Pass the Bubbly

Happy Wednesday ladies (and gentlemen? ha, doubtful).

Blouse: Banana Republic
Necklace: Walmart
Belt: The Limited
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Ring: American Eagle
Watch: Boccia

Hair Stories

When it comes to my hair, I just can't keep it the same for any period of time. The above pictures are from the last 5 years. I'm (pretty sure I am) a natural dark blond, but I've gone from very blond to dark to blond to red to black to where I am now. I've also cut it off, permed it, and now I'm in a constantly growing out phase. I'm actually pretty happy where I am now with my hair - long side bangs, light highlights with brown tones, and pretty long (for me). Just like I'm constantly changing my hair, I'm also always on the hunt for new products to try. Here are some of my newest products and gadgets:

 Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo and Conditioner ($16, $18) : This shampoo is the shampoo to use for color treated hair. If you are spending your hard earned money to have your hair colored, buying a shampoo to make it last is a must. The shampoo does not lather as well as many other shampoos do though, but mixing it with water in your hand helps. I do not recommend this conditioner though. My hair never felt smooth while it was in my hair, tangles were difficult to comb out, and it left my hair feeling dry. I will not be repurchasing the conditioner.

 Shea Moisture Volumizing Conditioner and Moisture Mist ($10 each at Target): I purchased these on a whim while we were in Minnesota. Both are organic and don't have any of the usual hair culprits in their ingredients. The conditioner, unlike the Aveda conditioner, left my hair very smooth plus it smells amazing - like a mix of vacation and the your favorite shea moisturizer. The moisture spray also smells great. I have yet to see a difference in the thickness of my hair when styled, but I will continue using it just for the smell and moisture.

Tresemme Rejuvenating Mud Masque ($3.99 at Target): I was out of Aussie 3 Minute Miracle, and after having used that for the last decade, it was time to try a different drug store hair mask. This mask is a green heavy mask. I left it on for 10 minutes, and I felt that my hair was less frizzy once I styled it. I did not notice a smell, which is great considering it is a "mud mask". I'm excited to try out more of their line of products, especially at this cost!

Suave Dry Shampoo ($2.99 at Target): For years, dry shampoo was only available to those willing to spend $20+ on a bottle from the salon. Thanks to Suave, we now can all afford a bottle. I try not to wash my hair more than 3 times a week so this is a life saver for me. You just shake the bottle, spray it at your roots, tousle your hair, and you're good to go. I've also tried using this before bed so the oil has time to absorb. For about $3 a can, this is a must-have for every girl out there.

GVP Pro 1800 Hair Dryer ($35 at Sally Beauty Supply): My $20 hair dryer from years ago was starting to spark when I used it. Instead of risking my hair starting on fire, I went to Sally's and found this guy. GVP is a product line that produces generic products modeled after higher priced hair products and tools. While I do not used the brand name dryer (I believe it was a Chi hair dryer), I'm very satisfied with this hair dryer. It dries my hair quickly, it isn't incredibly loud, and my hair is shinier. If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive hair dryer, I would recommend this one.





I'm still looking for that perfect product that keeps my hair silky and smooth without being weighed down. Have you discovered any hair product/tools lately that you want to share? I'm always looking for new things to try!

Nautical x 2

This is my first time participating in Everybody, Everywear and I'm so excited since this month's theme is Nautical. Its like it was meant to be, since I live for anything Nautical themed. I used this opportunity to recreate my nail design from a few weeks ago into an outfit. Not a lot of things I like more than stripes, reds and blues. Are you participating in EBEW? I would love to see your interpretation - leave me a link below!

Shirt: Urban Outfitters
Cardigan: American Eagle
Jeans: Gap Outlet
Belt: Forever 21
Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet

Watch: Fossil
Bracelets: Forever 21 + vacation find
Nails: Essie Midnight Cami

Chevrons and Bows

I've wanted to do a chevron pattern on my nails for a while now, and I tried 3 different ways to do that. Striping tape was the only way I figured out how to do it. I cut up the pieces individually and stuck them on. I'm really happy about the way it turned out!

Now I want to "invent" Chevron nail striping tape....how does one go about that? #MillionDollarIdea

Base: Essie Midnight Cami
Striping: eBay {search nail striping tape}
Ring: Forever 21

Polka Dots and Medical School

This outfit is from work on Thursday - it may not be the most creative outfit in the world, but I just can't get enough of polka dots!

Cardigan: Forever 21
Blouse: Espirit
Bracelets: Forever 21 + vacation find
Watch: Boccia

On Thursday we drove up to Minneapolis for Chris's brother Kurt's graduation from medical school. It was great to get out of Madison (and work!) for a few days.  We enjoyed some amazing meals, and spent some time at the MoA, which was overwhelming as always. We're so excited for Dr. Kurt, and also for Chris since he'll be there in 2 years (and with any luck, I'll be there in a few years too!)

Faux J.Crew

This J.Crew Necklace has been all over the blogs (and here and here) and Pinterest for basically years now. The necklace is too far out of my price range for a piece of costume jewelry, but my sister found this amazing {knock-off} version and gifted it to me on Christmas. I've been pretty timid about wearing it, but today was the day it made its appearance. Thank you Viktoria, my ever stylish sister who lives way too far away from me :(

Shirt: Forever 21
Blazer: Forever 21
Jeans: Joe's Jeans
Necklace: Present
Watch: Fossil
Bracelet: Express

Easiest way to Chambray

Buying this chambray shirt may have been the best purchase I've made in months. It fits perfectly and goes with anything (except for jeans...no Canadian tuxedos!). Mine is a tall sized Medium from Old Navy - and for ~$20, you can't go wrong.

Chambray: Old Navy
Necklace: Ann Taylor Outlet
Belt: Gap
Jeans: Urban Outfitters
Watch: Flossil
Bracelets: Forever 21