September Lists

I've decided to combine my lists into one monthly post — for a while I've been participating in the 12 Lists Project from Clear the Way and Chez Gillian, plus I recently got a copy of Moorea Seal's The 52 Lists Project. Rather than bombarding y'all with a million MySpace-bulletin-style lists, I figured it would be easier and a little more productive to put them in one column at the end of the month. And besides, it's a better opportunity for you to share your list projects with me in the comments! If you're following along with The 52 Lists Project or the 12 Lists Project, share your blog or Instagram links in the comments!

My Favorite Instagram Hashtags

Most of us have been using social media long enough to know the basics. Over the years, I've gone back and forth between limiting hashtag use to maximizing their potential. Here's a list of my favorite hashtags to use (and look to for inspiration!) and how I set up my phone and tablet to easily access this information.

What I Wore // Lace Up Bodysuit

Lace up tops are my favorite trend for fall. For a night out in Philly, I wore this bodysuit with a pair of skinny jeans, leather jacket, and my favorite boots.

Randolph Street Market Choice for Charity

It's time for the 2015 Randolph Street Market Choice for Charity! Every year, I'm honored to be selected as a guest judge for the show. I give out ribbons for my favorite items and booths, and when those items sell, money is donated to a charity of my choice. Again, I've chosen Rape Victim Advocates (RVA). RVA is a non-profit in Chicago that helps rape victims at advocacy, counseling, and education. They do really fantastic work, and if you're so inclined, you can make a donation or attend volunteer training.

I selected five of my favorite pieces from the show. If you're in Chicago, be sure to check out the Randolph Street Market this weekend. Read more to see my selections.

You've Got Nail 54

I've been seeing ImPress nail sets lately at Walgreens and, while I like their designs, was hesitant about using a pre-glued manicure. My experience in the past with other brands had been less than stellar, but when ImPress offered to send over a few sets to try, I gave them a go.

What I Wore // Philly Fringe

My main goal whilst packing for this trip was comfort.  I wanted simple outfits that didn't take a lot of thought and could be easily converted with a leather jacket as the sun went down. For my first day in Philly, I went with a fringed tunic and my favorite boots.

Who's Ready for the Muppets?

Minis, I am so excited about the new Muppets Show that begins tonight! I'm a big fan of these furry puppets and have been looking forward to this day for a long time. Here are some of my favorite Muppet-inspired goodies.

What I Wore // The Green Vintage Slip

I bought this vintage slip with full intention of wearing it as a loose, flowy, airy dress. I'd consider it a success. It's just barely opaque enough to get away with a lacey bra and a pair of bicycle shorts. It goes with my favorite boots, Converse, or a pair of kitten heels.

Favorite Fall Things

Woo! Far before the "I love fall" mentality became a thing to make fun of white girls about (seriously, what the hell?), autumn was cool. The best holidays, the best food, and the best weather. Winsor & Newton sent over a great color selection of their new Pigment Markers and I tested them out by writing out my favorite fall things. Spoiler alert: there are no Ugg boots.

The Philly Trip

I had a little bit of anxiety just before my trip to Philly. I left that city on such a sour note two years ago and I was determined to make peace with a place that caused me so much grief. With the help of a few gracious hosts, a lot of food, and a few furry friends, I can happily say that my Philly trip was so much fun. Today I'm sharing a few teaser photos from the trip, plus keep your eye out for three outfits I shot while on vacation! See all the goodies after the jump. (Philly banner by Eric Kenney)

What I Wore // 70s Vibes

I was really worried that this skirt was a little too nuts for my closet — but then I decided to just go for it. I'm so used to styling simple color palettes, and this outfit was a nice way to step outside the box while embracing the 60s/70s vibe.

You've Got Nail 52 // Scratch Mini Mani Box September

I get so excited to get my Scratch Mini Mani Box every month! For the September box, there were some great selections — but I immediately went for the florals. I normally squeeze three manis out of these sets, but I was so excited to fill my fingertips with petals, that I ended up with two sets instead. See both of them after the jump!

Review // August Pixi Box

I got two new Pixi boxes to share with you all! The first box came with just the toner and the second had plenty of new makeup to try out. The colors are great, but I ran into a few issues with the one pencil I was looking forward to the most.

What I Wore // Fringe and Flares

More leather (actually, faux), more fringe, and more flares. I love this silhouette for fall and I am obsessed with this new bag I picked up from a favorite local boutique.

Packing For Philly

So long ago, I left Philly with a bunch of negative feelings in tow. Tomorrow, I'm flying back to the city of brotherly love to have a good time and make my peace with one of the hardest times in my life. It has taken a lot of time for me feel better about everything that had happened there (work, relationships, personal safety), and I'm finally at a comfortable place to go and have a good time without all that weight on me. I feel like it's a really important step for me and will give me closure! Yay!

Review // ColourPop Cosmetics Ultra Matte Lip

When I found out about ColourPop Cosmetics on Instagram, I though they were too good to be true. The colors looked great and the price was really low — would the product itself live up to the hype? First I ordered three colors. I liked them a lot and ordered another five. Lined up, some of the tubes look very similar in color. But swatched, they take on a totally different personality. Check out all eight colors after the jump.

What I Wore // White After Labor Day

I'm protesting the "No White After Labor Day" rule.

Behind the Scenes // My Desk

Happy Monday! To kick off the week, I figure I'd share will y'all what my workspace looks like. I keep it pretty tidy — all on a great wooden desk that I picked from an alley years ago when I lived in Columbus. All I had to do was get new drawer pulls on it and it became the perfect computer desk.

You've Got Nail 51 // Marble Mani

Over the past year, the marble pattern has exploded over clothing, accessories, and housewares. And finally, I've got some of it on my nails.

Shop the Mini Penny Labor Day Sale + September Shop My Closet

Two things are happening right now — I added new items to the shop for the September Shop My Closet Sale and the Mini Penny Labor Day Sale! On any order over $15, use the code LABORDAY15 at checkout and you'll get 30% off your purchase. Free shipping in the US. Sale ends Monday night at midnight, so don't miss it! There are some really great new items and awesome prices. Shop Now.

Review // NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick

Since I received the first email from NYX about the new Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick, I've been waiting to give them a shot. I have multiple different colors of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream and I'm all about matte lip colors this season (can you tell?!). As soon as these were available through the Ulta online store, I snagged to dark grey I had my eyes on.

Giveaway // The 52 List Project by Moorea Seal

When I joined Instagram back in 2010, one of the first people I found and followed was Moorea Seal. Looking back on those early days, I think Moorea's photo style definitely helped shape what I was sharing on social media, which eventually turned into blogging and beyond for me.

Seeing Moorea's online presence grow has been nothing short of exciting, so when I found out she was coming out with a book based on her 52 Lists Project, I was excited to check it out. And thanks to Sasquatch Books, one lucky reader will also have the chance to win a book with Mini Penny! See all the details after the jump.