What’s In My Makeup Bag

Hi friends! I hope your week was awesome, and if it wasn’t at least you made it to Friday! This week I wanted to share some of my favorite beauty products. I don’t use a TON of makeup, but I do enjoy experimenting with different brands, and techniques.

My usual routine only takes about 5-10 minutes! Keep scrolling for a look into my personal makeup bag.

#Squadgoals, right?! Is it just me, or is beauty product packaging the cutest?

NYX BB Cream //  I apply this lightly on my face almost every day. I love it because it feels light, but it really does even out your skin tone. I’m talking doll status skin. NYX is a great brand because it’s on the cheaper end of bb creams, but it feels like a high quality product.

Arrow Revive Liquid Blush // I received this sample in one of my BirchBox’s and I am obsessed! If you haven’t tried liquid blush, I would highly recommend. I think it looks a little more natural than its powder counterpart.

Revolution Eyebrow Kit // This lil dude comes with 3 different brow powder shades and a holding gel. I think this is the biggest beauty change I’ve made over the past year. Because ya know, brow game is important now.

The Beauty Crop Highlighting Cream // Another BirchBox item, this lil guy goes a long way. Seriously, a little dap on your cheekbones and along the bridge of your nose makes such a huge difference!

Illegal Length Mascara // I’ve tried A LOT of drugstore mascaras, and this one is my favorite so far. The brush catches every tiny eyelash and really gives you a natural, clean look. If you’re looking for thick lashes, I wouldn’t recommend this product – its definitely focused on the “length” aspect of mascara.

Tools //  All I use are this eyebrow brush, a beauty blender, and eyelash curler.

During the first step, since I was a total goob and forgot to take a true “before” pic.

Finished look! Let me know what you think. Do you have any favorite beauty products? How long does your routine take?

Weekly Wears

Hellooo Homies! Praise be, we have made it to Friday. Or should I say FriYAY? I feel like there should be some online petition going around to formally change Friday to FriYAY. Am I right, or am I right…? Regardless, I’m sure you all are SO antsy to see what I’ve worn this week. Get your scrolling fingers ready, and…. go!

Teacher Vibes //  This classy combo of suede meets black peplum creates the perfect professor look. Toss on a colored cardi, and you’ve got a complete outfit!

Athleisure // How great are these new Adidas kicks? They feel like walking on tiny clouds all day. I figured since my wardrobe is mostly blue, gray, black, and white neon salmon would be the perfect shoe color.

Baseballer Wannabe // I know, I know, this tiny baby doll dress easily looks like a slightly large t-shirt. I swear it was marketed as a dress, AND I’m wearing shorts underneath. AND this was worn on the weekend. So ya know, I feel like it’s ok.

Boyfriend Inspired // These boyfriend tees from Old Navy are SO SOFT and SO COMFY. I got this one during the Memorial day sale, and I’m pretty sure I’ll have to go back and get one in every color. Ya feel?

Mix & Match //  Honestly, I don’t even know what to say about this number. A little this + a little that, and you’re good to go.

 

Which outfit do you like best?

Weekend Recap: Vol 33

 

While the boys are away the girls will play. That perfectly describes mine and Kayla’s Saturday. We seized the day early on by jumpin on a bus and heading downtown. We are usually ones to do most of our shopping at second hand stores. Not necessarily to be ~trendy~ but mostly because there aren’t any of the big names in our hood. And also we are kinda lazy. But this weekend we decided to see what the deal with H&M, and Zara were. Sadly I only found a $5 bikini top. Maybe I will stick to my second hand stores…

For those of you dating someone with a hearty appetite, you may be able to identify with the sadness of never having snacks for a meal. Kayla and I are both victims of this circumstance. But since the boys were both in their hometowns we took the opportunity to scour the aisles of Trader Joes, scoop up the essential snackings and dug in. We then proceeded to spend all afternoon curled up on her couch watching children’s movies. Ratatouille is just too good for its own good, ya know?

By now you know how much I love my kitty cuddles, and Luna did not disappoint this weekend. Oh yeah, Logan also came back.

One of the best things about our neighborhood is there are so many local shops to pop in and out of. We stumbled into this book store and I rediscovered my love of physical pages, but just couldn’t swallow the prices. Libraries all the way.

There’s also a really cool place called the Coffee & Tea exchange, can you guess what they sell..? COFFEE & TEA! YAS. So those barrels you see up there are filled with delicious, silky, life-maintaining coffee. Also, smells are free. S C O R E.

Capping off the weekend with a face mask which kind of stung my skin. Does that happen to anyone else? Also I’m jumping on the Game of Thrones train (yeah, 5 years late, I know). So I took Sunday night to binge a few episodes.

How was your weekend?!

Weekend Recap: KC

Hi friends! We did it, we made it to hump day. So give yourself a high-five (AKA one clap), and call it a day. This past weekend was a special one for fiance and me. We took a trip down south (Kansas City is technically the midwest, but very much south of us). It was my brother in-law to-be’s portfolio show, so we went down to show him some sibling support. But we did a lot more than just go to his show. I’ll break this post down by items consumed, places went, and dogs. So keep on reading. Ya know, because dogs.

Food & Stuff:

Yeah guys, I’m addicted to coffee and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. We went to two different local places (we’re above The Bucks). The Roasterie was my personal favorite, and they had this nitrogen infused coffee on tap, which basically tasted like a creamy Guinness. Not all super heroes wear capes guys.

In a plot twist that rivals The Sixth Sense, this diner called Big Biscuits served really big biscuits. True to brand, true to brand.

Alright, so all of you people who are stuck in 2006 and don’t know how cool KC is now. Let me tell you, they have one of the best bar scenes. If you go down there make sure to check out Westport, you will not be disappointed by the abundance of patio and rooftop bars.

Places we went:

Overland Park is a city right next to KC and has one of the cutest farmer’s markets. It’s just one strip in a parking lot, but just look at these homemade bottles of Kombucha and tell me you aren’t already packing your bags.

This dope-ass arena is in the Power & Lights district. Downtown Kansas City just, I mean literally just, started running a city street car (it’s free!). It makes getting around the downtown districts super simple & fast AF – well faster than walking.

Mason, AKA brother in law to be, had his portfolio showing at the WWI Museum. The interior was cool enough, but check out this view! I told you guys Kansas has a pretty impressive scene going on right now.

We checked out a new exhibit at the Nelson, KC’s art museum. We go here almost every time we visit, and I must admit it is always nice. I particularly like their modern wing & the atrium.

Rest & Relaxation

It wouldn’t be a perfect weekend without a little R&R. Logan’s aunt and uncle also live in KC so we spent a lot of time at their place (they are the most amazing hosts). They filled my belly with tasty food, and my heart with lots of dog love. What more could a girl ask for?

What did you do last weekend?

Weekly Wears

Friday! You have arrived in all your glory, *praise be*! Remember last week when I told you Spring has sprung in Chicago? Well this week we were taken back to fall-like weather, talk about disheartening. Anyway, I’m hopeful the beautiful sunshine and warmth will return this weekend. Send good vibes and great weather my way!

Denim Duo // Nothing goes better with black denim than a jean jacket, don’t you agree? Add in a little pop of color with a floral print and you’ve got an awesome spring outfit.

Nothing like Neutrals // Guys, guys. I made this skirt! Do you like it? I’m never quite sure what route to take when styling a skirt, but I most often pair them with a flowy top so it looks more like a dress silhouette. But sometimes this can lead to a very blob-like look, any advice on your tried and true skirt pairings?

White Out // Tell me this outfit doesn’t make me look like a beloved member of the Backstreet Boys. I’ve been meaning to try out the monochromatic look, but it took some time to build up my confidence. What do you think?

Rocker Babe // I used to hate the look of booties with naked legs, but times have changed and so have my feelings. Wearing boots with a cotton dress adds a certain “bad-assery” to the look. Of course, I couldn’t leave behind my favorite jean jacket. It makes the look a little more day time.

Which outfit is your favorite?

Weekend Recap Vol. 32

With the arrival of Monday, I’m already feeling pangs of nostalgia for a weekend well spent.

*On Friday, Fiance and I went to dinner at Flower Flat! It’s a coffee shop by day turned intimate restaurant after dark. They feature a prixe fix menu that is honestly AMAZING.

*Sorry for posting a snapchat, but this lady is just too cute! It was another amazing weekend in Chicago weather-wise, and you better believe we soaked it up.

*Sunday was spent wandering the streets in Wicker Park. It’s a neighborhood that is pretty far from us, especially if you take public transportation. Luckily everyone was down to ride bikes over there.

*We were desperate to eat a late lunch outside, so we settled for this bar. The food was mediocre but the atmosphere was great! Also beermosas are my new fav.

*Sunday night was spent organizing my closet. I should’ve taken before pictures because it was a mess. Like an absolute disaster. We’ll see how long I can keep it like this. Pray for me haha.

Any suggestions on what I can do with the clothes on the top shelf? Right not they’re just folded, but I’d love to add in some more organization up there. LMK. 

“A weekend well spent, leads to a week of content”

Weekly Wears

Let’s get wild! Because it’s FriYAY 🙂 I went to a Lukus Graham concert last night and it was simply amazing. He was a surprisingly great performer, his voice was like velvet, and the venue was the perfect size. Talk about a triple win.

Party Animal // This uber fun print is perfect for when you are feeling like you need to add a little ferocity to your outfit. Pair with simple solids so people don’t think you are a total lunatic.

Hot Cross Bun(s) // Bun on my head, bun on my neck. I wore this when I was wishing for spring weather, but still had to deal with lingering winter flurries.

Tousled Tassels //  As you can probably tell this look was thrown together and snapped like 2 minutes before I ran out the door. Nothing says ease like black pants and a simple tee. Am I right?

Vintage Vixen // Super bummed I didn’t get a better picture of this dress (will get one in the future, don’t fret).  I love that it’s loose fitting, but doesn’t make me look like a total blob. Also shoulder cut outs are c00l.

Spring Spunk // I wore this skirt last weekend when it was 70 degrees in Chicago! Ah! Cue disbelief with a side of mild sun burn. I used to not like the look of booties with bare legs, but lately I can’t get enough of it.

Which outfit is your favorite?

 

Weekend Recap Vol. 32

Hello friends! Happy to report Chicago got it’s first real taste of Spring this weekend, and I could not be happier. We were graced with high 60’s, sunshine, and a really nice breeze. I’m also happy to tell you I took full advantage of the idyllic weather and spent most of my weekend outside.

I love to start my Saturday’s with a run by the lakefront. I am SO lucky to live a stone throw of the beautiful Lakeshore Running Path, and when it’s nice out there’s nothing better than a little trot by the water.

After my energy-inducing run I went to check out the farmer’s market. It’s still indoors for the next couple weeks, but it was nice enough to ride my precious bike bae. Among my purchases: 5 mega Honeycrisp apples, and my all-time favorite dehydrated pears. Basically I bought healthy candy.

Fiance and I decided to check out a new sandwich place in our neighborhood called The Panini Republic. I would definitely recommend checking this place out. AND if you check in to yelp you get a free bag of chips or drink. Holla.

We spent the rest of the afternoon with Twin hanging out on her rooftop. We try to take full advantage of this space whenever the weather allows.

Saturday night marked the beginning of patio season. There is no better atmosphere than sippin on a tasty adult beverage while enjoying the crisp outdoors. Am I right, or am I right?

Sunday was filled with workouts, lakefront walks, grocery shopping, kitty cuddles, and fro yo.

How was your weekend? Has spring hit your neck of the woods?

Weekend Recap Vol. 31

Currently writing this as I am trying to recover from a bad case of the Sunday Scaries. Anyone have a proven remedy for this condition?! LMK.

Guys, Chicago needs to get its shit together because it has felt like winter for the past month. If you’re looking for evidence, look no further than the matching turtlenecks above. Whatever weather I’ll still do things! On Saturday us girls were on a mission to raid the indoor farmer’s market only to realize we should’ve checked the schedule because there were no vendors there. The market is next Saturday. In the wake of our defeat, we decided to head on over to an Austrian cafe and sip some tea, catch up, and even do a little wedding planning (both of these lovely ladies are in my bridal party).

Although the weather was begging us succumb to our fate of being couch-bound til summer, our friends had a different plan in mind. We headed downtown to a friend’s house where we indulged in some adult beverages, and fun talks. I always like this part of the night the best. House parties > bars. I would’ve been happy to hang out there all night.

But once again our friends had a difference of opinion and we embarked on an adventure to the bars. And by adventure I mean 6 of us squeezed into a 5 seat Uber. Living on the edge over here. The bar was expensive, loud, and poorly lit. These characteristics only helped to further solidify my previously mentioned opinion of house parties > bars.

What do you think? Parties? Bars? Other.

Weekly Wears

Holy moly we made it to Friday! I was hit with a killer migraine on Wednesday, so I am definitely ready for some weekend hangs. It’ll be another chilly couple days here in Chicago. But I am desperately trying to hold on to hope that Spring will show up at some point. I just don’t know how much longer I can dress for winter weather.

Pirate Peasant // I was told two things when I wore this outfit. 1. “That shirt looks like you stole it fromCaptain Jack Sparrow” and 2. “Shannon, is that like a peasant bohemian look you’re trying out today?”

Princess Polka // This oversized blazer has always proven a challenge to style. But so far I love it with this dress, and this romper. What do you think?

Peplum Parolee //  The sweetness of a peplum meets the rugged striped tee. I love this Free People top paired with some olive corduroys. While this outfit isn’t seasonally appropriate, neither is the weather here.

B@$iC biT(h // Hunter boots, black skinnies, and an oversized scarf. Wow. Very basic. I personally think there is nothing wrong with being “basic” it merely means you have the same interests as a large group of people. Isn’t that the foundation of making relationships…? Also, how awkward do I look here? haha

 

Post-sickness Vibes // I was sick the day before, so I opted for a loose comfy tee, low messy bun, and my tried and true blue jeans. Classic.

Which outfit is your favorite?