Style Edition: Peekaboo Back

I recently paid a visit to my local TJ Maxx in search for some new (and affordable) summer pieces that would be nicer than the well-loved summer staples of cut offs and casual shirts, while keeping me cool in this Miami heat. I absolutely fell in love with this romper. It has a beautiful summery color and a bold print balanced by feminine lace details and a bow above a peekaboo back!  The best part? It's one piece. SO easy to slip on and go. Who said cuter meant more effort?

*Note: I don't know if 'peekaboo back' is an actual term, but my mom used it the other day and I thought it was adorable. Thanks, Mom!

This breezy summer favorite reminds me of a picnic, a stroll by the bay or through the park, lunch at a cute coffee shop--you get it. Here's my roundup of must-haves inspired by this outfit!

(P.S. The sunhat is from Forever 21.)

What are your favorite summer staples? From clothes to beauty to music and beyond--let me know!


xoxo

Pretty in Ink: Liz Taylor Inspired

Personally, a pretty picture and a good quote always put an extra pep in my step and a better pace to my hustle—a mantra to keep me focused. This is the first of a new series I’m starting called Pretty in Ink, where every other week I’ll be posting a new illustration and inspirational quote.

As a style icon and a reminder of the glamorous days of Hollywood past, what isn’t there to love about Elizabeth Taylor? I’m a big fan of this quote, particularly when I start feeling like a crazy lady (more so than usual) because it’s just one of those hectic days. Hello, fresh mug of hazelnut coffee and MAC’s Cremesheen in Speed Dial.

 I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any suggestions or anything in particular you'd like to see, leave a comment!

xoxo

The Daily Grind

Okay, so I am a bit of an obsessive avid list writer. I use them for absolutely everything—from prioritizing schoolwork to cleaning to “productively” procrastinating, you name it, there’s a stylized, color-coded list just waiting to be checked off. My favorite list, however, has recently become a list of daily reminders.

            Sometimes, it’s good to take a step back and realize what simple habits need to be integrated into your daily routine. Here is a list of my top 10 things to self-improve:

One//Wash face twice every day

This one should go without saying, but expectation and reality do not always go hand in hand. It can be so easy to convince myself that I’ll be fine if I go to sleep without washing my makeup off “just this once”. Wrong. Pick yourself up, walk to the bathroom, and wash your face. Your skin will thank you.

Two//Sunscreen

This one has been getting a lot of buzz. Sunscreen can seem like a hassle of an extra step in a daily routine, but taking care of your skin is important! Not only can excessive UV exposure cause skin cancer, but it is also a culprit of premature wrinkling. The best remedy for a youthful complexion down the road is prevention, not reaction, ladies. At a certain point, the damage can’t be undone.

Three//Swipe on some lipstick

Who doesn’t love a little extra color? Lipstick automatically brightens my mood. It makes me feel pretty, put together, and ready to take on the day!

Four// Do at least one creative thing

It is so easy to get bogged down with the mundane, day-to-day tasks. Even ten to fifteen minutes of inspiring myself (Pinterest, anyone?) and doing something creative as a break can be a great stress reliever. We all need a pause from the ordinary once in a while! Maintain some balance, loves. 

Five//Perk up & have a cup of coffee!

I might have a little bit of an addiction to coffee. It’s warm, it’s delicious, and it helps me focus. It makes me feel like I’m prepared to get down to business, and it makes me happy, okay?

Six// Straighten up (your posture)

Confidence, positive presentation of yourself, and back + core health. Next.

Seven//Smile more, complain less

Pretty self-explanatory, but chill out and enjoy the ride. Nobody enjoys a Debbie Downer.

Eight// Remember to be grateful

Personally, I take so many aspects of my day to day life for granted. I am surrounded by wonderful, supportive people, I have so many amazing opportunities within arm’s reach, and my life is full of blessings not afforded to many. Don’t forget to zoom out your focus and think about all that you have to be thankful for. You’ll be happier, and in turn, so will those around you.

Nine// Indulge a little

Take a bubble bath, enjoy an episode of your favorite TV show, paint your nails, do whatever it is that helps you unwind a bit. I’m a firm believe that a certain amount of TLC each day is necessary to maintain sanity. 

Currently my favorite little indulgence is burning this fabulous candle from Anthropologie (and check out the cute little match box my mom made for me!)

Ten// Say “I love you”

Often overlooked, but don’t forget to remind those closest to you how much they mean. Regardless of petty arguments or a hectic day, don’t forget to let your mom, dad, puppy, annoying younger brother, best friend, or whoever else that you love them.

I ended up attaching this list to the inside of my new cream and gold journal from TJ Maxx (that will coordinate beautifully with the Kate SpadePlanner I want for the upcoming school year). I’m in love with it. The first page came with a quote printed on it:

“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

–Buddha

Fingers crossed that seeing these reminders regularly will make an impact on my daily habits.

I hope you liked my list!  These are just my personal suggestions; make sure to tailor your list to your specific needs. Let me know what your ideas are and comment below!

All the best,

-Madison

2013: A Year to Remember

           Over the course of the last year, I have become increasingly aware of how quickly time passes. It has been the most eventful year of my life, though it seemed to have come and gone all too quickly. It was a hectic year of tying up loose ends with school (that final stretch of IB testing before graduation lasted for-EV-er),  making the final decisions of what school to commit to,  graduating, working, and finally beginning my freshman semester at Tulane University. Meanwhile, my family began their own adventure as they moved to Miami (hello, winter paradise).

Among all of the chaotic changes and new experiences I feel as though I’ve grown immensely. While at times I encountered frustrating new hurdles, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Perhaps I haven’t made a definite decision about what I want to do for the rest of my life, exactly what I want to get involved in next semester, or even what I want to wear tomorrow, but that’s A-okay. Right now I am still growing and figuring out my bearings in a brand new world. The important part is to keep working hard and moving forward, and the rest will come in time.

“2014: A new year, a new me” is a slogan that I’ve come across frequently over the past month or so. However, with such a host of new experiences from the recently ended 2013, I feel as though I cannot simply disregard them and completely begin afresh. In order to make 2014 the best year yet, it is necessary to reflect on the old and build upward off an established foundation. Here are the top five takeaways from 2013 that I plan on carrying into the new year:

  

Spread Your Wings

As you (and the rest of the world—let’s be honest) probably know, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was earlier this week. Personally, it’s one of my favorite televised events of the year. The lights, the runway, the performers, the Angels, and, of course, the glitter, makes for an amazing show that doesn’t have a dull moment aside from the commercials. More importantly, though, I find it inspirational. I find it motivational. I find it as a reminder to constantly put my best foot forward.

There may be many critics of the show’s contributions towards an unhealthy feminine image, but I disagree. These models are not the overly skinny, starved, unhealthy women that you will find on the majority of high fashion runways. They are extremely fit and toned. They work for the bodies that they have. Take Adriana Lima for example. She has two kids and she still has a rocking body. Why? Probably because she boxes like a madwoman. She and all of the models undergo intense training to maintain their figures, hence the visible muscle tone rather than all bones. 

Additionally, these women radiate confidence. They are beautiful and they own their beauty. It takes confidence to bare your skin for the world to see in heavy wings and tall heels, yet they manage to strut their stuff with smiles and a fierce confidence rather than as stoic stick figures. After they put in the time and effort to attain their goals, they are proud to show it.

Women everywhere could learn a lesson in loving themselves for what they after working for their goals. Rather than always picking apart flaws and never feeling good enough, rather than comparing ourselves to a set of beautiful women that exemplify the modern idea of beauty and griping about how we don’t look like them, let us take a moment to reassess what we can learn from these exceptionally gorgeous women. Work hard and continually push the boundaries of what you are capable of. Love yourself for the work you put in. And perhaps most importantly, whatever you do, do it with a smile. Do what you love and do it fiercely. The world is your runway, whether or not you take that literally or metaphorically. 

The Buzzzzzzzz: Current Craze

            Lately, I have been loving all things bee-related. I just can’t seem to get enough. The bee motif is not only adorable, but it symbolizes many of the qualities of the “golden standard”, which inspired the name of this blog. Bees represent focus, productivity, teamwork, and leadership, all of which are admirable qualities to pursue. Incorporating these elements into a cute, stylish product? Perfection.

I absolutely love this Sloane Stationery notebook. It would be perfect for to-do lists and little notes to self! How fitting is the busy bee pun?

Perfect to spruce up a messy bun on a lazy day (which I have more of than I should like to admit) or to add some interest to a more polished look, these hair pins are definitely a conversation starter. Too cute.

This Laura Mercier honey bath is oh-so-tempting. The smell of honey is certainly among my favorites, and I'm a sucker for creative packaging details like the honey dipper. The countdown until I can take a real bath begins... #dormlife.

And, of course, the Queen Bee herself. As finals approach and the dread of the impending all-nighters and caffeine binges sets in, there is nothing like some good pump up music to get the mood and the pace up. Beyoncé never fails to get the productivity going for me! And maybe, just maybe, the motivation could even extend as far as a visit to the gym. No promises.

What are your current favorites?