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When it comes to holiday shopping, I excel at shopping for my girlfriends, sister, and mom-- basically any of the women in my life. Where I tend to struggle, however, is when I try to think of great gift ideas for the guys in my life (dad, brother, etc.). Thankfully, I can always count on J.Crew to save the day! On J.Crew's website, they have a whole list of perfect gift ideas for men on their holiday gift guide, which are organized by color (how perfect, am I right?). Above I've included some of my favorites that are sure to be the perfect gift for any guy on your list!

Which item is your favorite?
 Know of any other good websites for great guy gifts?
I'd love to hear what you think!

Until Next Time!
M.

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Since a young age, Clinique has always been one of my favorite makeup and skincare companies. I remember being thirteen and buying my first tube of natural-looking mascara at the makeup counter in Nordstrom and feeling like I had so much makeup on my face, when in retrospect I was barely wearing anything! Still, my love of the Clinique brand and the fresh, simple quality of makeup that it produces has remained a staple in my makeup collection. Here are some of the current Clinique beauty favorites that I've been pining after.

Do you enjoy Clinique makeup? Have any favorite products?
I'd love to hear them!


Until Next Time!
M.

It's Thursday guys, which means only one more day until Fridayy!! Today I thought I'd talk with you all about fashion inspiration. Lately I've noticed that in choosing my outfits, I tend to incorporate looks  or styles that I've seen some of my fav TV characters or bloggers sporting, as I find taking inspiration from what others wear is a key part in discovering my own style. So without adieu, let's get into some of my current inspirations...

1. Blair Waldorf (obvi)

Classic, sophisticated, feminine. Need I say more?


2. Leandra Medine

Love, love, love how Leandra plays around with shapes, colors, and textures. 
She definitely inspires me to be more adventurous with my style!


3. Taylor Swift

I've been loving Taylor's looks lately-- chic, elegant, and most importantly...fun! 
And can we talk about those dresses in the "Blank Space" video, I mean...

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Anyone you're currently inspired by?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

So...I basically blame this video for not allowing me enough time to finish my homework-- I seriously cannot stop watching. If you guys haven't seen T. Swift's new music video for her song "Blank Space" off her new album 1989 (which I'm sure is highly unlikely), you need, I repeat NEED to watch it!! This music video perfectly encapsulates the point of her song, and even though she goes a bit cray-cray towards the end, I still find myself asking the most pressing question, "Can I please just be her?" It is ultimate perfection...there's nothing else to say. 

Typically I would post the video for you guys, but unfortunately, the video has been blocked and can only be
 seen on YouTube.

{ Check out the video here. }

What did you guys think of the music video?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

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Yayy! Another addition of Tuesday's Tumbles is here!! As usual, I've included some of my favorite posts off of my tumblr that have brought me some joy in the beginning of this new week, and will hopefully do the same for you.

Have tumblrs you enjoy/think I should follow?
Comment below, I love following new tumblrs.

Until Next Time!
M.

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Today I wanted to tell you guys about a great opportunity for those of you who, like me, have an interest in fashion, beauty, or are fans of Teen Vogue. The other day, while on TeenVogue.com, I came across this great program called "Teen Vogue It Girls". The program entails access to inside deals, steals, sweepstakes, and giveaways, and also includes exclusive surveys that allow you to have your voice and opinions heard by Teen Vogue. The best part? It's super easy to become a Teen Vogue It Girl! A short survey and some fill in the blanks, and you're well on your way to becoming an It Girl! I encourage everyone to go check it out.

Any questions?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

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Being a senior in high school, I think it's safe to say that I'm not swimming in loads of cash. Therefore, I try to save money where I can, especially when hanging out with my friends. I'm always looking for new ideas on how to be a bit more frugal with money, while still being able to have a great time with my bffs. You can imagine my excitement then, when yesterday I stumbled across this helpful article by Lilit Marcus of Teen Vogue, explaining ways in which you can have fun with your besties, without spending a fortune. Below I've included some of my favorite tips that I hope to implement within my own friend group! 


1. Split Hangouts into Sections
If you have an entire day full of activities planned with your friends (shopping in the mornings, manis in the afternoon, and a movie at night), try telling your friends you can only make it to one or two of the activities. This way you're still able to hang out with your girls, but won't feel pressured to spend more money than you can.


2. Suggest Alternate Options
Sometimes, your friends may want to hang out or have a nice dinner somewhere especially pricey. If you're not comfortable spending that much money on a night out, let them know!! Offer another place where all of your friends can go for an equally good time that's a fraction of the cost.

3. Remember: Hanging Out is more Important than Focusing on Specific Activities 
Who doesn't like a good dinner or day of shopping with your girlfriends? However, just remember that your 
friends want to spend time with you because they're your friends. Ergo, you don't need to spend loads of cash to have a good time, hanging out with your friends is good enough. For instance, the other day instead of seeing
 a movie, my friends and I stayed home and watched Austenland on TV (for any Jane Austen fans, I'd definitely recommend you see it!!). 

Any other tips for saving money while hanging out with friends? 
I'd love to know!!

Until Next Time!
M.

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Whoot-whoot, it's Friday ladies and gents, which for me means a night sitting on my couch and re-watching Gossip Girl on Netflix (I just started season four!!). Today I thought I'd talk to you guys about one of my favorite accessory pieces: the gold watch. Not only do I think gold watches can be worn with any outfit (seriously any outfit), but I also find that in wearing a mens-inspired gold watch, one could not look any more sophisticated. Here are some of my favorites that I've been loving at the moment!

Do you like the gold watch look?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.

I seriously cannot believe that I turn 18 years-old today. No longer am I considered a child by governmental standards-- I am now a full-fledge grown-up. Okay so not really, I mean I'm only 18, but it's still a big number and a big birthday!! I actually have my birthday on a pretty awesome day this year, as I don't have school Thursday or Friday, so it's like my birthday is one awesome kick-off to a refreshingly long weekend. 

For me, 18 is the marking of a new period in my life; I feel as though I'm partly saying goodbye to some of my younger, more childish years and in return, I'm saying hello to a more independent, mature me. It's partly terrifying this idea of becoming older and more independent, but thrilling at the same time. The way I see it, the world is my oyster, and I can't wait to see what 18 brings. Here's to another great year!!

Until Next Time!
M.

1.) Tokyo Stitched Bow Tee // original: $98.00 // sale: $39.00

2.) Southport Avenue Aurelia // original: $328.00 // sale: $129.00

3.) Round Leverback Earrings // original: $58.00 // sale: $25.00

4.) Highland Place Katie // original: $328.00 // sale: $129.00

1.) Tower Avenue Samira // original: $298.00 // sale: $119.00

If you guys haven't already, you NEED to head over to the Kate Spade Surprise Sale, where items are up to 75% off their final sale prices (somebody pinch me). I highly suggest that you hightail it over there as soon as possible, as there are only two days left in this amazing sale, and things are getting snatched up quickly!! Above I've included some of my favorite pieces that are on sale for only a fraction of what they originally costed. Happy shopping!

What are your favorite pieces from the Kate Spade Surprise Sale?
Comment below!!

Until Next Time!
M.