POSTGRAD LOVES: HALF-UP TOP KNOTS

Can someone please explain go me how to have this semi-wavy, messy, cool hair? Am I just not genetically blessed with it? Do I need to spend hours with different products and tools? Because I want it, real bad. And if I did have that awesome hair, I would 100% be rocking a half-up top knot. I tried it recently, looked really silly and reverted back to my usual hair ways. I also think this hair style requires you to be really cool, which may be why it's not working for me. Ha! If only I was so hip.

You know who really does this hair best though? Kylie Jenner. Her hair and makeup is always flawless. Although our styles don't match, she's one of my style/beauty/hair icons.

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WEEKEND LINKS

While everyone seems to be celebrating the beginning of fall (and pumpkin spice lattes arriving early, too soon Starbucks! Too soon.), I am over here mourning the end of summer. My only consolation is that San Francisco has "second summer", as my boyfriend has coined it, aka an Indian Summer. I'm not ready to give in to fall yet! So bring on the ice cream, shorts, and tan skin as long as possible. 

• Loving this sports bra from Cory Vines, and only $28!
• I made skillet smore's that didn't turn out so great, so I am excited to try this recipe out!
• The world domination of a J. Crew shirt. Lolz. And so true, every guy I know owns one.
• I've never been good at thrifting, but this guide to thrift shops in SF makes me want to try again.
• Such a cute ponytail for short hair!

REVIEW: BABY FOOT EXFOLIATOR

Alright, time to get a little nasty on the blog. Typically, by the end of summer my feet are looking pretty harsh. Enter Baby Foot. My mom read about it somewhere and then tried it out, fell in love, and mailed me a box too. Inside the box are two plastic booties that contain a fruit enzyme gel that cause your feet to peel a few days after use. I just finished my first Baby Foot treatment and I have to say, my feet have never been softer. I will spare you the before, during, and after photos (especially the during) cause it looks pretty gross, but if you have a strong stomach then google "Baby Foot Before and After".   It will give you a good idea of what happens to your feet. The tops of your feet don't peel too much, but it gets the bottom of your feet and around your toes really well. All in all, I can't believe how well it got rid of callouses and tough skin on my feet.

Pro Tip: The directions say soak your feet in warm water before and then wear the booties for an hour. I wore my booties for 90 minutes, but apparently 2 hours is the ideal time. You can't really walk around, so make sure you have a few good shows lined up on Netflix. Also, if you soak your feet every day after wearing the booties, it will speed up the peeling process.

You can buy Baby Foot on Amazon for about $20.

ANKLE BOOTS UNDER $150

When it comes to ankle boots, I am extremely picky. depending on where the boot hits on you the ankle, paired with the heel height, they can be very unflattering to your leg. After months of searching last fall, I finally found a pair I really loved. I wore them nearly every day -- to work, to dinner, to drinks, to running around the city. They got a lot of love, and Outside Lands was their last hurrah. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new pair to replace them. After scouring the internet, I found that Piperlime has the best selection at the best range of prices. While I mostly try to keep everything on PGIP under $50, shoes (and shoes that you wear often!) are one thing I believe in spending more on. Typically, you can get away with buying less expensive sandals, but boots are another story. But you still don't have to break the bank! I found 3 great, versatile pairs under $150.

1. Aldo 'Oneriwien' $100

2. Sam Edelman 'Petty' $130

3. Lucky Brand 'Toland' $99

FRIDAY LINKS

• Whenever I spot ginger-flavored-something on a menu, I immediately want it (and usually order it), but I never cook with ginger at home. I wasn't sure what to do with the weird, little, nubby things I saw at the grocery store. This Budget Bytes post made it look pretty easy and inspired me to get some on my next market trip. (PS, I truly love Budget Bytes for all it's easy and cheap recipes! I have so many bookmarked to try)
• We just started carrying this line of candles at work and I am excited to share them with you. Usually I will like around 25% of scents in candle lines, but I am not lying at all when I say I love every single one of Type.Lites scents. But especially citrus cilantro, teakwood spice, storm fresh, and nectarine mint. I NEED THEM ALL!
• I have been a long time reader of Sydney's blog, and today I was absolutely blown away by her family photo session. The photos are absolutely breathtaking. Doesn't hurt that her family is adorable too!
• I came across this quote on Pinterest recently, and it served as a great reminder when I needed it. 
• What some emojis actually mean. Lolz.

CONVERSE X MISSONI

I usually stay away from designer collaborations. In my opinion, the collaborations with stores such as Target always look great online, but in person just look cheap. Because they are. And that is what you are paying for. However, one collaboration I can definitely get behind is Converse x Missoni. I love the classic white Converse high tops, but when you add in the Missoni patterns and stripes, they are my dream sneakers. 

The black and white pair are definitely my favorite, but I would be so worried to get them dirty! 

I have always loved how Missoni pairs together boring, dull colors (like taupe, I truly hate taupe) with vibrant brights and pastels to make a very chic palette. I would never think to put them all together in one pattern, but hey, that's why I don't work in textiles!

All images via Converse website

WHAT I LOVE LATELY III

1. Hamsa Necklace $6 and Eye Ring $4, Brandy Melville - I have been on the hunt for a hamsa necklace for quite some time, and surprisingly, this cheapie one fit the bill. It's a nice midlength instead of a long, big pendant or short, small one. I figure it will tarnish eventually, but I'm all about it right now! I also love this tiny knuckle ring, I think it looks the eye on top of the pyramid on one dollar bills.

2. Saijo Persimmon Candle, Voluspa $27 - I actually bought this for my sister as a birthday gift, but I plan on buying it for my own apartment as well. It smells so fruity and delicious. I also really love how pretty the tin is. 

3. Espadrilles, J. Crew $30 - I finally got a pair of espadrilles. It took me awhile to decide on a color combination, but this navy and white striped pair seems to pair well with quite a bit in my closet. They are also very comfortable.

4. Bikini, American Eagle $30 - I was surprised at how cute American Eagle bikinis were, and I thought this one was perfect for my East Coast vacation. The ruffle detail is really adorable and the top is more supportive than I expected. 

5. Romper, TopShop $24 - I cannot rave about this romper enough. It is a light linen fabric and has very wide legs, so it looks more like a sundress than a romper. Also, the waist has a small fringe of pompoms that I didn't notice in the online photo. I wore it to the first day of Outside Lands and it was perfect. I can't wait to wear it again!

6. 'Vanity Fairest' and 'Clambake' Polish, Essie $8 each - I have been wearing bright polish on my fingers all summer, but now that I am interviewing for jobs I had to tone it down a bit. Vanity Fairest is a very pretty opalescent pink shade that looks both professional and feminine. Clambake is a great because it has an orange tone and it looks great against tan feet. I would love a lipstick this color too!