Monday, August 12, 2019

3 Minimal Jewelry Shops


As I've become older, I find myself refining my look more. This includes my time and looking for quality and simplicity. My jewelry collection is a complete reflection of this. Pieces that are going to work over time and effortless, but still elevate my look. They're pieces that compliment, but don't compete. They're barely there, but there. And the best places I've found have been online. So today I'm sharing my 3 favorite minimal jewelry shops.

1. AU | Rate

Quality, ethical, minimal, luxury-this brand checks all the boxes! With New York roots, naturally they have an incredible selection of timeless dainty jewelry (think pass this on to my children). While the prices can range from $100 upwards, the quality from the actual piece to sourcing to packing is nothing short of refined.

2. Mejuri

This Canadian based jewelry brand offers all the minimal pieces for the girl on a budget. The pieces vary from gold-plated to 14K sold gold, but you're guaranteed to find the perfect gold piece for you or a friend.

3. Mod + Jo

The Dallas based jewelry line is female owned and operated, so think feel good shopping that supports a small business. The pieces are minimal, but lean more trendy. However, they still have that reach for everyday appeal. 

Hope this helps you discover some new places to shop for minimal jewelry!

Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Skylar Scent Club Review

Non-toxic womens fragrances

One areas of my non-toxic and natural beauty journey that has fortunately been an easy transition is in the fragrance department. Fragrance in the beauty industry is considered proprietary property and therefore does not have to be disclosed. However, traditional fragrances are compiled of all types of chemicals. I'm a firm believer that our skin should be treated as an organ and what goes on it will go into it. So the second I smelled Skylar's perfumes, I was instantly hooked knowing they are clean. They're hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and cruelty-free. Recently, they introduced their monthly Scent Club. I should also note that I am not sponsored by them and genuinely want to share my thoughts. Their Scent Club is $20 a month that gives you a roller ball size fragrance that is only available for the month.

After much debate of joining, I caved at the last day it was available in their first month (that was April). I have been a member for four months now and do enjoy the surprise factor, the cute packaging, and having another clean fragrance. If you have ever priced non-toxic fragrance, you would realize how affordable this is. The Scent Club offers more accessibility to more people that might not be able to buy (or risk) a perfume at $100+.
Natural perfume subscription

This month's scent is Salt Air. It's timely for the Summer season, which all scents have fit the season. It's one of two that have been my favorites. Each month comes with a bookmark, a box that explains the scent, and will tell you other Skylar fragrances to layer it with.

Non toxic perfume subscription

As a person who is particular on the types of scents I am drown to, this has pushed my scent collection to being open to other notes. And as someone who would not be ok with that, for $20 a month it's a price I'm willing to do. Both May and June were not my favorite and I haven't really worn. For now, I'm keeping those two for my gift stash. Overall, I know this is a subscription I enjoy receiving each month and look forward to.

Have you ever tried a scent subscription?

Saturday, July 6, 2019

Madewell Try-On: Summer

cute summer clothes


UPDATE: Madewell is doing there BIG end of season sale! Sale on sale with an extra 30-50% off! Use code: SEEYA (many of these pieces are included!)

It's been a hot minute since my last Madewell try-on! I certainly am still a huge fan and am back with a look at some summer looks for you. Versatility has been key to my current looks and something I wanted to incorporate for you. While it's a few pieces, you'll see they can be styled in different ways. It's all about maximizing each piece. 

womens denim jumpsuit

Denim Apron Bow-Back Jumpsuit $145  // Size 00 

While I do love jumpsuits, I had no intention of trying this on. Then, I put it on and was glad I gathered enough energy to do so. Let's be real-jumpsuits do take effort to try on. The fabric is light and the kind you want on hot summer days. I realize I didn't get a picture of the back, but it's cute. While you won't be able to wear a bra because of the back, it is an unexpected detail. I'm 5'3 or 5'4 and wearing the regular length of this. I would need to have it shortened or order the petite. I do think it runs a little large in the waist, which had me fitting into a size smaller. 

yellow stripe top

yellow summer tank

Texture & Thread Tie-Front Tank Top $55  (now $9.99) // Size XXS

One of my favorite tops have been from their Texture & Thread line, so naturally I had to try this on. I love the texture and stripes! It can easily work with your favorite jeans, but can go with a skirt (see below). It is cut in a boxy and shorter length, which you'll want to keep in mind if you have a long torso. Otherwise, my short torso gals will love this. It does come in black and white for a more minimal and cool French girl vibe. I do think it runs one size big. 

yellow top white jean skirt


madewell denim top

cute denim top

madewell summer top

Denim Convertible Top in Alberta Wash $68 (now $33) // Size XS

Denim is what Madewell does best and this top exceeded my expectations in person. It is a bit thicker and gives it more structure. The tie knot detail is meant to go in the back, but I always find that type of detail to be annoying when you have your back against a chair. And if you ask me moving it to the front looks cuter. The straps have hidden buttons so you are able to cross them or remove them. It is really roomy and I'm sure I could have gone a size smaller. It's a top I can see reaching for countless times because it can be styled so many ways. There is a white version, too. See how it looks with a denim skirt below.

madewell denim top and skirt


madewell black tank

cute madewell top

Texture & Thread Tie-Shoulder Tank Top $45 $34.50 // Size XS

This tank comes in 2 other colors and a nice update to a tank for summer. I'm always up for adding cute basics. It is cut a little boxy and makes it run true to size. I thought I would need to size down, but was fine with my normal size. If you love the shoulder detail, you might also love this embroidered black top

minimal summer outfit


Hope this try on was helpful! Let me know what's your favorite piece!




Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Madewell Try-On: Spring Pt 2

madewell spring review

Update: Madewell is having a sale on sale! Totally worth picking up a couple of pieces for an extra 30% off! This sweater top, mustard top, and floral top are from my last try-on and calling me!

There's one thing I look forward to each month--new arrivals from Madewell! This second addition to the Spring Collection is one to make room in that closet for. The florals, the chambray, the basics! It's all that Madewell does so well. Here are some of the pieces that caught my eye:

madewell spring top

madewell spring top

Silk Ruffle-Strap Cami Top in Confetti Floral // Size 00

 Well I knew I was loving this floral pattern when I say it online, but honestly didn't expect to love the black version. The second I saw it in person, I had to try it on. It is oversized in the body, so you can go with your smaller size or stick to your normal size for extra roomy look. I did think the arms felt a little small, so something to consider. The straps do have an adjustable ruffle, which is a nice touch. I can easily see this as a Spring/Summer favorite!

madewell floral dress

madewell floral dress

madewell floral dress

Ruffle-Strap Dress in Floral Confetti // Size 00

And naturally, I had to try the dress version on! This isn't silk, but really cute. Definitely made me think of the perfect Easter dress. This does run large. For anyone with a smaller bust, I would consider sizing down. I'm normally a size 2 in their dresses, but went with size 00. There isn't a snap at the bust, so I would need to put some fashion tape there. The other thing to note is the dress version is navy. It doesn't have the ability to adjust the ruffle in the strap just FYI.

madewell chambray top

madewell chambray top

Denim Ruffle-Strap Cami // Size 00

The warmer weather makes me drawn to some chambray! Plus, I loved the floral version. This one is a nice update for those chambray obsessed! It does have the same fit as the silk floral version, but found it to be enough room in the arm space. You can adjust the ruffle detail, too. Don't ask me to pick what version I love, but this one does scream cute Summer staple.

cute madewell dress

madewell olive dress

madewell olive dress

Texture & Thread Button-Front Tank Dress // Size XS

This was 100% passed by online. In person, totally an eye-catcher! It does come in cream and mustard, but had this olive color only. It has a nice texture to the fabric, which is what makes it so so good! The thicker fabric makes it easy to wear normal underwear without any visible lines. I wanted it to nicely glide my curves, but not hug them so I went with my bigger size. I'm sure I could size down, but then it would hug and not what I'm going for. This one is a keeper!

madewell floral top

madewell floral top

Embroidered Seamed Button-Down Shirt in Confetti Floral // Size XXS

It's that floral print again! Isn't it good? I'll pretend you said yes. The cut on this top felt very cool Parisian. It runs true to size, but for anyone with an actual bust you will need to size up. Even with the top not being fitted, there was that gapping happening. I guess it's flattering these A cups ;)

Hope you enjoyed this try-on! Let me know if you have any questions on sizing!



Monday, March 11, 2019

Madewell Try-On: Spring


You know I can't stay away from my favorite store, Madewell! I always say you should sign up for their Insider's program because they do have perks throughout the year and one of those times is NOW. You can get 15% off your order including denim, but today is the last day. Most sales do not include denim, so get.on.it. It's a free program and who doesn't want extra sales?! While I didn't plan my visit too well, just excuse my black bra in a lot of these Spring fabrics.

madewell denim jean review

9" High-Rise Skinny Jeans in Paloma Wash: Raw-Hem Edition // Size 25

Oh, again, I did say I didn't plan my trip well, right? I came in yoga pants and ended up grabbing these pair of jeans that I was just using to pair with all these tops for you. Turns out that accident turned into me finding the perfect basic jean that makes your butt look good. Why isn't jean shopping always this easy? So if you're looking for a nice high rise jean without rips and hugs your body so good, grab these.


Easy Crop Tee in Daisy Sketch // Size XS

Now, if you don't get Spring vibes from this floral tee, I don't know what will! The soft floral print is more of a minimal vibe that I find refreshing. It is boxy and cropped, which goes well with these accident jeans (as I'm calling them). Of course, this tee would go well with any high waisted bottom. At first, I tried on an XXS but then went with the XS (seen here). I wanted a little more room and concerned it could shrink. It's that perfect tee to toss on when you don't feel like trying too hard.



Eyelet Keyhole Peplum Top // Size XXS (on sale!)

When I saw this online, I knew I needed to try it! Madewell always does eyelet so well. Again, hello black bra. Truthfully, I thought this would be a top I would fall in love with. Maybe it's the bra throwing me off, but the slight puff shoulder threw me off. It is very sweet and perfect for Spring, but just wasn't me. I will say that if you do pick it up, just know that it is slightly on the sheerer side. For work, you'll want to wear a tank under. Weekend wear would be fine with a nude bra.



Botanical Embroidered Bell-Sleeve Sweatshirt // XS

In my head, I have a cute garden and I would wear this cute sweatshirt. The quality on this sweatshirt is thick and gives that good quality feel. The embroidery is the perfect detail. It does have wider sleeves, so I rolled them up.



Village Ruffle-Sleeve Shirt in Highgate Rainbow Stripe // Size XS

Okay, another kinda sheer top. This one feels more like summer with the stripes and fabric. While you could wear this for Spring, I do think it could require a tank underneath. It's adorable, but sheer. The fit is less oversized than other shirts they make. Normally, I'm XXS in their shirts, but went with the XS.



Blakley Stripe Sweater Tee // Size XS (on sale!)

They made this style shirt last year and brought it back in these fun stripes. They totally get you can never have too many stripes. The fabric is a knit and so much better in person. For the fitting, I would go with your normal size. It's not oversized, but has the right amount of room in your normal size. If you have a bigger bust or muscular arms, you might want to go up a size.

Which one's are your favorite?




Monday, March 4, 2019

3 Non-Toxic Nail Polish Brands at Target

 neutral colored nail polishes

If you anything like the next girl, Target is a dangerously good place to count on for just about everything. Well, that is with the exception of non-toxic nail polishes up until NOW! And if you can't tell, I'm a recovering nail polish junky. When I started my green beauty journey, I painfully gave the boot to all my nail polishes because I was committed to my health. It's been a couple of years and Target is jumping on board with bring more indie and green beauty brands. Their latest addition is in non-toxic nail polish brands. While some are cleaner than others, you should know nail polish isn't without chemicals, but there are safer options. Let's break it down so you can understand the difference.

Ella + Mila

This line offers an array of colors, but of course I went for a neutral (color: Honeymoon Bliss). They are 7-free - no Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP), and Xylene. Each bottle is $10.50.

Defy & Inspire

This is brand exclusively sold at Target and the first affordable clean nail polish I found. When they first came to shelf, they we're only 6-free, but thrilled to see they are 9-free! You won't find Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Propyl-paraben, Butyl-paraben, Phlthalates, and Nonylphenol Ethoxylate. Each bottle is $7.50, which is a steal!

Tenoverten

The trendy organic nail salon, who has their own nail polish, is now available at Target! From the sleek packaging, at $12 each are 8-free. You won't find Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Ethyl Tosylamide, Xylene, and Triphenyl Phosphate (TPHP).




Is anyone else excited to see cleaner nail polish options at Target?