Five Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!!

To celebrate the most glorious day of the week, I've decided to start a new category where I share my current fave products and trends! No real structure, just what I'm feeling at the moment.

1. Urban Decay Lipstick

 
Regularly $22 a pop, I found this Urban Decay lipstick at Nordstrom Rack for $9 and picked up two! The formula goes on so smooth, and the color is so rich and lasts for hours. If you are looking for a reliable lipstick with great colors, definitely check them out!

2. Easy Hair

You've seen this braid here (Germany wedding hair), but it was so easy and I got so many compliments that I have been inspired to incorporate more lazy hairstyles. The hair pictured above was actually day 3 of a blowout, and I just didn't want to commit to the old wash and dry game just quite yet. I actually YouTube-d half dutch braid crown, and got this after one view and one try!
Instructions:
1. Start with a deep part and make a typical dutch braid until you reach your ear
2. Once you reach your ear, braid the top piece as normal but add only a very small piece of hair from the bottom
3. Continue until you have braided all the way around back to the top of your head
4. Use a clear tie to end the braid and tuck the end into the beginning of the braid
5. Pin in place and you are done!

I've also been experimenting with buns and braids, I mean who doesn't love a hairstyle that takes only a few minutes and is out of your way all day?

3. Trader Joe's Pumpkin Bread Mix

 
Backstory: I was TOTALLY committed to my post-European vacation, no bread diet until we went grocery shopping the day after we returned and I saw the most drool-worthy display of Trader's Joe's pumpkin bread mix. I decided that it is technically a vegetable (right Sydney...) and bought a box. While definitely NOT a vegetable, this is the most delicious bread mix I have ever made! Totally try it. And bonus: it made my house smell completely like fall!

4. A Pop of Color

If you haven't noticed, I am a creature of habit and neutral colors. Case and point, my closet:

Yeah...I like black, white, and grey. To break up the monotony, I've decided to start adding more color into my wardrobe. Like these pretties below!

I'm loving the tie up shoe trend (past ballerina here), and when I found these I was so in love! I bought these for $15 from Banana Republic, retail price of $120. They add a pop of pigment to any neutral ensemble.

5. Silk Scarves

Banana Republic jacket [new, $40], Banana Republic sweater [new, $10], Banana Republic pants [new, $20], Gucci flats [new, gift], Gucci scarf [new, gift], Gucci bag [vintage, hand me down]

If you've only glanced at this blog or my social media, you will still know how much I love to get creative with a silk scarf. In your hair, on your bag, or tied around your neck, I think this accessory can make any outfit more complete. It also adds a nice fall touch to your outfit when it is still over 80 degrees. New post coming soon on unique ways to incorporate this classic accessory!

Happy weekend!