Oh winter..

Guys.. It snowed.

It was a beautiful snow.

And I love wearing simple winter clothing.

I keep it very simple with very neutral colors with just a pop somewhere. I think I'm going to wear beanies for the next few months. They're too great.

I've been thinking about this song all day. I feel like winter has finally started. And it can stay.

This Is My Grown Up Christmas List

I'm terrible at thinking up exactly what my mom could get me for Christmas.

For the most part, I just want new clothes and more make up. Is that too much to ask?

Last year I asked for an electric toothbrush.. Yeah..

So this year I still haven't decided what I want. I had my mom buy a couple of things for me (that's pretty normal. I find something and I say "Mommm.. Will you get this for me for Christmas? And she does. It works out pretty well.), but I still don't know what else!

Every year I make a collage of what I want for Christmas.

Here are some things that I want this year!

All I want for Christmas by sydneeislove

I'm in the process of weeding out my older trendy clothes that I don't love, or don't very well, out of my closet. This year, it's going to be nice quality basics for me.
Would you like to buy some of my clothes?
Check them out here. You'll be doing a great service to me.

Sweater Weather | Stripes

Yep. Yep yep yep. It's the best weather.

Sweater weather.

Not gonna stop wearing this outfit on repeat until April, most likely.

If I Were A Bond Girl

Have you seen Spectre, yet? I won't spoil anything.

But I will spoil something.

Lea Seydoux's wardrobe is incredible.

As my boyfriend was admiring all the pretty cars, I was admiring the pretty styling of the newest Bond girl.

It was all so perfect. If I were a bond girl, what would I wear?

Here's my premise for my very own Bond movie.

I'm a journalist working in London. I have interviewed many international public figures and so I have a lot of inside information about world leaders. With my attention to detail and sharp research skills, I end up in the middle of a large corruption scandal. My safety has been compromised but James finds me very useful.

We have to go to a fabulous ball where we have to try and get information on a top Russian official.

Bond girl dressed up by sydneeislove featuring zara shoes

We find out that he has some serious shade in his home in Bali. We jetset there.

Bond girl paradise by sydneeislove featuring ray ban sunglasses

But we end up back in London where I have to help him kick some serious butt. 

Bond girl Casual by sydneeislove featuring lips makeup

I'm obviously no screen writer. Don't worry about the story, focus on the clothes. But I think I'd be a great Bond girl. Plus.. you know.. Daniel Craig.

Ballad of Oregon

My baby brother went into the MTC last week.

Well, I guess he isn't really a baby anymore..

I also tried to distract myself by taking tons of pictures of my nephew. Look how adorable he is!

I'm now living with my "almost empty nesting" parents. They've been a little bit clingy. It'll be interesting..

I now have two brothers serving missions. It's sad and a little lonely at my house, but they're growing up so fast! Stop! Take care of my brother Oregon.

I Want That | Genuine Leather Satchel

These series titled "I Want That" is inspired by this piece of classic cinema

You know, when you see something you just have to have. You mutter this under your breath and secretly plot ways of justifying the purchase.

This series is dedicated to the things I find myself drawn to that I know I will most likely never (if not, for a while) be able to afford or possess. Not trying to find replacements or dupes. Just quality, expensive, or impossible items that I just really really want.

The first on my list is a real good and genuine leather bag.

I found the brand J.W. Hulme and when I saw their website I whispered to myself "I want that..."

Or a bag from Lotuff

Or a tote from Madewell

Or find one at a shop on Etsy (Alex Bender)

Or from the holy grail, Cambridge Satchel Company

Please...

Blackbird Singing In The Dead Of Night

I've joined and started following an online forum about indie make up companies. It's been very interesting! I've really enjoyed it. These are people who love their independent make up brands and will vouch for the ones they support.

I've been looking for matte eyeshadows. I've realized that I use them the most. The satin, and especially the sparkling, shadows aren't getting much use anymore. I love supporting independent companies rather than big businesses so I went to this forum with that request in mind.

I came across this great make up brand called Blackbird Cosmetics. Their website makes you want to buy all of their products, huh? I ordered their Matte Volume II sample kit 

Well, it finally came!

Along with a handwritten thank you note and a couple of throw in samples of blush and skulpting powder.

My take:

I probably won't buy the whole set. Some of the colors I know won't get any use. Some of them are fantastic.

Did some playing around with them.

They're very rich and colorful; however my favorite part is how well they blend. That's crucial for me. I hate when girls do their eyeshadow and don't blend well. It looks scary and way too fake. 

I will probably be purchasing Ruca, Vintage, Everest, and maybe a couple of others. I love those colors because they aren't really "natural" colors, but they aren't in your face. However, I'm not a fan of the lighter shades. They're very chalky. I wouldn't purchase those.

These colors are so perfect for fall. I'm very pleased :)

Happy Halloween!

Holidays are so much more fun with kids.

I'll take going trick or treating with my nephew over any Halloween party, any day.

I've loved having little people a part of our family again. It's brought the magic back to holidays that started to become mundane and felt like any other day.

I can't wait for christmas with this little guy!

25 songs to get you into the autumn feels

Does anyone else adjust what they listen to according to the weather? I feel like I have to listen to happier and upbeat stuff when it's sunny. Fall and winter fit so well into my music. 

My music taste tends to lean towards the very soft and calming tone.

Acoustic guitars, softly singing voices, violins, etc.

So here's a small playlist of my favorite songs of the moment, with a bit of a fall tone to it.

They'll be the perfect songs to listen to while driving in your car on a cloudy fall day.

Flower Child Blouse

I've been watching Girls lately, a lot. It's a pretty great show. There's one character named Jessa whose bohemian style makes me want to wear nothing but soft bras, wide brimmed hats, and flowy peasant blouses and dresses.

I've been seeing these type of blouses all over pinterest.

So when I saw this shirt,

I couldn't help myself. I just want to be a bohemian wildflower child sometimes.

I love it. I want to be even more bohemian! Maybe I'll start wearing a flower crown now. Just kidding. I can't pull that stuff off.

...

Or can I?

Auntie Sydnee

Baby girl is here!

My brother and his wife had a sweet baby girl this weekend.

I'm completely in love. She's so perfect. I couldn't let her go.

I love being an aunt. I really do. Being an aunt to two adorable children?

Yeah, I'm in heaven.

Welcome to the world sweet Nora. I'll probably be getting you an American Girl doll soon.

Friday Favorite | Gone to Plaid

I know this one seems pretty obvious but man..

I love plaid.

If you don't love plaid flannel, you're missing out.

I wear it way more than I'd like to admit. This year it is the "Season of Plaid" in my opinion.

I guess you could say I've "Gone to Plaid".

Have you even been to Target? (Of course you have, what a silly question to ask.)

They have it all over the place. Even the store is decorated in it. I bought a throw that I have to lay on my lap whenever I have my computer. 

Make your life just as plaid as it should be.

Tis the season of PLAID by sydneeislove featuring a tea mug