Denim Dresses

Denim in pieces of clothing other than standard jeans has been a huge trend recently, from printed denim, to denim accents, to denim dresses. The great thing about denim dresses is the denim material - its great for colder weather, and it gives you a unique look.

Here are some cute denim options that I found:

Topshop Contrast Sleeve Denim Dress - $72

New Look Blue Floral Denim Sleeveless Dress - $35

Topshop Monica Dress by Jones and Jones - £65

Topshop Rachel Dress by Jones and Jones - £65

Topshop Moto Denim Babydoll Dress - £25

Topshop Denim Bandeau Dress - $40

You could pair any of these with some black sandals and sunglasses in the summer, or a pair of patterned tights and some boots in the winter. 

Let me know if any of you guys buy or have these dresses! Or any other denim dresses, for that matter.

Love,

Caro

Clothing Review: Topshop Moto Black Rip Knee Jamie Jeans

I ordered these jeans as a birthday present to myself last week from the Topshop sale, because I had been eyeing them for a while. They came in the mail incredibly quickly, I actually wasn't expecting them until later in the week after hearing about Topshop shipping speeds in the US. 

I ordered a size up from the Topshop jeans I bought previously - I seem to have trouble finding a consistent jeans size in Topshop. The first pair I bought were a pair of boyfriend jeans, and I got a UK 10/US 6/W28 L30 and they fit perfectly - a little loose, but that's what boyfriend jeans are supposed to be. Then the next two pairs I bought, one from Ebay and one from Topshop, were the same size but they fit much tighter, and a bit more uncomfortable. So this time I ordered the next size up, which was a UK 12/US 8/W30 L30, and when I tried them on they were a bit loose which is pretty annoying. Unfortunately, the sizes at Topshop go up 2 at a time, which makes it difficult for me (personally) to find a perfect fit. But, as my dad told me, they'll probably shrink in the wash, and a pair of comfy jeans is never a bad thing.

On the plus side, Topshop jeans are always incredibly, incredibly soft. So while these jeans may not fit perfectly, I will definitely be keeping these because they feel like pajamas but they look like normal jeans. From now on though, I think I'm only going to purchase jeans from Topshop that I can try on in store.

Where are your favorite pair of jeans from? I'd love to know!

Love,

Caro

H&M Haul

So, I went shopping yesterday. Kind of. I really shouldn't have, but to be fair I only went to one store, H&M. 

The first thing I got was a pair of black canvas sneakers. I love the look of converse, and I'd like to try out the high top look. Since these were only $15, it's okay if I don't wear them as much as a low top pair or if they break faster. They're definitely not a long term practical pair of shoes, but they're fun and they were cheap.

Next, I got this pair of lounge/pajama style shorts. I've been looking around for some new pajamas, because I really don't have any, and these were only $5 and really cute so I figured why not.

And finally, I bought this oversize tank top with a picture of jaws on the front. It's really not practical, but its soft and comfy and funky, and it will look great paired with some leggings, or as a swimsuit cover up.

And that's it. That is everything that I bought from H&M today. Crazy as it might be, I'm probably going back to the mall tomorrow to return a pair of sunglasses. I really need to find something to do this summer.

Love,

Caro

Israel

Earlier this year, I got to go and visit my friend in Israel over Easter or Passover, and it was so much fun! I've gotta be honest, the travel there and especially back was pretty bad. On the way back, it just seemed like everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong. But other than that, it was an amazing trip!

I stayed in Tel Aviv with my friend at her aunt's house for a good chunk of the time, and for the first few days I was there. We went to the beach, and basically just did some shopping and hanging out when we were there. After that, we went to the Negev desert for two days, and we went camping. We actually got lost for a little while, and on our way to the Bedouin camp we were staying at we saw some actual Bedouins, so that was pretty cool. Of course, it was significantly less fun when I was lugging around a tent and a giant backpacking bag on my back. But eventually we got there, and the food was amazing, and the next day we got to ride some camels and go on a little desert safari ride. When we got back from the desert, we went to Jerusalem, which was so amazing! We saw some exhibits at the museum, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, and went to this amazing outdoor market place. We also went to the Western Wall, which is where I took the picture below.

I would absolutely recommend going to Israel if you ever get the chance! It was beyond amazing! However, be prepared for lots and lots of security checks in the airport, especially if you're traveling on your own and its your first time in the middle east. While I won't be going back soon (because my friend is moving back to the states, and I don't speak Hebrew or have any family there) it was definitely worth it, and I entirely recommend it.

Where is the most exotic place that you've ever visited? Tell me in the comments!

Love,

Caro

Style Icon: Mollie King

I felt it was time for me to write a post about a style icon who was a little more modern, and who better than Mollie King from The Saturdays? She is just so adorable and british, and every time she goes out she looks impeccable.

Her style is very girly, preppy, and classic. She wears certain trends, but she never overdoes it, and as a result her outfits could fit into many different eras of style. She loves prints, especially polka dots, collars, and statement jackets.

For jackets, I kept it simple and classic, with a tan trench coat and a black moto jacket. For dresses and rompers, I chose a leather look shift dress (which is perfect because leather and leather look is a trend, but shift dresses are classic) and a lace romper. Mollie loves big bags,, that are held on the wrist, in neautral colors that can be paired with anything. For shoes, she wears heels pretty much all the time, mainly classic pumps and heeled booties, but for some flat shoes you could try some brogues or ballet flats with a cute little bow. And finally, she loves statement and printed shorts and skirts, so I put a few options up in varying styles - a standard denim hot short in a girly color, a pair of culottes in a neutral color, and a pair of patterned cotton hot shorts. 

Some items I didn't include but are essentials to get Mollie's style are classic blue jeans, white or neutral shirts or t shirts, and t shirt dresses. But, I figured that these are pretty standard wardrobe pieces, so I left them out of the polyvore set.

What are your thoughts on Mollie King's style?

Love,

Caro

Makeup Review: Topshop Brighten in "Moonlight"

I bought this concealer from Topshop a few weeks ago, before I left Scotland. I bought it because I needed a new concealer, and I was pleasantly surprised. I had never heard any reviews of it, but I was desperate. It's creamy and applies smoothly. It does a great job of concealing under eye circles, and the color does wonders for brightening up my eyes. I apply it by twisting the bottom of the pen (Is that the right term? I honestly have no idea), swiping it under my eye, and then blending it with my finger or a brush. The only possible complaint that I could have, and it really is tiny, is that it takes a while for the makeup to start flowing when you twist the pen for the first time. But other than that, I would absolutely recommend it!

Topshop Brighten in "Moonlight"

With a concealer this amazing, I'll never have to sleep again.

Love,

Caro

Taking Chances

This Monday, and in fact this whole week, I encourage you all to try something totally new. Be it a new kind of food, or wearing that outfit you never thought you could rock (but you totally can), or doing something absolutely crazy like sky diving! Our lives are made up entirely of our memories, and as I always say, when you're old and gray and you've lived your life and you have you grand children sitting around you, would you rather tell them about all of the nights you stayed in doing nothing, or the times you went out with your friends  and went disco bowling, just because you could? 

Take some chances. Trust me, no matter what happens, it will be worth it.

Love,

Caro

My First Flat!

So, as a few of you may know, I've just finished my first year of University this past year. And I have to be honest, the thing I'm probably looking forward to most this coming year is having my own flat! No more living in my parents house (apart from the summer, of course) and no more halls or dorm rooms!

It's a cute little flat, in a great location near my uni, with a friend of mine who's also a physics major. One of the best things about a new place, though, is decorating. And while I don't get to do a crazy amount of redecorating, because it is a rental, I am looking forward to putting my own flair on it.

My plan for this new room of mine is posters, blankets, pillows, and comforters, and maybe some curtains for my window. In my dorm room this year, I wasn't allowed to hang any posters up anywhere, and the walls looked so blank and boring it was horrible. On top of that, I get to actually use my scented candles this year, which will be nice. 

And last but certainly not least, the closet and dresser. I haven't actually had a dresser for quite a few years now, and I'm getting very excited at the prospect of having drawers to put clothes in again (is that terribly dorky of me?). And the closet, is a gorgeous (albeit tiny) walk-in closet. I have about a million hangers, and to actually see my dresses and coats and jackets all hung up and nice in the closet, and my t-shirts and jeans all folded up in those dresser drawers will be so satisfying. 

I can't wait to move in!

Are any of you guys moving or redoing your rooms this year? If so, share with me! I love seeing these kinds of things.

Love,

Caro

What's in My Bag

I have been seeing "What's in My Bag" posts and videos around the internet for years. And now that I have my own fashion/style/whatever blog, I figured I would give it a shot. 

All right, so first things first: the bag. I posted this bag one or two weeks ago when I got it from Target, and this is the only bag I've been using since them! I am so in love with this bag, and I can't wait to use it for school in the fall as well. 

Next is my phone. Funny story, generally speaking I have this iphone, my Scottish iphone 4 (just as an ipod and for games), and my really old 80 gb ipod so that I can listen to music in the car without killing the battery on my phone.

And of course, I carry my wallet with me. Pretty self explanatory, I also got this wallet from Target a few weeks back.

This was originally a makeup bag that I think I got for free for subscribing to Seventeen a few years ago, but I just use it as a cute place to put pads and tampons.

I realize two mirrors might be excessive, but I didn't realize the portable hairbrush had a mirror when I bought it, and it doesn't work that well anyways. So these are just some little hair and possibly makeup tools (I really don't carry makeup around in my purse with me, especially just day to day) in case my face is not playing along that day. I also usually have a black scrunchie, but its currently in my hair.

Apparently I have some little socks that you use at the shoe store when trying on shoes if you don't have any socks on. This is from Sunday when I went shopping for my birthday presents with my mom and she bought me some shoes, and for some reason I've just left them in my bag. 

I wore this watch a few days ago and had to take it off for something, and it just got left in my bag.

And of course the keys. I have a set of house keys, with a million key chains, and a car key. I didn't put the car key on the key chain just because I share that car with my parents, and there are only two keys, so we just leave them on the table downstairs when we're not driving. Except I always forget and put it back in my bag because its a habit. I should probably put it back downstairs...

And of course there are some loose receipts. One of these is actually a piece of paper from my grandpa's doctor, because I took him to his appointment the other day. I try to put receipts back in my wallet and then get rid of them when I know I don't need them, but sometimes I'm in a rush so I just toss them in my bag.

And of course, what bag wouldn't be complete without some lip balm? I love this eos lip balm, I have the one in raspberry I think, and it is absolutely amazing. I got this from Target a few weeks ago when I got my bag and my wallet. 

Since I'm currently in California, I keep a pair of sunglasses in my bag in a cute little sunglasses case that my friend Jessey got for me. I have a few different pairs of sunglasses that I switch out, depending on what I'm wearing. So these are my vintage tortoiseshell ones, because I was wearing my new tortoise watch the other day.

Some gum I got at the airport. Pretty self explanatory. It keeps my breath minty.

And last but not least, my earbuds. I usually wear the squishy ones, but I lost one of the ear things the other day so I've had to switch to these standard apple ones for the time being.

And that, my lovelies, is everything that is currently in my bag. What do you guys keep in your bag?

Love,

Caro

Colored Jeans

Colored jeans are a great and easy way to make an outfit a little more exciting. It takes the basic "jeans and a t shirt" look to a new dimension, but its just as lazy as a normal pair of jeans with a t shirt. 

For yellow jeans, I love them paired with white or light brown things. To avoid looking washed out, you could add in some slightly darker colors like gray or a denim blue. However, I would steer clear of black - I think it looks too harsh paired with the light yellow.

For pink or salmon colored jeans, they look best paired with lighter colors like white, tan, or grey. Again, I would avoid a lot of black, because if your jeans are more of a salmon tint, when they're paired with black they can look a little halloween-y.

And finally, for the khaki jeans, in my opinion they look best with black, grey, or white. The earthy color of the khaki really contrasts nicely with both dark and light colors, so long as they are neutral. 

So yeah. This is my take on how to style colored jeans. I actually own all of these colors, and they are super fun to rock. I definitely recommend finding a pair.

Love,

Caro

Leather Dresses

Leather dresses are a huge trend this year. In fact, leather everything kind of is. I honestly never thought that I would be a big leather (or in my case, faux leather) person, but this trend has grown on me so much. As far as leather dresses go, I've noticed two main styles - leather shift dresses and leather trim dresses.

If you're feeling adventurous, then you can go for the leather shift dress. These dresses are best worn with simple accessories - black tights, simple jewelry, and heels or flats depending on the look you're going for.

Oasis Faux Leather Ponte Shift Dress

H&M Leather Dress

Topshop Snake Leather-Look Dress

Forever 21 Faux Leather Paneled Dress

Topshop Leather-Look Pinafore Dress

If you're not feeling as daring, you could always opt for a more subtle take on the leather dress trend - leather trim dresses. For a dress like this, I would tone down the accessories, maybe just a ring or two, and again with some cute tights and shoes.

Dorothy Perkins Black Leather Look Hem Dress

Dorothy Perkins Black Leather Look Front Dress

Oasis Faux Leather Trim Shift Dress

The Zara dress I used in this set isn't on the website (it might be sold out), but here is another similar one.

I hope you guys are enjoying this trend as much as I am!

Love,

Caro

Cute Animal Jumpers

As a resident of Scotland, jumpers are an absolute necessity for the majority of the year. There are so many different kinds of jumpers, from graphic to chunky knit. One of the trends that I love is jumpers with animals on them, and I thought I would show you how I style some of mine.

I fell in love with this jumper when I first saw it months ago at Topshop because it has a dodo bird on it! I thought it was weird and yet still really cute and versatile, because while it has a funky bird on it the colors are monochromatic so it can be worn many different ways. I would wear this jumper with a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans and some cutout boots. Luckily, the Dodo Knit Sweat by J.W. Anderson for Topshop is on sale if you live in the US!

I just recently saw this jumper when I was looking through the sale at Topshop, and how cheeky is that little fox with his top hat? I just ordered it, and I am so excited to wear it come fall and winter. I would pair it with a pair of black skinny jeans, and I love these ones with the ripped knees, along with a pair of black brogues. And like the first jumper, the Knitted Hatted Fox Jumper is on sale if you live in the UK!

Do you have any sweaters with adorable animals on them? Tell me in the comments!

Love,

Caro

Mini Sephora Haul

I have missed Sephora so much when I was in the UK. So of course, as I was laying around my house today recovering from getting my wisdom teeth out, I decided that I absolutely must try some new perfumes, because I realized I don't actually have one. I mean, I have Victoria's Secret Body Spray (because that stuff smells AMAZING), and I have a perfume my aunt gave me and a perfume I got on Canal Street in New York when I was 13 for about $5, so I figured it was time to try something new. 

Because I couldn't go into the store to smell them myself, and because I am incredibly impatient, I went with smaller, less expensive perfumes that had elements I liked in them. So, we'll see what happens, and I'll tell you guys what I think of them when they come in the mail.

Tocca Beauty Cleopatra - $15.00

Jennifer Aniston Eau de Parfum - $12.00 $8.00

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - 100 Points

OleHenriksen Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth Activating Oil - $45.00 Free Sample

Philosophy Cinnamon Buns Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath - $16.50 Free Sample

Clinique Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer - $46.50 Free Sample

I also got a cute little birthday present! If you guys have never shopped at Sephora, or you have but you've never signed up for their rewards system, I recommend it so much because every time you shop you collect more points, and you can get cute little free samples, and they give you little presents for your birthday. And, it doesn't cost any money!

Love,

Caro

My Tattoo

I know a lot of people have questions about tattoo experiences (I certainly did) so I figured I would share my experience with you all. About a week after I turned 18, I got my first (and so far only) tattoo of a mountain on my left foot. 

This picture was taken literally right outside the tattoo studio the day I got it done. It took about 2 and a half hours, with only three thirty second breaks - so basically constant tattooing. I've always heard that the most painful places to tattoo are the head and neck, hands, ribs, and feet, so of course I decided to get my first tattoo across my entire foot. The first 45 minutes or so was spent on the outline of the tattoo, and that part was okay. It still hurt, of course, but the needle that is used for the outline is thinner, and it doesn't take as long to complete. I was still able to laugh and talk a bit, which is saying something compared to the rest of the time.

This is a close up of my tattoo still wrapped in the bandages, probably an hour or two after I had it done. The outline was not super painful and did not take a long time, but the shading is definitely the worst part. For shading, they use a needle that is so much thicker than the outline needle, and they go over the same part of the tattoo a few times. This was the part that took about 2 hours, and I really was not functioning during it. One of my friends was amazing and had come with me, and I had to kick her out because I had to lie down and stare at one spot on the wall and just chant "it doesn't hurt" over and over again in my head. She was a great sport about it though, and I she just played games on my phone in the sitting area. 

Afterwards, I was limping - my foot was incredibly swollen and sore. The tattoo basically turns into a giant bruise and scab, which I was not entirely aware of before I got it. Luckily my cousin told me that tattoos start to peel after a few days, or I would have been incredibly freaked out! I would not have thought that peeling was normal, but when you think about it a tattoo is a big scab in the beginning, and scabs peel. To take care of it, I just put some kind of cream thing on it (my tattoo artist told me what to get) starting a few days after I got it, and stopping when it finished peeling. It actually heals pretty dang fast, but I did have some trouble walking or sitting on my foot for a while after it.

So yeah. That is my tattoo, and that was my tattooing experience. 

Would you ever get a tattoo? And if you already have one, what is it of? Tell me in the comments!

Love,

Caro

Style Steals

I love clothes. Seriously. I think it might be obvious, since I have a blog that is mostly about clothes. But occasionally, I fall in love with a piece of clothing that is ridiculously expensive. And since I am not currently a billionaire, I can't buy it.

Luckily, that's what the internet is for! If you search hard enough, there is bound to be a piece similar out there in the universe, and I love the feeling of finally finding something that you love for a better price.

I first saw this Maje playsuit a month or two ago, and fell in love with it. Unfortunately, it costs way too much money for me to buy it. But, the other day I was looking at a style blog and they posted this similar playsuit from Motelrocks and its on sale for $50!

This Michael Kors watch is gorgeous, but I would never spend that much money on a watch - I would be too afraid of breaking it to ever really enjoy wearing it. Luckily there a re plenty of cheaper options that look just like it - I personally have the Style&co one from Macy's, and its gorgeous. And both of these options are $30 or under.

I love this jumper with the tigers on it from Mulberry, but not only is it expensive but its sold out! This t-shirt from Zara has an almost identical pattern, with the two tigers sitting, but unfortunately its not a jumper. So while its not as good for winter as the jumper would be, its still super cute.

These are just a few examples of some style steals I've seen on the internet. Happy shopping!

Love,

Caro

Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

For a lot of people, the quintessential blonde bombshell is Marilyn Monroe. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Marilyn, she is gorgeous and just has incredible curves, but my personal favorite has always been Brigitte Bardot. I always loved how she put her own little spin on things with her wild and messy and incredibly voluminous hair. She is striking and a complete sex kitten, but she never goes too far in her clothing - when she has the boat neck that highlights her chest and her waist, her skirt is nice and full, or when she id rocking the fitted dress, she keeps the length in check. For her look, its about a balance of sexy and classic fifties fashion.

I've picked out a few of my personal favorite pictures of her, rocking various kinds of clothing, and created what I think is a slightly modern, but still classic and sexy take on her look.

Brigitte was all about emphasizing the waist, and you can do that in several different ways. You can pair a high waisted pair of jeans with a cropped top, specifically a cropped top with an off the shoulder boat neck top and a cute scarf tied around the neck, for a cute casual look. You can pair a fitted boat neck sweater or tee with a striped or polka dot or other patterned pencil skirt and a pair of cat eye sunglasses for a slightly more upscale vibe. You could rock a fit and flair dress in a gorgeous white with a thick headband and messy, relaxed hair for a cuter but still sexy relaxed look. And finally, you could pair a neutral shift dress (that is still somewhat fitted) with a pair of knee high riding boots for a out together but not trying too hard outfit.

These are just some of my ideas, but here are three key rules to remember when going for Brigitte Bardot's look. Rule number one, and this is the most important, have a fitted element in your outfit - the whole thing does not necessarily have to be fitted, but Brigitte loved showing off her tiny waist and hourglass figure, and to do that at least the top half of your outfit needs to hug your curves. In addition, adding a fuller skirt or opting for a fit and flare dress is a great way to not only emphasize curves but fake it a little if your curves are not as dramatic. Rule number two is to keep the sexiness in proportion - if you opt for an outfit that is fitted throughout, pick something that covers a little more skin. Last but not least, rule number three is to have fun with the accessories! Brigitte loved accessories, and if you're not as confident in rocking her fifties style all over, you could opt for some fun sunglasses or a fun headband or scarf.

And as far as hair and makeup goes, you can't go wrong with volume and a dramatic cateye.

Love,

Caro

My Birthday!

So I know I didn't post that much over the weekend, but that was because it was not only Fathers' Day on Sunday, but my birthday as well! I'm 19 now! And it feels pretty much exactly the same as 18. But I'll let you guys know if that changes. The presents were pretty awesome too.

My best friend Sophia, who is absolutely amazing, knew how much I was in love with these Topshop Stain Glass Leggings, and ordered them for me for my birthday! So that should be coming in about a week, and I'll post some pictures when I get them. And they'll be coming at the perfect time too, I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on the 19th.

My mom took me to the mall to pick out a few presents, because she has this thing about ordering presents online for me and most of the things I sent her on my wishlist were online pieces. So we went around to a few stores and she bought me the watch, the midi ring (it has a turtle on it! So cute!), and the black brogues, from Macy's, Nordstrom, and Aldo, respectively. 

In addition to what we got at the mall, my parents got me two gift cards, one to Zara, and one to Nordstrom. I plan on getting the tiger print top and something else, but I haven't decided yet. And since I don't really shop at Nordstrom (especially since I've moved to Scotland) my mom agreed to keep the gift card for herself, and buy me the playsuit from Motel that is the same value as the gift card.

And then, as a birthday present to me, Topshop put out an amazing sale yesterday, so I bought myself a pair of Topshop Jaime Rip Knee Jeans, and the Washed V Tee by Boutique.

My birthday and Father's Day was super fun. And now my plans for the summer consist of working and recovering from my wisdom teeth.

I hope you guys all had a great weekend!

Love,

Caro

Makeup Review: Benefit Foundation Faker in "Lite"

About a year ago, I purchased Benefit's Foundation Faker in "Lite" from Sephora after hearing about the quality of Benefit's products in general. Of course, the packaging is absolutely adorable, but not the only reason why I bought it. I needed a new, light foundation for casual day-to-day wear, and because I have dry skin it makes finding one very difficult. Foundations tend to make my skin look flaky, or like I caked on layers of makeup. This foundation was creamy, but not too thick, and went on my face nicely. However, while I definitely loved the quality of this product, it only comes in three shades, and unfortunately the one that I have is just a touch too light for my skin. Kind of disappointing, but because its such nice quality I keep it and use it for a highlighter. If you're considering buying it, make sure the makeup matches your skin tone.

Benefit Foundation Faker in "Lite"

And yes, that is me taking a picture of the foundation with my phone.

Love,

Caro