GIRL

GET THE LOOK

If I could wear one outfit every day this would be it. The term casual chic is probably overly used in my world (just ask my husband) but its really the best way to describe this look. I love combining textures and fabrics, luxe colors, and creating something that feels good and looks effortless. The fact that I also feel like I'm in pajamas is and added bonus! So these shoes...I can't stop wearing them. The champagne metallic color goes with everything and they're extremely comfortable. I have a thing for this woven cane look right now: these shoes, this chair also love these sandals. 

• This cardigan is from looks and feels lux but its under $100. If you don't see your size keep checking because they've restocked it a few times. I'm wearing a US 4:) 
• While we're on the cardigan topic, this one is on my wishlist. Love that its a twist on a classic with the "chew" detailing + I would wear this color all year round. 
• This under $100 ivory one paired with this silk tank and these jeans!!!

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ASK ME ANYTHING: BLOGGER QUESTIONS

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Last month Instagram launched a new feature called "questions". I think it was an idea that stemmed from the oh so popular "5 things" where bloggers/influencers shared 5 things about themselves that you may not have known. It really caught on and IG decided to create something more permanent. Sharing answers to my most recent group of questions below!

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How do you stay so fit being as busy as you are?

I've been seriously slacking in the fitness department! You can ask my trainer! I'm always on the go which helps but honestly I consider myself "fat skinny". I may look thin but my mid middrift section is not toned AT ALL and I want to be a lot stronger. Its been really tough getting to the gym with my new schedule but I'm hoping to kick it into high gear starting this Fall.  

How do you get yourself protein despite your food sensitivites?

I'm not a vegetarian so I get most of my protein from chicken and fish. Other than that I eat a ton of nuts and other legumes like lentils and chickpeas. I probably could be a vegetarian or eat that way but so far I haven't had the desire. I find breakfast to be the hardest meal and I'll usually make a bowl like this one or have a nut butter smoothie. 

What was your first real job after graduation? Fave job other than blogging?

After graduation I went to work for IBM! You're shocked I know. Following that I went to Ralph Lauren where I stayed for 5+ years. Being a stylist is my absolute favorite job other than styling. I love helping people create their best selves...its not just about the clothing. 

What favorite places to shop?

shopbop // net-a-porter // goop // onekingslane

Favorite Designer?

Chloe

When did you start blogging?

my first post on the girl guide was January 14, 2011. The blog looked very different then! I purchased the domain though in 2009! I took a break in September of 2011 to focus on my career in fashion and re-launched in December of 2016. I like to say no regrets BUT...I wish I had never stopped:)

How do you balance your time with your adorable kids and running a successful business?

This is a constant work in progress! The biggest thing is support from others. I could not do this alone! We have an awesome nanny who is flexible and gives me peace of mind while I'm away. That being said when I left my corporate job in fashion a few months ago we had to significantly lower her hours which meant more time for me with the kids. I'm so grateful for the flexibility and the opportunity to see them more but it can also be really stressful working from home with a deadline! Actually nearly impossible:) SO - work in progress! My husband is also very supportive and helps out with the boys all the time. We have just started a once a week "meeting" to go over what we each have for the week. Its been extremely helpful in addition to a joint calendar. 

When you launched your blog did you post several posts at once or just one?

When I first launched I started with a single post. When I re-launched I had all my previous posts from my original blog but unfortunately all the imagery didn't transfer. 

When did you start blogging?

2011

What is your job other than blogging? I know you say you're self employed. 

I'm a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant. I do everything from help an individual re-organize their closet, to assisting a family with a holiday photoshoot, to styling a brand's Spring campaign/lookbook. 

Do brands ever send you clothes that you're just like no way? What do you do?

I've never had a brand just send me something. They usually reach out first and say they would like to work together. If it's a item that I don't feel fits my brand I will kindly let them know. There is nothing worse than just accepting something you don't like just to get it. I've been on the other side of that working for fashion brands and retailers and it doesn't feel good. Partnerships should be mutually beneficial and I don't want to share anything with my followers that I don't absolutely love. 

What are the best ways to grow followers?

This is such a tough question. When I re-launched my blog a year and a half ago Instagram was already very different than it is today. It was even more different 3-4 years ago. I've listened to a few podcasts on this topic and everyone seems to say the same thing - be you, be different, be compelling. Your following will grow. Giveaways can help also - I did my first large giveaway once I reached 5k but its not something you want to do regularly. I also love my local community so I started there. Hope that helps!

Do you use photoshop for your layouts? If not, how do you make them?

I do all my collages on photoshop!

HOME SWEET HOME

I started decorating this room in my head three years ago - a year before we found our home. I always knew I wanted a white linen sofa and I found this one on my favorite home decor site, One Kings Lane. Ours is no longer available but here is this similar style. People always ask me how I keep our sofa clean with two little boys...the short story is this room is a food free zone but as we all know accidents happen. I felt better about getting an off white linen know it was a slip cover. Luckily I haven't had to strip the whole thing yet but for spot treatments I swear by this enzyme cleaner. It really works on EVERYTHING not just pet stains. 

• I fell in love with this polished nickel lantern for our foyer - we've had it for 2 years now and it still looks pristine!

• I found these cane back chairs for under $150. Love the Scandinavian feel of the grey washed wood and eventually I want to move them to another room in the house and replace with custom upholstered chairs (add that to my long decor wishlist).

• Semi-home related: I treated myself to this diffuser on a recent trip to Sag Harbor and I LOVE it. Sounds silly but every time I put it on it brings me joy. Luke recently started asking me to put it in his room at night. The same brand also makes the loveliest oils - we've been defusing Pacific!

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FOR THE HOME

SILK WRAP DRESS + WEDDING GUEST STYLE

shop the post 

I loved my wedding. Not just the day, the whole weekend. BUT I do have one regret....my rehearsal dinner dress. SO BAD! You probably would look at it and say, "that's not terrible", but up close it was. It was stiff, not well made, and not cheap. I don't know why I left that dress till the last minute but unfortunately for me and my pictures, I did. If I could do it all over again I would choose something like this dress or this silk heart printed dress. This splurge style would be perfect for a destination wedding and this one....all the HEART eyes!!

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wedding guest dresses

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for your hair

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A CLEAN BEAUTY LIFESTYLE

Using natural and organic products has always been important to me. Ok, wait, let me take a step back. Eating natural and organic products has always been important to me. It was probably something that started early on during my summers in Belgium. Everything was from the farm, baked fresh, and required a short shelf life. I would return back home to the states and didn't understand how/why we ate bread that lasted a week plus. I also loved the system they used for glass bottles. At the beginning of the week water and other beverages would be dropped off in crates. When you finished a bottle you would return the empty glass bottle to the crate. At the end of the week the delivery company would pick up your empty bottles. Always recycling and always glass. I digress. 

When you're getting ready for the arrival of your first baby you want everything to be perfect. I did tons of research on the best baby skin care products, formula, cleaning products for our home, etc. After Luke was born something changed. Maybe it was the time we spent together nursing but I kept thinking, is this stuff I'm wearing on my face ok for him to have on his? The same went for my body lotion. And so it began...the hunt for as many natural and organic products as I could find! If you want to see more on my summer beauty routine click here!

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SUMMER BEAUTY HACKS

+ Bright eyes without the cake! Add a drop of your favorite face oil into the palm of your hand. Mix with concealer and dab over dark circles. My absolute favorite organic concealer plus this oil 

+ For the low back, the slinky silk summer tops and dresses Nippie Covers 

+ Traveling? No problem! Favorite Travel Steamer  

+ Not exactly a beauty hack but wanted to share this mascara. I use it everyday unless I'm shooting for the blog or going to a formal event. On those occasions I still wear my pharmacy brand stuff (which I hate doing but its always darker and lasts!). Still haven't found an organic one that I can wear 24/7. 

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MY BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

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HOT SUMMER SALE

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SHOP WHITE DRESSES

NORDSTROM PUBLIC SALE

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PRE FALL FAVORITES

A TRANSITIONAL LOOK

By not you're probably over all the #NSALE posts and shopping for sweaters and coats when its 95 degrees out seems silly! I will say you'll thank your summer self in September when you want to buy the perfect distressed jean to wear with a new sweater and everything is full price! This post began with a cardigan. It comes in 4 colors (love all of them) but I was really attracted to this minty gray blue. Its a color I've been seeing a lot for Fall and surprisingly looks great paired back to plaids and florals. I've ordered from this site before and its 80% great, 20% ehhh. I will say they represent their items well and the quality is usually one step above Zara. Hope you like this edit! 

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NANTUCKET weekend recap

Last Thursday morning we jumped on a plane for a three day, two night trip to Nantucket and it was heavenly. I didn't know what to expect and honestly a part of me thought that all the hype would turn out to be overrated. Well, it wasn't! When we were on our way back to the airport on Saturday I kept saying to Frank, "I can't believe that was only three days...I feel like we've been on vacation for a week!". My sister-in-law rented a house from Saturday to Saturday that was in the best location and central to everything. It was a 15 minute walk to town and about a 25 min bike ride to this restaurant and Madaket beach. I would have walked anywhere on this island and I kept reminding myself to soak it all in - the smell, the flowers, the perfectly aged gray houses - it was all perfect.

If you're traveling with kids this company is amazing! They rent out everything from car seats to sound machines. If you're flying to the island its a must. We brought one stroller but rented a second once we realized we were going to walk everywhere. 

• If you're looking for a casual lunch I lived here. If you follow me on Instagram and saw my stories during the trip you're probably laughing. I LIVED there!

• We went here for dinner the first night - very good and kid friendly! Request to sit outside though. The dining room by the bar and the one below are dark and not the vibe I was going for dining on an island.

• We went to Galley Beach on Friday for dinner. It is gorgeous at night and the sunset is not to be missed. The only reservation we could get was either 5:30pm or 8:30pm so we went with the latter. We met our friends Mackenzie and Will for a drink around 7 and took pictures. If you're thinking of heading here with kids I would say its kid friendly on the earlier side. Our boys can usually handle staying up a little later but dinner on the beach, in the sand, and in the dark (by candlelight) was too much! We definitely ended up shoveling our $48 entrees in our mouthes!

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NANTUCKET PACKING LIST

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DRESSES

for cold summer nights

tops with denim

bottoms

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BOY MOM

SHOP THE POST

BOY MOM! No but really - its a thing:) For as long as I can remember I just knew I was going to have boys. People always ask me if I wish I had a girl and I honestly don't ever think about it that way. I can't imagine a life without my two sweet boys and I feel lucky everyday. Even when they're swinging their baseball bats into the TV and yelling "MOM" over and over again! 

Love this insert. I'm not a huge fan of the traditional "mom gear" thats out there but I love when I find pieces that are both chic and functional. The same brand also sells a tote which I would recommend for any new mom. They wear really well and are a great price point. 

• Luke's car seat - Easy to clean and move between cars, found it on sale:)

• Harry's car seat - This was Luke's too! Its lightweight and still going strong for baby #2!

• Umbrella Stroller

• Sound Machine - Beware you may become addicted to this too! I can't sleep without one now. They travel really well which is a plus!

• Diaper Bag - I've blogged about this one before! The insert inside is mission critical for ever mom wanting to stay organized + you can have your monogram hand painted on the outside!

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THE THINGS I'VE LEARNED SO FAR

gentleman are not born they are made

always bring an extra pair of underwear

let them wear a different shoe on each foot - the battle will only upset you both and by the end of the week he'll be back to wearing a matching pair

its never too early for a date night (with your son)

they're always on the move - make sure you slow it all down once in a while and enjoy the moment

bless the mess - this is the hardest one for me and my saving grace is the no food, no toys room (with a white sofa) in our house. So far so good!

communicate - every night I tell Luke about my day and then he goes through his. EVERY SINGLE DETAIL! Even when I'm so tired I feel like I'm going to fall over! I know this is going to be a big one as he gets older. 

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY - this was so important for me as a mom working 40+ hrs a week and its a tough one to remember when all you want to do is spend more time with them. One hour of uninterrupted (iPhone free) time over 5 distracted hours. 

BOY STYLE

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tops

bottoms

footwear

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NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE

The day is here! I didn't realize how big this sale was till last summer when I picked up a few great Fall pieces but regretting missing so many others. Early access starts today which means you can only sop from now until the 19th if you have a Nordstrom card. After that the sale will be open to the public until it ends on August 5th. There are definitely benefits to having the card for this sale as sizes do sell out but I'm also not a huge fan of department store credit cards so no pressure! I've had a few people reach out about what they should by and my advice has been less is more. I always suggest investing in a few amazing pieces that you can wear the whole Fall/Winter season rather than filling up your cart with less expensive items that you won't want next year. Happy shopping! 

PS Have a question or need some advice on a particular item? Send me a message!

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SHOP THE SALE

• A basic white tee - Great for the summer but I also layer these under every sweater during the Fall
• A cute basic open cardigan for under $50. Love the length of this one and this one too!
• I love the men's tailored look to these PJ's. I have them and had the pocket monogrammed:) 

FOR THE BOYS

VEGAN SUMMER BOWL

When you can't eat dairy finding a filling, fresh, and quick option for breakfast can be tough. Six years ago my go-to was a cup of regular yogurt or an English muffin with cream cheese. When I realized I was lactose intolerant it was a shock to my system and back then there were no tasty almond or coconut based options. Throw in additional issues with gluten and breakfast became the toughest meal of the day! 

These days things are a lot easier for a V/GF eater. Luckily I'm able to tolerate eggs but I don't always have the time to make them. I'm also a huge fan of smoothies but the extra step of a blender has always been a deterrent. During the week my go-to is a bowl of my favorite almond milk yogurt with this granola. I love using seasonal fruit and during the summer its been mango, figs, and lots of berries. For toppings I like to use hemp seeds, coconut flakes or butter, chia seeds, or cacao nibs. 

PS Luke suffers from very bad seasonal allergies. This year I purchased a local honey and added it to his breakfast. Call me crazy but I think it actually helped!

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IN MY BAG

I'm always curious which products and things people carry around with them in their purses and when they travel. Two Christmases ago I put these travel case sets on one of my Lust Lists and Frank surprised me with one! They are truly the best quality, and the price is incredible at $110 for both. The larger one even has a mini pocket inside for jewelry. I've been using the smaller size a ton this summer because its perfect to throw in my large straw totes and it keeps me organized. Funny fact about my cases: STM is not the correct monogram for me. I'm pretty sure it was Frank's first time ordering a monogram EVER and in his defense the website used to be a little more confusing. So yep, should be SMT but who notices those things anyway, right? He felt terrible and even though it killed my OCD-self, I couldn't bring myself to order a new one and change it:)

Another summer favorite in my bag are these wipes. I love the smell of them and the essential oils are a nice natural alternative to cleansing. Call me crazy but they also make the best air freshener for your car! I use one and leave it in the car for a few hours and voila! The multi pack is a great starting point to see which scent you like best!

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PS Here is a link to my raffia heart key chain. Probably my least essential purchase this summer hehe but boy does it make me happy every time I look at it! It also makes the best hostess gift!

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IN MY BAG

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PRETTY IN PINK

GET THE LOOK

Happy Monday! Last week really felt like two weeks with the 4th smack dab in the middle. We didn't have any major plans and took advantage of time spent with family and friends. Its amazing how much my life has changed now that I don't work on the weekends. The biggest difference is the time that Frank and I now have to be a with one another, parent together, and just talk! We've been together for over 13 years and for almost 8 of them he was a lone soldier on either Saturday or Sunday. Most mornings I wake up feeling a little anxious because its so strange not to head out the door to my "job" at 8 am, but after weekends like this I am reminded how lucky I am to start this new chapter! 

You can find my top knot earrings here. It looks like my "beach" color is sold out but I love the "blush room" and black is such a classic! 

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UNDER $100 - SUMMER

SHOP THE POST

I recently had a client reach out because because she loved this under $100 post. We had already added a handful of splurge items to her closet for summer but she still had the "itch" to shop. She asked me to round up a few more steal pieces et voilà! Clearly I still had my sister's bachelorette weekend on my mind when I added in the cocktail napkins. Ordered number one and five and LOVE number 12! Another item that didn't make the list but I love is this striped neutral blazer. Perfect for now and Fall!

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THE PERFECT PROVENANCE

dress // bag (call store) // shoes

Perfect is just the word I would use for this gem nestled on a side street of Greenwich Ave in Greenwich, CT. I still remember the feeling I had the first time I walked in. It was a combination of shear joy that a place like this had opened in our backyard combined with a nostalgia for summers spent in France and Belgium with family. Inside the meticulously renovated 1920s Victorian home is a treasure trove of the finest clothing, curated art, and a cafe (that if you follow my Instagram you know I frequent multiple times a month). I love popping in for a tea and a hostess gift and during the winter months it became one of my happy places, a mini vacation from the cold and the snow. Thats when I discovered this hand cream that I can't live without and this hand soap. Everyone in our house loves using it, especially Luke who calls it "the good soap" :).

If you live in Connecticut or you're just passing through, Perfect Provenance is a must see! Don't forget to say hi to founder and curator Lisa Lori and order a Solstice Sun, my favorite iced tea!

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dress // shoes // bag // sunglasses

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dress // bag // shoes

today's post was sponsored by my friends at the perfect provenance

Independence Day SALES

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I keep reminding myself I'm not going to complain about the heat! I said it over and over to myself this winter when I was begging for Spring to come :) So I will continue to be grateful for 100 degree humid days as I sit here sweating! Also today I went to infrared so I'm a glutton for punishment! 

This jacket is a must buy! I wore it to death during the spring and will also have it in rotation for Fall. The flax linen color is the best neutral and its on sale here and more sizes here! I'm wearing a size P. Also lots of questions about the white dress I'm wearing here. Its old from Club Monaco but I found a similar one here and here! Also love this one which is a lot less!

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Independence Day Sales 

shopbop

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moda operandi - extra 20% off with code FIREWORK

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WEEKEND RECAP - A DAY IN SAG HARBOR

THE WANDERER DRESS

I had the loveliest weekend celebrating my sister's bachelorette in the Hamptons. Her friends organized an Airbnb in Southampton that was gorgeous! It comfortably fit all ten of us and included a pool and lovely gardens. On Friday night we went to Wollfer Kitchen and Saturday drinks at the Wollfer wine stand followed by a restaurant called Calissa. Both were great! Call me crazy but my happiness on vacation usually revolves around food. Most people would say the beach or pool but nope, not me! Give me a delicious lunch followed by and iced tea and I'm at my happiest.  

I brought two bags with me this weekend: this one and this one. It was the perfect combination! Also lots of questions about the dress I wore out on Saturday night in blush - only found it white and black here. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday week!

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SAG HARBOR

Breakfast at Provisions : When I discovered this place about 7 years ago it was love at first sight. As you know I have a serious love for healthy foods and even more so organic and dairy-free options. If you're heading to Sag Harbor or just passing through, stopping here is a must. I recommend the watermelon juice and my absolute favorite thing to eat is the baby buddha (ask for both the tahini and green herb dressing. 

Lunch on the go at Harbor Market & Kitchen: Last summer we rented a house in Sag Harbor and Frank and I stumbled upon this place while on a morning bike ride. Everything is delicious! They have vegan and gluten free options and will also happily satisfy a carnivore:) You can eat in at their communal tables or pack a to-go basket for the beach. My favorites are the salmon cakes, tahini brownies, and jasmine iced green tea. 

Coffee/Tea and a cookie break (while shopping) at Sylvester & Co.: Lynda Sylvester starting making cold brew 20 years ago. You can drink her now famous coffee here on tap along with a delicious homemade dark chocolate peanut butter cup. Yes I was a little bit indulgent on this trip! 

Frozen Yogurt at Buddha Berry: Every time I go here I beg them to open in Connecticut. Their frozen yogurt is delicious and they have the most amazing dairy-free options that are coconut milk based. This weekend it was match (obviously I was in heaven). 

Shopping at Goop: I loved last years pop-up in Amagansett and this one doesn't disappoint! Don't miss the beautiful outdoor garden in the back! I treated myself to this diffuser that has been on my wishlist for a long time. Last night we diffused this oil and my bedroom smelled amazing!

For buried treasure stop in Bloom: I couldn't find a website for this gem but trust me, its a must visit. The picture above was shot in the back cottage. BLOOM 43 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY

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IN MY BAG

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HAPPY 4TH!

GET THE LOOK

So if the 4th of July is next Wednesday do we celebrate this weekend or next technically? I'm confused! I love the shade of blue in this week's lust list. Not sure if I've admitted this before to you but I'm not a navy girl. People always tell me to wear it and that its a great color for blondes but for some reason its at the bottom of my list. But this paler blue I can get behind!

I'm headed to the Hamptons this weekend for my sister's bachelorette party. SO excited (and so happy we're not going to Vegas LOL). I hope everyone has a great weekend! It looks like its going to be a hot one on the East Coast. 

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LUST LIST

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5 MINUTE MAKEUP - SUMMER EDITION

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 apply moisturizer - I like this one because its the perfect balance of hydration and doesn't leave my skin feeling oily

SPF - THIS IS SUPER LIGHT AND I APPLY A LAYER RIGHT OVER MY MOISTURIZER. IF THATS TOO MUCH FOR YOU JUST USE THIS!

Foundation - I absolutely love this foundation. Its organic so the consistency will be slightly different than what you're used to but I suggest you put a few drops of your favorite face oil on your hand and mix before you apply. I use this under my eyes and on blemishes. Its great as an all over base too when you're looking for more coverage. The shade I use is like porcelain

Blush - You will fall in love with this blush. I love how creamy it is and I also use it on my lips and mix with a gloss. The shade I use is blossoming

LAST STEP - MASCARA! FULL Disclosure I don't love this as much as drug-store $8 mascara however the trade off is that this is natural and clean. For photoshoots and big events I still use the alternative!

facial 2x a week - always leaves my skin looking bright and clear like I just had a facial

warning - it burns a little!

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E-STYLING

SHOP THE POST

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We took full advantage of our unplanned days and did some much needed work around the house. Its funny, I don't have a green thumb when it comes to indoor plants, but so far so good with the outdoor ones! Leaving the house today I really enjoyed walking past all the work we had done yesterday. So rewarding! Although if anyone has an pointers on grass I'll take them! We're trying to keep things as "natural" as possible because of the kids/dog but its really tough when you also want green grass! 

I'm so excited to officially launch e-styling today! What is that you might ask? If you're looking for help with your closet or you have a specific event or trip you need styling help with this is for you. I will create guides like this and this one specifically tailored to your needs that you can easily shop at your leisure. This means you can still get styling help even if you don't live in CT/NY (YAY...claps hands)! I've been doing it unofficially for about two years now and thought it was time I shared:) If this à la carte styling sounds interesting to you, send me a note here!

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denim jackets

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SPECIAL THANKS TO KERRI ROSENTHAL FOR LETTING US SHOOT IN HER BEAUTIFUL GALLERY IN WESTPORT, CT