July Favorites 2015

My mind is honestly blown that July has already come and gone. With college move-in day happening in less than a month, (who all's been counting down?) you could probably say that I'm a little excited. While I have a while until I can actually talk about going back to school, I'm thrilled to be off of my writing hiatus to bring you a few of my favorites from July!

1. Madewell Transport Tote 

I love this bag. It's gone through the cycle of being my school bag, a pool bag, my overnight bag, and now my purse! It's roomy enough that I can even throw in my lunch bag for work and still have room for other things!

2. Keds Champion Sneaker

If you couldn't tell by how dirty my Keds are, I wear them all the time. From backyard picnics to city adventures, they're the perfect shoe for staying casual while still remaining polished!

3. LOFT Striped Strappy Flare Dress 

My favorite purchase of the summer (thus far)! And it's on sale! Snag this pretty little number and the rest of clearance for 50% off with the code Heatwave! 

4. LOFT Statement Necklace (old)

5. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
The perfect book to add to your summer reading list! 

6. Ray-Ban "Youngster" Sunglasses
I'm pretty sure my love of large sunglasses roots from my Jackie O. obsession, which is probably why I fell in love with these at first sight. (ha ha, get it?) They're a modern take on an old classic, with thin metal temples and a matte tortiseshell finish! I highly recommend jumping on the Ray-Ban bandwagon. You definitely won't be disappointed!

7. Mophie Portable Charger
Okay, let's be honest here. iPhone batteries probably aren't the greatest. I highly recommend splurging a little on a portable charger to keep in your purse at all times. They're especially handy for nights out on the town and summer concerts!

8. Dove Dry Spray Deodorant
I wear a lot of dark colors, especially to work. I love how this dries clear, and it makes getting ready so much easier because you don't have to wait for your deodorant to dry. I keep this in my purse or in my car at all times, (an old trick that I learned from my sister) because you never know when you'll need it. Plus, it's really lightweight, and I definitely recommend trying it. 

9. The Wet Brush
Everyone needs this brush; it's totally worth the hype. As someone with extremely thick hair, it makes my life so much easier while cutting my brushing time after a shower down probably around 5 minutes. 

10. MAC "The Matte Lip" Lipstick (in Please Me)
I'm currently obsessed with matte lipsticks, especially light pink and rose lipsticks for summer. 

11. Alex and Ani Bracelets (1, 2, 3)
Okay, fine. I jumped on the bandwagon. I was never really a huge fan of bracelets or wearing stacks of bangles until I bought my first Alex and Ani in Disney. They're understated but so cute, which makes them perfect for wearing with other statement jewelry!

12. NARS Luminous Foundation
Lightweight and medium coverage? The perfect formula for a summer foundation. I typically find myself opting for tinted moisturizers, but I've been having more breakouts than usual, I decided to go with something with a little more to it. It makes your skin look flawless, and a little goes a long way. 

13. Benefit the POREfessional Primer
If you didn't realize this already by how much I talk about it, this is my holy grail primer. Go get it. You won't regret it.

14. Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray
I'll be honest, I bought this with low expectations. I picked a travel size up to keep in my makeup bag for our Disney trip, and it is life changing. Even while walking around (sweating) in 97 degree weather, my makeup stayed pretty matte and generally in place. It's a great product to keep in your purse or school bag!

15. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (in Light to Medium)
I watch so many makeup tutorials on YouTube that it might be borderline ridiculous. I needed to try this palette as my first real experience with contouring. I love it. I set my under-eye concealer with Banana (top middle), and contour with a blend of the bottom three shades. The highlights (which I also occasionally blend together) are gorgeous. I've honestly been so excited to talk about it! Let me know if you want to see a contouring tutorial (hint hint) or more about it!

What are a few of your favorites from July? Comment below and let me know! (I'm always up for trying out new products!)

What's in My Bag: Summer Edition

MK Ava Bag

If you've read this blog before, or know me personally, you would know that I have a slight obsession with purses... and Michael Kors. I recently picked up this gorgeous blush number to be my designated bag for summer. And why do I love it so much? I usually don't reach for blush tones outside of spring, but I definitely believe that the color is the cherry on top of the bag. It's a fun twist on your usual crossbody; it has a fun silhouette and is quite roomy. 

Coach ID Badge Lanyard (old, similar) // My old faithful id & license holder. I've had it since I was at least 16! 

Hairties // I always have to have at least one hair tie with me at all times (#thickhairprobs), but I've been reaching for these elastic no crease ones more and more!

Protein Bar // I'm definitely more of a QuestBar girl, but I definitely like Luna bars. I usually keep one in my purse if I'm running errands or heading to work. 

Kate Spade Lacey Wallet // I am obsessed with this wallet: the color, the style, everything. I'd buy another Kate Spade wallet in a heartbeat. It holds seriously everything. 

Chance Eau Tendre (Chanel Perfume) // I grew up admiring my mom's Chanel perfume and was too excited when she gave me my own this past Christmas. It's a more youthful version of the traditional Chanel No 5!

Tarte SmoothOperator Finishing Powder & Sephora Contour Brush // One of my holy grail products! I put this on before and after I apply foundation for a smoother application (it seriously makes your skin so flawless). Not to mention that it's perfect for touch-ups when out-and-about and for setting your lipstick! 

 Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Lip Pencil in Obsessed // I am a die-hard fan of UD lip liners, and was too excited to add this rosey nude shade to my collection!

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 05 Infinite Rose // This is the perfect grab and go lip product for any time of the day. You apply it like any lip gloss, but it dries as a matte lipstick. I love the 05 Infinite Rose for a perfect nude lip with a hint of a golden peachy shine.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Michiyo // My golden rule is to always carry a nude and a bold lipstick with you at all times. You never know when you'll need a bit of a color pop. I've always been a huge NARS fan, but their lipsticks are incredible. It's so creamy and stays on all day and night! I hardly ever have to touch it up. 

Left: NARS Audacious Lipstick in MICHIYO

Right: Sephora Creamy Lip Stain in 05 Infinite Rose

Day to Night: the LBD (little blue dress)

Day trips and excursions are probably my favorite types of adventures: especially if it means going into the city! But what if you have plans during the day and later on that night? The key is to transition your outfit around a basic statement piece with a few easy layers and accessories! In this case, I chose my favorite LBD (little blue dress) from Madewell.

DAY: 

Dress (old, but similar) // Sweater // Shoes 

Bag // Necklace (similar) // Watch // Sunglasses (similar) 

So what do I love so much about this dress? The fact that it's fantastic for going from day to night- it's casual and lightweight enough to be worn all day, but it's easy to switch up your accessories to make it into the perfect cocktail dress. 

Pittsburgh weather is so unpredictable, and just like any smart girl, I decided that the perfect way to embrace the unknown (aka the weather) was to layer on a light sweater. It helps make the dress appear to be much more casual than it is. I threw on some white Keds, which are perfect for trekking around the city. (they're so comfortable!) My Madewell Transport Tote is my saving grace when it comes the perfect bag for traveling- it's lightweight, carries everything I need it to while staying simply chic. I especially love the caramel color and how it constrasts against my blue dress. 

NIGHT: 

Dress (old, but similar) // Wedges 

 Necklace (old, but similar) // Watch

I usually find myself reaching for colored dresses for formal events: especially royal blues and navys. Personally, I just find that it's a much more fun alternative to your traditional little black dress, which can feel a little out of place in warmer weather. I switched out my statement necklace for a dressier clustered pearl necklace, and put on my favorite MK wedges ! They're perfect for day or night, and are incredibly comfortable. It's incredible that with a few simple switches you can take your favorite statement piece of your outfit from day to night! Add a few accessories and a change of shoes and you're ready for date night! 

What's your go-to clothing item for going from day to night?

Liebster Award

 If you haven't seen the post circulating around the internet, it's one of the cutest tags I've seen in a while! The goal of the Liebster Award is to discover new blogs on the rise. To check out the rules, click here! I was nominated by Elle from ElleWhitney, and Hannah from HighEndHanny, who are two of the sweetest girls I've ever met. Check out their blogs, you'll love them as much as I do! 

ONE // Why did you start blogging?

For a little over a year, I've been a dedicated reader of Carly Heitlinger's blog, The College Prepster. I found myself checking in at least once a day, and realized that I was completely hooked. Since I was little, I've always considered a career in journalism, or writing. It's no secret that I love everything about fashion and beauty, and after a lifetime of private school uniforms it felt fantastic being able to express myself through what I wore. Blogging ties everything together, and I thought to myself, "Hey, maybe I can actually do this!" Well, I tried creating a blog a few times before, and it always fell through. After a while, I found Sydney from Summerwind41490's blog, and I knew I had to start one, and for real this time (and actually stick with it). And boom, Pittsburgh & Pearls was born. And it's going to be growing from here- expect a lot more from it in the near future!! (hint, hint.) 

TWO // What is your current Netflix binge? Or, favorite TV show?

Easy. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. I've watched the entire season at least twice since it was released, and it's absolutely fantastic. I've even gotten a bunch of my friends (even guys!) into watching it! The Biggest Loser is the only one I've ever followed regularly on TV, but since I don't watch a lot of TV at school, I usually have to binge watch over breaks. And honestly, I'm not really a binge-watcher, but if I find one show that I get absolutely hooked on, I'm all in.  

THREE // What is your favorite item of clothing?

I'll break this down for ya: my favorite dress, hands down would be my navy scalloped shift from J.Crew. For my favorite top, as basic as this sounds, would be my white 3/4 sleeve boatneck top from Lilly Pulitzer. I'm also a huge fan of my electric blue pencil skirt and my navy blue monogram sweater (also from Lilly.)

FOUR // What is your favorite book?

Definitely a tie between The Help, which also doubles as one of my favorite movies, and then without a doubt, #GirlBoss. 

FIVE // Who is your musician/band?

My favorite singer right now is probably a 3-way tie between Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, and Meghan Trainor. It just depends on the mood, but I listen to so much random music. For example, my two favorite bands right now are Fifth Harmony and Fall Out Boy. 

SIX // What / who inspires your style?

So many random things. I tell this story all the time, but when I was in the 4th grade, I wrote my first report ever on Jackie Kennedy. That's around the time when I first fell in love with her personal style. Honestly, nothing has changed. However, I get most of my style inspiration from other bloggers, especially Carly Heitlinger, Sydney Carver, and Sarah Vickers from Classy Girls Wear Pearls. (Sarah reminds me of a modern day Jackie, she's so classy.) 

SEVEN // Upload your all-time favorite picture here:

I actually have so many. Here are just a few of my favorites from this year... I was talking about some of my favorite pictures with my mom in the car today, and she said that some of her favorite pictures of me are the ones where I look the happiest and most like myself. And honestly, once I was looking through some of my recent pictures, they all were from when I was genuinely 100% happy. 

Exploring NYC with one of my best friends, Alexis! 

Spring break in Orlando with the tennis team! 

On top of the world (aka the Bloomberg Building) with Annie! 

The Homecoming football game with Alex & Lisa

The first match of my sophomore year with the best team & friends I could ask for. 

EIGHT // You either can’t style your hair for the rest of your life (bed head) or you can’t do your makeup. Pick one. Eeek!

This might surprise anyone who doesn't know me very well: I'd rather not do my makeup for the rest of my life than forgo doing my hair. When your hair is as high maintenance as mine is sometimes, you really need to take control. And sometimes I love not wearing makeup, it makes me feel refreshed and a lot more like myself. Plus, coming from the girl who wore red lipstick and winged eyeliner for over a year, it gets exhausting. When something becomes so routine, it isn't as special. Embrace that natural beauty, girl! 

NINE // What is your favorite form of fitness or exercise?

Another thing that might surprise you, playing tennis. Just kidding, I feel like I talk about it all the time. I really love the sport  by itself, but I have the most amazing friends on my team which makes it that much better. But I'm also trying to learn how to love running. Which is a process. If anyone has any tips for that let me know!!! 

TEN // What does a normal day in your life look like?

Wake up, flawless. Post up, flawless. Riding round in it, flawless. Flossing on that, flawless.

No but seriously, I wake up around 8 or 9 every day. After about what feels like 4 hours of scrolling through social media, and what I missed while I was sleeping, I finally get out of bed to start getting ready for the day. I shower, do my hair and makeup (or on days when I wash my hair, it goes hair, make-up, hair, finish getting ready, and maybe blow dry again or curl it). I go to class, which is usually followed by doing work, blogging, reading blogs, hanging out with friends, or tennis. Then, dinner with the friends. What I do after that depends on the day. Probably more homework, writing an article for College Fashionista, getting inspired from watching beauty vids on YouTube. 

ELEVEN // What is your dream occupation?

Ever since I was little I wanted to take over Stacy London's position as a host and stylist on What Not to Wear. I've always been absolutely o-b-s-e-s-s-e-d with that show, and still watch the reruns. But now, I would love to be a celebrity stylist, or a creative director for a big brand, like J.Crew. Or a wedding dress designer, event planner, or professional blogger/YouTuber.

Who I Nominate: 

1. Lisa -- The Daily Positve Blog
2. Cynthia -- Sensibly Sharp
3. Lauren -- A Touch of Southern Grace
4. Michaela -- The Monogrammed Midwesterner
5. Greta -- A Chic Minute

MY QUESTIONS: 

ONE // Why did you start blogging?

TWO // What does a normal day in your life look like?

THREE // Who or what inspires your style?

FOUR // MAC Cosmetics just contacted you asking if they could name one of their new lipsticks after you. What color would it be?

FIVE // Would you rather be the photographer or the model?

SIX // What is your dream occupation?

SEVEN // Upload your absolute favorite picture of all time here.

EIGHT // What inspires you to write?

NINE // You either can’t style your hair for the rest of your life (bed head) or you can’t do your makeup. Pick one. Eeek!

TEN // What is your guilty pleasure?