Who remembers checking the days off the calendar and anticipating summer back in the day? And by day, I mean elementary-middle-high school. For many, summer is a time of rest and relaxation, but for others it means a lot of change. New routines, jobs, friends- a whole lot is thrown at you during those short 3 months. You might be moving back home or starting a new internship or saying goodbye to your roommates, and it's a lot to take in- especially with the stress of finals. My advice: breathe. You are strong and you can handle this! Before you know it we'all all be back hitting the books, like we never even closed them!
xo, Sydnee
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Neeha Bondalapati is a fellow Fashion & Business Club member that knows how to work it in front of the camera. According to the photographer Jerusa, this street style shoot was inspired by “how lively the weather has been. Spring has sprung and we decided to go out and shoot. I wanted a natural shoot that capture Neeha naturally in a way people haven’t seen her.” The images give off a street style vibe, with a sense of a natural embodiment. Neeha looks effortless as she poses among the Minneapolis skyline. The wardrobe is athleisure chic with black ripped denim, a one-shoulder tank, and an oversized flannel. Her hair has a mind of its own as it flows in the wind. I loved the look of this shoot as there is no need for heavy makeup or a sense of having to plan out each shot. The collection of images also showcases Minneapolis and the famous Bob Dylan wall facing the corner of 5th and Hennepin Ave. The sneakers complete the look with the fresh image of the bright white. I really enjoyed the Adidas Tubulars. These shoes are the embodiment of functionality and fashion. Nike in the past has been the clear winner when it came to stylish sneakers, but lately they have had some competition. Adidas has been up amongst the number one spot as well. The company has really been looking into their brand strategy. According to GQ, Adidas’s overall sneaker sales jumped 80% in 2016 (Woolf, 2017). A big factor of the sales increases have been collaboration such as Kanye West with the Yeezy Boosts. But do not worry, if you fit in the poor college student category there are many look alikes to the Yeezy Boosts. (Thank you fast fashion). Jerusa has an eye-catching instagram. The cohesion and uniqueness shows an urban fashion oriented aesthetic. Photographer Information & Social Media Handles:
Jerusa Nyakundi Sophomore at the U of M Insta: jerusanyakundi Twitter: jerusanyakundi Neeha Bondalapati Insta: neehabondal I’m the kind of girl who loves her warm tones, especially when it comes to eye makeup. My go-to eyeshadow look has been using hues of copper and bronze. It is so easy and almost everyone has similar shades in their personal makeup collection already! I wore eyeshadow for the first time in what feels like forever this past weekend and I missed playing around with all of the colors. In today’s post, I’ll be showing you the makeup look I wore for a brunch and study session with a friend while I was home for the weekend. In this look I used the new BH Cosmetics Deluxe Carli Bybel Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette (which combines my two favorite makeup products to collect). I used the warm toned brown in the middle of the first row in my crease and used the shimmery copper color on the far right of the same row. I added a combination of the two rectangular highlights to the center of my eyelid and inner tear duct. That’s it! I only used 4 shades since I was in such a rush to get out the door. Either way it looks great! Quick note before I bid you adieu in today’s post, wear what you want as far as makeup. No one needs to wear makeup, because you are all beautiful. I challenge you to look in the mirror when you take your makeup off at night and tell yourself you are beautiful. Have a great week everyone! Ciao! Abby It’s official, I’ve caught a bad case of the floral fever as I absolutely cannot drag myself away from these pretty prints and this top from Urban Violet, is no exception. I think the main reason I am such a sucker for flowery pieces is because a lot of my wardrobe is pretty plain; basic tees, solid hues, and layering items - so when it comes to floral, it gives me a chance to add some color, play around with prints, and create an outfit that is sweet and girly - knowing me, would you suspect anything else!? :) The high neckline on this top is the runner up for the detail that I admire most. Higher necklines take away the questionable “what necklace do I wear” and allow you to dress up with earrings and bracelets instead! My go-to earrings are a pair of skinny rose gold hoops I found at T.J. Maxx - you guys, I’m telling you… they seriously go with everything! When it comes to purses, I typically like to have three basic options to choose from; one in chesnut; black; and a smaller “going out” type of bag - as I absolutely hate re-arranging my purse and taking items in and out… I never fail to lose something! This clutch you’re seeing her from Pixie + Mood is tempting me though… I don’t know if it’s the colors or the adorable fringe + cork that’s pulling at me to splurge! (Trust me, I’ve probably talked myself into every scenario possible as to why I “need” this purse.) What are some of your favorite purses? And an honest opinion here… do I really “need” this purse?! The indecisive me can’t decide :) Have a wonderful week! Special thank you to Urban Violet for Sponsoring this post! Photos Courtesy of Ali Miller Photography This past weekend I was celebrating the very special occasion of yet another roommate of mine turning 21! Which naturally called for a trip to Uptown for some margaritas along with Bar Louie's phenomenal assortment of appetizers (that just so happened to be half-off during happy hour). Being the tremendous foodie that I am, I decided to order an app just for myself. Bruschetta has been a long-time favorite of mine as it is a classic, so I knew I couldn't go wrong. To my amazement the waitress brought out a martini glass the size of my head filled with delicious and fresh bruschetta as well as an endless ring of toasted garlic bread that lined the circumference of the glass. I am not kidding when I say that this martini glass full of food was taller than me (as in my torso sitting down). I physically had to reach up in order to eat the food, which was surprisingly entertaining and also probably amused others watching me struggle. Needless to say, if you're hungry for food the size of your head, Bar Louie is the place to go. Large portions of crazy fresh and delicious food will have you becoming one of their regulars (I know I have).
I think we can all agree that ice cream is a very important part of a healthy lifestyle, right? ;) We all love it, but sometimes our waistlines don't, or maybe our digestive system doesn't. Introducing....Halo Top. The low calorie low sugar, high protein ice cream alternative! This delicious treat ranges from 250-360 calories a pint, that's right- a pint! You can indulge without the guilt. So far I've tried birthday cake and chocolate chip cookie dough, both of which I recommend. We all know the stress of finals is real- so why not treat yourself?
xo, Sydnee The end of the semester is rapidly approaching; it is so crazy that the school year will be over in two weeks. Unfortunately with the end of a semester comes the dreaded week of final exams and projects. It isn’t even officially finals week yet, but on more than one occasion I’ve found myself working in a library or coffee shop until five minutes before it closes. There are definitely days where I swear the only things I consume are coffee and lecture notes. During these anxious times, the stress can definitely take its toll on our bodies, especially with our skin. So in today’s post I’m going to be featuring the products I have been using to restore my tired and stressed skin back to life (insert hallelujah). Pacifica Sea Foam Face Wash This is one of my favorite facial cleansers I have found! It’s very gentle and is full of natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals. I feel like my skin is refreshed after using this. I’ve turned so many of my friends onto this cleanser and all of them have told me that they love it, even those who have a completely different skin type than I do! Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream I love this as my daytime moisturizer. It’s very lightweight and non-irritating (added bonus: it smells like coconuts!). I like to apply this in the morning all over my face and it also makes any makeup I apply on top of it appear more even and smooth. Origins GinZing Eye Cream I’ll admit it, I am almost 20 years old and have never bought an eye cream in my life. I always associated eye creams to be for older women who are trying to prevent wrinkles, when in reality that isn’t always the case. Let’s face it, when you’re in college the sleepless nights of cramming for an exam or a night on the town with your friends can definitely cause some puffy and dark under eye circles. Eye creams can be your solution to this and de-puff and hydrate your under eyes. I like this one from Origins because it is hydrating and it actually has caffeine in it so my eyes can wake up for my early morning classes! Ofra Cosmetics Wanderlush Moisturizer I have normal-dry skin typically, but it gets very parched when I am stressed and is always in need of a little more TLC. While this cream is very light in texture, it is the most hydrating moisturizer ever. I like to use this mainly at nighttime since it can be a little too much for the day when you are out and running from class to class. Pacifica Hot Vegan Probiotic & Spice Rehab Mask When I’m having a Netflix break in my room, I like to put on a face mask every once in awhile. There’s something so relaxing about just wearing a face mask and having a one episode break from homework and studying. It’s something to look forward to after you’ve read what feels like 10 chapters from your textbook. I’ve been using this face mask and it is so easy to use! I apply a small amount of the gel-like formula and leave it on for 15 minutes and my skin feels more rejuvenated than when I started my late night cram session. As we get closer to final exams please remember to take care of yourself! Drink lots of water, eat when you can and if you’re feeling really anxious, do something to calm down. It can be just reading a book for fun, dancing around your room, or venting to a friend, but know that you are not alone! Everyone feels this stress and anxiety and it is temporary. You’re almost to the finish line and then it is summer break! Good luck everyone with preparing for your final exams and projects! You can do anything you put your mind to, just remember that. Ciao!
-Abby Dresses, rompers and jumpsuits galore, hop into spring with the essentials of the season! In previous posts I’ve mentioned my love for these pieces, but the admiration became an obsession when I stumbled upon this dove grey jumper from Urban Violet. Everything from the neutral hue, pleated legs, high slits and deep neckline made this piece a wardrobe must-have as it could be worn for a number of occasions such as work-wear, wedding attire, or a snazzy night out. Elegant or edgy, it’s up to you, this jumper is versatile and has its options. Take this look from day to night, as I’ve done here, by adding a blazer for the office and simple sparkly accessories that work from sunlight to moonlight. This grey hue pairs nicely with the natural nude tone of these basic ankle strap heels and Ark. & Co. blazer that I absolutely adore! Jumpers and rompers are much easier to wear than most tend to think, but my rule of thumb is trying to stick to pieces that are made in solid colors to void off looking larger than reality and buying in-store only, as it’s hard to gage the fit of these pieces if you’ve got a longer torso like myself. If you’re a first time jumpsuit buyer, believe me when I say it is 100% okay to buy larger sizes to fit your body type! Don’t feel like you need to squeeze into something just to stick to your size and don’t check off a piece you absolutely love just because you need to buy a size up… it’s OKAY. Cause really, you’d much rather “look like a lady” and be comfortable than sacrifice for a tag with a number on it. With the warmer months right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start shopping with jumpers on your mind! White, grey, blush, lavender and nude are trending colors this season and what better combo to buy then that as these hues all serve as wardrobe staples since they can easily be mixed and matched throughout the year.
Looking to get a jump start on spring + summer shopping? Check out Urban Violet for the latest and greatest (including this ENTIRE outfit) in fabulous fashions for the sunnier days. .Finally Minnesota has given us a sense of hope for the arrival and permanence of warm weather! This is the (short) season to enjoy the outdoors and indulge in foods that not only cool us off but curb our cravings. This past weekend I enjoyed a Chef's Own Flatbread at Aster Cafe in St. Anthony Main. With a base of house tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella topped with fennel sausage, chicken, soprassata salami and bacon I left feeling more than satisfied. This savory and spicy Italian fare paired perfectly with the warm sun and a strong house cappuccino. The perfect personal size allowed for the enjoyment of every last bite. I have to admit I was very conflicted in my meal choice, the fresh sandwiches and house gnocchi were also contenders in the decision making. By process of elimination, and a hankering for Italian meats and seasoning I chose the Chef's Own. However, I do plan to make a return with friends to try the Charcuterie Board of house-cured and locally-sourced meats and cheeses for an appetizer along with The Mirage, a non-alcoholic beverage that consists of blackberries and strawberries with citrus and mint as a refreshment on a particularly scorching day. Needless to say, Aster Cafe's patio felt like home, and I wholeheartedly intend to go back soon and explore their menu further.
This past week my family and I celebrated our beloved Hazel's 1st birthday. She came into our lives in July of 2016, and has been the best little nut ever. She is a Mini F1B Goldendoodle with burnt orange fur and eyes to kill. Hazel definitely has a personality of her own... lets just say focusing is not her biggest strength. However, she is the world's best snuggler and friend. I could not imagine life without her! Check out her adorable Instagram account to see pup-dates weekly! @heyitshazel1229
xo, sydnee Easter has never had a specific dress code, but it does involve fun spring colors and pastels. It had been raining off and on all week, but thankfully the sun was out shining all day on Sunday. The perfect weather allowed myself to pick out a fun spring outfit. My dress is by Lilly Pulitzer. I love the subtle hints of sparkles, and the subtle hint of detailing with the stripes. This style of dress is under the category of special occasion dress for Lilly. Although the brand’s merchandise assortment has varying beautiful floral patterns across most dresses, I felt as if those were too busy for this occasion. The floral combinations also do not scream Minnesota (snow in April!). As for accessories, I paired the dress with a hat that is actually a beach hat. This floppy hat is from Target and originally I purchased it to be a sun hat. But, I was going for a derby feel, and felt that it was still fitting with the stripes. The heels then go on to coordinate with the hat with the mutual navy tones. If you are ever looking for a new pair of heels or wedges, I highly recommend the lace-up style. The thicker wedge and support of the shoe on the sides and the laces creates comfort. These shoes do not instill that terrible pain after wearing them for over an hour. Lastly, I paired the look with some diamond studs from Francesca's, and an array of Alex & Ani bracelets. As for Pat, he is wearing a bright orange Nautica button up. Most people shy away from orange, especially individuals with lighter skin complexions. Although he does not have a tan skin tone to contrast against the orange, the color is very fitting for this holiday. Because my outfit is so neutral, he brings out the bright and fun colors in the easter basket. Due to the boldness of the shirt, pairing the ensemble with Calvin Klein khaki pants creates the right amount of contrasting colors. This spring, bring in some color! Whether it is into your wardrobe or a friends, try something new. Do not be afraid to pop in something that may have a more southern feel with the bright colors and patterns, because the sun is here to stay now… hopefully. Rise and shine everyone! It is officially festival season! This past weekend was the first part of Coachella 2017 and the FOMO was so real for me. There were so many musical artists that performed over weekend one of Coachella. The hair, makeup and outfits were so insanely beautiful and bohemian. I was living for every second of it vicariously through social media because I was at Couchella (which is my name for Coachella weekend but I’m sitting on my couch watching an entire season of New Girl on Netflix in my pajamas). While I won’t be attending any music festivals this spring and summer, I was still inspired by all of the music festival aesthetic. If you are just feeling the bohemian vibes or are physically attending a music festival this year, I created a really quick and easy braided hairstyle for you to wear. Step One: Curls If you have naturally curly or wavy hair you can opt to skip curling your hair for this look. Since my hair is naturally very pin straight I curled my hair to give it some messy texture. I used a ½ inch curling iron and just wrapped my hair around the barrel. Step Two: Braid Grab a comb and create a diagonal part at the roots of your hair. On the side of your head that has the least amount of hair, grab a small section at the top of your head and split it into three sections. Create a dutch braid by braiding under and incorporating hair with every section. Once you reach the top of your ears, you can stop incorporating hair and dutch braid normally and secure with an elastic when you reach the desired length of your braid. Step Three: “Pancake” the Braid “Pancaking” a braid is just a term for pulling the braid apart to give it some volume and texture. I start from the bottom and pull very gently and work my way up to the top of the braid. Lastly, if the braid is hanging in an awkward way just grab some bobby pins and pin it to the the same side of your head. I think this braid is so pretty, regardless of whether you are attending a music festival or if you just want to spice up your everyday hairstyle. If you are reading this and went to Coachella 2017 and saw some of the amazing performers like Banks, Bastille and Tove Lo, I will admit that I am very jealous of you. Have a great rest of your week! Ciao!
xo Abby More in florals, more in ruffles, and even more in rompers as I just can’t seem to get enough of these fabulous fashions, here’s a piece that combines them all. I came across this romper at T.J. Maxx and instantly grabbed it as it combines each and every element I’ve been crushing on this season. The burgundy color was an added plus being that this hue is easily transitioned into summer and fall when paired with the right pieces. Adding one of my favorite go-to accesrorries, a floppy hat, and these comfy lace up wedges, this look is perfect for visits to the farmers market, picnics in the park or whatever other casual event you may be attending! When shopping for accessories, I’m a huge advocate for chestnut and gold because I think they can essentially go with anything and everything. Found that perfect romper? If yes, I want to hear about your finds! And if not… check out local boutiques or T.J. Maxx for some adorable options.
I hope everyone had a great weekend spending time with their families and most importantly, eating! This weeks post is about Deviled Eggs, which make a great hors d'oeuvre at any family or social gathering!
Here's what you'll need for 1 serving (I used 3):6 eggs, hard cooked and peeled 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon yellow mustard 3/4 teaspoon white wine vinegar pinch of salt (optional) fresh ground black pepper (optional) smoked paprika (optional, I used it though!) First you start by cutting the eggs in half and scooping out the hardened yolks with a spoon. Take the yolks and place them in a mixing bowl with the mayonnaise, mustard and vinegar. Mix them together by mashing the yolks with a fork into the other ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then using a spoon, distribute the mixture into each egg white half evenly. Finally, finish off by sprinkling paprika on top and simply enjoy! I don't know about you, but it seems this catchy saying is true every year! April is one of my favorite months of the year. It finally begins to smell like spring, the grass turns green, oh and it's my birthday. Here in Minnesota, it seems like it's either raining every other day or forecasted to rain. The gloomy grey clouds can make the days feel long, but we all know what's about to come! Sunshine, summer, happiness! Hang in there, those showers won't last forever.
xo, sydnee |