Crossbody Crisis

I'm really struggling with this quest to find a new crossbody bag (as mentioned here). I'm trying to find a medium sized bag with a slight boho feel. So far I've purchased (and returned) three. I've order two more and I'm hopeful that one of them will work out. I'm tempted by the Tory Burch Labor Day sale to purchase one more, but I'm going to try and resist.

Here is what's on the way...

1 | Marc by Marc Jacobs Hobo Bag

I really like the tricolor effect. It adds a bit of interest without being to bold. Plus, with it only having neutral shades it will go with everything. Currently on sale at Nordstrom!

2 | TopShop Leather Alba Hobo Bag

I'm afraid this may be too big, but I have to see it in person. It looks like buttery smooth leather. I really like the laid-back style and the color is great for fall. 

Here is what I have returned...

1 | Rebecca Minkoff MAB Mini Tote

If you saw my 'What's In My Bag' post a few weeks back then you'll recognize this handbag. I own it in red and thought the black version would be great for fall. However, the bag is just too small for autumn.

2 | Tory Burch 797 Crossbody Pouch

Another bag that was too small. Also the black parts on the front flap and sides is actually a straw material, which I thought would damage too easily. I really thought this was going to be the winner. 

3 | Madewell Mini Transport Crossbody

Too plain and too small. I thought I could jazz it up with a scarf, but there was nothing I could do about the size. I really like the tan leather for autumn. 

Help a girl out! Which do you prefer?

Basics {Black Denim}

I prefer black denim over blue year round. I think they are much more flattering and slimming than blue jeans. Plus, they go with absolutely everything. My closet is full of neutrals (white, grey, and black) so black denim fits in perfectly. 

While I have tried many different brands, styles, and washes there are only a few that I can recommend wholeheartedly. I should mention that I prefer skinny jeans that are pretty tight, but with a bit of stretch. 

Here are my favorites...

GAP 1969 Legging Jeans | $69.95
I just bought my second pair this past weekend. I got my first pair three years ago and I'm still loving them. Back then, they had zipper details on the ankles and I wish GAP still made that style! I got a small hole in  thigh, but they're still wearable. 
Pros: jet black | true to size
Cons: less stretch
Size: 6

J.Crew Toothpick Jeans | $115.00
I first purchased a pair last year. They were low on inventory so I bought a size 28. They fit well, but the waistband is a bit tight. I tried on another pair this past weekend and the size 29 was perfect. So I guess I'm a size 28 in their khakis and 29 in denim. Bonus, right now J.Crew is offering $20 off any pair of jeans when you bring in an old pair!
Pros: good stretch | maintain shape
Cons: fade with wash
Size: 29

Paige Verdugo Ultra Skinny Jeans (Peyton) | $179.00 $64.99
Again, due to limited inventory on 6pm.com I had to purchase a size 28. Fortunately, these fit perfectly! They are more of a bluish/black shade (I prefer jet black). They are a bit thin, but very comfortable. These are the best for maintaining shape throughout the day.
Pros: good stretch | maintain shape
Cons: thin material | blueish/black color
Size: 28

rag & bone/JEAN Skinny Jeans (Coal) | $185.00
I really love these jeans. These have consistently been my go-to jeans. The only issue is that I have to wear a belt with them, which is okay because I love belts. They fit great throughout the legs, just too wide in the waist. I may consider trying a size 27 next time. 
Pros: good stretch | maintain shape | thick material
Cons: fade with wash | runs large in waist
Size: 28

Beat the Heat

It's been insanely hot and humid these past couple weeks. We're finally in for a reprieve this week, just in time for Labor Day weekend. A few makeup favorites are getting me through the dog days of summer. I've also been looking to update a few items that I hope will work to keep my skin more matte.

A few staple items, that have served me well...

1 | NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
My favorite eyeshadow primer by far. I've also tried the Benefit Stay Don't Stray and It Cosmetics By Bye Lid Lines. While they both worked, I just didn't bond with them quite like this NARS primer. The Benefit one is very opaque and can double as concealer. The It Cosmetics version has a slight tint that fades when it's rubbed in. I actually prefer a colorless primer.

2 | Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
If I am wearing foundation I'll spray this after I apply liquid/cream products and then again after powder products, when I'm completely finished with my makeup. On days when I'm wearing fewer base products I'll just give a few sprays before I head out the door. It works great either way. If I leave the house during the summertime without this spray I feel oily within hours.

3 | Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

I always carry this powder in my bag. It absorbs oil like nothing else (I'm not a fan of blotting sheets). It's a white powder, so I apply a light layer on my T-zone to avoid cakey, white build-up. I encouraged my mom and sister to get this and they love it just as much as I do. It's a handbag staple for us gals with combination/oily skin. 

A few items I need to add into my regimen...

4 |  Sephora Collection Acne-Fighting Mattifying Moisturizer

I'm almost done with my First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream and I will not be repurchasing this moisturizer. It definitely doesn't keep me matte throughout the day. I received a sample of this Sephora Collection moisturizer. I've been wearing it the past three days and I can see a major difference. I'm hooked and I need the full size now!

5 | Benefit POREfressional Primer

I only wear Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Primer when I'm wearing a full face of makeup with liquid foundation. I works pretty well, but I'm curious if this Benefit primer will be better. Ingrid from the Miss Glamorazzi YouTube channel raves about the POREfessional primer. She also has oily skin so I trust this recommendation. 

Style Crush: Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner can do no wrong, stylistically. I love her casual, edgy street style. Her Coachella looks this year were amazing. Distressed tees, skinny jeans, and booties are my faves. Plus, her accessories are spot on. I'm lusting after all her handbags and sunglasses.

Her looks on the red carpet have been pure gold. I really like the pantsuits she's been rocking lately. She never looks like she's trying too hard. Her hair is almost always down with a center part and her makeup is very minimal. Ahh to be an effortless beauty.

 

I'm sure you all know Kendall and Kylie have teamed up with Pac Sun for a clothing line and Steve Madden for a shoe line. Here are my favorites out of their collections...

 1 | Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl 'Backupp' Ankle Cuff Sandal
2 | Kendall & Kylie Fit and Flare Lace Up Back Dress
3 | Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl 'Poppyy' Espadrille Flat
4 | Kendall & Kylie Pleated Strappy Tank
5 | Kendall & Kylie Madden Girl 'Lunaaa' Sandal
6 | Kendall & Kylie Long Sleeve Romper

Weekend Update

The weather has been crazy this past week. Extreme heat (and humidity) with severe thunderstorms. It put a bit of a damper on our weekend, but we still had loads of fun!

Brady and I met his parents and brother in Ames for dinner and drinks. The weather forced us to eat indoors, but once the rain let up we went to the pub next door for drinks on the patio. 

Saturday was a girls day :) We intended to go to the Farmer's Market, but the weather didn't cooperate. I met up with my mom, Brie, Amanda, and Mira at Brie's house. We made a Starbucks run and whipped up a nice, little brunch. Then, we spent the afternoon at the mall. 

Mira seems to like Free People :)

A little post-shopping treat

Saturday night, Brady and I went out for dinner and drinks with my family- Mom, Dad, Amanda, and Mira. We went to the Boone Depot for dinner and then Boone Valley Brewery for the best beer and ciders.

The happiest little baby

Luxe List

I thoroughly enjoy shopping for beauty products and I spend way too much money at Sephora and ULTA. However, I rarely splash out on over-the-top luxury items. I try to be more practical with makeup purchases because there are so many great affordable options. But, that doesn't stop me from fixating on a few splurge-worthy products.

Here are the items I've been lusting after...

1 | YSL Volupté Sheer Candy (Rose Candy)

Amelia Liana is a big fan of these sheer lipsticks. I've had this shade sitting in my Sephora shopping bag for months... just can't seem to pull the trigger.

2 | By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadow (Velvet Orchid) 

Tanya Burr has done a few makeup tutorials using this shade and it is absolutely beautiful. A shimmery violet cream shadow that looks great on its own or blended with other shades. 

3 | Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss (Lucky)

Another Amelia Liana favorite. She's the queen of lip products so I trust her recommendations. This pale, shimmery gloss would be great on it's own or over a lipstick. 

4 | Dior Addict Lip Glow

I think this would be the perfect everyday glossy balm. Light on the tint and heavy on the moisture. Again, it's been in my shopping bag for months :(

5 | Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer

It seems like everyone is a fan of this extremely expensive concealer. I just can't imagine it being worth $70, but I'm tempted to try it out.

6 | Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Killer Cheekbones

A favorite for many of the YouTube beauty gals I follow (can you tell I get most of my recommendations from YouTube?). I've seen a few tutorials using this products and it is stunning.

7 | Chanel Mat Lumiére

I'm a fan of any base products with the word matte in it. I don't own any Chanel makeup, but I think this would be my first purchase.

8 | Guerlain 'Le 2 de Guerlain' Mascara

How genius is this design? A normal wand combined with a smaller, angled wand for the difficult to reach corners and lower lashes. Brilliant. 

Obsession {Mini Crossbody}

I'm a big fan of the crossbody bag. No other handbag rivals when it comes to comfort. Being hands-free is just so liberating. I've been wearing my red Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini tote all summer. We've had a great run, but I'm ready for something new... something more autumnal.

I actually purchased two new crossbody bags and I'm struggling to choose which one to keep.

1 | Rebecca Minkoff MAB mini tote (black)

Is it silly to buy the same bag in two colors? It's just so cute and convenient. It holds (almost) everything I need and it's so nice to reach in your bag and find what you need immediately... no digging here.

2 | Tory Burch 797 Crossbody Pouch

I've been eyeing this bag for quite awhile. I really like the different color and texture. It is a bit smaller than the Rebecca Minkoff so I'm nervous about carrying my everyday essentials. I'm also not sure if I like having the front flap... yes, I'm that lazy.

I've been lusting after these two crossbody bags for years. I'm hopeful I will make the splurge someday soon :)

1 | 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Satchel

I really love the zipper details on this bag. Again, the flap is a little annoying on a daily basis, but I can overlook that for this beauty. This bag also comes in a variety colors. I think the violet or navy would be perfect for fall.

2 | Celine Luggage Nano Tote Crossbody

Now this is the dream. Every time I see a celebrity with this bag I turn green with envy. It's the perfect size, shape, and design. If you haven't noticed I prefer a simple style when it comes to handbags and this one just can't be beaten.