6. Maybelline Color Sensational Rebel Bloom in Blushing Bud: Look at that lip though! Pastel color, matte finish and so much more. Highly recommend this shade.

There is nothing better to me than a crisp pair of black pants to make you feel sophisticated and professional. They are one of the top staple pieces in my wardrobe, and I'm pretty sure I have about three or four different pairs in my drawer right now that I switch up weekly. I don't know if it has something to do with being an adult, or just being in a career position, but I cannot get enough of this flattering garment that has two legs and a zipper. The style I'm featuring, and the one I'm currently obsessed with, is the mid-rise ankle pant (or Pixie pant from Old Navy). They're comfortable, affordable and sit just where they're supposed to.

You can't have this perfect pant without the perfect pair of shoes, so I've rounded up three different styles (with three options each) that will bring more emphasis to the lower region of your outfit. My favorite shoe to go with my favorite pant, would have to be the flat. It is so quintessentially classic, and such an omage to Audrey Hepburn, that I feel I subconsciously become her when wearing them together. This pair is also very flattering for my body type, so it's almost always my go-to when choosing what to wear. Want to see this style in action? Here are three photos of my ankle pant + flat shoe pairings! Let me know in the comments below what your favorite style combo is!

It's been a long time since I last posted, and I figured I would share with you all what I was doing while I was away! Not only did I FINALLY go on a tiny vacation, but I got to go to the Windy City for the second time and stay with two friends I've known for 10+ years. It was quite the trip, and I look back at it with a fondness I won't soon forget. It's hard to believe it's already been over a week since I was there, because it still kind-of feels like I am in the midst of still planning the trip.
This These Things is just a small reflection on the trip itself, because I got to hang out with these two lovely ladies above. Having met them through my Livejournal days, it's been such a blessing being able to know them for as long as I have. It's nice to have people that you can count as your friends, even though you don't talk everyday or see each other every day. As long as you can keep the door open to one another to chat, or just share what is going on in your life, I think that is just as special. This trip was something I really needed, without knowing that I needed it, if that makes sense. I got to venture to someplace new and be independent, so I really enjoyed myself for the 3 days I was there. Again, I thank Aja and Lindsey for inviting me into their home and showing me their Chicago.

Happy Monday! As I've been typing up this post, I've been looking at the graphic above, and I slowly realized that I am gradually getting closer to the camera in each photo. This instantly has me in hysterics, since I did not even comprehend that it was happening as I put it together. Obviously I have to keep this in the post, right? It's too good to pass up, and I guess I was just really excited to get to the last photo of the series. Haha! Which brings me to the topic of today's My Style File!
As I was perusing some magazines, I found a fun article about incorporating a key/staple piece into your wardrobe and making a month of outfits with it. While that is plausible for some people, I don't think I could personally do that for a whole month, but I can do it for a week. The staple piece I chose? The denim jacket! I have been obsessed with this cropped denim jacket I found from Old Navy, and I figured what better way to feature it then with five different outfits?! From Monday-Friday last week, I found some way to wear the jacket with whatever I put together. So scroll down for outfit details and let me know what you think!
On Monday I decided to wear with the denim jacket: AVA + VIV Women's Plus Size Favorite Shirt Red Plaid (similar), Boyfriend Linen-Blend V-Neck, Plus Size Skinny Jeans, Faux Leather Pointed Flats
On Tuesday I decided to wear with the denim jacket: Plaid Pocket Tee (similar), black midi pencil skirt (similar), Lunea Canvas Sneakers
On Wednesday I decided to wear with the denim jacket: 6th & Lane sheer insert tunic (similar), Boyfriend Straight Jeans, faux leather pointed flats
On Thursday I decided to wear with the denim jacket: Midi Cami Dress, faux leather pointed flats
On Friday I decided to wear with the denim jacket: Classic Long-Sleeve Twill Top in Army Green (similar), Striped Shirred Cocoon Tee, Modern Ankle Pant, Multi-Strap Tall Boots (similar)

As we're now into the second week of April, I find myself wanting to come up with some type of goal that will make Mostly Lisa go to the next level. Doing this for five years has been so much fun, but I'm kind-of hitting a wall as to how I can improve creatively through this outlet, and really connect with more readers to broaden my viewership. The job I'm currently in has me doing this every time I work since the brand reaches so many different people, and I'm trying to figure out how I can do this for me. I've already kind-of started something that has vastly improved what type of content I'm putting out, and that's only just happened this week so I'm hoping that will help from now on. It's basically a master spreadsheet that is laying out every day of the week for the month, which is then filled with what I'm going to be putting out on all of my social media channels. I'm really hoping it continues to help, but I also have three goals that I want to set in case it doesn't.
1) Connect with more bloggers - Whether it is with local Twin Cities bloggers, similar bloggers that I meet online or even other industry professionals, I want to try and make more of an effort of introducing myself and connecting with people. I am a shy person, but I feel like if I am able to show how proud I am of my blog and that I know what I'm doing with it, it should be easier to make the best first impression. If any of you want to connect, let me know!
2) Organize content better - Like I said above, I've started a master spreadsheet of content that I would like to push out on a regular basis. I guess it's really understanding what time to post and the type of content that is relatable to my brand to post. There is also the option of trying to do paid promotions for popular content that I've done organically.
3) Bring more creativity to posts - Instead of doing the same type of posts every month, I want to really begin to starting thinking more creatively and outside of the box. I have my few series that I do, which I really like and enjoy doing, but I want to try and push out content that I am even more passionate about. There have been roadblocks and sometimes my creative jam gets in a funk, but I'm aiming for 2016 to bring something different to the table. Here's hoping!

Do any of you have goals for your blog? How are you going to achieve them this year?

Twists and plaits. It sounds like an exercise regime, but it's so much better! This hairstyle trend was seen everywhere on the runway for spring, and tons of celebrities have been rocking this twist on braids for the past few years. There are so many ways to wear this trend, so forget the normal braid and get super sophisticated. I've found the best way to rock this hairstyle for the shape of my face is either the milkmaid crown, or the half-braid that frames my forehead. Poppy Delevigne is where I've looked to for inspiration, and Emily Blunt has worn this as a go-to for a lot of her red carpet looks. That's definitely why this is one of my favorite hairstyles, you can literally wear it casually or formally. That's a winner, for sure!