Geek of the Week #43
Friday, April 27, 2018 • Geek of the Week
// We're starting out with a Nicole Warne love fest because she just got married and it. Was. LIT.
She had two articles for Vogue online detailing the wedding itself and her five couture outfits.
// Plus she gave all sorts of details about her skincare routine to In The Gloss. Thus is my love affair with her wedding complete, because I've shared it with you all (just in case you weren't following her already).
// I was slated to attend Universal FanCon before it f*cking imploded, so this article at The Root is particularly close to my heart: It Be Your Own People: On Universal FanCon and the Perversion of Community
// I don't usually make any cookie recipe that requires waiting 36 hrs, but I just may for this Chocolate Chip Cookie one from Kate Miss.
// Did you see that Sezane has named Nordstrom its first US retail partner? I took a look at the collection online and was a little sad to see none of their classic wrap tops, but I'd love to also see the in store set up.
// And also from BoF, it was pretty interesting to me to read about the rise of designer fashion in South Korea. I don't think I spend enough time reading about the how the masses relate to fashion and its expression in their everyday lives across the globe.
// I so enjoy when the internet comes together as a force of good, like for this LGBT+ bookstore in Michigan.
// Because Twitter.
"Someday I will tell you the story of the day I had today, and it will be the greatest twitter story I have ever told.
Someday.
I feel like I should just have another beer and tell it now.
This story starts with my dog taking a shit on the bathroom floor, and ends with me cleaning out a meth house.
Hold up, I need a beer.
Okay. Let’s do this."
// And finally, let's keep personal safety in mind, because it's STD Awareness Month and apparently DC is among the STD capitals of the US. Yay.
Fun Posts & Random Finds: I can't vouch for it personally, but this alternate timeline regency Gay romance sounds fun. // I'm glad I'm not the only one who understood that the Constantine movie was good as long as you took it out of context from the actually series it was based on. Small details. // My love for Tamora Pierce knows no bounds so I'm all about this list of books people might also enjoy if they like her, but I do think that Mercedes Lackey series they mention needs a warning about sexual violence so....you've been warned. // Chanel Files Ugly Suit Against What Goes Around Comes Around, Citing Fakes // StudioDIY spilled ALL the details on her colorful rug buying habit. //
Clothing & Jewelry: I can't remember if I mentioned these cute handmade sandals before, so I'm just going to link them again to be safe. // Ditto for this straw bag. //World Market continues to be a shockingly great source for clothing and accessories, which is why I have to point out this adorable off the shoulder embroidered dress, this convertible coral and pink maxi dress, this blue and white striped dress, AND this white kimono, which is a perfect beach coverup. // All the made to order shoes and accessories from this Etsy shop are DIVINE. //
She had two articles for Vogue online detailing the wedding itself and her five couture outfits.
Photos by Shane Shepherd
// I was slated to attend Universal FanCon before it f*cking imploded, so this article at The Root is particularly close to my heart: It Be Your Own People: On Universal FanCon and the Perversion of Community
// I don't usually make any cookie recipe that requires waiting 36 hrs, but I just may for this Chocolate Chip Cookie one from Kate Miss.
// Did you see that Sezane has named Nordstrom its first US retail partner? I took a look at the collection online and was a little sad to see none of their classic wrap tops, but I'd love to also see the in store set up.
// And also from BoF, it was pretty interesting to me to read about the rise of designer fashion in South Korea. I don't think I spend enough time reading about the how the masses relate to fashion and its expression in their everyday lives across the globe.
// I so enjoy when the internet comes together as a force of good, like for this LGBT+ bookstore in Michigan.
// Because Twitter.
"Someday I will tell you the story of the day I had today, and it will be the greatest twitter story I have ever told.
Someday.
I feel like I should just have another beer and tell it now.
This story starts with my dog taking a shit on the bathroom floor, and ends with me cleaning out a meth house.
Hold up, I need a beer.
Okay. Let’s do this."
// And finally, let's keep personal safety in mind, because it's STD Awareness Month and apparently DC is among the STD capitals of the US. Yay.
Fun Posts & Random Finds: I can't vouch for it personally, but this alternate timeline regency Gay romance sounds fun. // I'm glad I'm not the only one who understood that the Constantine movie was good as long as you took it out of context from the actually series it was based on. Small details. // My love for Tamora Pierce knows no bounds so I'm all about this list of books people might also enjoy if they like her, but I do think that Mercedes Lackey series they mention needs a warning about sexual violence so....you've been warned. // Chanel Files Ugly Suit Against What Goes Around Comes Around, Citing Fakes // StudioDIY spilled ALL the details on her colorful rug buying habit. //
Clothing & Jewelry: I can't remember if I mentioned these cute handmade sandals before, so I'm just going to link them again to be safe. // Ditto for this straw bag. //World Market continues to be a shockingly great source for clothing and accessories, which is why I have to point out this adorable off the shoulder embroidered dress, this convertible coral and pink maxi dress, this blue and white striped dress, AND this white kimono, which is a perfect beach coverup. // All the made to order shoes and accessories from this Etsy shop are DIVINE. //
blue on blue
Tuesday, April 24, 2018 • Dolce Vita, Gap, Heliantha Photography, Kate Spade, Nordstrom Rack, OOTD, Ralph Lauren, Vince, World Market
While I'm sure we all know I could wear pretty dresses for practically eternity, when I was out with Ali of Heliantha Photography I also thought it might behoove me to switch it up a bit. After rediscovering these jeans from GAP a few months ago (which I think I've owned for almost 4 or 5 years now), it makes me really happy to pull them out again to share on the blog.
I love the flare shape and dark wash, plus paired here with a just a simple white and not so simple velvet blazer, it results in a outfit that works great for work or play.
I love the flare shape and dark wash, plus paired here with a just a simple white and not so simple velvet blazer, it results in a outfit that works great for work or play.
Blazer: Ralph Lauren (Size 14, old) ~ T-Shirt: Vince (Size Large, old, similar) ~ Jeans: GAP (Size 31, old) ~ Boots: Dolce Vita (Size 9, old, similar also from DV) ~ Necklaces: World Market & Kate Spade ~ Earrings: World Market (in rose gold here) ~ Sunglasses: LOFT (& on sale for $15!) ~ Belt: Nordstrom Rack
Pictures by Heliantha Photography
Spring/Summer Style
Friday, April 20, 2018
So far this year my "every other month no buy" has been going pretty well. I would like to chock this up to my own levels of personal fortitude, but I think it more has to do with the fact I am less enamored with the pieces that have come out so far and that the ones I do end up looking are way above any price point I consider reasonable. Maybe it's because we were relatively early on in the season, but I had started to despair of finding anything I actually wanted to buy/fit well enough to keep.
It's hard out to here for a person who likes to shop (not buy really, but shop).
Still, the reality is that there are very few things I actually *need* in my closet, so I've continued to browse just to keep my finger on the pulse. If that leads to me adding an item or two to my Shoptagr lists for future consideration well... I think that's just me acknowledging that I'm sometimes a fickle and forgetful human being, lol. And now I can share all this stuff with you, so hey - not a total waste of time!
I've added little notes underneath items I have any experience with personally, but if you have more questions let me know!
Seychelles Gallivant Sandal ($36)
(LOVE THESE. I've bought them in multiple colors for years and have never regretted a one.)
Express Off the Shoulder Maxi ($79.90)
(I've tried this on and it's shockingly beautiful in person, plus true to size)
It's hard out to here for a person who likes to shop (not buy really, but shop).
Still, the reality is that there are very few things I actually *need* in my closet, so I've continued to browse just to keep my finger on the pulse. If that leads to me adding an item or two to my Shoptagr lists for future consideration well... I think that's just me acknowledging that I'm sometimes a fickle and forgetful human being, lol. And now I can share all this stuff with you, so hey - not a total waste of time!
I've added little notes underneath items I have any experience with personally, but if you have more questions let me know!
Under $50 (ish)
(LOVE THESE. I've bought them in multiple colors for years and have never regretted a one.)
Miss Selfridges Stripe Linen Maxi Dress ($51)
Xinh & Co Xinh Tote ($45)
Target Lina Slide Sandals ($15.99)
(Also bought these last year, and they've been surprisingly durable for a sandal I don't treat with kid gloves.)
Xinh & Co Xinh Tote ($45)
Target Lina Slide Sandals ($15.99)
(Also bought these last year, and they've been surprisingly durable for a sandal I don't treat with kid gloves.)
Under $100
(I've tried this on and it's shockingly beautiful in person, plus true to size)
Free People Halter Top ($58)
NY&Co Striped Linen Tie-Back Dress ($64.95)
Mango Short Buttoned Dress ($79.99, Plus Size)
Sam Edelman Bay Sandal ($80)
(Did you need an Hermes sandal dupe in your life? These are my favorite.)
(Did you need an Hermes sandal dupe in your life? These are my favorite.)
Under $150
(Purchased this in a 12 and it's been surprisingly comfy/versatile.)
(Also purchased these, in a Size 9, as the Isabel Marant sandal I would never let myself buy. Generally true to size but I'm going to have to break in the leather slightly, plus these sandals come with no tread so I had to take them to a cobbler so I wouldn't die.)
Mango Basket Bag ($149.99)
Over $150
(I don't have the budget for any of these/the sizing is wack, but I think they're pretty.)
Faithfull Polka Dot Midi Dress ($208)
Faithfull Polka Dot Midi Dress ($208)
Wilkes Silk Wrap Dress ($198)
outside place
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 • Anthropologie, Free People, Kate Spade, OOTD, Seychelles, Urban Outfitters, World Market
Since this dress is sold out, here are some other floral maxi dresses - on sale! - that I also like: from Lord & Taylor (30% off for F& F) - one, two, three; ASOS - one; Neiman Marcus - one (love this one in theory!), two.
While it's probably a little torturous to showcase a dress you can't get anymore, I still can't stop myself from sharing the other pictures from the Botanic Gardens. I'm actually really happy I got the chance to re-shoot this dress here, because it was always my dream location (just one of those dreams that's a bit harder to achieve without another person, lol). I've pretty much always worn this kind of fancy maxi dress to casual occasions, probably because I one day hope of being as absolutely give no f*cks as Dita Von Teese.
Dress: Free People (Size Large, Old) ~ Shoes: Seychelles (Size 8.5) ~ Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (old) ~ Necklaces: Kate Spade & World Market
While it's probably a little torturous to showcase a dress you can't get anymore, I still can't stop myself from sharing the other pictures from the Botanic Gardens. I'm actually really happy I got the chance to re-shoot this dress here, because it was always my dream location (just one of those dreams that's a bit harder to achieve without another person, lol). I've pretty much always worn this kind of fancy maxi dress to casual occasions, probably because I one day hope of being as absolutely give no f*cks as Dita Von Teese.
Photos by @whitetowelsonly
Ursa Major Brighten Up Serum Review
Friday, April 13, 2018 • all natural, review, skincare, take care, ursa major, WDDT?
Hello! I'm back with another new-to-me product from the land of natural
skin care, one that has again managed to take the place of two products:
Ursa Major's Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum. Trialed on another recommendation from a lovely employee at Take Care, this particular product won my heart by not only being a pleasant smelling Vitamin C serum (a lot of them smell like vinegar or hot dogs), but the added rose hip gives it just enough moisture to act as a lovely day moisturizer under my SPF.
From the Usa Major website,
"This featherweight face serum goes deep to provide instant hydration while brightening and smoothing skin’s tone and appearance. Use alone as a lightweight moisturizer, or layer beneath your favorite daily face lotion, sunscreen or night cream for an extra dose of naturally super goodness.
In my experience this light yellow creme sinks easily and rapidly into the skin, and for this oily skinned gal is enough to get her through the day. Your mileage may vary, but since I've also successfully layered this under gel moisturizers without any issues, I feel pretty safe in saying this would work for most skin types.
I can't currently point to any immediate brightening effects since this serum was replacing a different Vitamin C product that I'd run out of, but all in all I'm very pleased with it, and how it feels on my now retinol induced sensitive skin. Would recommend!
From the Usa Major website,
"This featherweight face serum goes deep to provide instant hydration while brightening and smoothing skin’s tone and appearance. Use alone as a lightweight moisturizer, or layer beneath your favorite daily face lotion, sunscreen or night cream for an extra dose of naturally super goodness.
- Brightens and evens skin’s appearance and tone
- Provides instant, featherweight hydration
- Rich in antioxidants to help combat damage from free radicals
- Improves the appearance of skin's firmness and elasticity
- 100% naturally-derived and toxin-free
- Works great for all skin types, including sensitive skin"
I can't currently point to any immediate brightening effects since this serum was replacing a different Vitamin C product that I'd run out of, but all in all I'm very pleased with it, and how it feels on my now retinol induced sensitive skin. Would recommend!
Coachella (but not, because sometimes DC is better)
Tuesday, April 10, 2018 • Anthropologie, Ashley Graham X Dress Barn, Dress Barn, Heliantha Photography, Kate Spade, OOTD, Seychelles, World Market
If you're lucky, and you time it just right, in DC you can experience some of the most beautiful scenery ever. I don't care how touristy it's considered, getting outside and to the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms in all their glory is always worth it.
I've been extraordinary lucky that my friends are willing to make the trek with me, and this year Ali, of Heliantha Photography, and I met up to create what I think might be some of my favorite blog content ever. I don't have enough reasons to pull this Ashley Graham x Dress Barn maxi out, but I may need to work on it because it's so easy to wear and I still feel incredibly beautiful in it.
Dress: Dress Barn (Size 12, old) ~ Sandals: Seychelles (Size 8.5) ~ Purse: Anthropologie (old) ~ Necklaces: World Market & Kate Spade
I've been extraordinary lucky that my friends are willing to make the trek with me, and this year Ali, of Heliantha Photography, and I met up to create what I think might be some of my favorite blog content ever. I don't have enough reasons to pull this Ashley Graham x Dress Barn maxi out, but I may need to work on it because it's so easy to wear and I still feel incredibly beautiful in it.
Pictures by Heliantha Photography
Friday Book Club #14
Friday, April 6, 2018 • Friday Book Club
Read & Have Opinions On:
Cambio Springs Series by Elizabeth Hunter
In this small desert town, secrets bubble up from the desert floor, and history is written on the canyon walls. Seven friends will gather at the crossroads, because in Cambio Springs, everything—and everyone—changes.
In a town populated by shape shifters, tradition and loyalty hold the community together, but when change comes from the outside, secrets are revealed, friendship is tested, and more than a few claws come out.
Cambio Springs is the new paranormal romance series from the author of the best-selling Elemental Mysteries series, Elizabeth Hunter.
My Thoughts: So after picking up Shifting Dreams I pretty much just kept reading until there weren't any more, lol, and I think this is another series I'd classify as fine. They're not the best paranormal romances I've ever read, though admittedly the genre has some steep competition, but I finished them. I liked them. I recommended them to a friend again as a fine series that at the very least were good at passing the time. I'm a little worried all that makes me sound like a really bitchy or judgemental reader, and I guess if I'm taking the time to write book reviews that wouldn't be completely off the base to think, but there's nothing wrong with this series. It just didn't grab me enough to be super passionate now that I'm taking about it on the back end - they felt familiar is maybe the best way to describe it. Cambio Springs isn't breaking any new ground in the genre, but sometimes I just want a fine book to be fine, and Hunter accomplishes that.
Dead Eye by Alyssa Day
For Jack Shepherd, tiger shape-shifter and former soldier, life is heading for a dead end. Dead End, Florida, to be exact. When he learns that he inherited a combination pawn shop/private investigation agency from his favorite uncle, Jack’s first job is to solve his uncle’s murder. Because sometimes it takes a tiger’s eye to see the truth.
Tess Callahan, who owns half a pawn shop in the strangest town in Florida, didn't expect Jack to show up and be so very enticing. And exciting. And annoyingly over-protective. But when yet another dead body shows up on her doorstep, it's time to take action. And if she has to team up with a sexy tiger shape-shifter to do it, well, that's just a bonus.
My Thoughts: There are some strong Charlaine Harris vibes from this series, but in the end I'm not mad a it. Though I'm a bit embarrassed it took almost a full book for me to remember that I'd actually read a few of Day's Atlantean series books way back in the beginning. It was this book that kicked me off into a mystery/suspense tangent in my usually romance-centric world, because while the hint of romance is here, it's not actually developed. Still, between Jack and Tess there's some satisfying adventure, periled loved ones, and a happy-as-could-be-expected ending. I've read books one, two, and the prequel, so I can't wait for three to come out!
Louisiana Longshot by Jana Deleon (FREE)
It was a hell of a long shot....
CIA assassin Fortune Redding is about to undertake her most difficult mission ever—in Sinful, Louisiana. With a leak at the CIA and a price placed on her head by one of the world's largest arms dealers, Fortune has to go off-grid, but she never expected to be this far out of her element. Posing as a former beauty queen turned librarian in a small bayou town seems worse than death to Fortune, but she's determined to fly below the radar until her boss finds the leak and puts the arms dealer out of play. Unfortunately, she hasn't even unpacked a suitcase before her newly inherited dog digs up a human bone in her backyard.
Thrust into the middle of a bayou murder mystery, Fortune teams up with a couple of seemingly sweet old ladies whose looks completely belie their hold on the little town. To top things off, the handsome local deputy is asking her too many questions. If she's not careful, this investigation might blow her cover and get her killed. Armed with her considerable skills and a group of elderly ladies the locals dub The Geritol Mafia, Fortune has no choice but to solve the murder before it's too late.
My Thoughts: In continuing the mystery genre word vomit train, I'm really enjoying Jana DeLeon's voice. In the Miss Fortune series she's combined some of my favorite elements: small towns, kick butt women characters, alpha-but-not-asshole lawmen, and not totally obvious mysteries. Each book that I've read in the series so far has been fun and engaging, while not tipping over the edge into saccharine. The bad guys get it, sometimes good guys get hurt along the way, but good does prevail and with hints of romance here and there to keep the other part of my reading heart involved, I say this book is good for pretty much anyone!
I'm Looking Forward To:
Well, it turns out that things are a little quiet on the homefront friends. The new and upcoming are like, month and MONTHS away, so they're not even very real on my radar yet. Rather than throw a few of those in here, I'm just going to leave it empty and we'll see what pops up.
ellusive goals
Tuesday, April 3, 2018 • Anthropologie, Banana Republic, COS Stores, Kate Spade, Levi's, Marrakech, Neiman Marcus Last Call, OOTD, Urban Outfitters
Internet Browsing PSA: This ivory jumpsuit is so much nicer than its styled online; this is still my favorite white t-shirt (I sized up to an XL); did you see that Reformation released a plus size collection? My favorites are the red Francis dress and the beige Sally; anyone ever bought custom shoes from Etsy? I kind of feel like these flat platform sandals are calling my name...
Do you know what makes blog photos hard? Lots of pretty flowers and trees that cause your auto focus to freak the f*ck out. So I apologize that it's a tiny bit out of focus, but sometimes for this sort of backdrop you just suck it up and make do.
Jacket: Marrakech (Size Medium, This Season's) ~ Top: COS Stores (Size Large, This Seaon's) ~ Jeans: Levi's (Size 32) ~ Shoes: Banana Republic (Size 9, old) ~ Purse: Neiman Marcus Last Call (recent in stores) ~ Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters (old) ~ Necklace: Kate Spade
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