Something Sweet

Only two more days until Tulum! I'm so excited to finally get some sun on these pale legs of mine and peace out for a little bit.

I'm so pumped to retire the bulky suffocating layers and bring out the pastel and lighter jackets. Show a little bit of skin and get some necessary vitamin D.

With all my shifting around from one apartment to another I've misplaced a lot of things - RIP denim shorts. So you can only imagine my need to find cute shorts (perfect for spring here and the heat in Tulum) only increased tenfold. I also need to stick to a budget while on the hunt because of yet another possible move looming ahead - I swear it never ends. 

I'm already a regular shopper at Gap Factory - lots of on-trend pieces for half the price. So, I logged onto their online store for a bit of shopping and...

Holy Moly... so many good options and so affordable too. Obviously, I got ALL of the pairs. Some were textured (like the one I'm styling here), printed, or solids. And as a tall girl, the length is perfect.

I decided to do an all-white look which is perfect for Soho strolls and art gallery hopping. Not to mention it's a sweet way to pop in front of any murals you come across. I paired the Factory Eyelet Shorts with Boyfriend Utility Shirt and kept the look sweet with pink lace-up flats and chambray jacket. When the temps rise even higher I'll forgo the jacket, but for now, it'll stay on.

Jacket: Gap Factory  Top: Gap Factory  Shorts: Gap Factory  Flats: J. Crew  Purse: Rebecca Minkoff  Sunglasses: Miu Miu via Ditto (use thestyleboro for one month free)  Bangles: Monica Vinader & Kenneth Jay Lane  Lipstick: Color 8 via YSL

This day, in particular, I stopped by Harry's (64 Macdougal St.) for this fun wall art and then headed towards First Street Green Art Park (33 East 1st Street, corner of Houston Street and 2nd Avenue).

P.s. Did anyone else watch Beyoncé's Lemonade more than once? I legitimately can't stop watching it.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Today's post was created in collaboration with Gap Factory. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

Easy Festival Braids

Today's shop has been sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible! 
#RethinkYourColour #CollectiveBias

Hello Monday! Or should I say happy first funemployment Monday? This month has been such a whirlwind that I still haven't had time to digest my trip to Nashville (loved!!), my move (yes, another one), broken laptop (FML), and my new job (huzzah). In the meantime, I've been unpacking and enjoying my new hair!

I've used John Frieda Visibly Brighter® Line over the last two weeks and gave myself a much-needed trim. My locks are feeling spring-ready after using a combination of the John Frieda Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ Subtle Lightening Shampoo & Conditioner and John Frieda Brilliant Brunette® Visibly Brighter™ In-Shower Treatment. All found at Walmart too! If you can't find it at your local Walmart, try Walmart.com instead.

Although my hair is still on the dark side, I love how the line gave me sun-kissed highlights throughout. Did I mention I didn't have to pay salon prices to go lighter? With the amount of money I saved on this process I could actually take a trip to Tulum. Should I?

I'm thrilled with the results and wanted to share this easy braid tutorial since we are entering festival season. If any of you are coming back from Coachella or getting ready to go - have an amazing time! I've been three times and it's always been incredible. I'm taking a backseat from it this year and am instead heading to the local ones in New York City. But, there are so many this year you might as well bookmark this for later. It'll keep the hair out of your face and off your neck - perfect for dancing all day.

Alright before we begin you're going to need a brush, clear elastic bands, and bobby pins. Playing your favorite festival playlist in the background is optional. 

FIRST
Part your hair down the center, from the front to back. You should be left with two section. Comb through each section to get rid of any knots which will make braiding easier.

SECOND
Give yourself two pigtails right above your ears and secure with the clear elastic band. In case you're worried, the clear elastic band won't show.

THIRD
Braid your pigtails. If you prefer your braids to fall on the chunkier side - loosely braid your hair. If you want smaller braids then aim to keep your braids tight. Make sense? Don't forget to secure your braids with another clear elastic band at the end.

FOURTH
Grab those bobby pins! Start with one braid and drape it over your head. Think of draping it in the same position a hairband would be placed at - not at the front of your scalp nor at the very back. Secure that first braid with bobby pins. To make them less visible make sure to tuck them under your braid or on the backside of your braid. Another trick is to use bobby pins as close as possible to your hair color. Repeat with the next braid.

FIFTH
Smile, you're all done!

I told you that was easy. It's my go-to hairstyle during festival season and a cute way to disguise two-day old hair as well.

P.s. Check out the original BEFORE post & photos here!

Photos by Gita of Mimi & Chichi.

The Good Life

Yesterday's post was heavy but it felt so good to write about it. Therapeutic in a sense.

Some of you might be wondering if I'm dating right away and the answer to that is...

Kind of.

I'm not in a rush to find my ride or die. If anything, I'm just going with the flow. Keep in mind, I just got out of a long-term AND live-in relationship, so it's really important to take a step back and just "do me".

At the same time, I won't ever turn down a fun night out. It might be all the film noir I grew up on but I can't say no to romance.

For those nights, that I have said yes (few and far, my friends) I opt for a relaxed silhouette that features my best assets - my strong legs.

Dress: Tobi  Boots: Zara  Purse: edressme  Sunglasses: The Row  Necklace: La Soula  Lipstick: Daringly Nude via Maybelline  Hair: Terax Life Drops

Since I don't have that many date-night dresses, I've been making updates to my closet to include a few more thigh-skimming mini dresses. In the name of research, I've spent a few hours viewing all of the options on tobi.com and possibly found a few more favorites.

They tend to have really great sales and an amazing first-time customer deal (50% off sitewide if you sign up for their newsletter), so I'd click over soonish :). As for accessories, I try to keep it as delicate as possible so they don't detract attention from the dress. For that reason, I've been wearing La Soula, which is known for gorgeous hand-crafted pieces. (P.s. Keep them in mind for Mother's Day).

Photos by Gita Woosley.

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