow's outfit with you! Can we please talk about how amazing the sparkly elbow patches are on this sweater?!  

Outfit details: Sweater, Banana Republic. Skirt, Phillip Lim for Target. Ring, Julie Vos. Earrings, LOFT. Necklace, Blue Nile c/o (on sale). Nails, W Salon 

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Julie Vos Sample Sale

It's not every day you come upon jewelry you absolutely love. I mean, I'm pretty picky. It has to be just-so. Then one of my favorite artists and print-masters, Jen Ramos, announced a sample sale of one of her favorite online jewelry boutiques, Julie Vos

First of all, the NAME. I mean, anything with the word Julie in it? You know it's gotta be awesome.

Second, their jewelry is amazing and this sale is outrageously awesome. Many pieces have already sold out, but there are still TONS of incredible luxe gold-toned beauties left. Julie's jewels have been featured in Marie Claire, Lucky, InStyle, Martha Stewart, Lonny Magazine and Vogue.com.

Take a look at some of my faves below (I bought pieces #3 and #4) and head over to the Julie Vos website to snatch up these lovlies - but head there soon, the sale ends Tuesday!

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Shop Julien's faves:   1   |   2   |   3   |   4   |   5 

Country Glitz

Do you ever feel like you need to get out of the city and breathe a little bit of fresh, country air?

We feel like this ALL THE TIME. This past weekend, I brought a bit of glitz to the sweet country life while visiting my hubby's parents in the Shenandoah. I jazzed up a comfy sweater (it has pockets!) with a few gold accents, inspired by this gorgeous beaded headband from Nordstrom that my super awesome sister got for me.

On Julien: Jeans, Lucky Brand. Sweater, JCREW. Plaid shirt, JCREW (similar here.) Scarf, Target. Headband, Nordstrom (similar here.)  Sunglasses, Michael Kors (similar here.)

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Bows for Days

In case you haven't noticed, I am totally into bows. Read: OBSESSED. Bows embellish my shoes, necklaces, headbands, earrings and I even bought a leather bow for when I want to add a little spice to my daily grind.

So you can imagine how excited I was to find this gorgeous bow sweater from JCREW on sale at the outlets. I paired it with these lovely Loren Hope earrings I received as a Christmas gift, wine colored pants from Ann Taylor LOFT, and my new black short boots from DSW (which also feature an abstract bow) and this gorgeous plum Coach handbag

Enjoy your weekend, lovlies!

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