STANDARD MIX: June 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

Weekend Update

We had a great weekend in Kansas City, but it went by so quickly!

Friday night Brie, Tyler, Brady, and I went to Bar Louie to meet up with a couple of Tyler's friends who live in the area. I had the most amazing salad (pear & brie cheese) with a side of mac & cheese, of course :) After dinner we moved to the outdoor patio to enjoy the beautiful weather and the music. The DJ played 90's music all night- definitely a hit with our table!

Saturday morning Brie dragged me to the hotel rec center...

I stuck to the elliptical for 20 minutes and called it a success. At least it helped me feel okay about this...

We shopped in the Zona Rosa Town Center for a bit and then had to get back to the hotel to meet up with the rest of the family and get ready for the wedding.

We had a couple hours between family photos and the ceremony so we hit up the local bar for some drinks...

The wedding was absolutely gorgeous! It ended up raining off and on throughout the day so their marriage should be blessed with good luck! The live band at the reception was very good, but very loud... we spent a lot of time outside on the patio for Mira's sake.

Friday, June 27, 2014

Weekend Travel Essentials

I'm heading to Kansas City today for my cousin's wedding! It's going to be such a fun weekend and I'm excited to see all my family (it's been nearly a year since we were all together).

Brady and I are driving to Des Moines to meet up with Brie and Tyler so we can all head down together and enjoy a night on the town. Hopefully, we will wake up early tomorrow for some breakfast & shopping. Then, we have family photos in the afternoon and the wedding Saturday night!

I snapped a few photos whilst packing and thought I would share what I'm bringing along for the weekend...

Overnight bag

Saturday's look
Top | Mossimo Perfect Fit Crew Tee
Skort | Tinley Road Sydney Ponte Skirt
Sandals | Sam Edelman Gigi Flat Sandals
Watch | Michele CSX-36 Diamond Dial Watch (with gold leather strap)

Wedding look
Dress | ASOS Paper Dolls Color Block Dress
Heels | Nine West Flax
Handbag | Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC

Makeup bag

Handbags

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Style Crush: Poppy Delevingne

The Delevingne sisters have got to be the coolest girls on the planet. I love their carefree attitudes and effortless style. If you don't follow them on instragram, you're definitely missing out.

While Cara's style is hit & miss for me, Poppy's style is always perfection.

Pinsperation to the max...

Two weddings... two amazing dresses

My first edition of Style Crush was obviously an easy choice!

Here is my Poppy-inspired look...

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Accessorize

I'm trying to extend beyond my comfort zone when it comes to accessories. I always wear 2 rings (in addition to my engagement & wedding bands), little diamond stud earrings, and usually a watch.

I always admire women who can take an outfit to the next level with few statement baubles, and they always make it look so effortless! For some reason I've always shied away from these pieces. When purchasing jewelry I tend to focus on practicality and longevity, definitely not descriptors of attention-grabbing jewels.

Here's my best attempt to add some interesting pieces to my collection...

1 | Kendra Scott Rayne Necklace in Maroon Jade ($80)
2 | Kenneth Jay Lane Stone Fringe Chain Necklace ($100)
3 | J. Crew Poppy Fringe Necklace (on sale for $108)

1 | Bauble Bar Cairo Ear Jackets ($28)
2 | Tory Burch Brynn Drop Earring (on sale for $206.50)
3 | House of Harlow 1960 Meteora Drop Earrings ($46.00)
4 | ASOS Eye Stud Earrings ($11.43)

1 | C. Wonder Pearl Bead Woven Leather Chain Bracelet ($58)
2 | Bauble Bar Fancy Two Finger Ring ($30)
3 | J. Crew Asymmetrical Stone Bracelet ($88)
4 | Kendra Scott Pave Oval Cocktail Ring in Black Tourmaline ($175)

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Summer Skincare

Up until a few months ago I had no skincare routine, other than cleanser and moisturizer. I made the change when my skin suddenly made a turn for the worst. I've always had pretty clear skin, but few months ago my skin went crazy and my chin was completely broken out. I don't quite know what to attribute this to, maybe stress. All I know is this routine saved my skin and I'm a little scared to deviate from this regimen now.

AM products:

Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser | I'm a big fan of Neutrogena! This is my all-time favorite cleanser. It's gentle, but gets the job done.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth | I firmly believe this is the product that saved my skin. Its product description says it enhances the surface skin condition, leaving it looking smoother, fresher, and healthier. I've been using this for 3 months and it's all true!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir | I have mixed feelings about this product. It feels nice and smells good, but I don't think it's actually doing anything for my skin. It claims to smooth the skin, tighten pores, provide instant burst of radiance and stimulate microcirculation. In my opinion, this is expensive, luxe, fragrant water.

First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream | Not my favorite moisturizer... I spoke about it in my summer makeup post.

PM products:

Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes | These are the best face wipes I've found. They feel amazing! They are essential when traveling and also a nice pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Clarisonic Mia 2 | I don't know what I'm doing wrong, but this is the second Clarisonic I've broken in 18 months. I really enjoy using it when it's functioning. I'm starting to think this match just isn't meant to be...

Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment | This has been my go-to acne treatment since high school. I dab a small amount on any blemish and use it prophylactically on any area I think may start breaking out.

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask | Best mask ever! I use this 2-3 times each week and it leaves my skin so clean and smooth, never tight and irritating.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream | A very lightweight eye cream that should probably be used in the morning, rather than bedtime. It contains caffeine and ginseng to reduce puffiness and dark circles. I'm not in love with this product, but this little sample has lasted over a month!

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream | I prefer this eye cream over Origins. It's a thicker consistency and I feel like it's actually doing something while I sleep.

Nivea Lip Butter | A nice, thick lip butter that will last through the night and leave your lips hydrated in the morning. I only use it before bedtime because it's in a pot that you have to dip your finger into.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Weekend Update

I had a great weekend visiting my family! Brady stayed in North Liberty to golf with his dad and brothers.

Friday morning I got ready, packed up, and hit the road so I could be in Ankeny by noon (nearly a two hour drive).

L.L.Bean Tote Bag

Always transporting clothes, shoes, books, etc. back and forth between all the girls

I had a wonderful afternoon with my mom, sisters, and adorable niece. We played with Mira, got frozen yogurt, then went shopping.

Brie and I went to back to her and Tyler's house. We ordered sweet potato fries for dinner :)

Saturday morning I had a hair appointment... just went a bit lighter for summer.

Brie, Tyler and I went to his mom's house to hang out and have lunch. Then, we went shopping again...

We ended the night outside on their deck, enjoying the longest day of year.

Sunday consisted of nonstop rain, but it got me to clean my makeup brushes (obviously, much needed).

Then, Brady and I made a quick Target run. We ended the night with my favorite movie, It's Complicated.