Author: Carey Spence

Style

Early 2000s Summer Style Inspiration

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Early 2000s Summer Style Inspiration
Early 2000s Summer Style Inspiration
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When it comes to the “ugliest” decades for style, the 2000s are at the top of my list. Looking back at the low-rise jeans, rhinestones, and other fashion atrocities I can’t help but cringe. And then I realized I was a hypocrite. I took a long, hard look at my Pinterest boards as of late and it hit me: all of my style inspiration at the moment is a throwback to Y2K.

The 2000s may have been a weird time for fashion, but it was bright, colorful, and quirky—just what we need as we head into summer. The world in general could use a little more brightness. So, if fashion is one way to achieve that, I’m going to embrace it!

When it comes to this outfit, there’s definitely a bit of a Mean Girls vibe. And you know what? I LOVE it! If I’m not looking like Regina George or Gretchen Wieners I’m doing it wrong! Go back and watch the movie (or any 2000s classic) and you’ll see a ton of school girl inspired skirts.

What I love about these shorts is that they combine the pleats and the plaid print that’s reminiscent of Y2K, but still completely modern! To keep the outfit looking fresh and not like I’m dressing in character, I threw on a basic white top and sneakers. And let’s talk about this top for a minute. It’s from one of my favorite brands and such great quality. I’ve already gotten so much use out of it; a closet staple for sure.

2000s Inspired Trends

While plaid and pleats are an obvious choice, let’s chat about other 2000s inspired trends:

  • Cardigans: Another preppy school girl looks, cardigans are having a moment right now. Whether long sleeved or short sleeved, you can’t go wrong! Opt for a cropped fit to really nail the trend.
  • Halter tops: It took me a second to fully get on board with this. And while I’m still somewhat hesitant, I’ve seen a ton of cute halter tops and can’t wait to wear them for summer! I think the key is to opt for a v-neck or scoop neck style vs. a high neck.
  • Flip-flops: From heeled flip-flops to the traditional sandal, they’re going to be an it-shoe this summer. To avoid looking clunky, go for a thin, sleek pair in a neutral color.
  • Dad jeans: I think it’s safe to say skinny jeans are a thing of the past. While straight leg jeans have been taking their place, dad jeans are quietly taking center stage. I’m talking about looser-fitting, baggy jeans that go all the way down. And yes, a lot of them are low-rise (although I’m still not ready for that, personally).

What do you think of this trend? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

xo,

Carey

P.S. That large mark on my leg is a HUGE bruise from dropping a lounge chair on myself…

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Top: Reformation // Shorts: Nasty Gal // Sneakers: Frye // Sunglasses: Amazon // Bracelets: both Kendra Scott—one, two // Bag: Vintage, similar here // Lipstick: Josie Maran
Style

Day Dresses + Western Boots: Perfect Summer Combo

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Day Dresses + Western Boots: Perfect Summer Combo
Day Dresses + Western Boots: Perfect Summer Combo
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If you can’t tell, I’m a little bit obsessed with this outfit. I mean, look at how many photos I used for this post! There are a few trends this season that are stealing my heart, but at the top of the list are pastel day dresses and western boots. My Pinterest boards can attest to this.

As soon as I saw this yellow puff sleeve dress I knew I had to have it. I’ve never been a huge fan of yellow (in clothing), but lately pastel yellows have really caught my eye! Paired with the puff sleeve detail and the square(ish) neckline it was a no brainer. It really just encompassed everything I wanted out of day dresses. I also really love the fabric of this dress. It’s 100% cotton and although it does wrinkle easily, it’s so light and comfortable for summer! Despite the fact that it’s a $22 dress, my mom even said it would be so cute for a summer wedding.

Now on to the western boots. If you watch my Instagram stories, you probably know about my endless search for these boots. While I couldn’t get enough of the western boot trend, I couldn’t find any in white that met my specifications. I loved this one pair from Steve Madden but didn’t want to spend that much money for boots in the summer. Finally I found the pair I’m wearing from Amazon! Weirdly enough they only cost $20 in my size! (It is Amazon though, so different sizes have different prices. These price up to $70, which still isn’t a bad price!).

Anyway, I love how these boots look with the dress and I’ve styled them so many other ways too. There’s just something so “LA cool girl” about these boots and I’m living for it!

To finish off the look, I grabbed my designer dupe sunglasses I can’t stop wearing, my new vintage Prada bag, and some gold jewelry! I was aiming for an effortless, but put together vibe and I think this is it. Let me know what you think of this outfit combo in the comments below!

xo,

Carey

P.S. Use code “thedaintydetails315” for 15% off your order at Shein!

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Dress: Shein c/o // Boots: Amazon // Bag: Vintage Prada, more affordable option // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Bracelet: Kendra Scott // Lipstick: Josie Maran
Style

Memorial Day Sales

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Memorial Day Sales
Memorial Day Sales

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Even though it’s a looking a little different this year, I hope you’re all having fun with friends or family this weekend. We’re having a small cookout with our neighbors tomorrow!

Anyway, everyone knows that Memorial Day is accompanied by some great sales, so I’m rounding up some you might want to check out.

Sales List

Happy shopping!

xo,

Carey

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Beauty, Lifestyle

Skincare: Morning and Nighttime Routines

by Carey SpenceLeave a Comment on Skincare: Morning and Nighttime Routines
Skincare: Morning and Nighttime Routines
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I don’t know why, but I LOVE reading about people’s skincare routines. Even if their skin is completely different than mine, you never know when you’ll learn a new tip or find a new product to try.

I asked on stories and the poll was almost unanimous—you guys wanted me to share my skincare routine! I’ll be honest with you—I didn’t have a full routine until about 6 months to a year ago. My skin is still a work in progress and I’m still trying to find the right products for my concerns. But, with that being said, I’ll share everything I do now to keep my face clear and glowing! Also to preface my skincare routine, my skin is pretty normal, but on the dryer side. I have the occasional breakout due to hormones, stress, and sometimes diet (if I’m not eating that healthy), but for the most part I don’t have acne.

AM Routine:

  1. Splash with cold water. I never wash my face in the morning because I feel like it’s too much having just washed it before bed. The cold water is really to wake me up, but I think it helps.
  2. Apply vitamin C serum. I’ve been using vitamin C on my face for awhile now, but I just got in a sample of the Drunk Elephant cult favorite vitamin C serum. Here are my thoughts: I’ve been using this for two weeks now and I really can’t tell a difference from my other (cheaper) serum. I also think you have to use a lot of product or it feels really sticky. I’m going to keep using it until I run out, so I can give another update then.
  3. Apply under eye cream. I’ve tried a lot of eye creams because my dark circles and under eye bags are probably my biggest insecurity. Truthfully, nothing really helps me. I ended up just buying a cream I saw at Target and I use it solely for moisturizing the delicate skin.
  4. Apply moisturizer. I ran out of my favorite moisturizer a little while ago, so right now I’m using this Olay one that I had on hand. It’s really thick for a day cream, so I will be going back to my usual Clinique soon.
  5. Apply eye balm. The Tula eye balm was really hyped up on Instagram, so I figured I should give it a try. Again, I don’t see any difference in my circles/bags (they’re from genetics and allergies), but I really love the cooling sensation. I think if I had especially puffy eyes from staying up too late/crying/etc. it would help bring that down. There is also a brightening effect, but I think it looks a little unnatural on it’s own. Under makeup though I love it!
  6. Apply sunscreen. So, I don’t actually use sunscreen on it’s own, I either use my tinted SPF or my foundation which has SPF in it. This is something I’m looking to add to my routine though!

PM Routine:

  1. Wash face. I just started using the Cetaphil face wash after a dermatologist I follow on TikTok recommended it. Already, I love it! It’s such a gentle cleanser and really does a great job removing makeup. Any other makeup residue I remove with either Micellar water (I’m out right now, sadly) or a makeup removing microfiber towel.
  2. Apply collagen serum. So, I think this serum is meant for anti-aging, but I like that it has hyaluronic acid (helps skin hold in moisture) and I like to think I’m being proactive on the collagen front! I’m 23 now, but collagen production begins to decline at 25 so I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to counteract.
  3. Apply eye cream. This is the same eye cream I use in the morning.
  4. Apply Argan oil. Instead of a moisturizer at night, I like to use Argan oil to really help moisturize my skin. If I’m feeling extra dry I’ll do double duty and apply moisturizer on top.

Other Notes:

  1. I always try to remember to apply my serums and moisturizer to my neck and chest area as well, and wipe any excess on the back of my hands! Skincare doesn’t just include your face!
  2. Once or twice a week I exfoliate using this exfoliator. It’s relatively new to me, but I can already tell that it’s become a favorite. My skin feels baby smooth after I use it.
  3. Whenever I feel like my skin needs a refresh, I apply my favorite mask (I talked about it in this post recently). So, usually once a week or every other week. It really depends on how I’m feeling!
  4. On days I’m feeling extra puffy, I like to use a jade roller—technically mine is rose quartz—to get rid of fluid build up. I don’t use this every day, so I haven’t seen miraculous results, but at the very least I find it relaxing, like a mini facial! I usually apply Argan oil or a thick glob of moisturizer before rolling.
  5. Don’t come at me for not using a toner! I know I need to use one. I’ve tried this one and this one in the past and love both, but they do two different things. It’s on my list of things I need to buy!
  6. I’ve been using these headbands to keep my hair out of my face while washing/applying products and I love them! They’re perfect for when you’re doing makeup too.
  7. I also do my best to drink enough water and eat a healthy diet because that’s important for clear skin. Also taking vitamins. I use a generic daily vitamin and I also take biotin—but I will admit that the past few months I haven’t been very diligent in taking them.

Anyway, I hope that answered any questions about my daily skincare routine! Let me know what I should cover next in the comments below!

xo,

Carey

Amazon Finds, Beauty, Lifestyle, Style

My Amazon Quarantine Purchases

by Carey Spence2 Comments on My Amazon Quarantine Purchases
My Amazon Quarantine Purchases

If there’s one thing keeping me going during quarantine, it’s online shopping. Is there any better feeling than seeing a package at your door? Name one, I dare you.

But in all actuality, I have been doing a bit more online shopping than normal (I’m justifying it by looking at all of the other expenses I’m saving on by being stuck at home!). Of course, I made one or two (or three or four) Amazon orders!

I thought it would be fun to share all of my purchases at Amazon since quarantine started. I have to say, it really isn’t too much! So, let’s get into it!

  1. No-show Socks. I have so many shoes that require no-shows and hadn’t been able to find a good pair. Another blogger recommended these, so my mom and I had to try them out. I think they work really well! They still slip a bit, but they’re 10x better than others I’ve tried!
  2. Flyaway Hair Stick. My friend and I constantly joke that we’re the queens of flyaways. No matter how much I smooth down my ponytail or bun, I have a million little (curly!) baby hairs going every which way. This does a really good job of getting them slicked down and doesn’t leave a weird feeling on your hair.
  3. Chain Necklace. Chain necklaces are having a MAJOR moment, so of course I had to hop on this trend. I love the shape and length of this chain and the fact that it’s 18k gold-plated helps with tarnishing. I’ve been wearing it every day—sometimes even working out in it—and have yet to see any wear and tear.
  4. Fendi Dupe Headbands. I’ve been wanting these headbands for such a long time! They haven’t come in yet, so I can’t attest to the quality, but I’m so into Fendi right now, plus you know how much I love headbands. I’m pretty confident that I’m going to love these.
  5. Tongue Scraper. So this is a bit of a weird purchase, but another blogger I follow shared these on stories and I wanted to try. I definitely think it does a better job than a toothbrush of brushing your tongue. It really makes my mouth feel cleaner!
  6. Tinkle Razors. I’ve heard so many people say that they use these razors to scrape off any peach fuzz on their faces as well as dead skin cells—basically dermaplaning at home! I’ve tried it once so far and I will say that I didn’t see a huge difference. I felt like I should have seen more “stuff” come off my face (as gross as that is) than I did. I’ll have to keep trying and see if it was just user error. They are good for getting rid of any hair between your brows though!
  7. Makeup Headbands. How adorable are these bow headbands for washing your face/doing your makeup? I’m in love! There’s really nothing else to say here.
  8. Makeup organizer. It was high time I got rid of my makeup bag (that my concealer leaked all over) and upgraded. I like that this organizer is adjustable, so basically you decide how many compartments and where they go. I will say, it doesn’t hold as much as I would like it to, but if you don’t have A TON of makeup, it’s perfect!
  9. Celine Dupe Sunglasses. I swear, every LA fashion blogger has these glasses and I knew I needed them. They’re a $13 dupe for the $400 Celine pair and I think they look so chic! Highly recommend (they’re my favorite purchase along with the chain necklace).

So that’s what I’ve ordered so far from Amazon! I’m sure I’ll be adding to list very shortly!

xo,

Carey

Style

An Easy Way to Style Bike Shorts for Spring

by Carey Spence1 Comment on An Easy Way to Style Bike Shorts for Spring
An Easy Way to Style Bike Shorts for Spring

The 80s called, they want their bike shorts back… It’s official: I’m obsessed with this trend. I really didn’t think this was a trend I would be able to get on board with, but now that I own a pair I’ve completely changed my mind! I actually get so excited trying to style them new ways.

My personal favorite at the moment is styling bike shorts with an oversized jacket. From blazers to trench coats to denim jackets the options are endless. The key is to make sure the jacket fits oversized to offset the tight shorts. With the juxtaposition you get a chic look that looks effortless!

To keep the sporty chic look I was going for, I added a pair of sleek, neutral sneakers. I love that the overall palette was neutral which makes the outfit look more elevated—something that’s key when styling trendy pieces.

What I really love about this outfit is that you can wear it so many places. This easily looks like something you could wear to brunch with your girlfriends. Or maybe you just left the gym and need to run errands—pop on the denim jacket over your sports bra and go! If I was still in college, I would definitely wear this to class! The best part about this outfit is that although it looks super chic (always a win), it’s comfortable to boot.

To finish off this look I accessorized with minimal gold jewelry, sunglasses, and my go-to bag. I definitely think a ball cap would be cute with this outfit too!

So, have I sold you on bike shorts yet? Now that I bought my first pair I want a million more! On my list are a pair of leopard ones and some neon ones. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

xo,

Carey

P. S. Check out my Instagram feed for some other bike shorts outfits, or check out the TikTok I made styling them three ways!

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Jacket: Shein c/o (use code “thedaintydetails315” for 15% off!) // Top: Reformation // Bike Shorts: BP. // Sneakers: Adidas // Bag: Gucci, more affordable here // Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters // Necklace: Amazon