Lace & Pearls

A Seattle Style blog. Helping women who struggle with their personal style or those who just need a fashion fix!

Pause & Reflect: Help! I Need My Beauty Sleep + Last Winter Outfit

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine! You know that person that nods off in the middle of a meeting? Yep, that’s me!  I didn’t even realize it until my co-worker mentioned it in passing. I was mortified and knew that my late-night tendencies were starting to take a toll. It’s just so hard to unwind from the hustle and bustle of a busy week!

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you’re tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you’ve mastered these things, you’ll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!
On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!

Help! I Need My Beauty Sleep

Read a book. Opt for a kindle or an actual book. The blue light from your phone is stimulating and will keep you from getting adequate rest.

PRO-TIP: Steer clear of education or skill-building materials. You don’t want to be reading up on social media strategies when you’re trying to get your mind in a relaxed state. A book light is also helpful if your partner is already sleeping.

Drink something warm and soothing. I like a good sleepytime tea, hot toddy (when sick), or cocoa drink. Did you know that all-natural cocoa has no calories and is fat-free?! You add 2 tablespoons of a plant-based milk (I like unsweetened vanilla almond milk) and heat it in the microwave or on the stove until warm. Add the cocoa, a calorie-free sweetener like Truvia, and you have a delicious and soothing, low-calorie drink that’s also good for the heart.

Aid your sleep. Now, I prefer a natural sleep remedy like melatonin or Emergen-zzzz, but sometimes you need something a bit stronger. Tylenol PM has been my go-to lately and gets the job done.

Get in a dream state of mind. Purchase a diffuser. I just picked up one similar to this and love heating up the lavender melts about 30-60 mins before I go to sleep. It makes the room smell heavenly and the lavender makes you feel relaxed.

Jot down your to-do list and any concerns in a notebook. Clear your mind and know what you need to prioritize the next day or that week. This will also keep you from worrying about forgetting something important.

Get 20-30 mins of fresh air daily. Even on your laziest days, you can benefit from some fresh air. I like to walk around my neighborhood or take a walk during my lunch break. It’s amazing how inspired and calm I feel during and after. On days that I don’t do OrangeTheory, a low impact walk helps me sleep more soundly.

Get up and go to bed at the same time every day (including the weekends). Sounds crazy, but it works! I’ve tried this in the past and was shocked when I began to feel sleepy around the same time every night. This is a great way to reset your biological clock and will most likely help your REM cycle, allowing you to feel like you actually slept.

For more self-care tips read:

On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!On the flip side, 2018 is moving faster than a speeding bullet and I know you're tired of the cold and gloomy weather. To help you beat the winter blues and increase your beauty sleep, I’ve rounded up a list of tips. By the time you've mastered these things, you'll be recharged and ready for the warm sunshine!

Last Winter Outfit

Now that we are midway through March, you probably aren’t going to see too many winter outfits from me so I wanted to share this cute ruffle sweater!

Although this look is great for cold weather, don’t think that the ruffle trend is going away anytime soon. I’ve been seeing a lot of lightweight options popping up all over. It’s a great look for spring and fall, and when the cold front comes around again, just add a blouse or tee underneath. If you’re looking for a cute spring option, check out this one. I definitely need to snatch this up!

What tips do you have for getting your beauty sleep?

Shop the post:

Sweater: J.Crew (here & here)| Blouse: UNIQLO | Denim: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearl Jewelry | Earrings: J.Crew | Bracelet (old): J.Crew | Boots: Naturalizer (similar) | Purse: Club Monaco (old) | Lipstick: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick (Rich Raisin) c/o

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Beauty Products for Oily Skin: Face

Whenever I meet someone new, they compliment my skin, which I credit to three things: good genes, a great skincare regimen (thanks mom), and my beauty products! When shopping for makeup, my main goal is to control my oily skin and to stay matte.Whenever I meet someone new, they compliment my skin, which I credit to three things: good genes, a great skincare regimen (thanks mom), and my beauty products! When shopping for makeup, my main goal is to control my oily skin and to stay matte. If I could only use one beauty product for the rest of my life, it would definitely be my Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation. It is the holy grail of foundations and gives me a flawless matte complexion.

Whether you have oily skin or not, this roundup of products is great for most skin types, so definitely check them out.

Beauty Products for Oily Skin: Face

Smashbox Studio Skin 24 Hours Waterproof Concealer. Provides medium to full coverage and lasts all day. Waterproof, hydrating, and oil-free. This is the first concealer that I’ve tried, and what can I say, when you find something you like, you stick with it!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liquid Makeup (5N1 Rich Ginger). This liquid foundation is long wearing and stays on all day. It’s formulated for medium to full coverage with a semi-matte natural finish. What I love most about this product is how flawless my complexion appears. I use the Clarisonic Mia 2 with the foundation brush or Beautyblender when applying. It also works well when using your fingers.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (Medium/Dark). On days that I am in a hurry, I grab my BB Water (primer, hydration, and foundation in one). The coverage and staying power is nothing compared to a real foundation, though. Think of it as a tinted moisturizer.

Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector. This primer is pretty much the holy grail of primers! It’s formulated for oily to combination skin and acts like a liquid blotting paper for up to 12hrs. It even helps with the appearance of uneven skin. I can’t say that it keeps me matte for 12 hrs, but it’s still better than any other primer I’ve tried.

Whenever I meet someone new, they compliment my skin, which I credit to three things: good genes, a great skincare regimen (thanks mom), and my beauty products! When shopping for makeup, my main goal is to control my oily skin and to stay matte.Estée Lauder Double Matte Oil-Control Pressed Powder (Medium Deep). Like the Double Wear Foundation, this product provides a matte finish and also minimizes pores. The oil control formula keep things in place and doesn’t dry out my skin. It’s my second favorite product with the foundation being my number one! Unfortunately, this powder can be hard to track down in my color so my new go-to is Cover FX Blotting Powder.

Cover FX Blotting Powder (Medium). This press powder absorbs oil and minimizes shine, without adding color or texture. When I was at Sephora and looking for an alternative to the Estée Lauder Double Matte press powder, a sales associate directed me to Cover FX. He told me that a handful of his tv clients wear it. At this point, it’s an exact dupe for the Estée Lauder powder and I can’t say I like one over the other. The Cover FX is also more affordable.

Whenever I meet someone new, they compliment my skin, which I credit to three things: good genes, a great skincare regimen (thanks mom), and my beauty products! When shopping for makeup, my main goal is to control my oily skin and to stay matte.Estée Lauder Pure Color Blush. When it comes to blush I’m not too picky. I also feel like a blush is a blush, or maybe I just don’t know any better. For every day, I use this blush in color Exotic Pink (no longer available). It stays on all day and provides a nice glow.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush (Coral). I use this blush in the spring and summer. The coral color is pretty and a fun change for the warmer months. The shimmer is also very nice without giving a highlighter appearance.

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What are your favorite beauty products for oily skin? Share in the comments.

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

Outfit Remix: When Good Outfits Repeat Themselves

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them. See original outfit post here.

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.Oops I did it again! For some reason, whenever I wear a black and white top, I always struggle with how to style it. Since I lack imagination when it comes to a monochromatic look, my go-to is always a pop of color. The obvious clothing choice was this cranberry color cardigan. It was only until after this shoot that I realized I had worn almost an identical look 3 years prior, during my first year of blogging! At least I’m consistent.

Repeating this outfit got me thinking about the steps to defining your personal style. I’ve been in the process of pairing down my wardrobe, primarily due to weight gain and not liking a lot of excess in my closet. I realized there is no sense in having a bunch of stuff in my wardrobe that doesn’t fit!

You can learn a lot by looking at old photos and taking note of your favorite closet staples. Doing this will allow you to save money as well as eliminate frustration, buyers remorse, and unworn clothing with the tags still on them.

When Good Outfits Repeat Themselves

Assess your lifestyle and get rid of the excess. What do you spend most of your time doing? Are you a stay-at-home mom? College student? 9-5 desk job? Depending on your lifestyle and what you like to do on the weekend, having a fabulous wardrobe might not be ideal. Why have a massive selection of cocktail dresses if you rarely go out? Be realistic and only keep what you need.

Get more of what you love. If you’re a homebody and crave comfort, maybe you should splurge on a nice pair of leggings and some cozy knits. If you prefer a more classic style, fill your wardrobe with gorgeous closet staples like a silk blouse or blazer. I love denim as much as the next gal, but my work doesn’t allow for it. Instead of having a closet full of premium denim, I only have 1-2 pairs that I rotate on the weekend.

Be prepared for those one-off events. If these events are far and few between, keep it simple and only have 1 or 2 nice dresses instead of 10.

What tips do you have for defining your personal style? Share in the comments. For similar post read:

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (similar) | Blouse: J.Crew (this one is cute) | Denim: J.Crew | Bracelet and Necklace: J.Crew (old) | Shoes: Paul Green (similar) | Clutch: DSW | Lipstick: Neutrogena MoistureSmooth color stick (Rich Raisin) c/o

*c/o: courtesy of or gifted.

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Pause & Reflect: Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.Valentine’s Day can be a bit of a downer. Either you don’t have someone to spend it with, you want to do something extravagant and end up disappointed, or maybe you’re like myself and don’t really care much about it. Instead of feeling down and out, I want this Valentine’s Day to be your best one yet and make it all about you!

After taking a blogging break, I realized how important self-care really is. It can be so transformational! Rarely do people take time to celebrate the small wins or treat themselves just because. This is why corporate America invented vacations and paid time off.  If you need a break from your usual gig, then you definitely need a break from everything else.

That’s why, for February, I challenge you to pause and do something thoughtful for yourself. It doesn’t have to be on the 14th, but anytime during the month.

Celebrate Yourself with Self-Care!

Keep in mind that treating yourself doesn’t need to be extravagant or cost a lot of money. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Take a bath. My absolute favorite form of self-care! I run the bath water, add in some Epsom salt, and tell my husband to pretend that I’m not there. If candles and wine are your thing, bring those too and give yourself 30-60 minutes to unwind with no interruptions. I personally like to watch Hulu when I’m in the tub, but closing your eyes and listening to soothing music or even nothing at all can do wonders.

Curl up with your blanket, furry friend, and a good book or show. I love snuggling on the couch with my heated blanket (the best gift ever) and my fur baby! It’s one of my favorite things to do and makes me feel so relaxed and loved. I always try to savor the moment and take a snapshot in my mind of that exact moment.

Pamper yourself at the spa or get a massage. I recently went to the spa and got my eyebrows waxed. They were beyond scary! Taking care of yourself, even when it’s something necessary, can provide an instant pick-me-up. Schedule your mani/pedi or that wax you’ve been neglecting and zone out for a bit.

Shopping date with your bestie or dinner and a movie. If staying in is more your thing (aka me), do a movie night at your place with popcorn and snacks. Party straws anyone?

Go for a walk and jam to your favorite tunes. This is probably my second favorite way to relax. I can’t even tell you the last time I listened to the radio because I’m always listening to a podcast or Spotify. Give your mind a rest and switch from a podcast or entertainment to some mellow tunes. On the flip side, if you’re always listening to music, change things up and find a good podcast. Whatever your interests are, I guarantee there is a podcast out there on the subject.

Learn something new. This one is huge! The primary reason that I stepped away from blogging was for health reasons. During the break, I began meal-prepping and learning how to cook. Eating healthy not only benefits my insides but also gives me a confidence boost. I highly recommend challenging yourself to try something new and get outside of your comfort zone!

If you enjoyed today’s post, leave a comment and let me know how you will be celebrating yourself this month.

Thanks for reading!

Shop the Post:

Cardigan: Madewell (similar) | Blouse: Vince (similar) | Denim: Jag Jeans c/o | Necklace: Ann Taylor (similar) | Ring: Fresh Tangerine | Booties: Report c/o Famous Footwear | Purse: Marshalls (similar) | Lipstick: Marc Jacobs Beauty (color Send Nudes) c/o

📷’s by Hello Rigby

Pause and Reflect: Keeping It Real + Blog Update

So I've been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one. So I’ve been toying with the idea of introducing a new blog category. When I started blogging over three years ago, I would occasionally share a lifestyle post. As I went along, I ultimately decided to stop including them. Narrowing your blog focus is key, with the idea that if you’re talking to everyone, you’re talking to no one. I agree with this to a certain extent, but after talking with my blogger friends, and seeing a decline in Instagram engagement, it occurred to me that being unique and sharing more of who I am is the key to long and lasting relationships with my readers.

Keeping It Real + Blog Update

The blogging community is beginning to feel pretty stale and formulaic with the constant drive to sell and promote. Blogging used to be a means of sharing hobbies and interests rather than being so focused on business. These tactics keep things afloat and produce revenue, but it’s also important to remain authentic and mix in non-sponsored/brand-related content.

With that said, I want to be able to share more of myself and build upon our common interests. I know I can’t get behind a brand or person without knowing their back story so why should you?! I will still be sharing fashion and beauty posts but will be mixing in the occasional wellness or lifestyle post too. This new ad hoc series will be called Pause & Reflect and will be tagged under the lifestyle category.

The comparison game has been a hot topic in the online world lately. Remember, we are all unique and have so much to offer. It’s those who embrace their differences that stand out from the crowd and become the person that people want to follow, so be appreciative of your uniqueness and keep your head up.

If you’ve stuck around for this rant, thank you! And if you’re excited for more “real-life” posts, leave a comment. I love hearing from you and hope you will be inspired by this new series. And if you’re only here for the fashion, you can ignore these posts and just look at the pictures and shopping links. Win-win! 🙂 Thanks for reading!

Shop the post:

Sweater: Todd & Duncan (similar) | Bow: J.Crew

📷: Genelyn Jaye Photography 

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