Gift Guide | The Jetsetter

Do you have that friend that always says, "Well next year I'll be going to Ukraine!" I do. She's a hard one to shop for because she's such a nomad. Get her something that she can grab and go at any moment because you know she might.

Prague map - Etsy $10
Dual time watch - Skagen $195
Milk Have A Good Trip Set - Sephora $48
Maison Margiela Beach Walk Perfume - Sephora $28-$125
Fossil passport cover - Belk $55
Modern Snap Backpack - Everlane $68
French Phrasebook - Anthropologie $10

SaveSaveSaveSave

November Favorites

November. I can't believe it's already gone. This month I went a little crazy in the beauty department. I've been a makeup fiend. Nevertheless, there will always be a ton of fashion favorites.

1. Camel coat

It's finally cold enough to wear my coat! I bought this coat when it was just a tad too warm. I wear this coat practically every day

2. NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Damned

I tried so hard not to buy this. I tried so hard. It was too expensive, and would I really wear it enough to make it worth it? I bought a dupe, and that dupe completely failed me. In a Black Friday daze, I caved. I'm in love. The perfect berry pout just in time for the holidays.

3. Roiboos Tea

I'm usually a green tea, or peppermint tea gal. One of my best friends lives for this tea, and I decided to throw it in to my rotation of morning teas. It's such a great flavor and perfect for my now freezing mornings. My friend suggests sweetening it with brown sugar and lemon. I would highly recommend!

4. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Rose

I love floral perfumes, but I find myself not wearing any at all during the fall and winter. I think it may because my regular perfumes smell too.. spring-y? summer-y? I wanted a deeper scent, but one that wasn't too strong. Nirvana Rose is perfect. I want to wear it every single day. I bought the roller ball, and maybe one day I'll buy the gorgeous full size bottle.

On an embarrassing note, I bought this while visiting my in-laws. I left the bottle in their bathroom, three hours away. Whyyyy? We'll see how much my mother-in-law loves me to mail it to me. So I couldn't take a picture of my actual bottle..

5. Dogs dressed up

My husband pointed out that nothing makes me happier, or laugh more, than dogs wearing costumes, or wearing human things. This video made me tear up with happiness.

SaveSaveSaveSave

Gift Guide | The Minimalist

It's December 1st! 

Oh hello, December.

I've never done "gift guides" in the past years, so I thought it would be fun to start this year. I decided to do a different take on what sorts of people you're gifting for. Some people make gift guides for "your bestie"or "your mom". I don't know about you, but my best friend would just politely accept some gifts they suggest because she's an individual with a different personality than every other "best friend".

So let's get started.

The first one is "The Minimalist". Like I've mentioned before, I've slowly been diving into the minimalist lifestyle. I'm dreading christmas a little bit thinking about all the gifts that I'm going to get that are just going to take up space that I just don't want, and will eventually just throw or give away. Here are some gifts that a minimalist would appreciate, but don't be offended when they return :)

Gift Guide | The Minimalist by sydneeislove featuring black and white wall art

The Curated Closet - Anthropologie $25
Big Sea Salt Shampoo - Lush $28
Geometric terrarium - Bliss Home & Design $85
Minimalist Print - Scandinavian Walls $5 (Plus a little extra to get it printed, maybe $5-$10 extra)
Minimalist watch - Skagen $175
Breton striped shirt - Boden $40
Essie Sand Tropez - Target $8

You may think that a minimalist is hard to shop for, but just keep it simple, keep it quality, and keep it  classy.

SaveSave

Magenta Lips | Lipstick Mixing

I've been craving some new lip colors. I haven't been much of a great lipstick wearer. I had a sudden urge to just constantly wear it, but I was bored of all of the colors that I do have. I found a lip color on Pinterest that I fell in love with. I clicked through to find what it was, and it led me to a blog that said the lip color was a combination of two colors. I instantly wanted one of those colors (NARS Damned). It's a beautiful magenta. I had to have it.. But I don't have $26 lying around to spend on lipstick I won't wear often enough!

I took it into my own hands. I did what that blog did. I combined two lipsticks that I already own!

I combined Revlon Kissable Balm in Smitten and NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Voltaire.

Smitten is just a little too pink and light. I wanted something deeper, but Voltaire was too dark. So I put one layer of Voltaire.

This looks fine. In real life it looks much darker and brown. Then I put a couple of layers of Smitten, and Voila!

I'm going to experiment all week with combining more of my lipsticks. Are you bored of yours? Make some new colors!

Fall 10x10 Challenge Completed!

I did it! I completed my 10x10 challenge (link to my previous post with all my clothing items).

I wore every single one of my items. I started to get a little uninspired towards the end (hence the black on black on black), but I'm overall happy with all of my fits.

What I learned:

The fact that I wasn't being as creative with my clothes, it turned in to me going nuts on my makeup. I started getting excited to do my makeup in the morning. I wore bold lipstick four times in the past ten days! It's what made my creative juices flow. It even made me buy two new lipsticks! I probably could've done more with my hair, but I had so much fun with my makeup.

I also didn't include my outerwear. I love my outerwear. I kind of leaned on my simple outfits by wearing one of my structured jackets. It completely made me realize how I'm missing a couple of things! Like my sheer-ish black tights. I made a run in them last year, and I need to get new ones.

I'm working on a capsule wardrobe. This was a good start for me to realize what I really wear day to day.

I'll probably do this again every season! So here was my fall one.

Girlfriend Collective Leggings | No Pants Dance

I have to say, Facebook advertising works for me.. I can't help it. I know you're listening to me Facebook. I know you're keeping tabs on me. You're pinpointing things I obviously am interested in. Yeah sure, it bothers me sometimes. Not when I get a killer deal, though.

I saw an ad for the Girlfriend Collective. They were giving away "free leggings" (with the cost of shipping). The shipping only cost $20, so I got leggings for $20. I've been eyeing Lululemon, TNA, pretty much any of the leggings at Aritzia. They all range from $40-$200! I decided to give these a try. Why not? It's about the same cost as a pair from Old Navy. They can't be any worse than the ones that are currently slipping a bit in my drawer right now.

Well they finally came!

I'm in love. I'll admit, I've never bought any super high quality leggings. I have some from Aerie, Old Navy, and some that my mom bought me from Costco. They've all been good! I don't have many complaints. At least I didn't..

These leggings are soft. I mean soft. I took a look at them fresh out of the package, and I thought to myself "Oh no way in hell these are fitting over my current thunder thighs." I was wrong. They slipped on beautifully.

They're perfect for lounging.

They're also perfect for running.

My favorite part is that they don't ride down. They also are truly high-waisted (finally).  It's like I'm wearing no pants.

So I'll do a dance.

Two thumbs up for Girlfriend Collective. Go get yourself a pair for twenty bucks, too!

I Want That | Sonia Rykiel/Lancome

When it comes to makeup, I'm usually a "It is good quality? Awesome. I'll take it."

I've never really been a sucker for the pretty packaging that some brands hide their sub-par makeup in. That's starting to change a little bit. Stunning packaging is starting to catch my eye, which isn't a good thing. Brands that usually do this are luxury or very high-end brands.. I'll admit it, I spend a ton of money on makeup. But I buy well researched, and essential makeup.

This stuff though..

It's just so pretty..

How eye catching, fun, and gorgeous is this packaging? I mean seriously. I love the mod stripes that give me some mad 60s vibes.

The palette colors aren't as exciting as I thought they would be, but I love the purple palette. I'm a fan of plum-violet colors on my eyes. I would maybe consider it if it weren't $60 (!!!). The more I look at it, the more I want it.. The blue, however, is a big old no from me. It is not the 80s. I will not wear blue eyeshadow.

I would consider the cute lip pencils, though.

Sorry Lancome. I want you, but I can't have you..

Capsule Wardrobe 10x10 Challenge

I've been trying to minimize my possessions significantly. I've cleaned out my closet and my vanity. I'll talk more about this later, but I wanted to share with you a new challenge I'm starting in spirit of less is more.

It's called the 10x10 Capsule Wardrobe Challenge. I'm so intrigued.

Here's the deal, I picked 10 items of clothing. I'm only going to wear these 10 items of clothing for the next 10 days.  Will I be sparked creatively? Or will I drive myself crazy? The possibility of either is equal. I'm uninspired. I'm ready for a wardrobe change. I've already started on that, so I'm just going to document my findings. For science. Or for fun!

Shoes, accessories, and outerwear does not count. I need to make sure I'm warm.

Here are my items!

1. Drop-shoulder black T-shirt

2. Long sleeve grey T-shirt

3. Charcoal grey cardigan

4. Buffalo plaid flannel button-up

5. Cream blouse

6. Oatmeal sweater

7. Blue skinny jeans

8. Black skinny Levi's

9. A-line black slip skirt

10. Black shift dress

I'll document my outfits. I'm going to try so hard not to repeat outfits.

Here we go!

Autumn Up

It's the first day of autumn (squeee). My autumn often consists me just eating pumpkin shaped reese's and pumpkin cookies. I just live for the days where I can wear a jacket.

Also, apparently a tornado hit my town today? I didn't even know it had happened until my mom texted me asking if we were okay. We had a crazy rainstorm, but I just sat on my couch with the patio door open. Let's start this autumn with a bang, am I right?

Here's what I'm craving this fall (besides pumpkin pie).

I usually wear a lot of grey and black. This season I want a little more camel and beige.

Fall 2016 Wish List by sydneeislove featuring a fall outfit

I've been out..

You've been neglected, but I have a really good excuse.

I got married!

I married my sweetheart about two and a half months ago. I'm happy. I'm content.

My wedding was completely planned by yours truly, and I had a little too many DIY projects. Hence, that's why I have not blogged in a while.

I'm done with my wedding, and I'm settled in my new apartment in my new town.

No, I will not be doing a "Wifey/Mommy Blog" (hopefully that latter one doesn't happen anytime soon!). I will stick to what I do best.

Fashion.

But I learned some things while planning a wedding. 

My wedding was a completely personal experience. I had my hands in everything. There were lots and lots of doing it myself projects. I was myself, and I was happy.

My dress, my bridesmaid outfits, my makeup and hair, my decorations were all very personal. I learned a lot. Now I want to share it with you!

Here are some highlights:

My nephew gave me a huge hug after we came out of the temple.

& more to come!

St. Paddy's. I'm not really on board with this Holiday.

I'm not one for celebrating St. Patricks day.. I'm not Irish, I don't drink, and I don't party. So basically how I participate in this holiday is.. by wearing something green.

St. Paddy's (I'm totally Irish) by sydneeislove featuring a cowgirl hat

The "I'm totally Irish. My ancestors are from there."

St. Paddy's (Yeah.. We get it..) by sydneeislove featuring green pumps

The "I'm going out with my friends tonight! Things are gonna get crazy!"

(This is an allusion to what I'll probably be doing tonight. Watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia.)

St. Paddy's (Lots O Gold) by sydneeislove featuring flat shoes

And last but not least, the "I'll put on this green T-shirt so nobody will bother me."

I just happened to wear an olive green jacket that I wear almost every day now. It totally wasn't planned. But luckily I can go out in public without creepy guys telling me I'm going to get pinched because I'm not wearing green. Ha. Buzz off.

One outfit, three ways

On a typical day, I have to do a couple of outfit alterations. I go from work in an office, to school, to sometimes going to dinner with my cute boyfriend.

So on Friday, I documented my outfit changes. So here is one outfit worn for three different occasions.

The base is my plaid shell and a pair of black skinny jeans.

For work:

Pretty simple. I wore some d'orsay flats to dress it up, and pulled my hair back.

For school:

I switched out my d'Orsay flats for my nikes. I walk to school most of the time, so I slipped on these comfy babies and threw on my leather jacket. It gets a little chilly walking! I also did a fun half top knot to unstuff my outfit a bit more.

For dinner:

I let my sweet locks down. I had to smooth out some kinks, but it had that disheveled messy look. I also added some more smoke to my eyes. I'm obviously not going to wear a pair of runners to dinner! I changed into some heeled booties that look very bad..ahhh...

Gotta keep the boy's eye on you at dinner ;)

One outfit, three ways.

La Musique

I've been going through an interesting music phase lately.

I've been drawn to French music lately.

I used to be a Francophile. Just check out my blog when I would post four or five years ago (on second thought.. please don't). I used to fantasize about living in Paris, speaking perfect fluent french, wearing Parisian clothes, eating all of the finest French foods, etc. Then.. I actually went to France.

It was not as glamorous as I imagined it. I met a Belgian guy who confessed his love to me (feelings were not very mutual), and he spoke French to me constantly. Suddenly, French didn't sound as romantic as I thought it once did.

Then I started listening to this French music over a year after I had gotten over this obsession. It could be because I haven't been able to listen to French in a very long time, but I love it.

'

(This song has been on constant repeat in my apartment)

It's been kind of fun revisiting this old love I once had. I probably won't go back to Paris, though.

Spring Loaded

Well.. Much to my dismay, the temperatures are rising. Yeah, I know I'm probably in the minority of the fact that I don't enjoy warm weather as much as others. I've come to terms with that. But I've decided this spring and summer, I'm going to embrace the high temperature. I'm going to try and experiment with nothing but skirts and dresses. This summer, I'll be sweating for sure (It's what I do. It's the main reason I hate the heat.), but I'm going to make sure I'm as cool as possible.

My style goals for the spring is to incorporate more linen and silk (or blends of either), wear more of my skirts, and just keep it super super simple.

So without further ado, here is my spring wish list.

Spring Wish List by sydneeislove featuring a white t shirt