C'est la vie

This last week has been one for the record books.  So much has been happening in my life / those around me, and I won't go into the gritty details here, but there have been 4 / 5 major events in just one week!  I'm feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically drained from recent days and any spare time I've gotten I've used for either sleep or just taking a few moments to chill out and think about how I'm feeling about everything.  However, I am feeling extremely grateful for the people I have in my life and the time I have with them. 

I recently started collaborating with Bliss Boutique [< - - click the link!] and knew that I had to have this top.

Not only am I sporting the 'Canadian Tuxedo', I'm sporting it in double acid wash.  Double faux pas??

I love the edginess [acid wash and crop] and sportiness [athletic stripe] of this top.  I knew instantly that I wanted to play off of these aspects and create an overall edgy/sporty look.

My tried and true backpack from Forever 21, along with these combat boots, appear in so many of my off-duty / casual looks.

She looks like she's trying to escape me, but trust me, she was LOVING it.

I try to shoot during the 'golden hour', near sunrise and sunset, to avoid weird reflections and lighting, but I thought these streams of light ended up looking kinda cool.

I'm grateful for the doggies in my life too.  Two big paws up for all the dog lovers out there!

What I'm Wearing:

Hat - My Boyfriend's

Top - Bliss Boutique [< - - click the link!]

Necklace - Gifted

Denim - Echo Clubhouse

Backpack - Forever 21

Ring - Crossroad's Trading

*This post is sponsored by Bliss Boutique

Beauty Tuesday: Orange Lips

When it comes to orange / red orange lips . . .

Think Leighton:

Not Grandma:

All jokes aside, I stick to a few guidelines when donning an orange / red orange lip:

#1 Pick a color that is bold, looks purposeful, and pops.

As you can see from Miss Pink Tulle up above, the color is lighter, harder to distinguish, more of a mauve tone . . and just plain Grandma.  (For the sake of keeping things on topic, we won't go into her wardrobe choice at this point in time.)

I prefer a color that is a bit more red in tone and that is darker.  I feel it goes better with my skin tone - the darker color pops against my fair complexion.

#2 Keep the rest simple

Since your orange lip is already the statement . . let that be the statement.  Keep the rest of your makeup and hair simple.

#3 Pair the look with fashion-forward, modern pieces

This will keep the look on trend and from looking like you stole Granny's 1980's tube of Revlon.

My top picks to keep you trending cheaply:

I found all three items at my local CVS (drugstore) but have provided direct links to online retailers + prices below.

Milani - Color Statement Lipstick - Sweet Nectar - $5.49

(what I'm wearing)

I love the way this smells - fruity but not overpowering.

NYC - City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color - Canal St Coral - $3.95

This stuff smells SO good and goes on super soft.

Maybelline - Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color - Electric Orange - $5.50

I've used these lipsticks from Maybelline before and find them to be incredibly easy to wear and long-lasting.

Outfit Details:

Bun Form - Gifted

Earrings and Necklace - francesca's

Crop Top - Vintage

Maxi Skirt - Gifted

Wedges - Gifted

Clutch - jest jewels