DROP TOP

I was really struggling with getting behind the drop earring trend this fall and I cannot tell you why.  I thought they would be gone with a blink of an eye and boy was I wrong.  When I started doing social for Loren Hope, I fell in love with this pair of drop earrings she carries.  I would say it is a bit fancier than the crispin pairs I am looking to snag but either way, they were the drops to change my mind.  I am now stuck between the three pairs below.  (There is also a red ombre pair that I love but I tried to narrow it down to just these) Help a girl out and let me know which ones you think I should go for.

*images via BaubleBar*

STYLE FILE I

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This is my first time doing one of these but I think it may become a more regular occurrence.  The outfit above is something I plan on sporting a whole lot this summer.  I have all of the pieces so don't be surprised when you see a post with this actually on me.  

My favorite piece is the Cult Gaia ark bag.  I snagged it at the end of summer and have been waiting for the moment when the weather warms up to take it out of hibernation.  I have a long ways to go #eyeroll.

WORTH THE HYPE: GLOSSIER

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I cannot suggest the beauty company Glossier is enough.  My face has never felt more hydrated.  I tend to suffer with pretty dry skin in the winter and I decided to try something different this year.  I took the plunge, got the Glossier Phase 1 set, and never looked back.  

Balm Dotcom is absolutely the best for dry patches and dry lips.  It doesn't feel slimy and leaves your skin (or lips) silky smooth.  The Priming Moisturizer is buildable making it the perfect lotion to use to prime your face before make-up;  it never feels like there are a ton of layers caked on.  The Perfecting Skin Tint glides on easily with your fingertips on top of the moisturizer.  It works to perfect your skin and not conceal.  At the end of the day (and at the beginning for that matter), when it is time to cleanse, the Milky Jelly Cleanser is strong enough to remove all your makeup but mild enough not to burn your skin.

Overall, Glossier's makeup takes minimal effort and makes you look like one hundred bucks.  I give it two thumbs up, for real.  (The cute little pink bubble bags are stellar as well.)

LESSONS LEARNED

Instead of boring you all with how I want to better myself in the New Year blah blah, I figured I would tell you what I learned in 2016.  I figured this would be a fun way for me to reflect and helpful for you all heading into a new year.  I will try not to make it too lengthy because damn, did I learn a lot this year. 🙄

 

  • It is okay to spend money on things that make you happy.  That RISD class I took?  Worth it.  Those Chanel flats? Super worth it.  That beach house rental with my best friends? Didn't even question the worth.

  • Your skin will not always be perfect and that is okay.  Most people won't notice anyways.

  • Weddings are expensive.  So, so expensive.

  • Traveling is important.  It teaches you more than school ever will.

  • Life is too short not to have the coffee, jeans, or job you want.

  • Try a new hobby.  It could turn into a new source of income or a great reliever of stress.

  • Being active is important.  That does not mean you need to become obsessive with losing weight, posting gym selfies, or can't eat those cheese fries you love so much.

  • Everyone will talk behind your back (and you will talk behind theirs also). That doesn't mean you don't love each other. 

  • Trying a new workout class alone is not as scary as it seems.  You may actually end up loving that kickboxing class you put off for a month.

  • Do not be scared of the unknown.  Your journey into the unknown is one of the greatest adventures of all.

 

Heading into the new year, be proud of where you have been and excited for where you are going.  I hope all of you have a happy and healthy 2017.

THE LOW-KEY HOLIDAY PARTY

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December is now here which means holiday parties are in full swing.  Red is a color that always makes me feel party ready and combining red with a coral shade is something I love as of late.  Throw on fabulous statement earrings with even more fabulous block heels and spritz your favorite perfume.  Good to go.

#caitlinthechristmaself

SWEATER WEATHER

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If you do not have an L.L. Bean fisherman sweater, you must go pick one up.  Seriously, run!  This specific sweater is the tunic version in beige but I am dying to get my hands on the original version.  

Thankfully, instagram friend, Meg Hall, gave me sizing advice!  The tunic version definitely runs a bit larger however, I got my usual size and it fit the way I wanted.  The original fisherman sweater fits quite snug.  I tried it on and definitely sized up to a large in the fitting room.  

outfit details:

sweater | jeans | handbag 

LET'S DO THIS

Rather than saying I have been absent from blogging for the last six months, I prefer to call it “gathering inspiration.” I have been taking my time to figure out what I love about life and what makes me happy. (Deep, I know.)  I was always holding myself to some sort of unreachable standard when I was blogging before.  I always thought I had to share more than photos or I had to be overly cool.  I forgot that I was blogging for me, to document my life, and to look back one day to see how far I have come.

This first post will be dedicated to my goals for the next year… a bucket list if you will.