Friday, April 29, 2016

Your Skin Needs Love

Welcome back to my blog, everyone! Congratulations on getting through another week and making it to Friday! Today's post is on skin care and my plea for your to make a pledge to be gentle to your skin.

1.) Wash your face twice a day: I am amazed by how many people only wash their face once a day at most. Not only does washing your face feel good but it also helps prevent acne and skin irritation. It helps pores stay clear and removes excess oils, sweat, and makeup.
2.) Remove ALL traces of makeup EVERY day: One of the worst crimes you could ever commit against your face is sleeping with makeup on. I understand how tempting it can be to just skip removing makeup and instead putting on comfy PJs and slipping into a nice, comfy bed after a long day. But makeup ultimately leads to clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, I found stains on my pillowcases when I've skipped the makeup remover and it's another annoying side effect to my laziness.
3.) Exfoliate once a week: This not only feels great afterwards, but it helps remove dead skin cells and gives you softer, younger-looking skin that has a nice healthy glow to it. I know a lot of people with sensitive skin think they should not exfoliate because it could possibly irritate their skin. I also have dry and sensitive skin. I have to be super careful with what I put on and how I treat my skin, but I've actually found that exfoliating weekly has helped my skin be less reactive, softer, and feel less itchy or uncomfortable.
4.) Moisturize generously: After removing makeup, exfoliating, and thoroughly washing your face, make sure to use moisturizer right after. This is self-explanatory and really helps your skin stay healthy and look and feel amazing. In the morning, be sure to use sunscreen even if it is cloudy or snowy outside. There is always a chance of UV radiation. You can never be too safe when it comes to preventing damage from the sun.
5.) Drink plenty of water: Water helps flush out toxins from within your body and can really help clear up your skin. There are so many other benefits to staying properly hydrated, but who doesn't love clear skin?

I hope this helps either clear up your skin or helps maintain the skin you have right now. You can never be too careful about how you treat your skin. What you do now, really affects how your face looks in the future. It is definitle worth taking extra time each day both in the morning and at night to make sure your face is clean, fresh and hydrated. Your soft, younger-lookng and radiant skin will thank you.

XOXO
Chloe

Friday, April 22, 2016

Two New Ways To Style Scarves


Hello everyone! Welcome back to my blog! Today I have attached a couple of photos to show your my new favorite ways to tie/wear a scarf. I love scarves so much and they've been very useful for cooler days in Chicago this Spring. 
The two styles I am sharing are meant for open-ended scarves. I do have a few ways to style infinity scarves. Maybe another day I will get around to making a different post on that. These two are easy to learn and I like them because they are quite different ad unique. It's nice to have a fun print on your scarf but ultimately how you style and tie your scarves can either make or break your outfit. Different ties complement different styles. The first way works best with preppy outfits. The bow adds an added level of sophistication. The second way is more versatile and can work great for both dressier and casual outfits. I suggest experimenting and playing around with the scarves you own and explore which colors and prints work best for you. It can be a lot of fun to play with your accessories. Learning how to tie your scarves in different ways can also help make an old scarf look new or can add and extra layer of interest to your outfits. You do not need to spend a crazy amount of money to look amazing and feel great. Have fun and have a wonderful week!

XOXO
Chloe
This knot is called the Madison Knot. It works very well with scarves that are more preppy
and have either a herringbone or equestrian print.
Place the scarf on your neck. Cross the ends over each other to create a single knot as if you were starting to the your shoe.
The create two loops with the ends and tie them into a bow
This is a fun twist on the classic loop.
Fold the scarf in half so it creates a loop on one end and the ends of the scarf are on the other end
Put the scarf on your neck and thread one end through the loop.
The tie the two ends together.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Spring Cleaning For Your Closet

Hi everyone! I love that the weather is starting to get mild and pleasant. I am definitely a warm-weather girl. Sunshine makes me so incredibly happy and it's always fun for me to start wearing my other clothes. As I start to pull out my spring/summer wardrobe, this week I began to freshen up my closet by simply getting rid of clothes I either don't like anymore or things I no longer wear. It's fun to shop and get ideas on Pinterest for style inspiration but that part cannot happen unless you toss some gear. Here's how I started to declutter. (I am still in the process of decluttering and cleaning out my closet)

1.) If anything is damaged beyond repair: Just throw it out. I have been able to use my sewing skills and fix minor issues such as lost buttons on items I absolutely love and cannot handle parting with. But some clothes are too stained, too ripped or zippers that don't work need to be thrown out. Truth is, those items will never be worn or they won't e worn as much as they should. Why bother keeping them if you can't even wear them?

2.) If you bought it years ago and still haven't worn it: Give it to someone who will love it and appreciate it. I am guilty of buying clothes thinking that I will wear them all the time and then realize, I don't really like them as much as I thought I did. My friends at school and I love to swap clothes we barely wear and trade. It's fun to trade clothes and it's also free. A nice perk of college is being able to share your clothes with your friends. Win-win

3.) Old clothes that are just there for memory: Time to close the gate to memory lane. If you are in college, just bite the bullet and toss your high school stuff. Honestly, it looks silly to walk around your college campus wearing your high school shirt. Also throw away costumes you wore to that halloween party from two years ago. You will NOT need it in the future and it's just wasting valuable closet space.

4.) Things that have lost their other half (i.e.. mittens, socks, earrings, etc): I always try to convince myself that the missing sock will magically appear or that other earring will magically float in front of my face and all will be good. That is a classic example of reality versus expectation. You may think you will reunite the pair, but reality is, that doesn't really happen. Count it lost, how it out, and move on. It's like a break up. He ain't coming back for you, sweetie. Just let it go and find a new pair if sock, earrings, gloves/mittens to love.

Spring cleaning can be a long process but don't give up. Getting rid of clothes and accessories you don't love anymore or need truly frees up closet space.

XOXO
Chloe

Friday, April 8, 2016

March Favorites

Hi everyone! I'm back and ready to dive more into fashion and beauty with all of you!

Since it is now April, I am going to go over some of my favorite items and products that i used most in March for each broad category.

Hair: Herbal Essences dry shampoo
This has been a life savor for days when I simply don't have time to wash my hair. Super long and thick hair is fun to have but it can be an absolute nightmare to wash, condition, and wait fro an eternity for it to dry. This is a quick and easy remedy for days when I just need to run out of the house as quickly as possible so I won't be late for class. I like Herbal Essences. I've tried a lot of different brands and companies but man of them have a chemical smell to them. They work to stop oiliness, but it smells awful, so Herbal Essences stops oily hair AND makes it smell wonderful.

Makeup: Urban Decay Make-Up Setting Spray
This is an absolutely awesome product. There's nothing worse than mastering the perfect face in the morning, only to check it in the mirror in the afternoon and find that all of it has faded. After I finish my makeup routine, I spray this on my face, and all my eye makeup, blush, and lipstick stays in place until I take it off at night. It doesn't clog pores and it is very lightweight so it's definitely worth a try

Clothing: Cardigans
I hate Chicago weather. I hate cold. Layers are an essential for me. I am always cold and could never leave the house without a sweater. Cardigans help any outfit look more polished and put together and they keep me warm so I am not miserable in class. I have so many different types of cardigans, but I seriously couldn't live in Chicago without them.

Shoes: Oxfords
I love Oxfords for so many reasons, but I think the primary reason why they are a no-brainer, go-to shoe for me is because of their versatility and preppy look to them. They can pair with skirts, jeans, trousers, and even dresses. I like them better than sneakers because it helps give a classier and polished edge to any outfit and make an outfit go from "I look like I just rolled out and bed" to  "Comfy but still professional and clean".

Accessories: Watch
I think a good watch is an essential for anyone's overall look. Sure a cell phone can tell time, but a nice looking watch sets someone apart as professional and put-together. I hate pulling out my phone just to check time. It feels tacky to me, and having a watch is so much easier than trying to find my phone within my giant bag. My watch was a gift from my mom and I love that it is a neutral color so it goes with anything I wear. It's never too early to start practicing dressing for success.

XOXO
Chloe

Friday, April 1, 2016

The Ultimate Win-Win Situation

Hello, to all my gorgeous readers! I'm so sorry I missed you last week. I got caught up in a lot of work for school but now I am back! I have fallen deeply in love with an amazing company called Pura Vida Bracelets. They are based out of La Jolla, California, USA and it was started by two guys who took a trip to Costa Rica, met a some talented artisans who made bracelets, took those bracelets back to America, and sold them to people, and decided to give back to artisans in Costa Rica. Pure Vida means "pure life" and the company is all about giving back to not only artisans in Costa Rica, but also doing their best to support non-profit charities and organizations. Just about nay cause you can think of, Pura Vida most likely has aa bracelet that will give back money to them.

If bracelets are not quite your thing, you can also purchase water bottles, jewelry holders, clutches/bags, hair ties, and clothing. They also sell anklets too if that's your type of thing. I love that each bracelet and anklet are handmade by artisans in Costa Rica. It's important to me that we do our best to support artists and individuals rather than only relying on factories and machines. There's just something extra special and genuine/authentic about hand made items.

If you're reading this and are interested, I have some great news! I am now an official Pura Vida Rep and I would love to hook you up with some awesome and fun goodies. Go to http://www.puravidabracelets.com to start shopping, once you added some goodies to your shopping cart, when it asks if you have a coupon code, type in CHLOEPARK20 to receive 20% off any item. You can also use this code in the future. This is NOT a one-time offer. If you live in the United State, there is also free standard shipping, s no more dealing with ridiculous, overpriced, overrated shipping and handling fees. And the items are all reasonably priced, so once you enter in my code for 20% off, it's super cheap and each bracelet purchased gives a full-time job to an artisan in Costa Rica. You get pretty accessories, artisans get full time jobs, money, and support, and you also get discounts from yours truly! It's the ultimate win-win situation. Happy shopping and please join the Pura Vida Movement today! It's a decision you will not regret!

XOXO
Chloe

http://www.puravidabracelets.com
Coupon Code: CHLOEPARK20