Sydnie

Travel Essentials

September 4, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I just got back from a two-week trip to the UK and Paris! It was incredible. Over the next few weeks I’ll be sharing my trip with you guys, but first I want to share my favorite style related travel essentials:

Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

Having a good pair of sunglasses is key when you’re a tourist. Aside from keeping the sun out of your eyes, they elevate everything you wear—something I desperately needed. They are also perfect for the no makeup travel days.

Bare Minerals Palette

I got this palette for Christmas and knew instantly how much it would come in handy this summer. It’s the perfect travel palette because it has everything you need (eyeshadow, bronzer, blush, powder) and it is easy to pack. When I swapped this with all my separate products I ended up saving tons of space.

Lands’ End Rain Coat

This coat is incredibly versatile. I was attracted to the flattering cut, but it’s so much more than that. It is lightweight and easy to wear as your everyday coat, but also has the ability to keep you warm when it gets cold. I wore this coat in London, Paris, Edinburgh, and Cardiff and it protected me for all the different types of weather I encountered.

Go Walk Skechers

Never in my life did I think I would be blogging about a pair of Skechers, yet here I am. My mom convinced me to bring these shoes, and I’m so grateful I did. I was hesitant at first, but they grew on me. I had intended on packing my new Nikes, but the Skechers just made more sense. They are subtler than the typical tennis shoe, a little more flattering, way more comfortable, and incredibly lightweight. Though they aren’t the most stylish or trendy shoe, they are the best choice when you know you have a lot of walking in your future.

Rebecca Minkoff Carry On

This bag has been such a game changer for me. I bought it with the intention of being my professional bag—the one I would bring to interviews and my new job. It’s genuine leather, big enough for my laptop, and has a zipper and both regular and cross body straps. I ended up using this bag as one of my carry-ons for the trip, and it did a great job. It carried all of my belongings and was small and light enough to be dragged from place to place.

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My Top 3 Red Lipsticks

August 28, 2017August 17, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

There’s something so classic about a bold, red lip, but finding the perfect shade is one of the most difficult tasks. Red can look so good, but it can also look so bad. Because I have fair skin, I used to think I wouldn’t be able to pull off a statement color like red. After experimenting, I have found that as long as the color isn’t too harsh, red can actually be really flattering.

Here are my top 3 red lipsticks to end the summer off with a bang:

Nars in Heatwave: I have heard that this color complements any skin tone and I believe it. This shade has undertones of orange—something I was extremely hesitant about—but after trying it on I was hooked! The orange is subtle enough that it doesn’t look out of place. Side note: orange and green go really well together. Whenever I am wearing a green top, I find myself subconsciously pulling out this lipstick and I never regret it. Aside from looks, the formula is hydrating, long lasting, and easy to wear.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral: This is the lipstick I always wear to the beach. It’s more like a tinted chapstick than an actual lipstick, which I love. It has SPF 15 and can be worn alone or as a base for another lipstick. I prefer to wear it alone, because the color payoff is so great. It has a pink undertone that’s perfect for any outfit. When I can’t decide what to wear, I always reach for this. You won’t be sorry.
Mac Lipstick in Matte Viva Glam: I wore this lipstick to my senior prom, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I was going for a very classic, Audrey-esque look, and the lady at the Mac counter told me I couldn’t go wrong with this shade. She was right. Whenever I’m feeling Old Hollywood, I pull out this lipstick. Mac lipsticks will always be one of my favorite formulas. They have mastered the very difficult matte yet moisturizing combination where so many other brands fall short. They also have tons of colors to choose from. I can almost always find what I’m looking for at Mac.

My Nighttime Skin Care Routine

August 21, 2017August 17, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

It’s been a while since I’ve chatted about beauty products…

What better way to get back into it than by sharing my go-to nighttime beauty routine?!

Let’s get started—

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm: If I wore a lot of makeup that day, I always begin my wind down by taking it off. This product is so effective, and I have yet to find anything better. It’s not too oily. Otherwise, I would just use coconut oil.
Alba Hawaiian Facial Cleanser: I rotate through different cleansers regularly. I love something gentle and refreshing. The Alba products have always worked well for me. Their ingredients speak for themselves, and their tropical scent is unmatched.
Hey Honey Detoxifying Mud Mask: I found out about the Hey Honey brand through my Ipsy Glam Bag subscriptions and have fallen in love. I only do it once or twice a month, but this mud mask gets the job done. I have combination skin, so I am constantly searching for a mask that isn’t too harsh and drying. This mask is just what I’m looking for.
Tarte Maracuja Oil: The best thing I have ever done for my acne prone skin is start putting this oil on every night. I always joke that it should be called Miracle Oil instead of Maracuja Oil. Tarte has been one of my favorite brands for a long time because they are one of the few makeup companies that sell healthy products that actually work. The oil always feels like it’s healing my skin, and when I wake up in the morning my skin feels soft and looks radiant.
Hey Honey Open Your Eyes: I received this product in my Ipsy Glam Bag as well, and I was not immediately impressed. I couldn’t tell any difference in the appearance of my eyes after using the product for a few weeks, but I still found myself reaching for it. I soon realized this was because of the way it makes my eye area feel. After a long day, this product wakes my eyes up. That might sound counterintuitive at bedtime, but for someone who loves to read before they fall asleep, it’s ideal.
Clinique Moisturizing Lotion: Similar to my cleansers, I’m always trying out new moisturizers. Yet, I find myself coming back to this one time and time again. It isn’t too harsh for daily wear, and it feels comfortable on my skin.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: Like I mentioned earlier, I have combination skin. I am oily in some places and dry and sensitive in others. That’s why a spot treatment is perfect for my skin type. I put a drop of this stuff on a blemish before bed, and when I wake up the next day, it has dramatically gone down in size.
Kiehl’s Chapstick: Going to bed with dry lips is one of the worst feelings! I always always always have a chapstick by my bed. This one in particular is great because it has a cooling sensation that soothes and relaxes as I’m falling to sleep.

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Off The Shoulder

August 14, 2017August 12, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

It took me a long time to hop on the Off The Shoulder train. I always assumed I wouldn’t be able pull it off, or that I would need to pull it up every second like with strapless dresses—but I was pleasantly surprised.

I have found Off The Shoulder dresses to be way more supportive and flattering than strapless dresses. Not to mention, the femininity is effortless.

I normally don’t wear necklaces, but I love pairing an Off The Shoulder dress with a simple, dainty chain.

For those of us who don’t have sculpted upper arms, this cut is perfect. You get to show off what you want, and hide what you don’t.

This dress in particular is more supportive than most. The elastic in the chest section is perfectly placed, and the scrunched fabric looks cuter on than I had expected.

Shop my look: Urban Dress/Clarks Shoes/Marc Jacobs Sunglasses/Similar Necklace

Here are some other Off The Shoulder pieces I love:

Asos $40

Asos $24

Revolve $98

Shopbop $63

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The Sleeveless Turtleneck

August 6, 2017August 6, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I love the retro look of sleeveless turtlenecks. I find them incredibly flattering and stylish.

When I was in elementary school, and my mom still helped me pick out my outfits for the day, she used to always suggest I wear a turtleneck. At the time, I refused with all my might. Now, I reach for them all the time and laugh at the irony.

Sleeveless turtlenecks are perfect for the hotter months of the year, when you still want the same look of a turtleneck without the extra warmth.

On a side note, I love the way black and brown complement each other. I know that’s an unpopular opinion—to each their own. To me, there’s something so effortless about the combo.

Whenever I wear this top, I pair it with a simple outfit—jeans, low heels, and cat eye sunglasses. Everything fits together seamlessly, putting a vintage spin on the classic jeans and a tank top style.

Shop my look: slide sandals/ jeans/ top/ purse/sunglasses

Summer Slides

July 31, 2017July 30, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

Every summer I find myself slipping into these slides again and again.

Aside from being incredibly comfortable, they go with everything. I wear them with dresses when I’m going out to dinner, or with jeans on casual day.

I love the way they elevate a simple outfit like you see here. What would have been the equivalent of a “moving day” outfit is now enhanced to create a cute weekend look.

Being just under 5 “4”, most of my favorite shoes have a small heel. I have seen a lot of flat slides recently, but this kitten heeled one is perfect for me. It’s high enough to make a difference, but low enough to walk in for long distances.

Shop my look:

Nine West Jaya Solid Crossbody • Nine West • $44.25
Who What Wear Women’s Carolina Double Band Block Heel Slide Sandals – Who What Wear • Who What Wear • $32.99
Women’s Free People Found My Friend Sweatshirt • Free People • $78
BDG Twig Super High-Rise Skinny Jean – Indigo • BDG • $59

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The Floral Dress

July 24, 2017 Sydnie3 Comments

A simple floral dress is one of my go-to looks for the summertime. It’s effortless, season appropriate, and just plain pretty.

Finding a pattern that doesn’t cross the line into grandma territory can be tricky, but here are a few suggestions that can help:

Choose a flattering silhouette. I have been reaching for off the shoulder dresses recently. As long as the dress itself looks good on you, the pattern will take a back seat.

Stick to a pattern that only focuses on two complementary color categories. In the dress I’m wearing, black and gold stand out. This way, it isn’t too overwhelming.

Unless your flowers are smaller (like in the dress I’m wearing), make sure the print is a bit scattered and spread out. It’s easier on the eyes.

“After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world.” -Christian Dior

Here are a few floral dresses I love:

ASOS $35

Calvin Klein $74.66

Forever 21 $35

Put Together

July 17, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I have always been told that I look “put together”, and it’s something I strive for when I am getting dressed each day. It doesn’t mean that everything matches perfectly, or that I have a million accessories on, but instead that everything together creates one, unified look.

I have a few tricks that can make this process a little bit easier. 1) Always start planning your outfit at the basics—the shirt and jeans, the skirt and top, etc. For instance, if you’re wearing a pair of high waisted jeans, choose a crop top. If the baseline of your outfit looks off, then your whole ensemble will suffer.

2) Match your shoes to your blouse. This doesn’t have to be a perfect color match—it could mean that stylistically they go really well together. For example, a lot of jobs allow you to wear jeans to the office, but you still need to look professional. To do this, wear a button down top and a pair of pointy toe pumps. The top and shoes always signify the mood of your look.

3) Pick one statement piece. In the look I’m wearing, I chose the bell sleeve cardigan. You want something that stands out from the rest—something that draws the eye in, but still subtle enough that onlookers won’t be able to pinpoint it. This goes for jewelry too. Have you ever heard the famous Coco Chanel saying, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”? Overdoing it is an easy mistake to make. Wearing just one statement piece of jewelry is a good way to play it safe, be it a dramatic earring or a beautiful necklace—you can’t go wrong.

On Me: Similar Nordstrom Cardigan

Similar Clarks Shoes

Forever Top

Urban Jeans

The Utility Jacket

July 10, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

I’ve been trying to find a cute, everyday utility jacket for a long time. I wanted something that was light enough to be worn year round, but also heavy enough to keep me warm on a chilly day. This Gap jacket fit my requirements perfectly.

Utility jackets can often be a little too masculine for my liking, but this one was cut in a more feminine way. It’s both cropped and loosely fitted, which adds a little extra style than a typical cut.

I love the versatile collar too. I’ve been wearing it untucked recently, but folded down is great for a warmer day. All in all, I highly recommend investing in this closet staple–especially if you’re living in a city like San Fransisco that’s freezing one minute and hot the next.

On Me: Gap Jacket

BDG Jeans

Lucky Brand Shoes

Nine West Crossbody

Fourth of July Tops

July 3, 2017 SydnieLeave a comment

Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays–there is so much to celebrate. I usually spend Independence Day swimming in the lake and eating BBQ. My go-to patriotic look is something breathable, able to be worn over a bathing suit, and in the red, white, or blue color family. Thus, the tie front button-down.

The top in this pic is from a couple years ago, but here are some similar options:

Free People

Revolve

Happy Fourth of July!