Favorite Things {January 2015}

{iPhone 5c, iPhone case, cherry key chain, Pacifica eye shadow, Payless fuzzy moccasins,

BareMinterals eye shadow in Elegant Taupe, Urban Decay eyeliner in Rockstar, 

Shoko Miyamoto camera case, Anthropologie mug & Kmart polka dot pjs (similar)}

I got my iPhone shortly after Christmas and it's been my favorite thing ever since! It made driving around Austin so easy since I had Siri to guide me. I love that I can get the Internet literally anywhere, so I can post to Instagram and Twitter whenever I want. Yeah, I'm #addicted.

Winter means cuddling in comfy clothes to read, so these polka dot pajamas (they're old, but I rediscovered them), these fuzzy mocs, and this pretty mug are keeping me warm. 

I'm sad I didn't get this floral camera case before I went to Austin because it fits my camera perfectly and it's extra protection against the big bad world and my at-times clumsy feet. I'll definitely be getting lots of use out of it this summer because I tend to go into New York City more when it's warm.  

Thanks, Avra, for this cute cherry key chain! I love it!

A few fun links:

♥ Words for book lovers that should exist!

♥ These book sculptures are intricate and beautiful.

♥ Can you love your body but still want to change it?

♥ How to write a great book review.

♥ What does fashion have to do with the civil rights movement?

♥ I've been living vicariously through Jess as she travels through Korea and Japan.

♥ New ways to set some reading goals.

♥ I love this Proust Questionnaire on Naomi's blog.

♥ When you don't know what to write about.

♥ Did you hear? Emma Watson is playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast!

♥ Swap friends: Lipstick & Lullabies, The Curly Casualista, Cupcakes & Crossbones, Piper and Lilith, My Life as a Teacup, Starry Eyes + Coffee Cups, Novel Style & My Open Sketchbook. 

♥ Fashion loves: flowy high-low top, cute raccoon slipper, silky midi skirt, swingy dress, zipper sweater, pretty pink dress, pale pink dress (perfect for Valentine's Day!), and tarot muscle tee.

Have a lovely weekend, friends!

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Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 10

This month I decided to do "classic" children's books. You can all thank Angie of Simply Sinova (you should all check out her blog because it's one of my favorites!) for this awesome idea! While most of these books are modern (they were all written between 1955 and 1974), over time they have become classic stories.

A Wrinkle in Time

{A Wrinkle in Time}

Written by Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time is a science fantasy novel that follows Meg Murray, a fourteen-year-old, who goes on a journey to rescue her father, a scientist. It turns out her father was working on something called the tesseract and before long, Meg, her young telepathic brother, and Calvin, the boy she likes, travel to strange places. (I've never read this, but now I want to!)

Go for a schoolgirl look by wearing a green dress under a beige sweater, glasses, wine-colored tights, and cut-out oxfords. Or you could dress like Calvin, the red-haired boy that Meg likes: wear an orange striped top, jeans, a mint-colored watch, and mint sneakers.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Written by Shel Silvertein, this book is a collection of poems and illustrations about childhood problems (like a girl not wanting to go to school) and fanciful stories (like when three brothers go for a ride on a flying shoe, a crocodile doesn't like it when a dentist cleans his teeth, or a man asks animals for suggestions on how to impress a woman).

Go for something chic but cozy in a black jumpsuit, a warm gray cardigan, black rose earrings, and gray peep-toe booties. Or instead wear a gray swing dress, burgundy tights, layered necklaces, and black heeled booties.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Written by Crockett Johnson, Harold and the Purple Crayon is about four-year-old Harold, a curious little boy, who creates the things he wants. He draw a moon, a path to walk, a bed to sleep in, and more.

Wear the classic colors of the book: purple, blue, and black by donning a blue blouse, purple lipstick, black jeans, and purple pumps. Or a purple cardigan, blue dress, layered necklaces, and blue T-strap heels.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Where The Wild Things Are

Written by Maurice Sendak, the story follows a boy named Max, who dresses in his wolf costume and causes a ruckus in his house and is sent to his room, which transforms into an island with large creatures called Wild Things.

Wear a cozy outfit for exploring a strange land: an oversized gray cardigan, a striped top, jeans, a cat ears ring, and nude flats. Or go for a black hat with ears, a gray dress, a wolf ears ring, tights, and lace up boots.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these childhood books have you read?

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Ipsy Glam Bag {January 2015}

I got my first Ipsy bag of 2015! This month's theme is Fresh Start, so it's about rejuvenating your skin and looking fresh-faced for the new year. I like the texture of this bag and the fact that on one side it's a bright royal blue and the other side it's a stark white. I really like the products in the bag this month!

What I got:
♥ BellaPierre Shimmer Powder in Whesek (full size $15)
♥ Elizabeth Mott's All Over Shadow Brush (full size $10)
♥ Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer (full size $16, sample $8)
♥ Pacifica Natural Mineral Shadow in Ethereal (full size $14 for whole palette, sample $4)
♥ LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Day Moisturizer (full size $14)

The whole bag is worth $51!

MINI REVIEWS

BellaPierre Shimmer Powder in Whesek

I wasn't sure I would like this because it's kind of a dark blue-gray-silver color and this loose shadow is kind of messy, but it's a gorgeous color. When you blend it in it becomes more of a gray-silver and it's a wonderful metallic. But I probably wouldn't get it again because I find loose powder annoying.

Elizabeth Mott's All Over Shadow Brush

I love getting brushes in my Ipsy bags because I never think to buy them on my own. This one is very soft, it's pink, and it blends beautifully. It's also not too big or long, so it would be great for travel. I would buy more of these!

Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer

I really like testing lip treatments and lip balms and this one feels nice on my lips. It's easy to apply due to the applicator and after a while it sinks into my lips and makes them feel soft. I don't think it really moisturizes; it mostly just softens but doesn't heal if that makes sense. I like it, but I wouldn't buy it due to the high price. 

Pacifica Natural Mineral Shadow in Ethereal

I LOVE this eye shadow! It's the perfect nude for my skin tone, but it also has a soft, subtle shimmer. It also blends easily. I've been wearing this non-stop. Sadly it doesn't come solo, just in a palette, but I would consider getting the palette. 

LA Fresh Eco-Beauty Day Moisturizer

This moisturizer is light-weight and quickly sinks into the skin. It has a cucumber scent. I also really like that it's "highly natural, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and California-born." I like it, but a whole tub of the stuff is $40, so no thanks. 

Have you tried any of these products? 

What products did you get in your Ipsy bag?

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Outfit: Keeping Warm

Yep, this outfit post is called Keeping Warm, but I'm not wearing my coat in these pictures. Don't worry, I had it nearby for when I got cold. Since everything at Delia's is on sale due to the fact that they're closing shop (RIP Delia's!), I snagged this purple faux fur stole for a great price. This  one is super soft and surprisingly very warm. If you're bored of regular scarves and want something that feels more classy, try a faux fur stole. 

Here are a few options: Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Piperlime, Charlotte Russe, and Anthropologie. 

When I first got my iPhone, I bought a clear case from Ebay for $5 so that I could still see the blue back, but I hated the case because it was not made well. I was considering getting an Otterbox, but a bunch of the reviews I read said that the 5c case has an open bottom, so I got this phone case from Ebay for $12. It's inexpensive, but it's sturdy, shockproof, and apparently waterproof, although I haven't tested it. 

Cardigan: old | Scarf: Delia's | Top: LC Lauren Conrad x Kohls 

Jeans: Hollister | Socks: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Amazon | Phone Case: Ebay

How are you keeping warm?

What phone case do you have?

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Inspiration: Reading Nook

Oh how I wish I had a cute little reading nook! It seems all I want to do during January, February, and March is sit and read with a hot drink while I wait for spring. When I get my own place one day, I'm determined to get a teal or purple tufted armchair with a footrest that will sit near a bright window with a pretty pillow and side table to keep my new books.  

{via The Inspired Room, Apartment Therapy, The Clueless Girl's Guide, Pinterest, 

Glitter and Goat Cheese, Apartment Therapy, Pinterest & Love Meagan} 

Do you have a reading nook?

What would your reading nook look like?

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Review: Natural Balance Foods

**I received Nakd bars to review. All opinions are my own.**

In my newfound quest to be healthy, I've been trying to snack on healthy bars instead of chips and chocolate-covered pretzels. Naked Balance Foods contacted me at just the right time and asked if I would try out their Nakd bars and of course I said yes. 

What are Nakd bars? They're made of raw fruit and nuts, they're gluten-free, wheat-free, and dairy-free, 100% vegan, there's no added sugar or syrups, and they're made in Britain. Instead of being baked, they're "smooshed" together, which means they're good for you. 

I had two separate taste tests (there were a lot of bars in that box!) with my mom and brothers, so that we could all try the Nakd bars and so that I could get honest feedback from them about which bars were amazing, which were meh, and which were horrible.

These are the Nakd bars that we tried and our honest opinions:

• Strawberry Crunch -- Fruity, sweet, absolutely delicious
• Cocoa Crunch --  Love it, wish it was more crunchy, yum
• Rhubarb and Custard -- Horrible, don't like it, gross
• Cocoa Mint -- Very good, too minty, delicious
• Pecan Pie -- Tastes just like pecan, sweet and tasty, good
• Cocoa Delight -- delicious, sweet, smooth
• Cocoa Orange -- yum, more orange than chocolatey, really good
• Apple Crunch -- Subtle but good, doesn't taste like apple, alright
• Ginger Bread -- Tastes like apple, subtle but good
• Cashew Cookie -- Nutty, good, not much flavor
• Caffe Mocha -- Super yummy, subtle coffee flavor, smooth
• Berry Delight -- Very tasty, very berry, sweet
• Banana Crunch -- Delicious, sweet but not too sweet, very good

Our favorites: Cocoa Crunch, Strawberry Crunch, Cocoa Mint, Cocoa Orange, Berry Delight, Banana Crunch, and Caffe Mocha. (If you can't tell, we all have a sweet tooth.)

My family and I liked most of the Nakd bars, especially the chocolatey ones, and will definitely buy our favorites in the future. Right now you can only buy them through Natural Balance Foods or Amazon, but I hope one day they'll be in Whole Foods or Trader Joe's.

Nakd | Facebook | Twitter

Have you tried Nakd bars?
Would you eat them?

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Inspired By: Galavant

It seems I can't get enough of musicals lately. First Into the Woods, and now Galavant. If you haven't watched Galavant you should. It's like The Princess Bride meets Robin Hood: Men in Tights. It's about Galavant, a dashing knight who is determined to fight evil King Richard (Timothy Omundson) and take back the love of his life, Madalena. It's a hilarious show with cheeky and memorable songs. 

This miniseries has already aired six episodes, but you can find it online. The last two episodes are this Sunday at 8pm EST on ABC.

Galavant

{Galavant}

After the dashing and good-looking Galavant (Joshua Sasse) is dumped by his true love, Madalena, who decides to stay with King Richard, he becomes a lazy drunk. It's only after Princess Isabella comes to his door that he decides to go on an epic journey to fight for his love, along with Sid, his squire. 

Go comfy and casual in a green tunic, a faux fur vest, ponte knit leggings, and tall brown riding boots. Or dress super chic in all black: a quilted moto jacket, a black tee, black jeans, gloves, and tall black boots. 

Princess Isabella

Princess Isabella Maria Lucia Elizabetta of Valencia (Karen David) finds Galavant and convinces him to save her kingdom after her parents were kidnapped by King Richard. She goes on this journey with Galavant and Sid. 

Wear something fun and flowy: a floral headband, a black cross-cross crop top, a burgundy maxi skirt, and pointed toe flats. Or maybe throw on something a little more fancy: a dark red dress, jeweled cuffs, a beaded belt, and nude heels. 

Madalena

Madalena (Mallory Jansen) is kidnapped by King Richard after he falls for her beauty, but when Galavant barges into the castle to stop the wedding she decides to marry the king. She plays the king like a fiddle and gets him to do what she wants. 

Go cute and casual: a sunny yellow dress, a brown faux leather jacket, and cobalt flats. Or wear something fit for a queen: a gold leaf headband, an open black sweater, a fuchsia dress, a beaded clutch, and black pumps. 

Sid

Sid (Luke Youngblood) is Galavant's young squire who encourages him to get out there and be the hero he knows Galavant can be, so when Princess Isabella comes Sid tells Galavant to seize the chance to reclaim his reputation. 

Wear something simple but chic: a brown open cardigan, a loose white blouse, black jeans, and lace up boots. Or put on a white side-zipper sweater, a rust-colored vest, green jeans, an arrow ring, and flats. 

Have you been watching Galavant?

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Books & Looks: Danielle

Say hello to Danielle!

When it comes to clothes and books, I generally like to keep it somewhat simple. Listen, that's not to say I don't like to go all-out with accessories or read some flowery epic from time to time... I love excess and drama. But on a day-to-day basis? I prefer polished, easy-to-throw-on outfits and just-plain-good books.

Book: Falling into Place by Amy Zhang

One of my favorite reads in the past year is a debut novel by Amy Zhang, called Falling into Place. After seeing Miss Zhang (who is still a college student! How cool is that?) speak about her book at an event in the fall, I knew I had to read her book. The story is centered on high school student Liz Emerson, who wants to end her life because she feels she has hurt too many people. The writing is simple yet beautiful, with a lot of striking imagery. The narrator is unknown until the end, and the revelation was incredibly satisfying. I found Falling into Place to be an inspiring read for two reasons:

1. Zhang is young, but she has accomplished so much already! As a post-college creative writer (and mega procrastinator, it seems), reading Zhang's book was a good kick in the butt. It got me excited about writing again.
2. Falling into Place is a unique read, It's refreshing to see a story told from a new perspective. I also thought it was interesting that the main character is a bully, as opposed to someone who is bullied.

Look:  I work as an editor at a publishing company, and I enjoy dressing for work. A lot of the outfits I'd wear to the office I also wear on my days off, too! There's something really great about feeling put-together in a dress and some stockings. This dress is from Oasap, and I love the color and the ribbed detail. It's very easy to throw this dress on, and it can either be worn by itself or paired with cardigan and a chunky necklace. I love versatile pieces. 

Is wearing tan stockings outdated? I feel like a lot of my friends would rather go bare-legged, but I love the polished, sort of airbrushed quality that stockings give. These are No-Nonsense, which you can pretty much pick up everywhere (the grocery store, CVS). Nothing fancy. From an early age my mom always made sure I had stockings on when I wore a dress, and I don't think it's something I'll stop anytime soon. 

I don't wear these boots too often (I'm generally a ballet flats kind of girl), but they make me feel awesome! Cool heels are an instant confidence booster.

I moved to New York City this summer, and once the fall rolled around I knew I needed a good coat for the blustery commute. It may be kind of silly, but I go a little starry-eyed when I see New Yorkers sporting great trenches or peacoats on their way to work. As an early Christmas gift, my mom bought me this beautiful gray coat from Liz Claiborne. I didn't know I could be in love with a coat, but here I am. You have to keep warm, so you may as well feel fabulous as you do it!

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Thank you, Danielle!

Have you read the Falling into Place?

Want to be a part of Book & Looks? Pick your favorite book and piece of clothing and take some pictures, then email me at sara.strauss8922@yahoo.com with the subject "Books & Looks". In the email, include: four to five pictures (preferably horizontal), a paragraph or two about why it's your favorite book and why it's your favorite piece of clothing, and three social media links. 

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Outfit: Two-Tone (Featuring KushyFoot)

**I received KushyFoot products to review. All opinions are my own.**

I wore my new KushyFoot shaping tights twice last week. The outfit pictured is the second time I wore them with this two-tone sweater-like dress that I won via giveaway. I wore this outfit to a work event, so I wanted to look nice, but also be comfortable, and these tights are very comfortable. 

The best thing about these tights? I don't have to keep pulling them up throughout the day. I absolutely hate putting on tights and an hour later fidgeting with them. That was not the case with these. These stay put! I also like the zig zag-shaped massaging soles (you can see them in the third to last picture below). These KushyFoot tights are called opaque, but I found them to be sheer near the knees, so I wished they more more opaque. 

I've worn the fleece trouser socks (similar KushyFoot style) a few times already under my jeans on really cold days and they really helped keep my calves warm. I love things that are fleece-lined. They're so warm! I already have a pair of foldable flats like these alligator print KushyFoot ones that I keep in my car, but it's always good to have an extra pair. They're comfy, convenient, and are slim enough to keep in my purse. 

KushyFoot | Facebook | Twitter

Dress: Pink Blush (via giveaway) | Tights: ℅ KushyFoot | Hat: American Eagle

Scarf: Target | Boots: Amazon

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