It's been awhile since I last posted any type of decor inspiration, mostly because I'm still living at home and do not have the space to decorate anything new or exciting. I don't hate dreaming about what I would decorate my first apartment with though, so that is what today's post is all about. Who doesn't enjoy planning ahead for something as fun as a brand new place you can make your own? Someday I hope to get there, but for now I will just hope and dream. So as it is spring and it's always nice to refresh, I wanted to focus more on what new things I would put in my living room area. I'm thinking throw pillows, rugs, new furniture and lighting, wall art, etc. I'm in no way an interior designer, but these are just a few of the things I would like to incorporate into my space.
black floral fleur noir rug from shophesby ($299)
aldalora throw from anthropologie ($128)
faceted lanters from west elm ($49-$69)
slub velvet orianna slipper chairs from anthropologie ($988)
chill white media console from cb2 ($499)
leera mercury glass candlestick lamp table from pottery barn ($129)
rose garden wall tapestry by bunny miele ($39)
clara upholstered apartment sofa from pottery barn ($1699-$2399)
royal theater frame from anthropologie ($32-$58)
dovemont coffee table from anthropologie ($899.95)

The question you should be too afraid to ask me, but you should do nonetheless is, 'What's in your bag?!' I love sharing all the little things that end up either at the bottom of my bag or on top of everything else. My recent purse of choice is actually a tote that I bought while I was in Chicago, from a place called Asrai Garden. It's the absolute perfect size and has just the right amount of detailing on it, that you can pretty much wear it with anything. I mean, black and gold flowers? Yes, please. I usually bring this bag to work since I like to carry with me a whole bunch of things like; my lunch, a water bottle, headphones, a book, my makeup bag, etc. It could probably even carry my laptop in it, if it was the only thing I needed. I've started to put my pin and button collection on this as well, so it makes for a nice talking point. So let's get down to the nitty gritty of what's really inside the bag. Shop all the links below, and let me know what you carry in your purse/bag!

1. Business cards: Illustrations by A Thing Created + cards from Moo.com
2. Wallet: Betsey Johnson Luv Logo Zip Around Wallet 
3. Bag: Asrai Garden
4. Keys: Watermelon keychain from Typo + Threshold Monogram tassel keychain from Target
5. Phone Case: Orchids iPhone 6s case by Rebecca Minkoff
6. Sunglasses: Round glasses from Forever 21
7. Lipsticks: Moisturizing Lipstick from e.l.f. cosmetics + Soft Matte Lip Cream from N.Y.X. Cosmetics + Intense Butter Gloss from N.Y.X. Cosmetics
8. Hair: dry remedy daily moisturizing oil from Aveda
9. Pens: Stardust pen by Gelly Roll
10. Lotion: Ultimate Strength Hand Salve from Kiehl's

If there was any one piece of advice that I've taken to heart through my exploration of beauty and how I can incorporate it into my life, it would be to moisturize the heck out of your face before applying any type of makeup. Not only should you apply it in the morning, but it's even better to do the same at night as well. I took the plunge last week, purchased two different hydrating products and it was the best decision I have made in awhile! My face has been smooth, fresh and the blemishes that I had from a couple weeks ago have been disappearing before my eyes. I even received a compliment on my skin yesterday from a makeup professional, and if that doesn't prove that it's working, I don't know what will. Now you might be asking which products did I purchase? Let me tell you, and feel free to tell me what YOU use for moisturizing/prepping your face.

Product: e.l.f. Daily Hydration Moisturizer ($8)

Product: First Aid Beauty Vitamin Hydrating Mist ($17)

May is in full bloom! There may only be a week or so left, but I wanted to get in the things that have caught my eyes, ears and everything in between. What hasn't been intriguing to me during this month? I'm surprised at how many exciting things have happened, and I'm looking forward to seeing what else is left. If you're looking to add a few new things into your closet, beauty bag or music library, I've got just the right must-have for you.  I hope these get you inspired for a lovely rest of spring and an inspiring upcoming summer.


Listening - Alisan Porter on The Voice + 'Better' album by Haley Reinhart: Two phenomenal voices who are both bad ass ladies proving they have what it takes to make it after a reality singing competition. I have no doubts Alisan is going to win 'The Voice' and Haley has already accomplished so much after her run on 'American Idol' (Hello, Extra Gum commercial!) These ladies know how to sing and make you feel so much while they are belting out tunes. I cannot wait to see Haley next month in concert, and I hope to someday see Alisan go on tour as well.

Coveting - Vans Matte Iridescent Slip-On ($55) + Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet ($97) + Paper Fashion Noir Belle of the Ball PJ Set ($114): The more to covet, the better! Each one of these items is something I just recently came across this month, but they are pretty fantastic and already a must-have! Does anyone else enjoy the resurgence of iridescent fabrics from the 90s/early 2000s? I wasn't a huge fan myself but I am OBSESSED with these Vans, as is everyone else (they are sold out pretty much everywhere.) Also, finding out that Katie Rodgers of Paper Fashion fame and Bed Head PJs did a collaboration together?! Absolutely a dream! Must.find.in.local.store.

Pinning - shop.bando i believe in pizza pin ($10) + CAKE X DB Poison Cherry pin ($9) + Mondo Captain America Enamel pin ($10) + Darling Distraction Rose City Soft Enamel pin ($10): I might have a new pin problem, but I owe (and thank) that to one of my best friends. The pin game is strong with her and I'm only just scratching the surface of finding and buying pins for my denim jacket. All four of these pins are some of my current favorites, especially the Captain America enamel pin! They're so cute, and so affordable!

Fangirling - Cannes Film Festival 2016 Red Carpet: If you saw my post last year on my Best Dressed at the Cannes Film Festival, it would be no surprise to you then that I'm currently obsessing over all the red carpet looks for this year. I'm pretty impressed with a lot of the choices people have made this year, especially Soko and Daria Strokous, since they've been taking risks and succeeding at doing so. It's fun to see a new and fresh take on fashion, but it does suck that it doesn't happen at awards shows when you'd expect it to. Brava to these ladies!

Like I had talked about yesterday, we're now in full swing for spring so it's now the time to add staple pieces to your wardrobe AND switch up your beauty routine! As I've been getting more and more used to trying new beauty routines, I've also been on the hunt for new products to use. It's pretty crazy how many beauty products that are out there on the market, and I'm peeking down the rabbit hole wondering if I should jump in. I look to a lot of YouTube users for inspiration on what products are best, and that alone is another endless abyss to go into, but it's been helpful to see what I should invest in when buying.   That being said, I've been sticking to a few brands for the past few months and they've really improved my overall skincare and my beauty bag.

I've decided to round-up six products that are some of my favorite spring beauty must-haves! There's a little bit of everything with these, from lipstick to facial cleansers, so it's time to put your freshest face forward. Enjoy, and let me know what is in your beauty bag for spring!

1. Intense Butter Gloss by NYX Cosmetics

2. Soothing Serum by e.l.f. cosmetics

3. Complexion Pore Perfecting Primer by Urban Decay

With help and inspiration from the Jenni Kayne Resort 2016 collection, this Spring Staple is sure to be a classically cool addition to your wardrobe. The white shirtdress is easy, breezy and right on trend for this spring (and summer!) This traditional style has been a favorite of classic style icons for years, and has only just become a favorite of mine. So much so, that I had purchased a chambray shirtdress from Old Navy and I actually wore it yesterday! I love this staple piece because you can dress it up or down, and who doesn't love something that is multi-functional? I've put together four different outfits that can be worn this spring, so shop below!

It's hard to believe that yet another Met Gala has come and gone, but here we are and I'm super excited to share my picks for best dressed! This year's theme was Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology and while it was not understood by most of the celebrities, a few did stand out to redeem the evening. I have to say that this year I was definitely more excited than previous years, mostly because technology and fashion can be SO MUCH fun together. Claire Danes only proved that point when she arrived in a literal piece of digital artwork, and it had me in tears! The one-of-a-kind garment designed by Zac Posen, was made of custom fiber optic woven organza with 30 mini battery packs sewn into the thin organza lining. TALK ABOUT A DREAM! She is hands down my number one best dressed of the night, and I will be lusting after this dress for weeks to come. Enjoy my other picks, and let me know in the comments who was your best dressed of the night.

BEST DRESSED
Claire Danes in Zac Posen

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great first day of May yesterday, so I'd like to wish you all a fun month filled with new adventures. Speaking of new adventures, I wanted to talk about an awesome event that I was invited to coming up THIS FRIDAY! Naot Footwear is hosting a Trunk Show & Donation Event called #NaotGivesBack, and imagine my surprise when they reached out to me with an invite to any on one of the nine Schuler Shoes locations in the Twin Cities! I will be going to the Bloomington location, and I'd like to invite any of you to participate with me by stopping by and trying on a pair of shoes any time between Thursday, May 5th and Saturday, May 7th.
If you try on a pair of shoes, Naot will donate to those in need with the help of the nonprofit, Good in the 'Hood! If you decide to buy a pair, they donate TWO pairs. It's literally a win/win situation, and so I can't wait to participate and I hope some of you can as well. I'm looking to head over on Friday, May 6th in the late afternoon to try on couple pairs. If you can't make it this weekend, make sure to follow me on social where I'll be sharing my experience in the store and which shoes I try on! I hope to see some of you soon. Thank you to Naot Footwear + Anneliese for the invite!