1.31.2018

Wear More of What You Love.

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pants
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pantsPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, festive Winter outfit, how to wear a sequin dress in the daytime, Wear More of What You Love, style strategy, sequin blouse and trousers, sequin blouse, velvet bomber jacket, Superga trainers, emerald green pants
 | lipstick: Pretty Vulgar Liquid Lipstick in Secret Sabotage (reviewed here!) | jacket: Joy London {similar} | top (actually dress!): Forever 21 {similar} | belt: Target | pants: Old Navy (years old, similar} | trainers: Superga
The last day of January is the perfect time for me to share my resolutions for 2018, right? Actually- I haven't made any! Kinda like the last few years, I have some goals and things I would like to do, but I'm not calling them resolutions. Ok, I did make ONE, and it's a style resolution that I kicked off late last year:
wear more of what I love.

Whenever I notice someone particularly well-dressed, whether it's out on the town, on a blog, on Pinterest, etc. it always seems like they are wearing things that they absolutely love. It's like they don't have time for pieces that are "just okay", and that inspiration is totally apparent throughout the whole look! Am I making any sense? This doesn't have to mean crazy colors or embellishments- it can just as easily be an all black ensemble, but constructed with luxe fabrics, or an interesting shape.

For ME, this looks like wearing a sequin dress, that I bought for my office holiday party a few years ago and haven't worn since, as a blouse on a regular day to work. It wasn't the most comfortable to be tucking sequins into pants, but overall, I loved wearing this, and that's what I'm after. I can't wait to pair this dress with my oversized denim jacket and trainers next, for a casual/dressy night out!

I want to have more fun with my closet, and more fun getting dressed, by constantly choosing the items I love and get excited about, and building the rest of my outfit around those. And you know your girl loves a "style strategy." Shared here on the blog for accountability.

You can probably guess that these pictures were taken wayyyy back in 2017, but someone was busy getting married [CONGRATS ADRIANE!] I've styled my "lucky" green pants on the blog for the past couple years at Christmas time 2016 / 2015 but this look is probably my favorite.

Behind the blog: it's moving week! Yayyy. I'm not trying to be a brat but moving is such a drag. Nothing makes me want to become a minimalist/vagabond than assessing just how much junk I have accumulated. Anyway, while I can't find anything I own at the moment, it's eyes on the prize, which is...

MARDI GRAS next weekend (somewhere my mother is shuddering.)

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1.28.2018

January Boxycharm Review

Hey hey it's Boxycharm day! If you STILL haven't heard about Boxycharm...where have you been?? I'm no stranger to subscription boxes, but Boxycharm is far and away the best one I've ever tried.

For $20/month, you get 5 full-sized products sent to you, many of which are individually worth more than $20. So, like you'll see below, a killer deal, and amazing way to try out some new products!


Ok, here are the spoils from this month:
Priya the Blog, Nashville beauty blog, Nashville beauty blogger, Boxycharm, Boxycharm review, Boxycharm January review, Dr. Brandt Luminizer Primer, GirlACTIK Lip Paint, Crown Brush Glam Metals palette, it Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil, PUR Cosmetics Bronze and Brighten Palette
Priya the Blog, Nashville beauty blog, Nashville beauty blogger, Boxycharm, Boxycharm review, Boxycharm January review, Dr. Brandt Luminizer Primer, GirlACTIK Lip Paint, Crown Brush Glam Metals palette, it Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil, PUR Cosmetics Bronze and Brighten Palette
This primer is really more like a luminizing moisturizer. I really love the formula and the way it makes my skin look! As far as primers go, I haven't noticed a huge difference from my drugstore primers, but, I love trying out a pricey product!

This matte liquid lipstick is a really pretty terracotta shade, and the formula is awesome! My only complaint is that this is now the...fourth matte lip product I've received via Boxycharm? There's nothing necessarily wrong with that, but especially since glosses/metallics are back in a big way, I'd love for them to mix it up. 

Ok this is interesting, Boxycharm doesn't send any skin-tone specific products, so this brown pencil is advertised as being "universal." I have to say, it works perfectly for my super dark brows, and I think the taupe-y shade really could work for a wide spectrum. I did swatch it on my blonde hair/blue eyed bestie and it did not look crazy!

+ Crown Pro Glam Metals Palette | Retail: $30 (listed on their website!)
I was most excited about this palette! I've already used Wild Thing and Rebel a couple times and they are beautifulll, and went on very nicely. I can't wait to wear the rest of them! As far as palettes go, this one doesn't have any matte shades, so it's not the best for traveling or whatever but still really good.

+ PUR The Complexion Authority Bronze & Brighten Cheek Palette | $34
All three of these are powders are buttery, gorgeously shimmery and SUPER pigmented, wow, but again, how/where do I use this bronzer? I would say the highlighter is the standout here, because I love blush, but this one is a bit much.

TOTAL VALUE: $149 !!

Priya the Blog, Nashville beauty blog, Nashville beauty blogger, Boxycharm, Boxycharm review, Boxycharm January review, Dr. Brandt Luminizer Primer, GirlACTIK Lip Paint, Crown Brush Glam Metals palette, it Cosmetics Universal Brow Pencil, PUR Cosmetics Bronze and Brighten PaletteEven swatched EVERYTHING for you guys because I'm nothing if not dedicated. My arm looks v sickly. The primer is at the top of my wrist, then the lip paint, followed by the brow pencil, then the blush, highlighter, and bronzer, and then the eyeshadow palette, top to bottom, left to right.

Wellll my subscription auto-renewed in January, whoops! Let me know in the comments if you're a Boxycharm friend or foe, your best beauty discoveries of late, or anything really!


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1.24.2018

Warm in Other Ways

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, Nashville style blog, Nashville style blogger, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with layering, Titans beanie, Winter accessories, Frye boots, Nashville Winter outfit, cute Winter outfit, strategy for dressing in cold weather
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, Nashville style blog, Nashville style blogger, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with layering, Titans beanie, Winter accessories, Frye boots, Nashville Winter outfit, cute Winter outfit, strategy for dressing in cold weatherPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, Nashville style blog, Nashville style blogger, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with layering, Titans beanie, Winter accessories, Frye boots, Nashville Winter outfit, cute Winter outfit, strategy for dressing in cold weatherPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, Nashville style blog, Nashville style blogger, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with layering, Titans beanie, Winter accessories, Frye boots, Nashville Winter outfit, cute Winter outfit, strategy for dressing in cold weatherPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion blogger, Nashville style blog, Nashville style blogger, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with layering, Titans beanie, Winter accessories, Frye boots, Nashville Winter outfit, cute Winter outfit, strategy for dressing in cold weather
| beanie: Urban Outfitters {similar} | lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Tampered | scarf: Madewell {similar}| dress: Old Navy | sweatshirt: Old Navy {similar- distressed and really cool!} | jacket: Old Navy | mittens: Finland! idk! {similar} | tights: Target | boots: Frye {similar} | wallet: gift (Anthropologie) {similar- so pretty!!} | 
**click the item name for additional wears on the blog & brand name to shop exact or similar!**

The title of this posts gets weirder and weirder every time I read it, but what I'M TRYING TO SAY IS:

I get in such a jeans and sweater rut in the Winter. It just seems like more work/not as warm to put together a creative outfit when it's super freaking cold outside, and I've read this sentiment on a few blogs. We're having a bit of a warm snap this week (praise hands emoji), but lately, I've been describing my strategy for cold-weather dressing by using the phrase warm in other ways.

SO instead of just pairing together the two or three "warmest" things in my closet, I try to start with an outfit I could wear in more average temperatures, and warm it up from there! For example, in this outfit I have on fleece-lined tights, a scarf, a beanie, and a sweatshirt over a dress. I suppose another fancy way to say this is ~*layering*~ not anything new, but it keeps me feeling restricted by the temperature when I'm getting dressed AND you can count on it to make your outfit more visually interesting.

My friend Katie gifted me this pencil pouch/clutch/wallet (?) last Summer, and you've probably seen it randomly pop up in outfit posts, because I always have it on me! I'm not sure if this is meant to be a wallet, but I love it as one, I have an entire pocket basically JUST for lip products. I either use a coin purse with space for two cards or a giant clutch wallet that I can stuff all my ish into, there is no in-between for me.

January has felt like such a strange month for me. I can't quite put my finger on why! Most recently my workload has been pretty CRAY, so the past two weeks have felt like an entire week by Tuesday afternoon.

Oh yeah, my bestie Jenae came to visit me this past weekend and it was pretty great <3
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1.19.2018

It is COLD & I am OVER it

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coat
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriyaPappu_2Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coatPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Winter outfit pink coat, LOFT textured moto coat, pink Dr. Martens, snow day outfit, Nashville snow day, snow outfit with pink coat
| sunnies: Target {similar} | lip: Cailyn Art Touch Tinted Lipgloss in Basic Instinct | scarf: H&M {similar} | sweater (that you can't see): H&M {similar} | coat: Loft {still available!} | leggings: Target {similar} | socks: Target {similar} | boots: Dr. Marten (exact- but in kid's sizes) {similar- metallic!} |


Well, this was initially my working title, but it's really just a good description of where I'm at right now!

It SNOWED in Nashville this week! A few inches of thick, fluffy snowflakes ("snowman snow") Monday night and Tuesday morning, while I worked from home. Snow in Nashville is usually so fleeting and never sticks around, but it's been cold enough all week that there is still a good amount on the ground. 

It really was my blogger dream come true to get some snowy photos on Wednesday. It was so, SO cold when we took these! Ok, that's the last time I'll say it in this post, I promise. I'm just a California girl at heart, and when it was 6 (ZERO SIX) degrees the other night, I was like, I do NOT operate in these conditions.

At least I had a cheery new coat to make it through the week. I'm not exaggerating when I say I've been LIVING in my Old Navy parka coat from a few years back (similar to this one.) I don't know if it's "the warmest coat I own" or actually the warmest coat I own, but I end up wearing it non-stop for a few weeks every year. Really fun to clean out those pockets at the end of the season :) 

I saw this pink coat in a LOFT ad while I was in the store buying my mom a Christmas present (you know how it goes...) and immediately had to stalk it online. Well, three sizes later, I found my Goldilocks- XS Petite! I'm so so glad I was able to randomly snag my correct size. It's worth checking back on their website if you're after it, it's on SUPER sale right now, and I swear someone returned this one I have and minutes later it was in my cart! I've worn it everyday since I got it!

How many different pink items do I have in this outfit? Five if you count my nose lololol

Today has actually exploded into a fantastic day AND my bestie Jenae is in town for the weekend so I gtg hang! Stay warm (and stylin'!)  


and a huge shout-out to Miles Price for braving the cold for these photos!
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1.16.2018

#PappuChristmasGoesDownhill

Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California Christmas
Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California Christmas
Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California Christmas Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California ChristmasPriya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California ChristmasPriya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California Christmas
I just wanted to share a few photos from Christmas...remember Christmas? :) 

I spent mine mostly in Lake Tahoe with (almost!) my entire family. I ended up staying in the Bay for an extra day before heading up to Tahoe, because Tuppy played a show! This was a huge deal, because being in Nashville, I miss almost all of his performances. It was such a treat to go to the show and see him perform his own stuff, as well as with the band he's currently touring with. (Oh p.s. you can check out his music right here!) I am biased, of course, but he is so talented and it is so fun watching him do what he LOVES and is so good at (Naturally I cried like three times.) 

I hadn't been to amazing Lake Tahoe in years! Or skiing for that matter, haha. Most of my siblings are seasoned Winter athletes who snapped on their skis or snowboards and hit the slopes. I should have KNOWN that no one was going to take it easy on me. Sundar especially has a very "baptism by fire" learning technique so I literally put ON my skis and went straight on a lift, to an icy blue. And then it was kinda like well, you're coming back down the mountain one way or another. All I'll say is it is way harder to re-learn how to ski WHEN YOU ARE NOT SIXTEEN. But I do love being up in the mountains, my goodness. But like, standing. Or sitting. 

Apart from that very eventful day, we mostly hung around our cabin and snuggled and played cards and games that my Mom invented (?) (and HQ Trivia! Please sign up with "queenpri" Extra lives come throughhhh.) Not super exciting, but I am always ready and thankful for time to just BE and spend with those I love the most (and in that no make-up, no real pants rotation, too.) It's prettty fun the one time of the year when all the Pappus are together (minus Coren + Marisol + lil Pappu who is cookin.')

I obviously got both of my sisters make-up for Christmas and one night we had contour class! 

ALSO it was so so special to meet Jacqui's new baby boy, Addison Cruz, who snuggled right up on me and FELL ASLEEP for real. I mean. That's a good baby.
Priya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California ChristmasPriya the Blog, Nashville travel blog, Lake Tahoe, California, Christmas, Christmas in Lake Tahoe, Pappu family, family Christmas, California Christmas
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1.12.2018

Miss New Booties

Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue booties
Priya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue bootiesPriya the Blog, Nashville fashion blog, Nashville fashion, Nashville blogger, blue velvet booties, Target velvet booties, Winter outfit, Winter outfit with Velvet booties, Monochrome black outfit with blue booties


| earrings: Old Navy {similar} | lipstick: Urban Decay Vice in Tampered | sweater: H&M | skirt: H&M {similar} | tights: H&M | booties: Target {still available!} |

Ok. I've done some "research" (talked to like three people) and I have enough data to CONCLUDE that last week was actually the worst week of everyone's lives. Transitioning back to real life after the holidays, combined with freezing gloomy weather, and a couple gloom & doom meltdowns for me personally, all while having feelings of "but it's the new year and I'm supposed to feel awesome?!" Oh- and I'm sure kicking off a cleanse and depriving my body of gluten/sugar also led to feelings of WTF. I'm glad it wasn't just me. I was beginning to think I was really losing it.

Anyway! I'm on the mend in every sense! I feel like a new women! This week has been SO much better. I just had to get my life back on track, you know? The biggest thing that was stressing me out was knowing I needed to be moved out of my place by the end of the month, and I am SO THANKFUL that I have found what I believe is the perfect place for me right now. I wish I could move in tomorrow! But more on all of that later :)

I am seriously about to define my personal style ID as accidentally 80's. I know I've mentioned before that I am obsessed with anything and everything 80's (especially the music!) but it has really trickled into my subconscious, because I can't tell you how many times recently I've gotten dressed to later in the day realize- my outfit is STRAIGHT out of 1985! I'm not mad about it.

The whole purpose of my life this outfit was these velvet booties! I'm sure you've seen them around. I had a long, internal debate about whether or not I should buy these, the main deterrent being "how practical are velvet booties?", and should I spend my money on a fleeting trend, etc. But then I was all 🎵 she works hard for the money 🎵, and to hell with practicality, and that's basically the only resolution I've made for 2018! More on that later, this post is getting long.

I hope 2018 is off to an amazing start for you! Thanks for reading.


photos by the otherworldly Miles Price who keeps me looking moody & fresh
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1.08.2018

2017 Reading List

So I wasn't feeling super inspired to put together a music list from last year (see: My Favorite Songs of 2016) but I AM feeling hyped on reading! Yay! For the first time EVER, I completed my reading goal for the year in 2017- 12 books (a book a month was the idea here.) That might not seem like a lot for all the voracious readers out there (and props to you!) but, I think I have made this goal the last several years and never accomplished it. So. Go Pri. 

Anyway here's what I read in 2017! Some of these are a bit silly and I'm not ashamed at all! 

My rating system is pretty cut and dry- knowing what I know now, would I choose to read this again? (If the answer is NO- doesn't mean it's a bad book, just that I would probably chose something else.) 
1. Sweetbitter - Stephanie Danler | Fun fact- my sister and I saw the author on the street in NYC! My sister also gave me this book to read because she really loved it, but honestly...Danler is a talented author for sure, and this felt very much like a millennial coming-of-age novel, so that was cool, BUT the main character Tess was so irritating and constantly "victimized" to me that I just could not root for her and therefore really invest in the story. Would I choose this again: No.

2. Heart to Heart - Britney Spears & Lynne Spears | It was the #yearofBritney, are you surprised? Remember this book? Britney and her Mom wrote this together in the year 2000. It was actually SO fun to read, and goodness, how things changed for her. Would I choose this again: Hell yes. 

3. The Grownup - Gillian Flynn | I've read all of Flynn's work and was excited to check this out! To be fair, it is a short story (you could easily read this in a day), and was just creepy enough to give me a good thrill but not scare me too bad (some of her other stuff is pretty messed up.) Would I choose this again: Yes. 

4. Through the Storm - Lynne Spears | Britney's mom's tell-all book that I was SO excited to read!! This is basically the exact opposite of the book they wrote together, and super insightful. I really like Lynne, and she loves writing poems. Would I choose this again: Yessss. 

5. East of Eden - John Steinbeck | Ha, so this was kinda to balance out my trash reading, but also because my friend Rachel, who always has great reading recommendations, said this is her favorite book of all time. And for good reason, this is a classic and I totally get why. The story is very intricate, but also explores pretty simple human themes like family relationships, good and evil, and love. Worth reading for Steinbeck's gorgeous descriptions of the Central Valley ALONE. Would I choose this again: Yes! Everyone should. 

6. Awkward Black Girl - Issa Rae | I am a fan of anything Issa Rae does (Insecure was probably my favorite thing on TV last year) so I was SO excited to read her autobiographical-ish book of essays. This is such a great, breezy, read! Would I choose this again: Yes, esp. for fans of Insecure. 

7. Americanah - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Kinda a funny back-to-back read. My sister, who tells me about everything good, lent this to me (I've also seen it on many reading lists since.) What I loved most about this book, besides the narrative, and the narrator who is badass, is that it was unlike anything I'd ever read. Not to mention, super timely. Would I choose this again: Yes! 

8. Where Am I Now - Mara Wilson | This was, pound for pound, the best book I read last year. I'm gauging that purely because it was the one I wanted to get home and read the most! I have been a Mara Wilson fan...forever, and every page of this was a joy. Insightful, smart, funny, she is fantastic. Would I choose this again: Yes! Required reading. 

9. Man Repeller - Leandra Medine | I got really into Leandra's style/Man Repeller the blog last year, so naturally, when I found out she wrote a book, I had to check it out! While, imho tbh it wasn't the best "autobiographical-ish collection of essays" (what is that genre CALLED?) I've read, I did appreciate that it really had some neat stories about why and how Leandra IS Leandra. I think any blogger (esp fashion blogger) could really enjoy this. Would I choose this again: Yes. 

10. The Secret History - Donna Tartt | This was my book for my trip to Italy. Both of Donna Tartt's books have been on my reading lists forever. Don't get me wrong- she is a very talented author, the characters were awesome, the setting was gorgeous; but the story, for me (especially the ending!) left something to be desired. Would I choose this again: No- I would probably try The Goldfinch instead. 

11. The Paying Guests - Sarah Waters | I started this book once before, dropped it, and picked it up again determined to finish it. At first, the story is kind of boring but I believe that's the point, the main character leads a very mundane life. Well, the book took a turn that I was NOT expecting at all. I want to be very clear about why I'm not recommending this- the ending was not my favorite, and to me, there's nothing more disappointing after investing time in a book! Would I choose this again: No. 

12. The Nightingale - Kristin Hannah | Everyone has heard about this book, well it took me until last month to finally read it, and yes, it was spectacular. I cried probably three times. I don't want to give anything away/this isn't meant to be book reviews, necessarily, but this story of two sisters was beautiful. Would I choose this again: absolutely yes! 

My goal for 2018 is 16 books- i KNOW I can do that! I'm about halfway through Life After Life right now, so off to a good start. I'm tracking my progress on Goodreads, and I would love to connect with you! Please hit me with the last book you read that you couldn't put down, I'm always looking for great recs.

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1.01.2018

Best of Beauty 2017

Sorry not sorry that I've become a beauty junkie/addict/hoarder (whatever you want to call it, Mom) this year! I thought it would be fun to share my absolute favorite beauty products of 2017. I'm going to try and not use the word "game-changer" 100 times. 

Note: I tried to keep this a list of fresh, new-to-me-ish products from throughout 2017 that haven't been heavily featured on my blog already. This doesn't include all-time favorites like Benefit They're Real! or Stila Liquid Lipstick. Check out my favorite drugstore make-up here, best ipsy & Birchbox finds here, and SO MANY MORE beauty favorites here
beauty buzz, Wet n Wild highlighter, Real Techniques brushes, Too Faced Neutral Matte palette, e.l.f. cosmetics, NYX Lipstick, OPI RapidDry Top Coat, Wet n Wild blush, Anastasia Contour Palette, Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner, Wet n Wild blush brush, Best of Beauty 2017, Priya the Blog, Nashville Beauty Blogger
e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzer duo in Fiji | Love a two-fer! This is such a handy little compact for traveling or throwing in your purse, & I love the shade of both the bronzer & the blush, they're just great!
NYX Creamy Lipstick in Thalia | This was my answer to finding an MLBB that isn't matte. The shade is a pretty neutral dusty mauve (maybe?) that sits on my vanity & always works when I'm unsure what to wear!
Wet n Wild blush brush | Soo you already know I love drugstore make-up, especially Wet n Wild, and they actually make some pretty decent brushes! This brush has completely changed my blush application. It really lends to more naturally "painting" it on your face, if that makes any sense at all?
Eyeko Liquid Eyeliner | "Felt tip" eyeliner pens are my STEEZ, and I have several, but the few Eyeko minis (remnants of ipsy/Birchboxes past) I own are my favorite, because the tip is just the best. I have to (humbly) say that my cat eye game has been on point and this is my secret!
Real Techniques Contour Brush | I finally tried a couple Real Techniques brushes this year and this contour brush has been a total game-changer (there's one!) for me. I know my real technique (teehee) has changed and I can confidently say my contouring has gotten a LOT better because of it.
Anastasia Contour Palette | Speaking of; this is the one product I know I've mentioned several times before, but this palette was really heavily loved this year (as pictured.) I used to only use one or two of the shades, which can be the danger of contour palettes, but I've been amazed at how useable the whole thing is (for a lighter "day contour", setting my under-eyes, etc.) I use this in some way almost daily.
Too Faced Neutral Matte palette | If there were only one actual game-changer on this list, here it is. My bestie Steph is a real "beauty mentor" for me, and she turned me on to this palette, which has become the start of virtually every eye look I wear! I *love* this palette and I say this all the time- it's like eyeshadow for dummies because you really can't mess it up with these shades! Like what the hell was I doing before this?
OPI RapidDry Top Coat | I mostly do my own nails and save a trip to the salon for a special occasion, and this has been a (wait for it-) game-changer for my at home mani-pedis! If you're like me and constantly ruin your own nails because you can't sit still, you NEED this in your life. I'm not even sure how this works because it somehow dries the layers of polish underneath it? This is the kind of science I can get into.
Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush | Oooh you guys, this brush is IT. No matter how epically you eff up your eyeshadow, this brush will blend it out like a dream. And I have tested this- trust & believe.
Wet n Wild blush in Mellow Wine | Oh, what a surprise, a Wet n Wild product? This specific shade of blush has become my go-to lately, it's a subtle dusty rose that goes with everything!
e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator | This product is totally genius. She lives on my vanity, and I use this basically every time I do my make-up. The front side (? I don't know how to describe this) is super exfoliating and then the flip side is smooth and just hydrating. I don't know how I lived without this.
e.l.f. Pointed Powder Brush | This is a brush I learned about on YouTube that has recently become my absolute favorite for bronzer. It's perfect because, though it's a "big fluffy brush", it's pointed, so you can really target where you want the powder to go. Oh and this is a $6 brush that is surprisingly lovely.
Wet n Wild highlighter in Crown of my Canopy | I have definitely mentioned these way too many times, but I wanted to specifically highlight (lol) my latest favorite shade, because at $5 a pop, you can easily collect them all! Crown of my Canopy is an unreal omg-gorgeous shade of copper that I am UB-SESSED with.  


Did any of these make your list? If you have a best of beauty post going on, share the link with me in the comments, I'd love to check it out!

Here's to a beautyfull 2018! 
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