SS Loves Marissa Webb

Oh how I love TJ Maxx Runway!  They seriously have the most incredible stuff there.  I found this fabulous vest hanging on one of their sale racks, and I pretty much bought it immediately.  This gem's a Marissa Webb design. For those of you who don't know her, she's Banana Republic's creative advisor.  She was their creative director + executive vice president for a year and a half, but she decided to take on a less time-consuming role for her own label!  BR still consults her, but she no longer designs for them.  

I feel like people have mixed feelings about her work.  Some (like me) adore her, but many find her designs to be "too trendy." What do you guys think? Should BR push its limits and be fashion forward or go back to its roots and stick to classic designs? Make sure to leave me a comment below with your thoughts.

Now, back to today's OOTD.  I styled my new vest with a faux-leather skirt and a solid gray tank.  I accessorized with a fierce statement necklace and threw on killer heels to up my style game.  To finish off my look, I carried a quilted crossbody bag and applied a bright lippy for a pop of color.  For those of you wondering, my shoes are from Charles Jourdan, and my bag's from Bag Inc.  The latter's a fabulous look for less! Doesn't it look just like Chanel's jumbo classic? Minus the iconic logo of course.  Love this OOTD? Shop it here!

Bag: BagInc (similar / coupons)  || Shoes: Charles Jourdan via Last Call || Tank: Karmaloop / 30% off coupon || Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Vest: Marissa Webb via TJ Maxx || Necklace: JWholesale (similar / coupons) || Lipstick: c/o Bobbi Brown / 15% off coupon

Last but not least, here's a flat lay of my latest Bobbi Brown haul.  I used their lipstick (in atomic orange), illuminating powder, and brow pencil for today's FOTD aka face-of-the-day.  I'll be wearing the other colors very soon so make sure you keep an eye out!  For all of my readers, take a 15% off these summer makeup essentials using my Bobbi Brown coupon today or them right here!

Lippies from left to right:  Atomic Orange, Pale Coral, Sweet Apricot, and Mod.

Swatches from left to right:  Mod, Sweet Apricot, Pale Coral, and Atomic Orange.

A closer look at my illuminating powder + brow pencil - both are incredibly subtle.  Use the powder as a highlighter on both your face and neck and build your brows with the pencil pictured above.  You won't overdo it so don't worry!

This post is in collaboration with Bobbi Brown, Karmaloop and Stylinity.

EXACT	Karma Loop
	Venley Unisex TriBlend Tank Top

EXACT	Gilt
	Kristianne High-Low Vest by MARISSA WEBB

SIMILAR	Missguided
	Faux Leather Mini Skirt White

EXACT	BagInc
	Ingrid Quilted Medium Leather Bag Classic Black

SIMILAR	Rebecca Minkoff
	Love Quilted Leather Crossbody Bag

EXACT	Nemian Marcus
	Charles Jourdan - Lizabeth Honeycomb Mesh Bootie, Black

SIMILAR	Nordstrom Rack
	Layla Layered Statement Necklace

Find of the Day: My Dream LBD

I'm beyond excited to tell you guys about my latest find!  I bought this dress online last week at Last Call Neiman Marcus for $67 (originally $168).  They were having a huge sale so I took advantage and bought 10 different things.  Yeah, I know, I kind of have an online shopping problem, BUT I'm returning 9/10 because of fit, fabric and all that good stuff.  There were definitely a lot of duds, but in the process, I found my dream LBD so it was all worth it.  

This stunning piece is seriously everything.  Way to go, Catherine Malandrino!  You totally killed it with this one. This dress seriously flatters every possible shape and size - think sisterhood of the traveling LBD. Featuring cold-shoulder (aka shoulder cut-outs) short sleeves, a subtly sexy v-neckline, and a twisted bodice with a cascading ruffle.  You'll be breaking necks left and right!  

I bought a size 2, and it couldn't fit me better.  The twisted bodice really flatters - it makes my waist look super tiny, and the best part? It's ridiculously comfortable, like I could wear it at home to binge-watch Netflix with my dog while shoveling chinese delivery down my throat. Perfect for all occasions, this dress is a serious must-have.  

Now, the price went up to $75, but even so, it's worth every cent.  You can wear it out to an event, date night, work - basically, wherever you want.  Do yourself a favor and cop this while you can - click HERE to purchase!  Oh, and you're welcome in advance.

Stripes & Tassels

Pumped to tell you guys about my new dress! I picked this baby up at H&M earlier this week for $20. I've been looking for new work-friendly dresses so I was stoked when I stumbled upon this piece.  I instantly fell in love with the color and ruffle + tassel detailing.  I styled it with a long shirt and threw on Valentino-inspired heels to finish off my look.

Studded heels are everything.  Everyone's seen Valentino's rockstud heels, but there are plenty of other shoes that slay:

Shirt:  from Korea || Dress:  H&M (similar) || Shoes:  OASAP

The Best of Nourish Organic

Totally pumped to feature Nourish Organic today on SS.  Thanks to their baller marketing department, I had the opportunity to sample a handful of their products.  Before I get into my review, I'd like to tell y'all a bit about their brand.  They're the first beauty company to ever work with the US Department of Agriculture - their goal was to create a collection of products so pure they could be certified organic under the same strict guidelines the government used on food.

Based in Beaver Falls, PA, they create healthy, eco-friendly skin products that are completely natural and organic. Their products are also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and mostly vegan.  As if that weren't awesome enough, they're a socially responsible company that works closely with charities like The Women's Center, Rescue Mission, Meals on Wheels, and the Salvation Army.  They support local schools and regularly donate surplus materials and products to World Vision.  Yeah, don't you want to support them already? I mean, I couldn't be more impressed with their brand!  I'd probably support them purely out of principle alone, but luckily, their products are beyond amazing as well.

1.  Skin Solve:  one of the most amazing moisturizers I've ever used.  This cream-to-oil all over treatment leaves you seriously hydrated.  NO markets this product as "quick-absorbing," but I disagree. Yes, it "dissolves" instantly, but it leaves your face oily afterwards - it's all worth it in the AM though because your skin will be baby soft!  This cream contains shea + coconut butters to nourish, palmarosa to soften and sweet orange to make you smell like a unicorn.  Use it on extra dry spots or on your face for a truly luxe experience - 5 stars for this ridiculously awesome product!  TIP: a little goes a long way so don't go overboard.

2.  Argan Face Serum:  This product is yet another gem from NO.  Like skin solve, this serum hydrates like whoa, but it's much less oily than the aforementioned cream.  Layer this on top of lotion for extra moisturization or wear it instead of lotion.  If you choose to go with the latter, apply a bit of your favorite cream on top!  This item contains moroccan argan oil, apricot kernel oil and rosehip oil to smooth, replenish and soften your skin.  Purchase this product if you feel dry and want extra hydration in your nighttime routine.

3.  Eye Treatment:  I have mixed feelings about this item - I like the applicator because it feels nice and cool against my skin, but the treatment's just not moisturizing enough.  Maybe you guys will feel differently, but this baby's a no-go for me.

4.  Face Toner:  I give this 3.5/5 stars.  It's pretty decent, but it's not my absolute fave.  I may be biased though because I prefer hydrating toners - Estee's Tonique Confort is my go-to.  With that said, this removes impurities without drying everything out too much so if you prefer refreshing toners, this item's definitely worth a try!  Spritz it on in the morning and evening before your moisturizing routine.

5.  Face Lotion:  This lightweight moisturizer slays.  Your skin will seriously feel like velvet afterwards!  It absorbs extremely quickly, and it doesn't leave any sticky film behind.  It evens out your skin tone, improves texture + elasticity and softens like nobody's business.  Use it whenever you feel dry - contains moroccan argan oil, rosewater and shea butter. 

6.  Face Cleanser:  This product's absolutely fabulous! It works super well, and you only need to use a tiny bit each time.  Now, it doesn't smell especially great, but that's a good thing because it's fragrance-free aka no chemical stuffs.  In fact, it may possibly be the best cleanser I've used in years (!!!!) Suffice it to say, this is a serious must-try.

Conclusion:  I absolutely LOVED everything except the toner and eye treatment.  I found them to be ok but everything else was so ridiculously on point.  I really can't recommend them enough!  Have you guys tried organic beauty products? If yes, I'd love to hear about your experience.  Make sure y'all leave me a comment below!

Killer Cutouts

I can't wait to tell you guys all about my latest find!  I picked this baby up online last week while it was on sale at Neiman Marcus.  I've been a huge fan of Rebecca Taylor for years now so I knew it'd be a quality purchase.  It's currently selling for $157 (originally $450), but I copped it for $117 or so during 4th of July blowout sales.  

If you're looking for a unique statement top, I highly recommend this piece.  It's super pretty, and the deets couldn't be more on point.  The empire waist creates the illusion of longer legs, and the v-neckline (lined with lace) is just the right amount of sexy.  

I styled my new top with a tight bandage skirt from BCBG for balance.  TIP: if you're wearing a voluminous piece, pair it with something form-fitting to highlight your figure.  For example, if you're sporting loose pajama pants, throw on a tight crop!  Or, if your shirt has a flowing silhouette like mine, wear it with skinny jeans or a bandage skirt.  The last thing you want to do is drown in your clothing.  Now, since my shirt's all sorts of fancy, I kept things simple by throwing on a pair of killer heels and carrying my Chanel-inspired crossbody (similar). 

Bag:  BagInc (similar) || Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Skirt:  BCBG || Top:  Rebecca Taylor

Remix: My Current Fave Vest Worn 4 Ways

It's time for a remix, everyone.  I'll be re-styling my favorite sleeveless vest for you guys today on SS. I picked this baby up at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet at Grove City a while back - it was on sale for $30 or so. Unfortunately, I don't have a product link for you guys, but here are similar options for your browsing pleasure.

1.  Clean-cut:  My first look's all about polish.  I styled my vest with a striped sleeveless dress from Velvet Heart (similar - save vs. splurge) for an effortlessly stylish ensemble.  The two pieces match perfectly, giving off a chic vibe.  To top off the look, I threw on a pair of strappy heels from Steve Madden - available for purchase HERE - to add some personality.  Cute sandals make all the difference in the world!

2.  Trendy:  Oozing serious steeze (style + ease) with my second look.  I started with my fave striped tank (similar) and paired it with high-waisted shorts to elongate my legs and highlight the small of my waist.  I then wore my vest on top and accessorized with a cool body chain.  I threw on chunky boots to add edge and carried my Chanel boy to finish off my look.  To see more pics from this shoot, click here.

3.  Classy:  Yay for easy but cute work-friendly ensembles!  My third outfit's a piece of cake to recreate.  Simply pick a dress of your choice and throw on a sleeveless vest on top to rock summer layers like a pro at the office. For a foolproof ensemble, stick with neutral hues.  That way, you won't have to worry about clashing colors, unless that's the effect you're going for.  TIP: throw on beige heels (or whatever your skin color is) to visually elongate your stems.  To see more from this post, click here.

4.  Edgy:  My fourth and final outfit is a casual everyday look.  I started with a faux-leather mini (shop: save vs. splurge) and styled it with a simple white tank. I wore this particular top because it had gray trim that conveniently matched my vest.  I accessorized with my YSL snakeskin crossbody (similar) to add a splash of print and threw on flat strappy sandals from Maumero to match.

I hope you guys enjoyed today's remix!  Which outfit did you like best - 1, 2, 3 or 4?

A Photo Diary: Korea Shenanigans Part 2

Alright guys, it's time for part 2 of my Korean photo diary - if you missed part 1, no worries, simply click here. Now, I'm covering a ton of ground in today's post so bear with me!  We're gonna start with my snaps from Cheoneunsa Temple.   It was built in 828 but was burned down in 1592 during a Japanese invasion.  It was reconstructed in 1610 but kept burning down for some strange reason. Apparently, legend has it that while rebuilding the temple in 1592, locals killed a big snake that kept appearing at a nearby spring.  In hindsight, they believed that it was the water's guardian.  To combat the negative chi, famed calligrapher Wongyo Lee Gwang-sa wrote "Cheoneunsa" on a sign in a flowy style and hung it at the temple's entrance, and there hasn't been a fire since.

A picture of one of the temple guardians.  There were four of them total, and they were located in the front of the temple.  

Prayers written by Buddhist worshippers...

Another temple guardian: this figure was guarding the Buddha pictured above.

By far the coolest shrine I saw at Cheoneunsa Temple.

Moving on to my time at Maengjongjuk Theme Park!  I really enjoyed exploring this bamboo forest. If you're a fan of nature (or even if you're not), you'll love hiking here. Remember to wear sneakers though because some of the hills here are pretty steep.  FYI: you also have the option of hiking up further.  

Next up, riding the Hallyeosudo Cable Car at Mireuk-san (san means mountain in Korean FYI).  This experience was straight-up terrifying for me because  I'm super afraid of heights.  Needless to say, I dug deep and sucked it up. The ride lasted for quite a long time - the view was absolutely beautiful, but I felt like I was going to pass out at the end because I was holding my breath, ha.  It was definitely worth it though!  BTW, once you get to the top, you can hike up further.  Again, remember to wear sneakers because you'll be climbing up a sh*t ton of stairs!  

Now, here are some snaps from Tongyeong's fish market!  These pics are self-explanatory so I'll let y'all browse in peace.  I do have to share one tip with you guys though.  If you're EVER in this city, you need to try their ggul bbang (aka honey bread).  They're so freakin' delicious - words couldn't possibly do 'em justice.  They're round, chewy bread balls stuffed with sweet potato or red bean. Both are nomtastic so you obviously have to buy one of each, but if you HAVE to choose, go with the latter.  The red bean was my personal fave!  I would've taken a pic for y'all, but I was too busy stuffing my face - #SorryNotSorry.

My best humans-of-south-korea shot, ha.

I didn't even know anchovies came in this size? 

Rows of seafood...lots of mysterious seafood that I've never seen before...

Last but not least, here are snaps from Suncheon Bay's Wetlands.  Since I went during the summertime, the reeds were green! Apparently, they're much more beautiful when they're brown in the fall.  It was really cool to see anyway though.  At the risk of sounding all artsy-fartsy, they moved like waves in the wind! Heads up, if you decide to come here, you're gonna be doing a lot of walking. I think the full course is about 2 miles or so?  If you'd rather chill, there's a museum on site.  They have different displays so you can browse a bit.  It's no moma though so don't expect to spend a lot of time here!

That's it folks!  I obviously didn't document everything from my trip, but those were some highlights! I can't wait to go back and explore more.  I definitely wanna go back and check out more of S. Korea! I can literally hear Jeju Island calling my name, ha.  Where have you guys been traveling to? I want to hear ALL about your adventures.