Skincare Favorites

I am Sephora addict, so figuring out which of their myriad of products work best for my skin is, quite frankly, a pleasure. At this point I’ve figured out a routine that I’m totally loving (although I’m always trying new things so I’ll keep you posted)!

I have fairly oily, sensitive skin — so this is just what works best for me. Most of what you see above comes in a version for normal/dry skin if that works better for you.

Not all of these products are from Sephora, but my absolute “can’t live withouts” are the Clarisonic and the Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial, but I use everything here regularly!

I included the Mary Kay Clear Proof set because it has done wonders for my skin and I always love a good all-natural mask from Lush. I have oily skin so I tend to use Cupcake, Love Lettuce or Ayesha. 

Are any of you Sephoraholics like me? Do you use any of these brands or have any suggestions as we move into the warmer months? Let me know in the comments!

You Will Always Be My Best Friend

Love and relationships can be some of the most complicated experiences in your twenties, but you should enjoy it as much as you can - especially if you're young, not married and don't have kids. 

This is the time when you realize indispensable life lessons. At some point, you learn that your friends become family.

The beauty is that even though we change, we're all finding our own place in the world. Whatever obstacles we face, we will overcome them together. We may disagree, but when the tears fall, we'll come together. We will be by each other's side no matter what because where this world takes us, nothing will change the fact we're still friends. 

It's hard when the closest person to you is the farthest away. The truth is if I were to lose you though, I would have lost my best friend, my smile, my laugh, my voice of reason and most of all my everything. 

Green Is The New Pink

When temperatures begin to rise, you might think it's time to retire the bright colors and patterns in your wardrobe, but there are plenty of appropriate patterns to keep your outfits distinctive and stylish all year around.

The best way to ramp up your summer style is to play with prints because it is all about your personal sense of style. 

With your print shirts, some think they should be the only statement in your outfit, but I disagree. It is in important not to over do it but you can mix prints. The shirt is the main focus of the look, which is why I paired it with a solid colored leather jacket and dark jeans. This helps dial down the intensity of the vibrant-colored shirt. By combining my shirt and stand-out shoes, this creates a modern and on-trend look and not only adds some class, but some sass as well. 

To me, this outfit includes so many of my wardrobe must-haves. As I have mentioned I am all about mixing prints - prints are my go-to. You can easily take them from a casual brunch to a first date by what you pair them with. A leather jacket and dark jeans are staples - all girls need them. I would say that about the leopard shoes, but some of you may not be in to animal print.  I will admit, I'm obsessed. I love a good leopard, whether its a flat or a heel. I'll take it!

CLOTHING DETAILS 

BCBGMaxazria Moto Leather Jacket [Similar] 

J.Crew Factory Button Down 
JBrand Skinny Jeans [Similar]

Steve Madden ElusionL Flats
J.Crew Crystal Shimmer Earrings [Similar]
Micheal Kors 'Channing' Turquoise Dial Watch 

Ray Ban Aviator Full Color

PHOTO CREDIT | Chelsea Stromer

The San Francisco Story

Moving to a new city is exciting - new things to see, do and eat - but it also comes with an exhausting array of new details to figure out, from what's the best neighborhood coffee shop to where to get your nails done. Oh, and more importantly how to use public transit.

And San Francisco is no exception. If you're planning to move here you should be ready for hills, chilly nights and an amazing local culture. From exploring the city's many parks and finding the best burritos, there's plenty to experience. 

For anyone whose wondered about how I came to be a California resident once again, I believe it was fate. Back in high school I met a dear friend of mine - she was a sales associate at BCBG Maxazria and I was her favorite customer (Right, Sheena?). Sheena, I owe you for making me look fabulous for all my high schools dances. Anyways, as you've probably figured out we stayed in touch. 

Though her amazing encouragement and connections, I was offered an interview at SutherlandGold Group and I think we all know what happened next - I got it! It literally all happened in a split second. Okay, it was more like two weeks but still. 

As a person who has a passion for adventure, I understand the fear in moving. I've learned through time though that each experience is always been than the last. My mantra has become to be courageous and to always be kind. 

Friday Night In

After a long week, everyone deserves a spa night and a glass of wine. 

It is Friday and sometimes its nice to spend a night in. Time to fill your bathwater with my favorite, Laura Mercier's Coconut Honey Bath, light some candles, wash and exfoliate your face, and slip into the tub with a luxurious mask on.

Here are a few of my favorite things for a quiet, relaxing spa night at home.

Enjoy!

In The Mix

Yes, it is socially acceptable to mix patterns and prints. Mixing patterns has become a classic style from wearing stripes and florals, polka dots and leopard, or even pairing plaid prints. 

This boyfriend plaid shirt is one of my favorites. It is the perfect compliment to the my woven herringbone vest. The plaid pattern in the button-down is toned down by the simple vest paired with grey jeans. I added a simple necklace and a pair of brown wedges for a casual coffee date. 

Pairing different prints really allows for more versatility, while also creating the perfect canvas for layering. Throw on a printed coat or a bold statement necklace for a more dressed up look!

Take a risk and mix your plaid.

 I promise you it'll be the best decision you'll make!

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

The Beauty of Consignment

Consignment store shopping can change your life. Maybe not like Hallelujah! kind of life changing, but certainly one that will shake up your closet and make you smile. I discovered Scout back in 2008, when they first opened. The selection of clothing, accessories and jewelry is amazing, ranging from an array of pre-loved and vintage pieces!

The beauty of hidden gems like Scout is they believe in keeping perfectly fabulous clothing and accessories in circulation. It is all about offering fashionistas like yourself one-of-a-kind pieces! 

I had the opportunity to styling three exceptionally stylish outfits: the love affair for sequins, the floral child, and the vintage chic darling. 

The Love Affair For Sequins 

This dress was love at first sight. It is perfect for New Year's Eve or a girl's night out in the city. I truly believe we all need a little sequins in our closet. 

CLOTHING DETAILS 
BCBG Shutter Dress (Originally $338) -  $98

BCBG Generation Patent Leather Pumps - $32

Vintage Faux Fur Jacket - $60

The Floral Child 

I adore a good pair of floral pants, especially these Citizens of Humanity ones. 

Not only are they in perfect condition, but they are a steal. 

You can pair them with a sweater or a novelty tee.

CLOTHING DETAILS 
JCrew Tied Sweater - $24

Citizens of Humanity Floral Pants -  $24

Vintage Green Straw Bag - $32 

The Vintage Chic Darling

To me, this outfit symbolizes the essence of Scout. 

It's about mixing vintage with modern and trendy. 

CLOTHING DETAILS 
Vintage Fuzzy Navel Sweater - $24

J.Crew Black and White Dress Shirt - $32

Black and White Striped Mini Skirt - $24

BCBG Generation Patent Leather Pumps - Scout's price $32

Vintage Gold Necklace - $12 

Kelly is one of the kindest ladies and such an inspiration for women, I had a wonderful time styling some of Scout's pieces. So you should spend your work day perusing their store, Scout because until March 31st use ANNA at checkout for 20% off your purchase!

   

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

Meet Kelly Newell of Scout

Kelly is the owner and visionary behind Scout, a local consignment store based in Omaha, Nebraska. Scout specializes in saving the world one piece of clothing at a time by keeping perfectly amazing clothing and accessories in circulation. They buy all the time, seven days a week. You don't need an appointment, just come on in and one of their friendly trained buyers will meet you at the main counter. They'll assist you through the process, which usually takes less then ten minutes. Scout has fabulous new pieces every week! Stay tuned! Oh and Kelly is a true inspiration women, too! I had a great time interviewing her to give you the scoop on Scout as well as an exciting collaboration, which will featured Wednesday!

Name: Kelly Newell

Title: Owner

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Facebook: Scout

What's the Scout Story?

Scout opened in January of 2008, seven years this January! We offer recycled ,vintage, and new pieces. We work with many local artists to sell their hand-crafted designs in store.

Where does the name Scout come from?

The name Scout comes from  the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Scout was the feisty young girl that the story is based around. The name is perfect because we 'scout' out cool items and customers 'scout' for clothing and accessories in our store. 

Why Dundee?

Dundee is a historic district located west of Midtown Omaha. It is a incredible neighborhood! I'm so against the big box and strip mall mentality. Also, 98% of businesses in Dundee are locally owned and operated and a majority by women! It's got a lot of personality!

Your inventory is very eclectic. What do you look for?

Above all-quality of the item. Next, style. We look for items that are currently fashionable and can be modern or vintage. 

Is everything pre-owned/pre-loved or do you feature new speciality items?

Yes, most items are recycled. We do have many new items from emerging designers and artists as well! 

Can we purchase online?

You can! Our site is ilovescout.com.

How often do you update your inventory?

We add hundreds of new items every week! We feature and release the newest items on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. New arrivals each week! There is seriously always something new! 

Do you donate to any local charities?

All of are donations currently go to Habitat for Humanity Omaha and 25% of the profits during the March go to Shop Local Omaha, shoplocalomaha.com. 

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

Nail Colors for Spring

1. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Tenderly

2. Essie Nail Lacquer in Angora Cardi

3. MAC Nail Lacquer in Lightness of Being

4. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Jade

5. 3.1 Philip Lim for NARS Nail Polish in Shutter

6. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Dahling

7. Essie Nail Lacquer in Fiji

8. NARS Nail Polish in Elbrus

I’m pretty high maintenance when it comes to my nails. I never paint them myself, but 99.9% of the time when I leave the nail salon instead of feeling relaxed I just want to redo them because i always see that bit of polish on my skin and my cuticle.

It seems like every spring, without fail, we remove our dark nail polishes, fully ready to replace them with a crop of pastels. This season I've decided to break away from the mint green, baby blue, and lilac because they're just so expected. 

I'm definitely feeling dusty rose, plum and deep green at the moment, but I also always love a good neutral like MAC's Lightness of Being, and for those of you who like something a little more on the purple and girly side, Chanel has got you covered with their Tenderly shade.

And my all-time go-to color will always be Essie's opaque creamy pale pink Fiji. We've all heard of it and probably worn it, but I love the contrast with olive skin and brown hair. I feel like it makes me look tanner! 

                                                              

Bay Area Style

San Fransisco is home to a little bit of everything. Whether you're a first time visitor or a long-time local. It truly is as strikingly beautiful as you think and it lives up to the title of "the Paris of the West."

The city is small - like, less than a million people in fact. As a newcomer to The City, I was amazed at how easily I was able to navigate my way around. From the first time I stepped on the Muni [San Francisco Municipal Railway], I felt like I was in London. 

 For those of you who may have been wondering, I'm living in the Outer Sunset. I feel miles away from the fast-paced urbanites in this down-to-earth neighborhood along the coast. The salty ocean art air and an ever-present fog blanket the Sunset District. Undaunted by dampness, rows of modest stucco homes share the mostly quiet streets with locally beloved produce co-ops, casual restaurants, and cheeky cafes. The inviting green spaces and sandy shores make the misty adventure worth the time for the urban beachcombers.