FRIDAY LINKS

Last week's trip to Scottsdale was a blast. I had such a good time visiting a new city, relaxing, and connecting with old friends. It just really fed my soul and gave me exactly what I needed. I think everyone can agree that it's easy to get caught up in the day to day whirlwind that we all experience, so it can be hard to keep in touch and have meaningful connection with friends. Going forward, I am definitely going to work on checking in with friends in other cities more often, and also spending more intentional time with my friends nearby.


If you are in SF this weekend, be sure to check out Renegade Craft Fair or the Urban Air Market (or both!). Both events feature awesome local makers and you will be sure to walk away with some amazing things.

My favorite little cactus in Scottsdale last weekend.

• This video of men reading horrific tweets to women sportswriters is awful and so powerful. I cried. But, it addresses an important issue of how freely people write on the internet and how harmful it can be.  
• I always wonder how people decorate the inside of historical homes, so I absolutely loved seeing this Victorian renovation.
• YES. This article resonated with me so much. 
• What 32 celebs wore to meet the president.
• 28 words that do not exist in the English language. I love so many of these! Language is so beautiful
• Sigh. Blair always styles to perfection.
• Definitely making this mint coffee recipe next week. 
• Some original and easy health hacks.

POSTGRAD LOVES: CASLON

Yesterday, as I was walking through Nordstrom, a rack of clothes caught my eye. Judging on the style, I thought it was Splendid. To my surprise, it was actually Caslon, and in house Nordstrom brand. From what I knew about Caslon, I was pleasantly surprised by the pieces. The current collection is full of linens in breezy blues and neutrals, boho accents, and really relaxed silhouettes. I picked out a few of my favorite pieces below, but seriously, check it out next time you are at Nordstrom! Everything looked even better in person. I am really crushing on the jumpsuit (I can never have enough), the sandal, and the peplum top below.

Even better, the pieces are pretty reasonably priced and I have found that Nordstrom brands go on sale pretty frequently.

Sandals $90
Wedges $90
Stripe Dress $68
Lace Dress $78
Jumpsuit $88
Linen Pants $59
Scarf $38
Cardigan $68
Peplum Top $48
Stripe Top $29
Peasant Top $68

SKINCARE UPDATE

If I'm going to be real, skincare kind of overwhelms me. It seems like as of late, there are a million people saying you need a trillion products. Eye cream, serum, anti aging, moisturizer, face masks, cleanser, toner... the list goes on. I've been lucky to have pretty good skin my whole life, so I've really just stuck with my same Neutrogena face wash and a little moisturizer, but that's about it as far as my skincare routine goes.

Well, with my 20's came some changes in my skin and I've added some really awesome products to my skincare regimen. 

1. Murad Acne Spot Fast Fix $18 - This spot treatment has worked really well for me. It's not as quick to get rid of acne as some others that I have tried, but it's much gentler on my skin (and it doesn't bleach my sheets!). It contains 3.5% benzoyl peroxide, so it's perfect for smaller, occasional blemishes. It also has nearly no smell which I like because other spot treatments I've tried had a very strong chemical smell.

2. Boots Botanics Facial Oil $9 - My skin seems to be getting drier, so I really wanted to try out a facial oil as a moisturizer. This one had amazing reviews online and is only $9 so it's definitely worth a try. It is very, very moisturizing, yet doesn't feel too heavy or clog pores. I apply it at night before bed, and in the morning if I am wearing makeup. My skin has been noticeably brighter, glowy-er (is that a word), and plumper than before. A little also definitely goes a long way, so a single bottle lasts awhile. 

I'm still working on improving my skincare routine, so if you have any words of advice or holy grail products, please share! 

FRIDAY LINKS

Hey there, it's been a little quiet this week but I still wanted to share Friday Links because I read a lot of good articles this week. Like really, a lot.

On another note, did you check out the Ivy Park line? Sorry in advance to the Beyhive and the Beygency but I was really underwhelmed. I did like that the line was priced well, but it really just looked like a bunch of basics with logos. However, I'm sure it sold out already. Thoughts?

Have a happy weekend! xx

• 26 Ways Couples Say 'I Love You' Without Saying A Word. I loved this article, it's just so sweet. 
• If you want to know how Ice Cube got his name, definitely read this.
• If supporting a Kickstarter or Indiegogo is on your bucket list, read this now.
• Discovered this blog this week and I am obsessed. I love Dannon's style, photography, and beauty tutorials. 
• A modern look at "blank-slash-blank" job titles.
• Definitely making this recipe this weekend.
• I love a good conspiracy theory, and this one has to be one of my favorites! I can't stop laughing.
• I can't wait to watch the second season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (out today on Netflix!), and this read was fun in anticipation.
• Ordering this dress for a few weekend trips to warmer weather.
• 29 Excellent tips to be a better friend.

FRIDAY LINKS

It's Friday, let out that big sigh of relief. How was your week? Mine was full of ups and downs and I was definitely running on empty this morning. Thankfully the weekend ahead will give me time to rest and recharge. On the schedule is visiting a new coffee shop and hitting up a sample sale of several awesome local brands with a friend (Baggu, Ali Golden, Gravel & Gold, and Voyager).

I also bought this Italian Cookbook, but haven't had a chance to make any recipes yet. I'm putting together a little menu from this cookbook for a stay at home date night. Everything looks delicious and beautiful, so it's hard to narrow it down! Right now I'm leaning towards

• Pasta Pugliese con Polpette Di Giovanna (Pugliese pasta with Giovanna's meatballs)
• Burrata E Fagliolini (burrata and green beans)
• Insalata Di Cavolfiore (Roasted Cauliflower Salad)

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• These quilts are amazing. I want one! 
• Luella & June is one of my longest standing reads because of Bradley's impeccable taste. No surprise that her list of 7 Etsy Shops You Need to Know is full of gems. 
• Um, can these appear in my closet? Thanks.
• Swooning so hard over this wedding, and especially the venue. So creative and dramatic! 
• This boy is adorable, inspiring, and so talented.
• These PJs recently arrived in the mail and they are awesome (and $20!)
• PREACH.

SPRING SCARF REFRESH

I've been seeing silk scarves and bandanas worn tied around the neck lately and it's pretty damn cute. With the right outfit, it adds a focal point of interest and a cool girl vibe. 

If you want to try out the trend, make sure to keep your outfit neutral and also stay away from pairing with feminine pieces. When worn with feminine outfits, the neck tie can veer into stewardess territory. Denim on denim is always a safe bet!

So neck tie, yay or nay?

POSTGRAD LOVES: LE SPECS

I always have my eyes peeled for brands that offer quality products at affordable prices. Sunglasses can be a difficult one, as most brands tend to operate on either the designer end or the very cheap end. Le Specs falls squarely in the middle, with most pairs under $70. They offer a wide selection with styles that range from classic to uber trendy, with tons of pairs that are a good mix of both. 

I ordered a pair from the Shopbop Friends and Family sale and I can't wait for them to arrive just in time for the weekend. The sale continues through April 7th and everything is 25% off! 

1. No Smirking $79
2. Neo Noir, $59
3. Savanna, $59 (I ordered this pair!)
4. Le Debutante, $69
5. Le Debutante, $64
6. Naked $64
7. Hermosa, $31

FRIDAY LINKS

Some random thoughts for a Friday... I've been reading and hearing a lot about morning routines and how important they are. I start work extremely early and I have a long commute, so my mornings are basically waking up at the last minute, brushing my teeth, changing, and running out the door with a banana. I started wondering if I am doing it all wrong and had to gently remind myself that I am just not a morning person and not to believe everything I read on the internet :).

Instead, I feel like I benefit from having a nightly routine. Each night I clean up my apartment, prep my lunch and coffee for the next day, stretch or foam roll, and try to fit in some reading. The mindless gets me in a nice zen mode right before bed, and since I am prepared for the next day I feel less stressed.

Moral of the story: Do what works for you. And sleep in.

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• What your birthstone says about you. My was very accurate!
• Seriously lusting over this dress. Swoon.
• This is insane and awesome. 
• Yes, yes, yes too all three of these recipes.
• This print belongs in my home.
• A new SF restaurant has been splashed all over Instagram this week (and I need to go! Tumeric lattes!)
• The prettiest earrings that are perfect for a summer vacay.