Spring Bell Sleeve Top

March 21, 2018March 21, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Happy Hump Day! Only two more work days until the weekend, and it could not come soon enough. Unfortunately, it’s going to be cold and rainy this weekend, so I just plan on spending it at home and getting a lot of blog work done! Since the weather is still cold, I decided to post an outfit that is springy, but will keep you warm on colder days. I actually shot this look at the beginning of fall, and decided this was more of a transition outfit, so I’ve been holding off on posting it. With that being said, a lot of these exact items are sold out, but I found very similar ones at better price points! I have also lost 20 pounds since I took these photos! I think this is the longest I have stuck with a New Year’s resolution, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon! Fitness has turned into a hobby of mine, and I really enjoying working out every day and meal prepping on Sunday’s. Would you all enjoy more fitness posts? Let me know in the comments!

On to the outfit. I originally purchased this top from Shein over the summer. I found four that are almost identical/very similar. This one from Nordstrom isn’t off the shoulder, but I love the cross details! I love how simple this one is from Nordstrom Rack (and it’s under $27!). This Lucky Brand one has layered sleeves! How cute is that?

One of my closet staples that I wear all year round is ripped black jeans. These are from Nordstrom and are super comfy. I even wear them in the summer! I also made my studded flats a closet staple. You can dress them up with a formal dress, or down with a pair of jeans. I originally purchased mine from Amazon, but these from ASOS are very similar! Also, I’m very sad to see my leopard clutch that I CONSTANTLY use is officially sold out. Here are a few similar ones at all different price points: ASOS // Nordstrom // Clare V.

The lipstick I’m wearing is the perfect shade for spring and summer. It’s by Lancome, and I received it complimentary from Influenster a few months back. This was my first time trying any lipstick from Lancome! I like the formula, but I’m not a fan of the applicator. It’s WAY too big and hard to apply to the edges of your lip, so make sure you use a lip liner first! The shade I’m wearing is Power Pink. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t purchase it again. If you want a similar shade, go with Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in shade Electric Pink! It’s so bright and fun!

Have a great week, and thanks for reading!

My Picks From Ulta’s 21 Days Of Beauty

March 20, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ 1 Comment

21 Days of Beauty

You guys, Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is here! I wait for the sale every year and create a list of all the items I plan on getting. Each day, 2 or 3 different items will be on sale for that day only! Most of these items are 50% or more off their original price! This is the only time of the year some of these items will be on sale, so grab them while you can! Set an alarm on your phone for each day so you can order it as soon as you wake up and not worry about items selling out. To save on shipping, order with a friend and split the cost! Here are some of the best deals and items I plan on buying myself! Click the name below, and it will take you directly to the item!

3/18: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara ($10)
3/19: Benefit Brow Setter ($12); IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pressed Powder ($14.50)
3/22: Clarisonic Mia 2 ($119)
3/23: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Singles ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/25: IT Cosmetics Brush for Ulta Foundation Brush #102 ($11)
3/27: Lorac Pro Contour Palette ($20)
3/29: Benefit Cosmetics Roller Mascara ($12)
3/30: Too Faced Melted Matte Lipstick ($10.50) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
3/31: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($10.50)
4/3: Laura Geller Blush-n-Brighten ($14)
4/5: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($10)
4/6: Tarte Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint ($10) **Not sure if it’s specific colors!
4/7: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara ($11.50)

Items on sale every day:
– Buy 3 Get 1 Free Minis (perfect time to buy products you want to try out without splurging on the full size! And traveling, of course!)
–Tarte Ready, Set, Radiant Skin Mist ($15)
–Bareminerals Liquid Lipstick ($13)
–Smashbox Eyeliner ($12)

I know this isn’t included in the sale, but I just purchased the Becca Cosmetics Hydra-Mist Set & Refresh Powder when I placed my order for the Tarte mascara. I have heard so many good things about it and decided to use some of my rewards points and get it! They were also having a deal on it, if you spend $38 on Becca Cosmetics, you get a free primer! So I will be giving a review of both of them as soon as I get them!

What items do you plan on getting in the sale? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Valerie

Spring Trends For 2018

March 14, 2018March 14, 2018 ~ styledmuse ~ Leave a comment

Spring Trends

Shop The Look

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Happy Hump Day! I know I have been MIA lately. I came down with the flu a few weeks ago, and it knocked me out! For a week straight, I had high fevers and no energy. Ever since then I just couldn’t get back to my normal routine. I’ve also been concentrating more on my weightloss journey. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated with two things (my favorite quote from Ron in Parks and Rec: “Never half a** two things, whole a** one thing”). Though this is true, I’ve decided to try and stay motivated with both by setting time aside for each thing, and only concentrating on it during that time. I also plan on having a lot more fitness related posts on here (next Friday I’m sharing fitness tips that helped me lose 25 pounds so far!).

Also, the Instagram algorithm has been bringing me down MAJORLY (anyone else??). Most of my website views came from Instagram, and now that only 200 (of the 10,000 followers I have) are seeing my posts, everything has dropped dramatically. It’s very discouraging for all bloggers and small businesses. Right now, I’m just going to continue creating my content like normal, but also focus more on other social platforms and hope that will help a little. Another thing, has anyone noticed how unreal everyone’s Instagram feeds are looking lately? Can you even relate to anyone? One thing I’m going to start working on is being real with you all, and showing the real me (because I obviously don’t live in a mansion, drive a BMW, or have a private jet. Tiny 2 bedroom duplex and a Ford Fusion, over here!). Okay, rant over! 🙂

With warmer weather approaching, I’m starting to bring out more of my spring clothes and accessories. I decided to do a round up of some of my favorite trends for spring this year. My favorite? The Cult Gaia Bamboo Shoulder Bag! It’s a splurge for sure (not in my budget, but for sure on my wish list!), but there are a ton of dups on Amazon! Just search “Bamboo Bag” and the tote and shoulder bag styles will both show up.

I’m also obsessed with floral printed blazers this season. I just bought this one from Target for under $35, and will have it on the blog in a couple weeks!

Another huge trend? Calf hair mules. These are a little pricey, but you can get the espadrille version from Target for under $25! I just bought them last week and can’t wait to style them. I also picked up these Sam Edelman Bow Mules a couple weeks ago when they were on sale.

Has anyone noticed the pearl trend? It’s literally on everything including jeans, shoes, and jean jackets. I have a pair of jeans very similar to these, and love the detail on them!

Of course, statement jewelry like these earrings will always have a place in my heart. There’s just something about them that catches my eye (and wallet) every time. I love the feathers on these! Stay tuned for a HUGE statement jewelry round up coming soon!

What’s your favorite spring trend this year? Let me know in the comments! As always, thanks for reading!

Valerie