Haul: Lilly Pulitzer For Target

Happy Spring! I am sure that many have heard about the Lilly Pulitzer for Target collaboration that came out today. It has already been covered on news channels and items from the collection can be found for outrageous prices on ebay. This collaboration was different from past collaborations that Target has had with other designers because of the mixed opinions. While I understand why many people were strongly against this collection, I decided that I was okay with it. The items were shown on Target's website a few weeks ago, and I was immediately convinced that I had to get my hands on at least one piece from the collection; to say the least, I fell in love.

This morning I woke up extra early to make it to Target. I wasn't sure what to expect, I hoped there would not be a long line, but to be safe I got to Target at 7:30am. My mom and I were the second ones in line. I thought standing in line was pointless and by 7:45 I was sure no one was coming, I thought we had it made. Then suddenly cars and cars kept arriving into the target parking lot, and the line grew. Luckily the line was not out of control and were were second in line. So, I was extremely happy with the amount of items that I was able to get.

I was able to get:

1. A shift dress
2. two scarves
3. a makeup bag
4. shorts
5. flipflops
6. a nail filer
7. a giraffe bottle opener (not pictured)

For the most part I was able to get everything that I wanted. I do not want to complain about the things I didn't get because I realize how lucky I am to have been able to get my hands on items from this collection. I was shocked by the turnout and attention that this collection received. However, looking back now I completely understand why.

For one, the quality of these products is AMAZING, all of the items could have been priced higher. I am extremely happy with the quality and the prices. The prints and all items are beautiful and fun. I realize that Lilly Pulitzer is categorized into a certain style and it may not be loved by all, however for those who do like Lilly, this collection did not fall short of the regular priced designs. Third, the attention to detail is great. For example I am obsessed with the pineapple zipper on the back of my shift dress and the pink lining on the zipper as well. 

This collection is fun and perfect for the next two seasons. I am not one to wake up early and go shopping, or even wait in lines for materialistic items. But in this case I am glad that I did. I am definitely a fan of Lilly Pulitzer. My everyday style is not exciting and I love that these pieces will be able to liven up my wardrobe. 

Side note: My mom and I got matching dresses and flip flops. I'm in college and excited to match my mom. #I'mnotadork. She won't let me wear it on the same day that she does, she's crushing my dreams. 

Did anyone else shop this collaboration? If so I'd love to know what you guys got.

-Diana

I Want to Monogram it all

I had been eyeing monogrammed items for quite some time and finally made an order from Marley Lilly this past December.  I love my purchases and use them way too much.  I love monograms because they are classic and unique.  You can choose a font and be assured that the monogram will be unique to you (what are the odds that you will find someone with the same monogram- not too high).

What I ordered:

Monogrammed Soft Shell Vest

In navy blue with white embroidered monogram

Monogrammed Pullover Sweatshirt

In graphite heather with black embroidered monogram

Monogrammed Taylor Necklace

and 

Monogrammed German Silver Taylor Ring

Since I got these items I have worn them way too often.  These pieces are all so versatile and I find that they have been a great addition to my wardrobe.  The quality of these products is absolutely amazing and I know they will last a long time.  I can not wait to order more monogrammed items.  You can monogram almost anything that you want-- this is dangerous, I want my monogram on everything!

One of my favorite ways to style my vest!

-Diana

A Classic: L.L. Bean Boots

Winter seams wonderful all through the holiday season and then we betray it as soon as the going gets tough in January and February.  Yeah, winter can be brutal but we can get through it with a few essentials, one of those being... BOOTS!

Bean Boots had been on my wish list for about two years and I finally got a pair this past November.  When I ordered them they were on back order and I was lucky to get them right before Winter.  Today they are still on back order which stinks, however it is awesome that they are in high demand because these boots are definitely worth it.

The quality of these boots is absolutely amazing, I know that they will last a long time.  These boots are also heavy duty and I'm not afraid to get dirty.  One of my favorite things about them is that they are made in America.  With so many items being imported it is awesome to know that the U.S. can make a quality product.  Bean Boots are incredibly comfortable, and have a great grip to prevent slipping.  They are not the most affordable boots on the market, however they are worth every penny. When you compare them to the amount of money that you are willing to spend on other brand boots, these come out on top.  They are are more durable than most boots and you would be surprised with how many outfits you can match Bean Boots with.

Winter is a great season for Bean Boots, however they can definitely be used throughout the year!

I have worn my Bean Boots almost everyday since I got them--obsessed!

-Diana 

I'm a Survivor: First Semester Update

Destiny's Child always knew what to say!

Well hello there!

I know, I know long time no speak. I am so sorry for that! But the holidays and those lovely things called finals got the best of me. After a hectic 3 weeks of doing work, studying, and losing sleep, I am finally done with my first semester of college. Isn't that crazy? I am home for the holidays as a new person, maybe not completely but different in some aspects. I have learned so much about life and myself in these few short months (sounds so cheesy but is true). I never thought I would be having the college experience and here are the factors that have helped me through this...

1. The People I Have Met

I can honestly say that the type of people you surround yourself for most of your time in college define the experience you will have. I have been fortunate enough to meet people and hang out with amazing people and have made some (hopefully) life-long friends. My friend group and I study, party, lounge, eat, and generally have a good time together. My closest friend group all live in the same dorm building as I do, so its super convenient because they are only a few doors or floors down from me. Even though we usually mess around and have a good time together, we do get all of work done in the library with minimal distractions. You need these kind of friends in your life, people who you can have fun with but will also understand and push you to do your work.

2. Self-Control

I knew going into college that I was going to be faced with temptation. Temptation to go out, to watch a movie, to not do work, to eat tons of junk food and to skip class and sleep in. Now I am not saying I successfully avoided all forms of temptation, but I think I managed pretty well and controlled myself when appropriate. They say that time management is essential in college and this is true. It is very easy to lose track of time and get distracted, but if you plan out what you need to do and when you need to do it, life should become a little easier. PLANNERS ARE LIFE.

3. Find a Good Study/Homework Spot(s)

This semester, especially in the beginning, I was a nomad when it came to my study spots. I travelled from libraries to study rooms in search for the right place. And what I found out (at least for myself) is that there is not one lone study spot that is going to work. If I need complete silence I go by myself to one of the libraries, if I am studying with friends and don't mind being distracted I go to another library, if I don't feel like leaving my dorm building I go to a lounge and if I am doing work between classes, I go to the Union. I have different spots for different situations and it keeps things interesting to have a change of scenery.

Although there are many other factors that helped me survive this semester (such as peanut butter and releasing anger/stress at the gym) these are the main ones that helped me survive academically and socially. Hopefully this next semester I can one up myself and focus even harder.

Also, I am so sorry I have not blogged during my winter break! I have been busy with the holidays, visiting friends and family and getting some rest. Also I have been catching up with my good friend, Netflix (shoutout to Gilmore Girls and Friends). But I will be blogging in these days before I go back to school and during school!

Have a great rest of the weekend!

-Emily

December on the Beach with Vogue

Happy New Year!! I have been meaning to put up some blog posts in the past weeks but I have been so busy and I am finally able to put up a quick post today.  I was in Puerto Vallarta about a week and a half ago and I thought that today I would share that small trip with you all.

I had a great time at the beach.  It was nice to get warm weather in the middle of winter.  I sat under the sun the entire time that I was there because I really wanted to get tan.  Safe to say that I did get some color!  I am definitely not looking forward to the freezing weather that I will return to on Sunday night.

One of my favorite things that I did while on vacation was drink fresh coconut water.  I love everything coconut and I had never drank water right out of the coconut.  There were many coconut vendors on the beach.  It was really cool to see them open the coconut right in front of me, then they would come back and take out the coconut meat so I could eat it-- may I say it was delicious!

I am so thankful for the vacation that I was able to take with my family this winter break.  When I went to Cancun this past June I fell in love with the ocean.  I love going to the beach and cannot wait to return.  The beach is a great place to really relax.  I love looking out to the ocean, it allows me to forget about my everyday worries like school and work.  We all need a break some times.

After my last few trips to beautiful beaches I have found that this quote is true.  Sometimes we have to let out emotions out, other times we have to work hard, and if not sometimes we just have to get away.

-Diana 

Diana's Everyday Makeup

When I say everyday, I really mean EVERYDAY.  My makeup look rarely changes.  I have enough makeup to switch up my look, but I still don't do it.  

Why is my makeup always the same?

• I like the "no makeup look" that I get from these products.
• This make up look is quick and easy to apply.
• It's neutral and compliments my face.

So let's get into what I use.

Face

• Big Easy liquid to powder makeup by Benefit cosmetics- I have a separate blog post about this.
• For concealer I use Maybelline's Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer.  I love this because it brightens under my eyes and it also covers blemishes on my face.  I am amazed that this one product can do both.  It is creamy and easy to blend.
• MAC Mineralize Blush in Warmth of Coral (Limited Edition)- I love this blush because it compliments my skin tone.  I am naturally tan and have a warm undertone,  I have a difficult time figuring out what goes well with my skin.  However, by now I know that coral goes well with my skin.  When I want something a bit brighter I use Coralista by Benefit Cosmetics.

Eyes

• I have very oily eyelids so I have to use eyeshadow primer. I use NARS smudge proof eyeshadow base.  This product is amazing.  I am honestly speaking when I say that my eyeshadow lasts all day and never creases because of this primer.  This primer is on the pricey side but it is completely worth it.
• I like to use matte eyeshadows because they do not have fall out like shimmery eyeshadows.  I use the dark brown (Faint) in my Naked Basics Palette all over my eye lid and bring it up to the crease a bit.  Then I apply a lighter brown over the dark brown on my eyelid.  If I feel that I need and extra sparkle then I also add MAC's All That Glitters eyeshadow.  This is still neutral and subtle.  It is great quality and there is never any fall out from the glitter.  
• * Sometimes I use Venus from my Naked Basics palette as a highlighter on my cheekbones, brow bones, and the bridge of my nose. 
• Next, I put eyeliner on my upper lash line.  This is the only thing that changes (between brown and black).  I usually use a brown Kohl eyeliner by Rimmel London.  If I feel like I want my eyes to be more defined then I use a black liquid eyeliner.  My favorite is L'OREAL's The Super Slim in Black.  For a softer look, I use a black Kohl eyeliner by CHANEL.

Eyebrows

• I always use Maybelline's Brow Drama sculpting brow mascara.  It is easy to apply and takes me a few seconds to use.

-Diana

'Tis the Season

Happy Tuesday!  I hope everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit.  I am finding that lately it has been hard for me to get into the Christmas spirit.  I think it is because I will not be home for the holidays so my parents are not putting decorations up this year--I am so upset.  But I don't blame them, we won't be able to enjoy the decorations for much time and they are really busy with work and getting ready to leave for vacation.  I also am still stressing out over homework because I have a few homework assignments that are due tomorrow-- My break started last week--why am I still doing homework?

After I turn in my homework tomorrow night I will dedicate the next couple of weeks to getting into the christmas spirit! 

Until then I will be searching through holiday pictures to get me excited for Christmas.

And lastly, my favorite Christmas song!

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

What's your favorite Christmas song?
-Diana