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What’s in my carry on bag | How to travel LIGHTLY!

Posted in Lifestyle
on 07/09/2018

I am a chronic over-packer. I never fail to bring 4 more outfits than I need, way too many pairs of shoes and the lipstick that I haven’t worn in the past 7 months but might be feeling it when I get on vacay. IT’S NOT HEALTHY. With absolutely HORRIBLE experiences I’ve had while checking my bags, I now always vow to CARRY ON EVERYTHING. If you’re an over-packer like me, stick around and I’ll share a few tips for ya on how I manage to fit alll of my shiz in a carry on bag and personal item (aka purse). Let’s gooooo!

carry on the essentials

OK so I know this is easier said than done. Especially if you’ve got a longer trip. As far as skincare goes: simplify your routine. If you normally do 5 steps, make it 3. Maybe you don’t need to bring that face mask or crazy 3 step under eye regimen. Stick to the basics: cleanser (make sure it’s under 3oz!), moisturizer and maybe a toner or eye cream. I love bringing products that are double duty to save room. This serum is amazing to multi task with. Use it for your hair, face and body moisturizer and even as a cuticle oil!

pack pieces that you can mix and match

I looooove two piece sets because they’re basically like three outfits in one. Wear the top with another pair of bottoms, the bottoms with another top or the matching top and bottoms together! They are the best and really a savior for saving space while traveling. I recently brought this set on my trip home to NOLA and it was PERFECT. I always like to bring a good basic jean jacket too for the plane and as a layering piece. I’ll link a few of my summer basics I brought on my recent trip for y’all below!

compartmentalize everything

The easiest way to stay organized is by compartmentalizing everything. Keep all of your cosmetics in one bag, your face and body products in another, your electronics, shoes, jewelry and what ever else your heart desires in separate bags too. I find this is truly the most simple way to pack! It keeps things organized and easier to keep track of. If you’re like me, your suitcase can EASILY become a black hole so bags of all sorts are super duper helpful.

With all of this being said, I’m linking a bunch of things I brought on my trip this weekend! Including this duffel and my favorite purse to travel with.

 

my travel must haves

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I’m obsessed with these shoes and you should be too

Posted in Fashion
on 07/05/2018

Howdy y’all. Hope everyone has had a great week so far! I know for me, today seriously felt like the most Monday Thursday ever. I think it’s that Wednesday off for the fourth is what threw me off! Nonetheless, I am so looking forward to this weekend as I’ll be headed up to the Big Apple. Eeekkkk! A get away for a bit to catch up with two of my closest friends is just what I need.

Last time I posted about these shoes on Instagram, I got an OVERLOAD of messages asking for details. So I figured I may as well do a blog post about em and show y’all how I style them!

Black, white, and snakeskin. Can’t get much better than that, right? I’m a sucker for a neutral outfit because I feel like I don’t have to think… I can just grab and go. Please lmk when there will be a time where black and white won’t be in style? Never. I wanted to keep everything simple and light considering it’s hot as Hades up here in Fayetteville. On a side note: I wear these shorts at LEAST twice a week. They’re a great buy if you’re a jean-shorts-to-everything kinda gal like me.

the best shoes ever

I had been lusting after these for months and they were honestly the first thing I bought while working at RiffRaff because I was so dang excited about them. I loooove how comfortable they are! With the ankle strap and 1.5″ platform — ya get the best of both worlds (style AND comfort). I couldn’t pass up getting them in both colors lol #extraaf

I think my favorite part about these shoes is how versatile they are. I’ve done them with jeans, dresses, skirts and they honestly look good with EVERYTHING. I’m even taking them with me to NYC this weekend to go with all my day and night outfits. Did I mention that they’re ON SALE? Bottom line: you NEED A PAIR. Not kidding. 

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Gingham: the must-have trend for spring + how to wear it

Posted in Fashion
on 03/13/2018


gingham pants // top (sold out, but I’ll link similar) // denim jacket (similar) // loafers (similar) // earrings

Gingham… kinda reminds me of a farm girl, Frenchy from Grease and a little bit of the 90s?  I am here to tell y’all its back *cue Backstreet Boys song* for spring and summer! And its oh so fun to style. I wanted to edge the pants up a bit so I went for a tee and denim jacket with stars, of course. But I would totally style this with a cute crop top and my Marc Fisher platforms too for a girly look!

My main tip for styling something as bold as the gingham trend is to keep the rest of your look simple. Stick with solid colors or neutrals to bring the focus to the statement piece (whatever it may be). Have fun with your look! I was scared to death to style these pants but once I figured out how to make them work I had so much fun with this outfit! You can try out the trend without spending a lot of money too so don’t let that hold you back! My pants were only $35 and I know for sure you can find something to fit your style for under $50 #ballinonabudget.

There are so many gingham options out there right now and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what fits your style. The pants are def the boldest. If you wanna be a bit more subtle, try a gingham skirt with a solid top, a dress or a top with jean shorts. I picked all my fave gingham options for the spring and summer and linked em below for y’all! Let me know if you try out the trend! I wanna see how y’all incorporate gingham into your spring wardrobe!

Madison

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1 simple way to style winter pieces into spring

Posted in Fashion
on 02/19/2018

It’s gettin hot over here. I know the rest of the country probably isn’t experiencing this spring warmth that us Southerners are having, but hey I am here for it. This awkward transition season always has me questioning what’s “ok” for me to wear.. jeans? Yeah I guess so. White? Obvi (I never follow that rule because white is my favorite color). Straw wedges? Hmmmmmm. Velvet tops? EH idk. Today I’m gonna break a few rules and look good while doin em.

Let me just start with an update on my life: I am broke and I am a shopaholic. There’s too many good sales going on right now for amazing winter pieces I can stock up on for next year and waayyy too many beautiful spring styles coming out. I can’t help myself! When I laid my eyes on these beautiful, pink, straw wedges I knew I had to have them. I’ll admit, they’re pricey but so worth it! If you wanna snag last years colors here’s a few on sale in limited sizes (here, here and here).

I wanted to do something a little fun with this outfit so I paired a velvet cami (which I am in love with btw please go get yourself one you will wear it ALL THE TIME), my favorite distressed jeans (on sale right now), and a statement belt. The end result: a wintery/springy basic but super put together look.

Velvet camis go with almost anything! You could easily style this with some fun printed pants and platforms, a simple skirt, or even white jeans to bring it into spring.

Is there any winter pieces into your closet you wish that you could style into the spring? Comment down below and let’s figure out some new ways to rock em!

Madison

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January jams | LGIP

Posted in Lifestyle
on 02/01/2018

If you know me at all in real life, you know how gung-ho I am about music. I listen pretty much 24/7 — walking to class, in the shower, doing homework, just really whenever I get the chance! I thought I would share with y’all my January playlist! Music taste says a lot about a person. I for one, think it’s so interesting to see what everyone’s up to based on their current listens.

I’ll link my playlist below for y’all so you can check it out! While you’re at it, give me a follow on Spotify (I would loveeee that)! The link to listen is here. This month I was all about the mix of old late 1990s pop rock + new dance kinda of stuff (Troye Sivan, Charlie Puth). Of course my girl Tay landed on my list as well. Her reputation album is bomb.

I’ll be traveling this weekend to Dallas for an Alpha Phi conference so I am almost positive the jams will be on blast most of the weekend. I’ll be sure to share some pictures of my lovely conference attire (lol) over on my Insta stories! Wishing y’all a very happy Friday junior!

Madison

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Chunky sweater + my faves under $70

Posted in Fashion
on 12/11/2017

chunky sweater // jeans (under $30) // chunky heels // purse // sunglasses

Well, the unthinkable happened y’all — it’s cold in Louisiana. WTF?! Ya gotta have some way to curb that chill so that’s exactly when the chunky sweater comes in. The chunkier the better in my book. They’re my favorite thing to wear with just about everything. While I’m not much of a cardigan gal since public school totally wore me out (had to wear one over every outfit haha) I do love pullover sweaters since they’re easy. Just one piece and then you’re done!

I dressed this lil #ootd up with my new favorite heels. I’m pretty late jumping on the bandwagon for these babes but now I see where the hype is coming from! They come in oh so many colors and have a great price point. I would also do the sweater with leggings (my fave are Spanx faux leather) for a super comfy look. Booties would be great if it’s a little cooler outside!

shop this #ootd

I’m linking a bunch of sweater options for y’all below. They’re all under $70 (shoutout to my gals #ballinonabudget) so happy shopping! I am loving anything chunky and colorful so you’ll see lots of that in my picks!!

my fave sweaters under $70

xo, Madison

Photos by Demi Lyons Photography

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Things I’ve bought recently | Edition 3

Posted in Fashion
on 12/04/2017

Hey hey! Happy Thursday y’all! I thought I would do a little roundup of a bunch of things I’ve bought recently because these are some of my favorite posts to write. Pretty much everything is under $100 because ya girl is #ballinonabudget. Go ahead and scroll down to check all the newness out.

buddha girl bangles

I am obsessed with these bangles. I wear them every time I dress up because I love the pop they bring to my outfits. They are weatherproof, TSA proof, and life proof! Did I mention they would be a good Christmas gift? The story behind them is so cool and I have been going crazy saying my serenity prayers on them when I get flustered.

mumu purple halter top

I snagged this top during the MuMu black Friday sale for around $35. Say whaattt? Yeah, I was thinking this would be perfect for game days (peep the lavender color) but also could be super cute during the holidays for a little party outfit!

black-cheetah-ootd-lgip-2cabby hat

It’s me trying to get on board with this new trend.. cabby hats? Can’t say I’ve ever been a hat gal before but I thought I should try it out. I found a bunch of budget friendly options at Forever (I’m talking under $20 y’all) so don’t be too scared to try this trend out! I love how it edges up a look.

joa sweater

Chunky. Pink. Perfect. Yep, that pretty much sums up this sweater. It is my new favorite thing ever and goes great with jeans and whatever else you want to pair it with! It’s under $80 and comes in a bunch of great neutral (and fun) options.

black-cheetah-ootd-lgip-9seychelles patent leather booties

I scored these babies off Revolve for $80. I was looking for months for a cute trendy pair of chunky heeled booties. Nude? Patent? Leather? Omg, how freaking fun! Since they hit right on my lower leg, I think they’re great paired with skirts, dresses, and would also be so good with a pair of cropped jeans (gonna rock em with these)!

marley lilly sweater

My favorite throw on and go sweater. I always grab this sweater for school because it looks great with yoga pants or active shorts. Every time I wear it, I get soo many complements on it! Plus, it’s on sale right now!

Thanks for reading! I’m taking my finals this week so by next Monday I will be a free woman (aka no school for a month.. wahoo)!

xo, Madison

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Black, leopard and a little bit of patent leather | Dressing for a Southern Winter

Posted in Fashion
on 11/22/2017

IT’S BEEN A LONG 21 DAYS SINCE I’VE LAST POSTED, Y’ALL. To be honest, those few weeks have been some of the hardest times of this year. But hey, I am back! Thank you lord for Thanksgiving break, although it may only be two days for me when I factor in my work schedule. Nonetheless, I am thankful to have some sort of break. The end of the school year is coming WAAYY too fast.

Let’s dive into this post — featuring a super simple, super chic neutral look. It’s so perfect for the Louisiana “winters” we have (cold in the morning, warm in the afternoon).

turtleneck // leopard mini // black crossbody bag (same style, different print) // cabby hat // patent leather booties

Black and leopard… WHAT A COMBO. I picked up this skirt from work a few weeks ago but I was saving it for a black turtleneck. I finally found this one at Brandy Melville while I was in NYC. I threw these patent leather booties on to lighten up the look! Neutrals are my jam always. I am so happy leopard is coming back into style cause man I was missing it from my 2005 days.

I took a few pictures with my cabby hat (which I get so nervous to rock) to show y’all how to edge it up a bit. These are absolutely everywhere (thank you Niall Horan for bringing this trend BACK) and I am starting to like hats? Never thought I would say that haha.

get the look

On a side note: peep my hair. Goodness gracious, it’s looking rough. That half and half thing? Not digging it. Bought myself some hair dye today so I’ll report back tomorrow with the results. Wish me luck!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING Y’ALL!

xo, Madison

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