Rompin’

As most girls may agree, I have a love hate relationship with rompers. Sure they are easy to throw on and go but yet don’t work the same as far as taking them off sometimes even requiring an extra pair of hands. Despite the inconvenient longer bathroom breaks, rompers are a must for me living in Florida. For one they usually require minimal ironing (big plus in my book) and they take the guess work out of curating an entire outfit. You instantly look put together and are left free to have fun with the rest of your look. For this casual day out I decided on this newly purchased draw string waist jersey romper. I purchased it from ASOS but it is actually from the brand misguided. The V-neck and light weight material make for the perfect fit while the light grey color serves as a neutral base for any wild accessory your heart may desire. I paired it with my old favorite kimchi blue fanny pack (purchased from urban outfitters) and my lace up booties from aldo shoes. Links to items below!

 

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XOXO Ari

Romper

Octagon Sunglasses

Photo & Magazine DIY Display

Hey there lovelies! I thought I’d switch things up a bit by showing you all my latest project. I moved in with my best friend a few months ago and wanted a fresh look for my new bedroom. Pinterest became my best friend as I hunted for a way to display my photos from my time away in Europe and some of my favorite books and magazines. Here’s what I came up with…        

For the magazine & book display I purchased the Ribba series picture ledge from Ikea but, I believe they are no longer sold online. This is the closest match I found Mosslanda Ledge. For this you will need a level (to make sure the shelf is straight) and a power drill. This ledge is so multifunctional, you can display anything you’d like on these. I paid $14.99 for this long one but the one they have available online is only $9.99!

For the hanging photo display I purchased nylon invisible hanging wire along with the cup hooks at my local hardware store (which you can also do) or take a trip to your local Home Depot or Lowes. Invisible Wire, Hooks. Now for these hooks all you need is a strong arm (I had my roommates uncle help me ensure they were pressed tightly against the wall) you then tie the nylon wire to each end, not giving it too much slack and ta-da you’ve got yourself an easy and cool way to hang photographs. Add some cute wooden “clothes” pins and you’re good to go! 

I hope you all enjoyed this mini DIY project. Have any of you worked on something fun lately? Please share down below!

xx, Gwen

Worth the picture still…

Although this post may be a bit delayed I still wanted to share a small moment with me and my sister and co blogger Gwen. She came to visit Florida for the holidays and per usual we didn’t get as much blogging or pictures as we would have hoped due to actually spending time together like normal people. It’s sad to say most times these perfectly curated and set up photos are what people post to show how much of a “good time” they are having. In reality they aren’t present in the moment and just experiencing everything from behind a lens. On this day we went to a Lakeridge winery (beautiful location close to home) and sampled some amazing wines. My outfit was inspired by this cool denim buttoned overall dress purchased from Forever 21. I wanted to keep everything else lady like and in proportion so I went with an old navy basic striped round collar shirt, nine west black patent leather booties, asos frilly socks, urban outfitters sunnies and my neutral Kate Spade chain link purse with my signature puff ball accessory. Links to items can be found below. Don’t forget to spend time with your loved ones and appreciate the non-picture perfect moments in between.

 

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Forever 21 Denim Overall Dress

Asos Jonathan Aston Socks

Urban Outfitters Sunglasses

XOXO- Ari

We are the champions…

As of lately I find myself leaning towards more androgynous or sporty looks. Though this may be a hindrance in the love life department, it is comfortable and very on trend. You can choose to go all out or just incorporate some sporty items in small doses in each outfit. Whether it be a great pair of sneakers or an oversized hoodie, this look is perfect for the colder temperatures and I love pairing it with ultra-sleek hair, a face beat for the gods and one feminine item (just to really distinguish myself from the boys). In this look I am rocking a champion brand t-shirt exclusive to ASOS. It is a size XS from the men’s section and fits great. I paired it with my h&m boyfriend jeans, timberlands and my go to trench jacket for a small cinch at the waist and hint at femininity. This look may not be for everyone and you could easily swap out the timberlands for booties or wear a skinnier jean depending on your comfort level. Links to items below!

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XOXO -ARI

Champion T-Shirt- Exclusive to ASOS

Timberlands

 

 

Utility Jumpsuit

Utilitarian is the perfect word to describe this amazing jumpsuit from Forever 21. Compared to a classic anorak jacket or trench, this color and fabric can be paired with almost anything and will look amazing! Featuring a long sleeve, button front, collar and slanted front pockets it is 100% cotton and impeccable quality. I paired mine alone with classic nude sandals and my everyday Kate Spade bag to really make the outfit the focal point. You can roll up the sleeves as I did and even the pant legs to go with some combat boots or flats. This is a great transitional piece (especially here for Florida) as the nights get a little cooler for the fall. I can see this paired with a long duster coat, or even a denim or plaid accent tied around the waist. I consider this an investment piece seeing as it can be worn all year round, it is great material and it’s in a neutral color. At only $40.00 it’s a steal from Forever 21! Links down below.
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Contemporary Life in Progress Utility Jumpsuit
Similar Sandals

XOXO, ARI

Forever 21-Platform Sandals OOTD

As some may have noticed for a period of time I deviated from one of my all-time favorite stores, Forever 21 for a while. I think once I turned 26 I felt as though some of the items weren’t age appropriate and let’s face it, sometimes shopping in store can be daunting. So many racks upon racks of items to sift through can be exhausting and a challenge to say the least. The other night I was online “window shopping” when I came across so many great new items at forever21.com. Priced slightly higher, it seems as though they are taking a turn towards more quality pieces that can transition easier than previous lines. I found myself throwing stuff in my cart and being really inspired by what I was getting. One of the standout items being these amazing lug-sole platform sandals. This chunky heel is designed with faux leather construction and buckle detailing perfect for any occasion. They are described as “dark grey” on the website but have some undertones that make it look olive/taupe color in certain lighting. They are the perfect neutrals that I can see myself pairing with so many things, not to mention comfortable! The sunnies are also forever 21, jacket from GAP and dress is from Primark. Links to items can be found below. Cheers to rediscovering a classic staple store!
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Forever 21 Lug-Sole Platform Sandals
Round Sunglasses
XOXO, ARI

Influenster + YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipsticks

Lipstick is one beauty item I most definitely cannot live without (then followed up with mascara as a close second). It can be used on your cheeks for a pop of color when you are in a pinch and can brighten up any dull face to look alive and healthy. I don’t discriminate when it comes to lip products and can appreciate both high end and drugstore brands for what they offer. Influenster was gracious enough to send me two new YSL lip rouge products to test out for our readers! Disclaimer* although these items were sent for review, my opinions and thoughts are mine. Obviously being YSL, the packaging is pristine and I was so giddy opening up the package. The two colors shown are both Rouge Pur Couture in numbers 9 (rose stiletto) and 19 (fuchsia). Retailing at $36 these babies have a high shine satin finish, intense pigmentation and hydration for the lips. I have swatched them below for my ladies out there with my specific skin tone.
Pros
• Intensely Pigmented
• Packaging
• Hydration
• Finish
Cons
• A little pricey (to be expected with a higher end brand)
• The smell is a little bit strong and distracting (in my opinion)

Thanks to influenster for this amazing treat, I can now add these luxurious “grown up” lipsticks to my collection!

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

Rose Stiletto (09)- On my skin tone it is a perfect rose nude for everyday purposes.

ysl, makeup, lipstick, review, influentster

Fuchsia (19) The perfect hue of pink for a fun pop of color.

XOXO- Ari
Link to purchase the lipsticks – HERE

Give me some lip

Sephora Favorites collections are such great gifts to receive/give. My best friend bought this for me as a birthday gift and I am just trying it out (I know, shocking because my birthday was a little over a month ago). This set comes with Sephora’s most popular lip products to date, 5 of them in deluxe sizes and 1 full size lipstick. Let’s take a closer look…   

From Left to Right: Marc Jacobs lipstick #238 in Je T’Aime, Fresh tinted lip treatment in Rosé, Makeup Forever artist plexi gloss in #202, Tarte Amazonian butter lipstick in Coral Blossom (full sized) Kat Von D everlasting liquid lipstick in Lolita and lastly Sephora rouge infusion lip stain in the shade peony

*Swatched in the same order below*

 

Once again this kit is perfect for anyone looking to try out some new lip products without comitting to one color or breaking the bank. At only $25 you’re able to try out a variety of different finishes as well as shades. Sephora you have done it once again! 

Are any of these lip products your must haves? Comment down below! 

xx, Gwen 

 

Palm Trees

Another day, another dress. Dresses are easily becoming some of my favorite pieces to invest in seeing as they take out any of the guesswork when picking out an outfit. You don’t have to pair anything and it’s as simple as throwing it over your head and heading out. A great silhouette for me is an A-line that cinches me in at my smallest point and then flares out for the illusion of womanly curves and hips. Not only is this H&M number extremely flattering, it is in a great mustard color with peekaboo pops of blue palm tree print detailing perfect for the heat and also transitioning to cooler temperatures. I paired it with an old season pair of brown suede cutout booties and my round eye sunnies. Links to similar items below!

hm, h&m, palm tree print, a-line dress, booties, ootd

hm, h&m, palm tree print, a-line dress, booties, ootd

 

Similar Dresses-Gap, Boo Hoo, Shop Tobi, Charlotte Russe

XOXO- Ari

Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Having been a cult favorite for some time now, Mac cosmetics has finally come out with some of their signature lip pencils in lipstick form. The color “Stone” is a sexy matte greyish taupe brown that is so on trend right now! This color is muted on its own for everyday use or can be vamped up with some gloss on top for a sexy night transition. I personally would not wear it unless I had a full face just because it makes my skin tone look a little sickly on its own. With a nice highlight and blush, cat eye and bold lashes this lippie is sure to call everyone’s attention. Check it out on Mac’s website or try it on in store! Link down below.

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Mac “Stone” Lipstick

Toodles, Ari