The Shopping Block at South Shore Plaza

This past Friday I attended The Shopping Block, hosted by Refinery29 + Simon Mall at South Shore Plaza in Braintree, MA.

At the event, there was lots to do including a photo booth, makeovers with makeup artists from bareMinerals and Estée Lauder, a tote bag decorating station, and mini pop-up local designer shops.

I decorated my tote simply before getting my makeup done with Crisel, an artist from bareMinerals who was so sweet! I love the dewy look she achieved from the bareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation and bold matte red lips after using the  Marvelous Moxie 'Amped' Lip Liner.

Zara Top // Old Navy Jeggings // Audrey Brooke Booties // Rebecca Minkoff Bag

Overall, a great event! I wish there had maybe been a blogger incentive, but I had never been to South Shore Plaza before and it was a good getaway from the city.

Beauty Sales Week of September 28th

Gilt:

• Pro Hair Essentials (Sale begins 9pm ET 10/1)
• Skincare Brands We Love (Sale begins Noon ET 10/2)
• Best Beauty Sellers for Less (Sale begins Noon ET 10/3)

HauteLook:

• ANSR Sole Callus Remover, Designer Men's Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 9/28)
• #ManiMonday: Orly Smart Gels, Alterna Haircare, Stila (Sales begin 8am PT 9/29)
• skyn ICELAND, RapidLash, T3 (Sales begin 8am PT 9/30)
• Belletto Studio Airbrush Makeup, Chiara Dead Sea Cosmetics Skincare, Hanae Mori Parfums (Sales begin 8am PT 10/1)
• KORRES (Sale begins 8am PT 10/2)
• Hairdo Hair Extensions, Pixi & POP Beauty, Somme Institute Transforming Skincare (Sale begins 8am PT 10/3)
• Color Me Professional Temporary Hair Color, Fiafini Skincare, MOODmatcher Cosmetics (Sale begins 8am PT 10/4)

MYHABIT:

• Clarins (Sale begins 9am PT 9/29)
• Bulgari Fragrances (Sale begins 9am PT 9/30)
• Shiseido Beauty (Sale begins 9am PT 10/3)

Rue La La:

• Definitions Skincare (Sale begins 11am ET 9/28)
• CHI Hair Tools & Products (Sale begins 11am ET 9/29)
• Best Face Forward: Skincare by DECLEOR & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/3)

Link Love: September 21-27

September Empties 2014- Products I've Used Up [Allison Anderson]


Carrot Cake Pancakes with Vanilla Marscapone [Top With Cinnamon]

Eight Ways You're Dressing Like A Friends Star [ASOS]

She for She [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I'm Not Going Anywhere [ELLE]

What These Women Love About Themselves Will Inspire You [Huff Post Style]

Sponsored: Ame & Lulu Accessories

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Ame & Lulu. I received product samples to facilitate my review.

Ame & Lulu was founded in 2003 by avid golfer Amye Kurson who hated the boring look of traditional active wear accessories. The Ame & Lulu collection offers classic & colorful active lifestyle accessories made with quality materials that embrace any feminine active lifestyle.

Joe Fresh T-Shirt // Lululemon Leggings // Nike Sneakers

Pink and navy is hands down my favorite color combination, so of course I had chose the pattern Sugar for my Easy Tote ($68), Essentials Insert ($25), and Key Pouch ($14). In addition to Sugar, Ame & Lulu Accessories are available in 6 other adorable patterns. All of their items are customizable for corporate gifts, and many can be monogrammed for an additional cost.

I recently started a new job at a spa and fitness studio and am being exposed to new workout classes and techniques and have been getting more into activewear! I've been bringing the Easy Tote with me a lot to work with everything I need inside, including my Essentials Insert for all my essentials (duh!) and Key Pouch to hold all my cards.

All three of these items transition easily into college life as well! With a full day of classes, I have to carry quite a lot of things with me and the Easy Tote is big enough to fit everything I need for a long day of classes. The Essentials Insert has been in any large bag I've been carrying lately because it fits all the extra little things I need to carry with me. Same goes for the Key Pouch which I've made my new wallet. It makes it super easy to pull out my Student ID or Charlie Card quickly compared to a traditional wallet.

Use coupon code love25 for 25% off at Ame & Lulu!

Build Your Basics: Lounge Wear

After my long Tuesday/Thursday class days, there is usually nothing I want to do more than change into some sweats and cozy up with some textbooks in my room.

Shopbop Baggy Beach Jumper // T by Alexander Wang Marled French Terry Track Pants // James Perse Vintage Cotton-Terry Sweatshirt

Review: Living Proof PhD Collection

I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence Central for Living Proof. I received product samples to facilitate my review.

Living Proof was founded by scientists in Cambridge, MA after discovering two proprietary ingredients  that had never been used in beauty products, and the rest is history. Today, you can find Living Proof in Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, and more. In October 2012, Jennifer Aniston joined Living Proof as co-owner and spokeswoman of the brand. 

The Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Collection by Living Proof includes a styling treatment, shampoo, and conditioner, all of which treat and style your hair to deliver smooth, voluminous, conditioned, strong, and polished results, all at once. The oil, sulfate, and silicone-free shampoo and conditioner are specially formulated to work together to keep hair cleaner to reduce the need to wash your hair as often.  The oil and silicone free styling treatment creates smooth, strong, conditioned, voluminous and polished hair as well, and it provides heat, UV, and static prevention!

I've got a few blogger events lined up for fall, including Boston Fashion Week, and I know that I will be using these products in my hair regime to prep for all the events.

Want to enter to win your own collection of PhD products? Click here, fill out your info, and 10 lucky winners will receive the full PhD collection!

Perfect Hair Day 5-in-1 Styling Treatment ($26 for 4 oz.): For someone who typically stays away from using creams in her hair, this has got to be my favorite of the PhD line so far. After applying to damp hair, I blow-dry my hair like normal and it definitely gives a noticeably smoother and more polished blowout versus using my regular hair oils.

Perfect Hair Day Shampoo ($24 for 8 oz.): I've definitely noticed a difference in the appearance of the roots of my hair which can sometimes look dry, but this provides the perfect amount of hydration and conditioning without making my hair look greasy or oily.

Perfect Hair Day Conditioner ($24 for 8 oz.): This leaves even my thick hair feeling light and conditioned after using it and smells great too! I think that this works really well with the shampoo to keep my hair from getting too weighed down and really does give my hair "perfect hair day" results.

Stay tuned later on for a review of the Restore Mask Treatment and Prime Style Extender.

Beauty Sales Week of September 21st

Gilt:

• Dr. Hauschka (Sale begins 9pm ET 9/21)
• The Beauty Boutique (Sale begins Noon ET 9/23)
• Top Beauty Tools (Sale begins Noon ET 9/24)
• Napoleon Perdis Cosmetics (Sale begins Noon ET 9/26)

HauteLook:

• Mirenesse Australia, NYC Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 9/21)
• #ManiMonday: Sephora by OPI, Kevyn Aucoin, NuFACE Facial Toning Device (Sales begin 8am PT 9/22)
• Boyfriend Fragrances By Kate Walsh, Chaacoca Moroccan Argan Oil, Mehron Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 9/23)
• Embryolisse Skincare, Mally Beauty, Tweezerman (Sales begin 8am PT 9/24)
• COACH Fragrances, Khuraira Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 9/25)
• Bioelements Skincare, Crown Brush, TanTowel (Sales begin 8am PT 9/26)
• Faces Beautiful Cosmetics, lifetherapy (Sales begin 8am PT 9/27)

MYHABIT:

• Best of Beauty: Body & Bath, Best of Beauty: Cosmetics, Best of Beauty: Haircare, Best of Beauty: Shaving & Skincare, Best of Beauty: Skincare (Sale begins 9am PT 9/25)

Rue La La:

• Christian Dior Beauty & Perfume (Sale begins 11am ET 9/24)

Recipe: Nutella Truffles

Who doesn't love Nutella? It's one of my favorite toppings for almost everything. I've never made Truffles before this go-around, and they were super easy and it only takes four ingredients plus toppings to roll them in.

Dorm Tour 2014

I'm so excited to be back on campus! I've been back for about 2 weeks and am settled in to my routine and more importantly, my new room! This year I'm living in a 6-person suite with 6 single rooms, a common room, bathroom, and kitchenette as opposed to last years 6-person suite with 3 double rooms and two bathrooms. One bathroom between 6 girls has definitely been the biggest adjustment but having a common room and kitchenette is great so we have space to hang out together.

Use all available space! I store my food, dishes, and cutlery on top of my fridge, store extra products above my wardrobe and use a hook on the front for scarves.

Her Campus "Get Prepped" at CambridgeSide Galleria

This past Friday I was treated to a day of fall fashion with my fellow Boston-area Her Campus CC's at the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall in Cambridge, MA.

The day started off with complimentary Starbucks drinks (vanilla soy latte is my drink of choice) and treat samples. First, I headed to Origins for a mini-facial and skincare consultation. Judy Gary, the Origins Counter Manager was so sweet and even gave me a few samples to try at home including two of my favorite products, the GinZeng eye cream and the Clear Improvement charcoal mask. The GinZeng Collection is perfect for college students, it's brightening and refreshing before a long day of classes after an even longer night of homework.

We each received $50 for fall fashion shopping as well as an adorable tote bag full of goodies! I used my gift card to buy two fall staples, a pair of black jeggings and a black pencil skirt from Old Navy and even got 10% off with my student ID, as well as my favorite long sleeve top from J. Crew for 15% off with my student ID. I also picked up an adorable pair of underwear from a new store to CambridgeSide, Plammie Activewear that we all got a free coupon for in our goodie bags.

The day ended with a complimentary Au Bon Pain lunch by the water fountain outside in the cutest little carrying box. I had a great time shopping with my Her Campus friends and enjoying the day together. Thanks to all the wonderful ladies from CambridgeSide Galleria for a fabulous day!

I was given these items for consideration from CambridgeSide but am not being influenced by any opinions but my own.

Beauty Sales Week of September 14th

Gilt:

• Natural Beauty Essentials (Sale begins 9pm ET 9/14)
• The Fall Beauty Boutique (Sale begins Noon ET 9/16)
• Go Smile Teeth Whitening (Sale begins Noon ET 9/17)
• At-Home Spa: Top Beauty Picks (Sale begins Noon ET 9/20)

HauteLook:

• Edward Bess, Salon Worthy Strands, Vivant Skin Care (Sales begin 8am PT 9/14)
• #ManiMonday: Urban Decay Nail Lacquers, H2O Plus, Lab Series Skincare For Men (Sales begin 8am PT 9/15)
• BECCA Cosmetics, Erno Laszlo, Le Angelique (Sales begin 8am PT 9/16)
• Burberry Fragrances, Josie Maran, Travalo Atomizers & Rollerballs (Sales begin 8am PT 9/17)
• 21 Drops Essential Oil Therapy, Brush On Clock Sunscreen, Fusion Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 9/18)
• Blend Mineral Cosmetics, Jolie Femme 24K Skincare, Silk'n Hair Removal (Sales begin 8am PT 9/19)
• Corioliss, KIN Professional Haircare, Retinol (Sales begin 8am PT 9/20)

MYHABIT:

• Head to Toe: Haircare, Skincare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 9/17)
• Gorgeous Skin: Moisturizers, Exfoliators & More (Sale begins 9am PT 9/19)
• French Fragrances (Sale begins 9am PT 9/20)

Rue La La:

• Skip the Salon: Hair Tools & More (Sale begins 11am ET 9/14)
• Lancome (Sale begins 11am ET 9/15)
• Clean Up Nice: Men's Skincare & Grooming Musts (Sale begins 11am ET 9/16)
• Find a Signature Scent: Men's Cologne for Fall (Sale begins 11am ET 9/18)
• Best Face Forward: Skincare by Estee Lauder & More (Sale begins 11am ET 9/19)

Link Love: September 7-13

Anna Wintour on Brooklyn, the Rumors, and the One Thing She Shall Never Wear - 73 Questions [Vogue]


12 Tips For Cleaning Faster & Smarter [Refinery 29]

It's A… [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Jenna Lyons of J. Crew's Beauty Routine [NY Times]

Jimmy Kimmel Shows How Little Fashionistas Know About Fashion In 'Lie Witness News' [Huff Post Comedy]

Take a One-Way Trip From Tatty to Natty [Slate]

At Home: Coffee Table Books

In the beginning of August, a friend asked me what book I was currently reading. I was embarrassed to say that I wasn't currently reading any books (leave me suggestions in the comments!), but I had a love for coffee table books. It all started with two books, Sisters and Daughters, that have sat on the coffee table in my parent's living room for as long as I can remember, and over the past few years I've been building up my own collection for a future coffee table, for now they just sit on my desk. All of my recommendations are either one's I already own and treasure, or are currently on my wish-list!

Cupcakes and Cashmere by Emily Schuman // It: Alexa Chung by Alexa Chung // 100 Years of Fashion by Cally Blackman // The Fashion Insider's Guide: New York by Carole Sabas // Very Classy by Derek Blasberg

Brand Spotlight: Band Of Outsiders

Slouchy Cuffed Pants // Cropped Sleeve Shirt with Contrast Pocket // Degrade Leopard Maxi Dress // Peak Lapel Cape // Silk & Lace Sleeveless Jumpsuit

Founded by former agent to the stars Scott Sternberg in 2004 as a menswear line, Band of Outsiders takes a modern and rebellious take on classic preppy pieces which can easily be transitioned from day to night for men and women. Their womenswear line, Boy. by Band of Outsiders launched in 2007 taking much inspiration from the menswear line, followed by Girl. by Band of Outsiders in 2010 which offered more feminine options at a slightly lower price point. In 2013, Sternberg merged the womenswear and menswear lines into the namesake brand name Band of Outsiders.

Back to Boston 2014

I've only been back to school for a few days but I'm already back in my old routine at school. I can't imagine going anywhere else but Emerson College and being anywhere but Boston, and I'm SO happy that I made the decision to go to school here. It's crazy that two years ago I was stressing over college applications and now my friends and I are thinking of what apartment we should live in next year (eek!) and my sister is starting her senior year of high school and the college application process.

My schedule this year is going to be crazy, I'm taking 3 journalism classes, and one "gen ed" class (even though gen ed classes at Emerson are awesome like my Burlesque class last semester and my Plagues & Pandemics class this semester) and only have classes 2 days a week, leaving plenty of time for working at my new job, working on my 3 extra-curriculars, having a social life, and of course working on the blog. I've also decided to declare a Marketing Minor, and I'll begin taking those classes next semester.

If you ever have any questions about college, Emerson or otherwise, don't hesitate to reach out to me, I love helping people with the college process!

Beauty Sales Week of September 7th

Gilt:

• Beauty Best Sellers Under $50 (Sale begins 9pm ET 9/7)
• Makeup Artists' Must-Haves (Sale begins Noon ET 9/10)

HauteLook:

• Argan Magic Oil, Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, Smile Sciences (Sales begin 8am PT 9/7)
• #ManiMonday: Ciate, AHAVA Skincare, Gorgeous Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 9/8)
• Brilliance New York Skincare, Eyeko London (Sales begin 8am PT 9/9)
• Oriental Fall Fragrances, Ready to Wear Cosmetics, Rodial Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 9/10)
• Basq, Eva NYC (Sales begin 8am PT 9/11)
• CoTZ The Healthier Sunscreen, miracle 10 Extraordinary Skincare, theBalm Cosmetics (Sales begins 8am PT 9/12)
• Aviva Hair Revitalizer, BH Cosmetics, Dead Sea Spa Care (Sales begin 8am PT 9/13)

MYHABIT:

• CHI Hair Tools (Sale begins 9am PT 9/7)
• Pamper Yourself: Face & Body Care (Sale begins 9am PT 9/9)
• Designer Fragrances: Italian Edition (Sale begins 9am PT 9/10)
• Sensational Scents: Fragrance, Skincare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 9/11)

Rue La La:

• butter LONDON (Sale begins 11am ET 9/8)
• Hair Tools & Extensions by HairArt (Sale begins 11am ET 9/11)
• Fall Beauty Must-Haves Featuring Estee Lauder (Sale begins 11am ET 9/13)

Quote du Jour: Joan Rivers

I've had so much plastic surgery, when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware.

I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, he would have put diamonds on the floor.

I must admit I am nervous about getting Alzheimer's. Once it hits, I might tell my best joke and never know it. 

Outfit: Made In America Festival

Forever 21 Kimono // H&M Tank Top // BDG Shorts // Free People Bralette // Kelsi Dagger Bag // Alex & Ani Bangles // Assorted Bracelets

I had originally bought a two-day pass for the concert back when the pre-sale happened, but when I realized I would have to drive 3 hours Sunday to Connecticut and another 3 hours Monday morning to Boston, I sold my Sunday ticket and just went Saturday. Plus Saturday had a much better line-up (in my opinion) so it all worked out in the end.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things: August 2014

Wonderwall by Oasis // Suave Dry Shampoo // MAC Well Dressed Blush // Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream // AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask // Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Brightener // BluePrintJuice Coffee Cashew Cinnamon Vanilla

Wonderwall by Oasis: For some reason, I've been listening to this song quite a lot lately, probably because I'm missing my birthright family and this was a song we all sang around the campfire on our last night together. Sounds cheesy, but it was one of my favorite moments of the trip. 

Suave Dry Shampoo: This smells pretty nice and does a great job of giving my hair a little added texture while also absorbing extra oil.

MAC Well Dressed Blush: I recently cleared out a good bit of my makeup collection (even though its storage has remained the same) in an effort to only keep products I actually plan on using. 

Soap & Glory Hand Food Hand Cream: Seriously one of the best smelling and most hydrating hand creams I've tried, this is a must have bedside because I apply it before I head out the door in the morning and before I go to bed at night. 

AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask: While this definitely doesn't feel like the Dead Sea mud (which is much more gritty and burned my skin on application), I really like this mask! It goes on smooth and leaves my skin feeling great afterward.

Revlon 'Cherish' Kissable Balm Stain: I've shared this as a favorite in the past, but I recently started wearing it more often and I definitely want to pick up some more colors. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Brightener: I like this a lot better than it's concealer counterpart, it does a much better job of brightening (obviously) and concealing under the eye. 

BluePrintJuice Coffee Cashew Cinnamon Vanilla: While this is pricy, it's worth it! One bottle keeps me full throughout the morning and gives me a much needed boost of energy. 

What a summer I've had, it's definitely been a long four months at home in Philadelphia. The most exciting thing that happened this month was for sure the birth of my cousin Erin's third child, I'm so excited and I can't wait to meet my little love Harper soon. Another highlight was going to the Made in America Festival during my last weekend at home before moving into my dorm to start my sophomore year at Emerson today!