Denim vs. The Washing Machine

via Pink Peonies

I'll admit, I don't wash my jeans every time I wear them. I have a couple favorite pairs that I'll wear 2-3 times a week. When you invest in a great pair of perfectly fitting jeans, you don't want them to fade and stretch in the washing machine.

Even the CEO of Levi Strauss has said that he hasn't washed his favorite pair of jeans in over a year! A WHOLE year! Okay, I don't think I could last an entire year without washing my favorite H&M jeans. But as gross as this idea may sound, bacteria can't actually live on your jeans.

A college student wore his jeans for 15 months without washing them to find out if this can actually be hazardous to your health. The answer: No!  The amount of bacteria found after a couple wears, compared to the bacteria levels after 15 months, were found to be nearly identical. I understand the desire to keep your favorite jeans in mint condition, but going an entire year without washing may be a little excessive. I don't know about you, but considering of often I spill my white mocha, my jeans have to get washed quite a bit.

So how often should you wash your denim and ensure they stay good as new?

1. Wash your jeans approximately every 4-5 wears.

There isn't a fancy formula as to how often you should wash your jeans. It's up to your own discretion. If you're more active and tend to sweat (or spill everything, like me), you may want to consider washing your jeans more frequently, if not after every wear. But assuming you keep up with general personal hygiene, you can probably get away with washing every few wears.

Now you may be wondering, what if they start to smell a little funky? Stick them in the freezer! Yup, you read that right. Simply seal them in a freezer bag, leave them overnight, and by morning, they'll feel and smell fresh and clean! Keep in mind, this won't actually clean them, but they'll feel a whole lot better.

via Cosmopolitan

2. How to Wash:

In order to keep the longevity of your jeans, first turn your jeans inside-out. Turning them inside-out will keep their color from fading. Next, wash with cold water, and avoid putting them in the dryer. The dryer can shrink your denim and affect the overall shape. Instead, hang dry for a few hours or put them on while they're a little damp so that they can conform to your body as they dry for a better fit. 

3. Dark Denim:

If you have favorite dark wash denim, you don't want to lose that fabulous color in the wash. To keep your dark jeans looking...well, dark, try washing them with vinegar. Why vinegar? Vinegar seals in the dye and prevents it from bleeding or fading. Simply add 1/2-1 cup of vinegar to your cold wash cycle and turn your jeans inside-out. Voila! 

Alternatively, you can take a note from Levi's CEO and never wash them! Don't worry, I won't judge you.

Keep in mind, jeans really do conform to your body shape, and the more you wash them, the more this shape becomes lost. Follow this washing method to keep your jeans looking good as new!

Where do you go to buy your favorite denim? 

Leather Weather

via PopSugar

For some reason, whenever I hear the word "leather," the image of Britney Spears in her all red leather outfit from her "Oops I Did It Again" days, instantly pops into my head. While I will admit, I envied this early 2000's look (especially around Halloween time), I've always thought leather was a little...bold for me. I've never considered myself to be edgy enough to rock a shiny pair of pants or a skirt.

I am here to tell you, I was very wrong! Leather has completely transformed my previous safe and simple style. If you love the comfort of leggings, then leather (or pleather leggings), are perfect for you!

I took a risk and finally purchased my first pair of pleather (faux leather) leggings from Forever 21. Although I was a bit intimidated by this new style, I bravely wore them to my friend's birthday dinner. Not only did they add some major style to my otherwise dull all black outfit, but they were unbelievably comfortable! (Not to mention, I got quite a bit of compliments.)

Comfort and style?! I'm sold!

This leather trend doesn't just end with leggings either. I am loving the look of pleated leather skirts and even shirts with touches of leather. I even plan on wearing my new leather skirt paired with a red flannel for upcoming Christmas festivities (see number 2 under leather skirts).

See the various way this style can be incorporated into your wardrobe. Check out some of my favorite looks for inspiration! 

Leather Leggings: 

1. Styled Avenue  2. Jimmy Choos & Tennis Shoes  

3. SOPHISTIFUNK  4. Her Lovely Style  

Leather leggings can easily be dressed up or down and easily transition from day to night. Keep it simple while running errands by pairing it with a chambray or long, loose fitting tee. At night, dress it up with a pair of your favorite heels and a darker colored blouse.
I love the look of number 2 for a girls night or for holiday parties. Number 4 also perfectly illustrates how adding leather to an outfit can be the perfect look for running errands or a weekend brunch.

Leather Skirts:

1. Lovely Little Style  2. Nomad en Vogue  

3. Pink Peonies

 Although I love the look of leather leggings, I'm even more excited about leather skirts. Since it doesn't get too cold in California, I can pretty much get away with wearing skirts year round. For those of you who live in colder climates, this trend is perfect for incorporating leather during spring or with a pair of tights. 

Leather Shirts:

 

1. Happily Grey  2. Cupcakes & Cashmere  

3. Washingtonian
 

In case you're a little apprehensive, like I was, about trying out this bold, black look, a leather shirt is perfect for you. Outfits number 1 and 3 add just enough leather to any outfit while keeping true to your own style.  


 Leather can add some edge and contrast to a feminine outfit. If you're ready to try out this chic look, check out where you can get your hands on this wardrobe essential! 

 1. Forever 21  2.H&M  3.Charlotte Russe  4.Nordstrom  5.Asos

 6.Target 7.Target  8.Forever 21 

What do you think about this trend? Will you be trying out this edgier look? 

Planners for the Planner

via StyleCaster

The weeks leading up to the New Year always have me thinking about ways I want to improve my life. This year: organization. I am all about planners and keeping track of what I need to do and what's to come for each week.
Unfortunately, this organization-high only lasts about a month before I resort to plastering sticky notes around my room or trying to remember everything and hope for the best!

I used to think planners were really only necessary to remember class assignments and tests, but as soon as I began my post-grad life, I realized planners are a must!

Between work meetings, lunch dates with your best friend, and grocery shopping lists, it becomes pretty difficult to keep track of everything. And as much as I'd like to think I can remember everything, truth is, I can't. Studies have even shown that when you write something down, you're more likely to remember it. 

Who doesn't love that fulfilling feeling of crossing out tasks that you completed? Not to mention, good time management skills are a great quality to have. And what's more motivating than super cute planners?!

But this year is the year I become an organization pro!

Take some time to map out the future this year. Document what's coming up next and get it done! 

I've rounded up some of my favorite planners that are sure to help kick-start your organization resolutions!

 1. Sarah Pinto 2. Sugar Paper-Target 3. Erin Condren 4. Paper Source 

5. Paper Source 6. Bando

How do you keep track of your schedule? Are you a planner-lover? Do you rely on your phone? Or do you just wing it and hope for the best?

The Makeup Super Tool

There is nothing I love more than a well-done winged eyeliner. If you've experimented with this makeup look, then you know that "the wing" can make or break your day. When you get your wings even, you feel ready to conquer the world.

Now, for all of us who are still practicing and perfecting this look, I have the perfect tool for you!

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Pen

This is a Makeup Remover Pen by e.l.f. Cosmetics and I believe it was created by a makeup genius.

I used to use a Q-Tip with a dab of makeup removed to correct any of my mistakes, but that can be messy and it's pretty challenging to get a clean straight line with the rounded tip. This pen is so much easier to use and it has become my makeup must-have!

First, it has the remover right on the applicator, which eliminates any oily mess. But my favorite part is the super pointy felt tip. It makes it extremely easy to smooth out and sharpen those wings.

Not only is it a lifesaver for eyeliner mistakes, but it is also perfect for those pesky specks of mascara you get on your eyelid, especially after all that time spent on creating that smokey eye. All you need to do is dab a little on the mark and dab it lightly with your finger to eliminate excess remover oil. Don't forget to gently wipe the felt tip on a tissue to remove the makeup. Voila! No one will guess you ever made a mistake!

 Oh and did I mention it's super inexpensive?! You can find it for $3 at Target. Gone are the days when you dread creating the perfect winged eyeliner or cry over smeared mascara.

Do you have a makeup product that you just can't live without? Will you be adding this tool to your makeup bag?