Fall Shopping 101

Hello Lovlies!

Fall is here, which means NEW WARDROBE! SHOPPING! FABULOUS FALL FASHION! As exciting as it is, shopping can be a little daunting. While we would all love to have an unlimited budget, this is usually not the case. Here are some fall shopping tips that will help you make the most of what you have, the most of your spending money, and create the most looks!

1. Before you shop, assess your closet. We all go through the "I have nothing to wear" moods somedays, but it's important to honestly assess what you have. Pull every piece you own out, and try it on. Have a top you never wear because it doens't fit? Get rid of it! Try on all of your clothes to eliminate ones that don't fit. Have some fall appropriate clothing, but it feels old? When you're in the mood for something new, it's easy to feel the urge to shop. My advice is to take all of your pieces, and try to find at least 2 new ways to wear them. You may need a simple accessory to make somthing feel new, or you may find awesome new combos using things you have! Also, don't discriminate against your summer wardrobe! Maybe you can use some of the tops as layering pieces, and throw tights under your shorts so you don't freeze. Really make the most of what you've got.

2. Find your inspiration. After you have assessed your closet, decide on what you want and need to buy. Look on pintrest and in magazines for inspiration. It's better to get inspired and get an idea of what you're looking for, rather than just taking your money and heading out the door. Having an idea of what you want will eliminate impulse purchases and purchasing a bunch of things you don't totally love. Make a list of things you are looking for before heading out. It doesn't have to be a specific item from a specific store on your list, but write down the types of items you are looking for.

3. Make sure you have your bases covered. Before you start buying a bunch of quirky pieces that are difficult to match, make sure you have your basics. Some things I consider basics for fall are : dark wash, well fitting skinnies, leggings,  tights, comfortable/fairly practical boots, and a good jacket(i,e leather).

4. Shop around. My technique when I go out shopping is to browse shops, try on pieces that I like, and come back. I usually don't purchase the things I like in a store until I have browsed the store I want to that day. This is best because you may find similar pieces at other stores that are either a better deal, or you like more! Make a mental note of what you like at each place, then decide and go back to purchase.

5. Keep your reciepts, and be aware of return policies. I know, sounds obvious, but some of us figure we can return things with simply the tag, etc. While most retailers have similar policies, keep your reciepts, and familiarize yourself with each stores indiviual policy. I have known people who have purchased items without trying them on, and got them home to realize they didn't fit. To make matters worse, they couldn't return the item (sale items, etc). It's a good idea to try things on when you are there, or at least find out if it is returnable if you don't.

I hope you found these tips helpful! Do you have any tips that I missed?

X's and O's,
Amanda

Packing Tips!

Hey there Beautifuls!
This is going to be just a really brief post about packing. Since Summer vacays are right around the corner, I thought I would share my tips for packing efficiently, and not forgetting anything!

1. I like to spend time in advance planning my clothes. About 2 weeks in advance, I try on clothes I want to bring to make sure things look good together, etc. This way, if I need anything additional, I have time to go out and buy it!

2. Always bring a nice outfit and shoes. Even if you're going on a wilderness type trip, trust me. You never know where your adventures will take you. Perhaps you will find a swanky restaurant or something. Pack some nice heels and a dress! :)

3. Pack light. Hahahaha. I am usually the WORST person at packing lightly. I would pack so many extra shirts, etc in case I felt like wearing something different, etc. My advice for packing lightly? Make sure that some of your pieces can be worn mulitple ways, multiple times. For example, you could plan on wearing the same pair of jeans 2 or 3 times. The lighter you pack, the better.

4. Make a list. When you are planning your outfits, write everything down! Yes, this includes socks, underwear, etc! Write each item down specifically, and don't cross it off until it is in your suitcase! I can't count how many times I have realized I forgot a piece WHILE I WAS ON THE PLANE! :p

5. Your carryon. Carry-on luggage shouldn't be too heavy. You don't want to drag around too much stuff. However, I do reccomend that your carry on include an extra outfit( if you're wearing jeans to the airport, an extra shirt, underwear, socks) and essential toiletries. Things happen. I have been on flights where my luggage was misplaced, and I had to wait to recieve it until the next day. I have been delayed for hours on end in the airport. And there are those situations that flights are so delayed that you could end up in a hotel. Be prepared! Any important documents, medications, chargers, other items you'd hate to loose, etc should be in your carry-on luggage.

6. Give yourself time before you head to the airport. Allow yourself a 20 to 30 minute time slot before you leave to double check everything. Make sure that everything you wanted/ needed is packed in your suitcase, and make sure you have all medicine, docs, etc. It doesn't hurt to double check yourself.

I hope some of these tips  were helpful to you. The biggest thing is packing as lightly as possible! Have a great trip, and leave me your tips below!

X's and O's,
Amanda

Little Things For Healthier Hair

Hey Beautifuls,

We all wish our hair looked like this, right? If you're lucky, yours does. But for the many of us who abuse the crap out of our hair with blow-drying, heat styling, teasing, etc, we long for the style AND the healthy look. When you're always heat styling, etc, it can be hard to have radiant, healthy locks. I've recently been trying to get my hair into a better condition, and there are so many easy, small things you can do with your hair routine that make the biggest difference! Here are a few of my tips:

1. Just like curling, blow-drying, etc., using hot water to rinse your hair can be damaging. Rinse your hair with cool water. Bonus: it helps tame frizz.

2. Washing too frequently is another factor that can dry your hair out and take away it's natural shine! My hair tends to begin to get oily every 24 hours. But it's certainly not way too greasy . If you can, wash every other day, blotting excess oil with powder or dry shampoo on the day you don't wash. Sometimes, dry shampoo doesn't cut it for a nice event, but try to give your hair a couple of days off during the week.

3. Don't brush your hair when it is sopping wet. This can realllllly damage your hair. I shower at night before bed so that I am not rushing to do so in the mornings, and I was guilty of this. Leave your hair alone until it is about 80% dry before brushing.

4. When you can help it, don't blow dry your hair. Let it air dry! This is so much healthier, and I found it doesn't take too long, and I have LONG hair.

5. When you must blow dry, use a blow-dry spray to heat protect your hair. We all know to use heat protectant when heat styling, but most dont think about blow-drying!

6. Tie your hair into a ponytail at night. Trust me.

7. Use good products. Find a shampoo and conditioner that suit your hair's needs.

8. Deep condition. I like to deep condition twice a week. You can purchase a deep conditioner, or make your own! If you want to mix your own, take 3 egg yolks, equal parts olive oil and mayonaise, and mix them up. Apply this to your hair, and pile your hair on top of your head. I reccomend putting a plastic bag over your head. Leave on for 30 minutes, and rinse well! No need to shampoo afterwards!

9. If you can, avoid heat styling a couple of times a week.  Like I mentioned, giving your hair a break will do it good. There are tons of heat-free styles to do that are cute, minus the damage!

10. Get frequent trims, and if you can, sleep on a satin pillowcase.

11. When coloring your hair, get it professionally done. You'd be suprised at the damage you can do at home. Leave it to the pros.

12. Wear a hat protectant when you go out in the sun. Even if you aren't heat styling, it's important to wear a protectant spray when you go in the sun. The sun is heat, afterall! Most people don't think of that, however.

By really sticking to this and following these tips, your hair should improve dramatically. Even if you find you do most of these, maybe there's one you didn't think about! Be nice to your hair, and it will return the favor by looking radiant! :)

Happy Conditioning!
X's and O's,
Amanda