Follow Your Arrow

I picked up this shirt on one of those trips to Target where you go in for toothpaste and walk out with a basket full of stuff (darn you, dollar section!).  I was making my rounds from the clothes to the electronics when I saw it and had to have it.  I'm not usually one for graphic t's like this anymore, mainly because I'm trying to cut back on the amount of clothes I buy unnecessarily, and I know I won't wear them out much.  But with this, I loved the simplicity of the arrows and striped detailing on the back!  Plus, the entire Toms for Target collection benefits those in need so it's a total win-win if you buy something!  I dressed this up a bit with a blazer, clutch and booties but I think it looks cute even without the blazer.  But let me tell you ... those elbow patches and polka dot cuffed sleeves make me one happy girl! 

T-shirt ||

Toms for Target

Blazer || Anthropologie (old) ||

Similar

Jeggings ||

Loft

Booties ||

DSW

Clutch ||

Charming Charlie

Photos by

Chelcey Tate

xoxo,

Amanda

Thankful

As we gear up for Thanksgiving this week (you know, the holiday between Halloween and Christmas), I wanted to take a moment to share some of the things I am thankful for in my life!  No matter how silly or how serious they may be, it's so important to remember what we have to be grateful for before going into a turkey coma.  And no, I'm not talking about shopping deals either.  It can't really be Black Friday anymore if everything starts on Thursday, now can it?  That's a rant for another day but for now, here are some things I am thankful for! 

- My family who would do anything for me.

- Knowing that a night of hanging with my friends will always result in good laughs and new jokes.

- This space, where I get a chance to express my creativity and share it with all of you!

- Mornings with no alarm set and nowhere to be.

- My beautiful new apartment.

- Being independent and financially able to support myself.

- My growing career at a rapidly growing company.

- Having my best friend live five doors down from me.

- The fact that Starbucks doesn't stop serving breakfast sandwiches until they run out of them (cough, Panera, cough)

- Living within a mile of Target.

- A best friend who understands my addiction to Mexican food.

- My front porch so I don't get wet when I walk outside and it's raining.

- Frozen sing-a-long sessions with Kelly and Amanda.

- The confidence I have to try new things.

- Living in the best city in the country (IMO).

- An awesome team to cheer for (Go Cards!)

- Amazing finds at the thrift store.

- A photographer best friend who takes my photos for me :)

- Being able to go a week in between hair washes (the struggle is real).

- The Pop2K station on satellite radio.

- The fact that no one was hurt when I was in a wreck.

- Father-daughter trips to see the Boss whenever he's playing close by.

- Sleepovers with my sister.

- Sophie, the cutest little dog in the world, who is always happy to see me when I come to visit my parents.

This list is by no means inclusive, but just a little thank you I wanted to put out there on this dreary Monday morning (at least it's a short work week ... I am thankful for that!).  I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving spent with loved ones!  What are you are thankful for?

xoxo,

Amanda

Radiant Rose

Let's just take a minute to reminisce about the month of fall weather we had here in Louisville - aka the rollercoaster weather capital of the world.  I'm not complaining at all, since we usually jump right from summer to winter and I don't get a chance to rock that jeans-and-a-shirt-but-no-jacket look for very long.  Obviously the leaves aren't this pretty anymore, and I definitely couldn't get away with wearing this blouse without a coat, but that's also why I love this look!  It can easily be taken into winter by adding a chunky cream colored cardigan and coat, perfect for the weather we are currently experiencing - ahem, snow.  And if you don't have any of these Portofino shirts from Express, you are truly missing out!  I've got my own rainbow assortment - seven different colors to be exact - and they make getting dressed in the morning a breeze if you're in a rut with what to wear.

Blouse ||

Express

Jeans ||

Loft

Pumps || Poetic License

Necklace || BaubleBar (no longer available) ||

Similar

Bag || Michael Kors

Photos by

Chelcey Tate

xoxo,

Amanda   

Holiday Gift Guide For Her 2014

It's pretty mind boggling to me that it's that time of year again, but that doesn't mean I'm not as excited as ever!  Here are a few things from my wishlist that I think would make wonderful gifts for that special woman in your life, from your mom to your sister to your best friend.  With Black Friday next week, you can definitely score some of these goodies on sale, too.

1.

Sephora Favorites Superstars

The ultimate compilation of products for the beauty lover in your life.

2.

Rifle Paper Co In Bloom Book Collection 

You can never have enough copies of the classics in different pretty covers.

3.

Joules Rain Boots

This is a UK based brand that I recently discovered and I just love the polka dots (obviously).

4.

C Wonder Store Pop Fizz DOF Glasses

Cute yet practical and perfect to add to your bar cart.

5.

Lush Hello Gorgeous

One of my favorite bath and body brands!  Too bad my new apartment doesn't have a tub.

6.

Capri Blue Volcano Candle

Because what girl doesn't want her apartment to smell like Anthropologie?

7.

Express Plaid Blanket Scarf

Warm and cozy and all wrapped up in a scarf is the best way to be this winter.

8.

Anthropologie A Real Hoot Canister

Cooking dinner every night with the company of this cute thing - you really can't beat it.

9.

Bauble Bar Opal Wreath Collar Necklace

Make a statement with these pretty jewels that pretty much go with anything.

10.

Hand Lettered Print

Start with one, and you'll soon want to create a whole gallery wall.

 What's on your wishlist this year?

xoxo,

Amanda     

Winter Skin Care Essentials

I don't know about you, but my skin has about as much moisture as the Sahara Desert this time of year.  I really started to notice it recently in the mornings after applying moisturizer.  My skin would feel just as dry as it was before, like it was drinking up my trusty Aveeno and begging for more.  Tight, itchy skin is not a good feeling, let me tell you.  It makes foundation application and everything else ten times worse too.  I knew if I wanted to get through the winter months to come with some sanity, I'd need to up the ante on my skin care.  So far, I've found a good regimen that seems to be working well.  It's a balance of old favorites and new goodies from the Sephora VIB sale (impeccable timing, am I right?). 

Here are the products that are essential for me and my skin during the harshest weather.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple

There's a reason this cleanser is an Allure beauty award winner.  It's creamy and gentle but still incredibly effective at removing every last trace of makeup from your skin.  I've been able to stop using makeup remover wipes (which I find to be drying) with this product, it's that amazing!  In the winter this is especially important because you don't want to strip away your skin's natural moisture every time you wash your face.

St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Every couple of days, I like to exfoliate my face to get rid of any dry flakes and dullness.  This scrub does the perfect job of revealing fresh, glowing skin while also maintaining hydration.  Your skin will never feel as soft as it does after using this scrub.  It's one of my HG drugstore products, and you really can't beat it for the price.

Ponds Makeup Remover Cream

I've never been able to use oil-based eye makeup removers.  I always feel like I have to pull and tug way too much at my eyelid and lashes to get anything to come off.  That's no good for a slew of other reasons, let alone the residue it seems to leave behind.  I've found some awesome cream eye makeup removers over the years, but they always end up discontinued, so maybe I'm the only one that feels this way?  Either way, I tried this cream recently and so far I really enjoy it. I wear some pretty stubborn mascara and it removes everything.  The proof is in the pudding when you don't wake up with racoon eyes in the morning!

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

I don't really have a huge problem with my under-eye skin being dry, but I still like to use an eye cream nonetheless.  A little preventative TLC can go a long way down the road, after all.  This little jar has lasted me just about all year and I love the texture.  It's not too light or too heavy and soaks right into your skin so it can get all of the benefits (get it, ha).  I'm a total product junkie so I'll probably try something new when this is used up, but I still highly recommend this as a good eye cream, especially if you've never used them before.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar for Dry Skin

The original Hope in a Jar is probably one of my all time favorite moisturizers, but it just doesn't give enough hydration in the winter, which is why I hadn't bothered to repurchase it lately.  I knew that for winter, I'd need something richer.  With the VIB sale that just ended, I took this as the perfect opportunity to try the dry skin formula.  I've been using it for about a week at this point, and so far I can truly tell a difference between the two.  My skin looks soft and supple, and foundation application has been so much smoother.  I don't know why I didn't try this sooner!

What are some of your skin care essentials for the winter months?

xoxo,

Amanda