Browsing Tag:

2016

How to rock a sweater for spring

Posted in Fashion
on 02/08/2017

How’s it going girlies?! Is this week treating you well? I know I’m about knee deep in school work (considering I have two ginormous tests next week). So I feel y’all, but let’s finish this week strong! I have faith we can do it!

This week’s post goes out to styling sweaters for the spring time.

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Photos by Madeline Dunbar.

I got this coral chunky sweater recently so I had to break it out and style it for this warm LA weather we’ve been blessed with :-) Sweaters with shorts/a skirt is one of my favorite looks when you want to look warm, but it’s actually 75 degrees outside (thanks LA!!). Jean cutoffs def make the outfit a little bit edgier. Fun story about the cutoffs I’m wearing… they’re a pair of mom jeans from Goodwill I cut into shorts when I was in eighth grade (do y’all remember when DIY shorts were all the rage? Lol #tbt). I’ve been paring down my accessories lately so I focused on necklaces and layered a gold choker with my Alpha Phi bar. Ok wait, I almost forgot to talk to y’all about my booties! They’re so stinking’ fun! I have a taupe pair and Catherine (my roomie) owns the black. If you’re going for an edgy-er look, I would highly recommend you snag a pair! They’re currently on sale in a few colors!

I’m linking some adorable chunky sweaters (all under $50!) along with the rest of my outfit deets.

shop the look

I think that just about wraps up this week’s post. How do y’all like to style chunky sweaters in warmer weather? Leave me a comment below, I love to chat!

madison-bronze-foil

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Life Lately | December edition

Posted in Lifestyle
on 01/04/2017

Happy 2017! What the heck.. Can’t even believe I’m saying that. But before I can dive into all that is the new year, I’ll go ahead and recap my month of December. It was a great one, full of lots of work + a little play.

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Merry Christmas from Alpha Phi! Our annual Christmas party was at the very end of November, + it was nothing short of a great time. I honestly had no clue what to wear, so I cut a bright green tee + laced some ribbon through the front. I added a bandana tied into a neck scarf (I’m thinking about bringing this trend back.. opinions?) + my Hunter boots for a Christmas themed OOTD.

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Hi my name is Madison + I am a coke addict. In an attempt to stop drinking so much coke, I’ve taken up La Criox. This summer I drank La Croix constantly + now that I am home, I’ve started again. I loooove the carbonation of it + there are quite a few flavors to pick from! It’s helped me curb that coke craving pretty well.

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Christmas this year was a super laid back day. We sipped on sangria, watched some football + a little White Christmas (one of my favorite Christmas movies), as well as ate a delish dinner. I styled my Adidas superstars with this adorable Free People shift dress. I unpacked it at work and minutes later I has swiped my credit card… Can you say compulsive shopper?

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This faux leather number is such a fun piece for day or night. I styled in a blog post here. Cognac is a great color to transition from fall to winter + winter to spring.

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Baton Rouge’s weather has been oddly warm, which was super disappointing during the holidays. I’ve been dressing for this warmth with light sweaters, jeans, and skirts. This sweater is a great oversized one, + I loved the look when paired with my black mini (similar)!

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As a bargain hunter, I was extremely pleased with the amount of sales this After Christmas season! I ended up picking up a few basics the other day, but I’m hoping I can add a few more fun items to my closet (it’s in need of some new clothes stat)!

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The holidays are for spending time with family + that’s exactly what I did. We had a fam pizza making night, complete with 9 different types of pizza (aka my heaven). Ahh, I’m drooling thinking back on it.

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Hands down my new fave shoe. I swear I’ll find a way to make then go with everything I own. Comfort + style, it cannot get better. I’m doing a sneaker styling post next week so stay tuned!

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My music favorites for this month:

My music taste has slowly evolved into such a mix of oldies, pop, country + and pretty much anything in between. The 80’s has me enthralled + I’ve been jamming to a lot of older music.

Loves to Lay by The Weeknd

Her Diamonds by Rob Thomas

The Goonies ‘r’ Good Enough by Cyndi Lauper

My beauty favorites for this month:

Can we just say that I am the definition of boring + have tried zero new products this month. On the other hand, it’s called practicality, or finishing the copious amounts of what ya have.

I’ve been lusting after this month:

ring / booties / adidas superstars / clasp bracelet

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How was y’alls December? Did y’all do anything fun for NYE? What are y’all looking forward to in 2017?

madison-bronze-foil

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Styling a faux leather skirt for daytime

Posted in Fashion
on 12/14/2016

It’s finnallllyyyy winter break over here in LA, + I could not be happier to have a few weeks away from school work. Although it won’t be much of a break for me (I’ll be working almost everyday in BR + at home), I’m looking forward to it. My first OOTD in forever is dedicated to this faux leather mini, that I picked up for $12!

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Faux leather skirts are super easy to come by, and they won’t break the bank either. Forever 21 has some great options if you’re wanting to spend next to nothing. The great thing about them is how easy they are to dress up + dress down. Dressing them down is not something I have seen often, but it was really easy to achieve. I pulled together a few options if you’re wanting to add this staple to your closet.

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Daytime wear meant I needed to do some coverage up top to balance out the length of the skirt. A white sweater + one of my favorite vests topped off this super simple look. The contrast of the black + cognac of the skirt is something I thought made this outfit a lot less bland. But as always, I am a lover of neutrals + had the hardest time straying away (lol).

get the look

Do y’all wear faux leather skirts? Let me know how ya style them below!

madison-bronze-foil

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Life Lately | November Edition

Posted in Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle
on 11/30/2016

Honestly surprised I made it to the end of this month (lol). With computer problems out the wahzoo, semi, projects + some family issues – it’s no surprise this month was a rough one. December is here, which means I can finally start decorating for Christmas! But before that, I’ll give y’all a little run down of my November…

nov-life-lately-1Ah, the best way to start the month is with a fresh new monthly view in the agenda. My planner is my literal saving grace. I would be running around like a chicken with my head cut off if it weren’t for it.

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Who’s fun + brunette? That’s me! This MuMu tee has easily become a throw on and go for the month. Jeans, skirts, leggings – you name it, I’ve worn it with this shirt. MuMu has a fantastic line of graphic tees, but they can be pricey so if you’re looking into one, I would recommend getting something you’ll be able to re wear time + time again.

some mu for you

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Football season has come to a close this month. I have to say, I am really going to miss heading over to Tiger Stadium to cheer on my boys. Picking out an outfit every weekend – that’s something I won’t miss. There’s a first time for everything + this was mine with the jersey. Let’s just say I looked more sporty than I am.

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Back and better than ever! Serving on exec has been one of my best memories in Alpha Phi. This year I have been elected to be our VP of Chapter Operations. With our brand new home, there is so much to be done (we are still getting the hang of things over here). I am looking forward to working with my girls to have a year to remember!

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Catherine (my sweet roomie + bff) turned 20 this month! The weekend was jam-packed. Semi took place Friday night + following that was the Alabama game. I snagged these gold foil balloons from Amazon for $5 each (talk about a bargain)! Her little gift from moi included, a sweet note (feat Harry Styles), kit kats, a choker, and a framed picture of us.

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Semi was where it was at!! I can’t even begin to describe how much fun we all had! The night started hectically (what’s new), but once we got to the venue all was well. Bag of Donuts was our entertainment + I swear to you, they are one of the best cover bands of all time! Shout out to my best friend Brooks for tagging along with me ;-)

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Alpha Phi took us to the Pelicans game + boy was it fun! Not only did I spend $16 on food, ride a bus from BR to NOLA for 3 hours, but I also got to go on the court + snap some pictures! My outfit was a total seventies vibe from the flares to the bodysuit to the hoops.  

70s fever

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A successful friendsgiving was had! We chowed on some delicious food + caught up like old times. Seeing my high school friends is one of the best parts about going home. Did I mention how freaking cute our little photo shoot turned out?

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Thanksgiving this year was quite an odd one. I was all over the place (NOLA, Mandeville, BR) + didn’t get much of a break. Louisiana weather still has not cooled down enough for a jeans, boots, and sweater look so I opted for a sweater + skirt combo.

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My music favorites for this month:

Love on the weekend by John Mayer

Blue ain’t your color by Keith Urban

Make your mind up by Moon Taxi

The chain by Fleetwood Mac

My beauty favorites for this month:

My daily routine for work has been pretty simple. CC cream, blush, brows, and then mascara.

Articles I’ve been reading this month:

Winter wedges by Lonestar Southern

One Direction update by Billboard

4 ways to add holiday glam to any outfit by A Pinch of Lovely

Michelle Obama’s final White House Christmas decor by Vogue

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How has everyone’s November been? Give me some feedback in the comments!

madison-bronze-foil

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Fall finds

Posted in Fashion
on 11/09/2016

Happy hump day friends! I am completely obsessed with the idea of getting some cooler weather down here in Southern LA (it’s still in the 70s). In preparation for the fall season, I rounded up some finds that I  cannot wait to buy + break out!

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Fall is the season of neutrals in my opinion. My wardrobe normally consists of neutral colors, and this season is no exception. I’m becoming crazy over shoes — booties + sneakers especially. These open toed booties from Dolce Vita are fabulous! They have a chunky heel which makes them comfortable, + the sage suede color would pair with black jeans and medium wash great! If you don’t live in a box you would know that Adidas superstars are all the rage right now. The gold is something I haven’t seen around, + it’s a bit more my speed than the classic black. I’ll be purchasing these bad boys very soon to wear with jeans, leggings, + sweater dresses! Comfort + style — it cannot get any better! Jewelry wise — I’m into chokers (as I’m sure you could tell by my last post) and hoop earrings (paging 2002). Bauble Bar is always one of my favorite stops for great + affordable statement pieces. Bibs are so fun with a simple top to dress things up. The bib I’m loving is actually two pieces — choker and bib so it is really versatile (more bang for you buck, amiright?). Fall weather calls for some sweaters + chunky ones are the best! h&m has some really afforable pieces if you’re in the market for a sweater (loving this one). Semi formal season is also upon us so I’ve been scouring the web for some affordable rompers (I love a good romper). Tobi has a great selection + I found this one on a whim! I love the material +the girly peplum. A choker would be fab with this!

Have y’all created a fall wishlist? Send me some suggestions! I need some new clothes badly (pay day is coming soon…)!!

shop the finds

madison-bronze-foil

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DIY Choker tutorial

Posted in Fashion
on 11/04/2016

Chokers are currently my go-to accessory for any outfit. I love the simplicity of them + the edgy vibe they have. Prices can range for chokers, depending on what you’re getting. Making chokers is such a fun little DIY + not to mention — it’s super cheap! Let’s get into it, y’all….

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You’ll need…

Ribbon (pick whatever your heart desires — velvet, sparkly, faux snakeskin, lace (the options are endless))

A few inches of chain (gold or silver)

Jump rings (gold or silver to match your chain)

Ribbon crimps (to match chain and jump rings)

Clasps (to match all of the above)

Scissors

Pliers

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The easiest DIY you’ll ever do…

Alright, alright, alright — here we go! First step is to take your ribbon and cut it to size for your neck. You’ll want to make it about a 1/2 inch shorter so you can hook it on the chain and not have it be too big. Take your ribbon crimps, put one on each side of the ribbon and use your pliers to close it onto your ribbon. With jump rings, take your chain and attach it to one ribbon crimp + then attach your clasp to the other (honestly this is the hardest part). *cue the oohs and aaahhhs* You’re done!

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See? I told y’all this is the easiest DIY you’ll ever do. Now go out there and wear that choker with some pride! When people ask you where you got it, you can proudly tell them “I made this with my own two hands” *hair flip*

If any of y’all try this out, please send me pictures of your finished product! I would love to see it!

Until next time….

madison-bronze-foil

 

 

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Life lately | October edition

Posted in Uncategorized
on 10/26/2016

What’s good y’all?! October was a pretty good month! Here’s my recap…

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So I’ve been working a research paper for my stage makeup class + I have to say it’s honestly the most fun paper I’ve ever written. The 1920s are such an intriguing time and so much action was happening in the world and the cosmetic industry. I’ve been doing loads of research and that may or may not have included a trip to my favorite destination, Barnes and Noble… #oops

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I’ve been on the hunt for a job for as long as I can remember (honestly about 4 months y’all… this ain’t no joke). But…. I’m over the moon to announce I’ve finally got one!! Come visit me at Hemline Towne Center! Working for Hemline is something that I believe will really help me with my future career in the fashion industry so I cannot wait to start getting into the swing of things!

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My #OOTD post this month featured this adorable (and affordable) tunic sweater. I paired it with some jeans + lace up chunky heels to dress it up. The perfect fall outfit!! Now if I could just get some cooler weather down here…

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Alpha Phi had our family weekend when we played Southern Miss so naturally my family came down to see me. Spending some much-needed time with them was just what I needed to finish this semester strong! Shouts to them for coming tailgating on the Parade Grounds with me! #myparentsarecoolerthanme

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Another family day picture of my #girlgang. I love these ladies with all my heart! They make life so much more lively!!

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My fall lip guide is up featuring my picks for perfect lips this season. Matte + neutral colors are my everything.

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My monthly dose of inspiration comes from this ole thing. Thank you Vogue. Lupita is slaying as always!

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FIRST PLACE NEVER FELT SO GOOD! Alpha Phi placed first place this year in our homecoming structures!!! They were Duck Dynasty themed and turned out so great! Peep me and Leonard (with the Duck Dynasty beard)!

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Our fall philanthropy event, Alpha Phifa, which is a soccer tournament with the fraternities was a #success! The team I was coaching won the whole thing so you could say I was proud :-)

My music favorites for this month:

Clocks go forward by James Bay

September Song by JP Cooper

Scars to your beautiful by Alessia Cara

Mad about you by Belinda Carlisle

My beauty favorites for this month:

Remington wand

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer

Burts bees classic minty chapstick

Articles I’ve been reading this month:

Anything Mackenzie Kendall (love love love her photos)

5 things to know about this weekend by A Pinch of Lovely (I met her… can you say fangirl?!)

Rare photos of Audrey Hepburn 

90’s Halloween costume ideas 

What have my peeps been up to this month? Comment below!

madison-bronze-foil

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My favorite fall lip products

Posted in Uncategorized
on 10/19/2016

In honor of my favorite trend for fall, I took it upon myself to set out on a mission: find the best fall lip products for under $20. I’d like to think I’m somewhat of a lipstick connoisseur. Not as knowledgeable as those who know every single shade to ever come out of the hands of Nars, Annatasia Beverly Hills or Bobbi Brown — but one of those who has about 11 different lip products in my arsenal. Knowing a thing or two about lipstick, I rummaged though the internet and complied this list… Here we go!

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THE BREAKDOWN

the matte nude | anatasia beverly hills liquid lipstick in stripped

Matte is all the rage this year + I have to say I was super reluctant to jump on the bandwagon but I did it. A matte nude lip is perfect for any outfit, casual or dressy. This liquid lipstick comes in at $18, so it is on the pricey side, but it won’t break the bank.

the deep purple red | revlon just bitten lip balm + stain in crush

I’ve talked about this one probably 5000 times, but it’s just because I love it. When you first put it on, it’s a deep purply-looking red but then as it wears off and leaves the stain it becomes a hot pink color. Formals, weddings, or a night out are my favorite places to wear this one!

the rosy pink | revlon lip butter in pink truffle

The most easy to wear color there is. Pair it with anything + it’ll go perfect. I just found out today that this specific color is discontinued, but I would recommend any color Revlon lip butter, especially the color Juicy Papaya.

the grape | clique different lipstick in a different grape

Here’s a great statement fall color that is easy to wear too! Great for casual outings, but I feel like I could wear this one for a dressy occasion as well. Clique lipsticks are the bomb, so check this out

 

shop the products

madison-bronze-foil

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