A few fall purchases

Recently I've been preparing for a much anticipated visit home, where it is not 80 degrees like in Cali, but rather cold fall weather. So, in order to be readily prepared, and in need of a good excuse to buy clothes,  I visited my absolute favorite store I've ever come across, Heavenly Couture! This store, which has over 20 locations in the LA area, has every single item in the store for $16 dollars or under.... Everything! Jackets, purses, shoes, pants, shirts and jewelry are all $16 or under...... Yes ladies I guess we've found our very own heaven. 

One down side - trust me, it's a trap I never stop shopping because I associate everything as a steal because it's all $16 or under, and next you thing you know I have an $80 dollar shopping spree guilt to take home! Yay! 

Here are a few of the new fall items I picked up for my visit home 

First, my new purse that is so perfect for fall! A pearl grey cross body bag with outside stiching and some cute frills, definitely my new love -$15

A long, open back, deep brown shirt that I plan to wear for cure casual days -$5.99

BEST FITTING PANTS EVER! An adorable pair of wine colored skinny jeans that fit like leggings - $11

And for grand finale, my obsession of the moment.... These edgy black flats/loafers with a cheetah covered in black studs on the front and gold trimmings $8

I figured this post would let you in on my fall purchases for my fashion diaries, also give a little inspiration to treat yourself to a few versatile fall must haves! All my items can be transformed into so many different outfits, and that's the best part of embracing your story! Challenging yourself to put different outfits together using only a few pieces! Embrace your closet and make this fall the most fashionable one ever! 

Stay tuned for more regular posts! 

Super Secret Life Hack

Sooooooo I recently discovered the coolest trick for utilizing scarves and I'm sharing it just in time to use for fall!
Most people know the typical ways of wearing a scarf, and true, they are amazing accessories to an outfit, but here is my super secret life hack on a new way to use all your billion and one scarves that will make all your boring friends, who wear normal scarves, super jealous.

This trick I learned has become my new obsession and I've tried it with every scarf I own and I bet you will too, it's addicting

1. First step, find a scarf and lay it out completely unfolded on the ground

2. Fold the scarf over, making sure to keep one open end, and one closed end

closed end

open end

3. Next, tie your open end and closed end, on the same side of the scarf, together!

4. Once it is tied, pull apart the two sides and you have the cutest scarf sweater! When opening it, it'll open like a jacket you'll see two arms holes and thats your way of knowing you did it right!

 

I wear this almost everyday to add something different to basic outfits! I love how it looks in the back. You can use all your different scarf patterns to make adorable sweaters.

FALL FALL FALL!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! okay, maybe the wrong season for a Christmas song but it's more fitting in the fall! I'm such a loser, but fall is my favorite season ever. I love the colors changing, crisp weather, football, volleyball, ugh I just love it all. 

The only sad part about fall this year is that I'm here in California where it still feels like summer.. but don't worry I decorated like it's fall weather!

All of these decorations together were only $9 dollars! That's it, & I was able to create a super cute center piece for my kitchen table - 

The two black pumpkins were a dollar each

the center piece "trick or treat" sign was $2 dollars

the spider web was $1 

 the candle was $4 all from Target!! (the best place on earth)

Stock up on small and cheap pieces, (that way you can buy a couple) like the pumpkins, to create balance on a table or shelf in your house! Little changes to your house decor can get everyone in the fall mood, plus it's always good energy to change the decorations with each season, helps bring happiness and peace (I'm a loser and read about how to enhance good vibes in a house)

Also visit Target and grab up these amazing candles for only $4 dollars! They smell exactly like fall and are the cutest fall colors for a dresser, table or shelf!

Pumpkin Cheesecake - Heritage Pumpkin - Autumn Harvest 

For under 20 dollars at Target you can buy a few decorations and create a fall festive theme to your house without breaking the bank! 

Trading Posts & Flea Markets

Furniture, food, jewelry, art, clothes and a glimpse of what I imagine heaven to look like, if you don't know what I'm describing, it's a Trading post!

OMG I am so in love with trading posts, farmers market, (even though sometimes those are only food) or flea markets, they are seriously heaven. If you live in the southern California area, and you haven't been to the Melrose Trading Post, you might as well move out of California because clearly you know nothing. But, if you do not live in this area, take a stroll over to google and search local trading posts/trade shows and I'm sure you'll find a hidden gem trading posts somewhere near you! Melrose Trading Post is every Sunday, 10-5 and it's the happiest place on earth - I swear. 

These shows can be overwhelming to say the least. They usually have hundreds of tents selling an array of a billion different things but I've so kindly put together a "Need to Know Survival" list for a newcomer to follow going to a trade show. Before I give you this high profile security secret list, let me show you some of my favorite purchases from my trading post adventures! 

The cutest hat with gold chains for $15 

Two vintage white picture frames for $5 each - the perfect wall decorations

Literally the worlds best find! A vintage mint green bench for $50!! My sister and I practically died when we found it, it fits perfectly in our hallway.

$5 Capricorn necklace, which is the best necklace to layer with!

$25 rug sent from the interior design gods! I had been on the lookout for a rug to cover up the huge space in my room, and this rug was exactly what I was looking for! Handmade Indian Mint green Rug

As you can see, I've found some perfect little gems at the trading post! I try to go at least once a month, and I have never left empty handed.. no matter how hard I try.


Here is my Need to Know Survival List 


1. DO wear comfortable shoes - you'll be walking around alllll day and comfortable shoes will keep you from giving up early!

2. DO bring cash -although most places can accept cards, you'll never want to lose out on a deal because you don't have cash on hand

3. DON'T give up on an item - these flea markets sell one of kind items! if you love it, chances are, so will everyone else & you'll beat yourself up if you lost a must have item, because they usually don't come around often!

4. DO! DO! DO! make friends with the owners of a tent or show you like - making a connection will benefit you in more ways than one! Owners will often lowers prices or cut you a deal if you spend some time getting to know them and their shop, they'll also let you in on upcoming pieces! It will pay off in the end, plus these people are usually super cool

5. DO show up early - you'll get the first look at unique items and usually the lines aren't too bad!

6. DO know measurements - if you are looking for furniture or specific pieces, knowing the exact measurement is key! most places don't allow returns so you'll want to know what you are looking for the first time

7. DO ask questions - most of these pieces have history and a story, so don't be afraid to ask, it'll help you determine its worth, also questions about price matter! you can haggle a price down if you are brave enough to do so (I'm too scared to though I get so embarrassed...) 

8. DO take a deep breath and go slow - don't allow people to rush you or make you skip tents! these markets are usually overwhelming, but if you take it tent by tent and have fun, it'll be a worthwhile experience 

Fall Makeup Look

As fall quickly approaches, I start itching to pull out my comfy sweaters, scarves, pumpkin candles and Starbucks money, but one new addition to my fall essentials this year will be my Raspberry Tart NYX Butter Gloss! 
I've always been hesitant to wear dark lip colors because I feared I would look like a Halloween store witch makeup kit model, but this butter gloss is the perfect gateway into a world of wonderful dark lip colors.
Considering I'm as uncomfortable using dark lip colors as I am trying to speak to the asian nail artists when they wear those medical masks... This color is something I can get used to without going straight to darkest of the dark.

I LOVE butter glosses and suggest anyone who needs lip products to find these and stock up!! They sell for around $4.99 a shade, but pair this with NYX lipsticks, and you have a perfect lip look to finish any makeup style. They apply like a lip gloss, but stay on like a lipstick! No scent & no bad taste.

I've been home alone for the past couple days and decided to play around with my new gloss, what came about was this fall look, excuse my "home alone, no one to impress" hairstyle

I used basic browns and creams to create a simple eye, pairing it with a winged liner and dark lashes; which is an absolute must for me! 

Then I just used the butter gloss and it was the perfect fall look I was going for! 

I created a clothing board of an outfit I thought this makeup would compliment really well 

A camo jacket screams fall adventures - any comfy sweater, but this dark wine colored will pair with dark colored lips - boyfriend jeans are literally a synonym for fall - fun jewelry to add texture - cute booties never fail

Try out a new lip color and make a statement this fall 

Edgy Day Look

Every girl needs three things in her closet:  a camo jacket

little black booties

and a Betty White shirt. 

This ootd was such a fun look to create because it added a little edge to a casual and comfortable look. 

Black shorts paired with the worlds greatest Betty White shirt, which by the way can be swapped for any cool tee with a fun or interesting pattern! I added my fav camo jacket to add edge to a simple shirt and shorts! 

The little black booties are a trendy little secret for elongating legs and taking any outfit up a notch! 

You can never go wrong with a little funky arm candy and fun rings to give texture to any outfit! 

PUSH LIMITS! Don't be afraid to match patterns together, such as camo and black and white, or flannel and a graphic tee. Confidence is the key accessory to pulling off a look outside of your comfort zone! 

Details: 

Shorts: Forever 21 

Shirt: Target

Jacket: Forever 21 

Shoes: Kohls

Rings: Brandy Mellville 

Jewelry: Kohls

Casual Go To Look

This look is a casual and easily repeated go to look for any occasion

Rock any kind of plain shirt you want, with a pair of your favorite jeans, and then change the entire outfit by adding a flannel! 

-- Get creative with a cool pattern, or bright color flannel and add something casual to a regular outfit! 

This look can be worn with any shoes, but I adore adding a little heel for a more sophisticated casual look! 

Details: 

Shirt and Flannel: little gems found from thrifting

Jeans: Light Wash American Eagle fitted jeans with the bottom rolled into a cuff for a boyfriend fit - #lifehack - 

Shoes: Steven Madden 

My 2 New Obsessions!

If you are on the lookout for two new things to obsess over, look no further! First is my new Mario Badescu Facial Spray! 

I used to have combination skin, with a little more tendency to get oily throughout the day, but moving out in CA I've found my skin is full on oily! I was on a complete code red mission to get in under control, and after making sure I use toner every night and added a makeup setting spray, I finally was able to control the oil... Slightly. With the oil gone, I felt my skin crying out for a little something extra, and boy have I found it. This rosewater organic facial spray with aloe herbs is the perfect addition to any skincare routine! 

This spray adds just a little refreshing mist during the day, to set your makeup, or my favorite, after the shower to tone and refresh your skin! If you feel you need something to refresh your makeup throughout the day, or a healthy spray to help clear out and tone your skin, give this little miracle a chance! 

My second obsession is this light grey nail color, Chinchillay from Essie! A perfect color to whip out as the fall approaches! A def must have if you need a go to neutral color! 

The Ultimate Teeth Whitening Trick

For years I have been in search of the perfect teeth whitening trick because I go insane if my teeth aren't white. I think bright, shiny, beautifully white teeth can make a smile even better, and finally I found my go-to treatment for UNDER 10 dollars.. yes its true. No more $500 treatments, or $60 Crest Whitening Strips, this product is under $10 and is the real deal!

I've tried Crest Whitening strips before multiple times. The strips do whiten but I found after a couple uses, I felt severe pain in my gums. After some research, I learned the whitening strips use a gel containing hydrogen peroxide which breaks down the enamel, and whitens the teeth. After time, or if you have sensitive teeth to begin with, the strips can break down the enamel so much it causes extreme sensitivity. This process can lead to tissue damage underneath your gums, which in simple terms is REALLY REALLY BAD. Now, to be fair, these strips may work for some, and are technically approved by the ADA. But beware, if cold ice cream touching your teeth gives you chills, I would suggest alternate methods, which leads to me this post.

Take a good look at this beauty, because it will change your life












After only 4 uses of this product, I was totally hooked for good and now I hope to convince everyone I know to try this out! Plus White Kit contains the whitening gel, an after whitening mouth rinse, and a mouth guard. As for the mouth guard, this size fits me perfectly, but if it fails to cover all your teeth, or is too big, find one that fits perfectly because this will ensure the gel coats each tooth (if all mouth guards are too big, boil hot water and melt the guard down until it fits).

The steps to this are easy to follow and simple

1. Brush your teeth! The gel needs clean teeth in order to whiten properly
2. Use either your clean finger, a Q-tip, or the tube directly, and rub the gel over all the teeth you wish to whiten.
          - Coat evenly and fully each tooth, only a small amount will do the trick
3. Place the clean mouthguard in your mouth and then...
4.. Just wait... you can read my other blog posts (shameless promotion), watch a funny youtube video; preferably one about people running into glass doors because those are my favorite, or post on instagram. The box suggests you wait 5 minutes if you plan to whiten regularly, but if you are in crunch time for white teeth, 10-15 minutes for 2 days will do the trick in turbo speed!
4. Next, take out the mouth guard, spit out all the salvia and gross things, then pour your mouth rinse into a cup, using 2 parts water 1 part rinse, then use like a mouth wash!
5. Smile at every person you encounter because you now have white teeth :)


This product is sold for $7.95 at almost any drugstore, but Walmart has never let me down with these on stock, so that would be my first place to look! The link is below to order online.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/23788100?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227017239364&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40843376672&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78656825072&veh=sem

Where my story begins...

My stories begins on January 8th, 1996 in my hometown of Wilmington, Delaware. There, I joined my family of my mom, dad, and older sister Alexis. The story starts like most, I was the golden, perfect, favorite child who never did anything wrong and blessed the hearts of everyone I met.... at leasts thats how I see things. Growing up, I enjoyed the activities of a little boy, not little girl who would grow up to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing, but I'm skipping chapters, so, back to growing up. I loved to play ninja turtles, watch wrestling, and attempt unsuccessfully to play every sport my boy friends could. Skip through a couple chapters, and you'll find yourself looking at me in high school, a not so distant past. My likes thankfully changed, I began reading which is my favorite thing to do, I learned I love to create, and watch scary movies. Fortunately I can say my high school experience was perfect. I met amazing friends, was able to be editor of my yearbook, Student Body president, meet my boyfriend of too long to count, and overall grew a lot as a person and as life long story teller, which brings me to this blog.

Before I begin the chapter about how this blog came about, I feel it important to you to read about who I am now. In June of 2014, my sister and I packed up our entire lives in search of that Golden Coast, and found ourselves in Los Angeles, California, exactly very far miles away from home. Your author (me) is a Merchandise Marketing student at FIDM, or the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandizing. Also, I am now your newest sales assistant and Michael Kors, where I have the honor of working in an environment that I could literally only dream about. 

With all that said, I am at the chapter that explains this blog and what its all about. The idea behind "embrace your story" started somewhere around my sophomore year of high school I became obsessed with the idea that your entire life is one story. For someone like me, who reads every second of the day, its quite an intriguing idea to think my life is one story. I'm sure it would be important to add that you should "write your own story" (which is just far to cliche for me) but I value another lesson... embrace your story. Your story is magical because its only yours, so embrace it, love it, make sure its worth reading (another cliche.. sorry). So this blog is the journey of one story teller to another on how to embrace your story.

Thank you for reading, I hope you stay to read a little more...

- Casey