JACKETS: J. CREW EDITION

(All from J. Crew: shop here.)

Summer in Texas is not a good time to explore jackets, but it's something I'm bookmarking for the fall. What Not To Wear, one of my favorite shows, preaches the power of the blazer but I've always been more of a cardigan girl. So note to self: once temperatures drop, try to find a fitted blazer and a sporty jacket. J. Crew is always on point, and I'm especially in love with the Ikat blazer. (Maybe by the time it cools down here, these will be on sale!)

NAYA

(Images from Normal Naya)

Naya has my dream mane and can pull off badass or ladylike so I'm kind of in love with her.

INSATIABLE THIRST FOR MAXI DRESSES

(Anthropologie)

Anthropologie is a really upsetting place full of perfect clothing that is outside of a college girl's price range. I was there this past weekend and found this gorgeous thing. I love florals on black. I love delicate straps. I love love love maxi dresses!

Living in Texas in the summertime is a nightmare for everyone but especially for anyone trying to look even a little nice. Maxi dresses have been my salvation. If you buy the right maxi dress it makes you look somehow more statuesque. If you buy the right maxi dress you don't have to wear a bra with it! Maxi dresses and pasties. That's been my summer survival strategy. My birthday's coming up--maybe someone will help me add this one to my collection!

(And by the way, Kylie obsessively shops Anthro's sales racks, which is a great option for those of us who have a budget!)

RIHANNA

(Images saved on my laptop and I don't remember where I got them--

I'll get better at this! Sorry!)

Rihanna is kind of killing it! I love her in more classic, luxe looks that she adds an edge to with statement jewelry, pieces with a more surprising or casual cut, and killer shades. I'll be doing sit-ups forever until I can wear a crop top under a fur-trimmed jacket!

WANT: RETRO BIKINI

(Pictured: Derek Lam for DesigNation at Kohl's)

Sometimes retro swimsuits, especially one-pieces, feel really daunting to me, but I am in love with these pieces and plan on picking them up as soon as I can! Potentially weird tan lines or no!

SPOILS: LASHES EDITION

You know how Sephora sends you a ton of free samples? I got a baby tube of Lancome’s Hypnose mascara as a sample and I have never been the same. It’s like they know that the time it takes me to upgrade all my eyelash standards is five minutes and then it’s goodbye, drugstore mascara! Goodbye, name brand but still affordable mascara! Hello, hottie French girl lashes that I can’t believe are mine!

The great thing about these kinds of products is they’re good enough to make up for my lack of know-how. I don’t know how to separate my lashes or whether to start from the inside or the outside and I’m not a steady hand with eyeliner. (In fact, I’ve completely given up on ever having perfect eyeliner.) This mascara will give you thick, full lashes quickly and easily. You don’t have to wait and reapply multiple times. It is super buildable and doesn’t clump.

I have long lashes, but they’re not very thick and they are blonde and invisible without mascara. Over the last month, I have been asked twice if I was wearing false lashes, and if there’s a better feeling than blithely telling someone they’re all mine, why would I wear falsies to the office anyway!, I sure don’t know about it.