Inspiration: Looks I Love (Pt. 16)

I've fallen in love with vintage all over again. From band tees to flares, these trends from mom's era is just too good to pass up. It's a good thing I held onto my favorite band tees (some since high school) and introduced a few new pants into my rotating collection of trousers.

There's also something about silk that has me murmuring to myself, "maybe I just might".

Below is my mood board for the upcoming fall season. FYI, I tend to share more outfit inspiration on Pinterest too so follow me there too!

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The Blonde Salad - look one and two

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The Polished Braided Pony (& Stripes for the Office)

After a weekend away, without a care in the world, it's time to return to the workforce. Hopefully, my brain cells join me since it's been quite the trip.

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Whenever I come back from a long weekend, the one thing that puts me in motion for a good (or at least semi-functional) work week ahead is dressing the part.

The first part I tend to focus on has always been my face and hair. I do have a ten-minute makeup routine I'll share on my YouTube soon, so I'm never too worried about that. My hair, on the other hand, needs all the help it can which is why you'll always find me bright and early at RPZL on those Monday mornings.

If you've never been to the braid and pony bar in Flatiron, you must give it a shot. First off, the salon specializes in hair extensions. But their stylists are so talented when it comes to whipping the best insta-worthy hair creations. If you're curious about the price, it's on par with the other blow-dry bars but the styles last a lot longer.

The salon uses the R+Co line, which I've come to love after dying my hair and re-learning how to care for it. The space is also pretty cute and would make for a great spot to prep with girls before any big or not-so-big event. If you're in NYC, check them out here.

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Once I have my hair for the week figured out, I lean on separates from my favorite "grown-up" stores - one of them being Banana Republic.

I'm feeling these striped separates since together they form an out-of-the-box look but a part build up the perfect basics for any closet.

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

I'll admit this whole look is a bit risque for the office, I would wear this out to dinner or a very casual work meeting. At the same time, I could always swap out the sandals for a closed-toe shoes to be more work approps.

Are there any things in particular, you do to get ready for the workweek after a long weekend away?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

Shop the look:

Five Friday Faves

By the time you read this I'll be settling into our Chicago digs and prepping for the weekend ahead by purchasing all of the Pedialyte in the state of Illinois. As promised, I added a bit more diversity to my Five Friday Faves that have made this week a breeze!

Lancômes Artliners from left to right: chocolat, cuir, menthe, jade, saphir, azur, violet, amethyste

Lancômes Artliners from left to right: chocolat, cuir, menthe, jade, saphir, azur, violet, amethyste

Lancôme Drama-Liqui-Pencil from left to right: (top row) soleil, lame, french lace, pluie, lumiere, embrasé, brûlée, paradis, minuit, parisian night, côte d'azur, (bottom) macaron, ampoulé, baroque

Lancôme Drama-Liqui-Pencil from left to right: (top row) soleil, lame, french lace, pluie, lumiere, embrasé, brûlée, paradis, minuit, parisian night, côte d'azur, (bottom) macaron, ampoulé, baroque

1. Lancôme's New #AllEyesOnYou Collection
Lancôme surprised me with an amazing collection of eyeliners (liquid + pencil), mascaras, eye shadows, and eye makeup remover. Usually, I won't use a product until after photographing them, but like a moth to a flame, I was immediately drawn to their black Drama-Liqui-Pencil and Artliner. It has since been used up (got this awesome gift a few months back, eek!) but I can honestly say their formulas are to die for. The pencils glide on so easily and provide an intense burst of color. As for the Artliner, the precision gave a new dimension to my cat eyes. Plus, the colors they launched are so fun to play with! Whichever shade you're digging I highly recommend scooping up one or three and adding it to your arsenal.

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2. Lola 100% Cotton Tampons
Did you ever wonder, what exactly was in your tampon? I mean we care about the ingredients in our food and skincare products, but we don't really bat a lash when it comes to our feminine products. Then I started hearing about Lola and their organic cotton tampons early last year. Their manifesto and clean, modern design intrigued me, but their transparency and convenience made me a customer for life.

I know change can be scary but there's no harm in trying it out once. Use my code AOLMEDO1 for $5 off plus new customers get 1 free box on their 2+ box order.

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3. Kylie Lip Kit in KoKo K (& its Dupes)
If we're being honest, I'm obsessed with Kylie and her lip kits. If I wasn't knee deep in bills I would probably buy her entire collection of colors. Instead, I gave myself a limit and bought the 22 + KoKo K shades. I'm obsessed with both but KoKo K has done wonders for me this summer. Part of me wants to stock up on the color but the other part is not about the $9 shipping fee. Instead, I headed over to my local drugstore and found dupes that are just as good if not better for a fraction of the price! Now, let us rejoice over these finds:

via suburbanfauxpas.com

via suburbanfauxpas.com

4. Dove Dry Spray
Are you surprised to see Dove's Dry Spray make the list yet again? It's such a timesaver and lifesaver when it comes to getting ready in the AM and at fitness studios. The spray goes on dry so there's no white residue left on clothes, has no alcohol in the ingredients so it's gentle on skin, and moisturizes your skin for a smoother feeling. Grab a few on your next shopping trip and pamper your underarms.

Magnetic Eye Color Pencil from left to right: angel, spirit, chocolate

Magnetic Eye Color Pencil from left to right: angel, spirit, chocolate

5. NUDESTIX for Eyes
For mornings that I'm feeling a no-makeup makeup look, I've turned to NUDESTIX's complementary colors of nudes. The shades are subtle, chic, and effortless which is great for when I'm short on time. You won't need a primer either with these sticks since they won't smudge, crease or fade - aka great for all day wear. After a little more digging, I noticed the vegan line boasts a collection that is free of preservatives, parabens, and gluten. If you're into a no-fuss routine, give this line a look.