I know you guys love a good sale, and I just had to share this one. Madewell is having a huge 25% off sale on Fall items, including this colorblock cardigan that you all loved when I posted on Instagram. It's so soft and dreamy in person, that it was 100% worth the full price, but you should totally snag it while it's 25% off. You won't regret having this in your closet for fall, as it will go with everything!
* For 21+ only. This post was sponsored by 14 Hand Winery. As always, all opinions are my own.
I can't believe I'm even thinking about talking about fall right now (summer is still here for another week and a half people!), but hey...someone's gotta be looking ahead and preparing us for all the yummy fall libations. #yourewelcome
14 Hands Winery recently sent me their Hot to Trot Smooth Red Blend to try try in honor of their Run Free Road Trip coming to Denver, and I couldn't help but be inspired to whip up a batch of fall inspired sangria. In an effort to give summer it's proper respect, as we transition into fall, I wanted to come up with a recipe that paired both summer and fall fruits, but also complimented the tasting notes of this great red blend. I immediately thought of ripe summer cherries and crisp fall apples, when I created this yummy Cherry Apple Fall Sangria. The black cherry not only reminds me of summer, but also compliments the black cherry flavor notes in this blend, while the crisp apple flavors lend themselves to the upcoming fall season, while also speaking to the notorious Washington apples that are so prevalent in the region where 14 Hands wine is made.
You'll find that a lot of American sangria recipes call for adding sweeteners like brandy or triple sec. You will not find that here. True European sangria doesn't have those add-ins, and I believe that the Europeans were on to something. Instead, I added lemon Italian soda, which adds dimension to this cocktail, without taking away from the flavor of the wine.
Cherry Apple Fall Sangria
2 Honeycrisp or Fuji apples - cut into chunks
2 cups pitted frozen cherries
1 bottle 14 Hands Hot to Trot Smooth Red Blend
15 oz lemon Italian Soda
Garnish with cinnamon sticks and orange slices
Combine apples, frozen cherries, wine, and lemon soda in a pitcher. Stir and let sit for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice (optional), and garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice in each glass.
14 Hands Winery and I have a ton of fun things on the horizon this week, leading up to Grandoozy (make sure you are following along on Insta.) If you're planning on attending Denver's very first music festival, you have got to meet me at the 14 Hands frosé horse-trailer-turned-wine-bar. Yes, you heard me right! There will be a whole trailer full of frosé! I mean...who cares about The Chainsmokers, when you have that?! Ok, ok...I do. (And, for the record, I care about you too, Stevie Wonder!) But you can guarantee I'm going to be hanging out with 14 Hands, in between shows. Come say hi!
Another Friday is here and I just don't know where the time goes! I've been working on a few BTS projects that have got me going nonstop, so time is just flying past me. To be honest, I am just counting down the days til they are done. All super exciting stuff, but things that are stepping me out of my comfort zone a little (which is good!), and it's just a lot of pressure all at once. I love the challenge though, and doing things that aren't part of my daily grind, because they just make me a better version of me. Ya feel me? So far I've checked two projects off my list, with 3 more in the works. Send some prayers and good vibes that I don't go crazy before they're through. ;)
This skirt has been on major repeat lately, guys. It's so soft and easy to throw on without a second thought, but still comes across super chic. You all know I've been loving the paperbag/high waist trend lately (see here and here). It's so chic, and hides all the late night pizza binge belly bulge, if you know what I mean. ;)
Speaking of pizza, I just checked out the new Fat Sully's in Colorado Springs last night, and it was so good I ate til I was sick! Guys...I'm STILL full, this morning! It's that good though, so def put it on your list if you haven't been. But I digress...
This paperbag waist skirt comes in 4 colors, but I personally think the olive is dreamy to transition to fall. I get a lot of questions about these pom sandals, and unfortunately they sold out pretty quickly. I got them from H&M though, for like $20 buck! Woot! As we head into fall, I'll probably wear this skirt with sneakers, if you're curious about other ways to style it.
I'm still in shock that the summer is ending, and although I would be happy to have summer weather year round #caligirl, I have to admit that fall will always be my favorite season for the fashion. I mean, not only does it mean all the SS fashion weeks are starting, but it's just the most fun season to dress for.
I'll be the first to admit that it's fun to layer and get cozied up. I mean, what girl doesn't want that?! It just feels like fall has come too quickly this year, and I had to draw the line at people posting pumpkins in August. Ya feel me?
Speaking of fall wardrobes, I recently added this look to mine. We have an annual company retreat in the mountains each year, with a nice dinner at the end, and I plan to wear this to it. When it comes to figuring out what to wear to an office dinner party, I find it best to keep to work-appropriate attire, that has some sort of glam/evening twist. (In other words, be mindful of nip slips and your CEO seeing one.) This satin top and wide leg pants fit the bill perfectly.
These pants look like they are shorter on the store's site than they actually are, fyi. I actually expected them to be a little bit more structured, but they are definitely more of an easy breezy linen vibe - which I actually love. They run TTS - I ordered a 36 (EU sizing). As for the top, I sized down to get a more fitted look, and ordered a 34.
If you've been following along on Instagram, you know I've been heavily protesting fall. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love cozy fall vibes as much as the next basic chick, but it's just too soon to be busting out the pumpkins people! (I mean, give a girl two weeks and she'll be on board, but let me soak up every last second of summer, ok?)
Still, as much as I am not ready for Summer to end, I have to admit that I do love fall. I mostly love fall for the fashion, and all the cozy layers and textures it allows.
Take this velvet blazer, for example. It oozes dreamy fall vibes with its luxe velvet and warm burgundy tone. It's enough to change even this summer loving gals heart to welcome autumn. I sized down for a more snug fit, fyi.
Also, I think I have mentioned it before but guys...you NEED these jeans! They are pretty much all I have been wearing lately. They go with everything and the denim is such a great quality and structure. They feel like $200 designer jeans, but at a fraction of that price. Can't recommend enough!
You know I love a good deal, and I love sharing them with you. (Psst...if you missed my post on best budget beauty buys you can check that out here.) I stopped over by Nasty Gal this moring and found out they are having a huge 50% EVERYTHING sale! I'll be attending Grandoozy in Denver here in a couple of weeks, so I've been doing all the festival attire planning and of course, Nasty Gal fits the bill across the board. They have so many cute band tees, festival dresses, and cute cut offs, but they also have some great garb to transition into fall. I have so many items already in my shopping cart! This is going to be a problem!
Check out my top picks from the Nasty Gal 50% off EVERYTHING sale below.
If you're anything like me, I appreciate a good deal as much as the next gal. I definitely think there are some products that are totally splurge-worthy (I'm looking at you texturizing spray of my dreams!), but all beauty products are not created equal, and sometimes a budget beauty buy is just as good. Today, I've rounded up the best budget beauty buys - most of which can be found at your local drug store.
Loréal EverPure Shampoo and Conditioner: I've tried just about every product (high and low) in the hair department, but I've been set on this one by Loréal for a while now. It comes in a few different types that I tend to rotate between, depending on my specific needs at the time. All of these products are sulfate free, so they don't dry out your hair. In fact, the shampoo and conditioner both really hydrate my hair - and it's not easy to find a shampoo for naturally curly haired girls that will do that. This hair mask by the same brand is also a treat, and rings in under $5.
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: This concealer has been in my arsenal for a few years now, and no matter what expensive concealer I am testing at the moment, this one stays in rotation. I always reach for a shade or two lighter than my natural skin tone, and cake the formula underneath my eyes. Once it sets for a few minutes, I blend in and set with powder. Works like a charm!
TRESemmé Heat Tamer: You might recall me asking for heat protectant spray recommendations on Instagram stories, the other day. I had been using heat tamer by TRESemmé for a while (and when I say "using", I mean that VERY loosely. I've had the same bottle for probably two years). After multiple recent dye jobs, I decided it was finally time to get serious about protecting my locks from more damage, and I wanted to make sure I had a heat taming product that fit the bill. After some research on the interwebs, I actually found out that this one by TRESemmé has great ratings/reviews. I couldn't justify splurging on something more expensive when so many industry buffs were raving about this one that's only $5! Through my research, I also discovered this "Repair and Protect" spray by TRESemmé. It's supposed to do just that...repair damaged hair, while protecting it from further heat damage. I snagged it to give it a try, too.
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum - I'm a big fan of Vitamin C serum, and if you're not using it already, you should be! Vitamin C has a ton of benefits to the skin, such as improving elasticity, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing dark spots (goodbye hyperpigmentation!), and so much more. It also protects against free radicals and environmental damage. I recently came across this brand on Amazon, and for the price compared to other Vitamin C serums I've tried, I thought I'd give it a try. Well, I'm not alone in my efforts, as this product has over 9000 reviews on Amazon! Even Allure weighed in with their positive thoughts. Take it from someone who has tried Vitamin C serums across the spectrum (some close to $100 per bottle), this one is well worth the price at under $20. I also love that it has a natural, plant-based formula, and is free of harmful synthetic add-ons. I have this Vitamin C cleanser currently in my cart to try, as well.
Gold and Snail Under Eye Patches - If you have puffy eyes, these were made for you! I have always struggled more with dark circles, and I can't say they really do anything to aid with that, but when I feel like I had a rough night's sleep, these babies perk my eyes right up! At only $11 for 60 pieces, it's money well spent!
Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara - I've been using this mascara for years now, on recommendation from Emily Gemma. I know some people use one mascara for fullness, and another for length, but I think this does the trick for both. It's pretty much the only mascara I use and I swear by it!
Are there any drug store budget beauty buys in your makeup bag, that are absolute musts? Please share in the comments below!
