Anndddd we’re back. It’s been a little over a month since my last post. Since then, I moved back to school and got back into the swing of managing my classes, social life and extra-curricular activities. In my Hello 2021 post I talked about wanting this year to be a a year where I put myself first, in terms of health, fitness, social life etc. and I’m proud to say that with a little over a month down- I’m sticking to it! Here’s a little life update for you, enjoy!

Keeping up with my resolutions

Before headed back to school, I was going to the gym six to seven days a week and eating all nutrient based meals. I knew that that lifestyle wouldn’t be attainable here at school for many reasons. 1. I get fed at my sorority house through a food service where I do not get the opportunity to pick what I eat nor when I eat it. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some T-Ravs and Chili Cheese Dog bars but those don’t exactly help me maintain a healthy lifestyle. 2. I don’t have a car, so unless I choose to workout at my schools Rec center, I have to work out on my friend’s times instead of my own. Pause… I know what you’re thinking, why would I not want to workout at one of the best Rec centers in the country… trust me, COVID + the Rec = NOT FUN. And finally, 3. Going out quite literally erases any and all progress made in the previous week. I’m in college so getting around that one isn’t an option.

Knowing that there would be some obstacles to maintaining a healthy lifestyle back at school, I’ve really tried to be more cognizant of smaller things I could do. Luckily for me, I have in-person classes 3 to 4 days a week, so I am out and about walking on campus a ton. I try to get at least 30 minutes of walking on campus in a day and during the week, I typically do. Next, DRINK WATER. For some reason this is so hard for me, but I’ve really been trying to finish my water bottle at least twice a day (32oz each). I find that when I drink more, I lose weight much easier, my skin is clearer and I don’t snack as much. Here’s the hardest one… snacking. I am a sucker for a good snack- whether that be Starbucks after class or Subway cookies after dinner, I was ALWAYS snacking. This year I’ve been trying to be more aware of what I’m putting into my body as well as the portions I’m eating. I get to the gym between 3 and 5 times a week, which is a substantial improvement compared to last year.

I haven’t been perfect with my goals but I have been consistent and for that reason I’m proud of myself. I’ve found that I’m a lot nicer to myself and more forgiving in the mirror knowing that I’m trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. It’s about the little victories- progress is slow but I really do feel like I’m beginning to see some.

Switching my major

As some of you may know, I came in to college with the intentions of wanting to pursue a business marketing career in the future, so I chose the Trulaske College of Business. It isn’t that I’m no longer interested in marketing or that I don’t like the business industry, it was more so the curriculum and classes that I didn’t like. I wanted to be creative. I wanted to learn things that I would use in the future and enjoy doing- math classes and accounting courses… yeah not so much. I declared a minor in the Textile and Apparel Management program after first semester freshman year, and LOVED it. The classes were interesting and industry-based. I was learning things I enjoyed learning about. Isn’t that what college is all about? Finally getting to take classes you enjoy and will actually use one day?

Plot twist, I didn’t switch my major to Textile and Apparel Management. I switched it to Strategic Communications under the Missouri School of Journalism. Let’s talk about why. Like previously mentioned, I had always had an interest in marketing. I liked the creativity behind the title and the thought of being able to control some behind the scenes aspects of major labels and brands. After talking to my cousin who works as a fashion designer for Kohls in New York City about public relations work, I fell in LOVE. I did my research and looked into PR teams and what type of duties their work pertained. I soon realized that marketing was a little too behind the scenes for me. PR and Advertising felt like it would be more up my alley.

The journalism school here is one of the top in the country and they have a program called Strategic Communications which focuses on PR and Advertising. That was enough information for me. During the summer before sophomore year, I switched from business to journalism. Don’t worry, I’m still a Textile and Apparel Management student as well.

How’s it’s going

Since switching, I’ve been taking many different classes. I’ve learned about investigative reporting, news reporting, videography, photography, audio work, graphic design and so much more. I do a lot of work on Adobe Creative Suite- InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Audition, Premiere Pro etc. These are programs and software that I am going to use heavily in the PR and Advertising industry as well as the Fashion industry.

Like I mentioned, I am still a student in the Textile and Apparel Management school as well. It is crazy how much the two schools overlap. I have learned so many new creative tools and techniques in each school that I’ve carried over into the other. For example, in one of my journalism classes, we used Adobe Illustrator to create an ad brochure and in one of my TAM classes we used Adobe Illustrator to create a graphic tee. Since switching I’ve found that I enjoy school a lot more. Most of my friends are taking accounting courses, struggling with how to use Excel for spreadsheets where I’m taking courses where I learn how to create a brands quarterly sales report on Excel.

I have so much ahead of me, but I truly do feel like I am headed in the right direction and am in the right place.

Reading Books and Listening to Podcasts

I thought it would be fun to share the current books and podcasts I’m reading/listening to with you guys in case you’re in need of some inspiration! I will include links to all recommendations. In my book club we are reading Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and in my faith talk group we are reading Unsatisfied by Sean Dollendorf. I’ve really been enjoying listening to the Gals on the Go podcast by Danielle Carolan and Brooke Miccio as well as I Love You So Much by Kenzie Elizabeth.

Allllll updated…

Okay, sorry for the long and unnecessary catch up, but I’ve just been feeling really good about where I’m at lately and felt the need to share. I hope you’re keeping up with your goals, and if not, let this be your motivation!

Until next time, XX Paige

One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to wearing blazers is that you have to be “dressed up” to style it. In today’s trends, blazers can be used in any style, for any occasion… it’s all about the way you wear it.

I have put together three basic variations for all you blazer beginners or fashionista’s in need of some inspo. All links are listed below each gallery.

Denim me plz

One of the easiest ways to wear your blazer is to pair it with your favorite pair of jeans. Depending on how bold yours is, you may consider a patterned top/ bodysuit. Below I show three different jean variations that can be worn as everyday wear. To dress these styles up, add a healed bootie with chunky jewelry. To keep them casual but cute, add some chunky white sneakers or combat boots with dainty jewelry.

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Sage Blazer, Nude Tank, Black Tank, White Bodysuit (no longer sold, similar style/ same brand linked), Blue Jeans (color no longer sold, same style linked) and Black Jeans

Just add a mini bby

I don’t care what you say, mini skirts ARE and ALWAYS will be IN! I love me a good mini skirt fit, and especially paired with a blazer. For those of you wanting something different for their “business casual” obligations, this can be a great option. Below are two ideas for mini variations with your blazer. To dress up, add heals. To wear casual, add platform sneakers or combat boots.

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Sage Blazer, Black Tank, Black and White Mini (no longer sold, same brand/ similar style linked) and Faux Leather Mini

Biker babe

Blazer… but make it street wear! I love the biker short, crop top and blazer look. I was hesitant at first because I don’t necessarily like biker shorts on my body, but a local boutique owner told me to try rolling them up to elongate my legs and it really made a difference. Add your favorite pair of chunky sneaks, some sunnies over a nice slick back bun and you’re in business.

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Sage Blazer, Black Tank and Faux Leather Biker Shorts (no longer sold, same brand/ similar style linked)

There are so many more ways to style your blazer, but these are perfect ideas to start with! Hope my ideas inspired you to try something different, see you next time… XX

Can we get a round of applause… it’s twenty freaking twenty one! We made it! Last year was one hell of a ride, but it’s only up from here. I’ve decided that I’m using this year as the year I put myself first. I know what you’re thinking, yes that sounds terrible, BUT… hear me out. Every year I make goals for myself and begin to accomplish them, but they always end up fading out. This year I want things to be different. My goals are for myself and I’m excited to push my limits to reach them.

For the first post of the new year, I am focusing on the year’s trends. From self love to aesthetics to fashion, I’ve got it all.

Body Positivity

Ok ladies, listen up. Eat the chocolate chip cookies you’ve been craving, enjoy that cheesy pizza after a long night out and sizzle up some bacon in the morning. You eat what you want to eat, period.

If you’re trying to change your habits and lead a healthier lifestyle, please do. Just know that indulging every once and a while is healthy.

You know that saying everyone would say after someone body shamed someone else on social media, the one that goes, “It’s 2020, cmon.” Well it’s 2021. There is no more body shaming and no more expected body types- screw the expectations! This year is about embracing your body and appreciating your beauty. Your body is unique, no one else will ever have what you have! Be different and fall in love with yourself!

Colors

If there is anything that I am falling in love with, it’s this year’s colors. I LOVE a good neutral fit, but topped with a sage blazer… ohhh baby it doesn’t get better than that! Below is a mood board I put together for tone inspiration and ideas, hope you love the forecasted colors as much as I do.

Obviously these are not the only forecasted colors for this year, but these are my favorite and most influential for my style. For more forecasted colors, click this link!

Fashion Trends

There are SO many trends I’m obsessing over this year, but I pinpointed a few of my favorites and created boards for styling inspiration. What I love about these trends is their versatility. Each one can be styled and worn in so many different ways, allowing you to make them YOU.

Here we go!

Blazers Baby!

Faux Leather Fox!

Strut ’em Boots!

Bring it Back to the OG Sunnies!

Hope this post inspired you to put yourself FIRST in 2021 and do life FOR YOU!

Comment your favorite trends down below… Until next time, xx

Alright everyone… we are less than 10 days out! Are you ready for the holidays?!

If you’re struggling with the smaller gifts, I’ve got the guide for you. These are perfect options for your favorite coffee drinker, fashionista, cosmetology lover and so much more. All gifts listed are affordable and linked below their picture. Time is running out, get to shopping!

From me to you, H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S!

Alright ladies, if there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that shopping for men can be IMPOSSIBLE. With the holidays quickly approaching, I put together a few of my favorite finds for whatever special man you’re shopping for this year. Gift prices range from low to high and all links are included under the products.

Stay Tuned…

12/15 Secret Santa Stuffers

It’s that time of the year again!! The holiday’s will be here before we know it, so it’s time to start our shopping early!

Here are some perfect gifts for any special woman in your life. Girlfriend, best friend, mother, daughter… it doesn’t matter! This gift guide is for them all. Gifts prices range from low to high, and all links are listed under photos.

Let the season of giving begin!

Did you think that was all? I’m not done yet…

12/8 Gifts for Him

12/15 Secret Santa Stuffers

When they say the cliché, “time flies when you’re having fun” man were they right. I turned 20 years old yesterday. 20! As I was sitting around the dinner table enjoying quality time with my family, I began to realize how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned about who I am and who I strive to be. I know I have decades worth of mistakes to make and memories to come, but I decided to reflect on what these last 20 years have taught me, and this is what I came up with…

20 Things I’ve Learned in 20 Years

1. Family always comes first. Pick up the phone and call your siblings, your cousins, aunts & uncles. If you’re lucky enough to still have your grandparents, call them! Family is one of the only constants in life, check in on them, catch up. If you have the ability to visit your family, do it. Whether your are 20 minutes away or an 8 hour plane ride, you will never regret the time you spent with them, but you will regret the time you didn’t. I would do absolutely anything for one more Lifetime Movie Network and fudge swirl ice cream date with my grandmother, or one last Bears game with my grandfather. Do not take your family for granted, because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
2. Be kind to yourself. Instead of looking in the mirror and judging or feeling bad for yourself, be grateful for your health and be proud of your body.
3. Work on you FOR you. It is okay to want to become healthier and change your appearance, but make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t do it for the model on Instagram or guy in your Chemistry class, do it for you. Progress is only made when the motivation behind it is right. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS!
4. SLOW DOWN. Enjoy what life brings and remind yourself to focus on the little things. The things that make you smile, make you laugh. When you look back, those moments are the only ones that you remember, so live them. Embrace the moment and enjoy it.
5. Write it down. I found that journaling is one of the most, if not the most therapeutic and relieving things that I can do. I look back at things I wrote months back and find little progress that I’ve made along the way. It reminds me that I’m still learning and growing, but most importantly, that it’ll pass.
6. Politics do not define people.
7. Save your money! I have to say, this is still a work in progress… As I grow up I am beginning to find things that I want to do and experience in my life, and saving money is the key to doing them. Don’t worry though, it only took me 20 years to figure out.
8. Find your faith. Before college I was very timid with my relationship with God and treated it as more of a burden than a gift. I learned what faith meant to me and how to explore it at my own pace, and from that I have grown tremendously.
9. Pray. Not for the things you want, but for the things you are grateful for.
10. Retail therapy is real. Grab your mom, your best friend or whoever it is that relates to you on this level and SHOP. (Keep #7 in mind of course)
11. Be a nice human. Being kind goes a long way. One smile or compliment can turn around someone’s day. Be the reason.
12. Surround yourself with people that bring out the best in you. Let the success of others inspire and motivate you to be better. You are a direct result of the people you surround yourself with, so ask yourself- do you like who you are when you are with them?
13. Focus on the memory, not the content. Do it for you, not the Instagram photo that would come from it.
14. It is okay to feel uncomfortable with heavy topics. Educate yourself, and be open to changing your perspective when presented with a new idea. I recently learned something that I think would be beneficial to share. In a recent Zoom event, the speaker explained that in life we try to create SAFE spaces where everyone feels welcomed and loved, but what we should strive to do is create BRAVE spaces, where everyone feels comfortable being their most candid and unapologetic self, on top of feeling welcomed and loved.
15. Take the risk. My parents have inspired me more than they’ll ever know. They taught me that although things may be scary, you will never know the outcome until you try. All it takes is determination, work ethic and a leap of faith to get you one step closer to the life you wish to lead.
16. It is OKAY to not know what you want to do in the future. Instead of feeling behind or rushed, find you passions and run with them. What is meant to be will be and what isn’t will happen for a reason.
17. It is not about what you have, but about who you are. No amount of money can buy your compassion, your love, or your happiness. The energy and positivity you radiate is what stands out to others.
18. Be CRAZY! Don’t try and grow up too fast, enjoy life as it comes and do the things you probably shouldn’t do. You have an entire life of worry ahead, so live in the moment and try something that scares you.
19. Know your worth. Never let the words or actions of others tear you down.
20. Tell your parents you love them. Whether they know it or not, remind them.

Let the countdown to 21 begin!

Let self-tanning season BEGIN!

The Rundown

1. Exfoliate Skin: Exfoliating before self tanning is CRUCIAL, and will keep your tan from fading too quickly. Self tanner will not apply evenly on dry skin. I use shower gloves instead of loofahs, because I think the pressure my hands can apply exfoliates the skin better, but either will work. Next, you’ll use an exfoliator- here are some of my recommendations: Dove Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub ($5.99), SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hand & Body Scrub ($11.99) or Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub ($6.99). If you are looking for all natural exfoliants, Lush Shower Scrubs are good alternatives. Using regular body wash in place of an exfoliator is also an option if you’re looking to save money, but your results may not be as even and smooth.
2. Shave: When it comes to shaving, I am very particular with my products. I have tried most brands and have learned to love Flamingo Razors ($9.99) paired with EOS Shea Butter Shave Cream ($3.79). Make sure to use shaving cream when shaving before self tanning, because it will prevent dry skin streaks.
3. Tan: LOVING TAN. I am obsessed. The Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse ($34.95) is a game changer. It doesn’t fade patchy on my skin and lasts for a week+ depending on how many times I’m showering/ shaving. I have never thought I looked orange and have received many compliments on how natural my tan looked. I use shades medium or dark depending on the time of the year. I know the product is pricier than other mousse options out there, but I truly believe you’re getting what you’re paying for. The product has lasted longer than any self tanner I’ve had in the past, and doesn’t have to be built up on my skin. I use the Deluxe Self Tanning Applicating Mit ($14.95) in circular motions to apply it. If I’m looking for a buildable skin tint to use throughout the week when I don’t feel like going all out with a mousse, I use Jergens Natural Glow Daily Firming Moisturizer ($10.99) in shade Medium to Tan all over my body after I shower. My mom and I have been using that product for years and refuse to try another, it’s a staple in our beauty routines.

Just a quick reminder… you don’t need self tanner to boost your confidence, you are beautiful in your own skin.