TSB: September Rack Up

September 29, 2016

This felt like the shortest month ever! Probably because I spent most of it celebrating my best friend's birthday - one day is never enough. And In a few weeks, I'll be in Oregon watching another best friend marry the love of her life. I feel the tears already welling up inside of me!

No big Buzzfeed article to share this time around but I will say I challenged myself to dress more for the office than before. You know, grown up looks haha.

Sunglasses: The Row Sweater: Express (old, similar here) Skirt: boohoo.com Clogs: Swedish Hasbeens Purse: Rebecca Minkoff (& under $90!!) Lipstick: Glacé via Bite

Shirt: J. Crew Jeans: Bond via Mott & Bow Sunglasses: The Row Backpack: Tumi Boots: Modern Vice Lipgloss: Coral Sands via L'Oreal

Shirt: Wilfred Pants: J.Crew (similar here) Jacket: Joe Fresh (similar here) Sneakers: Adidas Necklace: Nashelle + Athra Luxe Rings: Assorted Lipgloss: Wolfie via Colourpop

Shirt: Banana Republic Skirt: Banana Republic (similar) Heels: J. Crew Purse: Rebecca Minkoff Bracelet: J. Crew + My Own (similar eye bracelet) Watch: Q&Q Smile Solar (similar) Lip Stain: Red My Lips via YSL Beauty

Sunglasses: Nordstroms Bodysuit: Wildfox Jeans: One Teaspoon Clutch: Ora Delphine Rings: Assorted Bracelets: Banana Republic + The Sak Shoes: Ego Lipgloss: Coral Sands via L'Oreal Foundation + Pressed Powder: Both Maybelline's FIT Me!

Top: Outdoor Voices Pants: Outdoor Voices Sports Bra: Sweaty Betty Tote: Baggu Sneakers: Brooks Lipgloss: Coral Sands via L'Oreal

Dress: Dezzal Boots: Ouigal Bangles: The Sak Rings: Assorted Earrings: Links of London Necklace: Athra Luxe + Baublebar Purse: Shana Luther Eyebrow Pencil: Billion Dollar Brow Pencil Lipgloss: Riot via Lime Crime

Photos by Adrianna Naomi, Lauren Adriance, and Lydia Hudgens.

Coming Up Roses

September 26, 2016

Out of all of my style posts from this month, this look is by far my favorite! There's something about this rose-covered dress that helps me stand a little bit taller, talk a little louder, and command the attention I deserve.

Because of that, I've worn it out to my (sober) Tinder dates, client meetings, and anytime I'm feeling a little bit down. It looks phenomenal on which makes my insides feel equally so.

The dress (or should I say the moments when it's worn) also brings to mind a familiar quote that describes where I am in life:

“I want to be full on my own
I want to be so complete
I could light a whole city”

— Rupi Kaur

On that note, if you haven't picked up her book Milk and Honey do so now. I've underlined so many things and left notes for my future self in the borders.

"But Aileen! Where did you get this dress?!"

Glad you asked! I found this dress on Dezzal.com for under $80 (dress it's still stocked y'all!!) and would say it runs a smidge smaller than expected. I'm wearing the small but would be slightly uncomfortable if I ate four slices of pizza.

Oh! And make sure you browse their site because they have some CUTE things listed and it's all super affordable.

Next thing I wanted to point out are my booties from an Italian brand called OUIGAL. So many quirky, colorful, and on-trend shoes - there's something for everyone and they ship quickly. A few stateside retailers have definitely noticed their appeal so you'll be able to find them on Shopbop or Anthropologie IF their stock hasn't sold out yet.

Dress: Dezzal Boots: Ouigal Bangles: The Sak Rings: Assorted Earrings: Links of London Necklace: Athra Luxe + Baublebar Purse: Shana Luther Eyebrow Pencil: Billion Dollar Brow Pencil Lipgloss: Riot via Lime Crime

One last thing before I sign off! Ever since I discovered the power of a strong brow I've been reviewing and testing a few brands and products. Let's be honest everyone swears they have the best in the game but only a few can back it up.

I was given Billion Dollar Brows' Brows on Point Micro Pencil to try out and must stay I love the blendable formula, how easy it is to apply, and the precise tip. Highly recommend if you're a brow pencil kind of gal. I'm wearing their Raven color in these photos and think my brows came out fleeky.

Photos by Lauren Adriance.

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The Babe Bodysuit

September 22, 2016

You guys, I have been dying to style and document this bodysuit for the longest! I took a few photos on my iPhone but it didn't do it justice. So here it is in its full glory :).

I've been obsessed with bodysuits ever since my stint at American Apparel. Now, I know they don't always fit amazing, but when you find the one that does - you stop everything you're doing it and buy it in every color.

One good reason why this top is flooding my drawers is because it's so damn versatile. Throw on bottoms, cute shoes, and strut out that door! And I rarely talk about my dating life on here, but those that deserve a selfie get the selfie they deserve (wink).

Recently, I've been really into these particular bodysuits from Wildfox. They have this amazing high leg cut and the fabric is perfectly thin for the late Indian summer we're having. The styling formula I've been using has been pleather skirts + stan smiths or distressed boyfriend denim + eye-catching shoes (these were under $35).

Another thing I wanted to mention was my experience with Maybelline's FitMe foundation. I've gone through two bottles at this point and am basically a convert. I've never been one to use foundation, drugstore foundation at that, and I fell in love with the outcome.

(FYI, I've always used coverage but BB Creme was more my thing).

In all honesty, I really love the texture, lightness of the formula, and matte finish. It hasn't rubbed off on my clothing either which is my number 1 concern when it comes to all makeup. If you're in the market for a new affordable foundation - try their line first. If you're nervous you won't like it then, buy it from a store with a great return policy - Ulta for instance!

Sunglasses: Nordstroms Bodysuit: Wildfox Jeans: One Teaspoon Clutch: Ora Delphine Rings: Assorted Bracelets: Banana Republic + The Sak Shoes: Ego Lipgloss: Coral Sands via L'Oreal Foundation + Pressed Powder: Both Maybelline's FIT Me!

Before we say goodbye, I wanted to call out today's photographer, Adrianna. She's a fellow blogger who regularly hops behind the camera when she's not in front of it. I'm having fun mixing it up with photographers and experimenting with art direction. Hope you're enjoying the shots too!

Photos by Adrianna Naomi.

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