Toast SS13 April Lookbook

I am in love with the UK brand Toast's new lookbook. Not only are the clothes perfect-- simple, practical, yet cute-- but the photography is so beautiful I just want to live right in these images. I love brands that use great photography to go with their outfits to convey a story and sense of fantasy. It really adds something more to the clothes and gets me inspired. 

Loving Lately

Usually I enjoy the colder months but after enduring gloomy day after gloomy day, coupled with a new cold that is always popping up, it is safe to say that I am looking forward to springtime. However, there are a few things that I have been loving as of late that are making this winter a bit more cozy.

First off is this adorablely-package body wash from Soap & Glory.

Not only does this shower gel smell absolutely divine, but it leaves my skin feeling super moisturized when I get out of the shower. This stuff seriously makes me happy every time I use it and is a great pick-me-up.

My roommate/friend and I moved into our NYC apartment almost six months ago and we are still making touches here and there to make our tiny place feel more homey. I love the new additions.

This warm infinity scarf from Urban Outfitters. It so soft and cozy I feel like I wrapped up in a blanket when I am riding on the subway.

And lastly I've been enjoying eating copious amounts of ramen soup. Especially when accompanied by dear friends whom I wished didn't live so far away.

I can't wait to visit you again, Momofuku!

Tippi of Africa

I really love looking at photographs of Tippi Degre, the young girl who spent her childhood in Africa, making friends with African Wildlife. Her parents were nature photographers and documented Tippi and her unusual friendships. I find her bond with these animals fascinating and inspiring... and I admit a little envious- I want an elephant as a friend too!

My Travel Makeup

For my recent trip home, I grabbed some of my favorite, some travel-friendly, beauty products to take with me and I am happy with my choices. I like seeing what other people chose to take with them on trips because you can really see what products are essential to their makeup routine.

Some of the stand out products for me are the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette for achieving a matte, neutral eye, and it's super compact so it makes it easy to just throw in my purse. My Real Technique brushes are my favorite because they are so soft and relatively inexpensive. I use the buffing brush for my new favorite foundation which is the Benefit Hello Flawless. This foundation is lightweight and creates a dewy effect that works well with my dry skin. I pair it with my heavy-duty Amazing Cosmetics Concealer to get rid of my pesky dark under-eye circles.

Speaking of dry, my Ojon Hair Serum is great for smoothing out my dry, frizzy hair. As for my perennial chapped lips, my Nuxe's Reve de Miel lip balm is my new holy grail lip product. I've also been loving adding a bit of color to my lips with Revlon's Kissable Balm Stains because they not only give a pretty, long-lasting color, but are hydrating as well. And that about covers it!

Nora Zehetner for Refinery29

I loved this Refinery 29 street style feature and interview with actress Nora Zehetner. I remember how stunning she was in Brick and my girl crush has totally been rekindled. Her style, especially in that last photo, is so lovely. Now I must find a pair of wide leg pants!