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livforstyle December 31, 2018

2018 Reflections + 2019 Resolutions

I thought my previous style post (if you missed it, here’s the link) would be my last post for 2018, but I was wrong. This reflections and resolutions write up all started when I was creating Instagram stories with my favorite photos and memories of 2018. I soon realized that I had way too much to reflect on in just an Instagram story. Although, my favorite type of posts to read and create are usually style posts, I genuinely enjoy writing these serious kind of blogs, because it gives me a chance to process my thoughts and express them in written words.

Since, 2018 was a remarkable year (moved to New York City, met my boyfriend, played a major role in my sister’s wedding, and so on) I also think it’s essential to set some goals for the new year, so it can be an even better year than the year before, so here are my 2018 reflections and 2019 resolutions.

January

Started the year by upgrading my usual brassy, blonde hair color to a more icy, platinum color. From this point on, this edgy style became my hair look of choice throughout 2018 and now into 2019. ??‍♀️

This also was the month that commenced by intense process of trying to move into New York City. As much as I loved being at home, I realized that it was time to abandon that hour and half commute to work each day and begin living out my dream in New York City. ?

February

Yet another year spending Valentine’s Day alone, but was different this year is that I fully accepted that it was ok to be single and instead take the time to enjoy life, better myself, and be patient with finding that person. This month, I finally learned that those failed relationships in the past allowed me to understand what I wanted and deserved. Little did I know that two months later I would meet a pretty cool guy. ?

Even though, February was a positive month, I did find some days I was super motivated to continue my NYC apartment hunt and other days felt hopeless like this move was never going to happen. ?

March

March was my most pivotal month of 2018 because I finally made my dream of moving to NYC a reality. ?? It wasn’t easy and I’m still face with challenges, but living in the city for almost a year now, I continue to fall in love with NYC each and everyday.

And there was no better way to start this new chapter in my life then with a boozy brunch on St. Patrick’s Day with Lauren (a NYC blogger over at LifeStylesByLauren), which deepened our friendship and blogging support system. ?☘️

April

Now being in the city for a month and loving every part of it, I decided to get on those dating apps to meet some new people in hopes of sparking some sort of romantic relationship. ? After a few dates, I began to feel frustrated, until I met this handsome, intelligent, sarcastic, funny boy named Greg. And the dating apps were no longer needed. ❤️

May

My birthday month. ? Although, it was my first birthday not being at home, my family, friends, and of course Griffin made my 23rd birthday a special one.

But, really the proudest thing that happened this month was witnessing my older sister deliver her dissertation and graduate with her doctorate degree. ??‍?

June

It was my first summer in NYC which consisted of lots of strolls in Central Park and visits back home to CT to hang by the pool with the fam. On a more fashion related note, this month the weather was finally heating up, so I discovered my love for jumpsuits and my wardrobe from this month out was filled with my latest jumpsuit finds. ?

July

Usually all summers seem to fly by, but summer 2018 came and went in a blink of an eye. I guess because it was my first real working summer, so when the weekends came they just went by too quickly. ? Plus, each weekend was packed with fun adventures, like trips to the lake with Greg and his friends, where I learned how to waterski, but obviously I enjoyed basking in the sun on the boat better.

I also went to Coney Island for the first time, which has been something that has always been on my bucket list.

On top of all that I was being the best maid of honor ever and showering the bride to be (my sister) for her upcoming wedding in September. ??

August

August was another jam-packed month. Greg took me to two Yankee games (within a week of each other) and I got to experience his love for baseball and a good old stadium hot dog. ?

I also threw my sister one heck of a bachelorette party with all her friends in Rhode Island. It was a boozy weekend to say the least. ?

September

My sister’s wedding month! Finally, after a two year engagement and knowing her now husband for almost 10 years that they started their new life together as husband and wife. Although, all throughout this engagement I couldn’t wait for this wedding to be over, I was also sad that my maid of honor duties would come to an end. Their wedding day was the most beautiful day, filled with so much happiness and love. ?

After the wedding festivities were over, two weeks later I attended my first Renaissance Faire with Greg, which is something I would have never done before, but it was a blast. ??

October

Compared to the months before, October was a quieter month (thank gosh). I actually had time to just spend most of my weekends in the city and experience my first fall in New York. I spent most of this month in Central Park admiring the changing leaves and all the colors of autumn. ?

Of course, what’s the month of October without Halloween? I celebrated Halloween with Greg and I dressed up as a flapper and he dressed as a 1920’s gangster. From what I remember from that night, it was a blast (LOL). ?

November

November began the unofficial start of the holiday season in NYC. It was so lovely seeing all the holiday markets pop up around Manhattan. ? I even decorated my apartment for Christmas a little early.

Since, I haven’t visited my real home back in CT since the wedding in September, I was looking forward to spending Thanksgiving week and weekend at home with the family and pup. I also attended my 5 year high school reunion, which was something I was debating whether or not to go. Although, I was fearful that I would be flooded with all the bad memories and feelings from high school, I ended up attending my reunion with my head held high and showing my former classmates how far I’ve come and all what I accomplished in those 5 years. ??

December

I blinked and December was over, which is probably due to the fact I spent two weeks of the month in London. ?? I can’t express how thankful I was for my company to fly us all out to London for our extravagant holiday party. This was my second time in London and I fell in love with the city more than last time.

Also, it was so magical to be in London during the Christmas season because the British love Christmas. ?? The whole city, all the pubs, and all the stores were decked out for the holidays, which just put me into the Christmas spirit.

Although, London is beautiful, NYC will always have my heart, so I was happy to return back to the city for one more week before heading back to CT for the Christmas week. Now, back in NYC, I’m excited to end the year, just like how I somewhat started the year…loving life in the city that never sleeps. ?

Although, this post is getting quite lengthy, I wanted to set some goals for the new year, so next year this time (like what I did today) I can look back on 2019 and be proud of what I accomplished. Even though, I did come up with a list of new year resolutions, it’s a work in progress and have a feeling I’ll be adding to this list throughout 2019.

Stay inspired, stay consistent – this one is more for my blog. I want to keep up with my blog this year more so than in previous years, as well as stay motivated to always be brainstorming new ideas.
Stop criticizing myself – for this one it applies to my blog and my life in general. For my blog, I have to stop comparing myself to others and feeling like I’m never going to be as good as other bloggers. I have to understand that I have a full time job besides my blog, so how much content I produce and the quality of that content will reflect that.
Step out of my comfort zone – I somewhat accomplished this in 2018, but will continue to do so in 2019. I want to continue to try new things, whether that’s experiences or food and most importantly not being afraid.
Explore and travel – ever since London, I caught the travel bug. It’s frustrating that traveling can be expensive, but it’ll be so worth it to experiences new places and culture. But, I can’t forget that I live in the most amazing city in the world, so when I don’t have the time or money to travel across continents, it would be fun to continue to play tourist in my city and explore new neighborhoods.
Don’t bottle things up – this has been a goal of mine for years and some days I’m better at it than others. I find myself bottling up my feelings and opinions because I fear what other people will think or react. Instead, when I feel something is bothering me, I don’t want to keep it to myself but speak up and solve the issue.

Wow! My brain hurts from all this reflecting. 2018 was a great year and I know 2019 will be even better if I strive to stick to my resolutions. Now, it’s time to celebrate the end of the year and the chance to start fresh. I hope everyone had a great 2018 and learned from it to better yourself in 2019. Most importantly, I can’t express how grateful I am for all the support from my family and friends, and of course all the encouragement my followers give me on my blog and Instagram. Cheers to 2019!

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livforstyle July 16, 2018

Tips For Writing The Perfect Resume

Hello everyone! After writing my “Lessons Learned After Graduation” post a few months ago, (if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check it out here) I received tons of feedback regarding my post graduate job and tips on how to land your perfect job after college, or just your dream job in general.

So in today’s post, I am talking about one very important factor in your job application process, your resume. If you’re like me a resume is super hard to put together, because I struggle with deciding what skills and experiences are deemed resume worthy or trying to keep your resume short, yet impactful. Thanks to Monster.com and their resume assessment tool, I have been able to learn a few tricks on how to write the best resume and I’m ready to share them, so keep on scrolling!

Since your resume is crucial, because it’s the first thing a brand will see and your way of selling yourself to that brand, I had no problem reaching out to the experts, and in this case it was Monster.com. I always used Monster for my one stop site to search for job opportunities and connect me with brands, but recently I discovered a variety of products and services on Monster including their resume assessment tool.

In addition to the millions of jobs Monster offers, the resume assessment tool is super useful because all you have to do is send your resume and within days you will be connected with a resume expert and receive extensive feedback on your entire resume. With the help from Monster’s resume assessment tool, I am here to offer some of my tips on how to write the perfect resume to land not just any job but your dream job.

1. Keep It Short But Sweet

This useful rule I learned since my freshman year of college and was then reiterated in my resume assessment. Keep your resume under one page if possible. Realistically, the person looking at your resume is juggling other responsibilities, so they might now be able to read a lengthy document. I know this is extremely challenging because you want to include everything, but focus on your important skills and experiences. Concentrate on including the achievements that will land you an interview and when you do secure the interview that will be your time where you can elaborate on some of the smaller details not mentioned in your resume. Although, you are trying to keep it concise, don’t skimp on useful details like dates and the cities you worked in.

2. Avoid First Person

A resume is a marketing tool to sell yourself, so it seems strange to not include first person pronouns, but I learned from my Monster resume assessment that by using first person pronouns it can appear that the candidate is more focused on themselves. So to avoid this problem, try saying “hit my target goals” instead of “I hit my target goals” or what not.

3. Easy To Read

Another helpful tip is to always format your resume with a readable font and font size. Also, don’t forget to include easy to find and searchable words. This means to think about your job titles and use key words that will be easy for the hiring manager to identify.

4. It’s Your Chance To Brag

Talking about yourself is weird, but if there was the perfect time to do so, it’s on your resume. Don’t feel funny name dropping and title dropping like crazy. Be proud of your accomplishments and skills. Also, try to use proactive verbs, also known as power verbs like created, directed, supervised, etc. These verbs pack a punch and add more credibility to your resume. Lastly, be descriptive as possible by not only just using words but by including percentages and numbers to really seal the deal.

5. Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

Nothing is more embarrassing and unprofessional than a spelling mistake or grammar error. Proofreading is super tedious, but extremely important and might be the end all be all when gaining an interview. If you’re like me who can never spot their own grammar mistakes, don’t be afraid to have family or friends reread your resume.

6. Send Your Resume As A PDF

When your resume is all good to go, it’s time to send it off. This was another tip I learned from my resume assessment on Monster and I am glad I did. I always heard that a resume should be sent as a PDF but never understood why until my resume assessment made it clear that a PDF will allow the format of your resume to be preserved. By saving it as a PDF it will make sure the format and font is easy to read and visually appealing.

In no way, am I an expert in this topic, in fact I have had tons of help putting together my resume from my career center at my university, my dad, and most importantly Monster.com. It’s funny how one simple, piece of paper can be so valuable. So if you are someone still in college ready to embark on your next stage in life, the working world, or someone who is looking to advance their career with a new job, or someone like me who is happy with their job but certainly believes that everyone should have an updated resume on file because you never know what opportunities might strike, I strongly advise you to head to Monster.com to check out all their tools and services, like the resume assessment feature. Good luck everyone! 🙂

This post is sponsored by Monster.com and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make LivForStyle possible!

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livforstyle April 9, 2018

Lessons Learned After Graduation

It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since I graduated from college, the end of May to be exact. Last year at this time, I was entering my final month and a half of college and although it was one of the greatest times of life, it was also one of the scariest. The fear of the unknown crept into me during those final weeks on my college campus. The unknown of what life after college was going to entail, because I knew once the end of May hit, I was still jobless and was moving back home, away from my college friends, away from my college campus, away from the fun and carefree life I lived up at school. Now, being on the other side and looking back at last year around this time, I can honestly say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I was so stressed about everything last year at this time and even though it didn’t seem like it, everything did work out. It took me almost a year to process what I was feeling during my senior year of college, and now I have lived through it, I’m ready to share the lessons I learned after graduating from college and entering the adult world.

1. It’s ok to stress

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I used to get so mad at the people, mostly my family, who would tell me not to stress about graduation. I understand why they would say those things to me because they wanted to give me some comfort in a very uncertain time in my college career. But, post graduation would soon set in, and going out every night then recalling all the wild stories in the morning with your roommates and best friends, or skipping classes just because, or spending money on stupid things, or saving class assignments for the last minute, and the list goes on should be things of the past. So, yes go ahead and stress, it is totally normal to wake up at night in a panic about not having a job, not knowing what you want to do in life, not knowing how you will afford to live on your own, and so on. It wouldn’t be normal not to stress during your second semester of senior year, so go for it, because no matter what stage in life you are in, stress is natural. But, you can’t let the stress keep you from enjoying the present and the people you are with. Because, if there is one important thing I learned after college is that even though when it doesn’t seem like it, everything does work out and it works out in the strangest of ways.

2. Most likely you won’t have a job right after graduation

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Bravo, to all those college seniors who know exactly where they will be working after they receive their diploma. I wish I was one of those seniors, but unfortunately, I wasn’t and that’s ok. A lot of seniors, myself included, think that by their senior year they will know exactly their career path, but being jobless after graduation is more common than you think. Even after completing two internships and all my extra-curricular activities, finding my first post grad job was more difficult than I thought, but the key is not to give up. Don’t get discouraged when your resume and cover letters are submitted to over fifty job postings and you haven’t heard back from one company, because it does happen. It happened to me, but you just have to keep applying, keep interviewing, and when you least expect it, you will strike gold.

3. Moving back home is weird

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If you are anything like me, I packed up all my stuff the night after graduation and moved back home, which was one of the most depressing things I had to do. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family, but something about going back to being under a microscope was weird. I couldn’t come and go as I pleased or have friends over whenever I wanted to, or pregame with a massive group of people before a night out. After all, I was living under my parent’s roof and I wasn’t living in a dorm anymore with all my friends and that wasn’t easy for me to accept. Just know that whether being home with your parents is for the short term or long term it will be strange at first, but after all you are still an adult and your parents and yourself will just have to accept that.

4. Friends come and go

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Just like friends came and went throughout your four years at college, after graduation you will also realize which friends from college still matter. Once you graduate college, your friend dynamic changes, but what’s extremely important is to make your college friendships last. Both parties must put the effort into seeing each other and keeping in touch. Everyone is busy, everyone will be starting their new jobs or graduate school, but that is no excuse not to make time for one another. This has been very hard for me to learn, but it’s making me realize that college friends who aren’t willing to put in the same energy, might not be worth your precious time anymore. It doesn’t mean you failed or lost a friend, it simply means you are growing. But for those college friends who still make that effort to hang out with you or call you on the phone to catch up are still important and even if you see them every couple of months, when you do finally hang out, it will feel like time hasn’t really passed. Also, don’t forget that in your adult life you will make tons and tons of new friends. And yes, these friendships will be different, but don’t just stay stuck in the college years, but instead embrace new friendships in your new stage of life.

5. Hangovers will get worse

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Hate to break it to you, but if you think once you graduate from college, you will still be able to go out and imbibe multiple times during the week, your body will just not cooperate with you. I still question how I was able to go out a few times a week. I don’t understand how I was able to imbibe one night, wake up fine, and be ready to do the same thing the next evening. Now, when I go to happy hour with my co-workers and I need a few days to recover. So be prepared, your body will not be able to take the brunt of what you put it through in college, be ready for mornings feeling like death, and wishing you were that college student again who could take back shots like no problem.

6. Dating is still hard and boys are still stupid

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HA, to all those people who told you that you will find your future husband in college, yeah didn’t happen for me and that’s okay if it didn’t happen for you either, and for those who are still in a relationship with their college sweetheart, what’s your secret? But really, college boys are stupid and it doesn’t get better after they graduate. Dating is still tough in the adult world, especially if you are balancing a full-time job, your social life, your well-being and everything else on top of it. Like who has time to put themselves out there and try to meet someone? I am still waiting for the prince, that I was meant to find on my college campus. However, just because I am now out of college and still single, it should never mean one should lower their standards. Never compromise on who you want, what you want and what you deserve.

7. You’ll feel a new excitement

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I thought my life was over, once I walked across the stage and received my diploma on that afternoon in May. Yes, my college life was over, but it was the start of a new journey, my journey into life after college. Just like four years ago when I was entering college and feeling all sorts of excitement, graduating college is no different. You will experience new things as a college graduate, like scoring an interview for your dream role, earning your first pay check at your post grad job, decorating your new apartment in New York City, and the list goes on. Although, I am the first to say that change is scary, I am learning that change can also be thrilling, so once your college life chapter is completed, remember to welcome the new, exciting feelings to come in your post graduate chapter, because no matter big or small there’s lots of excitement to have as an adult.

As you can tell from the length of this blog post, I could write a novel about my college experience, or more specifically how I am dealing with life after college. Nothing is perfect in my post graduate life, trust me there have been many bumps on the road, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I am still trying to figure it all out. I still get stressed out about certain things, but these current stresses are different than what I was feeling last year at this time. Life after graduation is certainly a strange phase in your life, a phase all about transition and finding yourself, but just like any obstacle in your life (doesn’t just have to be after college) there are lessons to be learned, chances to grow, and excitement to be felt.

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livforstyle February 20, 2018

2018: The Year of Short Hair

After a few years of long luscious locks accompanying the hippy vibe seen everywhere, 2018 is bringing back the short hair look, chopping off those tresses without a backwards glance. From pixie cuts that are styled with longer bangs or ruffled into a natural ‘fairy from the woods’ look to bobs that just brush the shoulders, short hair is back with a bang.

Image Credit: Pixabay

Hollywood is all about finding the next new look and celebrities like Olivia Culpo, Kim Kardashian and Cate Blanchett are already rocking some of the hottest trends. If you can learn anything from these ladies, it is that however old you are, and whatever you look like, you can join in with the fashion trends of 2018 and achieve something really special. Fashion can be scary but, done right, it will make you look and feel amazing.

Finding the right look for you is all about experimenting with different styles and ideas. For those of you who have always kept long hair out of habit, it’s time to try something new. This year’s trends are ideal and if you like, you can mix and match to create your own unique look, incorporating various trends and fashions. Be bold, be brave. You’ll look amazing.

The Pixie Cut

The pixie cut has become something of a classic do, especially amongst young moms who want to look amazing at the drop of a hat. There are all kinds of different pixie cuts to go for though and deciding which one for you is important before you go to your hairdresser. Since there are so many different types of pixie cut around now, you should probably take a picture of the look you want to show your hairdresser before you start. This will give them a more concrete idea of what you want before they start chopping.

Image credit: Hairstylesweekly

Some of the most popular pixie cuts this year are styled with bangs to frame your face and lend a slightly ruffled and informal look to your hairstyle. This is actually perfect because apart from looking after your bangs and keeping them in good condition (hello dry shampoo!) your hair is basically ready for any event. How you want your bangs is very much up to you (and we’ll come to bangs shortly) but the main thing is that your face is framed, bringing out your natural beauty.

Image credit: Marie Claire

Color is also a popular way to keep your pixie on point. Balayage might sound impossible, but keeping the top half of your hair light with a contrasting dark color underneath creates the illusion of thicker hair. The soft grey tones that were everywhere in 2017 are also sticking around, though now you are invited to add more of a silver shine to maximise on impact and create a striking look.

For more inspiration just click here!

The Jaw-Length Bob

The jaw length bob is the perfect inbetween stage if you are looking for a shorter look but aren’t quite brave enough to go full pixie. There are basically two types of jaw length bob: the wavy “I just came from the beach” look or the sleek and shiny “I just had this done” look. Luckily, both are very much in fashion and are quite easy to achieve with minimal fuss.

Image credit: Hollywoodlife

The key to maintaining a jaw length bob is keeping those ends in perfect health. You can get away with trimming longer hair less often, but with a shorter do, split ends will make your hair seem puffy and not in a good way. If you want to make sure that your hair stays sleek and perfect, regular hair treatments and trims are vital.

Image credit: Womensok

For a beach look there is just one key ingredient: the sea salt spray. This will help your hair to keep it’s beautiful, defined waves it’s almost ridiculous how easy it is to use. All you need to do is spritz in your spray while your hair is still damp and then use a towel to scrunch it into place. If you have straight hair, the process is just as simple: wash your hair the night before and spritz in the spray while it is still damp, then put your hair into french plaits. When you wake up, take the plaits out and scrunch your hair with a little more spray. Simple!

Choppy Bangs

If you aren’t feeling quite brave enough to go the whole chop just yet, there is one more style you can certainly get on board with. Choppy bangs are the perfect solution for anyone who has always quite liked the idea of bangs but has never wanted the fuss of maintaining a perfect length. In fact, bangs are so annoying to maintain at one perfect length that you are completely forgiven for never trying them before.

However, all that has now changed and choppy bangs are bringing a whole new way of framing your face to town. By styling your bangs so that they are sweetly uneven, you can let them grow out a little bit more and not panic every time you run a comb through them. Plus, choppy bangs work well with fluffy curly hair too blending in nicely with your longer locks and making the most of the texture of your hair.

Image credit: Hairstylesforyou

If you are feeling really brave, you could go for super short baby bangs which are proving popular with celebrities like Emma Watson and Sofia Boutella. These ladies show how well baby bangs work with any length of hair or even an up-do. Sophisticated and very cute – who knew those two things could mix so well?

Image credit: Reddit

With so many new options for this year, 2018 is looking to be a pretty wild year for hairstyles. There are so many different ways to approach short hair and creating a unique take on a particular style couldn’t be more fashionable right now. Whether you are looking for something sleek and exacting or a hairstyle to suit a more relaxed lifestyle, 2018 has something for everyone.

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livforstyle February 19, 2018

It’s Not Easy Being Green! How To Make Ethical Fashion Choices

Life is all about making ethical choices. And believe it or not, beauty and fashion is an industry ripe for questionable ethics. There is something we can all do about this now, in the modern age. Whether you are just out of college, or you’re looking for a way to give back to society, there are simple ways for us all to contribute, and you can do this in your fashion choices. How can we do this?

(Pixnio)

Buy Locally

Buying items locally isn’t just convenient, but it’s beneficial for the local economy. Spending your money on investing in clothing and furniture with local businesses, and you are not just helping them to thrive, but you’re giving back to those around you. Shopping locally also gives you the opportunity to find items that aren’t typically sold in high street retailers. This gives you a better chance to find quirkier items and clothing that is so left of center that you will stand out a mile – in a good way! Buying local items also involves less packaging, cutting down on plastic waste. Many governments are encouraging customers to bring reusable bags when they go shopping, and this is one of most important things for you to do when heading out to the shops.

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Pick Your Companies

It’s a big draw for many people now, buying items from a supplier that is doing their utmost for the benefit of the planet. It’s not just clothes that fall under an ethical practices and exploitation. Even when purchasing something as seemingly innocent as wooden furniture, there could be illegal timber in the product. Because there’s such a demand in the western world for cheap furniture, this has had a massive impact on deforestation in countries like Thailand and Cambodia. The businesses that do their best to trade ethically will promote themselves accordingly as being environmentally friendly and supporting fair trade. Of course, these items will always cost a bit more, but it’s for the benefit of the planet. So, pick your companies carefully.

Do Your Research

While many businesses pride themselves on their ethical and environmental standpoints, it’s always advisable that you undertake your own education so you know exactly what you are buying. I t’s always beneficial to sort out the origin of the materials, and this can involve a bit of digging, but it’s usually stated clearly on the retailer’s website. If not, you are within your rights as a consumer to go and ask! It’s not just clothing that can be ethically sourced, this natural mattress is made from eco-friendly materials, and it makes you think about what else you’ve got in your home that hasn’t been sourced through an ethical channel. After a while, the realization dawns on us that so many things we use everyday hasn’t been obtained through ethical means. It’s at this point where you start to consider your own approach to buying all of your items through reputable suppliers. After a while, once you found a few suppliers that suit your own beliefs, you can continue to go back to those retailers. A few popular ethical retailers include People Tree, Know The Origin, and Annie Greenabelle. Use these three as a springboard towards other ethical retailers and spread the word!

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Living A Fashionable Lifestyle Ethically

Living a fashionable lifestyle in an ethical manner is, firstly, about living a lifestyle in an ethical manner. Choosing your retailers is one piece of the puzzle, but there are things you can do personally to improve on every aspect of your ethical being. Choosing appropriate retailers, like People Tree, is a great way to get fashionable clothing, but also, think about your accessories. From your handbags to your flowers at home. Something like flowers are flown in from overseas, which can have a massive impact on your carbon footprint. For example, red roses on Valentine’s Day are flown over from countries like Zimbabwe, so why don’t you go back to shopping locally? This leads naturally on to your own day to day dealings. If you shop locally, you are cutting back on transport costs, which cuts back on the carbon footprint. So when it comes to getting around, a bicycle is a bold fashion statement that you can accessorize wonderfully. Being on trend is vital when it comes to fashion, but it also benefits those who are looking to consume in a more ethical manner. Boycotts of large organizations who devote themselves to unethical practices are commonplace, and it’s important for you to be on the ball with regards to this, so you know exactly where you should be standing. It’s a lot of work, but if you are dedicated to living an ethical lifestyle, this is the way the cookie crumbles.

Used Clothing – Yes Or No?

While we all like a bargain, purchasing used clothes throws up a lot of questions. Is it worth buying used clothes, especially if they were sourced unethically in the first place? But it can take a lot of work to restore them again. It can be a very expensive pursuit to stay on trend, and this is where extending the life of your clothes comes in handy. Repurposing your clothes helps to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints between 5% and 10%. For this statistic alone, it’s worth going to a used clothing outlet such as a thrift store. And with thrift stores, they are dedicated to giving back. This takes a lot of the research out of the equation, so you can focus on picking the right clothes for you. This does mean that you will have to look a bit harder, but going shopping for bargains and quirky styles in this manner is more fun. Some people dedicate their Saturday to finding ethically sourced material that is stylish and was left at the bottom of a bargain bin!

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Yes, making ethical fashion choices is a lot of work, but it’s all about living the ethical lifestyle. Fashion can go against the grain in this respect, but if you spend time going through the fine details and sourcing adequate retailers that meet your needs, there is no reason to not look stylish.

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livforstyle February 5, 2018

How To Use Your Beauty & Fashion To Celebrate Life

Beauty and fashion, from a critical and pessimistic perspective, could be considered as a waste of time. Surely it’s just time spent in narcissism, painting our faces and wearing the best new clothes in an effort to look better than the next person? Surely we have too high an opinion of ourselves to even begin in the first place, and this is emphasized in the fact that we continually spend our money to achieve such an aim?

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Not so. In fact, what was mentioned above could not be more wrong. Fashion and beauty are not silly or inconsequential things. They can mean everything to the root of our lives, and can imbue us with meaning and positive feelings regarding our identity, our place in the world, our self-respect, and our ability to celebrate life. Beauty is absolutely worthwhile in a range of different scenarios, and for a range of different reasons.

Beauty & Fashion Are Seasonal

The only constant regarding beauty and fashion are that they continually change. Trends arise almost as fast as they fall, and seasons bring with them entirely new wardrobes if we hope to stay updated. Some might consider this a burden, but there’s almost no need for this to be considered the case. How better to express the beauty of living in the moment and celebrating what’s here than to dress in accordance with the world around you? Autumnal colors furthers that beauty of season when applied to your wardrobe. It shows that you care about the world around you, that you are connected with it. Just like a mother placing Christmas decorations up during the festive period, adorning yourself with the fitting clothing is tantamount to celebrating the time you currently enjoy in all of its temperance.

It makes the world that little bit brighter. It makes the season that little bit more comfortable. It makes the temporal nature of the season a little more easy to enjoy and be part of, as opposed to worrying about what’s coming ahead. This can seriously impact your positive emotion. For example, spring is now around the corner. This can be a wonderful time to bring out the floral dresses, experiment with color and become the garden nymph you have felt like being since Christmas ended!

As we get older, the ability to play is often lost from us. We do not dress up and play pretend as we did as children unless we enter an acting profession or go to a themed party. While of course fashion and beauty is different and more refined than simply dressing up in a costume, the underpinnings of what make it so enjoyable are there. Who doesn’t enjoy looking better, looking relevant and feeling updated? This celebrates life to its core, and allows you to feel part of the times around you. If you feel you need a major life upgrade, paying attention to your appearance can be a wonderful place to begin.

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Beauty & Fashion Are Experimental

To have fun with your appearance, sometimes you simply need to try and find an alternate means of expressing how you apply your beauty routine. This could be as simple as a new personalized skin care routine to gain a new glow, or to try and wear colors you usually don’t. If you’re not much of a dress person, wearing them could enhance your femininity and give you room to try something slightly out of your comfort zone.

The thing about beauty and fashion are that they influence our personality. It’s likely you know this already. Dressing up and looking your best for a night on the town often feels like who you truly are, rather than wearing sweats and not showering for a full day while watching Netflix on your laptop. We all enjoy our comfort and indulgences, and of course we cannot afford to be made up at all hours of the day, but it’s likely you feel your absolute best and alive when you’re trying a new beautiful makeup line, or item of clothing.

Those critical of beauty interests often say that the people who indulge in it are often not confident when they can’t improve how they look. From this they infer that it’s simply an exercise in masking insecurity. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Someone who is able to express their inner beauty however they like will KNOW how beautiful they are. Beauty is not an exercise in covering up, but enhancing our strengths. It’s paying respect to the best parts of ourselves, parts that can often go ignored when we fail to express and enjoy them.

If you feel as though your beauty and fashion regime is starting to become a little stale, switch things up! Go for a makeover or try a completely new lip kit. Experimenting could potentially gift you a beautiful new style you adore, one which truly makes you feel like you. So why not get started, because who cares what the critics or anyone else says?

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Beauty & Fashion Is Individual

There’s no better way to celebrate your individuality than to express it through beauty and clothing. People who criticize our wonderful hobby often think that what fashion you wear is inconsequential. Of course, you should never be tied to wearing ‘a certain style’ or ‘a certain designer brand’ or even designer wear at all, but you should understand that great fashion and beauty is an extension of you. It brings with it an extension of your identity, something which expresses your personality in every color and ruffle of fabric. This doesn’t mean you should ever be overbearing about looking ‘perfect,’ instead you should feel free in the creative potential afforded to you.

There is simply no better way to feel and look great, celebrate yourself, practice self-respect, feel confident, understand your worth and generally enjoy your overall life more than grooming and honoring yourself with a look that makes you feel like you. Wether this is through wearing all black, simply rose tinting your cheeks or fully painting yourself into a beautiful new person, whatever makes you happy should be celebrated more than denigrated. Making yourself look good often shows emotional health. It shows you’re open to positivity, happiness, social discourse and enjoying the things that come your way. It shows you’re connected socially, whether you hope to attract that man or woman you’ve had your eye on for some time, or simply to look fantastic among your friends while elevating each other’s confidence.

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Don’t Sweat It

The only way that any of the previous advice can work and work well for you is to make sure you enjoy it. When you feel chained to looking good, it loses its excitement. You do not need to look your best every day, or every week for that matter. You only need to look good when it suits you, when feeling that way would lift your spirits, make you more confident, and help you feel secure in yourself. If you wear clothes for the sizing, the beauty, the craftsmanship of the fabrics and the way whole outfits can serve as expressions and even artistic statements, then you have a healthy attitude to this. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and just wear what makes you happy and confident.

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With all of this applied to your general attitude around looking great, you can be sure to have a healthy hobby in fashion and beauty.

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livforstyle November 7, 2017

12 Ways To Mix Up Your Personal Style

If you ever get a little bored of wearing the same old trusty outfits or rocking the same old style you’ve always rocked, then mixing up your style could be the way forward. Sometimes, when we wear things we wouldn’t usually go for, it can really open up our minds and change our perspective on what we consider to be “our style.”

You can be whoever you want from day to day. Be a hippie today and a sharp business woman tomorrow. Wear the clothes that make you feel the way you want to feel. You’re under no obligation to be the person you were an hour ago, let alone yesterday!

So, without further adieu, let’s look at 12 ways to mix up your personal style. Enjoy!

1. Try Colorblocking

Colorblocking is possibly one of the coolest things you can do with an outfit, so if you haven’t tried it, now is the time. Choose a few colors you really like and put them together. For instance; a purple top, orange jacket, and teal trousers. It might sound crazy but the combination of bright colors should put you in a great mood. You might just find a brand new way to put your clothes together!

(http://www.elle.com/fashion/g2508/its-all-about-block-party-561532/)

2. Mix Up Some Patterns

Mixing patterns can really spice things up. It might seem scary at first, but it looks uber chic. There are a few ways you can mix patterns. For instance, just throw something on and see what looks good. For example, a rainbow stripe sweater would look incredible with monochrome checked trousers, for. However, you need to find something that works for you, and the patterns don’t always have to be loud to work well. You could just stop trying to match the items in your wardrobe so hard and see how you get on with that. You’ll be surprised at how great things can look when you aren’t so worried about looking put together or “perfect.”

(Flickr)

3. Try Out Something Unisex

Clothes are just clothes, it’s people that put a label on them and designate them to either girls or boys. A man can wear a skirt if he wants to, just like women can wear trousers. Why not take the unisex chain and run with it, wearing a more masculine outfit for a change if you usually wear feminine? If you’re always in dresses, try a tailored suit. You could even just go for something like a Gold Chain at Frost NYC to ease yourself into a more masculine style. You might be surprised at how empowered you feel.

4. Create A Mood Board

Creating a mood board is a wonderful way to see what you’re drawn to the most. Pinterest is perfect for doing this, but you could even use magazines. Use the patterns, colors, and various styles you’re drawn to and see which patterns show up. You might just find something brand new that you’ve never worn before but will love!

(http://knockedupfabulous.com/2014/10/18/how-to-easily-elevate-an-outfit/)

5. Wear Something You Don’t Think You Can Pull Off

When you go shopping, browse Instagram or whatever, you might see things that make you go, “wow!” but you don’t indulge because you don’t believe you can pull them off. The only reason you can’t pull them off is because you don’t think you can. Wearing all different kinds of clothes is all about confidence and frankly, not caring what anybody else thinks. If you like it, wear it. Be brave. Chances are, you’ll absolutely love wearing something unusual and it’ll give you confidence to be even braver with your outfit choices.

(http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/g27704/fall-2016-fashion-trends/)

6. Gradually Evolve

Changing your style right away can be scary. You might feel totally apprehensive about being a wallflower one day and a rainbow princess the next. If you’re totally freaked out, then gradually evolve. Slowly introduce different things into your outfits until you feel ready to wear something that you would never have worn before. Style evolves all the time, so yours should be no different!

(https://pixabay.com/en/people-woman-girl-clothing-eye-2563491/)

7. Choose Some Statement Shoes

Statement shoes are one of the easiest and most fun ways to perk up an outfit. Go ahead and buy the bright pink, thigh high boots. Wear some bright red ankle boots. Buy some embellished stilettos. Even if the rest of your outfit is pretty plain, the statement shoes will make a world of difference. This doesn’t mean that’s the only time you can wear your statement shoes – wear them with whatever you like!

(http://thezoereport.com/fashion/accessories/best-shoes-for-fashion-week/)

8. Add Statement Bling

Do you accessorize enough, or do you let it fall to the wayside? Getting dressed isn’t always enough to have a great look. You need to make sure you accessorize too. A fab necklace can instantly take your outfit from drab to fab. Bangles stacked high can add interest and stop your outfit from looking boring.

Some people think that less is more. However, if you want to mix things up, you should pay attention to the wise words of Iris Apfel. She says, “more is more and less is boring”. Take a look at some of her amazing outfits for inspo. She’s in her 90s, and loves mixing colors, prints, and materials to create the most incredible, artistic looks you could ever dream of. She’s also amazing at mixing different pieces of jewelry, finding many of them in unique stores rather than expensive jewelers. She often pairs multiple pieces so well that they could easily be one piece. Look to other people whose style you love and research what they do to create cool outfits.

(http://queenhood.com.au/statement-jewellery/)

9. Put Something On Your Head

Why not have the courage to try a little headwear? Maybe you could wear a headband, or a scarf, or a hat…whatever takes your fancy. If you’re not using to it then it can be daunting, but it could seriously change up your outfit. You might just develop a new love of headwear.

10. Go For Glasses

It doesn’t matter if you don’t need glasses. Pretty much everybody wears glasses these days for fashion purposes alone. Buy some super cool glasses with clear frames and see how that can make a huge difference to your look. If you already have glasses, use them to your advantage. Choose some new cool frames if you dare!

(https://www.dhgate.com/product/so-fashion-real-metal-frame-sunglasses-women/251445249.html)

11. Take A Friend Shopping

If you have a good friend, a stylish one is a bonus, go shopping with them and get them to pick out things for you to try on. Don’t say anything to them about what you’re looking for and just see what they come up with. Maybe you could even choose clothes for them. It’ll be so much fun, and you don’t necessarily need to buy what they choose. However, you might be surprised!

12. Focus On The Smaller Details

Always focus on the smaller details of your outfit to bring it together. This could be anything, from the pattern on your socks to the color of your nails. All of these things can make a huge difference and make your outfit stand out for all of the right reasons. It isn’t about being minimalistic with your clothes. It’s about going all out and having lots of fun.

(https://www.dhgate.com/product/so-fashion-real-metal-frame-sunglasses-women/251445249.html)

Which of these tips do you think you’ll try out? Leave your thoughts on them below, as well as any other tips you can think of to help people experiment with their personal style more. Remember, you weren’t born to fit in. Try new things and enjoy yourself. Most of all, don’t even worry about what other people think.

Talk to you all in my next post!

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livforstyle October 24, 2016

The Lazy College Girl Skincare Routine ft. Clarisonic

This morning, I hit an all time low. I was applying my makeup, getting ready for the day and all of a sudden I remembered I did not brush my teeth. I can’t believe it. I blame the lack of sleep and everything on my mind other than dental hygiene.

As you can tell by this situation, I am a typical busy, scattered brain college girl. I hate to admit this but it seems like when I am crunched for time, my skincare routine suffers. I’d rather use my time responding to emails, writing blog posts, finishing up class assignments, and socializing then spending time in front of the mirror. I wish I can say that I am one of those girls who set an hour aside before bedtime to apply all sorts of moisturizers and serums under my eyes and around my face, but sadly I am not. I realize that taking care of your skin at an early age will benefit your skin in the future, so I try to find ways to help my skin in a short amount of time. Say hello to the Clarisonic Deep Pore Mia set.

So far, I am in love with my Clarisonic cleansing device. Not only does it make my skin look great, but also it only takes 60 seconds to achieve a fresh, clean face. The Clarisonic Deep Pore Mia 2 set includes a Mia 2 device, Deep Pore Daily Cleanser, Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask, and a Deep Pore Brush Head. All the essentials you need for great looking skin. The sonic cleansing device features two speeds, making it suitable for all skin types and the two speeds really work better at cleaning your skin than your hands alone.

Usually, every night I apply the daily face cleanser to the brush head and let the Mia do its work for 60 seconds. When I have a little extra time at night, I love applying the Deep Pore Detoxifying Clay Mask for 10-15 minutes and then use the Mia 2 device to remove even more impurities for healthier looking skin.

After using my Clarisonic device for over a month now, I now understand why the Clarisonic devices are the #1 most recommended skin cleansing devices by dermatologists. No matter how busy your days and nights can be, we all have at least one minute to dedicate to our skin. No need for a fancy, complicated skin care routine because all you need is the Clarisonic Deep Pore Mia 2 set for radiant looking skin.

It’s never to late to make a change to your skin care routine. What are you waiting for? So go ahead, buy yourself one (Use the code HERCAMPUS to get a 15% off coupon code), or put it on your holiday gift list, or gift it to friends for birthdays or the upcoming holidays. There is nothing better than having clean and clear looking skin without sacrificing tons of time. Let me know in the comments below if you use any Clarisonic products. I would love to hear your thoughts. Talk to you all in my next post.

This post is sponsored by Clarisonic and Her Campus Media. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make LivForStyle possible!

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livforstyle August 9, 2016

Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology

One of the many things on my summer bucket list was to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their exciting fashion exhibit, Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology. Luckily, a few weeks ago I had the chance to explore the exhibit and the entire museum.

I was blown away by how extensive the exhibit was. The exhibit includes over 170 ensembles, showing that fashion is more than just dressing but truly an art form. Each piece showcased in the exhibit highlighted the connection between technology and fashion.

I enjoyed how the exhibit was divided based on fabrication or detail, including pleats, tulle, sequins, feathers, embroidery, artificial flowers, and lace. This really emphasized how special each piece was and the role of the hand (manus) and the machine (machina) in the design and manufacture of the piece.

When I was walking around the exhibit, I made sure to take a few photos and jot down a few of my reactions to what I saw. Keep on reading to hear my commentary on the exhibit and the evolving fashion world.

Although, we shouldn’t heavily rely on technology, let’s face it our world is becoming more technologically advanced whether we like it or not. So instead of ignoring these achievements within technology we must recognize them and use them to our advantage.
We should always keep in mind the differences between the hand and the machine. To be honest, no machine could produce as incredible a piece than the hand because a hand-crafted piece is one of a kind, taking patience, time, and dedication to the craft.
I agree hand-made items are seen as more valuable; however we can’t completely neglect technology or see it as less valuable. Just like Miuccia Prada said, “For me, mixing the hand and the machine gives the best results.” To me, what is most valuable is the designer’s passion and time they put into their design.
While looking at the many pieces throughout the exhibit, I noticed that most of the embroidery and floral details were done by hand so the artist/designer could strategically hand place crystals or other embellishments onto the fabric, thus making it more unique.
After learning more about the distinction between the hand and the machine, I realized you have more control over things produced by hand, meaning you can manipulate your piece in a way that is visually appealing to your audience.
Regarding the hand, imperfections are generally only seen in handmade products. Unlike a machine, humans cannot make everything perfect. However, instead of finding fault in a misplaced button or crystal we actually find beauty and uniqueness in it.
The exhibit also touched on the differences between ready to wear fashion and haute couture. Now we live in a world that mostly follows the ready to wear fashion model. However, one of thee most important distinctions between ready to wear fashion and haute couture is in the details. For example, just look at the elaborate embroidery in the wedding dress by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. That piece of haute couture fashion cannot be produced in one day.
Lastly, the most beautiful gowns worn by celebrities on the red carpet or the clothes we have in our very own closet are all produced with the help from the hand and the machine.

Are you a big fashion lover or art fan? I highly suggest visiting the met in New York City before this exhibit closes on September 5^th. You won’t regret it. For those who have seen the exhibit what were some of your highlights of your trip?

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livforstyle June 6, 2016

On This Day: June 6

Denim. According to Webster’s dictionary, denim is defined as a “strong usually blue cotton cloth that is used especially to make jeans.” Skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, flared jeans, jean jackets, jean shorts, denim skirts, jean shirts, and so on. It would be hard to imagine the world without denim or our favorite pair of jeans (you know ladies that pair you have in your dresser that’s your go to and make you feel confident and have people staring).

When I was thinking of a post to write I wanted to put away my camera and focus on some fashion history because after all, fashion history is my favorite kind of history. I thought there had to be something cool that happened today and thanks to Google I learned that on this day, June 6, 1850 fashion designer Levi Strauss made his first pair of blue jeans. It’s mind blowing to learn that blue jeans have been around for over 150 years.

Not only is Levi Strauss responsible for the birth of blue jeans, he also founded Levi Strauss & Co., the first company to manufacture blue jeans. Over the years Levi Strauss & Co. has become one of the most popular denim brands. I couldn’t imagine walking into my favorite clothing store and not seeing a huge selection of denim products or going through my wardrobe and not styling outfits around my favorite pair of jeans. Levi Strauss took a risk and put his creativity to good use by creating an item that will probably continue to be worn for centuries to come.

Throughout this post, I have included a collage of my favorite denim pieces. Make sure to take a look at all my picks for a little denim inspiration. Next time you slip into your favorite pair of jeans make sure to thank Levi Strauss for making denim a thing that completely transformed the fashion world.

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livforstyle February 10, 2016

My Hairstyle Through The Years

I was known as the little girl with the mushroom haircut. Perfectly pin straight hair that reached just about to my ears. For years, I rocked the mushroom cut but I no longer sport that style because thankfully I’ve been introduced to a blow dryer, a round brush, and volumizing hair products. But these days, I still like my short hair, but that was not always the case. Over the years I went from the mushroom cut, to long flowing hair, to taking a risk and cutting off 14 inches to a pixie cut, and now I’m somewhere in the middle sporting a bob. It’s funny to think that my hair has a history of its own. I’ve never been one to stick to one hairstyle because I get bored easily and like to switch it up. After all, life is too short to be boring. So keep reading to see my hairstyle through the years.

Elementary School: Flashback to those days I would skip down the hallways with my short hair blowing in the wind while wearing my maroon plaid school uniform, which was practically down to my ankles. Of course, nothing completed the look better than a white-collared shirt buttoned all the way to my chin (Ha Ha). Up until the fourth grade, short hair and the oh so famous “mushroom cut” was all I knew. I don’t blame my parents for the style because who wanted to deal with the knotty hair of a child who liked to get into messy situations (yep, that was me). Looking back at some of these photos, I have to admit that I rocked the mushroom cut. It was cute, especially for a five year old. Who would have thought that my mushroom cut would have inspired me down the road?

Middle School: When I was in middle school no girl dared to have short hair. It was all about long, stringy hair with a lot of dead ends from all the damage of running through it with the flat iron. I was guilty of this and even though I have pin straight hair, I insisted on waking up a few minutes early every morning to crank-up the flat iron to 400 degrees and burn the heck out of my hair. Middle school was all about fitting in, so long, straight hair was the only choice. When I think back, long hair never really suited me. I always felt so plain, but even though it didn’t express my funky side, I still kept it as my style of choice.

High School: You couldn’t pay me to go back to high school. High school was just a drag. It was all about who was popular, who was prettier, who had all the attention from the boys. But I will say that is was during high school that I really began to discover who I am and what I wanted to be. I discovered what my talents are and what drives me. I wasn’t afraid to express myself or challenge the norm. It was in high school that after mustering the courage, I cut off 14 inches of hair (well I didn’t cut it myself, I went to an awesome salon where I still get my hair done today). I said to myself, “you know Liv it’s only hair. It will always grow back”. Walking down the halls the next day at school was terrifying, but I began to notice how different I looked from the rest of the pack and that my short hair made me really me stand out in the crowd. It made me feel unique and I began to feel really comfortable with the new look. To my surprise, all of my classmates admired my bravery and my fashion-forward style.

After a few months of sporting the long bob (lob) style, I spent one Friday night on Pinterest (obviously) looking for more short hairstyles. I found a picture of Frankie Sandford, a member of the girl band The Saturday’s, and I immediately fell in love with her asymmetrical short doo. It was razor shaved on one side and longer on the other. I always wanted to try a pixie cut, so I thought this style would make for a perfect transition. Again, to my surprise, all of my classmates loved it because the the super short side made the hairstyle edgy and chic.

College: After graduating from high school, I have never felt so free. I was starting a new school filled with new people, so of course I wanted a new hairstyle. I finally was bold enough to get a pixie cut. After seeing pictures of Emma Watson and Halle Berry, I knew the pixie cut was just for me. Again, going from the asymmetrical look to a pixie cut was not that big of a transition, but there were many days I wasn’t confident in the look the style conveyed. But once I saw other celebrities take the risk and heard people compliment my fashion-forward doo, I knew it was worth it. Some days I would blow dry my short layers for a softer look or other days I would use gobs of gel and spike my hair for a rock star look. After a couple of weeks experimenting with my new style, I started to love the versatility of the pixie cut. I didn’t miss the days of ponytails or having to remember to carry a hair tie with me and being in the minority on campus with a pixie cut, I felt pretty cool.

Today: My hair has taken on a life of its own. It is certainly longer than a pixie cut, not as long as a lob, and of course not nearly as long as my middle school hairstyle. More than ever, people have been asking me if I am growing my hair out and thinking about going super long again. It’s a tough question for which I really have no answer. I like my look today. It’s short enough to distinguish myself from the crowd, but a long enough if I want to experiment with a curling wand. I’m not sure if I will ever grow out my hair really long. I guess if I want to try a longer look again, I can always get extensions rather than waiting for my hair grow on its own. For now, short hair is me. Nothing is better than having to use only a pea sized amount of shampoo and conditioner, spending less than 5 minutes blow drying your hair, running your finger through your hair with volumizing gel and emphasizing those short layers.

Right now, I am pleased with my hair length, but who knows what the future has in store. I am always looking for ways to challenge my look and nothing is better than making a statement with your hair. For those who are still hesitant about a dramatic change in hairstyle, be brave. I guarantee after a few days of getting used to it you will completely fall in love with your new look. I hope you enjoyed reading about my hairstyles through the years. Continue the discussion below. I would love to read all about your hair.

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livforstyle January 20, 2016

Sweet Start To 2016

Almost a month into the new year and 2016 is off to a good start. Hope everyone is still sticking to their new years resolution. Today’s post will be short and sweet because there really is no need for a lengthy explanation. I am so excited to announce that I have partnered with 23 other bloggers to provide our readers with an amazing giveaway.

I believe every year should start off strong and there is no better way than celebrate a new year and a new beginning than with a giveaway. One lucky reader will win an incredible prize package consisting of a $150 Visa gift card, a $10 Starbucks gift card, the Urban Decay Naked Smokey Palette, and an Origins Charcoal face mask.

Are you thinking that this grand prize can’t get any better? Well, SURPRISE, there are more items included in this prize package. Us, bloggers are so lucky that three brands are taking part in this giveaway. Our three sponsors include The Sugar Creek Shoppe, Courtney & Courtnie, and Cassidy’s Monograms. All three sponsors are super excited to be taking part and providing us with an adorable mug, a custom keychain, a custom koozie, and three stackable wire wrapped bracelets. This is one heck of a prize package.

Are you all excited? I bet you are, so now just scroll to the bottom of the page and fill out the form. It’s that simple.

There’s a lot to celebrate this year, so keep on embracing 2016. Good luck! I’ll talk to you all very soon in my next post. Stay tuned!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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livforstyle January 13, 2016

#YoungerTV

After a week of exams, writing lengthy final papers, and sleepless nights, a month-long break from college life is very much needed. I can’t believe I’ve been home for a month. It has been nice catching up on sleep, hanging with the family, and spending more time on my blog. However, my life at school is so different than life at home. I find myself having more free time, and if you are a person like me who can’t sit still, I need to keep myself busy. Over my month-long break; I have kept myself busy by working part-time at a popular retail store, taking Zumba and Spinning classes, a lot of shopping, and watching a new TV series I found on TV Land.

Although, I don’t like to just sit around and do nothing, spending the evening staying cozy and relaxing while watching TV is a nice change of pace because I know once I return to school I’ll have little time to myself. Over break, I got hooked on the first season of TV Land’s Original Show, Younger.

I consider myself a fan of the show, so I am so happy that I received an official Younger t-shirt to wear and style. I thought it was only appropriate to share my loungewear style with all my readers. When I’m watching TV, I usually keep my outfit simple and comfy. You can’t go wrong with my basic Cotton On leggings, paired with my hunter green soft and cozy American Eagle cardigan. I love the long length of the cardigan, because it practically blankets my entire body. Under my sweater, I chose to rock my Younger graphic t-shirt, and of course I had to accessorize it with my La Cle key necklace. Last but not least, my fuzzy socks from Forever 21 are a must for a cozy outfit. Add my Marshalls slipper booties and keep thosetoes nice and toasty.

After catching up on Season 1, I can give you a little “Sparknote edition” for the plot of Younger. The show consists of an amazing and talented cast, featuring Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, Debi Mazar and Miriam Show. If you are a huge Sex and the City fan, Younger is your new show, because Younger is written, executive produced, and directed by Darren Star from Sex and the City. So you better believe the fashion is on point throughout this series.

Anyway, Younger follows 40-year-old Liza, played by Sutton Foster, who is divorced and ready to get back into the working world; however, her age hinders her employment opportunities. When she meets a 20-year-old guy at a bar, he convinces her she looks much younger than her age. As a result, her best friend Maggie, played by Debi Mazar gives her a makeover and a boost of confidence to help her land a new job. With the help of Liza’s new co-workers and friends, she is able to pursue her dream career. The plot is intense and keeps unfolding in each episode. Your eyes will be glued to the screen, guaranteed.

The winter season is all about looking for a new TV series to watch. Winter is the best time to spend inside, snuggled with blankets, and getting lost in a new series. Tune into TV Land tonight at 10 PM to watch the premiere of Season 2 of Younger. If you still haven’t watched season 1, have no fear, TV Land has you covered. Head over to TV Land on Demand, TVLAND.COM, or TV Land’s new app. Just beware that once you start, you won’t be able to stop. When it comes to Younger, there is no such thing as watching only one episode. But who cares because every now and then we all deserve to abandon our long to-do list and just hang out on the couch.

Leggings: Cotton On (SIMILAR) | Sweater: American Eagle (SIMILAR) (SIMILAR) | Shirt: TVLand | Slippers: Marshalls (SIMILAR) (SIMILAR) (SIMILAR) | Necklace: La Cle (SIMILAR)