Link Love: October 25-31

15 Simple Accessories Minimalists Will Love [Refinery 29]

15 Ways to Start Living a More Organized Life [Levo League]

Google's App Now Puts All The Cheese Knowledge In Your Pocket [Huff Post Taste]

Last Second Pumpkin DIY That's Scary Good [Apartment 34]

My Morning Routine [Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Trick or Treat? Salty or Sweet? [College Prepster]

These Podcasts Will Take Your Commute to the Next Level [Career Contessa]

Minimal Lifestyle Tips

I've begun to embrace a more minimalistic lifestyle over the past few months and am here to share with you a few tips that have helped me along the way to simplifying my life.

This lifestyle change is probably due to two main things:

1. I have absolutely no free time and need to make things as easy as possible day to day. I rarely have more than an hour or two without something to do, so I need to streamline everything as much as possible.
2. I'm living in the smallest space I've ever had. I moved into a new apartment at the beginning of September and my room is the smallest room I've ever had. It's made me very conscious of what I bring in and out and how the space is laid out.

Here's what I've been doing to simplify my life and a few tips on how you can do the same:

1. Throw Out: Seriously, throw everything out that you don't use. I made two massive trash bags earlier this week of things I just didn't need and haven't looked back since.
2. Donate: As for my clothes, accessories, and a few home pieces I wasn't using, I headed to Goodwill with several bags. Drop it off and walk out feeling much better.
3. Light: My apartment has great natural lighting thanks to an abundance of windows, and my furniture being all white and my room generally having a softer environment is extremely relaxing and helps me breath easier.
4. Meal Prep: This has been a major change for me. I absolutely love cooking but I really don't have time to cook dinner each day during the week, so on Mondays, I meal prep. I cook up lots of veggies, protein, and a carbohydrate option so I can mix and match throughout the week before heading to work or school each day. 
5. Walking: I've been taking a lot of late-night walks which help me clear my mind before jumping into bed without staring at a computer screen or phone before I sleep. This has really improved my sleeping each night. 

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: October 2015

Spotify 'Have a Great Day' Playlist // Fresh Seaberry Nourishing Hand Cream // iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion // Archer Farms Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Snack Bites // Meal Prep // Rifle Paper Co Notebook Sets // Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home by Emily Schuman

Spotify 'Have a Great Day' Playlist: This is an awesome playlist and seriously makes my day better!

Fresh Seaberry Nourishing Hand Cream (℅): Infused with anti-oxidant rich seaberry oil, this is a rich and pampering hand cream perfect for the cooler months.

iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion: I've been using this for a few weeks and it has really helped balance out my skin to the perfect combination.

Archer Farms Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookie Snack Bites: These little bites are so addicting but so satisfying, so I only pack two or three to keep myself from eating the whole bag!

Meal Prep: I rarely have time to actually cook dinner each night, so meal prepping has been a major help. Typically, I cook a ton of veggies, a few chicken breasts, and rice or pasta once a week and divvy it up throughout the week. It cuts down on cooking time each night and generally makes my weeks a lot easier.

Rifle Paper Co Notebook Sets: I recently picked up a few sets of these beautiful notebooks and at least one comes everywhere with me.

Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home by Emily Schuman: The latest book from one of my favorite bloggers that has inspired me to do some sprucing in our apartment.

Timberland Student Brand Ambassador Program

As you probably gathered from my Instagram and Twitter over the past month, I have served as the Timberland SBA for Emerson College. This was such a great opportunity to promote a brand that has done some serious re-branding and has a fall collection filled with pieces that I'm seriously obsessed with (i.e. this classic trench, this leather and suede tote, these booties).

Beauty Sales Week of October 25th

HauteLook:

• Pro Hair Must-Haves: Fromm Brushes & Shears, Pro Hair Must-Haves: InStyler,  Pro Hair Must-Haves: Macadamia Hair, Pro Hair Must-Haves: Royale USA Remy Hair Extensions (Sales begin 8am PT 10/25)
• Brilliance New York Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 10/25)
• #ManiMonday: Lauren B. Beauty, Botanifique Skincare, Laura Geller Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/26)
• Designer Fragrances for Men & Women, Edward Bess Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/27)
• Mario Badescu, Terre Merre Organic-Vegan Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/28)
• CROC Hair Tools, Crown Brush, NutraLuxeMD Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 10/29)

MYHABIT:

• Last Chance: Beauty Best Sellers (Sale begins 9am PT 10/25)
• The New Classics: Bond No. 9 Creed & More, Up to 90% Off: Diamond & Gold Infused Skin Care (Sales begin 9am PT 10/26)
• Best Face Forward: Laura Mercier & More, Up to 85% Off: Donna Bella Luxury Skincare (Sales begin 9am PT 10/27)
• Hit the Right Note: Designer Fragrance (Sale begins 9am PT 10/30)

Rue La La:

• The Beauty Bar: Prettify with Living Proof & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/25)

Link Love: October 18-24

10 Breathtaking Braids You Need in Your Life Right Now [Cosmopolitan]

18 Sweaters You'll Want to Wear Right Now [Design Darling]

GMG x BaubleBar [Gal Meets Glam]

How to Make Ralph Lauren's Signature Pink Pony Cocktail [Town and Country]

Is Multi-Tasking Helping or Hurting You? [Levo League]

The Do's and Don'ts Of Rainy Day Dressing [Huff Post Style]

Why It's Not Sexist To Call Women "Girls" [Refinery 29]

Review: Luseta Tea Tree & Argan Oil Set

Luseta Beauty's Tea Tree & Argan Oil Set ($28 for a 16.9 oz set) incorporates tea tree and argan oil for a cleansing and reparative set.

Tea tree oil is rich with antiseptic and antibacterial properties, perfect for giving your scalp a thorough cleansing of any impurities. Argan oil nourishes your hair strand by strand restoring moisture and shine into each lock. Combined, this restorative duo of natural oils work as a great dandruff remedy for your scalp.

This set smells refreshing and leaves my hair feeling healthy and strong after each wash and really gets out any build-up on my scalp. I'd definitely recommend this as a better-smelling and less harsh alternative to bigger brand dandruff shampoos.


I was given this set for consideration by Luseta but am not being influence by any opinions but my own.

Review: October 2015 Birchbox

BioRepublic Aloe Rescue Revitalizing Sheet Mask: Hydrating, aloe-packed fiber face mask perfect for refreshing skin after time in the sun.

Lollia 'In Love' Shea Butter Handcreme: A cult classic, this lush, hydrating hand creme has notes of apple blossom, jasmine, and living rose.

R+Co DEATH VALLEY Dry Shampoo: Style-refreshing spray that saps excess oil, gives hair volume and body, and adds tousled texture.

too cool for school Dinoplatz Highlighter: This illuminating cream is formulated with tiny light-catching flecks to perfectly contour your face.

W3LL PEOPLE Expressionist Macara: All-natural, pro-grade mascara that lifts and lengthens lashes without chemicals or dyes.

Beauty Sales Week of October 18th

Gilt:

• Designer Fragrances (Sale begins 9pm ET 10/18)
• Sisley Paris (Sale begins Noon ET 10/20)
• Dr. Hauschka (Sale begins Noon ET 10/23)

HauteLook:

• Royale USA Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 90% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 10/18)
• #ManiMonday: Ginger & Liz  Vegan-Friendly Nail Lacquer, Morphe Brushes, Pulsaderm Beauty Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 10/19)
• Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories, GIELLA Custom Blend Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/20)
• Josie Marin (Sale begins 8am PT 10/21)
• Diptyque Paris, ghd: good hair every day (Sales begin 8am PT 10/22)
• Korean Cosmetics: IPKN New York, Men's Niche Fragrances, Skin Chemists (Sales begin 8am PT 10/23)
• Cleanlogic Bodycare, Donna Bella 24K Pro Edition Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 10/24)

MYHABIT:

• Designer Fragrance: Prada, Escada & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/19)
• Up to 90% Off: Skincare, Haircare & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/21)
• Glow On: NARS Makeup & More (Sale begins 9am PT 10/23)

Rue La La:

• SK-II Skincare, skyn ICELAND (Sales begin 11am ET 10/19)
• Brilliance New York Skincare to Hair Tools (Sale begins 11am ET 10/21)
• Burberry & Burberry Brit Sunglasses and Fragrances (Sale begins 11am ET 10/23)

Link Love: October 11-17

4 Common Habits That Are Ruining Your Productivity [Levo League]

100 Years of Halloween Costumes in 3 Minutes [Mode]

From Hoodies to Bras: A History Of Clothes As Political Weapons [Refinery 29]

On Plagiarism in Blogging [Kate the (Almost) Great]

The Most Popular Halloween Costume In Every State, Via Google [Huff Post Style]

Think You Hate Barbies? You'll Probably Love Their New Ad [Kveller]

This Mom Makes a Full-Time Living on Etsy [Career Contessa]

Products I've Used Up #12

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray: This is an everyday essential before applying mascara. It seriously works to lock in makeup all day.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: I've used this moisturizer for years but it's time to part ways because I want to start using something a bit more heavy duty.

Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads: I used these as a toner on and off for a while but am not terribly sad to see them go. Read my full review here.

Kirkland Daily Facial Towelettes: These are my go-to makeup remover wipes and a staple in my routine.

RapidLash: This lasted a surprisingly long amount of time and I'm so glad I have another on hand. Read my full review here.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Healing Serum: While it was a little heavy for the summer, I'm looking forward to repurchasing this soon for the fall and winter.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant: I honestly can't tell if this did any "restoring to my natural tone," but it got the job done otherwise.

Crest 3D Glamorous White Toothpaste: This is my all-time favorite toothpaste and a must-have in my medicine cabinet.

Skintimate Skin Therapy Shave Gel: My skin gets more sensitive as the temperature drops, so this prevents bumps and irritation in the fall and winter.

Escada Joyful: This was one of the perfumes offered in a sampler I purchased a few months ago, and while it wasn't anything stellar, it was nice.

Instagram Roundup: September 2015

First day of junior year // Beacon Hill has the most darling doors // Celebrating the opening of Bee's Knees Supply Co in Allston // Shooting for an on-campus organization in upstate NY 

Trying out the new fall releases from Fresh // The Cinnamon Fig Iced Latte from Pavement Coffee is everything // Flower Shopping in the Boston Public Market // Post-Jimmy Fund Walk smiles

Beauty Sales Week of October 11th

Gilt:

• The Beauty Boutique: Skincare Essentials (Sale begins Noon ET 10/11)
• Laura Mercier (Sale begins Noon ET 10/13)

HauteLook:

• Belletto Studio (Sale begins 8am PT 10/11)
• Envy & Sutra Hair Tools Blowout: Up to 80% Off (Sale begins 4pm PT 10/11)
• Faby Nails: Big 5-Free Non-Toxic Polish, Fromm Beauty Tools, Liquid Keratin Hair Care (Sales begin 8am PT 10/12)
• Fall Fragrances $25 & Under, Sibu Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/13)
• Dermovia Anti-Aging & Beauty Systems, Mally Beauty (Sales begin 8am PT 10/14)
• Pura D'or Haircare, NuBrilliance Microdermabrasion System (Sales begin 8am PT 10/15)

Rue La La:

• Derma MD (Sale begins 11am ET 10/11)
• Our Faves from the Indie Beauty Expo & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/14)
• Men's Cologne: Because Aftershave Is Not a Scent (Sale begins 11am ET 10/16)

Link Love: October 4-10

15 Easy Ways to Embrace Fall [Camille Styles]

Breaking the Rules with a Fresh Take on Plaid [Apartment 34]

Cocktails at Six: Apricot Dark & Stormy [coco+kelley]

How to Update Your Makeup Bag for Fall [Byrdie]

My Instagram: Celina Colby [The Boston Globe]

Living Large on an Entry-Level Budget [Career Contessa]

The Talking Phase Is Ruining My Life [Total Sorority Move]

Polished Perfectly Turns Six!

Today Polished Perfectly turns six! I never thought I'd see the day that the boredom-fighter blog I created way back when I was a freshman in high school would still be something I'm so passionate about six years later as a junior in college.

Thanks for your continued support!

xx

Her Campus College Fashion Week 2015

On Saturday night, Boston's most stylish collegiettes headed to Space 57 at the Revere Hotel for the first stop of this seasons College Fashion Week tour, presented by Her Campus. This was my third CFW I've attended [2013 + 2014] and without a doubt, this was the best yet.

Fashions featured on the runway included looks from a variety of stores at Copley Place, South Shore Plaza, and other local Simon Malls locations. Swag bags included Frank Body scrubs, LUNA protein bars, Milani cosmetics, SkinnyPop popcorn, and more.

I walked into CFW after a long day of work, headed straight to the European Wax Center brow center, and strutted to my seat for the show after having my brows groomed to browfection. European Wax Center's Natural Brow Powder + Shape IT were essential to creating the fierce brows seen on the runway, and my own brows for the show.

Available in 3 shades and easily applied wet or dry, the Brow Powder was up first and was used to fill in sparse spots. After, Shape IT was generously applied to tame my unruly brows. It's made with aloe leaf extract, and is alcohol and paraben free, so no crunchy or un-natural brows here!

photo by Katherine Tabinowski of Style Tab

Never tried out what European Wax Center has to offer? Founded over a decade, their belief that everyone deserves beautiful and gorgeous skin is so strong, that all first-time guests are treated to a complimentary wax.

I partnered with European Wax Center and Her Campus Media for this post. All opinions are my own.

Beauty Sales Week of October 4th

Gilt:

• Always Gorgeous Hair Feat. GHD Tools (Sale begins 9pm EST 10/4)
• NuFace (Sale begins Noon EST 10/6)

HauteLook:

• #ManiMonday: Layla Nails, Bioelements Skincare, Blumarine Fragrances (Sales begin 8am PT 10/5)
• 29 Cosmetics, Dr. Brandt Cosmetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/6)
• BH Cosmetics, Brazabra Beauty Solutions, Dermaesthetics (Sales begin 8am PT 10/7)
• Designer Fragrances for Men: DSquared Canali & More, Jose Eber Hair Tools (Sales begin 8am PT 10/8)
• blinc Cosmetics, Vivant Skincare (Sales begin 8am PT 10/9)
• PureO Natural Hair Solution Products, Start Pure Teeth Whitening (Sales begin 8am PT 10/10)

Rue La La:

• Crown Brush (Sale begins 11am ET 10/6)
• Get Salon Locks with Living Proof & More (Sale begins 11am ET 10/7)

Link Love: September 27-October 3

100 Years of Wedding Dresses in 3 Minutes [Mode Media]

Beauty Legend Pat McGrath Launched Her First Makeup Item [Allure]

Blake Lively Proves Walking Away and Quitting Aren't the Same Thing [Levo League]

Selena Gomez Wears PJs 24/7, Topping September's Craziest Outfits [Huff Post Style]

Staying Safe With Social Media [College Prepster]

The 9 Best Mary-Kate & Ashley Movies [Her Campus]

Why Fashion Bloggers' Lives Aren't As Charmed As You Think [Refinery 29]

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things: September 2015

Sexual Healing (Kygo Remix) // Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy // Fresh 'Sugar Fig' Lip Treatment // Essie Wicked Nail Polish // derma e Purifying Daily Detox Scrub // Yoga // Pumpkin EVERYTHING

Sexual Healing (Kygo Remix): This is a great remix of what was already a great song!

Fresh Sugar Nourishing Lip Balm Advanced Therapy (℅): This is my new nightstand must-have! It smells fantastic and is the perfect before bed treat for your lips after using the Lip Polish.

Fresh 'Sugar Fig' Lip Treatment (℅): Another recent fall release from Fresh, this is the prettiest wine hue with a pearlescent shimmer. So perfect for fall!

Essie Wicked Nail Polish: This is one of my all-time favorite fall shades, and you know if it's already on my toes, fall is here and here to stay.

derma e Purifying Daily Detox Scrub (℅): My skin has been crazy bad all month, but I'm crediting this gentle scrub towards what's been clearing it back up over the past two weeks.

Yoga: I fell off the boat during the end of August and beginning of September due to moving, school starting, etc. but have started to get my practice back on over the last week or so and it feels so good.

Pumpkin EVERYTHING: Fall has hit New England and it's hit me hard. I love everything about fall, especially pumpkin specialities popping up everywhere.

Without a doubt, the most satisfying thing I did in September was complete the Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston. I went in unprepared and nervous, but came out feeling better about myself than I have in a long time, and more accomplished than ever. Read all about why I did it and what the process leading up to the walk was like.