April Favorites & A Little TBT

Since it's Throwback Thursday, I thought I would share this little gem with you (you might have seen it on my Instagram). When living together almost 2 years ago, my bestie, Katie and I, had an obsession with taking jumping shots. Any time a camera was out, we were jumping (maybe I will share more jumping shots with you some day). This is one of the only ones where we both actually made it in the air...love you, K!

{April Favorites}

Introducing a new feature where I share my monthly obsessions.
I've seen this on various blogs and on youtube, so why not give it a go??

1. Scandal: The first season of this show was put on Netflix and it was bad news. Guys, I marathoned the first season over a weekend and was all caught up to the recent episodes (on season 2) by mid-week. I. Could. Not. Stop. Shonda Rhimes (creator of Grey's Anatomy) is a creative genius and Kerry Washington is a goddess. Watch it. Now. Seriously...now, even if it means you stop reading. 

2. How Animals Eat Their Food: This Youtube video had me laughing hysterically. I've watched it multiple times and it still gets me every single time. I thought it was so funny, I texted it to my boyfriend...andddd he didn't get why I thought it was so funny. Okay...maybe it's just me, but watch it and let me know what you think.

3. Song: My number one song on repeat this month?? American by Lana Del Rey .... "Be young, be dope, be proud". 

4. Best Purchase: I have wanted the DV by Dolce Vita 'Java' ankle boots since the beginning of the year. Since purchasing them at the beginning of the month, I have worn them multiple times. They go with everything and they are comfortable anddd I just love them. 

Get them HERE

5. Reunited: Okay...so this might be a tad sappy and personal, but allll month I have been counting down the days til I am reunited with this boy. He is finally graduating from college (yay!!) and is moving back home. It's been like 3 years since we have been in the same place for more than 3 months, and it's so crazy to think that once summer is over, nobody is going anywhere. I can't contain my excitement. Yay for being educated folks and yay for not having to do silly long distance anymore. PHEW!

Blog friends, meet my boyfriend, Ernie.
He is going to lovveeeee me for this :)

A very small first monthly favorites.
Anything you've been obsessing over this month?

Better Late Than Never

 Top: Nordstroms

Cardigan: American Eagle

Pants: Roxy

Boots: BP 'Runway' - Get them HERE

Bracelet: Target

Earrings: 'Heart of Gold' via Jewelmint

 These pictures are SO old. Pre ombre and side bangs? These were taken in like October. Oops. I found these, once again, hidden in a folder within like 5 other folders. Seriously, finding pictures has become like a game. It's kind of, sort of, a little bit fun, when I stumble across pictures that I completely forgot about. Don't be surprised if I dig up more to share with you:)

The thing I love about a good pair of black pants, they make a top and cardi look instantly more chic. These Roxy's are 3 or 4 years old, fit like a dream and are very comfortable. I'm in desperate need of a new pair, and love AE black jeggings, but they fade SO fast, despite washing them in cold, with other blacks, and not drying. Any suggestions on where I can get an awesome pair of black skinnys that fit amazingly and wash well?? I would be forever grateful:)

Maxi - Hawaii Outfit 4 & Beach Vacation Essentials

 Dress: Brand & Label 'Mesh Sweetheart Maxi' via Tobi (get %50 off first order when you join!) 

Almost identical version - 'In Lace and Love' Maxi via August Wrinkle

Necklace: Jewelmint 'Flores Collar'

Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita 'Onya'

 More wonderful photos from Hawaii taken on my visit almost 2 MONTHS ago. Better late than never right?? Oh, and I still have an outfit or two left to share...oops! I purchased this amazing maxi dress for the sole purpose of taking it on vacation. The dress ended up being more than I hoped for as it was very light and airy. I love that the lace is breezy and not stiff or itchy and that I can easily go braless (one of the main reasons I embrace my tiny boobs), so as not to distract from the gorgeous back. I will definitely be wearing this dress a lot this summer! I paired it with a pretty neon necklace and my absolute favoriteeee DV by Dolce Vita flatfoms. These are my summer staple. These shoes are amazing and I promise that you will see them a lot...I mean, I practically wore them every day last summer, so I just expect it will be the same this year!

Beach Vacation Essentials

 Pardon the horrible iPhone pictures, but I thought I would snap & share my beach vacation essentials. There are some things I cannot leave without. 

 In my beach bag, I always carry a pouch of some sort, to keep all of the smaller items from rolling around in my bag. The pouch typically holds...

1. Sunscreen: I really like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch. It's not greasy and is great for my face and my nose, which is ALWAYS the first thing to get sunburned. 

2. Chapstick: Chapstick with an SPF is a must for any outdoor activity, but especially on vacation where the sun is intense. My favorite is Blistex, which has a SPF of 15. I have at least 10 of these lying around, but when I need one I can NEVER find it. Don't you hate when that happens?

3. Hairbands: Just like the chapstick issue, I have a million hairbands but can never find one when I need one. Solution? I bought a handy metal ring, typically used to hold note cards together, and now I always know where they are. I always carry a million of these in my beach bag as I always need one, but hate when they get stretched out. I know...first world problems, right?

4. Giant Comb: Swimming always leaves my hair ridiculously tangled. To prevent having a giant knot all day, I pack a giant comb. I prefer brushing my hair with a comb as it hurts less and it is better on your hair! True story. 

5. Cheap Sunglasses: The beauty of cheap sunglasses? They are easily replaceable. Thats why I always grab a cute pair that cost under $12 that I can throw around and not worry about getting them scratched up or sitting on them (yes, this actually happens quite often in my life). 

 Packing makeup for a beach get away is typically pretty easy for me. I'm not a big makeup girl anyways, sticking to bare minerals and blush, and when I have a little tan on my face, I wear even less.

1. Moisturizer: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer is my all time favorite. I slather this stuff on my face morning and night. I started using this stuff faithfully about 2 years ago and since then have noticed a huge difference in my face. This stuff has been a miracle worker, and it has SPF 15. Perfect for every day wear.

2. Body Butter: Strawberry Body Butter from The Body Shop is amazing. The scent is seriously the best thing everrrrrrrrr. Plus, after spending the day in sand and salt water, it's the perfect after shower treat.

3. Dry Shampoo: Dry shampoo is the perfect hair pick me up. When my hair needs a little something extra towards the end of the day or mornings when I skip the washing, this stuff is a life saver. I've tried a few brands from the local drug store, and Suave Dry Shampoo is typically what I stick with. At such a cheap price, it seems to do the trick, although I am in the process of looking for one that smells a little better...suggestions?

4. Mascara: If I decide to let the face go naked, the one thing I usually put on is a little mascara. My favorite at the moment? Covergirl Lash Blast Length, waterproof of course. I really like the brush and love that it doesn't get super smeary towards the end of the day. 

 LIPS! 

1. Smith's Rosebud Salve: All time favorite. Love the smell, love the feel, love the packaging. I'm really just obsessed.

2. Baby Lips: Baby lips are my newest love. A little pop of color is always nice, especially with a tan. For those of you, like me, who are a little nervous about going bold with your lips, this is a nice way to give your lips the tiniest hint of color and moisturize at the same time. Plus, they smell AMAZING! My two current favorites are "Coral Crush" and "Cherry Me". 

3. Blistex: You already know:)

I read a lot. It's one of my all time favorite things, ever. Yes, I'm slightly nerdy. I read just about anything, but really love young adult books. Maybe it has something to do with my profession (elementary teacher), or maybe it's just a love for all things fluffy and happily-ever-after. It's a guilty pleasure. Don't judge. Anyways, I have a Kindle, but beach reading is not very Kindle friendly, at least in my opinion. Seriously guys, sand gets everywhere. So, even though I packed my Kindle, I also lugged 4 books (3 of which I read), to read on the beach. My choices...

1. My Life Next Door - Huntley Fitzpatrick 

2. Beautiful Disaster - Jamie McGuire (NOT YA)

3. Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins

These are some of my beach vacation MUST haves. What are some of yours?

Print Play

 Top: Target (it's actually a peplum!) - Other similar options HERE and HERE. I also love the idea of pairing a body suit with this skirt - HERE

Skirt: 'Into the Sunset' c/o August Wrinkle - On Sale HERE

Necklace: Forever 21

Boots: DV by Dolce Vita 'Java' - HERE

 Taking a note from my "Yeah...I Really Own That" guest blogger for April, Joyce of Joyful Outfits, I decided to play with prints and patterns. I originally had this skirt paired with a chambray top, but something about pairing it with polka dots really appealed to me. This skirt from August Wrinkle should be a summer staple. Seriously, not only does it have a cute star print, but it is super light and airy and will look perfect with a tan this summer! And for some absolutely bizarre reason, it reminds me of Jasmine and Pocahontas, two of my very favorite Disney princesses (I know, I was a weird child). Yes,  now I REALLY love this skirt. I paired it with a polka dot peplum top (I tucked the bottom in), my favorite ankle boots, and a big chain necklace for the finishing touches.

On a non-style note...guys, I'm looking for a summer job and I have no idea where to apply! I really don't want to work food, but am thinking coffee might be okay? Thoughts? Suggestions?