Favorite Outfit of the Week

Happy almost Christmas y'all!

I finally finished my shopping today, thank the lord, because Greensboro was a mad house.  Now I'm just counting down the time to a sweater party, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day! Yippie! 

Beauty Gifts Under $30

IT'S OFFICIALLY CHRISTMAS TIME!!!

Yes yes and yes!!  While I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I'm now in full out Christmas mode.  The tree went up yesterday, decorating will commence today, and everything else merry will soon follow.  Speaking of merry, GIFTS!  The most fun thing but stressful as well.  Therefore, to help ease your pain, I'm curating several gift guides from now until Christmas.  Today will be the first!  Below you will find all beauty gifts that are under $30.  Everything listed is something I've personally owned or something I would like to try myself, hint hint fam if you're reading this!

All is linked below!

Cozy & Stylish & Affordable!

Three Cheers for the Weekend!

Hey y'all!  So, I've been in search of a cozy, furry, stylish vest for the past year that wouldn't break the bank.  And, I found it! WOOHOO.  

My Favorite Low Key Date Spot

Hey y'all!  Long time no talk! I'm sharing with you one of my favorite places that I don't think many people know about.  Jake and I LOVE Japanese food, our favorite place to go where they cook in front of you is Sapporo, however, his sister Chas recommended to us the most unique, low key Japanese restaurant to try one day.  So of course, being as food obsessed as we are, we went.  Now...I love going their for a chill date night!

The place... Don Japanese

New Off The Shoulder Sweater & New Dinner Spot

Hi friends!

It's Sunday morning & it's finally starting to get a little chillier outside!  Thank goodness, I'm ready to wear my fall clothes 24/7, anyone else feeling the same?  Anyways, last month I posted about one of my fall staples, linked here.  I mentioned I had ordered another sweater and IT FINALLY CAME!

Distressed Jeans & A Denim Shirt

Happy Weekend Peeps!  

Mom & I went shopping Saturday where I picked up this outfit!  The denim button up with the distressed black jeans is a great outfit for this time of year.  One of my favorite things about the jeans is the fraying at the bottom, it's very "in" right now from what I've seen online.  I'm happy to have finally found a pair I like.  The denim style top is just the icing on the cake, because a. it's comfy and b. it's longer in the back.  Throw in a pair of booties and you've got yourself the perfect day date outfit!

Below is how I styled it...

The Perfect Dressy Outfit

Hi Y'all!!

I'm excited to share with you one of my favorite outfits I've put together in the past couple of weeks!  I love the way it turned out and just had to blog about it.  I had one of those "dang Caroline, you did good" moments!  Anyone else have those?! lol  

But without further ado....

1.  The first thing I love about the outfit is the color scheme, you cannot go wrong with a tan skirt for fall, it's perfect!  The rustic color top pairs well with it, along with any ole pair of brown boots.

2.  You can literally wear this so many different places.  I originally picked this out for Homecoming at Church, but I would definitely wear it to school to teach or even on a nice dinner date with Jake. (I originally bought this skirt for teaching because it was long!)

A Fall Staple || Oversized Sweater

Fall is in the air!! My favorite season. 

Pumpkins, Leaves, Football, Halloween, Flannel, Boots & HOCUS POCUS! These are a few of my fav things (cue The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews singing!)

I thought it would be fun to do a fall staple series. It's right around the corner, and we've had a couple of chilly days!  The first thing I wanted to share with you that I consider a must is....

An Oversized Sweater

These are my absolute fav to wear on the weekend with a nice pair of jeans.  I'm going to link you my two favorites below.

Super Comfy & Cute Transitional Fall Top

Comfy & Cute || Transitional Fall Top

Happy Weekend peeps!

I wanted to share with y'all this affordable fall top I recently purchased (Only $29.99!).  It reminds me somewhat of a thermal with its waffle like design, but it's so cozy and cute!  Plus it's one of my fav fall colors, olive!  It's longer in the back and a little shorter in the front.  I got a size medium for a somewhat looser fit.  It pairs well with denim for a night out or with leggings for a lazy day in. I've linked the top at the bottom!

Work Week Inspiration || What I Wore to Work

What I Wore to Work

Hi friends! Today's blogpost is a round up of 3 of the outfits I wore to work this week.  I sometimes find it hard to dress for teaching, I love getting inspiration on pinterest, so I thought this post may help some fellow teachers/work peeps.

First day back outfit! I tried to incorporate some blue since it's part of my school colors.

Bravo! Italian || My Favorite Cuisine & Wine

My favorite cuisine & wine! 

Happy Saturday all!  Nothing starts my Saturday morning off quite as great as drinking out of my "YES Weekend" coffee mug! (thanks Jenny)  

For today's post I wanted to share with y'all my favorite restaurant for my favorite cuisine!  I LOVE Italian food, pasta is my absolute fav, & so is the restaurant at Friendly Center called Bravo!  I'm excited to tell you why it's great & a fun perk..it houses my favorite wine 😍  Also, right now they are giving out scratch offs for their 25 year anniversary, & every card is a winner!  So if you're going out this weekend, here's ya a good spot!

*Leave my your favorite Italian Places below in the comments! Pastabilities is next on my list.

The Best Smelling Fall Scent || Plus a Fun Top

The BEST Smelling Fall Scent || Plus a Fun Top!

Happy Weekend Y'all!!!  So glad it's Saturday, mom & I had a fabulous day out shopping in Friendly.  While we were out I got some new things I'm excited to try from Ulta, and I kid you not the best smelling fall scent from Bath & Body Works.  However, first I wanna share with y'all this fun top I wore while we were out.

This is a super soft tee I got from Bevello, in the brand Julie Billiart.  

While I got mine last year, I'm linking a similar one below, another I want & the Julie Billiart page on Bevello!  This top is super fun to pair with a cute bralette since the back is open.  I def think it could use a long necklace in the front.  

||  Outfit Details  ||

Similar Top

Top I Want

Julie Billiart Page

shorts: american eagle

bracelet: kendra scott & pandora

watch: marc jacobs

Now I HAVE to share with you the scent that made my nose so so happy 😍

Marshmellow Pumpkin Latte

OH MY GOSH, I CANNOT EXPRESS HOW GOOD THIS SMELLS!!! 

Please please please, do yourself a favor & go sniff it lol.  Mom & I both bought it in the body cream, I also got the body wash.  I've literally sniffed my hands every 20 minutes since I've put it on.  Now, I'm super partial to vanilla scents, but this smells like a mixture of a vanilla pumpkin dream.  I cannot wait to use it.  If anyone ends up getting this please let me know in the comments if you love it too!!!

Also got some other hair stuff I've never tried, let me know if you have and like the brand "Not Your Mothers"!

XOXO

For more blogging excitement follow me on instagram: gatecityblonde

A Wrap Dress & an Amazing Brunch

A gorgeous new wrap dress & an amazing brunch!

Happy Monday Loves! 

Even though it's rainy here, I'm trying to make the most out of my day because I go back to work Wednesday!  Gotta savor these last couple of days of freedom.  Anyways, I wanted to share with y'all two exciting things! 

1. This gorgeous new wrap dress I got for half off!

2. I stand corrected somewhat on my last post about the best brunch.

The Best Brunch in Greensboro

Current Pick for Greensboro's Best Brunch

Hey y'all! With the weekend coming up I thought I'd put out a somewhat helpful post.  While I love clothes & makeup, my other favorite thing is FOOD!!! I kid you not when I say my thoughts constantly consist of me trying to figure out what I want to eat later.  Therefore, I deem today FOOD FRIDAY !

My pick this Friday has to do with all things brunch!  ((Especially since they just passed the "Brunch Bill" in Gboro, now we can get mimosas before 12 on Sunday! HOLLA !!)) Jake & I are super into trying good restaurants that are local.  For brunch we've tried Green Valley Grill, Liberty Oak, & PrintWorks.  However, the place that has had me return for brunch several times is.... 

Print Works Bistro

image source

Get Ready With Me || Date Night!

GRWM || Date Night Edition

Hi loves & happy Monday!  Today's blogpost will take you through the evening of getting ready with me for my date this past Saturday night with Jake!  We went to the Cheesecake Factory & finally didn't have to wait a year 👏  I HIGHLY recommend getting the "Fried Macaroni Bites" for an appetizer, I promise you will not be disappointed, they are to die for!  Anyways, lets get started!

FIRST: Make-up

• I apply my Maybelline concealer under my eyes, & my t-zone.
• Today I'm using my Urban Decay Naked Palette and these colors for my eyes "Sidecar" for the lid, "Buck" for the crease & "Virgin" for the inside corner of my eye.
• Since it's date night, I'm going to use my Kat Von D liquid liner & attempt a slight wing
• I then put on my FAVORITE MASCARA Too Faced Better Than Sex 
• After my eyes I fill in my brows with my it cosmetics brow tool
• Since I'm not wearing foundation but would like some color I use the Too Face Chocolate Bronzer and lightly apply it all over my face.
• Next I take my Too Faced Natural Eyes palette to apply highlighter to my check and brow bone "Silk Teddy"
• Lastly I apply my Nyx lip liner in "whipped caviar" & my Urban Decay lipstick in "backtalk". 

 THEN BAM WE SET TO GO

**I'm currently not using foundation because the two I have are too light for my face, plus I don't like to wear as much during the summer.

Second: Hair

I left my hair natural for tonight, which is straight.  I've been letting my hair air dry all summer and I can tell a difference in its healthiness!

Third: Outfit

I bought this romper last year for my birthday outfit & LOVE IT.  I got it at Julies Boutique.  While they don't have it anymore, I've been loving this romper they've been posting on their insta!  Definitely thinking about purchasing this one for my romper collection, it would be perfect for a fall date night!  Let me know what you think in the comments.

XOXO

|| Shop the look ||

Romper: No longer available 

Shoes: Adrienne Vittadini

Bracelet:Kendra Scott Cuff

Watch: sold out

**shoutout to darcy lou for taking my pic

New Boutique || How to Style an Outfit for Work & Play

Hey y'all & happy Monday!

Let's start the week off right with a couple of new outfit posts!  Last week I went on a road trip to Savannah, Georgia. It was GORGEOUS 😍   Anyways, as I was there, my momma and I went window shopping where we ended up at a sweet boutique called DressUp! (How fun is that name?!) I browsed the store, and found 3 simple tops that I thought would be perfect for the start of school.  All for a steal too I might add, I spent $60 for 3 tops.  Below I've styled 5 different looks, 3 for work & 2 for days out of the house, all using the same 3 tops.

--The store is only local to the more southern states, fingers crossed they come to NC!  Here is their website if you're interested ➡ Dress Up

TOP numero uno Emma Tee (similar scoop neck)

Skin Care Favorites & Must Haves

Hi Sweets!

I wanted to share with you my all time favorite moisturizer, along with a few other products that have become a staple in my skincare routine these past few months because my skin is the best it has ever been!  FYI, my post is a little long because I'm going into detail about the products!

Boho Blu...I heart you!

Hi friends! Today I want to share with y'all three of my favorite and most recent pieces from Boho Blu, a local store here in NC.  

Boho Blu, in its name is a little boho chic boutique that offers clothing for affordable prices that'll make your heart swoon 😍

The first item is a cute tie front shirt 

that I may or may not have gotten in two colors....oops🙈🙈
shop here!

 

Next item is my absolute favorite! A romper! 

Literally me if I were a romper.  I got this specifically for my birthday and got numerous compliments when I wore it to dinner with my boyfriend.

shop here!

My last piece is an accessory... earrings

 I am an earring fanatic (even if I lose a quarter of them) lol.  I literally feel naked without them, which makes sense because I've had them pierced since second grade! Holla to all my girls that got their ears pierced at Claires 🙌
shop here!
I got these in the gold/mauve to go with the romper above

xoxo
comment if you love this store too!

January Favorites

January Favorites!

Hey y'all, long time no chat!  With school starting back, and exam season in session, I've been busy busy busy.  However, I need to get back into the groove, so today I'm bringing you a current favorites post!  This is tailored to a few things I'm currently OBSESSED with that I think you should check out!

Now lets break it up...

MAKEUP

Buy here!

Obviously I like makeup and this month I'm loving and I mean loving the Nars Duo I mentioned in a previous post -->here   (holla at ya girl resa, much love)

This duo is comprised of a blush/bronzer the exact names Orgasam/Laguna. (Anyone else get a good laugh out of the names makeup companies label their products?)

          ***Quick Note:  I have this bronzer and the Too Faced Soleil Bronzer in Chocolate and I have found that the Nars Laguna Bronzer is better for contouring your face, and the Too Faced one is better used for an all over glowy/bronzey look.

HAIR

Buy Here or  Here

I recently got this product in my Birchbox, but after only using it a handful of times I'm already in like with it.  It leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft, not to mention it smells AMAZING.  Funny story, the first time I used it I had a cold and thought it simply didn't have a scent because I didn't smell anything when I used it.  FYI my senses were gone due to the cold lol.  However, the next time I used it, I was so taken away by the scent that I ran downstairs to my mom and said OMG MOM this stuff smells amazing!  To use this I apply it to the lengths and ends of my damp hair a couple of minutes before I dry it and I personally think it's fab.

TELEVISION

The Bachelor

I hate to do this but I must talk about...The Bachelor!  Raise your hand if you're guilty for secretly enjoying this soap opera mess!  For real y'all this show leaves me chuckling, and saying God Bless that girl by the end of each episode.  Speaking of God Bless that girl... Corrine, are there any other words more appropriate to say about her? And can someone please comment on that fake snoring they played in the last episode when she was apparently "sleeping."  

EVERYBODY!  Am I the only one who screamed when the Backstreet Boys came out?? Hello childhood crushes!  I still have their CD from when I was 10 in my car to this date lol.  How lucky! 

I can't wait for next weeks episode to unfold!  Right now my top girls have to be...

1. Vanessa 
2. Danielle L.
3. Danielle M.

Who are your favorites?! Let me know in the comments!

The Royals

Y'all this is my favorite show on TV right now and for the past 2 years!  It comes on E! on Sunday nights at 10, my mom and I literally laugh our asses off watching this.  It's hilarious and of course drama based. You must check it out.  Plus if anyone remembers One Tree Hill, the guy who created that show is the creator of this one also!  So if you loved that, you'll probably love this too.  It's currently in its third season, but I'm sure you can catch up online.  We don't know anyone else that watches it, so if you do let me know!

CLOTHING

Buy Here!

THESE PANTS!!!  I recently got these with my VS gift card and I'm obsessed!! They are BEYOND comfy and I highly recommend you all getting a pair and you can thank me later!  I was really unsure whether to buy these online or not because there were absolutely zero reviews, but I thought they were cute so I took a chance on them.  Boy am I glad I did.  I could wear these every day, they are so comfy and feel awesome.  I grabbed a size S and they fit perfect, so for a size reference guide I'm 5'7 and almost 130 lbs.  

XOXO

--CP

Outfit Post!

IT'S FRIDAY, FRIDAY! 

(cue the old Rebecca Black Friday song... that we all hated) 

Well y'all, the first week back at work was tiresome but good!  It helped it only being a four day week, plus IT'S SNOWING!  Woohoo, NC's first snow of the year, it's always exciting.  However, in regards to work, sadly one of my least favorite things to do is to wake up and figure out what on earth I'm going to wear.  It's a struggle!  Below are two outfits I deem work attire.  My version of work attire consists of dress pants/skirt and a pretty blouse.  Professional yet appealing & tasteful.  No one wants to look frumpy y'all!

My first look is a mash up from JCREW and White House Black Market (WHBM).  I've linked the JCREW pants, however, the WHBM shirt is out of stock and no longer available. 

JCREW Pants: Here! On sale!
Kendra Scott Bracelet: here!
Marc Jacobs Similar Watch: here! ON MAJOR SALE!

The second outfit is all WHBM, however, sadly my shirt is out of stock and no longer available as well!

WHBM Ankle Pants: Here!

QUICK FYI:

WHBM has crazy sales, which is where I get a lot of my work tops and why they are out of stock! (Teachers gotta shop smart y'all!)  They often have an extra 40% off clearance where you can get major steals!  I recommend checking their website to find out when they are having a sale.  They are currently having their Semi-Annual Sale now!  Check it out in here!

Enjoy the snow my NC babes!

XOXO
-CP

Sephora Adventure

Sephora, my darling.

This past year I developed a minor makeup obsession, thus comes, Sephora adventures! Below are a couple of recent purchases and gifts that I want to discuss.  Lets get into it...