When I was first introduced to the world of makeup, I was completely lost. I remember reading a Bobbi Brown makeup book in my room and being unbelievably confused, feeling as though I would never master the art that is applying makeup. Since then, I'm happy to say that my makeup skills have improved exponentially, to which I have the beauty gurus of YouTube to thank. Below are the links to some of my favorite beauty YouTubers who have inspired me to be adventurous with makeup, style, and (not to be too cheesy) life. Enjoy!

1.) Caitlin Bea: Caitlin's channel is full of ah-mazing makeup and college-tip videos that are a must-watch.
2.) Meghan Rienks: Meghan's videos always make me laugh. She's funny, and totally rocks the natural-makeup look.
3.) Zoella: This Brit is too cute for words, and her style is a bit more daring than other YouTubers, which I love!
4.) Tanya Burr: Another British YouTuber, Tanya is the master of makeup tutorials (my fav: Cara Delevingne)
5.) Sarah Belle: Sarah is the ultimate preppy YouTuber. She's charming, classic, and funny: what's not to love?

Do you have a favorite YouTuber?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

Happy Tuesday my lovely readers!! During this past long weekend, I was pretty productive, and found time to catch up on schoolwork, room-cleaning, as well as my Tumblr. Nothing soothes or inspires me more than scrolling through my Tumblr feed, and finding images that make me happy. I figured since it's the beginning of a new week, that I'd post some images from my Tumblr that elicit happy thinking, and for me, these pictures do just the trick!

Do you have a Tumblr? 
Comment below, I love discovering new blogs!!

Until Next Time!
M.

/ dress / turtleneck {similar} / scarf {similar} / bag / shoes {similar} /

I first want to start off by saying that I wish everyone had a fantastic long weekend, and for those who have schools as nice as mine and have today off as well, I hope you enjoy your EXTRA long weekend! A few days ago, I went out for some brunch with my mom and brother, and naturally I opted to doll myself up more than I needed to. For this outfit, I threw a cashmere turtleneck over one of my favorite black dresses, which I actually do quite frequently. I find that it's a great way to utilize the bottoms of my dresses, as well as make them a bit more casual. It's also an easy way to double the amount of options for the bottoms of my outfits. Additionally, I tied a scarf that I found at an antique shop around my Longchamp bag, as I feel it gives a personal touch to a bag that's widely beloved.

How was your long weekend? Do anything fun? 
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

/ 1.) Come up with a final list of colleges before senior year /

Senior year, although stigmatized as the blow-off year of high school, is actually SUPER stressful first semester, so I recommend having a finite list of colleges going into your senior year of high school.

My suggestion: Utilize the long summer before senior year to research colleges. By the time the school year rolls around, I'd recommend having about 8-12 colleges that you're really interested in. 

/ 2.) Stay on top of your deadlines!! /

In applying to colleges, you will run into numerous deadlines. Be it deadlines for turning in your college transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, or simply a school's application due date, deadlines play a major role in the application process.

My suggestion: Make a list of all the schools you will be applying to, and write down the deadline to which you will be applying (early action, early decision, regular decision, etc.). Then make a calendar of when you need to turn in your transcripts (usually 4 weeks before the deadline), and ACT/SAT scores for those particular colleges.

/ 3.) Take advantage of your school's college counselors / 

Many high schools offer college counselors that help guide you in your search for the perfect college. These counselors are experts, and since they've typically been in the college field for awhile, they are a perfect person to go to for any of your college-related questions!!

My suggestion: Make it your mission to become very familiar with your college counselor. Not only will it allow them to better familiarize themselves with your college search, but it's also SUPER nice having someone there for you when you have questions that no one else can seem to answer!

/ 4.) Visit the campus! /

I know that this isn't always practical, but one of the most helpful ways that I've found to cross colleges off of my list, is by visiting the campuses that I'm interested in. I've found that colleges look pretty beautiful when you google them, because colleges naturally try to show off the best parts of their school to eager high schoolers. When you visit a college campus, though, you're able to see the good, the bad, and most importantly, if you can
see yourself there.

My suggestion: Try to take at least a few college trips to campuses you're interested in. Or, if traveling is an issue, try to check out local universities to get a feel for what size school is right for you!


Any questions on the college application process? 
Feel free to contact me, I'd love to hear your questions!

Until Next Time!
M.

For some time now, I've seen friends and fellow classmates sporting these adorable bracelets, and I've never really known what they were called...all I knew is that I wanted one! After doing some researching involving search engine words like, "cute bracelets" and "fashionable gold pendant bracelets", I finally found what I was looking for. Made right here in the U.S.A, Alex and Ani is a super successful jewelry company, with one of their most popular jewelry items being there personalized "wire bangle". You've probably seen everyone from your best friend to major celebrities wearing these bracelets, because a) they're super cute, and b) you can pick personalized pendants for your bracelet that match your personality, interests, etc. Below are some of my favorite Alex and Ani bracelets that I've wishlisted. Hope everyone is having a happy hump day!  

*images / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 /

Do you own/have you heard of Alex and Ani? Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

If you guys have read my earlier post, then you'll know that this semester my sister is studying abroad in Europe for college (#jealous). I've never been out of the country (heck, I think the farthest I've been away from home was North Carolina), so I'm definitely living vicariously through my sister and her constantly-updating images of her European adventures. I hope some day that I'll have the opportunity to study abroad just like my big sis, but for now my biggest school-related journey has been finishing my college apps! In the meantime, I can always dream that I'm there with her!

Doesn't that last picture remind you of the Lizzie McGuire movie?!

Have you ever been out of the country before? Where to? 
I'd love to hear from you!!

Until Next Time!
M.

Well folks, we made it! Another work/school week is officially behind us, which can only mean one thing...it's the freakin' weekend!! This past week for me has been super busy, what with colleges, tests, and work (I work at a running store, which is pretty cool!). Undoubtedly it's these types of hectic weeks that make me rejoice in the coming of the weekend. Saturday and Sunday allows me not only to catch up with school work and favorite T.V. shows (right now I'm re-watching Gossip Girl), but it also lets me hang out with my family

Now that it's officially October, the summer's warm weather is subtly saying adieu, and chilly fall temperatures are starting to become more and more prevalent. I absolutely love cooler weather, and one of my constant go-to staples for fall is without-a-doubt the oversized coat. Chic and timeless, oversized coats can make even the most basic of outfits look like you just hopped off your private jet and are heading to brunch with your girlfriends. Below are some of my favorite oversized coats for fall from my pinterest, that I use as inspiration for my own looks!

What is your fall wardrobe must-have? Comment below! 
I'd love to hear from you!!

Until Next Time!
M.

Handwritten letters have always been something that I've enjoyed writing and receiving. There's nothing more thoughtful, I think, than a handwritten note from someone, and conversely there's no better feeling than writing one  to someone else. Lately, my mom and I have been watching a lot of this T.V. show on TLC entitled, "Who Do You Think You Are," in which famous celebrities learn more about their ancestor's pasts. After watching a gazillion episodes, I began to become curious about my own past, and became inspired to learn more about two women who I had determined I really didn't know a ton about: my grandmas.

Now granted, I knew a lot about my grandmas and their lives with my parents when they were little, but that was only a fraction of their entire life. I actually knew next to nothing about their younger selves before my parents were born. So the other day I wrote them, asking them about just that! Growing up during the Great Depression, living through WWII; It's really interesting stuff and they experienced it all first-hand. I can't wait to hear more about the lives of these incredible women, and the best part about it is that I will have it forever saved, as all of their memories will be tangibly written down. I definitely encourage you to write a letter to someone special in your life, whether it be inquiring about your relative's past, or simply just keeping in touch!

Until Next Time!
M.

Hey guys! I first want to start off by saying that I'm sorry about the lack of a post yesterday. I was swamped in college transcripts that were due on the last day of September, and unfortunately it didn't leave me with much time for anything else! Staying with that subject, I will also be doing a post on my tips for the college application process in the next few days, so stay tuned!!

 Anyway, today I wanted to talk about the elegant Leighton Meester. I, like most of the female population, have been in love with Leighton Meester ever since first seeing her on Gossip Girl. With a wardrobe and personality like Blair Waldorf's (and a love interest of Chuck Bass I might add), it was hard not to be. And now as Leighton Meester has moved on to other projects, I've found that my wanting-ness to be her has not shifted in the slightest. One of my favorite movies she's been in within the last few years has been the film Monte Carlo, also staring Selena Gomez. Within the movie, she sports a wardrobe that is a little more laid-back than that of Blair Waldorf's, but that's still chic in its simplicity, which I guess is what I ultimately think of Leighton Meester and her sense of style. Whenever I see her on the red carpet, she always look effortlessly sophisticated and classic (emphasis on effortless).

The other day I stumbled upon this YouTube video of Leighton singing "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac, 
and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. She can do no wrong in my book.

Check it out!!

Whose style do you have a girl crush on? Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.