Fall Bucket List { & posting/life update }

First, I want to apologize for going MIA. Between jury duty, interviewing for and accepting a new job, school and raising babies I felt worn out and sick. I hope you can forgive my lack of posts!!

With my new schedule, I am *hoping* to continue with my Monday postings and then posting on Monday and Friday. Bear with me as I work this all out. 

To the fun stuff...

I thought it would be fun to share a little Fall Bucket List. I used the same template I created last year and just changed up my list. There are SO many activities to do in the Fall and I am definitely a person who enjoys lists; in this case BUCKET LISTS! What are you looking forward to doing this Fall??!

Fall Favorites: Under $100

Utility Vest: $52 || Basic Long Sleeve Tee:  $19 || BP. Booties: $99

Crossbody Bag: $50 || Essie Polish in "Wicked": $9 || Plaid Scarf: $25

Destroyed Skinny Jeans: $58 

I've said it many times before, but I'll say it again. I am SO excited for Fall! From the looks of what I am seeing on Instagram and from the posts of fellow bloggers, I am not alone. 

With the weather change comes wardrobe change and sometimes it can be overwhelming and challenging to find fashionable (yet functional!) fall clothing and accessories that don't break the bank. I am currently a full time student, and definitely on a budget! 

I thought it would be fun to round up some of my favorite find that are under $100. 

** Utility Vest: This is actually on my own wish list. It can easily be paired with a long sleeve tee or with a dress as a transitional piece.

** Long Sleeve Tee: You NEED this shirt in every color. I have this shirt in white and in black and plan to grab the rest of the colors. This tee is SO SOFT and so comfortable. It is tunic length which is really nice to pair with a vest or long chained necklace. I have even worn these with leggings and sneakers to run errands. So versatile and budget friendly.

** Booties: My go to shoes for fall are usually a pair of tall boots, but this Fall I am all about fun booties. This pair in particular comes in a few colors and has a perfect heel height. I know these are just at $100, but were too cute not to post.

** Cross body Bag: I love small bags like this, especially for Fall. The color will wear with just about any outfit and is the perfect size if you want to only carry your essentials (wallet, keys, gloss, etc).

** Bordeaux/Wine Nail Polish : I look forward to wearing this color! I save it for Fall/Winter and I am so happy to wear it again. The color is beautiful and adds a little depth to an outfit with lighter colors.

** Plaid Scarf: Explanation not needed. A scarf is so versatile and functional, especially as temperatures drop. One with a fun pattern will easily and quickly add a little something to a plain tee and denim.

** Destroyed Denim: I own this exact pair of denim and LOVE them! They are so soft, especially after being washed and wear really well. I love that they are ankle length on me (5'4) and the rips aren't that big. I love destroyed denim for fall because its not so cold that you'll be uncomfortable in them. These come in a nice transitional wash. If you do order, check the size guide. This brand is usually true to size for me, but they have been known to change sizing for different styles. Example: In one style I will get 26 and another I take in 27...both match to a size 2.

I hope you all have a wonderful week! 

Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear

Estee Lauder Double Wear in 2w2 ("RATTAN")

Most of you have already heard of and most likely already tried this coveted foundation. While I am not new to the game, I am a new user. Let me explain...

I have tried many foundations. Some I really liked, some I returned immediately (or threw away!). I found myself always going back to my go to, which is the MAC 'Studio Fix' Fluid Foundation . 

About a year and a half ago, I decided to give Double Wear are try. After all the rave reviews I saw on YouTube and read on beauty blogs, I figured this foundation would automatically be my new forever love. Not the case at all. I think this was because the girl at the counter picked a shade that was way too light for me (even after I told her it was too light) with pink undertones. I took it home anyway just to test it under different lighting and literally returned it the next day. I left it at that. I was annoyed with the lack of professionalism at the counter. On top of that, I had my beloved MAC foundation.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago and I decided to give it another go. I wanted something that provided more coverage than MAC, and I knew I had to give it another shot. I. AM. IN. LOVE. (Amazing what wearing your proper shade will do!) I thought I would share my non biased, not paid for opinion:

Pros

                                                            Over 20 shades available
                                                                    Long wearing
                                               Doesn't change color or slide off my face
                                                  Oil controlling (for me at least!)
                                                 It covers pretty much EVERYTHING
                                          Use with or without concealer (It's that good!)

Cons

No SPF (Big deal for me)

No pump (I purchased THIS pump)

Overall, I am so glad I gave this foundation another go. It is such a nice addition to my makeup routine and I will purchase again!

I hope you all have a great week!

Skin Care Essentials *Featuring BuenaSkin*

Neutrogena Pore Refining Cleanser || Aveno Moisturizer with SPF 30 ||

BuenaSkin Triple C Serum c/o || Kate Somerville DermaQuench w/ Retinol ||

ROC 5-In-1 Night Cream

Happy Monday everyone! Today I wanted to share a few of my skin care essentials. I have always been obsessed with skin care and find my self to be even more about it now that I am older.
Your skin changes as you age; add having babies to that mix and there's a lot going on!
I have an autoimmune disorder which unfortunately causes melasma if my SPF isn't strong enough. Even when I am on top of SPF application, I still get it; which is really sad. I have been trying different treatments to combat, but it hasn't gone away just yet.

With a lot of skin care issues, I believe prevention is key! Start your routine in your early 20s (like the day you turn 20! lol) and you should be good to go.

My essentials usually include a good cleanser, a moisturizer with SPF, a serum, some form of retinol, and a night cream, Of course, I include the weekly mask and exfoliating tratments, but the ones I will be listing here are ones I use most days of the week.

One of my new favorite serums is THIS Triple C Serum by Buena Skin. Buena Skin was kind enough to send me a bottle to try and I AM IN LOVE! I am quite picky about serums and was nervous about this one at first. I've only been using it for a few days and my skin is brighter and not as oily as it usually is. I am hoping I see fading of my discoloration in the upcoming weeks (I will definetely update you all!). I love the simple packaging of this product as well as the fresh, not too powerful scent. It goes on easily and not too sticky. It does have some "stick" to it, but not to where it makes your skin feel tight or glue-y. You only need a few drops morning and night.

One thing I REALLY love about this product is that it contains L-Asorbic Acid, which is essentially a constant make over for your skin. It helps with cell turn over as well as assisting with acne scars and hyper-pigmentation. It also helps with sun damage!

 If you are interested in trying the Triple C, you can purchase HERE! (Be sure to let me know what you think!!)

I hope you all have a productive week! I am in full swing now with Fall semester...and quite nervous about my Java course! Talk to you soon!

XO Jill

Backyard Party

Because you've gotta have that potty selfie

my sweet girl was not into photos that day

|| Stripe Top  (Old- similar) || Boyfriend Distressed Denim Shorts (similar) ||

Booties (Same store, similar style) || Sunglasses ||

On Sunday we had a family backyard party and it was SO NICE to see all my cousins. The weather was hot but we all had a wonderful time. This outfit was really fun and easy to put together. It was causal, but I think the boots did a little something extra...or perhaps I am just craving Fall so much that I pair boots with EVERYTHING!!! Word of advice, if you order boyfriend denim, I suggest trying your normal size and 1 size down to see which fit you prefer. The shorts I am wearing were purchased last summer when I was 6 months post-partum. Yesterday was the first time I wore them in over a year and they were falling down. 

In other news, I started Fall semester today! I am excited and nervous for another school year! I hope you had a wonderful weekend!!

XOJill

Fall wish list

1. SP. Black Denim I love this brand. Their denim fits true to size and is always sold at a great price point (under $100)

2. Plaid Scarf I probably own at least 10 scarves that look super similar but can't help it! I am a sucker for this pattern and color. (Comes in 3 colors, under $40)

3. MAC Lipstick This is my favorite fall lip shade. ('Rebel', $17)

4. Tory Burch 'York' Buckle Tote This color ('Luggage') is so beautiful in person. (Tote comes in 5 colors, $295)

5. Wildfox Pullover I can never have enough cozy pullovers for fall. I am always cold and these are so easy to just throw on and go. ($88)

6. BP. 'Trolley' Bootie How cute are these booties? I have these in black and really want to go back and pick them up in the Taupe color! ( Under $100 )

Look, I have nothing against summer (except that it's not my favorite season!!!)... but I REALLY can't wait for FALL! We might not get all the glory of fall in Southern California, but I still love it all the same. I thought I'd share of few items that are currently on my wishlist!!

Summer Lips

1. Sunny Seoul 2. Candy Yum Yum 3. #13 4. #06

In honor of National Lipstick Day (!!) I thought it would be fun to share a few of my summer lip colors. I usually lean to nude and light pink colors, but if my tan is right, I WILL (try to) rock that hot pink! Happy Friday everyone!!