The latest cropped ankle jeans are much different from the capris I remember from my college years. These new styles are more flattering, leg-lengthening, and stylish than the height minimizing capris of the past. And these ankle jeans provide a perfect showcase for all the caged and lace-up heels and chic little flats of this spring and summer. Think Audrey Hepburn circa the 1960’s with a little edge.
I cringe when I think of my foundation color-matching history. Inevitably, a friend in class would point out that I needed to blend in my jawline… Because I could never find a foundation shade that matched. Then a makeup artist taught me to work the excess product down my neck to provide a more smooth transition… But to the detriment of my light-colored tops and blouses. The MATCHCo app has eliminated both makeup lines and stained clothing with its custom foundation app.
When I got the chance to try the MATCHCo foundation-matching app I was a bit skeptical. As I mentioned, my skin tone has always been difficult to match… It has some yellow undertones but a bit of pink as well. I used to work for a skincare and cosmetics company and the makeup artists there took several tries to find a color match for me and even then it wasn’t perfect. So how would an app on my phone be able to do the job? Well, it did the job… And did it well.
Here’s how my experience went.
After downloading the MATCHCo app a helpful tutorial will play on your phone, walking you through each step in the app’s color-matching process. First, stack 5 sheets of printer paper on a surface and quickly tap your phone’s camera right onto the paper to calibrate the lighting and color. (I took my phone case off while color matching so I wouldn’t get any shadows or interference from the case.) Then you repeat the same tapping process on different areas of your skin… Your wrist, forehead, and cheeks. The app uses these measurements to create your perfect foundation match.
Before you know it, your custom foundation arrives in the mail in pretty, sleek packaging. The formula is designed to eliminate the need for primer and to hydrate skin all day long. Ingredients include antioxidants chamomile and green tea extracts as well as moisturizing vitamin E. The formula feels creamy and smooth to the touch and blends effortlessly into the skin.
And the color matches my skin tone perfectly. I was blown away by the accuracy of MATCHCo’s color matching technology. As you can see in the photo above, the app has captured my hard-to-match skin tone and bottled it.
I would say the coverage of the MATCHCo foundation is light to medium. Before applying it, I did my Dark Undereye Circle Routine to conceal my late nights. I added a bit of blush and bronzer on top of the foundation and I found the MATCHCo coverage held up through all my daytime activities.
When you run out of foundation, you can either rematch your skin tone depending on things like sun exposure or lack thereof, or you can simply reorder your previous custom formula.
Let me know if you try this app and foundation… I’d love to hear what you think!
I styled this look for Easter because I can’t seem to get enough blush in my closet this season. I love the playful pattern of this two-piece dress and pairing it with these lace-up flats instead of the usual heels. I pictured a girl in this outfit walking through Paris streets with a bouquet of fresh flowers, so I had to add my favorite Chloé bag and their beautiful springtime fragrance, Love Story. I would wear this look with a teased, second-day hair ponytail to showcase those sparkling earrings and keep makeup subtle with a nude-blush lip.
Nordstrom is currently having their Triple Points Days where you can accumulate more points (and hence more Nordstrom Notes to spend) when you use your Nordstrom debit or credit card March 22-26. If you’re not a Nordstrom cardholder, you can apply here.
We got a surprise snow storm today and I’m watching 8+ inches pile up outside the window. I’m planning on doing a little online shopping for my upcoming trips and racking up those Nordstrom Notes! On my list is a daytime midi sundress, a cocktail dress for evening, and maybe these Michael Kors wedges. Let me know if you end up shopping the event and what’s on your wish list!
“She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.”
Annie Dillard
Heading downtown to Denver’s beautiful Union Station usually involves two mandatory stops for me… The first at Bloom for a fresh bouquet of flowers. The second at the Tattered Cover bookstore.
Isn’t there just something wonderful about bookstores? There’s all this knowledge tucked away in one spot… In the form of beautiful books we can take home and read and keep forever if we want. Bookstores always smell like crisp new pages and just a hint of coffee. Because I can’t be the only one that feels a long reading session isn’t right without a sip of something warm.
Do you remember the Disney film ‘Beauty and the Beast’? At school, some girls were talking about the prince and how he was so dreamy. But my main takeaway from the movie was Belle’s breathtaking library. I was soenvious of Belle’s library… I just wanted the books!
I’ve recently promised myself a little reading before bed each night… It soothes my soul and I drift off to the most peaceful sleep afterward. When I don’t read before bed my mind keeps running and I can’t seem to get to sleep. I know a few of my friends are the same way… Do any of you sleep better after a little reading?
If you’re looking for a versatile spring dress, I highly recommend this chic little striped shirt dress style. It’s a classic silhouette, but also one of the most up-to-date looks of the season. I’ve linked my Who What Wear for Target dress above, but since it’s quickly selling out I’ve also linked some other favorites (such as this one or this one) above in the links under the photos and down below in the photo slide.
You can wear these perfect dresses with flats or a heel, layer them with a spring jacket, or even use them as a bikini cover-up; the striped shirt dress really is one of the most versatile styles I’ve ever worn and I think it’s the perfect spring/summer addition to your closet.
I’m a person who functions best with frequent doses of fitness. I find it helps clear my head, releases tension, and balances my body and mind. In college and law school, I relied on my gym time to rid stress, keep me motivated, and get me through those years of studying and late nights. Once I got into a routine I became really dedicated and made it a habit to be at the gym every other day and took time on the weekends to walk with my friends and my dogs when the weather was nice.
That being said, it’s easy to fall out of a routine and once you’re comfortable not working out, it becomes more and more difficult to be willing to put in the time and frankly, pain, at the beginning to get back into a healthy workout schedule. I definitely let that happen and the main culprit for me has been travel.
After our wedding, we had a whirlwind spring and summer… All good things of course, but it definitely changed up my regular schedule. Six weddings in six months, Paris Haute Couture Week, Rome for a wedding and family time, and New York Fashion Week in the fall. In between those, J and I made weekend trips for events or to help family on the ranch. The “bad guy” isn’t necessarily traveling, but indulging in delicious food and wine from the area, resorting to airport dining and fast food while traveling, and lack of access to usual fitness routines or equipment.
But… In the past two weeks, I’ve been making more of an effort to get my butt in the gym and eat healthfully while I’m at home. And I’ve made a commitment to a plan that will allow me to work out wherever I am, whether it be an exciting vacation or just a weekend trip to the ranch. These are also great suggestions for people who don’t have the budget or access to a gym membership. Perhaps we can hold each other accountable? And I’d love to hear your advice and suggestions on this issue as well!
#1 – – Sightseeing
While I was interning in Switzerland, I found that jogging (even though I’m not a runner) was an efficient way to see and explore so many beautiful areas around Lake Geneva. I packed a little backpack, my headphones, and my iPod with a great playlist and went off to snap some photos and get in a sweat session with the most incredible views.
My advice is to look up areas you’d like to visit, search online for running paths with the best views and the best plans for a long, scenic walk in the area. Once you have a few ideas, write them down and plan around your schedule and fitness level and goals. Invite your travel companion to join… It’s much easier when you’re not alone. Ask your hotel what areas to avoid to be safe.
When I was studying in New York City for a summer, I definitely indulged in the local food and wine with one of my best friends who was happy to show me around all the best foodie spots. But… I ended up losing nearly 10 pounds during my stay because I walked everywhere and would make a point to take lengthywalks to see tourist destinations, shopping spots, and meet friends at restaurants and cafes around the city.
#2 – – Hotel Fitness Center
If the weather is crummy or you’re unsure of the area in which you’re staying, there are still options for you. I always check if the hotel has on-site or off-site gym access. Some hotels offer free daily access to gyms nearby.
Sometimes it’s a great opportunity to try out a new piece of equipment, switch up your gym routine, or even just get a different view. I find that variety spices up my routine and keeps me motivated. The best hotel gym I’ve found? The Breakers resort in Palm Beach. Cardio wasn’t quite so bad when looking out over the blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Okay so most hotel gyms aren’t quite so appealing, but it’s definitely worth it to check in and inquire about your options.
#3 – – Portable Equipment
If you’re staying with a friend, your hotel doesn’t have a gym, or you’re just not into the equipment there, bring your own. With something like this super cute jump rope from TKO, you can easily pack your entire workout with you. Run stairs in the stairwell and jump rope on the landings. When you get back to your room do sit-ups, push-ups, planks, wall sits, and tricep dips with a chair in your room. Workout complete.
When I travel with my dad for short trips, he often forces me to fit everything in a carry-on suitcase. (This is great for business trips too – I should do a packing guide for small bags!) The best part about packing portable equipment you can use in your room is it negates the need for workout clothes. Throw in a sports bra and work out in your undies! I know it sounds crazy, but fitness clothes and sneakers can really consume valuable suitcase space.
#4 – – Tone It Up
One of my favorite things to do on-the-go is a workout from ToneItUp.com. The trainers, Karena and Katrina, are the cutest duo and end up feeling more like your friends than bootcamp instructors. They make the workouts motivating and fun. Some workouts are photo tutorials you can even print out before you travel and some workouts are video tutorials you can watch while you get your sweat on. They even have the workouts divided by the area you want to target, so you can combine one of their cardio routines with a booty workout for a routine perfectly suited to your goals.
Ever since Who What Wear announced their collaboration with Target I was so excited!! The collection is full of mix-and-match street style inspired pieces at great prices. Who What Wear for Target comes in both standard and plus sizes, making this stylish collection available to a wide range of women.
The blue jacket I’m wearing is sold out online in standard sizes, but is still available in plus sizes. You can find a similar blue jacket here. That bright blue color provides an unexpected pop of color and I love the extra edge it gives this entire look.
The floral skirt I’m wearing is also sold out online in standard sizes, but is still available in plus sizes. I love this floral skirt for a similar option. I also have this same style in the black cross-hatch pattern and I love it. The length is really flattering and both patterns are really wearable.
Next on my Who What Wear for Target list?? This beautiful white dress, boho peasant dress, and this lace-up top. I just can’t get enough! All their pieces are so well made and so affordable. May I recommend this pair of chain detail sandals and this pair of leather sandals to mix and match with your Who What Wear for Target pieces? I just snapped them up, they’re both under $25, and I’ve been wearing them nonstop.
It’s my birthday!! And what better way to celebrate than with a milkshake covered in sprinkles. This one is from Milkbox in Denver’s Union Station. And it was delicious!! Unfortunately, today is not quite so festive… I’m spending it waiting to be called for jury duty. The positives?? One of my best friends visited this weekend and we hit up all the best Denver restaurants and danced until my feet hurt! And tonight I’m looking forward to The Bachelor finale and the birthday cupcakes J made me.
We’re halfway through March and I’m officially on the lookout for spring style. This Romwe navy blossom skirt from Romwe is perfect for all my spring events. The A-line style flatters any body type, just remember to keep the top you pair it with more fitted to avoid being overwhelmed by the fabric. I found this skirt to run just a tad small, so order one size up from your usual.
I want to thank you for your love and support this year and every year. You all are such an inspiration to me. Your positivity through messages and comments truly lights up my life!! Just in case no one has told you yet today… You. Are. Wonderful.
When I stumbled across the Aviate brand, I knew it was for me. I didn’t really grow up with sports being a focal point of our family entertainment, so I never became an avid sports fan or loyal to one specific team. I love wearing baseball hats for a casual look and to protect me from sun damage, but aside from sports hats my choices are limited.
I do, however, love and enjoy traveling. If you have a bad case of wanderlust, you know what I’m talking about. Even if it’s just a weekend road trip the chance to meet new people, see new places, and have new experiences is exhilarating.
Aviate celebrates travel with its line of hats emblazoned with airport codes, as well as branded tees. You can choose to sport your local airport or one of your favorite travel destinations like me. The hats are subtle enough many people won’t recognize your hat as an airport code at first glance and I love that about the Aviate line. I think it’s a more creative take on traditional ball caps.
I’ve been wearing this hat nonstop this weekend. With friends in town to celebrate my birthday a bit early, we’ve been everywhere from The Wild Animal Sanctuary, Denver Union Station, Ace Eat Serve restaurant, and dancing until our feet hurt. I love showing people around my city. Let me know if you would be interested in a Denver day guide post!! I’ve been discovering so many great places lately.
Lilly Pulitzer gets me every time with their gift-with-purchase events. It’s like incentivizing us for our shopping problem. But the gifts are always cute and a fun surprise to receive when your package comes in the mail.
This “Lunch with Lilly” event lasts only ONE DAY so be sure to get your orders in if you want to take advantage of the promotion!! The gifts occasionally sell out toward the end of the day, so my advice is to place your order soon to avoid your favorite gift being unavailable.
To get the most out of this sale, consider what events you have coming up. Do you need an Easter outfit? Graduation? Bridal shower? Wedding? What about spring and summer birthday gifts?
Lastly, let me know what you end up choosing! I don’t think I can resist that white leather tote bag. I’ll just pretend I’m carrying it in Palm Beach!
I loved all the pieces in the Who What Wear for Target collection so much (you can see my feature post here) but this green vest is probably my favorite. It’s trendy but keeps a classic feel to it with its army green color and military-inspired style. I love how versatile it is… It seems to go with everything I’ve worn lately including dresses and jeans.
Speaking of pants, I adore these Who What Wear ankle pants. This color is sold out online, but they still have this style in olive and I highly suggest checking your local Target store. They are so comfortable and flattering… I’ve been checking my local Target for a second pair in my size because I find myself wearing them all the time. I’ve worn them casually with flats or booties and dressed them up with heels. They’re just perfect!
