I finally joined the bandwagon for beauty subscription boxes and ordered my firstone. Check out why this natural beauty box will win your heart like it did mine.
My Thoughts on Astrology and What I’ve Learned
The other day I was strolling through Anthropology and stumbled upon a book called The Astrology of You and Me: How to Understand and Improve Every Relationship in Your Life by Gary Goldschneider. When I first saw it I honestly thought it would be a cute conversation piece on a coffee table but as I looked I was very interested in the content inside The book went through all of the different relationships you may have with a certain sign such as husbands, boyfriends, friends, first dates, coworkers, etc. Although I’m not someone who particularly goes out of my way to read my horoscope I found it fascinating.
Shirt (Worn Backwards sold out but here is a similar style and color) | Similar Suede Jacket | White Pants
Do I think it’s real?
One of my roommates in college would always read our horoscopes. Since horoscopes are always written in a positive manner, I loved the idea of welcoming the positive energy into the conversation/room. Now, do I really believe it? Yes and no. I believe that if you hear something positive is going to happen in your life, you start welcoming that positive energy into your life. The same thing happens if you tell yourself you’re going to fail a test… you allow that negative energy to enter your life and you may fail.
What I’ve learned from Astrology
Now, who knows if Astrology is actually real, but it has good intentions. Astrology helps you realize that not everyone reacts to situations the same way as you so it is okay to ask questions to make sure you know exactly how people are feeling. Since I’m a Sagittarius, I’m very blunt when it comes to arguments whereas others might be more reserved. By knowing this information about how others act even if they’re not 100% like their astrology sign, I can figure out how to properly engage with the person.
Do I fit the Sagittarius mold?
I was born on December 8th which makes me a fiery Sagittarius (insert Nicki Manjis lyric “Sagittarius, so you know I’m an optimist”). Sagittarius is often considered the biggest traveler out of all the zodiac signs… I say that as I type this from my hotel room in California. We are often optimistic, enthusiastic, like changes, and are brutally honest… all of which describe me. You can check your astrology sign here if you want to see if you match the mold.
What do you think about Astrology? Do you ever read your horoscope or your relationship compatibility? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
What to Pack for a Trade Show in the Spring
I’m currently writing this post on a flight to Pasadena, California for a trade show and I couldn’t be more excited. If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you have most likely noticed that I’ve been traveling constantly for work. So far this year I’ve been to California three times, Texas once, and Arkansas once (for fun). My trade show packing skills have drastically improved so I thought I should share my packing advice with you.
Blue Pants (Similar) | Grey Pants |Green Pants
Pack a pair of comfy shoes.
This is by far the best advice I can give you because I brought shoes on my first trade show that cut the back of my feet up so badly that I was limping in the airport the whole way home. Make sure this doesn’t happen to you and find comfortable flats that mold to your feet. Depending on the trade show you may be able to get away with wearing a nice leather slip on as well. Just make sure you boss says it’s okay. I’ve been wearing this pair of Steve Maddens religiously but I also wear this pair of suede J.Crew flats when it is a dressier trade show. I’m still on the lookout for a good in-between flat for both occasions.
Pack a good pair of headphones that has a headphone jack.
I recently updated my phone to the iPhone X because my iPhone 6 just stopped working on me. This new phone doesn’t have a headphone jack so when I’m on a long flight I need to remember to bring two different types of headphones- one that fits for my phone and one that fits the movie screen jack.
You can’t go wrong with a neutral pair of dress pants.
The thing is about neutral pants is that if you don’t have enough room in your bag you can pack only one pair of pants. 95% of the people will not notice that you’re wearing the same exact pair of pants from day one on day three. If they do notice, then they’re paying attention way too much. I bought a pair of olive green pants and a light gray pair from the Banana Republic. They’re beyond comfortable and I love how they sit slightly higher than a normal pair of pants.
Green Shorts (Similiar)| White Shorts (Similiar) |Suede Flats | Slip-on
Try to stay away from dresses and skirts.
I go back and forth on this tip very often because I absolutely love dresses but they’re so inconvenient for trade shows. If you really want to wear one try not to wear on the same day you’re setting up or breaking down your booth. You’ll be bending over a lot and you know the end result for that. The same also goes with low-cut shirts!
Dress in layers.
Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable at a trade show so make sure you pack a cardigan or a jacket so if you get hot or cold you can be comfortable. I’m a huge fan of suede jackets and oversized blazers for trade shows. Plus, layers are perfect for wearing on the plane because they are either super cold plane ride or super hot plane ride.
Don’t forget to pack clothes for exploring!
I love exploring the area around the trade show. I mean isn’t that the perk of traveling for work? The best way to make sure you pack the right clothes is to look up on Pinterest or do a quick Google search on the best things to see or do in the area. I plan on traveling 20 minutes to see the Hollywood sign and explore Old Pasadena. Make sure you check my Instastories for that! Also, you can see what I did on my last trip to California here.
Suede Jacket (Similar) | Jean Jacket | Black Cardigan
Do you ever go to trade shows for your job? Do you ever travel for your job? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
Advice for the New College Graduate
Yesterday was a year since a graduated from Siena College. Ugh, it hurts even just typing those words. I literally remember typing this post about what I’ll remember most about Siena. The only thing is… I remember so much more. Now that I’m a year and a day out of college (sobs into my keyboard), I figured I would tell you a few things I’ve learned along the way since graduating.
Jeans| Top (Sale)|Jacket (Similar)|Purse Similar|Shoes
Expect the unexpected and run with it.
I never expected to do so much after I graduated. I literally thought I was going to dive in deep into finding a job, land one, and then hopefully work my way up. Although that is completely true and exactly what happened/is happening, I never expected to have accomplished so much in one year’s time. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to go see different places through work and my own time. I’ve been able to explore northern Arkansas, Houston, San Diego, Skytop, New York City, Anaheim, and even new places in my little old state of Connecticut. When you start your first job don’t sit idly on your hands. If you finish a task find another one to do or speak up that you need more work. You’ll be surprised how many opportunities fall into your lap if you do this.
Don’t forget to give yourself “me” time.
After college, I’ve ended up landing a job that was an hour commute each way. The commute eats up a good chunk of my time so I cut the commute in half on Tuesdays by going to a pilates studio. This little bit of me time helps me refocus and recharge. This blog and the gym are both vital outlets as well. When you start an “adult job” you need to find a way to escape so whether that is going to the gym, blogging, or riding horses… you need something. (Also, if you end up having a long commute like me check out this post on how to survive that commute).
Finding a job right after college might be difficult.
Some of my friends had jobs lined up right after college, and some of them took seven months to find a job. It really ends up being the luck of the draw when it comes to finding a job after college. Well, I say that but I applied to almost a 100 different jobs before I found the right one. I found the right job because I worked hard for it. Persistence is key so make sure you write a killer cover letter and follow up with interviews. For more advice on what finding a job is like after college read this post.
Start saving money now.
During college, it is almost impossible to save money but once you land that dream job and you have a steady income coming in, start saving as much money as soon you can. I use two apps: YNAB and Acorns to help keep track of my money.
YNAB is by far the biggest lifesaver. You can create all of these different folders in the app so that you can divide up your new check. I have tabs for future rent (still living with my parents one year out of college), transportation (driving 2 hours each day really adds up), gifts, vacation, fitness, dining out, fun money, and reimbursement (every time I travel for work I keep track of expenses this way). You can also put goals for each folder so that you reach a certain amount in the future. For example, I’m going to be moving out of my parent’s house in a year or two so I put a goal on how much money I want to have saved when I do. Also, when I’m saving for a cute new bag I take money out of my fun money and put it towards a new folder.
As for Acorns, this app automatically rounds up your purchases and invests that money for you! I started this in January and already have $200 saved in the app. Also, if you shop certain stores listed on the account you can get money back from those purchases! This is such a great app to set up and then just forget about it. You’ll be shocked when you open it up and you already have money saved.
If you’re a recent grad, what are you most excited about being in the “adult” world? If you’ve already graduated, what advice would you offer a recent grad? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
Friday Blogger Finds
You know how bloggers on Instagram have been sharing each other accounts on “Follow Friday’s”? Well, I thought it would be a brilliant idea to start sharing some of my favorite articles and posts with you. This series will be a collection of some of my favorite blogs and maybe even some new blogs I’ve found on the way. If you have any other interesting articles or something you wrote and feel proud of feel free to comment in the comments down below. I would love to find some new pieces to read and spread the blogging love.
Sustainable Reads
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What’s the Difference Between Green, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Ethical, Fair Trade, Clean, Organic, Non-Toxic, and Conscious? by EcoCult. This post is so helpful when trying to tackle all of the different words when it comes to “sustainable fashion. If you’re interested in sustainable fashion I would definitely check out EcoCult for a plethora of information. (Click here).
- Wonderful Things. Okay, so this one isn’t a blog post but it is the most magical thing I’ve ever stumbled upon. Keira from Style Me Fair posted on her Instastories about this website and I’m blown away by how helpful it is. It is an online marketplace that redirects to Amazon so that it is easier for you to find products that are sustainably made, ethically made, made in America, or reduce and reuse materials. Plus, it links up with Amazon so it is by far the easiest thing on the face of this planet. (Click here).
Fashion Reads
- Money Saving Tips- My Best Shopping Hacks by Kelsey. Have you ever heard about ebates? Well, either have I! Check out Kelsey’s post to be blown away by how you can easily save money while you’re shopping. (Click here).
- 7 Things You Don’t See on Instagram About Coachella by Emma. I read Emma’s blog literally seconds after she posts it. Her posts are always so informative and I’m dying to know more about each topic she covers. This one was no exception. (Click here).
Youtube Videos
- Ugly Location Photoshoot Challenge. Tess Christine yet again with the killer video ideas. This time she did an “Ugly Photo Challenge” video and did an incredible job. Seriously hope she does a video on poses one day because yah girl really needs some help. (Click here).
- This is America music video. This video has been popular in every other country but America. I’ve rewatched it more than 10 times and still am catching new references. (Check out the music video here. Also, check out this blog on the references in the video here).
What was your favorite thing you wrote or read this week? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
What the Heck Does Organic Cotton Even Mean?
When you first start diving into the world of “sustainable and ethical fashion” you instantly become overwhelmed. There are so many factors that go into being a sustainable and ethical product and come to find out it’s almost impossible to find something that has the whole package. When it comes to shopping more ethically I’ve had to evaluate what parts of ethical fashion I find the most important. For example, an item can be sustainably made (with organic cotton and dyes) but not be made ethically (fair wages and normal work hours). The five most common factors in sustainable and ethical fashion are ethical production, transparency in the company, made with natural fibers/earth-friendly dyes, gives back to a cause, and local manufacturing. I happen to care about these factors in the order in which they are listed. What do you think is most important?
With that said, let’s dive into the reasoning why it matters to have natural, organic fibers such as cotton.
Although cotton takes up less than 2.5 percent of global cropland, 10% of all pesticides are used.
Remember learning about organic food in high school and how bad GMOs were for your body? Come to find out that we’re all wearing something that is way worse than consuming GMOs. Your skin is your largest organ yet we allow a plethora of chemicals lay on our skin… well unless you’re a hippy and don’t wear clothes. The constant contact of pesticides can cause you to have irritated skin, rashes, and even can cause headaches and dizziness. Umm… no, thank you!
These chemicals are up and personal with your goods every day and night. Ever forget to wash your jeans before you wear them and end up with blue/black hands from the dye? I’m super guilty of this and have plenty of blue/black hands before. Although pesticides aren’t as visible as the dye rubbing off on your hands, the same amount gets stuck onto your skin and rubs against sensitive areas. So if you don’t buy organic cotton make sure you wash your item before you wear it so that it removes some of the pesticides before you wear it.
The Cotton Industry is notorious for human rights violations in India, the world’s largest cotton producer.
The problem with cotton that as soon as you start to treat it with pesticides it only needs more and more pesticides. As soon as the farmers start to use the pesticides, they need more and more in order to keep up with the crop. This causes them to be in tremendous debt and sell some of their land to the people who sold them the pesticides, Monsanto. All while these transactions are going on, local communities near the farms are born with birth defects and mentally deficient as a result of the extreme pesticide exposure. When pesticides are sprayed they can actually travel two miles from the air and waterways. If that wasn’t worse enough, the same people who are selling the pesticides, taking the land, and allowing neighboring towns to get sick are also selling the medication to help with the illnesses. It is one big money scheme.
This isn’t only happening in India. The Environmental Protection Agency considers 7 of the 15 pesticides used on conventional cotton as possible or known carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Farmers in the United States are also suffering from the harsh pesticides and are dying from cancer.
What are the requirements to be considered organic cotton?
- No pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals are used when growing organic cotton
- To be certified organic the soil must be free from chemicals for at least 3 years
- The land, and soil, benefits from crop rotation
- Organic cotton gets a GOTS certification (Global Organic Textile Standard) to make sure that it is organic.
So how can I help this issue?
Cotton is in so much that we consume even away from our clothes. Our bedding, towels, money, tampons, make up wipes, q-tips, and so much more. So how can you help the cotton industry? By buying organic! So many companies are coming out with organic lines each and every day. Keep your skin and the environment happy by choosing to buy organic cotton. Here are just six of the many companies that have an adorable line of organic items:
- Pact (Basics)
- Patagonia (Organic cotton line)
- Thought (Timeless Pieces)
- Synergy (Currently eyeing everything at this store)
- Groceries Apparel (USA Made)
- Noctu (Cute loungewear)
You can even find some organic cotton in the sea of clothes at TJMaxx and Marshalls! I found these perfect casual t-shirts at Marshalls. They have been my go-to when I’m rushing to get out the door in the morning.
Do you own anything that is made out of organic cotton? Did you know that cotton was such a demanding crop? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
The Best things to See in La Jolla, California
Last week, I took a break from writing blog posts so that I could explore while I was on a work trip. But man, let me tell you I really missed writing all my thoughts and communicating on this platform.
Since I knew I was going to have some downtime after trade show hours in La Jolla, I decided to look up a few things to see in the area. I didn’t want to travel all the way down to the center of San Diego because I knew I didn’t have that much time to see things. So instead, I ended up finding things in near La Jolla. Check out what I saw while I was in San Diego for a few days.
Sunny Jim Cave
Since I was traveling for work, I knew my time to explore was going to be very limited. I made it my goal to see Sunny Jim Cave if I didn’t see anything else. Lucky for me, we had some extra time on Tuesday to explore.
Sunny Jim Cave was built in 1903 as a tourist destination. It originally was just a steep descent down into a cave with just a simple rope. A few years later, 145 steps were built into the cave. The way the folktale is told, bootleggers used the cave as a way to distribute whiskey to San Diego. To visit the cave, you pay $5 and work your way down the 145 steps. Save your breath because you’re going to have to crawl your way back up.
Tip: you can also walk on top of the cave through an entrance left of the gift shop. You’ll see some amazing views just watch your step because it’s a long way down!
La Jolla Cove
Right next to the Sunny Jim Cave is an adorable path where you can walk along the beach where… tons of seals are! Oh my goodness, I loved watching them waddle their little bodies across the beach. The entire walk takes about half an hour to an hour depending on how fast you want to take a stroll. We ended up turning around at Children’s Beach where most of the seals are.
We actually watched a lady go on the beach with a selfie stick to try to take a picture with one of the biggest seals. The seal almost bit her and made loud sounds, yet she continued to fumble with her phone to get the “perfect picture.” Don’t be like this lady, these seals are wild creatures and they will bite your fingers off. Sometimes it is better to watch from afar then be up and close with some wild animals.
Note: When the breeze does not blow the correct way it can smell like an entire zoo just punched you in the face. If you have a sensitive nose be aware of this.
Scripps Pier
I tried to limit my pictures for Scripps Pier in this post but it was just too hard! After my last day at the trade show, I ended up walking 2 miles to Scripps Pier from La Jolla Sheraton. I put my headphones on and walked past University of California San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I actually took the first three photos from a lookout point from the Institution of Oceanography.
There were a ton of professional photographers waiting for the sun to set so I had to awkwardly crawl below them to be able to take a few pictures. Check out my tweet to see what that looked like. If you want to get an “instagramable” photo of the pier make sure you go a few hours before the sunset to avoid all these photographers or just crawl your way into the crowd like I did.
Tip: Wait until sunset! Seeing the sun dip behind the west coast water was such a beautiful sight. Plus, you have to dip your feet in the water as well!
Have you ever been to San Diego or California? Let me know in the comments down below.
P.S. My next trade show is in Pasadena, California so let me know if you’ve ever been or have any tips on what to see. I’m definitely going to try and see the Hollywood sign my last day!
As always,
Fashion Revolution Week: What it is and Why it Matters
Guys, I admit… I’m a pretty obnoxiously optimistic person and this blog tends to be an extended arm of that. I mean after all, who really wants to read dreary stuff? But that is the problem. There is no way to say what I’m about to say nicely, positively, or without beating around the bush. I’m going to tell you guys the harsh reality of fast fashion, why we should care, and end with positive ways we can fix the industry. Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you…
Five years ago 1,100 lifeless bodies were pulled underneath the rubble from the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse.
After countless complaints the factory was unsafe, the factory was still operated in. Workers even asked to not return to work because of these unsafe work conditions and when they spoke up they were told that a month’s pay would be withheld if they did not return next day. The next day, more than a thousand of them lost their lives and 2,500 of them were critically injured when the building collapsed.
Brand name fast-fashion and designer brands such as Walmart, JC Penny, and Primark were finally in the spotlight for their unjust work practices and thousands of people were angered at the thought that their clothes were the reason for such injustices.
In 2013, I was a senior in college worrying about stupid high school things. I don’t even remember this being in the news and that is the problem. We all need to be informed about the injustices of where our clothes are made. Whether that be the environmental, social, or economic factors we need to know them all. By knowing more information about what happened at Rana Plaza and hundreds of other factories around the world we can make conscious shoppers.
So what is Fashion Revolution Week?
Since then the Rana Plaza factory collapse, people from all over the world have been using their voices to tell brands that things must change… and it is working. The industry is starting to change. With that said, Fashion Revolution Week is April 23-29th and the idea is it that people ask more questions and learn about sustainable fashion. This could mean asking leading brands in the industry where their clothes came from or even joining workshops about sustainable fashion. The end goal is both the same: we need to change the fashion industry for the better.
One thing that hit me really hard in this movement was the idea that there are 40 million garment workers in the world and about 85% of them are female. They are some of the lowest paid workers in the world and are constantly faced with unsafe work conditions. With that said, fast fashion brands like H&M, TopShop, and Zara all make feminist slogan t-shirts where their female garment workers are not paid equally, do not receive maternity leave, and constantly face unsafe work conditions. Does that really sound like feminism to you?
So what the heck can we do?
During the Fashion Revolution Week, we are asked to contact our favorite stores and ask them the simple question “who made my clothes.” Here are all the different ways you can ask fashion brands who made your clothes. Note: this isn’t meant to be rude to these brands. This is meant to create awareness and an ongoing conversation about sustainable fashion. Good things do not come out of negativity.
Write an email or send a postcard to your favorite fashion brands asking them who makes their clothes
It’s important to have an ongoing conversation with fashion brands. This is not meant to call them out but instead to inform them that you care and it matters who makes the clothes. Once brands know more people are caring about who is making the clothes and where they are coming from they will change their policies. You can write your own or print out Fashion Revolution’s premade cards here. You can also download the app Good on You to send emails directly from the app. It takes less than a minute on the app!
Post on your social media #whomademyclothes
You can follow the hashtag to see what companies are being asked and you can add your voice to it. The best part about asking companies on social media is that you’re getting more people aware of the issue and what is happening behind the store doors. The whole movement is really about getting people informed.
Become more informed on what is happening around you
I highly recommend watching the True Cost on Netflix for more information on the overall structure of what is happening behind the store doors. I also recommend listening to the podcast Conscious Chatter by Kestrel Jenkins to hear what people who are in the slow fashion industry are saying. Lastly, follow bloggers, read, research, and engage. The change starts with you. I’ll be showing a few of my favorite bloggers on my Instagram later this week and doing a blog recap next week with all of their blogs listed. Be sure to check back for that.
Lastly, support the brands who respond to your questions and are becoming more transparent… they are setting the example for everyone else.
You can find companies that are responding to the movement with the hashtag #imadeyourclothes but you can also download the app Good on You to find out how your favorite companies are ranked. I was pretty bummed about a few of my favorite companies so I would definitely check that out.
I’ve been reaching out to companies all week on my Instastories and on the app Good on You. Here are two examples of how I’ve asked big companies on my Instastory:
Overall, we all are in this together. Whether we’re trying to help the environment or the social structure of garment workers, we have an obligation to put our money where it matters. Plus, it adds an extra conversation piece to your outfit which is always a huge bonus.
Have you heard about the Rana Plaza Collapse or Fashion Revolution Week? What companies do you want to ask “who made my clothes?” Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
4 Reasons Why You Need a Linen Dress This Season
Over the weekend, I went to a blogging event with a few local Connecticut bloggers. It was so much fun meeting everyone and learning what their blog is about. Even though all 15-20 of us were at different ages and blog popularities, it was so pleasant to see what people were really passionate about. For example, Courtney from Betty Juliet Diaries blogs about her incredible vintage vibes and the history of the era associated with it. Kelsey from Kelsey Lynn B finds the best sales and knows how to have a killer workout. Lastly, Caitlyn from Confessions of a Northern Belle, the one who brought us all together, blogs about her adventures with her adorable children. All completely different topics but it was so pleasant to see how much joy they have from blogging.
As I talked to a few bloggers and even a few coworkers, I found myself lighting up when I talked about sustainability and fashion ethics. When a coworker compliments me on an article of clothing, like these white jeans, I find myself spewing knowledge about how denim is made or who makes the product. Sometimes it gets to a point where I say to myself “girl, calm down before they frame you as a psychopath”. 
Everlane Jacket | Artisan NY (Can’t find anything similar) |Giving Key Necklace | Shoes
Despite starting my journey to more ethical shopping, I still find myself wandering through Marshalls and T.J. Maxx line no one’s business. Sometimes I’m able to find “Made in the USA” or “Organic Cotton” shirts whereas other times you can see where the quality is missing out of the garment. A missed stitching here… a spaghetti strap that was just slapped on… or jeans that have that weird chemical smell that you can’t seem to get rid of. We’ve all bought these products in our lifetime. As a recovering shopaholic, I have tons of pointless fashion items in my closet that barely see the light of day. With challenges like the 10x10challenge, I’ve been trying to use the items I already have more but that doesn’t take away from the fact that I love shopping. Which is why I’m slowly easing into the sustainability world by focusing on the quality of the items I’m buying and how often I will wear it. Thus, the reason why this adorable linen dress came into my life.
So why the heck is linen so great? What makes it better than other fabrics and why is it so darn expensive?
Linen as an environmentally friendly product.
When linen is made, the entire part of the flax plant is used to make the linen yarn. The by-product, Linseed Oil, is even used and can be used to preserve wood. Flax uses 13 times fewer pesticides than potatoes but is only approximately 1% of the world’s apparel fiber consumption.
It is easy to grow, but not easy to make the yarn.
Although Flax seeds can grow in poor soil while using less water than cotton, the process of making the linen yarn is very laborious and time-consuming. This what causes linen garments to be so much more than other items. Although it is time-consuming, to spin the yarn it is more durable than cotton which is the big benefit of having linen clothing.
Unlike polyester or acrylic, it is 100% biodegradable when it is not dyed.
This dress is actually dyed so it is not 100% biodegradable. But if this is something that is very important to you buy linen that is colored in its natural form which is ivory, ecru, tan and grey. This means that if you grow out of the dress in a few years or it just isn’t the same style you fell in love with, you can actually compost the dress! So forget clothes piling up in the landfills, if we wore more linen we wouldn’t have this problem.
On hot days it will keep you cool.
Even though here in Connecticut I don’t have to worry about the warm weather just yet, I know I have this linen dress to fall back on once it gets warm. Since the linen fabric is built differently than cotton, it actually allows more airflow. It also is less likely to cling to your skin because of the how stiff the fabric is naturally. It is the perfect fabric for the spring and summer because of this.
So, be like linen. Be easy to adapt and stronger when things get you down. Okay, that may be stretching it but I think it works well. Next time you’re walking through Marshalls and you pick up that adorable t-shirt, look at what the item is made out of. If it’s made out of polyester, nylon, or acrylic (otherwise known as straight up plastic), you might want to put it back on the rack. Hey, this trick has been helping me save up for this adorable jean jacket (check out the factory it is made in and you’ll be hooked on this company).
What do you think about linen as a textile? Do you like wearing linen in the spring/summer? Have you ever meet up with local bloggers in your area? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
Instagram | BlogLovin’ | Facebook | Twitter |Pinterest
P.S. This week is Fashion Revolution Week where sustainable bloggers from all over the world are calling out big named companies and asking who makes their clothes. For more information about this week check out my Instagram to see how I’m raising awareness for the garment workers all over the world (40 million garment workers and 80% of them are female).
Double PS: Thank you for Amy from Amy Marie Blog and Lindsay from Lindsay Demo for making me laugh during these photos. We’re definitely going to have to back to Conspiracy to watch a drag show or hit up a cidery/brewery! 💕
7 Sustainable Products That Will Rock Your Socks Off
This month I’ve been really trying to incorporate healthier products into my life. Whether that is a better dry shampoo, an organic deodorant, or a fresh pair of socks I’m trying to tackle the intimating subject of sustainability. Scroll on to find out what sustainable products worked and not worked for me.
Bombas: Socks that Give Back
The most requested item in homeless shelters is socks, which is why two guys set out to make it their mission to provide something as simple as socks to thousands of homeless shelters. For every purchase of Bombas socks, you also donate a pair of socks to a homeless shelter. So far, Bombas has been able to donate 7 million pairs of socks. Plus, these adorable socks come in so many fun patterns and incredibly comfy. Forget Nike elite socks and hello Bombas socks.
Renpure: Coconut Argan Dry Shampoo
After my hairdresser told me I shouldn’t be washing my hair so frequently, I’ve been trying to incorporate a dry shampoo into my life. Since I really liked Renpure’s shampoo and conditioner, I thought I would try out their dry shampoo. Unlike most drugstore dry shampoos, this one doesn’t include sulfates, parabens, dyes, gluten, phthalates, or propylene glycol. It also smells like a delicious blueberry treat. Note: the smell is pretty strong so if you are worried that you might eat your hair from this you might want to stay away. Other than that, I think it smells amazing and really does the trick for second-day hair.
Simply Gum: Natural Mint
This was definitely an impulse purchase and I totally regret it. Not only was it ridiculously expensive for a little pack of gum, it tastes terrible. You know when you brush your teeth and then drink OJ? That is exactly how this tastes. The texture also looks and feels like fish food pellets. I’m all for trying to go organic but this gum was not the answer.
Burt’s Bees Chapstick
I’ve been a huge fan of Burt’s Bees for the longest time but never knew that they made chapstick flavors other than peppermint. Yes, I may hide under a rock. I’m addicted to the Pink Grapefruit because it smells and tastes like breakfast throughout the day. The Vanilla Bean is also lovely because of how subtle it is compared to the peppermint chapstick that I love so dearly. Burt’s Bees actually plants urban gardens to help recover bee populations. Find out more information on that by clicking here.
Soothing Touch Lip Balm
When I was wandering through Whole Foods, I found these two chapsticks 2/$5. I’ve been obsessed with iced chia tea so the vanilla chia chapstick was practically jumping off the shelf and into my pocket. 85% of the chapstick is organic which sometimes worries me because I’ve had some organic chapsticks that are extremely creamy and slip right off. Luckily, these two stayed put and smell amazing.
LaVanila Natural Deodorant
At first, the thought of natural deodorant scared the crap out of me. Was I going to smell? Am I going to sweat a lot? Does it apply weird? The list went on and on. As I was scrolling through Instagram one day I saw an ad for the Lavanila deodorant and I put it in the back of my mind that one day I would finally get it. I was super hesitant because A. I didn’t know if it would work and B. $14 for deodorant sounded outrageous to me. After countless YouTube reviews, I decided to finally bite the bullet and finally purchase the coconut one. Ugh, it smelt terrible to me. I excepted it to smell sweet and floral but instead, it just smelt like old, wet baby powder. I almost wrote off the natural deodorant idea completely until I saw a new pesky ad for their vanilla + earth deodorant. A deodorant that contains patchouli? Count me in. I bought it then and there and was incredibly happy with the delicious smell. It smells like a sweet mix of spring rain, flowers, and baby powder. The deodorant is applied just like a dove deodorant but it doesn’t contain all of the harsh chemicals. Lavanila’s website that when you’re switching over to natural deodorant that you may go through a week where you smell because your pits are getting rid of the toxins. Luckily, I never went through that week. My pits smell like I’ve been frolicking in the woods and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re going to try one thing on this list… try switching out your chemical deodorant for something cleaner.
Raw Sugar Shampoo: The Bounce Back
Target is becoming my go-to for finding natural products like Raw Sugar. Their incredible isle helped me find all of these incredible products. This incredible shampoo and conditioner combo are made with ColdPres Technology. This means that the shampoos and conditioners preserve more of the whole fruit and plant so that it can deliver pure, rich essential oils, vitamins, enzymes and nutrients that nourish and vitalize your skin. If that didn’t convince you, Raw Sugar also donates a bar of soap to a family in need. Note: You can only buy this product at Target.
This particular shampoo reminds me of the Amalfi Coast for some reason. It has a sweet mango smell with a hint of vanilla. It is very subtle once you wash it out of your hair. I’m definitely going to be looking for more of Raw Sugar next time I wander through Target.
Have you tried any of these products or any natural products I should try? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
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How to Style a Denim Romper for Hot, New York City Weather
Hi friend! This past weekend, two of my college friends and I took advantage of the incredible weather and traveled to good ol’ New York City. For someone who lives only two hours away, I’m shocked at how little I’ve seen of the city. We walked a total of eight miles roaming around Dumbo, voyaging to the Highline, popping in little boutiques, and going out until 4 am. I already can’t wait to go back again soon.
The Brooklyn Bridge is something that I’ve wanted to see ever since I developed a little crush on Gossip Girl’s Dan Humprey back in 2009. I even was able to see the iconic Manhattan Bridge view that is shown in multiple scenes (keep scrolling) and act like a total tourist. Yes, I was being a total fangirl.
Since it was the first nice day of spring, everyone and their mother was out. Courtney, Mickey, and I puts around and didn’t mind the roaring crowd. We ended up walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at a snail’s pace to take in all of the scenery. The cool thing about the Brooklyn Bridge is that it was designed by a man but finished by a female engineer. Talk about a major girl boss.
Tip: There is no escaping the crowds in New York City so just accept the fact that you’ll be packed like a little sardine.
For the first warm day of spring, I opted for this adorable romper from Current Elliott and some comfy slides. Current Elliott is a company based in California where 90% of their denim is made. In an interview with LA Times, Brett Ramey, Vice President of creative for Current/Elliott said, “We wanted everything in the store, every material, to get better with age — like our denim.” That was the only quote I needed to read in order to buy this adorable romper. It ended up being perfect for the sunny, cloudless day.
If you have a curvier build, I recommend finding rompers that sinch you in at the waist with a cute detail such as a bow or belt.
Since I’m not someone who usually loves rompers, I was a little nervous about buying this one. After trying it on, I knew I had to have it. It is made out of a soft denim that is breathable and lightweight without feeling cheap. The little bow belt and the adorable buttons going up the middle of the romper were the two things that sealed the deal. Plus, it definitely helps that this one wasn’t too short. I’m only 5’4″ and I find it close to impossible to find a romper that is actually an appropriate length.
If you’re walking 8+ miles in New York City opt for shoes that are comfy and lightweight.
These shoes were a life changer because they are so versatile. I was able to wear them with jeans the next day and I even wore them out to a casual bar. New York City is all about walking so make sure you’re wearing shoes that you can put some steps on. Since these shoes are made with a pleather, they tend to not breathe as well as normal sneakers. Toms might be a great alternative to these cute, casual shoes once it gets warmer. I’ve been eying this slip on and this casual, white sneaker.
Other than the Brooklyn Bridge and MOMA, I rarely pulled out my camera because I just wanted to enjoy being with my two friends. After seeing the Brooklyn Bridge, we walked around Dumbo and popped into little shops. We eventually made our way to the meatpacking district to see the Chelsea Market and the Highline.
The next day, the weather did a huge 360° and went from 70°F to a lame 40°F. We wrapped ourselves up in our thin jackets and traveled to MOMA, which was luckily right down the road from our hotel. It was surreal seeing Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Monet’s Water Lilies. This is definitely something I would go back and see. You could spend hours in this six-floor art museum.
I already can’t wait to go back and explore more of New York City. I still need to explore the Top of the Rock, Williamsburg, Central Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, China Town, Little Italy, and so much more. One day I’ll get there!
Have you ever walked across the Brooklyn Bridge? Is there a style item that you’ve always been scared to rock? Let me know in the comments down below.
As always,
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