Friday, June 3, 2016

OOTD: Print & Texture



For one of my last "free" days of summer, my mom and I ventured off to Long Grove's Historic Downtown area. With small cute shops in adorable buildings Long Grove is the definition of quaint. 

An easy look for shopping and browsing is a breezy skirt and thin button down. I like wearing button downs just in case of cold air conditioning, but this shirt is light enough to wear in the summer. I've been reaching for this skirt non-stop since I saw a similar style back in J Crew's stock. They paired it with a tee, green utility jacket, and sneakers and it looked oh-sew-cute! Ever since I've been creating new looks with my white textured skirt. 


I paired a small gingham print with a white textured detailed skirt. Mixing a solid textured skirt with a small pattern works well because nothing is to overpowering. By pairing the shirt with a statement necklace you can add another dose of texture to the look. 


I recently picked up this new bright pink Longchamp and I am loving it. Pink handbags are a new favorite of mine. In my wardrobe pink is practically a neutral! All of my pink bags work great with a ton of looks. 



Where it's from: 
Shirt: J Crew 
Skirt: J Crew 
Shoes: Target 
Necklace: J Crew 
Bag: Longchamp 
Pearl bracelet: KJP 
Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Lily and Laura 
Watch: Daniel Wellington 
Sunglasses: Ray Bans 



What is your favorite way to mix print and texture? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

OOTD: What the Flock


Happy June everyone! This past week my mom and I ventured off to a new downtown area for a fun girls day. 

For a fun day of exploring Downtown Geneva I wanted something comfortable yet stylish. During the summer time I love J Crew's signature chino shorts. I recently picked these flamingo pair up at the outlet mall for an extra 50% off! They were a great deal. My brother was making fun of me because I always have animals on my clothing, but I think these are just too cute to pass up! 


I paired the shorts with a simple short sleeve denim button up (this shirt is a staple for me!) to keep things simple. Then I added a pop of print with the red flat espadrilles that I picked up at the Sperry Topsider outlet as well. The outlet malls are a great place to get great deals. I always find great stuff at way cheaper prices. 


Downtown Geneva was an adorable little area. I have a full post on snapshots from the day! 


For accessories I kept things simple with a gold belt, some bangles, and pearl studs. I also carried my trusty Henri Bendel bag which is my go-to bag when I want a cross body. It matches everything and holds a lot of stuff. 



Where it's from: 
Shirt: J Crew 
Shorts: J Crew 
Shoes: Sperry Topsider 
Bracelets: Bourbon & Bowties, Alex and Ani, and KJP 
Watch: Kate Spade 
Bag: Henri Bendel 
Belt: Target 


What is your favorite animal to wear on clothing? Mine is a flamingo! Leave yours in the comments below :) 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Monday, May 30, 2016

Geneva Snapshots



This past Friday my mom and I decided we wanted to do something fun before my internships started up (more on that to come). So, we ventured off to Downtown Geneva which is a town not to far from us. I've never been in the area so I was excited to explore something new. The downtown area was nothing short of charming, cute, and adorable all in one! There were so many restaurants and tiny boutiques which is refreshing from all of the chain restaruants that are stuck in the suburbs. 


We started off the morning just walking around seeing what was around. Then we decided on brunch at Buttermilk which is a lunch and breakfast restaurant. Everything on the menu sounded amazing but my mom and I ended up splitting the strawberry banana Nutella french toast along with a cheese omelet. The food was great and their coffee menu looked to die for, but I stuck with a Diet Coke. I would for sure go back to this adorable restaurant soon!   



The inside of Buttermilk was also adorable!


Every street has these little tile markers which I thought were so cute! 


We stopped into a stationery store which was basically heaven for me. With adorable cards, Rifle Paper Co. and Kate Spade goodies, and fun gifts this place had everything. 



Downtown Geneva had so many flowers! As a flower fanatic I loved walking around and seeing the different flowers. It was so colorful and perfect to brighten up for the gloomy day we were having. I thought this flowers sign was super cute to point to a nearby flower shop. 


What is your favorite small downtown area near you? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Memorial Day Sales


Memorial Day is one of the best times to stock up on a ton of great stuff! Sales are all around us and my wallet has fallen victim. But, there are some great things on sale that you just can't pass up! I've picked up a few things from vineyard vines who is having 30% off sale items! I also picked up a few things at the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale. If you live by an outlet mall I suggest making a trip because I got major deals at the Tory Burch, J Crew, Burberry, and more! 

VINEYARD VINES | 30% off ALL sale items 

NORDSTROM | Up to 40% off! 

JACK ROGERS | 

J CREW FACTORY | 50% off EVERYTHING and extra 40% off sale items

What sales are you shopping this weekend? Did you score any great deals? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Friday, May 27, 2016

New Beauty Products



Recently I've tried two new hair products that I normally would never have tried! First is the Nuxe hair oil. I'm normally not a hair oil person because when it comes to hair I keep things pretty simple. Just style and some hairspray, maybe some sea salt for texture. But, I've tried out this hair oil and it makes your hair oh-so-soft and silky. Personally, I don't like the scent but I am not a big perfume gal. If you are into floral or musky scents this hair oil would be right up your alley. The great thing about this hair oil is that it can also be used on your face or body. Aka double duty! If you are into hair oils I think it is worth the try. But, fair warning the smell may not be your cup of tea. However, it isn't a long lasting scent! 

The next product I've tried recently is the Not Your Mothers Plump for Joy spray. First things first, this spray smells amazing! The smell alone is a reason enough to use it. But, this spray gives a little extra volume to your hair. You can use it with either wet or dry hair which is nice. So far I've only used it on dry hair, but I do think it adds some volume. I have fine hair so adding something like this Plump for Joy spray helps me get a little more volume. I wouldn't say that this product changed my life, but I think for around $6 it's a good buy!

Another new beauty product I have tried, again, is the Cutex nail polish remover pads. I am continually amazed by these pads! They are super easy to use and remove nail polish very quickly. If you are someone who uses nail polish regularly then these will be your new best friend.

What are some new beauty products you have tried recently? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda 

Both of these products were given to me to review through Influenster. All opinions are my own. #SoCutex #Contest 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Birthday Wishlist


My 21st birthday is less then a month away! Which means I've been creating a birthday wish list. I thought I would share my wish list because this is the perfect birthday gift guide for any preppy girl. Also, a lot of these gifts would also make great graduation gifts!

 Recently I've been loving Rifle Paper Co. or anything stationary related. I'm loving art prints like the Chicago print, or the Gossip Girl print from History in High Heels Etsy shop. Not to mention this Rifle Paper Co. Lesportsac tote is so cute! A large pack of Le Pens are also on the wish list, they are my new favorite felt tip pen! 

Also, I recently tried Sugarfina's champagne gummy bears from their new Oakbrook location. Holy moly they are delicious! 

Do you have a June or summer birthday? What is on your birthday wish list? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda

Monday, May 23, 2016

Chicago Snapshots


This past week I made multiple trips up to Chicago for a wide variety of things. First trip of the week was to the Shedd Aquarium with my best friend and mom for our annual trip. Every summer for the past few years we take a trip to the aquarium. It's become one of my favorite summer traditions! This year we made the trip a bit earlier because we had the time and we wanted to miss the normal summer crowds. It was the perfect day and we enjoyed snapping some photos on the patio near the food court. (*hint* it's the best spot to take photos of the Chicago skyline!) 


The views from the aquarium are amazing! I love how you can see the entire Chicago skyline. I snapped this picture with my new IL vineyard vines sticker I got at the Oakbrook location. The Oakbrook and Chicago store have super cute Chicago apparel. If you're in a store be sure to ask if they have a city specific sticker in stock!


I wore the cutest pineapple button down to the aquarium, so I had to snap some blog photos. Check out the OOTD post here


On Thursday we ventured into the city for a meeting I had at Stan's Donuts. Guys, these donuts are amazing. My mom and I have been dying to try them so I was thrilled I had the excuse to heading out to Stan's. I got the apple fritter and it was oh-sew-good! Not to mention their bags may be cuter then the donuts themselves. This day we also met my brother at Belly Up a new BBQ place just off of Michigan Ave. It was to die for! I got a sampler slider plate with BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and brisket sliders. If you are in the area it is a must. It is for sure one of my new favorite BBQ places! 


Saturday my boyfriend and I headed into the city for The College Prepsters meet and greet at vineyard vines. We arrived and headed straight to Shake Shack, our favorite, for lunch. Then we walked around to Kate Spade, J Crew, Kendra Scott, and Bloomingdales. 


The Kate Spade store downtown isn't huge but I love all of the decorative touches in the store. This Live Colorfully sign was to cute not to take a photo. 


Then the highlight of my week, and likely my summer, I met Carly from The College Prepster! Since I started blogging and reading blogs in high school I've followed Carly's blog. She was so sweet and it was so cool to meet her in person! 

Do you want more posts about my Chicago summer adventures? A Chicago travel guide? Let me know in the comments! 
XOXO 
Miranda