Athleisure Lovers Rejoice!

The Gods have opened up the gates and have granted the one wish we  women have all been praying for: athletic wear is now socially acceptable to casually wear in public (yes, this includes yoga pants!) Add these two topics of discussion together and you have one of the fashion industries’ most talked about topics, #Athleisure – and man oh man am I loving it!

If you have ever been to college, had a full-time job or just naturally enjoy being comfortable, yet presentable, your level of excitement is probably just as high as mine. Coming home from your daily grind, rolling out of bed to head to class or if you ever left the house thinking “I’d rather not wear colored jeans, a blouse and heels to run to the grocery store” then you know exactly what I am talking about.

So let’s break this down. First and foremost, this isn’t a new concept. Women everywhere have turned to this style daily, at various times of their life. However, what makes the whole idea even better is that yes, that fashion industry is indeed turning it into something to talk about, but we no longer have to rely only on those “sporty” brands to make our athleisure purchases (Nike, Reebok, Adidas etc.) That’s right, casual-wear brands and more are turning to athletic lines that we females have turned in to something more than just articles of clothing to wear while we burn those cals. Brands like Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie even Lilly Pulitzer, are all trying to work their way into this market to fit the needs of athleisure lovers everywhere. We also can’t forget about the the brands that have already been in the game for quite some time like, Lululemon, Athleta, Patagonia and more, while also remembering that for every great athleisure outfit comes a cute pair of sneaks, try these or these. And like every other clothing trend accessories are important; watches, headbands and other accessories are all necessities.

So athleisure lovers rejoice! If you loved it before, you’ll love it even more now.  The market for this trend is continuing to grow – which from my perspective is phenomenal! Women of all ages embrace this look and I hope this is a trend that never goes out of style (if it does I will carry it on!)

Personally, I turn to athleisure quite often. Obviously when heading to a workout, but now even to run errands, hangout with friends or lounge around the house. I am not afraid to admit that I am also very jealous of those who work in an environment where athleisure is acceptable – at my office, not so much, but a girl can dream. So once again athleisure lovers, rejoice! We can live a cute, casual and comfortable life in our athleisure clothes and enjoy every minute of it!

For related articles check out: this, this, this, and this.

Fabulous – Shabby Apple Shoot

Because a little Shabby Apple photo shoot is fun before the storm hits AND I couldn’t help but display Holly’s extreme levels of fabulousness.

Christmas Gift Sneak Peak

Ready for the holidays! Christmas gift sneak peak!

Feeling At Home: Old Factory Candles

What reminds you of home? Is it your favorite pillow, your mother’s home-cooking, family traditions? All of these remind me of that favorite place along with a few distinct smells. There a select number of scents that remind me not only of home, but a specific time of year and/or holidays. Pumpkin spice in the fall, Home Sweet Home in the spring and other scents allow me to feel a direct correlation with being home with my entire family. After moving in to my own home, filling every room with the scent of the season provides a warm and welcoming feeling to any visitor, and me after a long day at work.

Old Factory is a great company that makes deliciously scented candles that are hand poured in the USA with natural soy wax and premium fragrance oils. When purchasing you are able to choose from a set of three candles that are themed around a group of related fragrances – trust me, they are all so very good and it is very difficult to choose just one set. I chose Fall Harvest to complement the season, decorations and current overall feel in Central Pennsylvania. Lit one at a time or all at once, these candles allow autumn to enter the warmth of my home. 

Other sets include:

Fall Harvest
Happy Holidays
Winter Wonderland
Romance
Fresh & Clean
Spa Day
Vacation
Coffee Shop
Man Cave
High as a Kite
New Born Baby
50 Shades

Whatever delightful scent you choose, you will be WOWed by the perfectly powerful scents that fill the room. No matter what the occasion; visiting guest, the holidays or a simple way to remind yourself that you are home, Old Factory candles will act as a great reminder of any memorable moment.

Interested in receiving your own Old Factory candle set?!
Follow the link below, fill out the entry form and you will be eligible to receive your own Old Factory candle set.

| Fill Out The Entry Form Here |

All entries must be submitted by Thursday, November 6 at 8:00 PM
I will announce the winner in my Post on Friday, November 7.

The post is sponsored by BrandBacker.

The Army Way Is Here To Stay

The time for outerwear (jackets, vests, coats etc.) has arrived and I found two of my absolute favorite pieces. Not only have I found my go-to pieces, but they are in the same shade of green, army green. The two items below are both pieces that I will turn to time and time again until the wintery weather arrives and I will be forced to wear warm sweaters and large coats. Over the years I have owned several different items in army green and I think what I love about it so much is its ability to work with any color. I have worn this shade of green with brown, black even navy! What I also like about this color and style is that it seems to be in style each year. Towards the end of summer you will see most stores working in this color and these rugged styles into every line. The two below are my favorite, but I have also included a few that are on my wish-list in “Shop the Look”. What is your favorite way to incorporate army green?

Trench Coat at Target

Utility Vest at Target

Quilted Vest at Target

Faux Fur at Loft

Prairie Jacket at Patagonia

Paddock Vest at Orvis

External Health: Apothecary Extracts – Tea Tree Oil

Hello friends! Today I am here to discuss a healthier side of living that may not get touched on as often as getting enough exercise and eating wholesome foods are. Maintaining a naturally healthy body can often go further than just exercise and food – though both provide a healthy body inside and out. Over the past week I have dived into a new product that has made the outside of my body not only feel but, look healthier. Apothecary Extracts – Tea Tree Oil is an essential oil that naturally fights numerous skin blemishes and can be used around the house as more natural alternative. For me, the product has worked wonders on my breakout areas. I received my bottle a little over a week ago, and my boyfriend and I have both seen great results. That’s right ladies and gents – works wonderfully on men too! I used it strictly on my face, but Taylor on his face, shoulders and upper arms. 

Getting to the nitty-gritty – the bottle is packaged and labeled nicely. The outside of the bottle provides a great deal of information that will give you answers to any questions you may have. *Beware of the great scent when opening the bottle – this extremely potent and pure oil gives off an eye-tearing stench, but don’t be alarmed it is this scent that backs up the clarity it brings to your skin.

I used the product with two cotton balls, rubbing the oil over the troubled areas of skin. The one warning  I will give is – if you have dry skin or even moderately dry skin, I would dilute the product. Why it worked so well for me was the fact that it did totally dry out and clear up my trouble spots – just be sure lotion up after the product works it’s magic.

When diluting – it is best to use olive oil or coconut oil – complete directions to this will be on your bottle. When reading the label on the bottle it is also interesting to take a look at all the known facts about this product – no preservatives, no chemical solvents, no artificial colors and more. Trust me, it is worth checking out, because it provides proof that what you are applying to your skin is indeed all natural.

Overall – I would have to give this product a great rating. The ways in which you can use this product is endless. I have tried it specifically to clear acne and like I mentioned, it was very effective. It is indeed a very strong and potent product, so I would be sure you are using it correctly, mixing it correctly and diluting it to a necessary level that will be safe for you.

It currently can be purchased here. Costing only $25 – you get a 4 ounce bottle, which will last a very long time. When you purchase this 4 ounce bottle you also receive a FREE eBook that provides 50+ uses for Tea Tree Oil. The eBook provides various ways to use tea tree oil to improve life and replace harmful products around your home. With its versatile, effective results and all natural ingredients, the product is set up for success. If you are interested in taking a step closer to a healthier external body I recommended you take the plunge and try this product – you won’t be disappointed!

This post is sponsored by BrandBacker.

Fall Must-Haves

Booties, sweaters, denim and scarves are all clothing trends that never go out of style as October comes and goes each year. These items, and more, are pieces that every girl loves and this year, seems to be tweeting about. Now, I am also guilty of turning to these “go-to” items when the cool air rolls around, however this year there seems to be three stunning trends that I am absolutely in love with!

What I love so much about these are that they aren’t just specific clothing items that are trending, but styles, colors and fabrics. Navy, florals and leather clothing items are all trending in any and every way imaginable. Dresses, pants, skirts, shoes – you know name and this year it seems as if you can find it one of these styles.

Navy – no matter what time of year, is one my absolute favorite trends. Pictured below, I have it in three of styles that I see can be used to complement the rest of your wardrobe.. Cardigans, tops and dresses. One thing you will notice this time of year is navy dressed with black. I am sure many of you have heard of the unwritten rules that navy and black and navy and brown should not go together. However, in fall navy and black go perfectly together!

Florals – I have talked about fall florals previously on my blog – see here. I am a floral freak! The more color the better! I believe that flowers are one of the most uplifting and beautiful items on this earth. When portrayed in fashion, there often is not much you can do to go wrong. I talked in a previous post how florals are in for fall, but that doesn’t mean you need to go buy a new set of floral clothes. Below, I have pictured three of my favorite floral items for fall, but when faced with a tight budget reuse your summer florals by adding them to other fall trends – navy or leather!

Finally, leather – Leather is chic and stunning. Most think of leather as the bad girl or rocker look, but when dressed appropriately anyone can rock leather in a classy way. My favorite ways to wear leather are through a jacket, pants or skirt. Pants for me are the best, because they are a great way to spice up black work pants.

No matter what your favorite fall clothing trends, turn to these style trends to enhance your fall staples. A diverse wardrobe has never felt this good!

1. Navy

Navy Cardigan at Gap

Color Block Tunic at Loft

Navy Striped Dress at Anthropologie

2. Florals

Floral Pants at Anthropologie

Floral Top at Gap

Floral Dress at ASOS

3. Leather

Leather Jacket at Old Navy

Leather Pants at Old Navy

Leather Mini Skirt at J. Crew Factory

 

Sweet & Simple

Sweet and simple – exactly what I like to think after looking in the mirror before going to work. Living in Central Pennsylvania allows me great versatility when dressing for the office. Although, I am in a business and corporate setting, the dress code is much more casual than it would be in a big city. (I have a love/hate relationship with that fact) Either way – I can dress totally up in business professional when I am feeling up to it, or dress a little more casual and it will be just fine. However, even if I wear a blazer and dress or blazer and pants to work I still do strive for that simple and sweet look, yet always including a bold pop.

The outfit above and below is one I chose to be a little more casual – yet, still fashionable. Two of the pieces in this ensemble, the cheetah print shoes and camel colored skirt are two of my October favorites – stay tuned for Monday*. Subtle pops of cheetah is fine by me and the camel color is one that I have really grown to love – I think mostly for is versatility.

This comfortable look is one that not only is simple and sweet to the eye, but also sweet and simple to put together. Each piece of this ensemble can be found in all of our wardrobes, or at least similar to.  Whether dressing casually for work, going out to dinner or gathering with friends, make this a back-up outfit that you can whip together if you can’t find anything else to wear. A simple look and bold shoes always make for a sweet ensemble.

Sand Storm – Neutrality At Its Finest

When it comes to nail polish, no matter what time of year or what I am wearing, I am a fan of subtle and neutral colors. Soft pinks, shades of red, clear, sands and ivories are my absolute “go-to”. My most recent find, Sally Hansen of course, was Sand Storm – 113 in their Intsa-Dri collection.

Its name is a perfect description, because once the polish dries it does indeed look like sand. Whether you are wearing army green, chambray, burgundy, orange or other festive colors, this specific polish complements them all.

I have been enhancing my polish with Sally Hansen’s Miracle Gel Top Coat. When you purchase this it comes with a Miracle Gel color, which I have used, however I have been using the top coat with all my polish. It gives it a shiny and professional look and protects the color from chipping for days.Although this is not a review, rather just a brief write-up about the perfect nail color for fall – I can confidently say that both of these products are pleasers. Insta-Dri because it does dry so unbelievably fast and the Miracle Gel, because it protects and gives your nails a professional look no matter what color you paint on.

I the see the warm and varying colors of this time of year steal the show in fashion – which is how it should be! Don’t overwhelm your outfit of choice with an obnoxious nail color. Keep it classy, but stunning, by painting on a neutral color that will complement anything you wear.

Slouch A Little

One of the coolest aspects of blogging is reaching outside my comfort zone. Of course, a huge percent of what I discuss and take pictures of are things that I love – hence my reason for blogging. However, for me blogging has turned into an experimental platform where I can show you my traditional loves, but also styles/trends I am interested in – even if they don’t look so great on me.

A few months ago I wrote about how the 90s style is back – some of the trends I have tried and loved others I love, but would try – overalls. Similar to this situation, slouchy jeans have been featured in many of my favorite brands, most prominently in Anthropologie. Being 5′ 4″ without toothpick legs, I have been very apprehensive about trying this, yet I gave it a go. I am only used to a tight jean, so naturally when I tried these on I felt I needed to decrease in size to get the proper fit – when in reality the loose baggy look was the correct one.

After giving it a try I feel as if paired with the right ensemble it can work, for example – a floppy hat to complement the slouch. I wouldn’t say this would be a clothing piece I would turn to regularly, but to mix up your jean look it is a solid choice – AND REALLY COMFORTABLE!

*One change I should have made was wearing flats. Naturally, because of my height, I turn to heels most often – but in this case I wish I would have worn a sneaker – like a pair of converse or vans.

Shop the look –

American Eagle

Anthropologie

Gap