Outfit: Oui Oui

I've never been one of those people that's obsessed with looking French or Parisian. It seems to be all about stripes and dark colors, whereas I prefer florals and polka dots and every color I can get my hands on. I do, however, admire the simplicity. I'm not one for complicated outfits; a cute blouse and jeans or a throw-on-and-go dress will do perfectly well for me. Oui oui!

I got this long pocket watch necklace back in February (on Valentine's Day to be specific) at a cute little shop in Tarrytown called Bella's Boutique. I'm not sure if you know this, but I love owls. They are definitely my spirit animal. I took one of those Buzzfeed quizzes that said so, so of course that means it's true. I was in love with this necklace the moment I saw it. A fun thing about this shop is that they sell Sleepy Hollow-themed gifts (t-shirts, magnets, postcards) because Sleepy Hollow used to be North Tarrytown. Don't worry, I didn't see any headless men walking around. 

Jacket: Old Navy | Top: Loft | Pants: American Eagle

Bag: Old Navy | Oxfords: Modcloth | Necklace: Bella's Boutique

Do you like to dress Parisian?

What's your spirit animal?

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Review: Jamberry Nails

I've seen Jamberry nail wraps on other blogs and came close to buying some wraps a few times, but I wasn't sure if they were worth it or not. Are they easy to apply as people claim? Do they really stay on for more than a week? So you can imagine how happy I was when Amanda Thompson, a Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant, emailed me to talk about Jamberry nails and how she's writing a novel too. 

Amanda is wonderful and sent me a whole application kit, a mini heater, and Jamberry nail wraps of my choice, so I went with these lovely floral ones called Sweet Nothing. 

I set everything out and then watched these two application videos to ensure I applied it correctly. And you know what? It's super easy! 

Here's the process:

♥ 1. Clean your nails with an alcohol wipe.

♥ 2. Push back your cuticles.

♥ 3. Match your nail to the wrap that fits best (easy to do since the wraps are on clear plastic). 

♥ 4. Cut the nail wrap in half.

♥ 5. Hold it in front of the heater, or a hair dryer, for 3-5 seconds. 

♥ 6. Press onto your nail. 

♥ 7. Cut excess with scissors and file the edge of your nail with a nail file. 

♥ 8. Hold your nail in front of the heater again to make sure the nail is bonded. 

It might sound complicated, but once you heat, trim, and file one or two nails you get the hang of it. From beginning to end, the whole process took me about 20 minutes. The bonus is that I didn't have to wait for my nails to dry after. 

So how well did they stay on? I would give them an 9 out of 10. They stayed on my nails really well and don't feel heavy or weird. I took a point away because after three days the sides of the nail wraps did start to come up a little bit, but it's an easy fix with more heat or some clear nail polish. I kept them on for over a week and only took them off because my nails were starting to show at the edge (my nails grow very fast). 

I'm already planning on getting more Jamberry nail wraps! These are a few of my favorites: Mermaid Tales, Bon Voyage, Metallic Chrome Silver, and Crash Art. 

Jamberry Nails | Facebook | Instagram

Have you tried Jamberry?

Would you try them?

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Sponsor Spotlight: KOTFW Skincare

A month ago, the skincare company K O T F W (which stands for Kids of the Free World) sent me their three all-natural products to test out. To give the best review I can, I've been using them nearly every day for the past four weeks. 

K O T F W set out to create all-natural hair, body, and skin products that worked and that used mostly organic and vegan ingredients sourced by world suppliers. They don't use ingredient fillers, just the real deal, which a fresh outlook on creating products. They also produce their products in a responsible manner: They make their products in small batches in order to have a small carbon footprint and to prevent waste. Also very refreshing to hear. 

100% Pure Hyaluronic Acid

I used this thick silky serum nearly every single day. I used a drop in the morning on days when my skin felt dry, I used a drop after I showered to keep my skin smooth, and I used a drop some nights before going to bed. I worked this serum into my skin, particularly where my skin gets dry the most (my forehead and around my mouth). Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in our skin, so it hydrates and it's perfect for anti-aging. This serum dries quickly and leaves no oily residue. It instantly makes my skin feel soft and smooth. I absolutely love this serum and I'm planning on buying it again once I run out. (Buy.)

100% Argan Oil from Morocco

I've been wanting to try out argan oil for a long time. This argan oil has a fresh, natural scent and can be used for skin and hair, but I decided to test it on my hair since it prevents split ends and adds shine. I used the oil at the ends of my hair and after four weeks I noticed that my hair feels somewhat softer and a bit shinier. I used it on my scalp, but sadly it made my hair look really oily, so I'm sticking to just using it on my ends. (Buy.)

Vitamin C 20% Serum

Vitamin C serum firms skin, prevents aging, and helps with the creation of collagen. I didn't use this product as much as the other two, not because I didn't like it, but because I liked the hyaluronic one better. It might also have something to do with not being a fan of the scent. It's not necessarily bad, but it was a natural smell that I don't like. (Buy.)

K O T F W | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 

Enter to win all three of K O T F W's skincare products!

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Inspired By: March's Best Selling Books

Not sure what to read next month? The following four books sound really, really good. I already have The Girl on the Train and Yes Please on my to-read list. And I have to say What If sounds like a great book to read with friends on a rainy day when you have nothing else to do. 

The Girl on the Train

Written by Paula Hawkins, Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day stops at the signal that allows her to watch the same couple breakfasting. But one day she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed and her life becomes entwined in the lives of everyone involved. 

A professional outfit to wear on the train to work: a floral and navy dress, a moss-colored blazer, green bangles, and pointed toe nude heels. Or put on a darker outfit, like a black lace top, a colorful necklace, black high-waisted jeans, gray nail polish, and nude flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

A Spool of Blue Thread

Written by Anne Tyler, Abby Whitshank always begins the story of how she fell in love with Red that day in July 1959. Abby tells the tale her large family has heard so many times before, and yet this gathering is different too: Abby and Red are growing older, and decisions must be made about how best to look after them. 

A cute, breezy outfit: a blue floral dress, a polka dot cardigan, nude bow wedges, and a teal clutch. Or go for something a little more fancy instead by wearing a cobalt blue dress, blue drop earrings, and black pumps.  

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Yes Please

Written by Amy Poehler, Yes Please, she offers up a big juicy stew of personal stories, funny bits on sex and love and friendship and parenthood and real life advice, like when to be funny and when to be serious. 

Who wouldn't want to dress Amy Poehler? So wear a white blouse, black jeans, a pink watch, and brown oxford flats, like her outfit on the cover. Or put on a black and white striped dress, a pink necklace, a pale pink watch, and nude heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Written by Randall Monroe, What If explains the laws of science in a way that every reader will enjoy and feel smarter for having read. It's far more than a book for geeks, and his answers are witty and memorable and have hilarious cartoons and infographics. 

Wear something fun and quirky: a dinosaur print dress, metallic sunglasses, a blue watch, and brown loafers. Or throw on a dinosaur shirt, gray jeans, a dinosaur necklace, a green watch, and yellow Converse. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

What's next on your reading list?

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Watch | Read | Listen {April 2015} + Sponsor: Unique Vintage

After living at the movie theater last month (I saw Cinderella twice and Insurgent), I'll most likely only end up seeing The Age of Adaline since it's the movie that intrigues me the most and I have to save my pennies for all of the fantastic films coming out in May. What movies do you want to see this month?

MOVIES

Effie Gray

A look into the real life story of Effie Gray (Dakota Fanning) and her marriage to John Ruskin. In a time where women were expected to be seen but not heard, Effie finds her own voice and exposes what was hiding behind the veil of their public life. (Watch the trailer.) This story sounds really interesting. (April 3)

Desert Dancer 

Set in Iran during the volatile 2008 presidential election, this powerful story follows Afshin Ghaffarian (Reece Ritchie), a brave young dancer, who risks his life to form an underground dance company with friends (one of which is played by Freida Pinto), even though there is a dancing ban. (Watch the trailer.) This film looks so incredible! (April 10)

The Longest Ride 

Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, this story follows the love affair of Luke (Scott Eastwood), a champion bull rider, and Sophia (Britt Robertson), a college student about to leave for a dream job in New York City. As conflicts arise to test their relationship, Sophia and Luke make a connection with Ira, whose memories of his own romance inspire the young couple. (Watch the trailer.) I mostly just want to watch this to stare at Scott Eastwood, but the story does also look good. (April 10)

Child 44

Set in 1953 Soviet Russia, Child 44 chronicles the secret police agent Leo Demidov (Tom Hardy), who loses status, power, and his home when he refuses to denounce his own wife, Raisa (Noomi Rapace), as a traitor. Exiled from Moscow, Leo and Raisa join forces with General Nesterov (Gary Oldman) to track down a serial killer who preys on young boys. (Watch the trailer.) Looks dark, thrilling, and suspenseful. (April 17)

The Age of Adaline

After an accident, Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) has remained 29-years-old for eight decades, but it means that she lives a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to someone for fear they might reveal her secret. Adaline gets close to Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), but a weekend with his parents threatens to expose everything. (Watch the trailer.) I NEED to see this movie! It looks amazing! (April 24)

Other movies coming out:

• Furious 7 (April 3)
• Last Knights (April 3)
• Women in Gold (April 3)
• Freetown (April 8)
• Dior And I (April 10)
• Ex Machina (April 10)
• Kill Me Three Times (April 10)
• Alex of Venice (April 17)
• The Road Within (April 17)
• The Forger (April 24)
• The Water Diviner (April 24)

BOOKS & MUSIC

• Hot Body Year Round by Cassey Ho -- Cassey Ho is an internationally-renowned fitness instructor known for her fun workout videos on Youtube channel called Blogilates. By following her workout plans and clean eating recipes, you can transform your body. (April 7)
• The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Andersen Brower -- No one understands the president of the United States, and his family, like the men and women who make the White House run every day. Now, for the first time, their stories of fifty years, ten administrations, and countless crises, large and small, are told in The Residence. (April 7)
• Emma: A Retelling by Alexander McCall Smith -- Jane Austen's beloved, meddlesome heroine is brought into the 21st century; Emma returns to Highbury after university to launch her interior design business. (April 7)
• Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling -- In 2008, J.K. Rowling delivered a deeply affecting commencement speech at Harvard University. Now published for the first time in book form, Rowling's words of wisdom are perfect for anyone at a turning point in life. (April 14)

All Time Low's Future Hearts (April 7) | Sabrina Carpenter's Eyes Wide Open (April 14)

Alabama Shakes' Sound & Color (April 21) | Josh Groban's Stages (April 28)

♥ ♥ ♥

Say hello to Unique Vintage!

Created out of one girl's love for vintage clothing, Unique Vintage is here to serve like-minded retro and vintage-inspired fashion finds. Since true vintage items are not that easy to come by, on a whim Katie added some vintage-inspired dresses and before she could say retro-tastic, orders began flooding her inbox! So Katie did what any business savvy girl would do and focused on Unique Vintage full time. Unique Vintage has also become a go-to for many celebrities and fashion stylists. Some of the shows UV items have popped up on are Glee, Pretty Little Liars, American Horror Story, Vampire Diaries, and True Blood. 

We've also recently launched the #iamunique campaign that's all about expressing your own unique style, embracing our unique bodies, and empowering one another through the love of all things vintage and retro-inspired.

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