Powder Blue
4.29.2015

 Top: Forever 21 (also comes in black; runs big) | Jeans: Nordstrom (follow sizing in parentheses) | Heels: Steve Madden (similar here, here) | Hat: Sole Society | Bag: old Kenneth Cole (just ordered this one) | Bracelet: Margaret Elizabeth | Watch: Fossil | Lipstick: BareMinerals 'Fly High'


We are having such pretty spring weather this week! Last night after work I shot some blog photos and then ate dinner and watched our high school baseball game with Trey, and it was the perfect spring/summer evening to be outdoors. With this season comes pretty pastels and flowy tops, so this Forever 21 tunic under $15 was a great addition to my closet.

I also wanted to share that my new Steve Madden sandals from Nordstrom (worn in this post) are currently 30% off, so just $40! I'm kind of sad that I bought them for full price just a couple of weeks ago, but hopefully some of you can at least get the deal :) ***Update: Nordstrom has a sale adjustment policy where if the item you purchase goes on sale within two weeks of your order date they give you a refund of the balance (so I get $20 back)! Reason 9283473827 why I love Nordstrom.

xo,
Jacy

Relaxed
4.28.2015

 Top: H&M (old; similar that comes in 4 colors) | Skirt: Target (old; similar here for $10 + love this one under $35 & dream of this one) | Sandals: Forever 21 | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: old Kenneth Cole (love this bag) | Bracelet: Margaret Elizabeth | Watch: Fossil | Lipstick: MAC 'ruby woo'

I've been all about the relaxed, minimal look lately so I knew I had to have these Vince-inspired espadrille sandals for under $20 as soon as I found them! They're surprisingly comfortable and come in 3 color options, so definitely check them out!

xo,
Jacy

I couldn't pick what colors these showed up in, so make sure to take a look at the different color options...

Swing Dress
4.27.2015

 Dress: Old Navy (25% off today w/ code 'secret'! | roomy fit-wearing size S) | Sandals: Steve Madden via Nordstrom | Hat: Sole Society | Bag: old Kenneth Cole (want this bag) | Chambray Shirt: old F21 (similar) | Bracelet: Loren Hope | Nails: China Glaze 'Dance Baby' | Lips: MAC 'Lickable'

I've had this super comfy cotton swing dress from Old Navy (who has 25% off site-wide today with code 'SECRET') for a few weeks now, but wanted to wait and style it with my new black sandals! I searched high and low last summer before our honeymoon for a pair of simple, ankle-strap black sandals and there just weren't any in my price range. So when I found these a couple of months ago I knew I had to buy them this spring! They're exactly what I wanted and so comfy, and look really cute with shorts and jeans too. Now I want the coral as well!

I hope you had a great weekend! I caught up on cleaning and TV shows, did a few workouts (so I'm sore today), and we started planning our next home renovation project (hopefully the master bath), so it was a great couple of days off. Hopefully this Monday goes by just as quickly! ;)

xo,
Jacy

New Beauty Favorites
4.24.2015

My two favorite new polishes for spring/summer: China Glaze 'Dance Baby' and OPI 'Mod About You'

I absolutely love trying new beauty products whenever possible, and I've gotten into the habit of keeping a list of what I've tried and liked so that I can periodically share with you! I've accumulated quite the list these past few months, so this is a really long post!




Makeup:
  • Benefit The Porefessional Primer: I have tried a lot of primers in the past several months including MAC, Hourglass, Laura Mercier and Too Faced. This one blew them out of the water for what I needed, which was a primer that would lock onto my makeup and make it last, but to not dry me out in the meantime. It's 100% worth the money in my book, and my makeup glides on so smoothly over it and lasts significantly longer versus the other primers I tried.
  • Benefit Fakeup Concealer: This is amazing for under the eye. It's very illuminating and has very minimal creasing.
  • Almay Clear Complexion Concealer: This is an equally great concealer but for blemishes. I made the mistake of using the same concealer for both needs for a long time, but I've had much better results with using two different ones. This stays put nicely, blends well, and ultimately does a great job of covering my blemishes around my chin/mouth area. Bonus: it's cheap!
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz: I'd heard their products were basically holy water for brows, so I switched to the Brow Whiz pencil and freaking love it. They have a lot of color options and it blends really nicely. I'd like to venture out and try a gel next I think...
  • MAC Lipstick in 'Lickable': Weird name, amazing lipstick. I realized after cleaning out my lipstick/stain/gloss collection several months back that I was lacking a nice bright pink for spring and summer. Enter this lipstick, which has a bit of sheen, but lasts for hours and totally brightens up my face (I'm wearing it in my previous two outfit posts this week if you'd like a peek).
  • Burts Bees Tinted Balm in 'Sweet Violet': I love the concept of a tinted balm that I can apply for a little color on my lips without a mirror or having to deal with lipstick, and this is the perfect product for that! I want to try more colors as well, but 'Sweet Violet' is a really subtle berry that adds some polish but in a relaxed way.
  • Sephora Multitasker Blush Brush #54: I desperately needed to replace my ancient and cheap blush brush, so I just purchased this one and the quality is fantastic. I've been so impressed with all of the Sephora Collection brushes I've tried so far.

Hair:
  • Not Your Mother's Double Take Dry Finish Texture Spray: Long name, but worth all the typing to share this with you. I have baby fine hair, so I rely on texturizing products to give me some volume and my beachy waves. This one adds volume to your roots and helps 'mess up' the rest of your hair (and works as a light hairspray also) without leaving any kind of stickiness or clumping. 
  • Tangle Teezer Brush: I don't deal with extreme tangles, but did want a brush that could untangle my hair quickly when necessary, as well as thoroughly brush out my curls. Sometimes when I curl my hair it ends up too curly for my liking, so I like to use this to brush them out and convert them into waves! 


Miscellaneous Beauty:
  • Tanwise Sunless Tanning Lotion: I've been using this regularly the past month and it's really really good for the price (just $10.99!). I discovered it thanks to Amber Fillerup, and it's since replaced my $26+ Fake Bake (which I love but can't afford to buy all the time haha). It blends on nicely, doesn't stain your clothes or sheets (score) and doesn't smell nearly as strong as most other self tanners. The color isn't as drastic after one application as Fake Bake, but for the cheaper price I don't mind just layering it on a couple of times a week. They have a big line of products I'm wanting to try.
  • Nails: China Glaze 'Dance Baby' (love that name) and OPI 'Mod About You.' These are both such pretty pinks with a hint of purple in them! They're fun and summery without being so fuchsia. When I got a pedicure several weeks ago I picked out 'Dance Baby' and it is still looking flawless on my feet with zero chips, even after walking around at the Masters!
  • Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads: I used these in high school but recently picked them up again, and I'm so glad I did! They're very gentle but get everything off so you don't get out of the shower with mascara face.
  • Sole Serum: This is such a creative product that helps alleviate foot pain, specifically for when you wear heels. I wear heels a lot for work and while some days are spent predominantly sitting at my desk, others are spent walking around school buildings or standing and presenting. So, I was really excited when they reached out that I would get to try out this product and was even more excited to discover that it worked! Pretty shocking, I know. You can read the really cool story about how they were created and meet the young female entrepreneur (get it girl) behind them here.  
  • Honest Hazel Eye Gels: These are a revitalizing under-eye treatment that reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, and firm up the delicate skin around your eyes. These feel so incredibly soothing, and I enjoyed treating my eyes while laying in bed watching TV earlier this week! Below I have a giveaway so that one of you can try them out too!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let me know if you've tried any of these and what you thought, or which other products you're loving lately! Thanks so much for reading, and have a great weekend!
xo,
Jacy

Summer Vibes
4.23.2015

 Top: J.Crew Factory (similar under $20) | Jeans: H&M (similar) | Hat: Sole Society | Sandals: Steve Madden via Nordstrom | Bag: Old Navy | Earrings: Lisi Lerch | Bracelet: Margaret Elizabeth | Watch: Fossil | Lipstick: MAC 'lickable'

There's nothing like stripes, a straw hat, and pops of pink and turquoise to give off some summer vibes. This top and jeans are classics that I've had for awhile, but I found another way to remix them by wearing some fun and fresh accessories. I can't get enough of my slide sandals and both colors of my straw hat for making my outfits a little more fun!

xo,
Jacy

Not-So-Perfect
4.21.2015

 Tank: J.Crew Factory (on sale for under $25!) | Shorts: June & Beyond Boutique (similar here, here, here + more options below) | Cardigan: ASOS (also in blush pink) | Hat: Sole Society | Heels: Target (new version; similar) | Clutch: Francesca's (similar here, here, here all 20% off!) | Necklace: Kate Spade (25% off!) | Bracelet: c/o From Dylan | Watch: Fossil

My first thought when editing these photos was, "Dear Lord I have a stupid hair tie on my wrist." The perfectionist in me hates little oversights like this, but the truth is when you work all day, then run home to walk and feed your dogs, then drive an hour, change in your car to take pictures, take the pictures by yourself with a tripod, change back to your other clothes in your car, and then meet a friend for dinner, life is far from glamorous and perfect. Real life looks a lot more like being very thankful you slapped some self-tanner on your legs the night before and wearing a hat because your roots are atrocious and your hair is a tangled mess from the wind. I'm the first to admit that I can get caught up in the "perfection" of the blogging/Instagram world. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE pretty photos and chic outfits regardless...it's my brand of art and a daily inspiration for me. And yes, there really are some girls shooting blog photos in Paris, and living in amazing minimalist lofts with multiple Chloe bags. But the thing to remember is that none of us are perfect or even have to try to be. It's not wrong to love the pretty photos and amazing fashion, but it's also key to remember that life isn't that gorgeous 100% of the time for anybody. Do I find myself Instagram-stalking my favorite bloggers and lamenting the fact that I can't buy everything in my Nordstrom online shopping cart? I would be lying if I said no. But sometimes I have to bring myself back down to earth and remember how blessed I am to even have a monthly shopping budget, and to get to share something I love with you, even if the behind-the-scenes isn't all that glamorous.

xo,
Jacy

Shop the post...

High-waisted / pull-on / drawstring shorts options...
(super comfy and versatile, and also great if you have trouble finding well-fitting denim shorts like I do)




Skincare Review | Enza Essentials
4.18.2015

One of my blogging goals for 2015 was to incorporate more beauty and health posts because they're topics I personally love exploring and learning more about. I've shared before that I struggle with acne (mostly hormonal at this point in my life) and my skin in general (both dryness and an oily t-zone), so I'm always exploring different products and options. When Enza Essentials reached out to me about trying their products, I was so excited to get a customized skincare regimen and try products I had read so many good things about.

To expand on what I mentioned above... Enza puts together a customized skincare regimen based on your skin's needs (or you can buy individual products), which I thought was just amazing! You simply answer some questions, and voila - you have a lineup of products and a schedule designed specifically for you. I also have to point out that their customer service is incredible. They sent my products promptly, and then followed up with me after a few weeks to see how everything was going. I have now been using my Enza regimen exclusively for over 3 months, so that I could give you insight into each product and the regimen's results.


A peek at my personalized folder with my AM and PM regimens, that also includes detailed information on each product...


And now for a review of each product...
  • Sustaining Cleanser: This is a really gentle gel cleanser that replenishes moisture that is perfect for a light wash in the morning, as well as getting off makeup in the PM. 
  • Fine Facial Polish: This is an exfoliator than can also serve as a masque. My instructions were to use it each way two nights per week, so I use it about every other night.
  • Cool Sustaining Toner: This is one of my favorite products! It's a gentle cooling toner that tones down redness and puffiness. Since I tend to get a bit splotchy and pink on my cheeks, this works really well for me to prep my skin for makeup, or just even out my skin tone at night and on non-makeup days. It's designed for normal to dry skin, so I'm able to use it both day and night without it drying out my skin like many toners do.
  • Glycolic Serum: Easily my other favorite product! Glycolic acid serves as a gentle exfoliator and this product has smoothed out my skin SO much and given me a much-improved glow. It's amazing!
  • Vitamin C Serum: This is a lightweight oil-free gel that I use as my AM moisturizer. For how lightweight it is and how little you have to use, it is incredibly moisturizing and perfect for wearing under makeup.  
  • Sustaining Glow Creme: This is a moisturizing cream that I use at night in my regimen and I've found it to be very moisturizing. I haven't gotten any dry patches on my cheeks or under my eyes these last 3 months, which is pretty amazing. A little goes a long way (I always love that) and it definitely brightens and plumps up the skin.
  • Spot Extractor: This is an acne treatment roll-on that is applied at the end of my PM regimen before bed. It has salicylic acid and witch hazel to cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, I haven't really noticed a difference in my blemishes when using this, so I've recently switched back to my prescription topical gel to treat specific blemishes.
  • Advanced Protection SPF 30: This is a lightweight SPF product that's safe to wear on your face (many break out my skin), and I was advised to apply this every morning. Unfortunately, I found it was still a little heavy for me to wear under makeup on a daily basis, but I will definitely use it a lot this summer on days when I'll be out in the sun more.
  • Shine Control: This is a mattifying product that I apply to my t-zone at the end of my AM routine every day before putting on my makeup. Its ingredients help absorb excess oil and also diffuse light. 


So, as you can see, I've tried out a lot of products. It is much more detailed and time-consuming than I was used to, but I have seen a big pay-off. Last winter I continually got rough, flaky dry spots under my eyes and on my cheeks. This year I never had any dryness, even in the middle of a very cold winter! I think this is the combination of a gentle cleanser and toner, the glycolic serum that continually smoothed my skin, and two great moisturizing products with quality, wholesome ingredients. This regimen has also made my skin glow on a whole new level. With both dryness and acne I found that part of my face would be very dull, while the other part would be oily and bumpy...not a great combination. This skincare routine has truly evened out my skin tone and consistency so much and given me a wonderful natural glow. The one area I haven't see improvement is with my acne, however I am not using their acne line. After the initial purging/adjustment phase when starting these new products, my acne pretty much returned to it's previous state. My acne is predominantly hormonal though, so I find that some weeks my skin isn't too bad, and other weeks I'm freaking out because I'm so broken out. So far I haven't found any skincare that truly helps my acne all month long and I know that that probably has mostly to do with the type of acne I have, which is fortunately not severe anymore and is mostly just tiny bumps under the skin.

I know skincare can get pricey, but I can honestly say that a little goes a long way with these products. I've been pleasantly surprised at how little of the serums I have to use (I still have a lot left 3 months in) and how effective they are. My skin has truly never glowed this much or been so moisturized, so I'm definitely a believer in Enza's high-quality ingredients and products! Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions :)

xo,
Jacy

All products were provided by Enza for the purpose of a review post. As always, all opinions shared are my own, and I will always be 100% honest with you. Thank you so much to Enza for giving me these truly amazing, high-quality products! 

Baseball Season
4.16.2015

 Tee: Old Navy Men's (the best-fitting t-shirt! KC isn't online, but they have lots of other teams) | Jeans: TopShop via Nordstrom (follow size in parentheses) | Sneakers: Converse (I went down one whole size) | Sunnies: Karen Walker | Bag: Old Navy (my color is from last year, but they have 4 others) | Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: c/o From Dylan | Lipstick: BareMinerals 'Fly High'

To be honest, I've never been a huge fan of baseball in general because football and basketball are my thing (and Trey coaches both of them). However, Trey's been a Royals fan his whole life and I joined in when we started dating 4ish years ago (wow!) even though they were horrible at the time (and we've stuck by the Chiefs through thick and thin as well). So, it's been so fun to see them get to the World Series last year and to start off this new baseball season on such a good note! Sadly, we don't live in Kansas City, but we both love it so much and are planning some weekend trips this summer to Royals games and concerts (and shopping, duh)!

Now about the clothes... Do you ever go through phases where dressing up is absolute misery? I'm going through one of those right now. I've been so unmotivated to dress up for work and all I want to be wearing is sneakers and a tee much like this outfit. On the flip side, I also go through phases where I find any excuse to dress up, so maybe as it keeps warming up I'll start getting excited about skirts, dresses and heeled sandals ;)

xo,
Jacy

April Wish List
4.15.2015

Black Straw Hat | Lipstick | Black Tank (currently $20 off)

Somehow half of April has zipped by already (I'm seriously in a bit of shock right now looking at the date) and I haven't shared my monthly wish list yet! Even though our weather is still pretty chilly here some days, I'm fully in summer mode and am trying to think ahead to what pieces I'll need to make the most of my wardrobe this summer.

As you can see, I'm currently craving classic black and white, soft blush and cream, as well as a few edgier accents. I love the crisp feel of black and white right now, and how it can mix and match so well all spring and summer long. I also equally love the distressed denim trend and I'm deciding on a pair of distressed skinnies as well as hunting down some affordable distressed boyfriend shorts that will be looser fitting in the leg (any recommendations for me?). I'm also planning to order both pairs of black sandals today because I need a new classic, leather pair and also can't resist those espadrilles for $20.


What's at the top of your wish list this month?
xo,
Jacy

PS - Old Navy has 30% off site-wide today with the code 'TAXDAY'! I'm planning to pick up this sundress and this midi skirt (in white). Happy Shopping!


Shop the post...
Other things I'm loving...

Simple Stripes
4.14.2015

Sweater: Asos | Tank: J.Crew Factory (old; solid version here + love this stripe cami) | Jeans: H&M (similar) | Shoes: H&M (go down 1 whole size) | Hat: Sole Society | Bag: H&M (old; similar here, here) | Watch: Fossil | Bracelet: Margaret Elizabeth | Lip Color: MAC 'Ruby Woo' lipstick + liner

While in my head I'm totally in sundress and midi skirt mode, we are definitely still getting some dreary, chilly days here (especially with all of the rain) so I'm relying on light layers like this lovely duster cardigan. This is a [super] dramatic thing to say, but this is seriously the cardigan of my dreams. Not stuffy or itchy (I have an issue with a lot of sweaters), and such a cool length. Also, they just added it to their site in blush pink, so I'm obviously loving that a lot as well.

Another recent obsession is this black straw hat. It's a serious bargain at $30 and was my favorite outfit feature at the Masters last week because it protected my face from the sun (I'm all about skin protection as of this year) but also hid my hair from the sudden rainstorm. Win win.

xo,
Jacy
BLOG DESIGN BY MARCH17.DESIGNS