Author: Carey Spence

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide No. 2

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on 2018 Holiday Gift Guide No. 2

Sharing my second gift guide of the season, the perfect gifts for that person who loves cuddling up at home! We all know those people — the ones that would rather wear pjs and drink coffee on the couch then go out. So this season, get that person in your life something they can cozy up to!

My absolute favorite item on this list is the Barefoot Dreams blanket. I have one of these and it is the softest blanket I own. And how cute is that leopard print?! It’s a little pricey, so be sure to watch for sales on that one! (Check it out at QVC too, you never know when they’ll offer a deal!)

Another gift I’m loving is the Diptyque candle! These are expensive candles and not something that personally I would buy for myself, just because. And that’s what makes it the perfect gift to give! It’s the frivolous item that special someone has been wanting, but is too practical to buy.

One cozy item you can’t go wrong with is a scarf. Add a touch of luxury by making it a cashmere one! This is an item you know the recipient will be using for years to come.

The last item I want to touch on from the gift guide is these UGG socks. I can just see myself prancing around my apartment in my pjs with them on. And when you’re forced to go outside — ugh — they’ll keep you nice and toasty in your boots because they’re fleece-lined. 

Anyway, happy shopping! To see these items, just click on the picture and it will take you directly to the site! Also, check out my top picks from the Abercrombie pre-Black Friday sale that’s going on!

xo,

Carey

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Three Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Three Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas
Three Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

With Thanksgiving less than a week away — OMG — you’re probably starting to think about what you want to wear for the holiday. Lucky for you, I’ve come up with three last minute outfit ideas you can pull together! From a casual holiday atmosphere, to a dressier affair, these three outfits will be perfect for your Thanksgiving day needs.

Outfit 1: The Cozy Get-Together

Three Last Minute Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas 2

If your family is like mine, Thanksgiving is typically a small gathering. It’s usually just my parents, brother and his girlfriend (sometimes), and myself — although I can’t forget the pets! With that being said, it’s not a fancy occasion, so I usually wear whatever’s comfortable. And what’s comfier than a soft tee and fuzzy joggers?! It’s hard to tell since it’s a little faded now, but my tee features a subtle gray camo print that I’m in love with. I might have to go buy another, I loved it so much! I finished this outfit with my white slide sneakers, but honestly, slippers are probably going to don my feet while I stuff my face!

Outfit #2: The Casual Gathering

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While this outfit could work for a variety of Thanksgiving day gatherings, this screams Friendsgiving to me. You can’t get simpler than throwing on a shirt dress and a pair of boots, yet it looks way less effortless than it is. One color I’ve been loving for fall and the holidays is emerald green, so this dress is just perfect. Just throw on a leather jacket and you’re ready to roll! (P.S. this dress comes in a few other color combos that are equally as cute and the price is amazing).

Outfit #3: The Sophisticated Affair

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Nothing says elegance like jewel tones and a strappy pair of heels. You don’t have to go all out to dress up for Thanksgiving. A comfy sweater (I bought this last weekend and have worn it pretty much all week) paired with a black skort and heels is an easy way to stay comfy while looking pulled together. Add even more glam to the outfit with simple, gold accessories like a layered necklace! Side note — I bought these heels recently and they are by far the comfiest heels I own!

With these three outfit ideas, you can’t go wrong next week! If you liked this post, give it a share on social media and don’t forget to leave me a comment! I’d love to hear what you think about this post, plus what you’d like to see more of in terms of holiday content.

xo,

Carey

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2018 Gift Guide No. 1

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on 2018 Gift Guide No. 1

So excited to share my first gift guide of the 2018 holiday season! Thanks to a suggestion from my Instagram stories, I’m starting with stocking stuffers. Honestly, this can be one of the hardest categories of gifts to give. With that being said, I hope these suggestions are helpful. You can shop the products by clicking directly on the image!

Comment below with other gift guides, or holiday content, you’d like to see this season! Also, if you liked this post, give it a share on social media!

xo,

Carey

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Plaid Skort and Knee High Boots

by Carey Spence2 Comments on Plaid Skort and Knee High Boots
Plaid Skort and Knee High Boots

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Similar Top | Skort | Boots | Bag | Watch | Lipstick in “Kinda Sexy”

OK — gimme all the skorts, please, especially if they’re plaid. How is this trend just now a thing? It’s just the right amount of nostalgia for my Catholic school days without looking childish and/or creepy (if you get my drift…).

I bought this plaid skort over the summer during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and have been patiently waiting to wear it ever since. Now that the weather finally feels like fall, I feel justified in pulling this piece out of my closet.

Because the weather wasn’t too chilly, I decided to pair the skort with an old bell sleeve top. (Oddly enough it’s the same brand as the skort). Adding to that my favorite boots of the season and you have a fool-proof fall outfit! I got so many compliments on this look and it’s really so simple.

But back to the plaid skort — like I said, I bought this over the summer, so there are only a few left. But good news is it’s on major sale in select sizes! So because of the limited quantity, I thought I’d share some other plaid skorts I’m loving this season. Happy shopping!

xo,

Carey

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Lilac Sweater + New Favorite Booties

by Carey Spence2 Comments on Lilac Sweater + New Favorite Booties
Lilac Sweater + New Favorite Booties

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Sweater | Skirt | Booties | Bag | Watch | Necklace | Lipstick in “Creme Cup”

I’ve mentioned it before, but I can’t get enough of lilac this fall. Usually around this time of year I gravitate towards burgundy, dark blues and greens, and other traditional fall colors. But this year, pastels are definitely stealing the show.

I bought this sweater back in July during the Nordstrom sale, and it is by far one of my favorite purchases. The sweater is so soft and light weight, but still keeps you warm. I’m definitely thinking about picking up another because it’s under $60! You really can’t beat that price. I’ve been eyeing it in black and the forest green color.

On another note, how freaking cute are these booties? I’ve had my eye on them for awhile, but even now they’re sold out in my size at Nordstrom. By a stroke of luck, I managed to find them in a 6 (my size) at Shopbop on sale. There are only a couple sizes left, but if one of those is your size I highly recommend. I’ve only worn them twice and have already received so many compliments. I won’t lie — they aren’t the comfiest shoe ever (I won’t be wearing these on days I have to trek around campus), but they’re such a flattering shoe. Bonus points: shoes that match your skin tone make your legs look longer, and as a petite gal I can use all the help I can get. Definitely my favorite booties of the season!

Anyway, that’s all for this week. Stay tuned for more next week!

P.S. What are you all dressing as for Halloween? I can’t decide if I want to go a little ~spookier~ this year or try my hand at makeup for a deer costume.

xo,

Carey

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Colored Corduroy: A Fall Must-Have

by Carey Spence3 Comments on Colored Corduroy: A Fall Must-Have
Colored Corduroy: A Fall Must-Have

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Top | Skirt | Boots | Bag | Watch | Lipstick in “Kinda Sexy”

Hello and welcome back! I’d like to briefly apologize for my hiatus, but my laptop crashed last week and I was having other crises. But I’m back and can’t wait to share another fall fave of mine: colored corduroy! Corduroy has been coming around in the fall season for the past few years, but it’s never been this good!

What I’m loving about this skirt is the unexpected color; when I think fall colors, teal definitely doesn’t come to mind. Something about the teal mixed with the O-ring also gives me serious 70s vibes (another trend I’m loving).

I decided to pair this skirt with a simple long sleeve tee for a laidback look, so I could let the skirt and boots do all the talking! I’ve mentioned these boots on the blog before, but how cute do they look on?! I can’t wait to pair them with sweaters and jeans!

But back to colored corduroy. This trend is everywhere. From skirts like mine, to pants and jackets you can’t go wrong. I’m dying to get my hands on a pair of corduroy flares, preferably in navy blue! Shop below some of my favorite corduroy picks!

xo,

Carey

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Color Combo for Fall: Lilac and Brown

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Color Combo for Fall: Lilac and Brown
Color Combo for Fall: Lilac and Brown

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Jacket | Camisole | Skirt | Shoes | Bag | Watch | Bracelet (similar) | Lipstick in “Creme D’nude”

Once again I’m back with creative ways to dress for fall when you live in warmer states. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m dealing with 80 degree weather in October! It is officially fall, but it definitely doesn’t feel like it in North Carolina.

But anyway, one of the ways I’m dressing for fall is by wearing fall tones. And the color combination I can’t get enough of is lilac and brown! By pairing these two colors together, they some how make the other seem even deeper. Also, aside from pairing it with brown, I’m just loving lilac in general for fall! I’ve never been a big fan of purple, but this color stole my heart.

You know what else stole my heart? This jacket/cardigan I recently bought from Nordstrom. It is soooo soft and lightweight. It looks like a jacket, but the flimsiness makes me feel like it falls in the cardigan category. It’s such a great piece to layer now on chillier nights. And of course, the whole outfit had to be topped off with my favorite summer-to-fall trend: leopard shoes! These flats are actually sold out, but you can sign up to be notified when they’re back in stock!

That’s all for this week, leave me a comment below with your favorite fall color combos!

xo,

Carey

 

Beauty

What’s In My Makeup Bag

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on What’s In My Makeup Bag

Welcome back! Sorry for the brief sabbatical, but I had a family emergency that caused a delay in posting. But anyway, I thought I’d share some of my favorite products in my makeup bag. I generally use these products every day!

First up is my tinted SPF. This summer I started to really read up on skincare I should be doing in my 20s. I obviously knew SPF was a must, but I was only using a foundation that had SPF15 in it. I realized that I needed a separate SPF product so I can really protect my skin. The best part is that I feel like I no longer have to use foundation with this product. For the most part my skin is pretty clear so a little tint just evens everything out and I’m ready to go!

Of course, I do like to use my concealer for any blemished and my under eye circles. I like this one because I feel like it’s slightly brightening, making it perfect for under my eyes. And to round out my face products, I like the tarte Pro-Glow To-Go palette for highlighting and bronzing!

I’ve probably said it before, but eyebrows are SOOO important! They literally frame your entire face and can make or break your look. I just bought this eyebrow pencil from Benefit and so far I’m loving it! For eyeshadow, lately I’ve been reverting back to my Naked Smoky palette. I am so sad Urban Decay decided to discontinue it because it’s one of my go-tos. I would definitely get it before it’s completely gone!

And finally, mascara. I’ve mentioned before, but I’ve been using a lash booster before my mascara and it makes all the difference! My lashes looks so much longer and fuller when I use it.

That’s all for this week! Also, hover over the images for direct product links!

xo,

Carey

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Three Faux-Fall Looks You Can Wear Now

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Three Faux-Fall Looks You Can Wear Now
Three Faux-Fall Looks You Can Wear Now

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Similar Leather Jacket | Tee | Denim Skirt | Booties | Bag | Sunglasses | Watch | Lipstick in “Creme D’nude”

I feel like a broken record, but can it please be fall yet? Waiting (im)patiently… With that being said, my only option is to dress in fall-esque outfits. Basically, wearing cooler clothes that could also be worn mid fall. And to help you out, I came up with three different ways to get your faux-fall on!

1. MOTO JACKET + DENIM SKIRT + BOOTIES

One of the easiest faux-fall looks you can throw on is a moto jacket, denim skirt, and booties combo. It’s essentially my summer uniform, just with a jacket and swapping sandals for booties. You can keep it classic like I did with a black leather jacket and booties, or you can go all out. I’m a big fan of fun ankle boots (just saw these earlier tonight and I’m in LOVE)

2. TEE + STRAIGHT LEG JEANS + LEOPARD SLIDES

I recently saw a version of this outfit come across my insta feed and I can’t wait to recreate it for myself. I’m especially loving a band tee paired with the straight leg jeans and leopard slides. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even swap those slides for a pair of heels to wear this look straight to happy hour.

3. FLORAL MAXI DRESS + SANDALS

Dark florals have such a dreamy vibe this fall. From ruffled maxis, to long sleeved ones, it’s hard to go wrong. This look keeps you covered up, but still cool. Adding sandals keeps this look unrestricted.

What are you wearing while the temps are still high? Are you aiming for a faux-fall look, or are you sticking to your summer separates? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,

Carey

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A Cooler Way to Transition to Fall

by Carey Spence4 Comments on A Cooler Way to Transition to Fall
A Cooler Way to Transition to Fall

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Leather Shorts | Graphic Tee | Sneakers | Bag | Sunglasses | Watch

It’s officially September and I’m ready for fall. Crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin everything. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite feel like fall. So, we need to get a bit creative. Which brings me to these leather shorts!

Everything about these shorts called to me as soon as I saw them in stores. The color, the material the fit, I love it all. And it’s those details that make them the perfect transition piece for fall.

The color. Burnt orange screams autumn to me. It’s not quite a Halloween orange that’s garish to look at. Instead, this color reminds me of falling leaves.

The material. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love leather. I own leather skirts, shorts, jackets, boots, and even a leather dress. But, it’s definitely not a fabric to be worn year round and that’s why I love leather shorts. I wouldn’t wear them in the dead of summer, but at the end of summer, leather shorts are perfect to start moving us towards fall.

The fit. Not to say the style of these shorts is limited to fall, but I do like a nice belted waist at autumn. Even better, the shorts are almost a paper bag-waist fit, which I’m a huge fan of.

Keeping this look summer appropriate, I had to add a graphic tee. I actually grabbed this shirt just so I had something to try on with the shorts in the dressing room, and fell in love with the pairing. It’s also hard to tell in the photos, but the glasses on the girl are actually little appliqués on the shirt!

Anyway, I hope you like this look! Leave a comment below telling me what you want to see next!

xo,

Carey

Photos by Nadia Crevecouer Photography