#OOTD: Studious Style (Feat. Prada, SheIn, + Amazon Fashion)

Well, the nice weather we got to experience here in the 'Burgh this past weekend was great while it lasted, and I'm glad that I was back from my impromptu trip to New Orleans just in time to catch the tail end of the sunshine and fifty degree weather we had here on Sunday. However, unfortunately this beautiful weather did not last long and we were once again greeted with two inches of snow on Monday night, and they're calling for more over the weekend--sigh. I'm trying not to let the cold weather get me down though, as well as my homesickness for NOLA, and am just going to think positive and hope that we have a few more warm days that sneak in before the end of this winter season, and of course rejoice when spring and summer are finally upon us!

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However, in light of my travels over the weekend, and being told by my mum that the weather would still be absolutely beautiful once I got back home, I decided to spend my last day strolling around The Big Easy in this absolutely adorable outfit, and once I got home, had the opportunity to do this outfit of the day photo shoot! What can I say, it was just too darling to pass up the opportunity, and while my mini vacation was nice, I was ready to jump right back into the blogging game (and officially had the opportunity to show off my new Prada eyeglasses). 

Alluring Academic  

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After getting off my flight at the Pittsburgh International Airport, I have to admit that I was absolutely thrilled to walk out of the terminal and be graced with semi-warm weather as well as some gorgeous sunshine, it was much better than the shock of cold I was originally anticipating. Once I loaded my bags in her car and greeted my mum, we decided to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, as well as the lovely weather, and head to Sewickley for a quick stroll around town to catch up and talk about my trip, as well as grab a bite to eat at Lula. And though Lula doesn't have a dress code, this outfit was perfect for their fun and quirky atmosphere. 

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To start off this outfit, I chose to style this pink ruffle sleeve blouse from my longtime sponsor SheIn. Though I have styled this blouse on here before, it honestly got buried in my closet and I only found it when packing to my trip to New Orleans, and boy was I stoked that I found it--I forgot how much I adored it! The blouse itself is made of a medium weight material, and the cut of this piece is actually cropped, making it an excellent piece to wear with jeans for a more casual look, or like how I styled it here for a more chic but playful way to wear.

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Next, I paired this blouse with my latest piece I which I received from Amazon Fashion. Again, this is another reason that I was so excited to find the blouse because I originally was fresh out of ideas of what to style with this skirt, but I'll get to more on that later. First, I would like to tell you about just how awesome this pretty midi skirt is! For starters, I do need to caution you that this skirt is made out of a light weight material, meaning it best suited for spring or summer, but it is definitely thick enough that there is no need for a slip underneath it. This skirt is also very well made and fits true to size (I am wearing an extra small), and includes a zipper closure on the left hand side. It is also 100% cotton meaning you can wash it on delicate at home or have it dry cleaned if you do not want to iron it yourself.

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The reason why I chose to style this blouse and skirt duo together was firstly because once I found the blouse, I realized that these two pieces matched perfectly! This is because the pink of the blouse matches the light pink highlights in the skirt. Next, I felt that though the skirt is definitely a more classic piece (which is why I paired it with my Kate Spade Heels), the blouse would add a fun, quirky, and flirty touch, making this outfit a perfect pair. This look also gave me the advantage of looking cute without being over dressed for my travels, giving me a girly but casual vibe for my flight and outings after I returned home.

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To accessorize this look, I first chose to wear my new Prada eyeglasses. For my readers who my not have known this, a fun fact about me is I am actually nearly blind without my glasses or contacts! And though I rarely wear my eyeglasses on here (something I really need to start styling more actually), I do wear them when I am travelling for fear of losing a contact and not being able to see at the airport! Next I went with some simple accessories such as my pink Kendra Scott Earrings and a plain hammered gold cuff by Gorjana. I then topped off my accessories with my ever trusty Chloe Drew bag.

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Of course my look wouldn't be complete without some finishing touches of makeup! For this fun and flirty look, I chose to keep my makeup sweet and simple. I did this by using my favorite bareMinerals BarePro liquid foundation, my Julep Feels Like Velvet eyeshadow duo in Coconuts & Cabanas, Dior's "My Rose" Blush, and my Chanel Rouge Coco in Michele. I chose this light and airy color combination because I felt that they complemented my overall outfit perfectly, and added to its chic and girly appeal.

One Last Look

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What are some of your favorite surprise pairings to style? Let's chat about it in the comments below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have a gloriously girly outfit you'd just love to show off? I'd love to see it, so feel free to tag me in your Instagram Story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

P.P.S. I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!

Winter Revival: Beauty Picks 2018

Sunshine, streetcar rides, beignets, and temperatures well above 40 degrees, oh, New Orleans, how I will miss you. Unfortunately, I will be back in Pittsburgh come Monday after my impromptu trip to my home away from home in The Big Easy this weekend. (Want to see what I’ve up too in New Orleans this weekend? Be sure to follow me on Instagram and check out my Story Highlights!) Which that means along with missing my daily dose of sugar from having beignets for breakfast, I will also be coping with biting winds, dropping temperatures, hot showers and dry air from indoor heat, which does absolutely nothing for a girl’s skin and hair! However, in light of to the abysmal weather that the ‘Burgh has this time of year, I decided that this was a great time to sneak away for the weekend to enjoy some warmer weather, R&R, and treat myself to some skin and hair reviving treatments too! And since I’m sure many of my readers back up north are also feeling the winter beauty struggle as well, for today’s post, I’ve decided to compile a list of my top twelve winter beauty products for 2018 to share with you all. 

1. Harvey Prince Organics Ageless Exfoliating Bar Soap

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To kick off my winter revival list, I decided to start with Harvey Prince Organics Ageless Exfoliating Bar Soap. This product is contains notes of BuPink Grapefruit, Pomegranate, Mango, Jasmine, Tuberose, YlangYlang, and Sandalwood, giving you a fresh, sensual, luminous scent that everyone will love. This soap also lathers nicely, giving you a nice thick foam to wash your face, body, and hands with, and Ageless Exfoliating Bar Soap also reduces dry skin by gentley exfoliating your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

Buy It Here: Harvey Prince Organics Exfoliating Bar Soap

2. Fango Mud Therapy Mask

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If you’ve been a long time reader here, you probably recognize this product from a number of Instagram posts last year, as well as a different, limited addition, version of this product from my collaboration with Harvey Prince Organics. You should also know that the reason this product is making my beauty essentials list for a second year in a row is because though Harvey Prince no longer provides their Fango Mud Therapy Mask, Borghese does and it is still the absolute best face mask out there! This mask leaves your skin feeling clean, refreshed, and unbelievably smooth after just one use. And though this product is great for year round use, its extra helpful in the winter due to the fact it provides deep moisturizing benefits, which is crucial for reducing dry or chapped skin from being out in the cold winter weather. 

Buy It Here: Borghese Fango Mud Therapy Mask

3. philosophy Miracle Worker Fix

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Though I do not have an issue with wrinkles, I do occasionally have issues with bags under my eyes (I blame it on lack of sleep between working and being a college student), so this year I decided to try philosophy's Miracle Worker Fix, and I have to say that it really does work! I've been using it for about three weeks now, and again, though wrinkles (what this product is primarily used to reduce) are not an issue of mine, I have noticed a significant improvement with the bags under my eyes and a reduction of puffiness. 

Buy It Here: philosophy Miracle Worker Fix

4. Harvey Prince Organics Hello Body Butter

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There are simply not enough positive things I have to say about Harvey Prince Organics Hello Body Butter. This stuff is absolutely amazing! For starters, you can use this body butter on both your body and face without fear of potential breakouts because this product is designed to help nurture sensitive skin. Next, just like all of Harvey Prince Organics products, it is 100% cruelty free making it a great choice for smoother skin without harming any of our fury friends. The reason I say this product is so amazing though is because it leaves your skin feeling very soft and smooth, which we all know can be hard to maintain in the winter time. It is also very easy to apply and isn’t overly heavy and oily like some other body butters. And last but not least, this body butter smells absolutely amazing. 

Buy It Here: Harvey Prince Organics Hello Body Butter

5. L'Oréal Paris Extraordinary Hair Care Routine (Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave In Cream, and Lustrous Oil Serum)

These next products are again some of my all time favorite go to products that I have been using for years, and these products would be L'Oréal Paris' Extraordinary Hair Care Routine. This routine includes Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave In Cream, and Lustrous Oil Treatment. All of these products are infused with oils that help bring dry, brittle, weather damaged hair back to life. Each of them are light weight and apply easily, they also show immediate results— I'm talking shinier, softer hair after just one use! And in case you would like a cruelty free option, I have included Harvey Prince Organics Hello Shampoo and Conditioner as well. Much like L'Oréal's Extraordinary Hair Care Routine, this shampoo and conditioner set smell amazing, and give life back to damaged hair. 

Buy These Products Here: L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Nourishing Shampoo, L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Conditioner, L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Leave In CreamL'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Lustrous Oil Serum, Harvey Prince Organics Hello Shampoo, Harvey Prince Organics Hello Conditioner.

6. Harvey Prince Organics Keravegan Hair Masque  

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To go along with my L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Care routine, once to twice a week I pamper myself with a little something extra and that something extra is Harvey Prince Organics Keravegan Hair Masque. The reason why I feel this masque is essential for the winter time is because due to its soothing ingredients it really helps bring dry, dull, lifeless hair back to life. After just one use, much like the L’Oréal products, you see a difference. Your hair will feel soft and silky, plus with the added bonus of some extra shine.

Buy It Here: Harvey Prince Organics Keravegan Hair Masque

7. Julep Black Canvas Primer

Next on the list are my go to primers this year! I actually have both the Illuminating & Mattifying primers from Julep and I have to say I love them both. The Mattifying primer specifically, made my skin look so smooth and even, and it was incredibly light weight, which works great for me when I'm spending time down south. Each of these primers apply easily and are comfortable for all day wear. These primers also do not clog your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth and looking even. And the best part? This primer actually smells amazing and is 100% cruelty free!

Buy It Here: Julep Blank Canvas Mattifying Primer, Julep Blank Canvas Illuminating Primer

8. bareMinerals BarePro Liquid Foundation

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I'm sure many of my long time readers know that my absolute favorite makeup brand is bareMinerals, and this liquid foundation is a great addition to their makeup family! Though I generally use their powder foundation, bareMinerals BarePro liquid foundation is perfect for winter because along with being light weight and comfortable for all day wear, it also benefits your skin. How, you ask? Since bareMinerals BarePro foundation has a SPF of 20, it protects your skin from sun damage as well as helping keep your face moisturized.

Buy It Here: bareMinerals BarePro Liquid Foundation  

9. Maybelline’s City Minis Palettes

This next item on the list was actually a surprise for me! Though I love eye shadow, I very rarely buy any palettes that aren't by Dior, TooFaced, or Chanel. However, recently in a campaign I had with Influenster, I received Maybelline's City Mini's Palette in Rooftop Bronzes and absolutely fell in love with it! The main reason I love these palettes is because they have such a wide range of color and are incredibly versatile. The colors are also rich and long lasting, which isn't that all a girl wants in an eye shadow?

Buy These Products Here: Maybelline The City Mini Palette Chill Brunch Neutrals, The City Mini Palette Downtown SunriseThe City Mini Palette x ShaylaThe City Mini Palette Rooftop BronzesThe City Mini Palette Urban Jungle

10. Dior “My Rose” Blush

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Though this is not a new product on the market this year, Dior's "My Rose" blush is still my absolute favorite. This blush is light, easy to apply, and lasts all day (and night!) long. The reason why I am so partial to this particular color is because I feel the light pink tones compliment my porcelain skin tone nicely and keeps my daily makeup looks appearing fresh and natural.

Buy It Here: Dior “My Rose” Blush

11. Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour

 

Chanel's Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour is hands down my winter lipstick this year! Firstly, Chanel offers an extensive range of colors so its easy for people of all skin tones to find a color suitable for them, and each of the colors are incredibly rich, giving you the perfect pout. The other reason why i'm loving Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour is because much like the name suggests, this lipstick doubles as a lip balm and keeps your lips hydrated and prevents them from getting chapped, even in the cold winter weather.

Buy These Products Here: Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour

12. Olay Daily Facial Makeup Wipes

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To finish off my winter revival beauty picks, I chose to share the latest makeup wipes I have been using and those would be Daily Facials by Olay! Though I used to get my makeup remover from Clinique, I made the shift to Olay's Daily Facials for a few reasons. One, Clinique's makeup remover, while it works great, comes with a hefty price tag. So, being a broke college student, I'm been scaling back where I can. Clinique's makeup remover also was not travel friendly, and with how much time I've been spending travelling back and fourth between the 'Burgh and NOLA, easy to pack makeup remove is a must. Which is how I stumbled upon and tried Olay's Daily Facials. These wipes honestly work just as great as my Clinique makeup remover and are a fraction of the cost. It's also important to note that these wipes are specifically for sensitive skin, meaning it will not dry out your skin and will help keep it soft and smooth.

Buy It Here: Olay Daily Facial Wipes

What are your go to cold weather beauty remedies this year? Let’s share our tips, tricks, and favorites in the comments below or you can tweet me about it at @StarkRavingChic. Later dolls, I have streetcar to catch and a smoothie to grab!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Love what I’ve been posting on my Instagram but aren’t sure where to get the goods? No worries! I am  a proud member of the rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it family! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here

#OOTD: Posh Performance (Feat. Amazon + Terry Jolo Brand)

Ahhhh, nothing like a little bit of an Indian summer to brighten up these cold, drab winter days, am I right? Even if in this case it was only in the low fifties, it is still way better the the below freezing temperatures we have been dealing with here in the 'Burgh lately. The only thing that isn't so great about this weather shift is, is I have unfortunately caught an awful cold. But I haven't let that get me down, and to take advantage of the nice weather we've had this week (along with attempting to make myself feel better), I have been doing one of my favorite pass times, and that is of course primping, styling, and dressing up!

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Now it is not that I don't dress up when it's cold of course, but obviously frigid temperatures make it nearly impossible to wear a dress or a skirt with out turning into a popsicle halfway through the day. This is especially the case if your college campus is in a downtown setting like Point Park University, meaning you have to walk through the city streets to get from class to class. However, as stated earlier, with the weather actually being bearable this week, I've taken the opportunity to style some of my favorite posh pieces for my classes earlier this week. 

Polished For Presentation 

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Another reason why I was stoked the weather has been nice this week is aside from allowing me to wear skirts and heels, it worked out great because my first semester is already off and running and I have actually have had two presentations already! Though this was a bit of a challenge due to the fact I currently have no voice (I seriously sound like a frog at the moment), I at least was able to feel confident by looking my best in one of my favorite outfits, even if I might have not sounded that great. To give myself this extra confidence boost, I chose to style this white, laser cut out blouse by Amazon Fashion + SheIn, along with this gorgeous brown, button front wool skirt from my long time collaborator and friend, Terry, owner of the Pittsburgh South Side boutique, Terry Jolo Brand.

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First, let me tell you about this adorable top from Amazon Fashion + SheIn. Though I have written about SheIn since the very start of my blog (almost three years ago, wow!) I'm thrilled to announce that their clothes are now available for purchase on Amazon and Amazon Prime, which is great for quick shipping! And of course these clothes live up to the same quality and craftsmanship that you receive from SheIn's main site. This blouse is no different, much like all my other clothes fro SheIn, this blouse is exceptionally well made and very comfortable. I also just love every detail of this top, from its laser cutout pattern to its tied sleeves, which though it is otherwise plain, these small details really give this piece a little something extra. Lastly, this piece fits true to size and is quite versatile, meaning you can wear this piece as a casual top or dress it up a bit like I did for this post.

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For the bottom half of my presentation day outfit, I chose this one of a kind, tailor made, skirt from Pittsburgh's South Side boutique, Terry Jolo Brand. I have mentioned Terry and her boutique many times here, but for those of you who are new to my blog, Terry Jolo Brand is a local boutique that specializes in one of a kind designs, all made by my friend Terry. It is located on 27th Carson Street, right across the street from South Side Works. As I stated earlier, most of her pieces are one of a kind creations so you are guaranteed to have your own uniquely designed piece, and when you design your piece, Terry will meet with you and tailor your design to fit you perfectly. Aside from this skirt fitting me like a glove due to this process, I also love the material which is a combination of wool and velvet, which makes this a great piece for fall and winter. (One last note about this piece: It has pockets!!)

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To further style these two pieces, I chose to pair them with my brown Prada Saffiano bag along with y black bow tie heels by Ralph Lauren. The reason I chose to style these pieces with this look is because for one, I loved how the light brown leather of my bag complemented the deep brown color of the skirt, and I felt the gold detailing on the heels played well off of the gold detailing on my bag. 

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Keeping my gold accessory theme, to add a little shine to this look, I chose to wear this pretty gold crystal points necklace and this moonlight daydream cuff, each by SLATE. Though both of these pieces are simple, they really add a nice touch and some extra polish to this outfit.

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To complete my presentation day outfit, I decided to go with a light, airy, and natural makeup look. To achieve this, I used my bareMinerals Bare Pro liquid foundation, bareMinerals Gorgeous Eyes kit, Dior "My Rose" blush, and Covergirl's Oh Sugar lipstick. The reason I chose to go with a more subtle makeup look is because I wanted to keep this outfit looking fresh, polished, and professional.

One Last Look

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What are some of your favorite professional looks to style this season? Let's chat about it in the comment section below or you can tweet me at @StarkRavingChic! Have an awesome presentation day look of your own that you just need to show off? Feel free to tag me in your Instagram story at @StarkRavingChic. Later, babes!

Xx, Bree

P.S. Psssssst! If you love the jewelry I styled in this post as much as I do, you can try Rocksbox for a whole month 100% FREE when you sign up using my promo code "starkravingchicxoxo". Don't know what Rocksbox is or how it works? You can learn more here!

P.P.S. I am now a proud member of rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it! Meaning you can shop straight from my Instagram feed when you click here or here. Don't know what LIKEtoKNOW.it is all about? Learn more, here!