The Wonder Palace

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Have you thought about where you"ll be when the clock strikes midnight, on December 31st? Every year, many of us put off thinking about New Years Eve festivities until the last second because you think, "It shouldn't be quite that difficult to decide on something, right?!" I've fallen into that sequence many times, tickets are sold out, venues are filled to capacity, friends change their minds or some other type of event. This year, I've decided ahead of time, you can find me at The Wonder Palace! 

About Face

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Trends change every year, every season, heck even every week with our fast paced lives! Nothing ever truly stays constant except for my love for everything beauty related! Mode Media recently released its 2nd annual top 100 beauty awards, with categories such as most colorful beauty products, expert picks for luxurious locks, top tools of the trade, and supreme skin care products and treatments. We all have our methods of tried and true products, but it's quite nice to compare what we do to the things that are top rated, it helps me to tweak things in my routine and maybe this list will do the same for you! 

Holiday Outfitting 3

Photos by Kevin Smith

There's nothing like a good coat to keep you warm, in close to freezing temperatures. Looking luxurious in dire weather is no easy task, sensible clothing  options get in the way of our style, like rain and snow boots, bulky down coats, thermal base layers and other "sensible" garments. Occasionally all we need is a new trend to inspire the downtrodden for other ways to enjoy the plummeting temperatures, taking a cue from this season's new neutral, burgundy! 

Beauty Bit, Exfoliation

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Every season we update our closets to match the season, from Spring dresses, to Summer linen and Fall jackets to Winter sweaters. We tend to think more about updating our wardrobes over anything else, because it's the first thing people will notice, right? I think not! Our skin also needs a revamp, especially during the colder months. Winter can be brutal, it can dry out your skin and give you a dull look. Exfoliation is key for a successful, skin brightening look. To exfoliate is to slough off dead skin cells in an effective way that simply washing can't do. A major plus to exfoliating, your serums and moisturizers will penetrate your skin much better! I've compiled a list of my current favorites to share with you just how I prepare my skin for Winter's harsh weather! 

Holiday Outfitting 2

Photos by Kevin Smith

Figuring out what to wear to your holiday parties is tough enough, but figuring out what piece to throw over said look can be even trickier! With the weather getting cooler, finding a jacket or coat that's equal parts elegant and cozy is crucial. A tailored topper that will lend a flirty dress that little bit of mystery is something I try to strive for, with Primark the search is made easier! 

Minimalist Fashion, Shoe Edit

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

Sometimes less really is more, and when it comes to your wardrobe that is undoubtedly the new trend among unfussy fashionistas. If you finally take the plunge and decide to become one of the minimalist fashion crew, it does more than just free up room in your closet. In fact, the minimalist fashion trend is advantageous in a multitude of ways. Take the following benefits for example: you'll have more money, more time, less stressful work days, and better organization to name a few.

Now when it comes to footwear, you can adopt the same mindset. The difference here lines in the overall versatility and fluidity of the shoes that you do decide to purchase. Even if you don't know where to start, relax! Straight from the pages of Lyst, I've found some great ideas to inspire your new minimalist shoe collection.

Holiday Outfitting 1

Photos by the awesome Kevin Smith

We are well under way into the holiday season, gift shopping, gift wrapping, tree picking, caroling with our neighbors, egg nogging and decorating our homes have become the norm for our everyday routines. The other duty, holiday parties and many of them are mandatory either by your bosses or family. As if busy bees need another thing to think about, holiday outfits! Picking out your festive outfit can be difficult especially if all you see available is a sequin dress or red/green outfits, holiday outfitting does not have to be so obvious and redundant. Your holiday ensemble can represent you, in a slightly more obnoxious way! Toppers (coats/jackets) are also an important feature to the overall look, it's the first and last thing people see on you, why not make a dazzling impression?! Fortunately, Primark has you covered, literally! 

No Nonsense

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

It's that time of the year where the temperatures start to take a deep dive. You want to look fabulous in that new dress you picked up last week, yet you want to stay warm and avoid frostbite, oh what a difficult and trying time! Some would steer clear of dresses and skirts altogether, but what is fashion if you can't be fearless?! I try to brave the cold in sleek minis no matter what, unless it's quite a dire situation! I've found a way to not sacrifice my style in cold weather with hosiery from No Nonsense. 

Musical Review 2015

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

2015 has been very musically inclined. Music defines moments and helps shape our thought processes at certain times. Musical therapy is something I take quite seriously, there's nothing quite like putting on a pair of headphones and tuning out the world to tune into your favorite tracks. Music is the emotion that we forget exists until certain events in our lives, music is a way of life, music is the unknown yet welcomed distraction. Music is the world's most known yet most innocuous form of medicine, it can help keep your emotions aligned and enliven your brainwaves. My music taste goes from a fast, prominent beat to a slowed down, meditative beat. Since I listen to so many tempos my state of mind and energy levels stay pretty fair. Music therapy is key, and I've listed my top albums from this past year that have truly captured my senses!