All Things Pretty: Statement Jewelry

Kendra Scott 'Danielle' Oval Statement Earrings // BaubleBar Crystal Ladder Ring // kate spade Day Tripper Necklace // ALDO Villabella Clean Gold Cuff Bracelet // Tory Burch Rodeo Multi Coral Drop Earring // House of Harlow 1960 Stingray Embossed Leather Sunburst Ring // Topshop Black Triangle Stone Collar // ABS by Allen Schwartz Silicone Pavé Chain-Link Bracelet 

I love dressing up a simple outfit like a pair of jeans, boots, and a sweater and jazzing it up with a pair of bold earrings, or pairing a chunky necklace with an otherwise plain black dress. Jewelry is an easy and inexpensive way to jazz up pieces in your wardrobe, and no one will call you out on being an outfit repeater!

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: July 2014

Stay With Me by Sam Smith // Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation // Essie 'Haute In The Heat' Nail Polish // NYX Yogurt Jumbo Pencil // Fake Bake Instant Faux Glo // Smith's Rosebud Salve // Jamba Juice 'Caribbean Passion' At Home Smoothie Kit

Stay With Me by Sam Smith: I've been listening to this for a little over a month now and I'm not sick of it yet! It's relaxing and something you can totally belt out to while driving.

Physician's Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation: I watched a review from itsjudytime on this product a while back comparing it to the new Bare Minerals foundation which I was also interested in trying, but opted to go with this one because of the price. The only downside is that if it's dark on me now and I'm on the tanner side, I won't be able to wear it in the fall and winter when I'm not so tan. Expect a full review this week. 

Essie 'Haute In The Heat' Nail Polish: This was in the amazing goodie bag I received at the Her Campus Intercollegiette Conference two weeks ago and I have had it on my toes ever since. It's no surprise I love Essie polishes but this color is great. It's the perfect mid-tone pink and I can see wearing this all year round.

NYX Yogurt Jumbo Pencil: This is the perfect light pink champagne base for almost any nude eye look. I've had it for quite some time and I'm honestly surprised it has lasted this long without running out or drying out.

Fake Bake Instant Faux Glo (℅): After spending a day this month in quite possibly the worst outfit possible for walking around outside on a hot overcast day (t-shirt and flawy pants) I got quite the farmer's and v-neck tan and no color on my legs. To compensate until I can actually get a more all-over color from being in the sun, I've been using this. Read my full review I did last month for more details.

Smith's Rosebud Salve: I've been using this for years and was good about using it at college every night before bed but stopped using it since I've been home up until recently. I've gotten back into the swing of exfoliating and moisturizing every night before bed (exfoliating every day may seem excessive, but my lips get chapped pretty easily) and this is a staple.

Jamba Juice 'Caribbean Passion' At Home Smoothie Kit (℅): I've been getting more into drinking my fruits and veggies for the day, and this kit makes it so easy! I received a coupon in my Surfs Up Vox Box from Influenster but have bought a few additional kits throughout the month.

My weekend trip to New York City for the Her Campus Intercollegiette Conference was the highlight of the month. I spent all day Saturday at the conference, and Sunday going to the spa, before walking The High Line, eating at Lombardi's, and exploring downtown with a friend. 

Beauty Sales Week of July 27th

Gilt:

• Gilt City Presents: Birchbox, Summer Beauty Staples: Up to 80% Off (Sales begin Noon ET 7/27)
• Julep (Sale begins Noon ET 7/29)
• Oscar Blandi & Cloud Nine (Sale begins Noon ET 7/30)
• Makeup Artists' Must-Haves (Sale begins Noon ET 8/2)

HauteLook:

• Salon Worthy Shears, Twist & Pout, Whitening Lightning (Sales begin 8am PT 7/27)
• #ManiMonday: Orly Smart Gels, Kevyn Aucoin, Vichy Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 7/28)
• Drunk Elephant Skincare, Juice Organics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/29)
• Be A Bombshell Cosmetics, Molton Brown, T3 (Sales begin 8am PT 7/30)
• Hairdo Hair Extensions, TEMPTU Airbrush Makeup, Wink Natural Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/31)
• Allegresse Skincare, Jouer Cosmetics, Million Dollar Tan (Sales begin 8am PT 8/1)
• Apothederm, MicrodermMD (Sales begin 8am PT 8/2)

MYHABIT:

• Ahava Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/28)
• Bliss Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 7/29)
• Kérastase Paris Haircare (Sale begins 9am PT 7/30)
• Just In: His & Hers Fragrance Picks (Sale begins 9am PT 8/1)

Rue La La:

• Brilliance New York Skin & Hair Care (Sale begins 11am ET 7/29)
• GLOSS Moderne & More: Defrizz Your Locks (Sale begins 11am ET 8/1)

Crave or Save: Red Lipstick

NYX Cosmetics 'Electra' Lipstick // Givenchy 'Carmin Escarpin' Le Rouge

I'll admit, I'm a lipgloss and lipstick hoarder but rarely (especially in the summer) do I stray from my favorite nude and light pink glosses. Red has always been a color I've wanted to play around with wearing but I haven't really had the guts to do it yet.

Tell me, do you like to experiment with brighter lipstick colors?

Review: Bliss49 in New York, NY

Last time I was in New York, I decided to finally try out Bliss Spa after always passing by the Bliss Spa in Boston which is not far from where I live and hearing great things about their services. I opted for Bliss49 at the W Hotel because of their QuickBliss Services which include facials, waxes, and targeted touchups under 30 minutes and I did have somewhere else to be that afternoon.

The only thing I can say I was disappointed in was everything up until the facial. The duo who greeted me weren't too friendly or helpful. When I asked where the bathroom was, they told me "up the steps, go find them." Well, I had never been there before so after wandering and clearly not finding steps I gave up. Maybe it was because I chose a QuickBliss Service, but I don't love that they have you sit in the front waiting area instead of letting you go to a more quiet waiting room because I didn't love watching and overhearing a woman's manicure that was going on a few feet in front of me.

The facial itself went great. My facialist Jaye and I had a great time talking and she did an amazing job and it left my skin feeling amazing afterward. One of my biggest pet peeves is product-pushing which I know is a part of many jobs in the cosmetic industry but I appreciated that once I was done I didn't feel forced to purchase anything when Jaye showed me the products she had used on me.

Overall, I would say if you want a more relaxing experience opt for one of their regular facials or body treatments because it seems like with the QuickBliss you don't get the full relaxing spa experience which is what I was hoping for. I can see myself going back to a Bliss Spa (most likely the one in Downtown Boston) because I love their products and aside from everything leading up to the appointment I had a good time.

Bliss49
541 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Style Icons: Blake Lively

When Blake Lively starred in her first big role of Serena van der Woodsen on book series turned hit TV show Gossip Girl, you could tell there was something about her that was special. Although I have and always will consider myself Team Blair (she was even my doppleganger in my high school yearbook), I did enjoy how carefree Serena was, and that's not far off from how Blake appears in real life.

images via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Beauty Sales Week of July 20th

Gilt:

• Top Hair Tools & Products Feat. H2Pro (Sale begins Noon ET 7/20)
• GLO Science (Sale begins Noon ET 7/23)
• Gilt City Presents: Birchbox (Sale begins Noon ET 7/24)
• Beauty Favorites Under $30 (Sale begins Noon ET 7/26)

HauteLook:

• Blend Mineral Cosmetics, Hydroxatone Anti-Aging Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 7/13)
• Hair Tools Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 7/13)
• #ManiMonday: Butter London, Fresh Look, Sugar Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/14)
• Argan Magic Haircare, Brilliance New York Skincare, Travalo Atomizers & Rollerballs (Sales begin 8am PT 7/15)
• Pixi & POP Beauty, SPAfrica Skincare, Summer Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 7/16)
• Crown Brush, EVOLUTIONMAN (Sales begin 8am PT 7/17)
• Key West Aloe, Kinerase Skincare, Mirabella Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 7/18)
• Neo Hair Tools, Spa Life (Sales begin 8am PT 7/19)

MYHABIT:

• The It List: Oscar Blandi, Givenchy & More (Sale begins 9am PT 7/20)
• Beauty Insider: Diego Dalla Palma (Sale begins 9am PT 7/21)
• Clé De Peau Beauté (Sale begins 9am PT 7/23)
• CHI Hair Tools (Sale begins 9am PT 7/25)

Rue La La:

• Find a Signature Scent: Men's Cologne Under $100, Skip the Salon: Hair Tools by H2PRO & More (Sale begins 11am ET 7/22)
• Bond No. 9 Women's & Men's Perfume (Sale begins 11am ET 7/24)
• Morphe Brushes & Makeup (Sale begins 11am ET 7/26)

Link Love: July 13-19

Special Birthday Announcement [MakeupByTiffanyD]


Never Waste Your Money Again: When to Spend, When to Save [Who What Wear]

No Heat Hair Style [D E S I G N L O V E F E S T]

Orange Cream Chocolates [Chasing Delicious]

This Is How You Can Rock A Denim Skirt And Look Like A Grown-Up [Huff Post Style]

To Birk Or Not To Birk [Identical Ideals]

Recipe: Truffle Mac and Cheese

When it comes to food, there isn't much I love more than truffles. Truffle cheese, truffle butter, truffle cream, you name it I'll try it. But, I haven't done much cooking with truffles before recently. This recipe combines three things I love truffles, cheese, and pasta, for the ultimate dish of mac and cheese. I opted to use Black Truffle Moliterno Cheese instead of Truffle Oil and for cheese used Twin Oaks Cheddar and Gruyere.

All Things Pretty: Pretty Underthings

Sometimes, it's what's underneath that counts. Or makes you feel a little bit better. Wearing a properly fitting bra and underwear is the foundation for everything else you wear. Plus it doesn't hurt to look nice underneath right, even if you're the only one who will see it.

Chantelle Palazzo Push Up Bra // Hanky Panky Lingerie Wash Powder // Topshop Mini Knickers // Hanky Panky 5-Pack Low Rise Thong Set // Victoria's Secret PINK Padded Lace Bandeau

Her Campus Intercollegiette Conference 2014

As you most likely know if you follow me on twitter or instagram, this Saturday I attended Her Campus' Intercollegiette Conference 2014, better known as #HerConference in social media. 

Marshalls Dress // Guess Wedges

The day was filled with two keynote speakers, breakfast and lunch, three panel blocks, giveaways, and more! The keynote speakers for the day were Carley Roney, founder of theKnot.com, and Jennifer Bruno, Publisher and CRO of Town & Country.

Her Campus Founders Windsor, Annie, and Stephanie

I knew that any panel with a Devil Wears Prada reference in the title would be one I was interested in, and I was right! I learned so much from Jamie Blynn, Us Weekly Editorial Assistant, Mandy Velez, The Huffington Post Associate Editor, Alice Chen, Lucky Magazine Special Sections Contributor, and Lauren Kaplan, Glam Media Freelance Writer. All of them gave amazing advice which I was sure to write down because (hopefully) when I graduate from college, I can land a job similar to what they have!

Carly of College Prepster // Mackenzie of Design Darling

I knew that this would be one of the busiest panels and I was right! Panel speakers were Carly of College Prepster, Mackenzie of Design Darling, Hallie of Corals + Cognacs, and Jessica of Bows & Sequins. They gave great advice to the fellow bloggers in the room about staying authentic, how they manage, and so much more! All four of the girls were sweet enough to stay after and take pictures and answer questions from girls in the audience. 

Baked by Melissa Cupcakes

Last panel of the day was all about planning events on campus. Allison, one of the most recent HC National Team Members was amazing and shared lots of things for us to increase followers, contact potential partners, and so much more!

Goody Bag

The goody bag was absolutely insane! Highlights include Maria Menounos' (an Emerson alum!) new book, a Bobble water bottle, an Essie nail polish, a Chloe + Isabel stackable ring set, Milani makeup, a Soul Cycle pass, a Her Campus cup, and so much more!

eff.y.bee

Overall, I had an absolutely amazing time at the conference! I even won this adorable bracelet set from eff.y.bee (seen above) which absolutely matched my pink + navy color scheme for the day, and bought the cutest Her Campus tank, which I can see myself rocking a lot on campus in the fall.

Her Campus is a company who I can't believe I'm lucky enough to work so closely with through Emerson's chapter, their Blogger Network, and at by attending their amazing events. 

Beauty Sales Week of July 13th

Gilt:

• Tweezerman (Sale begins Noon ET 7/15)
• Dr. Brandt (Sale begins Noon ET 7/16)
• Freeze 24-7 (Sale begins Noon ET 7/18)
• Best Beauty Sets Feat. Sjal (Sale begins Noon ET 7/19)

HauteLook:

• Amir Argan Oil (Sale begins 8am PT 7/13)
• Hair Tools Blowout (Sale begins 4pm PT 7/13)
• #ManiMonday: nailuv Gel Nails, StriVectin, Youngblood Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/14)
• Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, RENOKIN (Sales begin 8am PT 7/15)
• Juice Beauty, RSVP Men's Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 7/16)
• Epilady: Hair Removal and Facial Tools, Men's Fragrances, One Love Organics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/17)
• blinc, Hang Ten Natural Sunscreen, Luminess Air Airbrush Makeup, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Bag (Sales begin 8am PT 7/18)
• Best Teeth Bleaching, Truth In Aging, Vivo Per Lei (Sales begin 8am PT 7/19)

MYHABIT:

• Natural Beauty Feat. Skinceuticals (Sale begins 9am PT 7/16)
• Best Face Forward Feat. Kevyn Aucoin Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 7/19)

Rue La La:

• Summer Beauty Must-Haves by NARS & More (Sale begins 11am ET 7/14)
• Freeze 24-7 (Sale begins 11am ET 7/15)
• Light & Fresh Fragrances: The Scents of Summer (Sale begins 11am ET 7/17)
• Temple Spa Skincare & More (Sale begins 11am ET 7/18)
• Derma MD (Sale begins 11am ET 7/19)

Outfit: #LikeAGirl

The phrase "like a girl" is one that I'm sure you've heard before, and most likely it had a negative connotation. Always is rewriting the rules with their #LikeAGirl campaign, encouraging girls everywhere that doing something #LikeAGirl is a good thing.

Always created the following short video, which has gone completely viral, generating world wide conversation about what it means to do something #LikeAGirl.

"In my work as a documentarian, I have witnessed the confidence crisis among girls and the negative impact of stereotypes first-hand," said Lauren Greenfield, filmmaker and director of the #LikeAGirl video. "When the words 'like a girl' are used to mean something bad, it is profoundly disempowering. I am proud to partner with Always to shed light on how this simple phrase can have a significant and long-lasting impact on girls and women. I am excited to be a part of the movement to redefine 'like a girl' into a positive affirmation."

Always Top (℅ Always) // Joe Fresh Jeans // Steve Madden Wedges // Cambridge Satchel Company Bag (℅ Always) // Alex and Ani Bangles

I've worked with Always in the past (here and here) and I couldn't be more proud to work with such an amazing company now to help spread the word about this campaign. Join the conversation with the hashtag #LikeAGirl on twitter and instagram.

Always sent me the shirt seen as part of their #LikeAGirl Campaign but did not influence this post in anyway.

Brand Spotlight: Tibi

Sleeveless Flirty Dress // Pleat Skirt // Double Layered Cutout Tank // Colorblock CDC Jumpsuit // Strappy Ruffle Camisole

After moving to Hong Kong in 1997, Tibi founder Amy Smilovic began designing contemporary dresses before later expanding to a full range of women's clothing and shoes. The line is heavily influenced by Smilovic's international travels. Today, Tibi can be found in over 600 specialty stores and department stores.

Review: NYX Butter Glosses

NYX's Butter Glosses ($4.99 for 0.27 fl oz.) are creamy and conditioning glosses available in a variety of sweetly named and scented flavors. Available in 22 scrumptious shades, these glosses provide luscious color for a low price point.

(Vanilla Cream Pie)

I am so pleased with these glosses, they apply beautifully and leave your lips looking and feeling great for a good amount of time despite how glossy and "buttery" they are. They can build anywhere from a sheer to medium-full coverage depending on how much you apply.

(Tiramisu)

Overall, I would definitely give these glosses two big thumbs up. They apply smoothly, feel and smell amazing, have a decent lasting power, and have great coverage. Pretty impressive for a drugstore gloss if you ask me.

Beauty Sales Week of July 6th

Gilt:

• No!No! Hair Removal (Sale begins Noon ET 7/8)
• Erno Laszlo (Sale begins Noon ET 7/10)
• Gorgeous Hair Feat. Jose Eber (Sale begins Noon ET 7/11)
• Luxe Skincare Feat. Dr. Copeland (Sale begins Noon ET 7/12)

HauteLook:

• Rodial Skincare, Senna Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/6)
• #ManiMonday: Ciate, Nature's Shea Butter (Sales begin 8am PT 7/7)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools, DermaHeal Skincare, Tarina Tarantino Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 7/8)
• Billion Dollar Brows, Silk'n Hair Removal (Sales begin 8am PT 7/9)
• CotZ The Healthier Sunscreen, jane ire dale, PMD (Sales begin 8am PT 7/11)
• ANSR Sole Callus Remover, La Curcio Skincare, VIOlight (Sales begin 8am PT 7/12)

MYHABIT:

• Crowning Glory: Haircare Essentials (Sale begins 9am PT 7/12)

Rue La La:

• CARGO (Sale begins 11am ET 7/10)
• Treat Your Skin with Clinique & More (Sale begins 11am ET 7/11)
• Upgrade Your Morning: Men's Grooming Musts (Sale begins 11am ET 7/12)

Link Love: June 29-July 5

4th of July DRUGSTORE BEAUTY (+ More) HAUL [Lo Bosworth]


Braised Beef Ragu [Bakers Royale]

Lingerie Shop Humiliates Trans Woman In The Name of "Privacy" [Refinery 29]

Nutella Ice Cream Has Finally Arrived, Thanks to Carvel [Huff Post Taste]

Step Into a Stone Space That's Anything But Cold [Domaine Home]

The 9 Most Iconic American Beauties Of All Time [Byrdie]

Currently Craving: Summer Sunnies

Gucci Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses // Dolce & Gabbana Cat Eye Acetate Sunglasses // Ray-Ban Aviator Metal Sunglasses

Who doesn't love a good pair of sunglasses? They're a daily essential for me almost all year round but especially so in the summer to protect my eyes from the sun's harmful rays. 

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: June 2014

Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion // NYX 'Vanilla Cream Pie' Butter Gloss // Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen // Klorane Dry Shampoo // Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish // Maybelline Baby Lips // Bamba 

Hawaiin Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion: I got this just before my trip to Israel in my Influenster Surf's Up VoxBox and it was the perfect remedy for my skin after hours in the sun. Thankfully I did not get sunburnt while on my trip but this provided much-needed moisture back to my skin after hours in the sun that a regular lotion just wasn't giving me. 

NYX 'Vanilla Cream Pie' Butter Gloss: I never gave into the hype of these glosses but when I saw 2 shades on sale at Target, I decided to give them a try. They apply so smoothly (like butta) and last for a good amount of time considering how glossy they apply. Full review is coming soon!

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen: This has been a summer staple of mine for years so in preparing for 10 long days in the sun, I knew this would be something I had to pick up. I used this under minimal face makeup daily and alternated it with a sunscreen spray for my body and I never felt greasy or 'sunscreeny.'

Klorane Dry Shampoo: Another savior of mine while in Israel was this dry shampoo because honestly, even with washing my hair it didn't feel clean there. In addition, I couldn't heat style my hair and needed a little product and this was all I had. 

Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish: This leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean and looking even better and practically poreless like it claims.

Maybelline Baby Lips: I knew when prepping for Israel I would need a lip balm that provided SPF and hydration because dry burnt lips are not cute or comfortable. This is my tried and true lip balm and it gets the job done for a low price. 

Bamba: Seriously, how have I lived 19+ years without this and why hasn't it come to the States yet? I feel like I ate a bag of bamba a day while in Israel but (if you've had it) can you blame me? If not, it tastes similar to cheese puffs but without the cheese and peanut butter flavored.

I traveled to Israel for 10 days this month and it was by far the best experience of my life. Going into it, I was nervous. I didn't know anyone on my trip, it was my first time leaving the country, I was going somewhere completely new, and everything going on in Israel currently didn't help my nerves. If you ever have the opportunity to go, do it. Even if you're not Jewish, Israel is a place that everybody should experience.