Best, Finds | No. 4

Remember how I said I had plenty of great posts to share this week? Well, I actually have a bit too many. In an effort to keep this post relatively brief, my recap of each post will be much shorter. You'll just have to follow the links to get the full experience!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

• Possibly the best tip ever, The Beauty Department shares a much more clever way to correct any eye makeup mistakes. (The Beauty Department)
• I stumbled upon the cutest blog this week called Northern Belle Diaries. What an adorable name right? Anyways, her most recent post documenting her trip to Old San Juan reminded me of my time there this time last year and brought back some amazing memories. (Northern Belle Diaries)
• I haven't shared this but I enjoy the occasional drink or two...okay I'm in college so you do the math. Thanks to Cassie of Witty Title Here, I now have a few options that won't expand my waistline. (Witty Title Here)
• The Man Repeller showed me that my obsession with Kendall Jenner is completely justified. For that, I am grateful. (The Man Repeller)
• I love this look. I love this blog. I love her. So much. The gorgeous tribal-inspired dress that she features is absolutely gorgeous and so on trend. Take a look at this head-turning ensemble. (Vanilla Extract)
• Last, but not least, is this great blogger playlist put together by Latrina over at Of Trees and Hues. This is the fourth playlist she's put together and they get better every time. I'm so excited to be included in her summer mix and I hope to contribute to more in the future! (Of Trees and Hues)

As always, I hope you enjoy these post just as much as I did!

F+ | Qori Broaster

St. Louis, MO by way of New York City, NY

1. Tube top | F21

2. Skirt | Sportsgirl purchased at Greene Street Cosignment

3. Shoes | Nine West

4. Purse | Joy Accessories purchased at Greene Street Cosignment

5. Necklace | Unknown borrowed from roommate (sorry guys!)

6. Gold link bracelet | Topshop

7. Watch | Aldo

8. Gold and black jeweled bracelet | MKL Accessories purchased from Karmaloop

Straight from work to a night out in the city, this is a new take on a day-to-night look for more casual work environment. For more fabulous outfits and an even more phenomenal art direction portfolio, make sure to follow Qori on social media and check out her work at www.helloqori.com!

Twitter | Instagram | Website

Best, Finds | No. 3

As always, I have a good mix of new finds and old favorites. Luckily this week the internet was full of a ton of great stuff...enough to still have a fresh batch of Best, Finds on Saturday. You're welcome.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

• When I mentioned old favorites earlier I was thinking of Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. Yet another blogger I've been following for years, I've loved watched her site grow and change over time. If you know me, I have a huge soft spot for neon, so you can only imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon her post featuring this gorgeous day-glo lace dress. I could talk more about it, but the outfit speaks for itself. (Cupcakes and Cashmere)
• As a DC native, I always tend to gravitate towards anything that has to do with my hometown. So when I saw this post on The Everygirl, I was sold instantly. It doesn't hurt that the home featured is absolutely stunning. I'm moving into a new house with a few of my friends later this summer and I've been bit by the interior design bug. I'll definitely be bookmarking this post for inspiration later. (The Everygirl)
• When Gossip Girl ended, I found myself with a void in my life. Luckily, Chloe Morello came to fill that void. Originally I subscribed to her YouTube channel because she has an uncanny resemblance to Leighton Meester who played Gossip Girl main character Blair Waldorf. But, as I continued watching, I fell in love with her creative makeup looks and even more in love with her personality. This Australian beauty is becoming increasingly popular and is definitely the girl to watch. (Chloe Morello)
• Next up is the lovely, and admittedly long-winded, Essie Button. It took me a while to finally take the plunge and subscribe to her YouTube channel because...well...she takes a long time to say what she has to say. But the thing is, you don't mind because she's becomes the best friend you never knew you were missing. Her post on Diptyque's Geranium products completely sold me. I've been wanting to try the brand for a while, but now I'm convinced to finally invest in it. (Essie Button)
• As I was writing, this next find sort of became a two-for-one special. Originally, this blurb was supposed to be about Elise of Pennyweight and her recent post titled Boots & Pine...that is until realized the post was named after the blog Boots & Pine. What I thought was just a lovely fashion shoot, turned out to be an even better interview of Elise on the Boots & Pine blog. I ended up finding two blogs that are both incredible. Enjoy! (Pennyweight | Boots & Pine)

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Beat The Heat

This post started off as a different tip and changed completely as I was walking to work this morning. Philadelphia is currently experiencing a heat wave, which served as a harsh reminder for me that summer is just around the corner. With that in mind, I figured I would share a few fool-proof tricks to stay looking (and smelling) your best through all of this season's heat and humidity.  

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• Avoid A White Cast | This tip is more relevant for ladies with darker skin tones, but it affects all women alike when it comes to photographs! White cast is the unfortunate white film that can occur with certain sunscreens and makes your summer glow look dull and pasty. To prevent this, look for sunscreens that don't have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are typically found in physical sunscreens. Opt for a chemical sunscreen without these ingredients or mix it with your favorite tinted moisturizer to dilute it.
• Stay Dry | As someone who is, unfortunately, prone to sweat a lot, I've learned a few tricks to keep dry and fresh throughout the day. It may sound old-fashioned, but baby powder is beyond helpful during the summer. Don't coat yourself in it, just add enough where you need it so that extra moisture will be wicked away during the day. Also, keep wipes, blotting sheets, and an extra deodorant in your bag for any needed touch-ups throughout the day. It's better to have those things and not need them, than to need them and not have them. 
• Keep Hydrated | No one should have to tell you how important water is at this point. It keeps you hydrated, helps regulate your body temperature, and saves you from passing out...which is always a plus. It also boosts your metabolism and helps keep your skin clear, which can be hard to do with sweat and pollutants clogging your pores in the summer. Take it one step further and infuse your water with some of your favorite fruits or vegetables. Popular choices are lemon, cucumber, and berries because they add flavor, vitamins, and antioxidants to make water a lot easier to drink for those who don't prefer it plain. 

What are some tricks that you use to stay gorgeous during the summer? Let me know in the comments section below!

Best, Finds | No. 2

• Not too long ago, I learned that a friend of mine is a part of company called Tastemakers NJ which highlights modern street style, music and culture. Their website's recent rebrand showcases a strong aesthetic and an even stronger voice. I love the direction the group has taken and I definitely plan on ordering that "Make It Happen" tote this summer!
• On a more inspirational note, Clementine Daily wrote a piece full of advice for recent graduates. Well, I may have one more year to tackle before I can call myself a grad, but I found this post equally helpful for where I am right now. Who knows? It may just encourage you as well. Give it a read this weekend!
• After the teeniest hiatus from filming for travel, Hey Claire is back in full force. One of my favorite videos she just put out is her closet confidential tag. Full disclosure, she's one of my absolute favorite YouTubers so I could have picked any one of her videos and been content. The reason this video won out? The pair of red Zara heels she featured. Period. Watch the video, check out the shoes, and tell me I'm wrong for that...but you probably can't.
• Lisa Hamilton of See Want Shop followed me on Twitter this past week and I'm so glad she did. Her blog is so clean, fresh, and classic. She hasn't posted a look I haven't loved (or worn a pair of shoes I haven't coveted), but my favorite post this week featured a gorgeous pink trench with a waterfall lapel. One other odd thing that I love about her blog, almost every post has a bouquet of flowers. It really is the little things that make me happy.
• Last, but certainly not least, is Apartment 34 by Erin Hiemstra. Another blog that's a recent find of mine, I've fallen in love with its whole aesthetic and range of topics. My favorite post this week on summer trends drew me in with the featured dress and bucket bags alone...but I stayed for the great content.

Make sure to check out this week's best finds and feel free to let me know anything you've come across this week too!

F+ | Isaiah Walls

New York City, NY

1. Hat | Pendelton
2. Shirt | Ted Baker
3. Jeans | Urban Renewal by Urban Outfitters
4. Shoes | Doc Marten
5. Glasses | Ray Ban
6. Bag | American Apparel

For all my fellas in the place with style and grace, here's a man you can look up to. For more effortless and head-turning looks, make sure to follow him via social media. While you're at it, check out his latest project The Timeless Aesthetic: a blog that highlights both menswear and womenswear harmoniously.

Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

Cleansing Oil: Splurge or Save?

Recently in the beauty community, cleansing oils have become increasingly popular. Many people love it for its gentle cleansing and ease at removing makeup. Many of them also claim to provide additional benefits such as  brightening complexion, dissolving impurities, and overall skin rejuvenation. However, I've been using pure oils for years to remove stubborn waterproof makeup. While cleansing oils have proven to help improve the skin appearance of many of its users, just using a basic oil can produce the same results! Below is a break down of different essential oils and the many benefits they each have for not only your skin, but the rest of your body as well.

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• Vitamin E Oil | Look at the ingredients of your favorite moisturizer and body wash. Chances are vitamin E is on that list, and for good reason. Vitamin E is essential for reducing the appearance of dark marks and scars. Also, its high level of antioxidants is great at preventing premature aging. Vitamin E also supports new skin cell growth, speeds up cell regeneration, and boosts collagen production. I apply it after I wash my face at night as an overnight treatment. It evens my complexion and makes my skin much softer, so I know from experience it's a great oil to try.
• Coconut Oil | This has become an extremely popular oil recently for its multi-purpose benefits. It has been proved to reduce scars, stretch marks, and discoloration. What's more? You can improve your skin from the inside out by using food-grade versions in your cooking. Look for cold-pressed virgin varieties because all of its natural nutrients will still be in tact as opposed to any altered forms.  
• Marula Oil | Unlike coconut oil, this oil isn't very well known, but it should be for the amazing things it does for your skin. With a high concentration of antioxidants and oleic acid, an essential fatty acid, it absorbs into the skin quickly to protect against UV rays and free radicals.
• Argan Oil | This oil has a high concentration of vitamin E, but is still lightweight enough to be worn on the face during the daytime. As a rare oil, it can be pretty pricey but a little goes a very long way. It also helps that it has several uses, both on your skin and hair, so you can get plenty of use out of it. 
• Tea Tree Oil | If you've been following my blog for a little while now, you know how much I swear by benzoyl peroxide as an acne remover. However, it can be pretty harsh and drying on the skin. Tea tree oil is a great alternative and has been proven to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in vanishing blemishes. It can be pretty potent though, so this oil is better used as a spot treatment than as an all over makeup remover. 

If you still opt for a cleansing oil, there are plenty of great ones out there. But, before you spend a ton of money, check out any of the essential oils above first. You may be surprised at how your skin improves!

Best, Finds | No. 1

As much as I love sharing my own experiences, tips, and advice in relation to beauty and fashion, a lot of what I talk about I either learned from or was inspired by someone else. For that reason, I'm starting a new series called Best, Finds. Every Saturday I'll be sharing other blog posts, YouTube videos, etc. that I've loved over the past week. So, without further ado, here are some of the best finds I came across this week.

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• I genuinely love everything about Cocorrina, but the one thing I'm in awe of most is her design aesthetic. Her latest post on menswear combined two things I love: androgynous apparel and a flawless collage. If you haven't checked out her work before, please do. You won't be disappointed. 
• Sincerely, Jules is another one of my all time favorites that I've been following for years now. Combining both high end and low end pieces of clothing, she makes styling look so effortless, especially in her recent Panama post.  It's been amazing to watch her style, and her blog, grow over time and I can't wait to see what she's pulls out of her Celiné bag of tricks next.
• I mention her all the time, I know, but a post on my favorite internet finds of the week wouldn't be complete without mentioning my friend Amber's blog And Yes To Joy. However, don't get too attached to the name. With an upcoming rebrand in the works, her blog is sure to be better than ever, especially if her recent mood board is any indication of what's to come on the new blog!
• I also have to credit Amber for my next two finds this week. First, It's A Pretty Thing has also recently rebranded and the new design looks phenomenal. I'm anxiously waiting for more content to be added because I'm sure she'll provide tons of inspiration in the beauty department. If you like my content, I'm sure you'll enjoy hers as well. 
• The second blog, Saffron Avenue, won my heart with its name alone. (I'm not sure why, but I have a thing for blogs with the word 'avenue' in its name). Luckily, she also has the content to back it up. Another site with a heavy focus in design, her work definitely challenges me to step my own graphic design game up...several notches. 
• Last, but certainly not least, is another long time crush of mine: The Beauty Crush. Providing advice on beauty and fashion with a tough edge, she's been a YouTube staple of mine for years. Her video on summer essentials has inspired me to do a little wardrobe revamping this season. Thanks to her, you can stay tuned for upcoming hauls and OOTDs for me. 

Those are all the things that caught my eye this week! Think there's something I missed? Stumble upon something cool of your own that you'd like to share? Tell me about them in the comments section; I'd love to see what you've been loving as well!

May Favorites 2014

Beauty | Although I haven't used it for very long, I've fallen in love with this nail color! I borrowed it from my friend and fellow blogger, Amber, a couple weeks ago and I've been wearing it ever since. I typically gravitate towards more matte shades, but this iridescent color is perfect for summer. I wasn't able to find it online, but I know this brand is sold at many beauty supply stores and Five Below.

Body | This is actually an every month favorite but it's definitely worth mentioning. There are so many amazing uses for coconut oil that it's honestly just silly trying to live without it! It's great for your hair, skin, and body. Personally, it's greatly improved moisture retention in my hair and visibly reduced scars. I love it. One tip though, don't use it for an all over body moisturizer during the summer. After all, oil does heat up easily and I wouldn't want you to burn while soaking up some summer rays!

Fashion | My friend Rachel and I bought these sandals together in two different colors as a parting gift of sorts. I'll be staying in Philadelphia for the majority of the summer, while she'll be working in DC. We thought it might be a good item to share between friends since our last endeavor didn't go so well. (We bought matching rings last summer and now neither of us has any idea where we placed them). But, there's no way I can lose these beauties. I've been itching for a nice pair of minimal sandals and now, I finally have a pair in my closet.

Accessories | Again, I have to credit Rachel for this one. She came to visit me for my 21st birthday in March and while we were shopping at H&M, she bought me this adorable two-strand bracelet that I kept eyeing. I've worn it just about everyday since. I couldn't find the exact bracelet online, but I've linked a similar one below.

Techie | Yes, it was announced two seconds ago. No, it's not available yet. The reason this is a favorite is simply because this operating system actually changed more than just the camera and a few fonts. Should this operate smoothly, it promises to be one of the best things that's ever happened to Apple customers...or at the very least, me.

Song | Fancy is so annoyingly catchy and the music video inspired by one of my favorite movies just put it over the top for me. I've been a fan of Iggy for a while now, so I'm glad she's finally getting more mainstream attention. She's seemed to keep her message consistent and her branding is on point. If she stays climbing at this pace, I have no doubt she'll be the artist of the summer...maybe even 2014.

Munchies | I want to apologize in advance for this month's favorite food since only my fellow Philadelphians can find this. This chicken caesar salad is seriously the best thing in the world and I'm lucky enough that it's right down the street from me. Again, sorry guys!

1. Funky Fingers Nail Polish in Mrs. Mint 2. Cococare Coconut Oil 3. Forever 21 Classic Ankle Strap Sandals in black 4. H&M Bracelet in gold 5. Apple iOS 8 6. Fancy by Iggy Azalea 7. Philly Style Pizza Chicken Caesar Salad