Hint of Mint

Top: Old Navy (here) / Jeans: Old Navy (here) / Shoes: Target (here)

So spring has started, though the weather has shown otherwise. I picked up this top from Old Navy a week ago and I'm in love with this color for spring, so expect to see more of it as the season continues.

Wednesday Flannel

Flannel: Wal-Mart (here) / T-Shirt: Old Navy (here)

Jeans: Old Navy (here) / Sneakers: Vans (here)

Hey guys! It's finally Friday! I just started my new job yesterday, so hopefully I can still keep up with blogging. I know I'm aiming for 3 posts a week, but I think for the most part I might just only have 2. I'm going to try to keep up! Now that's that done, since Wednesday was my last free day for a while (I have a weekend job too), I decided to dress pretty casual and this was what I came up with! Flannels are one of my favorite pieces and you can do so much with them. Also a tip, shop in the men's section! They're way comfier and always so much cheaper.

Review: Julep Maven Box

A few weeks ago, I came across an offer for a free Julep Maven box (I only have to pay the $4 shipping and handling). I've heard a lot of buzz about this box on Youtube, so I decided I'd give it a try. After I ordered my box it only took a few days to ship, which I was very pleased with. My box came with two nail polishes, as well as two bonus products which I will talk about.

The first product that came in here was the Mighty Cuticle Oil Pen. The directions said to use twice a day for one week, then once a day after that. So far I've been using this for a week and have noticed a complete difference in my cuticles. They're not as dry and flaky as they used to be. I also like how this product comes in the click-pen packaging, which allows for less of a mess than some other cuticle oils and balms I've seen.

Next it also came with two nail files/buffers. I decided to keep one of these in my purse and one on my vanity. I like how these are double sided, so you get more use out of them, and the bright orange color makes it easy to find in my black hole of a bag.

Lastly, the main products were two nail polishes. The great thing about Julep is that before you get a box sent to you, you take a "style profile" quiz so that you're matched up with colors you'll actually use. The box I was given was the "Classic With a Twist".

The first color that came in this box was Zora. This is a shimmery, light pinky nude color, similar to Essie's Fiji. I love how for a light color, this was opaque with two coats. In the past I've had problems with my lighter colors being sheer, but this was not.

The second color that came was Myrtle. This is a classic red, something that I surprisingly did not have in my nail polish collection. I currently have this color on now and I can see myself using it at least once a week. This color was opaque with one coat, but I tend to use two coats out of habit.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my Julep Maven box for only having to pay $4. If you come across this deal, I definitely recommend ordering! You can sign up for Julep Maven here and use the promo code "FREECOLOR" to get your first box for free as well!

Chunky Sweater

Sweater: Old Navy (similar) / Flannel: Old Navy (similar)

Pants: H&M+ (similar) / Oxfords: Target (here)

One my favorite things to do to an outfit is layer different pieces I have. When I bought these pieces I never thought I'd layer the two, but I'm really liking how this came together. This is probably one of my more "matchy-matchy" looks but I tend to like that sometimes.

Menswear

Sweater: Aeropostale (in black) / Top: Old Navy (similar) 

Pants: H&M+ (here) / Flats: Urban Outfitters (in black)

Hey so the title of this post may be inspired a little by The 1975 (go listen to the song Menswear. It's amazing). On that note, I wanted to do a look on how to make a men's sweater more feminine. I got this cardigan from Aeropostale (I feel like I haven't been there since I was in middle school) for only $7 on clearance and couldn't pass it up. Sometimes it pays to look in the men's sections of stores. You can find some really nice pieces.

A Pop of Neon

Shirt: Gap (similar) / Jacket: Old Navy (here) / Jeans: Old Navy (here) 

Sneakers: Converse (here) / Necklace: H&M (similar) / Sunglasses: J. Crew (similar)

One of my favorite things to add to a outfit is a pop of neon. Whether it's in my accessories or clothing pieces. Today I chose to do this through my accessories. This neon necklace I snagged at H&M for, get this, $1. Yeah. That's it. I find that this neon coral goes great with navy and olive green. I also decided to add some sneakers to this look to make it a bit more casual for every day.

5 Minute Makeup

A lot of times, my friends will ask me what my go-to makeup essentials are for everyday. For the most part, I rarely find myself doing a full face of makeup, so these are a few products I find myself reaching for the most often when I don't have a ton of time.

Concealer + Powder

On most days, I don't use foundation, so a great concealer and powder duo are necessary. My all time favorite concealer has to be the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (Drugstores - $7-8). I find the packaging/application of this product to be extremely fast and easy, as well as containing medium-full coverage. Though this is intended for the undereyes, I've used it on blemishes and red spots with no problems at all. Along with this concealer, the powder I've been reaching for has been my NYC Translucent Loose Powder (Drugstores - $2-3). Not only is this product affordable, but it works extremely well. This powder reduces shine and sets my concealer, without caking up and turning orange. Together, I find these products allow me to coverup any problem areas, without making it look like I have a ton of face makeup caked on.

Cream Eyeshadow

When you're in a rush and don't have time to do a full eyeshadow look, cream eyeshadow is amazing. There are many that I love, but the one I find myself using the most has to be my Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Branded (Drugstores $6-8). This is not only extremely opaque, but it applies smoothly and evenly. This also lasts through the work day without any creasing. Sometimes I'll set it with a similar color eyeshadow (Stila's "Kitten" or Urban Decay's "Sin" are what I usually reach for), but for the most part, I'll just swipe this on and go.

Mascara

I normally skip eyeliner with this look, but mascara is always a must. It not only opens your eyes, but gives the subtle definition a liner does. My favorite mascara right now has been the Covergirl Bombshell 2-in-1 (Drugstores - $9-$10). This mascara has two wands, which allows for not only volume, but separation as well (something most mascaras I use have trouble doing). The volumizing side has a rubber brush (first picture), similar to Covergirl's Lashblast, while the lengthening and separation side has a bristle brush (second picture).

Lip Crayon

Sometimes, lipstick can get annoying. It gets on everything and can become splotchy throughout the day. One of my favorite products to use for an everyday lip is a lip crayon. The Revlon Kissable Balm Stains ($6.50-8.50) not only last all day, but rarely transfer onto other surfaces (hence the stain aspect of the name). These lip crayons are also hydrating (hence the balm aspect of the name). My go-to color has been Lovesick (a nice cool-toned pink), but these come in a variety of other colors, as well as in a matte and shine formula, so there's a color for everyone. You can also use these as a cream blush before your powder if you don't want to get out more products.

So overall, these are the products I tend to use when I'm in a rush in the morning and want to put on some makeup, without having to use a ton of products. What are your everyday makeup essentials?

Chiffon Blouse

Shirt: JC Penny (similar) / Jeans: Old Navy (here) /Flats: Urban Outfitters (similar)

Handbag: Charlotte Russe - Only in Oxblood online (here)

Saturday was my cousins confirmation, so I thought I'd share what I wore. I wanted to dress nicely and put together, without looking too overdressed. I love this black chiffon blouse that, unfortunately, hasn't been getting as much love as it should be. I decided to cuff the sleeves for a more laid-back look. Also can we look at this bag? This was only $20 at Charlotte Russe and I'm in love.

Denim Button Up

Shirt: Forever 21+  (similar) / Pants: H&M+ (similar color) /Boots: Steve Madden (similar)

One of my FAVORITE wardrobe staples is a denim button up. This one I got from Forever 21 over a year ago, and I've probably worn it at least once a week. I find it's so versatile (worn as a button up, worn under shirts, worn open with a top underneath, etc.) and allows me to highlight some of my more "crazy" pants (yes dark green pants are crazy to me). You'll definitely see this piece in many more upcoming blog posts.

Spring Nail Colors

Since spring is coming up, my taste in nail colors has strayed from the usual black/red, so I decided I'd show you guys some of the colors my nails will be this spring!

Baby Blues - Sinful Colors

This color is a creamy periwinkle blue and one I've been on the hunt for. I used two coats of this polish an experienced virtually no streaking. This is a nice way to wear blue without it bring bright or neon.  Retails for $1.99.

Tart Deco - Essie

This polish I've had for a while, and it remains to be one of my favorites. I find that with my skin tone, bright corals are hard to pull off, so because this is a creamy pastel coral, it looks much nicer.  Retails between $7.75 and $8.50.

Mint Candy Apple - Essie

This is a cult favorite and I'm pretty sure one of the first mint nail polishes on the market. I find this to be more of a blue-mint than a true mint, but I still love it. It also makes me look tanner, so that's a plus!  Retails between $7.75 and $8.50.

Don't Feed the Hand Models - Sephora by OPI

Though it is spring, I find that a classic nude nail looks great year-round. This is the one I always tend to gravitate towards, as the color isn't too light where it looks unnatural, or too dark where it just looks like I'm wearing brown. Unfortunately, this color is not sold anymore, but I have seen new colors from Maybelline that look very similar.  Not sold anymore.

Bubblegum Pink - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear

Lastly, I figured I'd include a pink color. I'm not a huge fan of bright fuchsia pinks, so this bubblegum pink tends to be one of my favorites. This polish is extremely affordable and has a great formulation. This is also a great dupe of Essie's "Cascade Cool" if you've ever wanted that polish. Retails between $2 and $3.
What nail polishes are you going to be rocking this spring?
Also, since I want to incorporate beauty products into my blog, I'm thinking about doing fashion related posts on Monday and Friday, and then a beauty post/review on Wednesdays.

Sunday Shopping

Sweater: Old Navy  (similar) / Tank Top: Old Navy (similar) / Jeans: Old Navy (here)

Oxfords: Target (here) / Purse: H&M (similar) / Necklace: Forever 21 (here) / Ring: Madewell (here)

Yesterday I went shopping with my mom and sister looking to find some new pieces for spring. Unfortunately, I didn't come across anything I liked, but hopefully I'll find some inspiration soon. This is usually what I wear when I'm out for a while. Something casual, but still put together. Also, my hair is always in a giant bun.