Summer Style

Is there anything better than enjoying summer and the sunshine in a sundress? Summer is my favorite season and I can't think of anything I'd rather throw on than an flowy, colorful dress. This summer has been filled with sunshine, fun hangs with friends, travel and shoots with my favorite cousin! 

A couple of my favorite pieces are below and they're the best because of how versatile they can be. Perfect for a casual day walking around or dress it up for a night out. Both items were purchased at Kittsona. The handbag is from The LionHEART Collective. 

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Fall Fashion Favorites

Thick knits, high necks, wraps & scarves is everything happening this Fall 2016 season, and also a few things I can never get enough of. 

 

High Neck Sweaters

Wearing: High neck thick knit sweater, olive green ripped cropped jeans

Both of these items can be found at PRIMP Boutique. 

When I heard that high neck dresses & sweaters (or turtle necks) as they were once called, were making a comeback, I was a but skeptical, but since trying them on, I haven't been able to stop purchasing them & sure enough they are now to be seen everywhere. 

 

Thick Wool Blend-Wrap

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Wearing: Black & White Wool-Blend Wrap, black high neck sleeveless dress, UO Black slip-on sneakers

These clothing items can be found at PRIMP Boutique 

I love this black and white wool wrap, with its exaggerated size and versatility. Its the perfect item to transition from Fall into Winter, over something like this simple high neck black dress to a long sleeve shirt, jeans & boots in the Winter months. 

 

Duel Suede + Knit Zip-up Vest

Wearing: Cream Duel Suede + Knit Vest, Cropped black jeans, UO Slip-on black sneakers

The vest can be found at PRIMP Boutique 

One of my favorite ways to style an outfit is to throw over a statement piece like this vest. This vest is all about the subtle cream color, making it a perfect transitional piece in between seasons. I absolutely love the two different materials used from front to back and the comfortability of this piece. 

 

Blanket Scarves

Wearing: thick wrap flannel blanket scarf

This item can be found most places, or here. 

We all know that scarves are not new to fashion, but this extra large flannel blanket scarf is the perfect accent piece for your upcoming Fall wardrobe this season. The best part about it, it can be worn multiple ways to ensure your outfits never look the same. 

Happy Fall! 

The best part about all of these items is that they are affordable and locally sold. This Fall shoot was done in collaboration with the amazing PRIMP Boutique.  Make sure to check them out at their multiple locations around Minnesota. 

Skin Care Favorites Fall 2016

Its finally Fall and for this beauty post, I am focusing on my recent skin care obsessions that I have been using lately and highly recommend for Fall as the air will be getting colder and drier, and it is important to keep your skin hydrated and taken care of during the winter months.

1. Dead Sea Mud Mask - The first skin care product that I am obsessed with is this Dead Sea Mud Mask from Stella & Grace.  I have now used it a few times and have been thrilled with the outcome every time. The mask is very rich and moisturizing and since you only need to leave it on for 5 minutes, its incredibly convenient as well. This mask leaves your skin feeling refreshed, incredibly soft and reduces pore appearance and redness. Also, it is made with all natural ingredients and helps detoxify impurities from the skin. I highly recommend. Make sure to buy this product and use code: TRIPLEO20 and receive 20% off your purchase. 

2.  Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser - Move over make-up remover wipes, this is the best thing you'll find to help with that hard to take off makeup. It removes all of your makeup while moisturizing simultaneously and when you're done, wipe off with a damp rag. Its cheap and easily and you can find it here. 

3. Rituals Shower Scrub - There aren't enough good things that I can say about all of the Ritual products in general. From the high quality packaging and ingredients to the scents used, this body and facial scrub both gently remove the dead skin on your face and body leaving you with a radiant glow and hydrating feeling. Check out the product here and the whole site in general. I have been using it for years now and always love the outcome. 

4. TULA - Recently, I have been using this Hydrating Day & Night Cream from TULA and I am obsessed. The best part about this cream, is that its very concentrated and made from high quality ingredients and especially is cruelty free. I have sensitive skin and this hydrating cream is lightweight enough and has probiotics in it to ensure any skin feels nourished. I am loving it. Check out the products here. 

5. Simple Face Wash - If you're like me, you love to find a deal, especially when it comes to beauty products. This Simple Face Wash is a perfect and inexpensive face wash to use. Its lightweight, foamy and doesn't leave your skin feeling oily or dry after using it. Its sold at most drug stores and you can also find it here. 

6.  Anti-Wrinkle + Energizing Eye Masks - Did you have a long night last night, feeling a little sleepy and can't wake up or have some dark under eye circles or puffiness? Well, I've found the answer to all of these issues. These Grace & Stella under eye masks are so incredible, I wish I could wear them around all day...but that would be silly, right? These cute, little gold strips also reduce the appearance of under eye circles and are made with collagen and minerals to bring back the elasticity of skin and youthful appearance. I am seriously obsessed with this product and you MUST try them. Visit the website here & use my code TRIPLEO20 and receive 20% off your purchase.  

Favorite Summer Beauty Product Must-Haves

If you don't already know, my obsession for beauty & makeup is getting somewhat out of control. With having requests from all my friends to do their makeup, continuously stopping at the mall, drug stores and Sephora, I am always on the look for new beauty products to test on myself and share with you all! And with all of the searching I've been doing this summer, I have come across some of my favorites finds for being out in the heat, sun, at the beach and to also give you that perfect summery glow. Just to note, many of these products are fitted for my skin tone, which has more of olive skin tone with a bit of a yellow undertone, so make sure to properly test them to match your skin color before purchasing! Here's the list of my favorite summer products that I think every woman should own! 

Hourglass Brozer - This two-toned bronzer is honestly my newest makeup obsession. This illuminating bronzer looks so natural and gives you that perfect summer glow also while giving you some dimension on your cheeks, jaw line and forehead. I use the Luminous Bronze Light, which is the lightest of the three pallets. I suggest anyone of my skin tone or lighter, or of an olive complexion purchase this as it is already pretty dark. 

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder - This is one of the best purchases I have made all summer. As I am quite active on a daily basis, my makeup tends to come off throughout the day and when using this setting powder, specifically used under my eyes, it helps to give me that perfect illuminating glow and keep my under eye makeup on all day. 

It Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50+ - Go buy this right now, this is not a joke. I have finally found one of my favorite color correcting and coverage products. It literally has everything a girl could want. It protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, and is clinically proven to improve skin texture and provide hydration, so it is the perfect thing to wear during the summer. Also, I typically have sensitive skin and can't wear many products that cover my skin, but this CC cream is so lightweight and has a rejuivating skin serum in it, it honestly feels like you've moisturized with lotion. 

Perricone MD No Bronzer Bronzer - This is a product that I was unfamiliar with or hadn't used before. Its a liquid bronzer, which may seem scary to use, but honestly its one of the best products I have tried and is incredibly easy to use. It is perfect for contouring and to give you that depth and warmth on your skin. Squeeze a few drops on the back of your hand and apply on the top of your forehead and cheek bones with a bronzer brush. (I then go over this bronzer with my Hourglass bronzer). This is also perfect for the summer because it has SPF 30 in it. Winning! 

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick- Ok, this product isn't actually one of my newer obsessions, because I have been using it for a while now. But, that doesn't mean it isn't still one of my favorites! I love this foundation stick so much. Honestly, if I had to choose one product to carry around with me, this would be it! It is such a great quality product and is perfect for hiding any blemishes, red spots or under eye darkness. Use this with a flat head brush to blend in and you're set! I use this primarily around my nose, since I have redness there and under my eyes, to give myself more of an "awake" look and brighten up my face. I use this in Warm Beige. 

Maybelline Concealer Stick - This concealer stick by Maybelline is awesome. It is super lightweight on your skin and really takes care of those under eye circles and darkness. I love using this, because it really brightens up my look and gives me the appearance of looking more awake. This was a drugstore purchase and can easily be found at any Walgreens, CVS or Target. For myself, I use the Sand Sable color. 

Milani Powder Blush - This peachy pink blush is my new blush obsession! Up until now, I had been using a slightly darker more burgundy color blush. I am bummed that I didn't find this sooner, because it is the perfect color for summer. I am using the color, Luminoso. With a slight gold tint, it gives you the perfect glow and brightens up your cheeks just the perfect amount. It also pairs beautifully with the Hourglass bronzer as well! Also, this color definitely does depend on the color of your own skin and what works well with you. This is a personal preference for my skin tone in the summer when I am a bit darker, as it is the perfect thing to give me some bright color. 

Lancome Silky Cream Highlighter - This creamy highlighter just came out on the market recently and I am loving it. Lancome has made a seriously excellent highlighter cream that will brighten up your look and last all day. Since it is of a creamy consistency, it stays on your skin very well. It comes in a variety of colors, and I use Buff Lights - Champagne Gold. Again, this is my preference, because I really like a visible highlighter, so I chose the lightest one available in this collection. 

Becca Backlight Primer - Lastly, this Becca Backlight Primer is amazing!! I have just recently started to use a primer before doing my makeup, but I am really loving it. Again, this is super lightweight and is the perfect base before putting on your concealer. It give you a radiant glow since it has illuminating aspects to it and acts as a filter for your makeup. This is definitely just an optional step for doing your face makeup, but I love the way it ends up looking! 

Well, thats it for my summer fav beauty products! I can't wait to hear what you all think & let me know your favorites. Also, let me know what else you would like to see me feature, so comment below or on my Instagram (oliviasobjectsofobsession)! Also, follow along with me on snapchat (OliviaJoan21) as well to see my daily makeup routines as well as some glamour makeup routines for the evening! 

MODERN ROOTS

Being from northeast Minnesota, I grew up going into to Stillwater, Minnesota every summer to enjoy the idyllic views of the St. Croix river and the quaint stores lining up and down Main Street, such as antique stores, candy stores, malt shops and cafes. It is one of the cutest places to visit in during our amazing Minnesota summers, and now it has got even better. A holistic, organically made from all natural ingredients, beauty and bath product store, named MODERNROOTS, just opened its second location in Stillwater. MODERNROOTS develops product that is free of parabens, phthalates, soy and corn. They also don't use artificial preservatives including formaldehyde, MSG, etc. This store is specifically perfect for anyone with skin ailments and disorders, while also making it affordable, fun and inviting.

MODERNROOTS is an incredible beauty + bath store that sells everything you can imagine from bath bombs, soaps, lip balm, shampoo & conditioner to necklaces with hardened and scented essential oils on the inside, and its all made right here in Minnesota by its owner, Meg. MODERN ROOTS original store is located Buffalo, MN and this is their second store in Stillwater.

So after walking around, smelling every soap bar in the store and testing out the lip balms and lotions, I knew that this place was going to be my newest obsession and place I would go, to buy all of my future beauty products. If you’re someone who tends to be interested in organic foods & ingredients and the health benefits of using a certain product, this will be the perfect store for you! 
 

It will be the perfect place for you to visit this summer when you are downtown Stillwater enjoying the beautiful weather, the St. Croix river and checking out all of the adorable shops! 

To look at all of MODERNROOTS products and learn more about their background, click here! I can't wait for all of you guys to visit and enjoy the amazing, organic products as much as I did!! 

Packing Picks & Tips

Hi Guys!! So I leave for NY tomorrow and I am so excited! My boyfriend Paul and I are headed there for his birthday weekend & for a super fun getaway!

So, because its New York and one of the most fashionable cities in the world, it is so hard to not pack all of my cutest pieces! But, that wouldn’t really work if you’re just going for a quick getaway, over the weekend with a carry-on! So, I thought I would do a packing tips & picks post to share with you all. So, here are my tips and travel picks for my upcoming weekend! J

Its going to be Springtime in NY and the perfect time to show off your adorable spring dresses, lace & patterns! (Check out my Spring Picks & Pattern Play posts for ideas). So for my first tip, and for the short answer, try and bring as little as possible (because you’re going to want to go shopping) & items that can double for multiple occasions! If you need or forget something, its New York, go shopping!!

But, for the long answer of what you should pack, here are my suggestions:

1-    Dress or jumpsuit for going out

1-    Pair of jeans for both day & night

      a.     Night – throw on a pair of heels for the evening & you’ll be good to go!

1-    Jacket

1-    Pair of shorts or romper

1-    Pair of dress shoes

1-    Cute walking shoes – for all of your site seeing! J

2-    Sweater or shawls

3-    Cute tops that double for either day or night

Tips:

1.     Jewelry – roll up or fold in tissue paper or even a sock

2.     Delicates/lingerie – put in plastic bags & can use for dirty clothes as well

3.     Clothing – rolling vs. folding – rolling saves more space & no wrinkles

4.     Pack minimally & pack items that can double for multiple occasions

5.     Pack a scarf – it takes up literally zero room & will keep you warm & is a cute accent piece

I have been busy planning my outfits for each day that I am out in NY, so take a peek below to get some outfit combination ideas and inspiration for your next trip!

This first combination I put together is the perfect summer dress that still keeps you warm on that chilly Spring day! With the high neck and a jean jacket over it, you’ll be sure to stay warm! Accent this outfit with a long necklace & hat! The dress and necklace were both purchased at Francesca's and the purse and hat were purchased at Urban Outfitters. You can find the shoes at DSW. 

This second combination I put together encompasses more pattern & lace! This long maxi skirt and crop top goes perfect together with a loose shawl to throw on as well! Also, these colors are everything! The shawl and maxi shirt can be found at Francesca's and the top can be found at Forever 21. The shoes can be purchased at DSW and the necklace is from MODERNROOTS. 

The third outfit combo I put together was more of a casual look with jeans and a cute top! Throw on a pair of strappy flats or wedges and you have the perfect outfit to walk around town in! Accent this outfit with some dangly bracelets! You can find the bracelets at Alex & Ani. The top is from Forever 21, the jeans can be found at Gap! 

Lastly, I threw together one last outfit for the evening, when you’re going out to dinner, a play or a bar. This reddish-pink floral romper, along with a pair of nude pumps makes the outfit complete & is SO simple to put together.  The romper can be purchased at Banana Republic. 

I can’t wait to share more photos of my upcoming trip to New York with you this weekend, so follow along with me on my Instagram and Snapchat (OliviaJoan21)!! Oh and PLEASE leave me a comment below or suggestions you may have!

Pattern Play

I’m so excited to share ‘part 2’ of my Spring Picks post with you!!

Since its finally feels like summer here in Minnesota, I am so excited to wear the many adorable outfits I’ve picked out for this Spring. In addition to all of the wraps, shawls & lace that are in right now as well as dresses and shirts with high necklines, patterns are everywhere right now.

I wanted to give you a few more ideas and additional picks of mine for this upcoming Spring. For the first outfit, I chose a long cream maxi skirt with a short, mixed print pattern top. This loose top with patchwork patterns on it, paired with the maxi skirt keeps with the bohemian look and feel that is trending right now. A loose top with a loose bottom = perfection! The top was purchased at PRIMP Boutique and the skirt was bought at Forever21.

The second look I chose, was a simple one-piece romper. Rompers are the perfect thing to wear for this Spring & Sumer and again, this romper has a multi-colored, multi-patterned floral look to it, with a high neckline. It is so easy to wear and pairs perfectly with a long necklace! This piece was purchased at Target.

The last look I chose, was another romper. For this look, I chose an outfit that featured another pattern trend that is in style right now, which is the Aztec pattern look. With neutral, earthy colors, that are multi-colored, this last pick is something to look for when out shopping.  This piece can be found at Target.

I can’t wait to see all of your Spring picks and ‘spring-spiration’ for this upcoming season!! Tag me on Instagram and let me know if you have any comments or suggestions for upcoming fashion posts! 

Spring Picks

I know I have been talking all about Spring and warm weather, but I can’t help but get excited! Us Minnesotans wait for warm weather to come around, for far too long every year, and I am personally obsessed with warm weather, sunshine and the opportunity to wear cute tops, shorts, dresses and all of the incredibly cute pieces that are in style right now!

So since I am incapable of waiting, I went out shopping to check out the new Spring trends and new outfits to wear for this Spring. After stopping at almost 3-4 different places, I noticed patterns and lace everywhere! The bohemian, whimsical, festival theme of clothing is still around and didn’t go away after last season. But, instead of carrying pieces that mainly consisted of floral and Aztec-type patterns, lace took a prominent place in almost every placed I shopped. In addition to see-through lace patterns, off-the-shoulder shawls are what to buy and keep an eye out for this Spring as well. This nonchalant, care-free, bohemian look and feel, not only looks great with a simple piece underneath, but doubles to keep you warm as well.

Lastly, another trend for this coming Spring season is the high neckline on tops and dresses. High necklines are flattering for all body types and pair great with necklaces.

The first combination that I put together was a beige, high neck, suede dress paired with a white lace shawl over it. Both of these pieces were purchased at PRIMP Boutique, a local business here in Minnesota.

The second outfit I chose for this Spring, was an off-the-shoulder white lace sheer top. This top is perfect for a casual look during the day paired with jeans or to dress it up, pair it with black jeans and heels. This top was also purchased at PRIMP Boutique.

The last outfit combination that I picked for this Spring season, was of course another, long-sleeve cream, lace shawl with a design on the backside to make the piece more interesting! I paired this with a loose grey & white top lined with embellishments on the bottom. The shawl can be found at Francesca’s & the grey & white top can be found at PRIMP Boutique.

I can’t wait to share more of my picks with you! Please comment or feel free to share any of your awesome picks for this upcoming Spring season! I hope you enjoyed this post and found some Spring-spiration from it!