Layers of Leopard

I'm always into layering, especially when its cold! It's a put together look that keeps you warm! I'm particularly obsessed with vests, whether they're printed or solid like this one.

Leopard top (similar)// Brandy Melville vest// Jeans (indigo)//  Riding Boots// Fossil Watch// Earrings (Similar)

Do you know of any inexpensive puffer vests besides Old Navy and Kohls? I want to add to my collection with pieces under $40. Let me know in the comments!

Emerald, White, & Blue

Outfit of the day taken inside for a change! It's too snowy to take them outside, imagine that! So I would be wearing my Hunters, but they were still wet from the snow! Don't mind my hair... it was windy! I didn't have school yesterday for the holiday and today I had a delay! Good start to my week!

 

Ralph Lauren stripe long sleeve// H&M cardigan// Statement Necklace// Jeans (indigo)//Hunter Boots 

Splash of Spring

Even though we are far from it, today I wore a springy dress. With the snow nearly gone, I felt that a dress was in order! Since it's not quite warm enough yet, I went with a pair of knee socks. I've actually been loving them this winter!

 



Forever 21 dress// Macys earrings// Target tights // H&M knee socks// Fossil Watch// Aldo Oxfords

Dots & Collars

I'm so glad to be back to school. It's already packed with homework and upcoming tests, but I actually don't mind... yet. At least the snow is gone for a while!

 

Jeans (indigo) // Riding Boots // Polka Dot Button Down // Urban Outfitters Sweater // J. Crew Factory Necklace // Fossil Watch

What did you wear on the first day back from break or vacation?

Winter Skin Care

Harsh cold is never good for your skin! Here are the products that I use during the winter to calm dry, flaky skin!

1. I always start out using makeup remover wipes just to remove eye and face makeup effortlessly. I personally like generic  store brand wipes like these up and up ones from Target. They are super cheap, get the job done, and don't irritate my skin.

2. Next, I wash my face using this Noxema Cleansing Cream. IT DOES HAVE AN UNPLEASANT SMELL, but it isn't drying! I have normal skin, so i don't need anything that treats oily skin as many cleansers do.

3. During the winter, I use this toner by Clinque for dry combination skin. Like I said before, my skin isn't necessarily oily or dry, but this is great for the cold winter months!

4. MOISTURIZER. This is critical when it's cold! I'm honestly obsessed with this one from Lush. I know that it's expensive, but I've never found a better one! It makes your skin feel so smooth and nearly removes flaky areas right away! It doesn't make me break out either... I think it actually has cleared up my skin! Let me know if you've found a comparable product in the comments!

5. Along with moisturizer, body lotion should be a product that you reach for everyday. While I love my seasonal scented body lotions, I try to use something more natural this time of the year like this one from Lush. It is said to be vanilla scented, but I would describe it to be a chocolaty.

6. The most important thing for general skin care for me is chapstick! I use it so much, it's a problem! The Peppermint Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is my favorite! It leaves your lips tingly from the mint while hydrating them! You can feel it working!

What skin care products have you been loving this season?

Arctic Fox

I didn't go to school one day this week because of all of the snow! I'm ready to finish my last semester of high school, so I am anxious to go back. Here is my outfit of the day from going to lunch with my mom... more like outfit of the week!

Target Fox Sweater Dress // Marshalls Denim collar top // J. Crew Factory Necklace(similar here) // Kate Spade Take a Bow Ring // Target tights // H&M knee socks // Hunter Boots // Nails: L'oreal Paris Pro in 580 Stroke of Midnight

What did you do during your snow filled days?

Cold Weather Books

If you're stuck inside from all of this cold weather, why not pick up a book? You can only watch so many Netflix movies and Friends reruns. (Yeah right). So I thought that I would list a few books that are quick reads! I linked each book to Goodreads, a great website that includes a brief summary of each novel and reviews from readers!

1. Divergent - Veronica Roth (I read the entire book yesterday.)

2. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini  

3. Tuesdays With Morrie - Mitch Albom 

4. The Giver - Lois Lowry (They're making a movie of this and my favorite person, Taylor Swift, has a minor role in it.)

5. Night Shift - Stephen King  

What are some of your favorite books that you've recently read?

Everyday Winter Eye Makeup

Here is a simple everyday eye look using the original Naked Palette by Urban Decay. I've been wearing this look frequently this winter. It's great if you are limited on time or just want something neutral. 

elf primer// Target, urban decay primer potion// Ulta, naked palette// Ulta, covergirl eye enhancer in snow blossom// Target, covergirl Line Exact Liquid Liner Pen Very Black// CVS, revlon eyelash curler// CVS, covergirl lashblast volume in very black// CVS, covergirl waterproof lashblast length in very black// CVS

1. Prime your eyes. This makes your eye shadow last longer and prevents creasing. I use the original urban decay primer potion, but the elf sheer primer is a great alternative. It is only $1 and honestly works just as well!

2. Use the color virgin, the first shadow in the palette on the inner to middle lid. If you do not have this palette, any pale beige color works.

3. Use the shade naked, the third color on the outer  lid, outer v, and crease. If you do not have this palette, any nude brown shadow works.

Here is a picture of this look so far. Where the diagram is labeled 1, use Virgin. Where the diagram is labeled 2, use Naked.

4. In the inner corner, use the covergirl snow blossom shadow or a shimmery white shade.

5. Line the upper lid using a black liquid liner.

6. Curl the upper lashes.

7. Use the covergirl lashblast volume in very black on the upper lashes. I prefer to use the waterproof version, it holds a curl better.

8. Use the waterproof covergirl lashblast length in very black on the lower lashes.

Here is a picture of the final look.

That was it! A look that takes less than five minutes and uses mostly drug store products! Let me know if you want to see a nighttime winter look too!

New Semester

With a new year, comes a new semester for students. If you didn't do too well first semester, it's never too late to improve! Here are some easy ways to stay organized and enjoy going to class!

1. Use a planner. My school provides an agenda, but it isn't very big... or pretty! So I like to purchase my own. I love the Lilly Large Agenda! They're so cute, which helps me stay motivated! For a cheaper alternative, they have a variety of patterns at Target! I like to color-code my agenda using colored pens. I use a different color for each class and highlight tasks once I've complete them. This is a great visual to display your workload for the week.

2. Use a pencil pouch. Store pencils, pens, erasers, chapstick, a calculator, post-its, highlighters, and anything else that you might need to be prepared for class. While Lilly pencil cases are adorable, I prefer to use something that stores more. I would recommend using a makeup bag. They have a variety at Victoria's Secret. I like this Seersucker Pouch from Etsy.

3. Decorate. As I said, I always color-code my classes. I purchase a matching solid color book cover, binder and folder for each class. I organize the binders with tabs and use the folder to take home assignments, so I don't have to lug my heavy binders home everyday. To perk up the outside of the binders, I use these free printable Lilly monogram sheets. They're adorable and affordable!

I hope that you find these tips to be helpful! Leave a comment of what you do to stay organized for school.

J. Crew Pieces for Less

J. Crew has so many amazing pieces, but it's hard to constantly splurge on their costly items. Don't get me wrong, you get what you pay for! The quality is consistent and the clothing and accessories are timeless, but I have a few cheaper alternatives for these winter must-haves.


Jeweled- Cluster Sweater // J. Crew $98        
                                                                                     

I purchased the pullover below a few weeks ago at Forever 21 for around $30. I cannot find an exact match online, but there is a similar one here.

The J. Crew Crystal- Encrusted Collar Necklace is no longer available online, but you can buy it off of ebay for around $100. I found one here. Read a few reviews before purchasing from ebay to ensure that pieces are authentic. On the other hand, if you want a J. Crew inspired necklace, ebay is a great place to look. I found one here.

I purchased this Gemstone Bib Necklace// Forever 21 $14.80

Women's Camp Socks // J. Crew $16.50 (on sale for $13.50)

Merona Women's 2-Pack Crew Boot Socks // Target $8

Featherweight Cashmere Long-Sleeve Tee// J. Crew $188

This is no longer online, but I got this pullover for Christmas. 
Cooperative Classic Suzy Sweater// Urban Outfitters around $30

Hope you enjoyed this post! Keep in mind that J. Crew Factory almost always has sales on top of already cheaper prices! So if you're craving authentic J. Crew, check there first!

Spoonful of Prep

While 2013 was filled with many highlights, I'm claiming 2014 to be my year. With several changes just around the corner, I decided that this would be the perfect time to start fresh and display my transition through blogging. This includes a shift in style to a look that is much preppier; hence the name of this blog. I may not be a southern belle, but my style has been sprinkled with spoonfuls of prep here and there. Thank you for taking the time to visit my new page, I hope you stick around to see future posts. I'm looking forward to sharing outfit ideas, looks for less, beauty essentials, and so much more.