FRIDAY LINKS

Aaaaaand I'm headed down to La this weekend. Again. And it's supposed to rain. I was looking forward to sundress weather, but it doesn't really matter cause I'll be spending the weekend with my best friends. If only we had a '50s pink convertible ride around in, right? 

In other news, I am about to crack open Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets by Sudhir Venkatesh. I listened to a This American Life podcast on Harper High School and was so moved and fascinated by the school and surrounding area. I really recommend you listen, it's an eye opener and gives you a sharp reality check. I'm really looking forward to the reading the book. 

• This Youtube series mocks San Francisco and it's hilarious. This is my favorite episode. 
• This made me feel a little better about being a "grown up".
• I love this trinket holder DIY from LaurenConrad.com, fit for Ariel, don't you think?
• I've always loved wedding gowns (I even worked at a bridal store in college!) and these backstage photos from the Houghton Bridal show are making me saaa-wooooooon. 
• I'm sure you have all hear of HONY, but just in case you haven't.... here it is. It's my favorite to see on Facebook, and I love how honest people are. 

SPRING BEAUTY

The weather has been teasing us so badly in the city. I am anxiously awaiting spring! Even though I have to keep reminding myself that I have a lot of fog in my future... anywho. All this warm weather has me thinking about my spring wardrobe and beauty routine.

Skin: During the warmer months I hate wearing pretty much any makeup, especially foundation/powder/concealer. I'm trying to focus on improving my skin so that all that heavy stuff won't be necessary! I've been using Garnier Moisture Renew for Dry Skin for the past few weeks and I am in love. I'm also still using my Olay face brush, and I'm looking to add a good mask in too, like the Clinique one below.

Makeup: When it comes to makeup, I just want to add a hint of blush, some highlighter, and some concealer to enhance my skin. I've been wanting to try a color correcting concealer to help out with the dark circles under my eyes, so if anyone has tried them out let me know what you think! Other than that, a few coats of mascara, maybe a bit of shadow, and a fun lip color and I think I'll be good to go.

Nails: I currently have Sinful Colors 'Skylark' on and I really love it. It's a really light orange sherbert color. I can easily see this color being unflattering on a lot of skin tones though. Essie 'Tart Deco' is still one of my favorite shades, especially for Spring and Summer. It's darker and more pink than the Sinful Colors shade and is universally flattering.

Eyeshadow, Stila $39 - Beach Wave Spray, The Gnarly Whale $14 

Gel Moisturizer, Garnier $8 - Blush/Bronzer Duo, E.L.F. $3

Concealer, Isadora $31 - Nail Polish, Essie 'Tart Deco' $11 - Lipstain, Revlon 'Audacious' $7 

Highlighter, Topshop $14 - Face Mask, Clinique $33 - Mascara, L'Oreal $9

FRIDAY LINKS

These guys wanted to say Happy Friday. 

• The cutest little bags! 
• I'm digging this Celtic Knot hair, too bad I am not very dexterous!
• How pretty are Lauren's DIY truffles? So impressive! 
• A good read on why your health habits may not be yielding results. 
• Travel hacks you need to know.

WIDE LEG PANTS

Top, Sports Girl $60 - Pants, Rag & Bone $120
Shoes, Akira $37 - Bag, Zara $36 - Sunglasses, Quay $35 - Ring, Topshop $12

3 FAVORITE INSTAGRAMMERS

Today I am linking up with The B Bar to discuss my three favorite Instagrammers. A note on Instagram, I follow mostly other bloggers and brands. Obviously this is because I share interests with them, and also because I like to keep in the know and connect with other bloggers. But, this also leads to a lot of similar photos in my feed. And you know what I'm talking about, the artfully arranged desktop, legs in bed with a cup of coffee. So really, my three favorite Instagrammers are not style bloggers, but unique accounts that bring something different to my feed.

1. Cucina Digitale (@cucinadigitale) - I studied abroad in Rome, and my heart aches for Italy on a daily basis. Cucina Digitale takes such wonderful photos all over Italy (and in Rome) that brings me a great sense of nostalgia. Plus, all of the muted Italian colors are so calming and pretty.

2. Sandra Suárez (@artedemirar) - This account always brings a little bit of silliness and a lot of creativity to my feed. The washed pastel colors are also pretty to look at. For awhile she was making different masks every day, which I LOVED, and now is moving onto creating paintings on object such as different fruits. 

3. Symmetry Breakfast (@symmetrybreakfast) - Symmetry Breakfast is just so aesthetically pleasing. I am not a particularly organized or tidy person, but for some reason seeing breakfast perfectly laid out (and symmetrical) makes me feel an odd sense of calm. It's also fun to see what non-americans eat for breakfast, it's a lot more interesting than my regular toast or oatmeal! 

And if you want to follow along on my Instagram adventures, you can follow me @postgradinpumps!

Check out some of the other blogs participating in the linkup!

The B Bar

Annie Reeves

Alyssa J Freitas

Cake & Lilies

Liska Monet

The Not Quite Adult

Equal Parts of a Whole

Carrie Loves

A Loyal Love

Paper and Skyscrapers

Glitter, Inc.

SKC Marketing

Shenanigan-ska

Elana Lyn

Sponsored by Coffee

Always Craving

All The Pretty Stars

Business Betties

Perfect Enough For Us

Always Anita

A Little Leopard

A Girl for Granted

Tortoise in the Sun

The Yuppie Files

Healthfully Ever After

Urban Pixxels

Roam + Golightly

Preppy Panache

Brikasia

White Cabana

Idalia Photography

Little Wild Heart

Wearing Pearls

The Everyday Adventurer

Splendor in Spanglish

Life Modifier

Post Grad in Pumps

Alessandra Marie

Random Little Faves

PR Girl Diaries

Caitlin Cawley

Modish & Main

26 and Not Counting

Pretty Much Design Studio

Grace Notes

Girl in Betsey

Something Good

Life with the Champions

Pattern Me Pretty

Simply Nicole

The Fashionable Wife

Cassandra Monroe

I Am Amber Nicole

Southland Avenue

English Mamma

Cake Over Steak

York Avenue

Jenn Inspired

Hitha on the Go

Beauty and the Pitch

Cedar and Rush

Luv in the Bubble

Des Moines Darling

Cheyenne Mojica

Step Brightly

Soak and Simmer

A Touch of Teal

Paris vs The World

Style and Free

Lovely Friend

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Blue Bijou

PR Blonde

Leigh Clair

Moonlight Chai

Meg Biram

Victoria McGinley

FRIDAY LINKS

Happy Friday the 13th! and early Valentine's Day! I hope everyone has fun plans for the long weekend. I'm heading up to Tahoe with a group of friends for some snowboarding, sledding, and maybe a little gambling. This week was a bit of a doozy, so I'm looking forward to a fun and relaxing weekend. 

On another note, do you listen to podcasts? I'm really hooked on them. This week I listened to "Cops See It Differently" on This American Life (among many other podcasts) and it was heart wrenching. It was a very interesting discussion on the current situation with police forces and race in the United States and I am looking forward to part two. 

• So this is fabulous. I adore The Coveteur 'Closet' series, I think it's by far the best part of the site.
• Aerial night time views of San Francisco... How could I not include this video? It's breathtaking. 
• This is such an adorable DIY Valentine's gift.
• I'm re-watching Gossip Girl and my God is it glorious. It's actually the best show to ever exist. This article about the style had me laughing and nodding in agreement. 
• Yes, yes to all of this.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Valentine's with the loves in your life! xx

POSTGRAD LOVES: WIDELEG PANTS

Lately, I've really been dressing for comfort. Lots of skirts, sweatshirts, and activewear (oof). In part this is due to just being busy. I've been working a lot and jam packing my weekends. I am just too tired to be honest! One thing I could definitely get on board with though is wide leg pants. Ultra wide-leg to be exact. They just look so flowing and comfortable, and not to mention chic as hell when they are appropriately tailored. 

VALENTINE'S

I know, you probably opened this and thought "ugh, another Valentine's Gift Guide". Well, semi-true. I didn't really feel like putting together a gift guide for guys that included whiskey stones, a sweater, and cool sneakers, but I did want to put some fun products together. I love Valentine's Day, and I always have. It's just so fun, kitchy, and cheesy. I love hearts in general, and this month just gives me a good reason to put them everywhere!

I've really got my eye on those sunglasses... one pair for me and a few for my friends!

T-Shirt, Comme de Garcons $115 - Sweater, Choies $25 - Pajama Shorts, Gap $23 - Undies, Uniqlo $7
Heels, Charlotte Olympia $1500 - Purse, Rebecca Minkoff $195 - Necklace, Dogeared $62 - Earrings, Kate Spade $48
Ring, Gorjana $35 - Sunglasses, Paper Source $5 - Blush, RMK $45 - Makeup Brushes, Forever 21 $5 
Print, Etsy $18 - Mug, Emma Bridgewater $30 - Dishes, Crate and Barrel $13
Measuring Spoons, Sur la Table $5 - Card, Paper Source $7