Dem Jeans

Does anyone else have a loathing of jeans shopping?  I would rather try on swimsuits with unshaven legs than go scouting for new jeans.  It's the worst, isn't it?  Body shaming to the CORE.  Your thighs got a little too thick, your ass suddenly inflated, a muffin has popped its top around your midsection and the length is always off.  Always!  There's only one logical explanation: THEYCHANGEDTHESIZECHARTONTHISBRANDBECAUSEIKNOWIFITINTHISSIZEBEFORE.

Just me?

I ran my old jeans into the ground.  Really, those things should have been torched long ago.  I think a couple of pairs are still lingering from high school.  Now in my defense, I don't crack those old flares out (I know) unless I'm working around the house or running crazy errands in the rain.  They were the go-to's for all of the non-fun things I had to do and I didn't want to put on my good jeans.  They also *may or may not* have sparkles on the butt pockets.  (I'll never tell!)

I have been on the hunt for a nice pair of distressed skinny jeans.  I don't like the overly crazy distressed jeans with rips everywhere, but some texture on them is what I want right now.  I got lucky and found a lovely pair from H&M that fit every single one of my strict criteria.  Behold:

I love these jeans.  They are perfect for dressing up or down, have the perfect amount of stretch and give and they have just the right amount of distressing.  Luckily, I didn't have to try on too many different pairs at H&M before I found these.  I am thinking of buying a second pair!

Now, about the flares.  I know this trend is coming back, but I don't want the full on flare, ya know?  I think I found a compromise with these American Eagle Kick Boot jeans. 

They're nice, but they're a little too long for me.  The 'short' style was too short and the 'regular' style is too long.  Such is my life.  Good thing there is an alteration shop in my town that I can get them hemmed for relatively cheap.  They're a good mid-weight jean with a really nice feel.  I didn't have to squeeze into them and they still have really nice curve and hug to them.  I have only had the opportunity to wear them a couple of times, so I am still deciding if they will become my new favorites or not.  Still, at least I found a few pairs!

So, where do you shop for jeans?  Do you have any go-to brands?  

Spring Finds

With warmer weather getting closer each day, my mind has totally shifted away from winter everything.  I have been getting the bug to shop, but I'm trying to make sure that I really zero in on things that I love and not just impulse by for the sake of changing seasons.

In addition to sprucing up my wardrobe and makeup bag, I also have many projects planned for around the house this year as well.  I'm looking forward to injecting our home with more personality and charm and really making it feel like our space.

Here are some things I'm currently obsessing over:

Cedar Street Maise - Kate Spade

Stila Eyes Are The Window 'Soul' Palette - Sephora

XO Greeting Cards - Rifle Paper Co.

Personalized Scroll Pillow - Joss & Main

Apothecary Jars - Pottery Barn

Gold Foil Desk Calendar - Paper Source

Ibilin Heels - Aldo

Gold Canvas Print - Joss & Main

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush 'Luminous Flush' - Sephora

Learning How To Fold My Clothes

I was recently introduced to this book by Marie Kondo and I've got to say...she definitely made me realize that my life could use some decluttering and organizing.  I don't know what it is, but I get attached to my clothing.  I remember where I got everything, where I wore it, what kind of outfit I turned it into...and for this reason, I have kept a lot of things that needed to go.  A lot.

So I did a mini purge. (This is not what she teaches in the book but it's all I had time for at this point!)  This was a nice way to dip my toes into letting go of some really old things that I loved, but never wear anymore.  It felt really nice to do this, especially before Spring gets here. I wanted to really look at what I own and see what truly "sparks joy" for me like Marie teaches in the book.

So after the mini-purge, I realized my drawers could use a makeover in the folding department because they were still unorganized and cluttered.  I admit that I am the clothes-in-the-drawer-smasher where I pull things out, look at them, throw them back in and throw my weight into the drawer to get it to close because I'm running low on time and patience.

Marie has a whole system for decluttering and organizing your life but the one thing I felt like I needed immediately was a new way to organize my drawers.  Her method was perfect, and exactly what I was looking for.  I can now see all of my clothes at a glance, without frantically grabbing and stuffing.  I would have taken pictures of my stuff, but I was so excited to get started on my drawers I didn't take any before pictures, so, you're going to see my husband's drawers get a makeover ;)  When he saw how my drawers turned out, he asked me to do this to his!  (Little did he know I was going to do his next anyhow in my fit of a folding spree.)

I went from this:

to this in a matter of a forty-five minutes:

Now I didn't just do one drawer of his, I did his entire dresser in that time period.  By looking up Marie's KonMari method of folding on YouTube, I was able to teach myself how to do it and so I figured I would snap some pictures while I was folding.  Here's a step by step of how it's done.  (oh, and let's just pretend everything was ironed beforehand, mmkay?  Hey, this is real life people and my sister stole my iron!)

First, spread out the shirt face down on the floor.

Fold in the right side and then fold the sleeve back toward the outside...

Then repeat on the left side, so that you have a long skinny rectangle.

Once it looks like this, fold from the bottom to the top...

...so that it looks like this:

Then fold once more from bottom to top.

If you've done it correctly, the shirt should be upside down.  Next just flip it and stick it in the drawer with the rounded edge facing upward!  This makes it really easy to see which shirt it is because the design is in plain view, and easy to grab with the rounded edge facing up in the drawer.

Ta-da!  So easy.  I couldn't believe how nice everything looked when we were done, and I can't believe that my drawers actually stay nice when I take something out.  TRY THIS.  I promise, you will want to hug your dresser after.  Let me know how it turns out!

Xo

Wish List Wednesday

We made it to the middle of the week!  The weekend is getting closer and that makes me very happy. This past weekend the weather was gorgeous...perfect temps, cool air and that crisp autumn feel in the air.  This week, though has been plain crappy.  Damp, cool and rain rain rain with no signs of letting up.

With the weather getting cooler and cooler, it reminds me that the  holidays coming up way too quickly! I have been trying to get my Christmas lists together for who we need to shop for and how much money to allocate.  It's also the perfect time to compile my own Christmas list for when Hubby asks for ideas ;)  Here's my Wish List Wednesday compilation for this week:

SOLE SOCIETY LYLEE BOOTIE

This bootie is exactly what I have been looking for.  Not to dressy, not too casual and can be worn with anything from jeans to leggings.  I definitely need my shoes to be multi-purpose these days.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD CONCEALER

I have been scouting around for the next leap I want to make in high end concealers and I think it's going to be this one.  I have heard rave reviews about the staying power and coverage of dark circles, so I want to see if it lives up to the hype.

MAC FIX+

I have a lot of glittery eyeshadows that I would like to use wet sometimes, but I need this stuff to make it work and make it stay! I have also heard that this makes your complexion look amazing if you spray it over your face after you apply your makeup for the day.

FOSSIL CECILE MULTIFUNCTION LEATHER WATCH

Yummmm.  I love love love this watch!  Simplistic and elegant and will match everything.  I love that it's a neutral band and that the gold isn't overpowering.  I have an all stainless steel watch that I love and wear all the time, but I need something totally different in my collection to switch it up.

What are you guys loving and wanting to add to your Christmas lists?  Do tell!

Hunter Boots

With how awful winter was in Michigan (and everywhere, really) last year, we are all betting on a winter that is not much better this year.  Snow, ice, slush, ice, more snow and more ice.  Oh yeah, and SUBZERO TEMPS.  I am not looking forward to that at all.  Let's not go lower than the teens this year if we must, mmkay?  DO YOU HEAR ME, WEATHERJERKS?

One thing that I was mad at myself for not investing in before all that bad weather hit was a quality pair of winter boots.  I had a crappy pair from Target that got me through but they weren't tall enough and didn't have enough tread.  With ice that was inches thick on every sidewalk and driveway, es no bueno.

This year, I am going to order my Hunter boots.  I have been wanting these for years and I'm going to spring for them this year, and soon.  I need to get them in my possession before snow hits and all the people buy them up and raise the prices.  I think I am going with the original tall in matte black.

Ahhh, can't wait.  I'll probably get the wool sock inserts as well.  They're perfect if you need to change your shoes at the office.  Wear socks already in the boots and you're all set.  No extra crap to haul to and from work!

What's your go-to winter boot?

Wish List Wednesday

All of the beautiful seasonal clothes have got me wanting to run to the nearest mall and throw down the plastic for chic clothing this season.  However.  I need to space out my purchases a bit to *ahem* keep the wallet in check.  

Since I'm tempering my shopping habits, I have compiled a wish list of things that I am keeping my eye on to buy the next time I go to the mall or online shop, so that I remember what I want and don't just impulse buy other things that are not so high up on my list.  Surprisingly, I have a lot of clothes from last season that I will put into rotation again this year, so I'm focused more on only a few staple pieces that will enhance my wardrobe.  And beauty items, of course.

TOO FACED BETTER THAN SEX MASCARA
I have wanted this for a very long time now, since my sister Ashley picked it up about a year ago.  I had been in a phase of loving Maybelline Falsies mascara for such a long time that I didn't want to go high end with my mascara. Since I had found a great drugstore one that worked for me I figured I wouldn't splurge on it.  But now?  I want.

TOO FACED PRIMED AND PORELESS PRESSED POWDER

I want this powder so so badly, but I am a little bit leery on purchasing it because my skin is so temperamental.  I am hoping it doesn't break me out if I decide to take the plunge and buy this.  Spot testing will be my friend for a while on this one.  Has anyone else bought this?  How did it work for you?

SOLE SOCIETY MIIA FLAT

Dear goodness.  This shoe is absolutely perfect, yes?  Honestly what I have been on the hunt for for MONTHS.  I have just discovered Sole Society and I think it's going to become my new best friend.

SOLE SOCIETY OMBRE MUFFLER

See? Told you guys.  I have also been wanting to get really big snuggly scarves this year and this muffler from Sole Society pretty much fits the bill!  I am all about comfort and flexibility this year with cold weather clothes and this would fit in perfectly.

These four things make me so happy to look at, so they must become part of my closet and make up bag soon, right?!  What are some items you have been eyeballing lately?  I want to know what you want for your closet, too!

High Five for Friday!

Once again, Friday rolls around.  It has been quite an exciting and hectic week!  Let's get to it:

1. My beautiful best friend Kim had her baby yesterday!  Mr. Vincenzo Thomas Hunter (seriously...what an awesome name) was born at 12:08 weighing 7 lbs, 12 oz and 21.5 inches long.  He is just ADORABLE and I want to snuggle on him all.day.long.  Can't wait to spend more time with him in the coming week when they're all home!  I will post pictures as soon as I get permission from them to put them on the blog!

2. My grandfather is turning 80 next week, so we are making an impromptu weekend trip to PA to see him!  I can't wait...most of our family from both sides will be there, so it will be a great time to catch up!

3. I started the dreaded summer/fall clothing swap.  This year I am vowing to get rid of a lot of things I have not worn in the past few years.  I tend to get sentimental attachments to clothing, so it's very hard for me to part with things.  I'm super nostalgic and love fashion, so it's a hoarding combo. ;)

4. I am getting really excited for October to roll around.  I will start putting out my Halloween decorations!  I usually reserve September for fall decorations and then add in the Halloween stuff soon after.  October is one of my favorite months of the year!  Bring on apple cider and donuts all day, erry day.

5. I have just discovered Sole Society.  WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?!  The best part?  They actually have lovely shoes and boots in size 5 to fit my tiny feet!  I will definitely be shopping there through fall.  The scarves are just delicious looking as well.

Adorbs. Want.

I hope you all have a great weekend, friends!  See you Monday!

P.S.  Link up with Lauren below!

High Five for Friday!

This week seems like it completely got away from me.  So much to do, so little time...so much sleep still needed!  Let's recap:

1. Yesterday was mine and Joey's 5th wedding anniversary!  He surprised me with a beautiful homemade dinner of stuffed shells!  He also got me a bouquet of beautiful roses and a bottle of wine.  He's the greatest :)

2. I am loooooving the temperatures outside.  I got to wear my J. Crew sweater and it's deliciously soft.  If it would stay in the upper sixties until next summer, I would not complain.  We can just skip all of the winter stuff, mmkay weatherjerks?

3. I finally got around to watching Dead Poet's Society for the first time this week.  It was good, but super long and drawn out.  Of course, I loved Robin Williams' character, but the other characters needed more development.  It was a good watch, though.

4. Does anyone else miss House of Cards?  I sure do.  I need me some Frank Underwood back in my life.  I wish it was February!  (Kind of.  Only for HOC.)

5. I have started decorating for fall!  I put little things like pumpkins and scarecrows on my fireplace mantel and added some of those fake flickering candles.  I need to bust out my Scentsy and get my Pumpkin Roll wax melting to make the house smell amazing.  Can't wait to add in some Halloween decorations soon, too!

Happy Friday, friends!  Link up with Lauren below!

Patterns and Polka Dots

I am starting to let myself explore a little bit more pattern in my clothing.  For some reason, I have always been a solids kind of girl--I don't stray much into the pattern department.  I think this stems from me feeling like most patterns look too big and flashy and I prefer more dainty, delicate looks.  Or it could be that most stores I have been looking in have so much pattern everywhere that I give up and walk out cross-eyed from the overload. ::shudders::

May Favorites!

Since tomorrow is June (say what?!) I put together this post about some things that I have been absolutely loving during the month of May.  I always love reading other people's monthly favorites, so I figured I would jump on this fun bandwagon.  So here we go!