January Favorites

Beauty

1 | Lancome Definicils Mascara is worth the hype. Great length, great definition. The small wand is so easy to work with and the formula does not flake. This is my first Lancome mascara, but I definitely want to try others now.

2 |  DryBar Money Maker Hairspray is very flexible. I use a generous amount each morning, but can still comb through my hair throughout the day. It helps give my fine, lifeless hair texture and volume. 

3 | Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne was a Christmas gift from my in-laws. I've wanted this scent for years! It was such a great gift. I keep it on my end table so I can smell it every night before bed :) instantly puts me in a good mood.

4 | Hourglass Ambient Bronzer (Radiant Bronze Light) is giving me life during these winter months. It's warm and glowy... doubles as a bronzer and highlight. Warning: it's very pigmented- a light hand is necessary!

5 | Candy Cane ChapStick is a real treat this time of year. Hands down, the best flavor (year round). I wish it wasn't limited edition. I'm thankful they're packaged in trios. 

Fashion

1 | Hayden Cashmere Sweater has probably been mentioned in a previous favorites post, but I snagged a new color (grey, obviously) this month. I've been wearing it at least once a week. 

2 | Paige Denim love affair continues. I picked up two more pairs this month (even branched out and tried a new style!). They are the most comfortable and keep their shape like no other jeans. 

3 | Nike Kaishi Sneakers are very similar to the Nike Roshe, but the sole isn't as large (or round). They are super comfortable and go with everything. Best $40 I spent this month.

4 | Sweaty Betty 7/8 Leggings are my new favorites. I prefer them to any of my Lululemon pants because they don't slide down on the hips and they're reversible... two cute leggings in one. 

5 | Marc by Marc Jacobs Q Wingman Wristlet has gotten a lot of use this winter. The size is great- holds 5 cards, change, and my phone easily (sometime I cram lip balm or keys in too). Lots of color options with this style!

Miscellaneous 

1 | #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso is such great read. It's entertaining, enlightening, and motivating. She writes so well- keeps things interesting and funny. Brady has been calling me girl boss and I love it. 

2 | Aladdin Travel Mug was another spontaneous Target purchase. I love the design, the size, the spill-proof lid. Plus, it's dishwasher safe. Cheers to staying caffeinated!

3 | Sugar Paper Planner is a list-maker's dream. It has a monthly calendar in the front, but then hundreds of blank note-taking pages. I preferred weekly planners in college, but this style is convenient for jotting down to-do lists, ideas, reminders, etc.  

4 | Mexico by KYKO is my latest musical discovery. I purchased the EP which includes 4 songs- they're all good, but this one is the standout. It's catchy, upbeat, and I love his voice. The live version on YouTube is great!

5 | Audible for the win this month! I've already bought 5 books. I can't be without an audio book anymore (especially when I'm driving). The Girl on the Train and Yes Please are my favorites so far. 

The faves of the faves

Christmas List

I've been working on Christmas list and here's what I've gathered...

1 | Tory Burch Minnie Flats are so comfortable! I tried them on in Nordstrom a few weeks ago, but they only had the black pair. I really want this aubergine color. I think they will be nice to alternate with my Tieks. 

2 | I've been wanting the Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily cologne for over a year now. It's very expensive and I don't know if it's worth the price, but it smells so amazing! I have to stop by the Jo Malone counter at every department store just to confirm my love for this scent.

3 | Brady and I have been prepping for a snowboard-filled winter. Fingers-crossed, the weather cooperates! I have nearly all my gear except for gloves and googles. My mom already told me she got the googles. These Burton Gore-Tex Gloves get good reviews.

4 | I recently picked up an AQUA cashmere sweater in the Bloomingdale's sale and it has quickly become my favorite. It's so soft and keeps it's shape. It's also the perfect length. I could definitely use a couple more, especially this grey color.

5 | Brady and I always talk about getting a GoPro. I think we'll finally get one this winter for a few trips we have planned. I'm really excited to film some dives in the Bahamas, but Brady wants it more for skiing/snowboarding. We haven't decided on the model, but leaning towards the Black Hero 3.

Coveting

1 | The Bloomingdale's Friends & Family sale is on until Oct. 4th! Perfect time to stock up on fall necessities... I've been searching for denim and sweaters (and my favorite basics, of course). Here are the current contents of my bag...

New Balance sneakers, DL1961 jeans, rag & bone tee, AQUA sweater, phone case

2 | I'm going for a stronger brow in autumn. I've finished my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and I'm on the hunt for a new brow pencil. I'm leaning towards something with a slanted tip like the one from Burberry or Hourglass. 

3 | I've used up all my samples of Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily so I stopped by the counter over the weekend to finally make the purchase. However, this scent only comes in the 100 mL bottle and I couldn't bring myself to spend $170. It's now on my Christmas list!

4 | I'm getting very bored with our current home decor. I need to spruce things up around here. I've been searching for new throws, pillows and bedding. I'm struggling to find anything I like, but I'm leaning towards a (tiny) bit of color.

5 | The 1975 is releasing their new album in 9 days!! The anticipation is killing me. Brady and I have been slightly obsessed and we're actually quite worried it won't live up to our expectations. Their first album was just too good.

On My Mind

1 | Aloha! I need to see this movie. I've watched the trailer way too many times, which inspired a little iTunes purchase for the soundtrack. I've had it on repeat for the past hour :)

2 | The Shopbop sale is tempting me... 25% off is no joke. These Westward Leaning sunglasses are priority #1. This denim vest and these sandals are also on the list. 

3 | I just ordered this new Replica Beach Walk perfume from Sephora. I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival. I've never even smelled it. The description and packaging sold me. 

4 | Brady and I are constantly talking about vacation. We're itching to take a big trip, but struggling to agree on a location... Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida (to go diving) are the top contenders. 

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is hit-and-miss for Brady and I. Some years we exchange gifts, while other years are spent fairly low-key with dinner or a movie (seriously, who has time for both?). If we do celebrate with gifts they're always small. 

Here are my top V-Day treats...

Sonoma Lavender Lilac Dot Sleep Mask

I've been interested making this purchase for months. I have really dry eyes and I've started using an eye ointment at night, but I think this would help make sure my eyes are completely closed. Practical + cute.

Charlotte Tilburry Makeup Bag

I've been lusting after this enormous makeup bag. It would seriously hold all my makeup and brushes. That's impressive. The pattern is spot on for Valentine's Day.

LUSH Heart Throb Bubbleroon

Really, anything from LUSH would a big hit. The bath bombs are a personal favorite, along with the shower gels. I actually take time to have a bath and relax when I have these products laying around. 

MUK LUKS Amira Bootie Slippers

I just got a pair for my birthday (thanks, Mom!) and I've worn them everyday since. They are so soft and comfortable. And they actually stay on, unlike backless slippers.

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Rollberball

My holy grail A/W scent. It's a fragrance that suits everyone. However, the name is deceiving. It's not too florally. It actually has a nice spicy undertone. Plus, it lasts all day. 

There's one guarantee on Valentine's Day...

Dad never lets us down

Fragrance Faves {For Autumn}

I'm switching up my scent for autumn (click here for my summer favorites). I don't know why fragrance makes me so happy, but it's turning into a problem. I have to show maximum restraint whilst shopping in any beauty store/department. It's not quite as bad as my nail polish addiction, but it's getting a bit out of hand.

I've compiled a list featuring a few of my favorites and also two new ones that I need in my life...

1 | Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Notes: Sambac Jasmine, Centifolia Rose, Cattleya Orchid, Ballerina Freesia, Patchouli

I fell in love with this scent last year. It's so different from anything else I own and now I recognize wherever I go.

2 | Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

Notes: Peonies, Red Apple, Jasmine, Rose, Gillyflower

I've been wearing this perfume for months and I can't get enough. It's good for every occasion.

3 | Stella Stella McCartney

Notes: Rose, Peony Flower, Mandarin, Rose Absolute, Amber

Another one that I've been wearing throughout summer and fall. However, it doesn't last as long as the Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede.

4 | Burberry Brit Eau de Toilette

Notes: Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, Tonka Bean

This is my cold weather scent. It's so warm and musky. It screams holidays to me.  

5 | Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Notes: Sage, Sea Salt, Ambrette Seeds

I was searching for this scent in Seattle. It was sold out in three different Nordstrom stores. I'm on a mission.

6 | Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily

Notes: Black Cardamom, Black Orchid, Kyrara Incense

While I was at the Jo Malone counter searching for Wood Sage & Sea Salt I stumbled across this one. It's captivating. I could not stop smelling my wrist throughout dinner. 

Fragrance Faves {For Summer}

I have been on a fragrance kick lately. I hated perfume until about a year ago. I never wore it and the scent on other people would give me migraines. My mom used to spray her perfume in the car and it drove me crazy... it would get in my mouth and smell would linger for ages. I felt like was suffocating (dramatic, I know).

Now, I am a new women. I feel incomplete if I'm not wearing a fragrance. I thought I would share a few of my favorites that I've picked up over the past couple months. 

1 | Stella McCartney Stella

Notes: Rose, Peony Flower, Mandarin, Rose Absolute, Amber

My mom and I both love this scent. It's floral with a bit of musk and will definitely transition well into fall. 

 2 | Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

Notes : Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Violet, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom, Musks, Cedarwood, Plum

This is the only fragrance that I've repurchased. I'm surprised by all fruity notes because it doesn't smell very sweet to me. 

3 | See by Chloe

Notes: Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Vanilla, Musk

Now this is a sweet scent. I enjoy this fragrance for summer, but I can't see wearing it during any other season.

4 | Elizabeth & James Nirvana White

Notes: Peony, Muguet, Tender Musk

I love how light and fresh this smells. My only issue is the lasting power. I feel like I need to reapply after a couple hours.

5 | Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

Notes: Peonies, Red Apple, Jasmine, Rose, Gillyflower

I've been lusting after this perfume for nearly a year. I finally pulled the trigger and I'm soo happy. This is my new everyday scent. 

6 | Tory Burch

Notes: Neroli, Grapefruit, Cassis, Bergamot, Peony, Tuberose, Jasmine Sambac, Vetiver, Sandalwood

I've had this perfume for about a year, but I only wear it in S/S. It's very floral (and strong) so I have to be in the mood to wear this.

7 | ESCADA Especially Escada

Notes: Pear, Rose, Ambrette Seeds, Ylang Ylang, Musky Notes

Another great scent for summer. It reminds be of the Elizabeth & James Nirvana White, but more floral and a bit longer lasting.

If you didn't notice, I love rollerballs. They are so convenient to carry with you and much more considerate to the people around you when you reapply.