Pins and Needles

image via thrilld

Something I've been thinking about getting for a while is a cartilage piercing. Despite the unique look, I've heard a lot of bad things (e.g., infections, pain, etc.) about these types of piercings, which is why I am hesitant. After doing some research, I learned a lot of useful tips that are slowly helping me reconsider. I thought some of you (who may also be on the fence) would benefit in knowing:

• I'll begin with the obvious: don't use cheap jewelry unless you know for a fact that your ears will be able to handle it. A type of metal that never fails me is sterling silver (check out this website for some good options).

• Be sure to go to a reputable piercer.

• Clean your new piercings often.

• Even though you are eager to change into new earrings, don't rush the healing process. The wait will be worth it.

• Turn your earring(s) so that the piercing does not heal around the post.

• Know when to identify when your body is rejecting the piercing. In this case, you will need to take it out for good. Some signs to look out for: an infection, extreme swelling+pain, and long-term redness.

Nail Tutorial: We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

In light of Taylor Swift's 3rd record, I decided to create a celebratory nail tutorial. Considering how the album is named after the fiery shade, I felt that there wasn't a more appropriate color for me to choose  than red for the base. This nail tutorial is particularly dedicated to the one song she has released so far-- "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together".

I'll be honest, and say that at first, I didn't like the song. I thought it was different from her usual style, but eventually came to fall in love with its catchiness.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 3 different nail polishes--red, gold glitter, and a black nail art one. I used 'Big Apple Red' by OPI and 'Only Gold for Me' by SEPHORA's OPI collection. You will also need a toothpick, or pointed tool (I do not recommend pens).

DIRECTIONS:

1. Paint your nails red.

2. Using the black nail art polish, paint a black heart on to your ring finger.

3. Take the gold glitter polish, and dab a drop of the polish on to a piece of paper.

4. Using your toothpick or pointed tool, pick up pieces of glitter, and place it on the still-wet black heart.

5. OPTIONAL: After you have filled in the heart to your liking, using the black nail art brush, carefully outline the heart. The outline will better define your design, and help the heart look more put-together.

Who else can't wait for October 22nd?

More Taylor Swift nail tutorials:

Sparks Fly

Better Than Revenge

Fall Hairstyles

Two hairstyles I look forward to trying out this fall are the topknot and accessorizing with flower barrettes. The flower barrette you see in the picture above, is actually a DIY by my talented friend, K (I'm trying to convince her to start a craft blog). Tutorial coming soon!

this image via sparklesandpretending tumblr

*The artistic hair talent in the 1st picture is credited to my friend, N.

Embrace the Lace

dress: Target

This past weekend, two of my friends and I decided to have an end-of-summer photo shoot. Even though it took some time to coordinate outfits, and scout out a scenic location, in the end, the results were more than worth it. On our drive home, we even decided to make a tradition of it to have a photo shoot every season. I already cannot wait for the next one.

*Thank you to my friends, K and K, for being such great models.

Combat Boots and Colored Denim

combat boots: Steve Madden 'Troopa' via Nordstrom-- available at TJ Maxx for $60//jeans: Urban Outfitters

I haven't taken back-to-school shopping seriously since my freshman year of college, mostly because my style and height have been pretty consistent. However, when there are fall trends like colored denim and combat boots to swoon over, I make an effort to search for good deals.

Tips regarding trends in general:

• Remember the golden rule: 70% of your closet should consist of year-round classics, while only 30% or less should be dedicated to trendy items.

• Considering how trends come and go often, unless you absolutely have to (actually, not even then), never splurge on trendy items.

*Thank you to my friend, S, for being such a great model.

Leather Accents

image via elle street tumblr

A trend I'm excited to see around this fall is leather accents. Different from a leather jacket, or liquid leggings, leather accents give an even more trendy twist to the classic ways leather has been styled in the past.

Looking to try out this trend yourself? Check out my recommendations:
1. bebe Mixed Media Trench via Nordstrom $139 SALE
2. Lily White Faux Leather Peplum Tank via Nordstrom B.P. $38
3. Faux Leather Sleeved T-Shirt via ZARA $25.90

images via cupcakes and cashmere and the daybook blog

Oliver

This is Oliver. He's my family's new Exotic Shorthair kitten, and we've had him for about a week. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with crinkle balls, string, and plastic applesauce spoons. He also loves to sleep on his baby blanket, and eat Fancy Feast chicken. Oliver will probably be popping up on my blog and Instagram a lot from now on, so I thought it would be appropriate to formally introduce him to the blogging world. Meow.