August 2016 Bucket List

Even though I missed my bucket list last month, I want to get right back on that horse this month! I'm excited about this month as I'm going to be traveling to the west coast!
Now, here we goi

Tell Me About it, Stud | Draped Dress and Studded Heels

Dress: ASOS || Accessories: Kate Spade crossbody, Ray Ban sunglasses, Zara necklace, Essie polish in "Ballet Slippers" || Shoes: Sole Society Tiia in "Black Adobe"

Wiggle | Pastel Dress and Studded Heels

Dress: ASOS || Accessories: Tory Burch Robinson tote, Ray Ban sunglasses || Shoes: Sole Society Tiia pumps in "Adobe"

Currently...(Vol. 24)

Another hot week and I'm surprised I haven't melted into the ground! DC is being struck with a heatwave with highs in the 100s and lows in the mid 80s. It is HOT!

This currently post is what's distracting me from the fact that the minute I step out of my house I will be a puddle of sweat so here we go:

How to Create the Perfect Flat Lay

I've become something of an amateur photographer thanks to this blog and my favorite type of picture to post are my flat lays. 

If you're an Instagram addict like me, you've probably seen tons of these photos by bloggers who've carefully curated the perfect "mess" to share. Despite appearances, these photos can be difficult to set up and capture but once I got the hang of it, it's been my favorite image to incorporate into my blog and Instagram feed. Today, I wanted to talk about this popular style and what makes for a good flat lay aesthetic: 

Brush Off | Off the Shoulder Dress and Prada Bag

Dress: Tobi || Accessories: Ray Ban sunglasses, Prada bag (similar here), H&M bracelet (similar here), Essie Gel Couture polish in 'Rock the Runway' || Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar here)

Google Chrome Extensions Worth Having

My favorite browser is Google Chrome - in fact, it's all I've used since they first launched it in 2008. I love the extensive list of extensions (ha) that you can download and customize your browser with. Here are four I can't live without:

Workhorse | Striped Peplum and Studded Heels

Top: Zara (similar by River Island) || Bottoms: J.Crew Minnie pants (similar Martie pants here) || Accessories: H&M earrings, Tory Burch York bag, Ray Ban sunglasses || Shoes: Sole Society Tiia pumps in 'Black Adobe' 

My Essential Makeup Tools

I'm no beauty blogger, I just know what works for me and I only found that out through years of experimentation. I didn't buy my first tube of lip gloss until I was 17 and I only started to wear makeup once I graduated college. Since those days, my makeup collection has grown and my tools have gotten more advanced. I've narrowed my list of makeup tools down for you - these are the ones I think are most essential to me:

What's in My Tory Burch York Tote

I like to do these posts every once in a while, especially when I get a new "signature" bag. I bought this tote back in February when my Longchamp started to gain a few holes and I knew I would need a sturdy workhorse tote for an upcoming conference. I quite like Tory Burch bags in general because the designs are classic and the quality is amazing for the price. I knew that I wanted a black tote that would hold its shape and it had to be in saffiano leather because it tends to be more scratch-resistant. After doing some research I found that the Tory Burch York to hit all my requirements and then some! 

Bal'more | Off the Shoulder Dress and Big Tote

Dress: Forever 21 (similar here) || Accessories: Tory Burch bag, Ray Ban sunglasses || Shoes: Chinese Laundry (similar here)

Book Club: Anansi Boys

I fell in love with Neil Gaiman's writing after reading about Shadow Moon's adventures in American Gods. Though that book is deep and foreboding, I had no idea what I would be getting into when I read the sequel, Anansi Boys. Where American Gods was epic and dark, Anansi Boys is lighthearted and reads almost like a comedic movie. Whenever I can actually see the book playing out in my head, I consider it well-written and "well-written" is an understatement when describing this companion novel to American Gods.

Just Another Day | Pleated Skirt and Dotted Shirt

Another day, another dollar, amirite?

I took a sick leave from work a few days last week because of my cold. I actually did try to make it through a work day but upon seeing my tired face and hearing my hacking and coughing, my boss sent me home. Later on in the day, the chief officer of my department went to look for me and my boss emailed him (cc'ing me) saying that he sent me home because I was as "sick as a dog" and needed rest. Message received :/ I actually have a really good relationship with my boss though so this was all in jest, in case you were wondering.

Currently...(Vol. 23)

Hello lovelies!
I took a blogging break last week but I'm back in full swing! I caught a really bad cold and it just went on for far too long. Summer colds are the worst - I felt both hot and cold at the same time! When I got better I took a quick day trip to Baltimore (always on the go, as usual) which I plan to have a post about this week.
Now, on to the other updates!