Beauty Bit, Bold Weekend Look

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When it comes to doing your makeup, Monday through Friday is pretty bare and minimal. Going to work means looking like a "normal" human being that can function in the world. If you were to discover a new beauty trend throughout the week that would mean holding off on it until the weekend. For example when Fenty Beauty dropped (Tuesday), unicorn eyebrows, contouring, glitter eyeliner, moody lips, as lovely as all of these trends are, all are unfortunately inappropriate for the office. As soon as 5pm on Friday hits, it's game on with my makeup. All rules are broken and no beauty trend is off limits! I've been using a lot of It Cosmetics products, so naturally I like to play around with my looks utilizing their products.

New Way To Diet

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you recently had that moment of realization that when it hits you, you probably can’t carry on with your current eating habits, at least not if you want to achieve your fitness goals? If so, it’s time to start assessing the sustainability of your current diet and how it can be made to work for you and your body in the long-term. It’s about making sure you don’t put your health at risk for short-term convenience and those hard to break habits. Since we're coming up on the end of one year, it's time to reconsider old habits and create new ones for the new year. After all, what would NYE resolutions be without health implications?!

Dressy Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

"Baby, it’s cold outside," but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear all of those lovely little dresses that you like so much. Sure, winter might not be the optimal time to bare your skin, but if you know the rules of layering then you won’t have to worry about the chill. If you're the type who has a wide variety of sundresses in your wardrobe, and you want to wear them whatever the weather may be - layering is your best friend. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure you can keep wearing your favorite dresses throughout the winter season.

Which Character Inspires You?

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When it comes to television, I try not to get sucked into storylines, not because I hate tv but I just don't have time to get sucked into an entire synopsis. Most shows on tv require a deep dedication and devotion to fully understand the plot lines. Which is why I tend to catch snippets here and there of reality tv shows, news segments or my favorite choice of entertainment-on-the-go, podcasts. When you're a busy- body, taking time to sit down is quite a rarity. From working 40 hours a week plus the extra odd hours working on self endeavors, and making time to visit friends and family, it's no wonder I cut out television from my schedule. Occasionally there will be a series on tv that catches my attention and just draws me in to it, and funny enough most of those series are on one network, HBO.

Beauty Bit, Fall Skin Redo

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

As the season changes, so does my wardrobe and as my wardrobe changes with the seasons, so does my skin care routine. Colder weather means drier skin, or at least for me it does! With that said, I have to make sure to keep my skin looking and feeling dewy. One of the best ways I work on achieving that goal is by keeping my routine hands free, or mostly hands free which means having an arsenal of brushes and sponges around to keep my face from picking up any unwanted extra oils. When it comes to my makeup routine it's makeup brushes galore (more on that soon!) but for washing my face one face towel just wasn't enough. That's where the Clarisonic Mia 1 comes in!

Fashion Your Winter

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The Halloween excitement is over and winter will inevitably be ensuing. We officially have less than a month left until Christmas- how crazy is that? Xmas mode is in full gear, every other commercial on Hulu is something to do with Christmas. It seems like only yesterday that cute playsuits and sundress were on full display. But alas, temperate climates are ever changing and one has to go with the flow every season.

Fashion throughout winter is fairly similar to autumn, with the classic tartan prints and pinafores seemingly here to stay, but what we're all about are the new different pieces!

Travelers Digest

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Many Americans spend all year saving to go on a vacation, counting down the days until you can pack the suitcase and jet off to sunnier climates. For most of us, it’s a real high-point of the year where we can indulge, have fun and relax. Any chances to forget about work and disconnect, for most of us, especially myself, is quite a rare treat! So it makes sense that when you are away you would make the absolute most of your time at your destination. While sometimes it’s good to relax, don’t worry about making plans and take it as it comes- if you’re spending a lot of money on the trip you might prefer to cram in as much as possible. Here are some of the ways you can make the very best of your travel.

To The Tailor

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Imagine this, you're at a very special event wearing your favorite silk dress while  you network with friends and business partners. Most likely this event will have some alcoholic beverages and finger food, which means in between conversations you're taking sips of red wine perhaps. While I like to fancy myself a glass of Merlot, I definitely do not like spilling it on my clothes, especially on delicate fabrics. I'm not perfect and accidents happen, but going to a tailor shouldn't be your first and only option, spending money to get rid of stubborn stains is not magic especially when you have Dryel by your side.

Accountability

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When it comes to working out the hardest part is not about how much you can or can't lift, it's actually about holding yourself accountable. We can only motivate ourselves and stay motivated before it gets tempting to skip that workout and go out with your friends instead, or raid the cookie jar instead of eating your vegetables. We’re only human! However, one thing you’ll notice people do a lot in an attempt to remain accountable, is by creating fitness Instagrams. Everyone's timeline is a reflection of their interests and goals, and with that in mind I try to tailor my feed in that way.

In Sneakers, We Trust

Illustration by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Here in Philadelphia, being on the move is a regular thing and part of your daily routine. Wearing heels doesn't always feel like the smartest choice, no matter how how convenient it might be! Then there's the other option, sneakers. I love wearing sneakers.... while i'm working out, any other time just feels weird. I always have a hard time finding sneakers that I can wear leisurely after a workout. Either the sneakers are too bulky or not minimalist enough to match with my outfits. Fortunately Famous Footwear has a great selection of sneakers for minimalistas like myself to choose from!

Coloring Fall

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

I can live in just wearing neutral colors like black, navy, or even camel tones but super vibrant colors or pastels, totally not my thing. As i've expressed before on Burgundy Whispers, I'm much more interested in building a timeless/ capsule wardrobe just so that I'm not filling my closet with things that aren't completely necessary. Yes, occasional on trend item will occasionally by magic appear in my closet but then what do you do with it after the season is over? My little secret to shopping in color is by using the Pantone Color report! Most of the colors featured tend to bear on the neutral side so my minimalist dreams don't get squandered! Here's a look at how i'm shopping the 2017 Fall Pantone colors....

Wear it Well

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

For many, fashion is much more than the clothing chosen off the store racks. It’s a total passion, and mood enhancer, I recently watched an interview with Kanye West explaining why he is so passionate about designing fashion. In which West explains that he designs for the kids in mind, helping kids feel confident in clothing that suits them. To be able to carry off funky, unique fashions you have to have the right confidence and much of someone’s courage comes from their own views of themselves.

Beauty Bit, Autumn Rotation

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Let's be honest, perfect skin is a myth! With everything that we do to try to achieve that perfect glowing, smooth, pore less complexion how can there actually be perfection? For my skin I definitely go through a process. From different types of exfoliators to moisturizers and brushes, don't even get me started on how many different kinds of primers and serums I have, whole other blog post! If ever there were a perfect time to figure out your skincare routine, it would be at the start of a new season! Here's a look at what I've added to my rotation....

The Fall Necessities

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

With the start of a new season, means the start of a new look! During this time it feels like retailers are jumping at the seams to get you to come into their stores and take one last glance at those tie strap tank tops and seer sucker skirts at a discounted rate. But before you count them out entirely, why not consider how you can style it for the fall season? Fall and winter are predominantly known as the layering seasons, might as well start early and not feel like you can't wear your summer sales buys more than once. Put them to good use and embrace the last days of the season.

Signature Scent

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

For years I was taught that women should wear perfumes that had a classic aroma such as Chanel No. 5, Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent Opium or other vintages. The older women in my life, especially my mother taught me that smelling like baby powder is the only way to go. While that is a good scent, I didn't feel like it was me. I've been on a journey for years to find a scent of my own, one that wasn't dictated to me. I knew what I was looking for, but for some reason nothing quite stuck with me until I got a whiff of Anine Bing's Savage Rose Perfume Oil. This was the game changer I was looking for.

Everyday Accessories

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you ever picked out the perfect outfit just to stand in front of the mirror, and feel completely underwhelmed? Is something missing from your costume, or do you think there’s something that could be changed or added? In most cases, it’s probably your lack of accessories that ultimately makes you look at yourself in shame. It doesn’t take much time to pick out some accessories, but it can get annoying storing several different types of rings, necklaces and earrings to pick for the right occasion. Getting dressed in the morning is already hard enough, then to add other embellishments to the outfit can feel daunting. I've sorted out ways simplify things. Accessories that you can wear with pretty much any outfit at any time of the day is key. It’ll help make dressing up in the morning a little easier, and less to worry about.

Future of Fashion

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

The fashion retail industry is always adapting to suit customer needs and preferences. Often, the changes are subtle and can even be difficult to notice. Sometimes they’re not even made with specific goals in mind, but rather just to keep things from getting stagnant. But in the next several years we’re going to see some more dramatic and intentional shifts in how stores operate both in person and online. This is largely because of some tantalizing advances in tech, and overall it is quite exciting to look ahead at. Here are some of the changes to look out for in the coming next five years—if not the next year or two....

A Shot of Confidence

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Nobody likes to feel a lack of confidence because that can really mess with a person’s way of life in many different ways. Conversations can be difficult to start because of a lack of confidence. Some people might also not progress in their careers because causing too much attention on oneself may be nerve racking. That truly is no way to live, anyone in that position should work on making some changes. For me, it could be a tiny tweak that could help me feel better about the day like new lingerie or a new color of lipstick! What works for me might not be enough for someone else, which is why i've outlined a few of my favorite ways to boost confidence. Try putting these tips to good use!

Personal Essay #10

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

There comes a time when your world is flipped upside down. Occasionally you'll think to yourself and say in reassurance, "You got this!" Now what do you do when the opposite happens? When it feels like the avalanches of avalanches is falling right on top of you, what can one do?
When it comes to mental health, it's often overlooked as nothing serious, yet in America one in five people are diagnosed with some sort of mental health problem. Think about it, that's about 15% chance in everyone. This is something that should require more attention but that's just the way things are currently. Let me tell you about the week I just had....

Beauty Bit, Rinse Out

Illustrated By Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's no secret I love the summer time, it's the only time of the year in which going swimming is totally normal and acceptable. Swimming is one of my favorite exercises to do throughout this season, I'm no Michael Phelps but I can do a mean breaststroke. The best part about swimming is the fact that it doesn't cause soreness or major break breakdowns of muscles tendons. But alas, you must take the good with the bad and what I mean by that is the chlorine from pool water and the saltiness of the ocean in my hair!