Sydnie

Recent Obsessions

January 29, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I’m constantly trying out new beauty products, and every now and then something sticks. Here are my most recent beauty finds:

Chanel Rouge Double Intensité Ultra Wear Lip Colour

This is the longest wearing lipstick I have ever encountered! It stays on all day, all night, after eating, drinking, etc. I truly have never been more impressed with a makeup item than I have with this. I HIGHLY recommend investing in this product.

Moroccanoil Frizz Control

Redken Frizz Dismiss

My hair gets extremely staticky in the Winter time. These have been the only two products I have ever tried that actually make a difference. I spray the frizz control after washing my hair, before styling it with heat products, and I’m usually good for the first day of clean hair. For the next couple days, before my next wash, I use the frizz dismiss wipes on my dry hair and it instantly calms my hair. I’ll even pack a few wipes in my purse for on the go touch ups.

Almay Clear Complexion Concealer

I’ve struggled with acne for a long time, so when I find something that actually works for my skin it feels like a tiny miracle. Any time I discover a pimple on my face, I put this on it and by the next day it usually is gone, or well on its way. And in the mean time, it’s covered up.

BareMinerals Stroke Of Light Concealer

I’ve recently joined the under eye concealer trend after hearing many great reviews about this product … and I have to agree with all of them. This stuff makes me look and feel awake! I’ll pair it with my tinted moisturizer if I’m in a hurry and instantly look refreshed. It’s a must-have.

The Down Vest

January 22, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I have been obsessed with down vests recently. I love the sporty-ness they bring to any outfit. I think of them as a mix between an accessory and outerwear. Not only do they add warmth to your look, but they also add an extra layer of style. Here are a few of my favorite vests:

Cali Winter Ensemble

January 15, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I finally found the peacoat of my dreams! It’s a wool-cashmere blend, a deep plum, and versatile.

I’ve been pairing this coat with active wear, fancy wear, and my favorite–casual wear. My go-to outfit this winter has been booties, jeans, and my trustworthy peacoat! It’s a statement piece that never goes out of style.

This year has been suprisingly cooler than past years, and this coat has been able to keep me warm! It’s a great investment piece, too. You can add layers underneath if you’re headed to the snow, but it’s also light enough to be worn during the Spring and Fall.

“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck

On Me: Calvin Klein Peacoat, Urban Jeans, Dolce Vita Booties, Express Top, Nine West Purse

Best Dressed

January 9, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

The best part of award shows is the fashion–DUH! Here are a few of my favorite looks from last night:

Ethereal Goddess

Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen

Heir to the Throne

Lily Collins in Zuhair Murad

Fairy Godmother

Emma Stone in Valentino Haute Couture

Disco Queen

Gina Rodriguez in Naheem Khan

Artist’s Muse

Hailee Steinfeld in Vera Wang

P.S. What really won the night? Meryl Streep’s speech.

“But there was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good; there was nothing good about it. But it was effective and it did its job. It made its intended audience laugh, and show their teeth. It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back…Disrespect invites disrespect, violence incites violence. And when the powerful use their position to bully others we all lose.”

San Diego Favorites

January 1, 2017 Sydnie1 Comment

I just got back from visiting family down in San Diego. Though I don’t do it often, I love exploring new cities. One of my resolutions for 2017 is to travel more! Here are some of the places we went to, food we ate, and overall recommendations for anyone planning a trip to San Diego.

Food:

Our first stop was The Crack Shack, and it did not disappoint. Nothing sounds better than a fried chicken sandwich when you’re starving.

Basic Pizza was the perfect dinner spot before a night out on the town. Their pizzas are massive, but that didn’t stop us from finishing every last bite! Basic’s motto is all in the name–simple, classic, and hipster. Without trying too hard their atmosphere is contemporary, yet kid friendly. They even have a connecting bar that adds to its appeal.

You can’t visit San Diego without eating at Pacific Beach Fish Shop. Joel and I were introduced to this place the last time we came down, and the yummy shrimp tacos had us coming back for more! Once you try their tacos, no other fish tacos will compare. Not to mention, it’s located in Pacific Beach–the perfect location to walk off the tacos you just inhaled.

Drinks:

Karl Strauss is a brewery staple of San Diego. There are many breweries to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with this one! Though I’m not a huge beer person, my favorite sample was the Red Trolley. It paired nicely with their duck fat pretzel bites.

One of my favorite experiences of the trip was getting to go to San Diego’s original Speakeasy–Prohibition. Only the locals know about this joint, as you have to enter through a misleading hidden door. The steep staircase acts as a time machine that transports you back to a different era. They have a unique menu, live music, and a strict dress code. What more could you ask for?

Activities:

The Hornblower Harbor Cruise was the perfect way to really see and learn about San Diego. There is nothing like the view from a boat.

Ice Skating and San Diego usually aren’t two things you would think go together, but at the Hotel del Coronado they do! Over the holidays they have a fun ice skating rink overlooking the water. It’s the perfect excuse to visit the magnificent hotel that holds so much history.

Speaking of history, the USS Midway Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, or the whole day! There is so much to see and do that it could take at least 5 hours to get through the whole ship. They even have simulator rides that give you a taste of what being a pilot was actually like. If you have the time, definitely check this place out.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” -Saint Augustine

Favorite Fragrances

December 19, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

Fragrance is very important to me. It’s a rare day that I don’t use perfume. Over the years, I have tried out many different scents, but a few have stayed with me. Here are my top 4 favorite fragrances, each for a different occasion.

TRAVEL

Kuumba Made Persian Garden

Description: “Grounded, smooth, very light and clean with a hint of mystery. A garden of earthly delights. Popular for men and women.”

EVERYDAY

Gourmand EDP Fragrance Pistachio Brûlée

Scents: Milk vanilla mousse, pistachio, vanilla bean

FANCY FALL/WINTER

Burberry Eau de Parfum Spray

Details: “Burberry Eau de Parfum Spray is distinguished by its sexy base note, which is composed of sandalwood, amber, cedarwood, and musk to give it its soft, sensual appeal. The top notes of peach and apricot bring out the fragrance’s femininity, and a tone which can only be described as exotic.”

FANCY SPRING/SUMMER

Light Blue Dolce & Gabbana

Notes: Sicilian Citron, Bluebell, Granny Smith Apple, Jasmine Sambac, Bamboo, White Rose, Cedarwood, Amber, Musk

“A woman’s perfume tells more about her than her handwriting. ”
― Christian Dior

Snow Boots

December 12, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

Trying to find cute snow boots can be tricky. I have a trip planned for next month, so I’ve been trying to keep an eye out for a pair I am interested in. Since I don’t live in the snow or visit that often, I wanted something versatile and inexpensive. I ultimately ended up purchasing the Lands’ End pair, but here are a few others I like too:

Lands’ End $69

Madewell x Sorel $160

UGG $124.99

UGG $224.95

Sorel $119.94

“A snowball in the face is surely the perfect beginning to a lasting friendship.”
― Markus Zusak, The Book Thief

Holiday Pajama Set

December 4, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

Nothing beats lounging around on Christmas morning in your favorite pajamas. I love opening presents, sipping eggnog, and watching A Christmas Story before getting dressed. It’s a holiday tradition I cherish. If you’re in the market, here are a few pairs I adore:

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
―Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Gilmore Girls Revival

November 27, 2016 SydnieLeave a comment

In honor of the Revival, I wanted to share with you my favorite “Luke’s Diner” T-shirt.

Aside from the obvious reason I own it, the style and fit is actually really cute and flattering. I’ve bought other television show inspired T-shirts from I Love Apparel before, and each time I am equally pleased.

Get the T-shirt here!

“It’s all any of us wants, to find a nice person to hang out with ’til we drop dead. Not a lot to ask!” -Lorelai Gilmore

The Holiday Jumpsuit

November 20, 2016 Sydnie1 Comment

Though often overlooked, the jumpsuit is the perfect alternative for the holidays. It’s as fancy as a dress, but as comfortable as your pajamas. Check out a few of my favorite jumpsuit options for each holiday that demands your attendance.

Thanksgiving: