Fall Fever... Wait, what??

Can you believe it's that time of year again? Students are heading back to school and before we know it, fall will hit us! While I totally am enjoying my 2 week break off from school, I really do love early fall. In fact, I think I would consider it to be my favorite season of the year. Some of my best memories have been made in the fall. I love crisp morning air, football tailgating, a little peppermint schnapps in my hot cocoa, the turn of the leaves... just to name a few. But amongst all of these things, I can't help but get excited to pull out my boots and scarves and enjoy my favorite pair of jeans again. Here are a few things I think of when I think about fall and would like to incorporate into my closet this season!

L.L. Bean Quilted Riding Vest in Navy 

J.Crew Merino Pocket Tunic sweater in Garnet

J. Crew Boy Shirt in French Blue 

Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece 1/4 Zip

Frye Shirley Riding Plate boots in Cognac

Ok, so maybe you have caught on to the whole classic, preppy, equestrian theme to these items here, but they truly are what I think of when I think about fall. In the last week, I have been obsessed with the L.L. Bean vest. Think of it paired over a denim shirt and a cute plaid scarf on a chilly morning for a coffee date. Need I say more? And obviously I am still lusting after a pair of Frye boots. Maybe someday, right?? ;)

What things do you hope to bring into your closet this coming fall?

XO, Carrie

Friday's Favorites

Hello lovelies! I trust you all have great weekend plans, and if not, I hope you find yourself with your feet up relaxing! Can you believe it's the middle of August already? Where did the summer go?! Yesterday, I finished up my summer semester of school and knocked out my finals with confidence. I now have a little over 2 weeks off before I start my fall classes, and couldn't be more excited about it. While I have no specific plans, I hope to spend a majority of my break at our lake home relaxing. 

Today, I thought I would share some random favorite-y goodness. I have done this before, and would like to make a better attempt to do it more often. These are things I am loving from online and can only dream about doing and having for myself.

Favorite activity:

A picnic with lots of pillows and wine.

Favorite treat: 

Peaches 'n Cream popsicles scream summer

Favorite dream vacation:

The beauty of the Mediterranean is incredible. 

Favorite glam look: 

Nude with black lace overlay.

Favorite pet:

Seriously. No words.

Happy Friday! XO, Carrie

My Current Obsession: Shelf Styling

If you follow me on Pinterest, you may have seen that recently I have been obsessed with modern glam shelf and table styling. I think there is something to be said about a person who can make an awkward shelf or table look great just by uniquely accessorizing it. Whats great about styling bookshelves and end tables is that the decor doesn't necessarily have to match. What I mean by 'match' is that they don't have to be related articles or objects. For instance, if you also follow me on Instagram, I recently posted a picture of a shelf that I  attempted to style with a pretty little book, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, topped with a gray owl figurine. Perfect. Shelf styling is not only a great way to utilize some decor items that you weren't sure where to put, but also a way to show your individuality and personal taste. Here's my latest inspiration!

Hope you all are having a great week so far! :)

Worth the Hype

Across blogs, YouTube videos, beauty stores, and magazines, we often tend to see the same products that everyone seems to have or want. But the real question we can't answer without purchasing the products and bringing them home is IF they are worth the hype. Well today, I am bringing you my personal opinions on a few "hyped up" products that I, myself own and will be letting you know if I think they are worth purchasing. 

Urban Decay Naked 1 & 2

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Why? I love these palettes. They are very versatile and great for traveling. That being said, I don't think you really need both, so pick one. They have their differences, but I think you could get away with just owning one or the other. I'm not going to go into too much detail with these because I have an entire blog post dedicated to these palettes. You can read it here. :)

Clarisonic 

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Why? To put it into terms, the Clarisonic is like an electric tooth brush for your face. The sonic vibrations give you a deeper clean than you ever could manually do with your hands or a wash cloth. It cleans deep into your skin, bringing all your toxins to the surface. I know many people claim that the Clarisonic breaks them out, but if you give it a chance to fully deep clean your skin for a few weeks, I think you will be amazed with the results. My skin is LOVING it. 

Beauty Blender

Do I recommend it? Maybe.

Why? While the Beauty Blender is a great new tool for applying makeup, I can't say that I would choose it exclusively over my Sigma foundation brush. If you like applying makeup with sponges, this is definitely something I would recommend. Don't purchase a knock off either, pay the $19 and get this brand. It is far better than the el cheapo ones from Ulta and Target. 

NARS Orgasm Blush

Do I recommend it? For the money, no.

Why? Don't get me wrong, I love NARS Orgasm and have repurchased it in the past. However, I think you can buy a lot more with your $34. If you love Orgasm, but don't want to foot the bill, check out NYX Pinched blush. It is a very close dupe, and runs for about $6 at Ulta!

CHI Silk Infusion

Do I recommend it? Yes.

Why? This might be the only hair product that I have ever owned that I've used and noticed a difference in my hair. And that says a lot. I used to be hair product junkie, but never found myself repurchasing any of the things I thought I HAD to have. It makes my hair so silky and strong feeling. I always apply it to damp hair and sometimes again when I am done styling. While this oil is a bit on the pricey side, this will last you wayyyyyyy longer than you think it will. I feel like I've had mine so long it might go bad on me. 

Do you own any "hyped up" products that are worth purchasing? 

I hope you all have had a great Monday! :)

New Loves

Have you ever bought something and wondered how you ever lived without it?  That's how I'm feeling about the Make Up For Ever HD Powder. I went to Sephora last week knowing I wanted a new setting powder and was planning on buying the one by Laura Mercier, which is a little bit tinted and not considered HD. But when I hunted around the store a little more, I found myself drawn towards the MUFE. This powder is a three time award winning micro-finish, universal translucent powder. It is ultra-fine with a silky smooth finish that sets your foundation for a flawless finish...which we all obviously want. Not to mention, it comes in a spill-proof container. So, even though it wasn't what I planned to buy, I came home with a new baby. One week later, I am loving it and it has replaced my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish setting powder. In the same day, I also picked up Sephora's version of a pH match lipgloss (I recently blogged about them here). It creates the most beautiful shade of pink and is very long wearing. Lastly, when I stopped at the drug store for a few toiletries, I made a quick browse through the makeup and came across this beautiful pearl highlighter by Physician's Formula. Before this, I didn't own a specific highlighter, but often would use a frosty shadow to get the job done. I am loving it when applied with the Sigma F50 Duo Fibre brush. I also just picked up the Mary Lou-Manizer powder by TheBalm on Hautelook and am impatiently awaiting its arrival! 

What new things have you immediately loved? 

XO, Carrie