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.)

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 

5 Reasons to Love Crystal Couture

On the first day of Crystal Couture, my sister and I braved the bad weather to hit up one of the D.C. area's most talked-about fashion shows and high-end bargain pop-up shops.

This was my first year attending the show, and the event did not disappoint. I like to keep things short and sweet, so I'm going to let you in on my five reasons you should totally go this year.

Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. WHAT I WORE: D'MILIKAH dress and these boots from DSW.

1. It's free. I mean, do you really need another reason?

2. It's a chance to find a new BFF / meet local designers. I had SUCH a blast meeting people who designed the clothes I coveted and hearing about what inspired them for their collections. 

Seen here, my new BFF and scarf soul mate, Jennifer Elizabeth Miller of JEM Collection.

Here, Jen shows me how to style this fabulous scarf.

Jen and myself, after I bought this lovely infinity scarf that I may never, ever stop wearing.

3. To shop. This one is totally obvious, but don't let the term 'designer' shy you away. There are so many discounts you get just by attending and many pieces are within an average girl's budget.

Here, Stephanie models a Camille Gabriele purse. 

Seriously, how chic are these Sophie Blake jewels?

I am OBSESSED with this D'Milikah skirt. Obsessed might even be an understatement.

4. To discover upcoming trends. Chic and structured pieces are hitting the runway hard, as are pastels, bright colors and bold prints. Check these out first hand by watching the models strut down the square runway (so no matter where you are, you have a great view). Plus, with a new show every 15 minutes, you'll get to see a super wide variety of what's coming up for 2014.

Photo by Vithaya Phongsavan. Also one of my favorite looks of the night by Erika Schrieber.

5. To take advantage of their awesome photo booth. I don't really need to explain this one, except to say that the OnomonoMEDIA photobooth can print your high-res image and you can also email it to yourself or post directly to your social media page. See mine below (and please note how mature I am.)

Find out more about Crystal Couture on their website. The last show for 2014 is tomorrow, February 8 and you can find the schedule here. The show goes from 6 PM - 10 PM and is located at 251 18th Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

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!

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.)