Currently Craving: Perfect Pleats

I have been in love with pleated anything lately! I love how feminine and flowy these maxi skirts and dresses are, but also how versatile they are. I love pairing these girly pieces with slightly tougher, leather jackets or more casual t-shirts. Recently, I purchased a pleated peach maxi skirt from Forever 21, and I can't wait to share how I styled it with you! 

This weekend, I caught up on sleep, tv shows, and laundry. After a crazy busy week in Las Vegas last week, a relaxing weekend was exactly what I needed to come back fresh and ready to work. This week, I'm looking forward to the return of Grey's Anatomy! Seriously though, who else has been waiting for the 27th?! I feel like February goes by so quickly, even though it's only a couple days shorter! This year, I'm kind of excited because I've been looking forward to March :)

Happy Monday, friends!

*all images found on Pinterest

14 Travel Must Haves

Hi Everyone! Today, I'm on my way to Las Vegas to attend Magic, one of the biggest apparel tradeshows. This is my first time going, and I have been looking forward to it for weeks now! Last week was a really busy week in preparation for this trip in the office, with the most important question (naturally) being "What are you going to wear?!" After finally deciding on my wardrobe for the week, I realized there were other things that are just as important--like how much stuff would overflow into my carry on bag. So of course, my real carry-on items needed to be absolutely essential in order for my extra pairs of shoes and purses to come with me!

Here's a list of my travel must haves:

1. Lip Balm--This rose salve is my new favorite! It's hydrating, moisturizing, and has a subtle pink tint.

2. Painkillers--or any other necessary medicine you might need. Headaches always come at a bad time, so be prepared with a travel sized bottle. I usually put all the various pills I might need into one bottle to save space.

3. Hair Spray--Is it just me, or does airplane air make your hair a completely static-y mess? I swear by the Loreal Paris Elnett hairspray, and I love that comes in this super cute travel sized bottle!

4. Make up wipes--These are perfect for cleaning up make up and refreshing yourself after a long flight!

5. Tissues--You do not want to be the passenger with the runny nose during the entire flight. 

6. Lip gloss--A pretty pink is perfect to add some color to your face after getting off that long flight, especially if you have somewhere to go straight from the airport.

7. Hand cream--No one likes dry hands!

8. Hand sanitizer--Who knows who has sat in that seat or touched that tray table?!

9. Magazines--Definitely help pass the time!

10. Sunnies--Hide those tired eyes, and look good while doing it!

11. Comfortable, yet Chic shoes--Can I just say I am absolutely obsessed with these nude open toe booties? And the fact that they match with literally everything and are super comfortable makes them a total win in my book. Oh, and did I mention I got them at Target? I hope you're on your way there now. 

12. Scarf--Or a cardigan. or both. Planes are always cold. Enough said. 

13. Graphic tee--Cozy and a conversation starter, especially if you're traveling alone.

14. Tote--Something durable and stylish to carry everything in! 

Fig & Olive

Ruche coated jeans and fedora, Francesca's blouse, Urban Outfitters bag, Cathy Jean suede pumps

The seasons are definitely starting to change, and I have the tickle in my throat and uncontrollable sneezes to prove it. So, today's post will be short and sweet so I can recover from this cold as soon as possible! 

I recently wore this ensemble to dinner at Fig & Olive--which was absolutely delicious, yet I still don't know how I managed to leave without eating a single olive?! Most of the pieces in this outfit have been in my closet for a long time, but I love how I could add a few updates like the hat and red lipstick to make them feel new!

As Valentine's Day approaches, please don't feel like you have to go all out this Friday for all the special people in your lives. As cliche as it sounds, love is something you share and show every day of the year, not a random day in the middle of February! With that said, you know I'll still be festive with lots of reds and pinks on Friday!

So to all my family, friends, and fiancé: I love you all and wouldn't be who I am without you! <3

Plaid Layering

Kohl's flannel, clutch, and necklace, Forever 21 sweater and jeans, Rock and Republic pumps

Oh, a Monday morning after a crazy weekend is exactly that: a Monday morning. And by that I mean, no groceries in the house, barely any clean laundry, and blaming the alarm clock for being late--even though we all know you hit the snooze one too many times. But, it's these kinds of mornings that keep me going--When I know I can handle the crazy when it gets to be too much. It's having something to hold on too--a perfect memory, an extraordinary day in the middle of all the ordinary, or a special someone's smile--that keeps us moving forward on these frantic mornings. 

Happy February, friends! Here's wishing you a month filled with love, lots of reds and pinks, and obnoxiously socially acceptable amounts of chocolate!