'From head to toe' Lisbon

My makeup look:

Eyes: created a warm smokey eye effect with Lorac Pro Palette

Face: Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation, Hoola Bronzer, Nars Deep Throat Blush

Lips: Bobbi Brown Pink Beige Lip Gloss

Brows: Lightly filled in and shaped with Maybelline Brow Pencil

 My look:

Pants: from a local designer exhibition in Sevilla, similar here

Belt: handmade in Sevilla, I can't find anything like it!

Shoes: Topshop sandals, similar here

Sweater: Nordstrom Sun & Shadow

Top: Zara Black Basic

Earrings: Anthropologie similar here

Bag: Day a Day (Spanish company) similar here

Cheers to Lisbon, the first stop on my final European trip that ended in London on May 20th 2015.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, felt like a city of copy cats to me. I don't mean to offend, but everywhere I turned I saw shadows of other cities mirrored in Lisbon. From the nearly identical Golden Gate bridge replica, the large statue of Jesus overlooking the city just like in Rio de Janeiro, the main square that looks so much like Madrid's Plaza Mayor, even to the architecture and narrow streets that remind me of Italy. Each of these elements play an important and purposeful role in Lisbon's history; they are not imitating due to lack of creativity but the familiarity struck me all the same. This little photo shoot was taken right outside the restaurant we ate at for our last night in Lisbon before we moved on to Vienna, hastily trying to capture some pictures before the sun went down and the restaurant canceled our reservation. I think they turned out pretty well, and encompass the laid back and casual feel of both Lisbon and Sevilla. If I were to wear this same outfit again, I think I would fully embrace the 'more is more' attitude and throw on more jewelry, muss up my hair a bit, and overall de-polish my look to a more relaxed vacation vibe. And what a vacation it was. 

I have been home for exactly a week, and am slowly working on a post that ties together my study abroad experience and reflects on everything that happened during those 5 months. However this project may take a while. As you can imagine Netflix is much more appealing than trying to summarize 150 days abroad in one short blog post that demonstrates gratitude, self reflection, and tells some really great anecdotes. Thank you for reading these ramblings and supporting my virtual journey to find my voice and passion. Being abroad solidified some of my priorities and goals, which excites me but also scared me because I learned a lot about accepting things I cannot change, that your friends truly make your world, and that sometimes you have to lose an iPhone in order to find your perspective. 

In the meantime, I just started my internship as a Style Guru for College Fashionista; an website where students write articles and photograph their peers in order to share street style fashion right from their college campus. I will be writing weekly posts and hopefully inspiring creativity for both my own style and for anyone who stumbles across my fashion musings. Check out my Style Guru bio here and #StyleOn. 

With love and 'obligada',

Sarah Belle

"I think I forgot something" Travel essentials

We have all been there, forgetting essential things like socks but remembering to bring 10 shirts and 5 shades of lipstick for a 3 day trip. #priorities. While the struggle is real, I am a firm believer that as long as you have a toothbrush, credit card, and positive attitude you can conquer basically any travel mishap. However, if you have the time to give a bit more thought to your packing, I have made up a little list of travel packing essentials that have helped me have smooth trips for the last 4 months. 

Cleanse, moisturize, protect

Fact: traveling in general is very dehydrating, especially when flying.
If you can, fly without makeup on and slather on the moisturizer before, during, and after the flight. First Aid Beauty has awesome and high quality products without an unbearable price tag, and the juice pack-esk packaging for the cleanser is so thin and easy to slip into travel packs. While sunscreen should be an everyday reality for everyone, it most definitely is a must when on holiday in sunny places.

Cleanse: First Aid Beauty Cleanser: cleanser and cream duo for $15

Moisturize: Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion - $5.00 for .5 oz travel size

Protect: Neutrogena Sunscreen SPF 70- $9.00 for 3.0 fluid oz

Spritz and smell

There is something that makes me feel more put together and ready to face the day if I add a spritz of something lovely to my routine. Smelling good should be a priority, no matter where you are!
 A word on the Sephora perfume samplers: you pay $24 for 6 perfume samples, choose your favorite, and then can redeem a roller ball of it for free! An easy an inexpensive way to discover new scents, a sweet gift, and a great travel companion- I love it.

Chloe Perfume Roller Ball-  Spray of Sunshine Perfume Sampler $24

Elizabeth & James Nirvana (Black and White) Mini Rollerball Set $20

Healthy Brovelli

Traveling means trying new things, and frequently means trying food that might not agree with you. If you get air sick, car sick, or have a sensitive tummy, throw some ginger chews in your purse for immediate and yummy relief. Finally, they don't call me Mama Brovelli for nothing: bring bandaids, Neosporin, Advil, vitamins... hell just bring a mini first aid kit! No one ever regretted being over prepared, and you never know if where you're going will have your favorite remedies.

'Gin Gins' Ginger Chew Candy- around $3 available at Trader Joes & Whole Foods

Safe travels First Aid Kit (found one with Disney Princesses cause why not). $6.50

Huzzah for organization!

Both of these were things my Mom forced me to get before leaving for Europe.... and I proudly admit that she was right (as usual). The makeup organizer has been a godsend of organization, I love the tri fold format and that it can hang up for easy access or fold down to a slim pouch for storage. The travel bottles are kind of a no brainer, but I never anticipated how much I would like having the clear pouch and different sized containers. Yay for airport liquid restrictions!

Makeup Organizer: Orla Kiely for Target- around $25, similar here

Travel Bottles and Bag: $8, similar here

Misc importance

Sometimes it's the random bits and bobs that you throw in last minute that can make or break a packing list. If you are going to be out for hours on end, using your phone for directions, snapping pictures, and Instagraming your adventures, odds are you are going to need some extra battery juice. It gives me such peace of mind to have my portable phone charger on trips, and I have been so grateful to have it many times (thanks Auntie Kim!) I always thought I was real book kind of person, until I was united with the beauty that is the Kindle. I love love LOVE it. I have the Kindle Fire so I can download books, stream movies and shows, play games, and it even has a built in camera so #selfie. 

Jackery Bar Portable External Battery Charger (in gold): on sale for $24 on Amazon

Kindle Fire HD: $99

No explanation needed, just love, random importance, and helpfulness: Nail clippers, Hobo 'Euro slide' wallet, nail polish removing wipes, extra razor heads, and of course- my neck pillow.
 

Me, the clearly overjoyed neck pillow model 

With love and wanderlust,

Sarah Belle

'From head to toe' - Salir de marcha

Go out on the town. Salir de marcha. 

Besides 'no pasa nada', 'salir de marcha' is one of my favorite Spanish expressions and is a definite part of the culture. The infamous and wise Pilar, my host mother, is the definition of a cool Mom and loves to encourage what I would lovingly call recklessness. Whenever I get ready to leave for a night of such shenanigans she always whistles and says "Aye que rubia, que guapa eres, ooo los chicos atención!" which more or less translates to: "watch out Sevilla, here comes Sarah". This shirt/cape combo is one of her favorites, and says it will bring me luck in finding un novio en España... buena suerte indeed.

This mini lookbook goes out to Pilar- cheers!

I can't wear this shirt without having to spin in circles and smile. With it's open back and attached cape, the tank is a stylish and eye catching piece without being attention seeking in the wrong way.
Top: Zara similar here $20 

I was completely anti-jegging until I got tricked into loving them by this gorgeous pair at Zara. These are yoga pants that want to grow up and be jeans some day, but so far only have grown a button. Dream on. 

Jeans: Zara High Waisted Jeggings $20

Makeup look:

Eyes: Lorac Pro Palette 

Lips: Kiko Lip Stain in 107/Plum

  

The 'front to back' earring trend caught my eye the second these babies came onto the market. The modern design adds some edge to any outfit while the pearls keep it classy! Always keep it classy ladies and gents. 

Ring: boutique in Paris

Earrings: Corte Ingles in Sevilla, but similar here $15

These boots have seen a lot- 6 countries to be exact! After a lot of love, they are starting to show some damage but I still love them and find the deep red color surprisingly easy to wear!

Shoes: Steve Madden 'Gilte' Boot in Burgundy $100

Spaniard equation: jamón ibérico, beer, potatoes, and a leather jacket. My jacket, half faux-leather and half cloth, is a lightweight alternative to the real deal, and layers with ease. I always get compliments on this and will be a closet staple for years to come!

Jacket: BlankNYC 'Private Practice' $98

A recent impulse purchase turned true love; this purse from Stradivarius. It pays homage to the current fringe trend and adds a pop of color that I can never do without. 

Bag: Stradivarius, no longer available but similar here $28

My many thanks to Miss Olivia for chasing the sunset with me to get these shots, and for traveling across the world to spend your Spring break eating ice-cream and pesto gouda cheese with me. ILY mucho.

With love and shenanigans,

Sarah Belle

Dry Shampoo- the lazy girls guide

"He can run faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo" JK Rowling

You are now Snape, and for whatever reason (usually laziness) you haven't showered and your hair is in need of some maintenance! Never fear, dry shampoo is here and so am I to give you a list of some to praise, and some to avoid. 

Some general tips before we get started:

1. You are human, use your tools. 

If you are accidentally or purposefully heavy handed with the dry shampoo, make sure it is evenly distributed. A little tip: use your trusty hair dryer to get all the powder/color settled in and looking natural. While you're at it, give your hair some nice volume by blowing out sections of your hair with a large barreled brush and the hair dryer that is already prepped and ready. 

2. Blend people, blend.
My heart breaks a little every time I see a girl with a slightly white spray residue on her head/scalp from hastily applied dry shampoo (or other..erm issues). Do a check of your forehead, part, general scalp, even neck and ears. The whole 'I didn't shower but I'm getting away with it' losses its charm if you look even dirtier than before... just sayin.

3. Recognize defeat
Sometimes, you really need to shower. If you just got back from the gym, a basement gathering of any kind, or your hair is so oily it looks wet... get your lovely self under some hot water and suds. Dry shampoo is a crutch, not a cast. Do not abuse the magic.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo- $11 for 1oz at Sephora, Target

This product is the most refreshing of the bunch, it smells like lemons and cleanliness and has a wonderfully effective powered formula. My hair always feels cleanest after I use Oscar Blandi, but it does take a bit longer to apply correctly. It is simply a white powder, so it is up to the user to sprinkle and blend carefully without the help of an aerosol nozzle. I always have to use a hairdryer to spread the product evenly, but the extra effort is worth the result! Plus this stuff is a great value, I got it over a year ago and haven't run out yet. *you can get this in aerosol form here, but I haven't tried it!

The Dry Bar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Dry Shampoo- $12 for 1.67 oz from Sephora

Praise be to this dry shampoo- everything about it is wonderful except for the value. It smells wonderful but not overpowering, application is easy, leaves no yucky residue or stiffness, and keeps my hair looking and feeling clean long after application. However, when I purchased this small travel size I was out within a few months. Considering I had only used it maybe 10 times, this seems to be a bit of a rip off. However, if the price tag doesn't matter to you- I haven't found anything that can compare to this caliber. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo (Blonde)- $8 for 6.74 oz from Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and many drug stores

Batiste has a huge range of dry shampoos from different scents, color tints, and sizes they have it all and still maintain a good price for the quality and size. The 'hints of color' are really nice for anyone who struggles with the white contrast of dry shampoo powder, and wants to give their color a bit of a makeover without any chalky residue or flaking. I will definitely repurchase this as I like the sweet scent and blonde highlights, and it is readily available at many stores! 

Psst Instant Dry Shampoo- around $6 for 5.3 oz at any drugstore

While this is one of the 'original' creators of dry shampoo, the Pssst product didn't impress me. It did the job, but left white residue and didn't have a particularly nice scent. Plus I feel like it look me more dry shampoo than anticipated to get my hair feeling at all clean or refreshed! Kind of a 'meh' product, but a good price tag for the can size!

Some updates to my dry shampoo collection! (hence the not uniform pictures... my bad)

Suave Professionals Beautiful Clean Dry Shampoo- $2.48 for 5 oz at Target

In my November 2014 favorites I mentioned this dry shampoo and how much I am not a fan of it, no matter how cheap it is: 'The smell was fresh, but when I put it in my hair it felt sticky and stiff. Not to mention it left a slightly white and off-color residue in my hair that wasn't easily brushed off or  It reminded me of stiff hold hairspray, and I felt yuckier than before.' Thanks, but no thanks Suave.

Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo $4.99 for 180ml/5 oz from Amazon

I have been on a hunt for dry shampoo in Spain so when I finally found this, it had to be mine. Good news is the search was worth it because so far I have been pretty pleased! The smell is fruity but not sickly sweet, and lasts for hours. However, it does feel a bit sticky when applying, and made my hair a little stiff. Good value, but updates on quality to come.

So there you have it, a starter kit for all things dry shampoo! I hope it helps keep you lazy, but at an acceptable level of clean. 

With love and lazy Sundays,

Sarah Belle