Sydnie

Rules of Thumb

September 6, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

“My rules of thumb are lightness, transparency, and less is more.”

-Francois Nars

I used to wear SO much make-up in middle school. I had grown up watching my mom apply her make-up every morning, and one day she introduced me to the intriguing routine! I had finally been invited into this new world of women and beauty products.

I found make-up so much fun. It became the event of each slumber party! Unfortunately, I was starting to grow a little too dependent on my addictive new toys.

At first, it was all about experimenting. I needed to learn how to wear every product! And let’s face it, I liked the result. I had never seen myself under the flawless light. Just as puberty began to hit, I started wearing make-up to school to cover up my acne.

After a while, I started to feel insecure without any make-up on. Pool parties were my worst enemy.

By the time high school hit I was in full make-up mode. I’m talking eyeliner and bronzer mode.

Sophomore year I transferred schools, and it was the best decision I had ever made! I decided it was time for a fresh start–new friends, new place, new me. I rediscovered my love for myself and my make-up.

I realized that make-up shouldn’t be about covering myself up, but instead accentuating who I was.

I started wearing LESS. I started switching up what I experimented with depending on my outfit and occasion. It was fun again–no longer a chore.

Today, sometimes I just wear lipstick. I like the visibility. I’m not hiding. I’m not trying to impress anybody else. I’m just being me.

“Confidence is the most glamorous thing to me.”

-Francois Nars

On Me: Dress

Belt

Sunnies

Wedges

Just Kissed

August 29, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

This Summer my beauty routine changed a lot. After joining the Ipsy Glam Bag trend, I started rethinking my whole look. I became more experimental, less regimented, and even decided less is more. Ingredients began to matter a little more, and I stopped looking at the face value of products. More often than not, beauty products can be used in more than one way.

Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain by Jane Iredale:

This product describes everything I spent my Summer looking for. When I put this on, I am reminded of the multipurpose lipsticks our grandparents wore when they got ready for their first date. This lip and cheek stain is made from avocado oil, beeswax, olive butter, white tea leaf extract, pomegranate extract, and wild rose wax. It’s long lasting and light weight. Sometimes one product is all you need.

The End of Summer

August 15, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

I am dreading the end of this season with the beginning of school around the corner.

I decided to wear something that embraced Summertime to its fullest last night–a 1970s babydoll, flower patterned, peasant top.

When I think of Summer, I imagine shorts and wedges, loose fitting blouses, natural hair, and sunglasses.

Trying to grow out my hair has not been easy. I’ve been making an effort to wash it less, try new products, and apply less heat. Fortunately, the dry weather in Grass Valley has been decreasing my hair’s natural tendency to create frizz, allowing me to let it air dry.

I have also been trying to wear shorts as much as possible, because Foggy San Francisco almost never allows it. It has been so much fun to dress up my shorts with heels. I used to fear the fashion-no-no, but now I have embraced it–making my own rules.

On Me: Urban Top

Levi’s Shorts

Montego Bay Club Wedges

Nordstrom Sunnies

Lucky Brand Earrings

First Day of School

August 11, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

With school less than 2 weeks away, I have decided to focus on the positive…school style! Check out some of my favorite First Day Inspiration:

Don’t you just LOVE backpacks? I know I do.

Summer Style

August 4, 2015August 4, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

My Summer Style inspiration has been none other than the great Katharine Hepburn.

She screams effortless confidence, and I love trying to find ways to emulate that.

There’s something about a wide leg pant that makes me feel together.

They speak for themselves. They are comfortable, casual yet classic, and a wardrobe staple (especially this season).

I have been going mostly make-up free this summer–relying heavily on a bold lip to dress up my outfits.

I recently tried out Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick in Heathers, and I can’t seem to wear anything else!

I wear it over a liquid concealer and it stays on all day! I am dying to try out the Pure Hollywood shade for days when I want a less dramatic look.

Growing up, I always gravitated towards tight fitting clothes. Now, I am constantly finding myself drifting away from my comfort zone–playing with style and fit.

Sometimes Summertime is the best time to rediscover your style, and to just PLAY.

I never lose sight of the fact that just being is fun. – Katharine Hepburn

On Me: Urban Pants and Top

Merona Jacket and Bag

Report Shoes

Nordstrom Sunnies

Blown Away

July 31, 2015July 31, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

If you follow me on Instagram, @lookbookbygoodies, you might have noticed my post featuring my mom’s beautiful blowout:

I wanted to describe what I used to achieve this look in a little bit more detail.

For starters, I used the Revlon Hot Air Dryer & Styler:

This tool has literally changed my life, and my mom’s. It is the perfect combo of blowdryer, brush, and curler. It works on ALL hair types. My mom’s hair is incredibly dry and frizzy, but this tool tames her hair seamlessly. AND it’s SO EASY. Trying to blowout your hair with a round brush in one hand and a heavy blowdryer in the other can seem overwhelming and difficult. With this tool, you can get salon quality results without stepping foot in the salon.

1. Apply product and heat protectant to cleansed hair after the shower.

2. Use the non-round brush connector to dry your hair, using only the tool and your fingers, until it feels slightly damp (this will speed up the styling process).

3. Section off your hair into layers. Pretend you are straightening or curling your hair, and work from underneath layers to top layers, using only a small lock of hair at a time.

4. With each strand you style, repeat the motion of curling and brushing out your hair around the round brush until the lock is completely dry. As long as you remember to stay in motion, your hair will be less prone to heat damage.

5. Depending on your hair’s thickness, you should be done within 15-30 minutes. Apply a finishing product to maintain the look.

July 2015 ipsy Glam Bag

July 23, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

This is my first month receiving my ipsy Glam Bag! I am so impressed by this month’s products that I had to share what I got:

1. be a bombshell lip balm in french kiss

This product is so hydrating! I also love how light the color is–perfect for an everyday look.

2. Bare Republic Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion

My favorite part about this product is that it is 100% chemical free! It’s so hard to find a sunscreen that is natural. It feels light, the color is great for every skin tone, it smells good, and it protects you!

3. Coolway Beachy Salt Spray

This spray can be applied to wet or dry hair. It is mineral enriched, so while it’s adding texture to your hair, it’s also adding strength.

4. OFRA Bliss Eye Shadow & Highlighter

This color looks great on everyone! What I found really cool was that it contains natural sun filters. I love when I can use one product for multiple reasons–this one on my eyes and anywhere else I want to add a little highlight.

5. tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer

I’m so used to wearing a bronzer that has a shimmer, but this one is making me rethink my comfort zone. Without the shimmer, I appear way less greasy, and the tan looks more natural.

I highly recommend subscribing to the ipsy glam bag! The quality and quantity is totally getting the bang out of your buck.

Product Review

July 15, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

1) St. Tropez Gradual Tan

I have always been against tanning. The sun is damaging, and so are the harsh chemicals in self-tanners. Recently, however, a friend recommended this product to me. It’s 100% natural, paraben and sulfate free, and it even moisturizes your skin!

2) bareMinerals Complexion Rescue

The same friend that recommended the self-tanner recommended this product… and I definitely see why! This product has no parabens, silicone, oil, or fragrance. It appears to be the combination of a CC and BB cream, mixed with a tinted moisturizer. But here is the catch–it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing ANYTHING! You can wear it alone, or mix it with your foundation.

3) SensatioNail Gel Polish Removal Kit

I LOVE gel nails! I do NOT LOVE having to make an appointment to get them removed. In the past, I have tried removing them myself, but I never got the hang of it. After finding this product, I don’t think I will ever go into the salon to get them removed again! You start out by buffing and filing your nails with their SensatioNail Buffer. Then you use pure acetone to saturate the pads on their pieces of foil before wrapping them around each nail. If you have a friend or family member nearby you might want to ask for help with this part, because once you have foil on a few nails it’s hard to get your fingers to function properly. After soaking for 15-20 minutes, you take the foil off. They supply you with a manicure stick to gently scrape off the polish. You finish by smoothing and adding shine to your nails with the SensatioNail Buffer. This whole process took about 30 minutes, and it comes with 3 sets of foil. For healthy nails, and a healthy bank account, this is the best way to remove gel nails.

Photo Shoot in the Park

July 8, 2015July 8, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

My theme for Summer has been trying to find alternatives to denim shorts, but then I found these…

Usually all of the denim cutoffs I try on are too tight around my thighs and fall too low on my waist! These are different.

These Levi’s are loose and comfortable. They scream Summertime! And unlike most pairs of jean shorts, I can dress them up a bit with a nice wedge, patterned shirt, and red lip.

Joel and I had been searching high and low for the best photoshoot location. We had actually given up by the time we pulled into the neighborhood park.

I ended up gravitating towards this green bench. The next thing I knew we were in full on photoshoot mode.

There is something so calm and peaceful about spending an afternoon in the park. The grass is green, the sun sets, and time begins to slow down just for a moment…

Once we got there I had wished we packed a picnic and a couple novels to unwind with.

Instead, we sat in silence on the cool green bench, watching the day turn to night.

It may sound funny, but every time I wear these shorts I will always remember the feeling I had in the park that day.

Summer was eternal that afternoon, and I love those few pieces of clothing that transcend through time the way a memory can.

This patterned shirt could have been worn in the 20s or 60s, it can be dressed up or down, and it breathes with the wind.

Whether it be a pair of Levi’s, irreplaceable shoes, or a timeless blouse, clothing is a connection we have with each other, the past, and the future.

“Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon.” – C. Day Lewis

Shop my look: Blouse

Cutoffs

Wedges

Purse

Floral Favorites

July 3, 2015 SydnieLeave a comment

One of my favorite patterns to wear in the Summer is Floral.

A good floral pattern is a classic staple to have in your closet. This particular pattern adds a romantic feel to a simple summer look.

I have been obsessing over accent pieces recently, and these definitely fall into that category.

I know so many people that are scared to wear bright colors…

Floral patterns are the perfect way to start stepping out of your comfort zone. The rest of your outfit can be completely tame by bringing out only one of the other colors in the pattern. I chose black because I was going for a more neutral look, but green or red would have worked nicely too.

My whole outfit can be found at Urban Outfitters.

ModCloth has some great floral pieces too: