Peak of the Week - 5/24/2013

Why is that the week leading up to a trip always feels like it’s your busiest? I guess it’s the preparing that goes into the trip, but I’ll take it because I couldn’t be more excited for what is planned for us UD girls this weekend! One of Amanda’s and my old roommates is graduating from medical school in Dayton so a Chicago friend and I are road tripping to the Gem City today! Tomorrow, we’re going to Laura’s graduation party then heading back to campus to stay at an alumni house, play BOOM (the greatest drinking game ever, and I am seriously considering creating a YouTube tutorial for anyone who’s never heard of it) and go to the bars! As if all of that wasn’t enough, we have another college friend’s bridal shower the next day in Cincinnati. Can’t wait to see how we all fare at that.

Jennie

P.s. Amanda, we’ll miss you! I’m sure we’ll be sending you tons of texts throughout the night. 

Paisley & Periwinkle

Shirt - Banana Republic (on sale!) / Skirt - Target / Necklace - BaubleBar / Clutch - Nine West Outlet (current) / Bracelet - Banana Republic Outlet (old) / Nails - Zoya's Stacy

I've been dying for a patterned skirt similar to those from JCrew or Ann Taylor, but wasn't ready to commit to the price unless it was one I absolutely LOVED. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I came across this skirt at Target. For less than $30, it fits amazingly and the colors just pop. Once I had the skirt, I went on an extensive search for a periwinkle necklace to match. After doing a lot of scouring of the Internet and in-stores, I was only able to find this one on BaubleBar.com. Good thing it’s just perfect! Browsing the site, it’s hard to hold myself back from coordinating nearly every outfit I own! Amanda, I can just hear you telling me, “Why even try? Go for it!” Maybe just a few more purchases...

Jennie

What's In My Bag

Purse c/o Sew Help Me by Marissa

This purse from Sew Help Me by Marissa is what I consider a great summer bag. Whether I'm sightseeing with friends or heading to the beach, I can easily wrap it around my wrist or throw it in a larger bag and it can hold plenty of essentials. Several of these items are samples my roommate and I have been excitedly collecting from Birchbox. The Beauty Protector leave-in conditioner is the perfect thing to spray in my hair if I've been in the water, and I can rub on some J.R. Watkins hand and cuticle salve as well. I always make sure to apply sunscreen if I'm spending extended periods in the sun, so I can't wait to see how this Coola organic sunscreen treats my skin. Then, there are the other items such as Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm or Ulta's Lip Gloss (#12) that are always by my side. With all of my favorites in my clutch, I'm ready to be on the go all summer! 

Jennie 

Purse c/o Sew Help Me by Marissa

With summer fast approaching (I shared my summer uniform already yesterday), I'm starting to put together my "go" bag. I love daytime activities in the summer, like the biergarten, sightseeing, or just hanging out at my friends' apartments, but being away from my house all day does make it difficult to keep things looking fresh for hours on end. There are a few things I always keep on me in the summer, especially if I'm going to be out for the whole day. There's my phone, SmarTrip, and headphones, of course, but there are a few key beauty products I keep too. The Eos lip balm is the best I've found - I keep one in each of my bags, in my desk, and next to my bed - and I can't go a day without that. I also always have face wipes near (I also like the Simple brand available at drugstores), for when you just need a quick refresh after a day outside. I've also found that for me, the two makeup products it pays to have on hand are an eyeliner and a mascara. They're great for a quick touch-up when needed, but can also quickly take your look from day to night if you happen to stay out longer than anticipated. 

And like Jennie and her Birchbox products, if I have any extra space I toss in a perfume sample from one of my Birchboxes. 

Amanda 

Summer Uniform

Top - Gap / Jeans - Old Navy / Shoes - J. Renee / Sunglasses - Cole Haan / Clutch - Thrifted

During my past two summers here in DC, I have learned two important things. One, Don't even try with your hair - the blow dryer will make you sweat, and the weather kills any style anyways - topknots are my best friend. And two, cotton tops are your best friend. I love a good silky (ummm polyester) top as much as the next budget conscious gal, but the fabric doesn't breathe, and they stay sweaty much longer than other fabrics. I turn to cotton tanks with something of interest (the chiffon ruffle in this one) whenever I know I'm going to spend a lot of time outside. 

Also, I've officially broken out my white pants! I recently placed my order of them for the season, and for anyone still looking for a great white skinny pant, I highly recommend these. Size up though - they run pretty small.

Amanda

Ombre nails - DIY next Monday!

Treat Yourself Sunday - 5/19/2013 (Frittata)

This past weekend my mom came into town to celebrate a late Mother's Day and I made her breakfast. We wanted it to be something healthy and delicious so I chose a frittata from this recipe. I made it even healthier by using egg whites for 1/3 of the eggs and used less cheese than the recipe suggested. I also cut out some cooking time by sauteing the veggies in the pan before I added the egg, as opposed to cooking them in the oven. This recipe was nice because once I did all of the prep I popped the pan in the oven for half an hour to cook. During that time, my mom, roommate and I got ready for the Cubs game. Our filling breakfast held us over until our stadium hot dog later that day!

Jennie