At this point, I definitely have too much makeup. Over the years I’ve somehow accumulated a collection of eyeshadows and lip stains and throughout the years I have been trying to get rid of what I can. When I was just out of college, I could fit everything I owned into a small bag.

In the summer, I prefer natural makeup where I can be out the door in under five minutes but as soon as it’s fall, I tend to sway towards a little bit more of a dramatic makeup look. Here’s what my makeup routine looks like this season and my favorite products have been using lately:

Superhero Mascara

Volumizing mascara, this stuff is seriously amazing!

No tug eyeliner

Water proof gel eyeliner

Mac Eye Shadow Palette 

Neutral Smoky Eyes
This palette is filled with shimmery neutrals, 6 amazing brown tone colors

The Nubian by Juvia’s

this palette is great for every day wear and into the night

NYX Total Control

Matte foundation with dropper

What are your favorite makeup recommendations?

| Beauty Tips and Tricks |Favorite Skin Products |

No one told me how hard it was going to be to decide on bridesmaid dresses. Whether you’re having 10 bridesmaids or just your maid of honor, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be stressful! There are just so many options, fabrics, silhouettes and colors to choose from that the task can be daunting! I spent weeks putting dresses side by side, getting input from my bridesmaids and pinning so many examples on Pinterest.  Last week I finally made a decision on my four bridesmaid dresses!

I originally had sent the girls the picture below for inspiration and told them they could pick a dress similar to the ones pictured and that didn’t end up working out. The dresses were not mixing well together and the patterned dresses did not look good up against my wedding dress.

I opted to choose champagne and blush colors off of showmeyourmumu.com and then let each of the bridesmaids pick a different style of dress that they wanted.

I wanted to share with you my best take away tips to bridesmaid dress shopping:

1. Color– Decide on your color palette for your wedding then decide on the color of your dresses. Since we are getting married in June I knew that I wanted to choose softer/lighter colors. I chose to go with mix and match blush and champagne for the dresses. Remember to be considerate of everyone’s skin tones, I realize that the colors I chose do not look good on everyone’s skin tone, but spray tans are always an easy fix for this!
2. Silhouettes– Picking different silhouettes is a perfect option for the bride who wants to hold fast to the tradition of everyone in the same color, but also acknowledges the fabulousness that is diversity amongst her bridal party. Remember not every dress style is flattering for every person.
3. Budget– There are tons of pretty and affordable options out there so just do your research!
4. Consider the style– If you’re wearing a busy dress with lots of lace, details, and/or beading, keep the bridal party dresses on the simpler side. I had originally planned to do floral bridesmaid dresses but after picking my wedding dress I decided to go with simple bridesmaid dresses to make sure that the two fabrics won’t clash.
5. Consider the season and the time of day– Pastels probably won’t look right for a fall wedding and long black bridesmaid dresses probably won’t look too great for an early summer wedding. Be sure to keep in mind your surroundings and the temperature.
6. Forget about finding dresses the ladies will “wear again” the fact is that no matter how pretty the dress is, they will always feel like a bridesmaid wearing it. So choose a dress that you like and they feel good in.

Remember, that while making your bridal party happy is important, this is your wedding and what you think and love matters the most! Your friends are there to stand by your side and encourage your marriage, no matter what dress they are wearing.

Check back next week to find out how to purchase for florals and decor on a budget!

{ Wedding Planning on a Budget } { Newlywed Finances } { Unique Bridal Shower Gifts }

Brrrr! The season of sweater weather, scarves and boots is finally here in Indianapolis.

With 70 degree weather up until last week I am excited it is finally starting to feel like fall. Whether you’re excited to start creating your Halloween costume or to end your days next to the fireplace, it comes as no surprise that fall is a favorite season for many of us including me!

One of my favorite things about the crisp weather is wearing comfy outfits and being able to rock a pair of boots. From riding boots to combat boots to statement ankle boots, the choices are as endless as my obsession with them. It’s probably a universal rule that your outfit can only be as good as your shoes are, so if you’re unsure of what your next go-to fall boots will be, don’t worry, I have rounded up my favorite affordable Fall boots for this season! Take a look and let me know which is your favorite!

1. Anthro Animal Print Booties
2. Closed Toe Zipper Tassel
3. Ankle Bootie with zipper
4. Brown Riding Boots
5. Closed Toe Black Ankle Booties ah how cute is that burgundy pair?

More fall trends that you don’t want to miss:

Off the shoulder

Fall Color Trends

Elbow Patches

Combat Boots 

Flannel

When we have a cloudy day here in Indy, my go-to uniform is a plaid flannel and skinny jeans. There’s something about wearing plaid in the autumn months that feels so cozy. So today, I’m rounding up 10 different ways to style your plaid button downs.

1. Layer your flannel shirt under a cozy sweater to stay even more warm.

2. Tie your flannel around your waist for a ’90s grunge vibe.

3. Not every day calls for a heavy coat and scarf. For those warmer fall afternoons, vests are the perfect layering piece.

4. Wear your flannel open, similar to a cardigan.

5. Make leather leggings more casual by pairing with a flannel.

6. Mix a flannel with stripes.

7. Dress it up with a giant statement necklace.

8. Keep it simple, over a white tee.

Last year I did a post on how to wear a blanket scarf for fall and this year I figured it was only appropriate to do a post on my favorite blanket scarves from around the web! The blanket scarf is hands down one of my favorite fall/winter fall accessories. Blanket scarves are an easy way to accessorize any outfit and when you start looking around, you’ll find that blanket scarves are super easy on the bank account!

Below are my top 9 I’m loving for this season. Happy Shoppying! Xo

Processed with VSCOcam with 5 preset

It is still in the 80’s here in Indiana but I am itching for Fall weather! It’s mid September it has to cool down here soon, on that note I got inspired to think about what my absolutely favorite most-worn fall clothes are. Hope you enjoy!

Leather Jacket– A good leather jacket is a great closet staple. If you get a really good classic one – it can last forever. It can be dressed up or be super casual. I love to wear mine with jeans and a t-shirt but it looks equally great over a dress.

Plaid Scarf-I love how much a scarf can add interest & complete a basic outfit.

Cable Knit Sweater – I wear sweaters all. the. time. I own a light weight and a heavy weight version. And the light weight one is fantastic for Fall. It’s a wonderful basic.

Striped Shirt-Striped shirts are all day every day my favoritest kind of shirt there is. Under cardigans for work, with shorts to the park or with comfortable pants to travel. Forever chic and cute.

Military Jacket– I love it most with jeans and a t-shirt but also with dresses too!

Ankle Boot-I think they are super cute and stylish.

Plaid Shirts-The classic fall staple – the plaid shirt.

Skinny Jeans-Great in fall for tunic shirts, sweaters layered with button ups and tanks with cozy flowy cardigans. Cute with riding boots, ankle boot or flats. Yay jeans!

Drapey Cardigan-I love a cozy cardigan for fall an easy layer like a cardigan is great for adjusting to the swinging temps.

What are your favorite fall pieces?

Heyyyyaaaa Friends! One of Fall’s biggest fashion trends is the off-the-shoulder style. From tops to dresses to jumpsuits, you’re sure to see a ton of shoulder-baring options out there. With tons of different kinds of tops out there, there are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses allow you to show a little skin without looking too risqué. I’d say they’re the perfect combination of sweet and sexy.

Below you’ll find an assortment of my favorite off-the-shoulder looks I just can’t get enough of, these are perfect for transitioning into Fall…

Ulysses Top-VICI  $48

Dottie Couture: Floral off the shoulder dress $32

Express: Ribbed Cold Shoulder Sweater $39.90

Express: V-Neck cold shoulder long sleeve $39.90

Avon- Eye Makeup Remover

Age Rewind Primer

Murad Ultimate Moisturizer Eyes

Murad Perfecting Night Cream

Mac Strobe Cream

Mac Skin Base

Retinol Advanced Brightening Serum

Murad Environmental Shield

Nuxe Cleansing and Makeup Remover

Just recently I have started to buy products to help against anti-aging and wrinkles. I sat down and thought about what my holy grail beauty products would be, the products I use up to the last drop because they are just. so. good. I am constantly trying new products, but I also have my trusted favorites. Some of them have been new discoveries this year, others are more recent discoveries. Today, I’m sharing with you my 9 favorite face products to help against wrinkles and fine lines that won’t break the bank!

1. Avon Eye Makeup Remover $1.99  Moisture Effective Eye Makeup Remover Lotion. Remove your makeup with this gentle lotion. This make up remover is strong enough to take off that smoky eye, and gentle enough for everyday use. Best of all, the gentle make up remover is non-greasy and leaves eyes feeling clean, soft and soothed.
2. Maybelline Age Rewind Primer $9.99 Apply before foundation, Primer transforms skin into a perfectly smooth canvas for ideal makeup application. Lines, wrinkles, pores, and imperfections appear to vanish instantly. Skin is finished with a subtle pink tint for a youthful glow.
3. Murad Ultimate Moisturizer– $72.00 A luxurious, yet lightweight cream that provides 24-hour hydration to restore suppleness and visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
4. Murad Night Perfecting Cream $55.00 This lightweight night cream hydrates and restores skin’s appearance overnight and works while you sleep by restoring skin’s moisture balance and supporting healthy, natural cell turnover.
5. Mac Strobe Cream $33.00 The ultimate quick fix for the skin. Super-powered with potent botanicals to refresh and moisten. Boosts the look of dull, flat or tired-looking skin with nutritious vitamins and a mega-dose of green tea. Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin in all lighting conditions from sunlight to spotlight.
6. Mac Prep & Prime  $31.00 A lightweight gel lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Evens out skin redness and skin tone while adding radiance. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder
7. Retinol Advanced brightening serum $23.99 Retinol’s Advanced Brightening Serum is a weightless, fast absorbing serum formulated with the highest potency of brightening ingredients. Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone, smoothes to minimize the appearance of fine lines & antioxidant protection helps prevents environmental damage.
8. Murad Environmental Shield $36.00 A patented antioxidant-rich cleanser that rehydrates environmentally damaged skin.
9. Nuxe Cleansing and Makeup Remover $19.00 This gentle, soap-free make-up remover and cleanser with Honey and Sunflower cleanses, soothes and removes make-up in one go – whilst being kind to your skin.

What are your favorite skin products?

| Trader Joe Favorite Beauty Products | Makeup Tips & Tricks | Birchbox VS Ipsy |