Planning my NYE Outfit

Hello loves,

I'm currently planning what to wear for NYE tomorrow - and thought I'd show you what I'm thinking! 

Romper... Bethany Mota

Tights... H&M

Bralette (Similar)... Aerie

Shoes... Steve Madden

What are you wearing for NYE? Let me know in the comments.

XOXO,

Traci J 

Christmassy Outfit | Blogmas Day 2

Hello loves,

For the second day of Blogmas - I'm bringing you a cute Christmassy outfit!

I visited home (Wisconsin) for Thanksgiving and was greeted with snow. I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures in this cozy outfit. I've been loving this gray cardigan from Target - it's perfect for snuggling in on a cold day.

Cardigan...Target (similar)

Top...TJMAXX

Leggings...Boohoo

Boots...Target

Socks... Bethany Mota for Aeropostale

What are your winter wardrobe essentials - let me know in the comments - and check out yesterday's post here!

With love,

Traci J 

Black Friday Haul 2K15 + Announcement | Blogmas Day 1

Hello loves,

Long time no blog! Goodness. I swore I would never take a break from blogging again after last time - but alas, grad school, a new job, and moving across the country have gotten the best of me.

Ugh. But here I am - back in action - and ready to go through my favorite time of year with you - the holidays!

I went Black Friday shopping with my mom - like I do every year - and figured it would be a great way to kick off the holiday season with a Black Friday Haul!

**Note** my red lipstick smeared half way through the video - I didn't notice. And the camera isn't in focus - can you tell I haven't made a video in a while... Yikes!

Now on to the announcement. To celebrate my return back to the blogging world - I will be participating in Blogmas - blogging everyday in December until Christmas! Woohoo.

Leave comments below with what you'd like to see for the next 25 days.

Glad to be back - thanks for sticking with me.

With love,

Traci J 

Find Your Perfect Fit | Victoria's Secret Bra Review

Hello loves,

Today I am talking about three bras from Victoria's Secret that I got with Shopathome.com, recently.  As someone who doesn't really enjoy trying bras on in store or getting a bra fitting (I don't know why - I just don't like it) I am always hesitant before purchasing a bra. There needs to be more bra reviews out there.  There also needs to be more fit guides like the Victoria's Secret Find Your Perfect Fit - Angel Bra Guide. This online questionnaire helps analyze the way your current bras fit and determine whether you are wearing the right size, what adjustments you can make to help your bras fit better, and ultimately guide you to the bras that will work for you - all without having to go into the store. I.LIKE.THAT.

Click here to try it yourself.

Plus - if you purchase a Body By Victoria Bra in the recommended size - you get awesome perks like free shipping AND free returns. (7/23-7/29)

The Angel Bra Guide told me that I was a 32 A... shocker. But it was nice to know that I'm wearing the right size.  It then pointed me to several bras that would work for me.  The first one is the Body by Victoria Perfect Shape Bra.

Details

• Push-up lift
• Full coverage
• Underwire
• Adjustable straps - can snap into a crossback
• Back closure
• Nylon/Spandex fabric

Pros

• Comfort of a t-shirt bra with the look of a push up
• New and improved lace that is both girly and lays flat under your clothes
• Secure straps and closure that doesn't dig into the skin or slip around
• 4 closure settings for a customizable fit

Cons

• It isn't a comfortable nap bra - I fell asleep one Saturday afternoon and I just wasn't having it - however I'm not sure any bra is a comfortable nap bra

The second bra is the Dream Angel Demi Bra in Ruby Wine Dot Lace.

Details

• Subtle lift
• Underwire
• Adjustable straps - can snap into a crossback
• Back closure
• Stretchy lace sides
• Nylon/Spandex fabric

Pros

• Cute feminine lace design - and great colors
• 4 closure settings for a customizable fit

Cons

• I haven't napped in this one - so I can't confirm nor deny it's status as a nap bra

Now - for my favorite bra out of the three, the NEW Lounge Bralette in Black Lace. This picture is from the VS website because I didn't snap a picture before packing it up for my move to Virginia (now it's in a box that is impossible to get at).

Details

• Unlined/Wireless Cups
• Fully adjustable Straps 
• Pullover Style
• Allover lace
• Nylon/Spandex

Pros

• This one IS a nap bra - I took two very comfortable naps in this thing
• Cute under tops that have an open back or low neckline
• Lace lays completely flat under clothes
• Perfect for a night out or a day lounging at home

Cons

• Extra Small fits well once it's on but is a struggle to pullover - I feel like I'm going to tear the lace every time I put it on - I would purchase a small next time (luckily there is free shipping and free returns... so I can exchange it hassle free)

Here are some great offers to take advantage of! Let me know if you have any questions - happy shopping!

7/23-7/29	Free Shipping + Free Returns on Bra
7/27-8/2 (starts at 7pm on 8.2)	Getaway Bag
7/28-8/2	BBV Sweeps with BBV Purchase
8/3-8/6	Free panty with bra purchase
8/11-8/17	$15 gift card with 2 VSL bra purchase
8/11-8/17	$25 gift card with 3 VSL bra purchase
8/12-8/17	$25 seamless bra and panty bundle
8/15-8/17	FS $50

Do you have a favorite Victoria's Secret bra? Let me know in the comments! Be sure to try out the Find Your Perfect Fit Guide and check out Shop at Home to get cash back - just by shopping online.

With love,

Traci J 

June Favorites | Video

Hello loves,

Here I am with a Monday video! June Favorites! Omigod. Can you believe that June is over and it is already JULY 96h?! I'm dying. Gah. Let me know what you think in the comments. xx

With love,

Traci J 

Selena Gomez "Good For You" | Makeup Tutorial

Hello loves,

Today I'm bringing you makeup, hair, and an outfit all inspired by Selena Gomez's new song (and pictures from the music video) "Good For You." I am OBSESSED with this song. SLAY, Selena, SLAY.

I hope you enjoy.

xx,
Traci J

Keep It Weird...Keep It Caffeinated

Hello loves,

My mom and I discovered this little coffee house near our town a while ago, and decided to stop there for coffee and breakfast. Oh my goodness - it is phenomenal! They have amazing coffee and a super good black bean breakfast burrito.

While we were there I decided to snap some photos of my outfit.  I'm obsessed with this "Keep it Weird" shirt from the Bethany Mota collection at Aeropostale. I paired it with my black vans, a bright lip, and this awesome bright green nail polish from Essie.

Outfit/Make Up Details

Bethany Mota Graphic Tee (Similar)

American Eagle Dark Wash Skinny Jeans

Perforated Leather Slip On Vans

Essie Nail Polish in Vibrant Vibes

NYX Lip Creme in XOXO

Covergirl Lipgloss in Fruitylicious

Do you have a favorite coffee shop in your hometown? Let me know in the comments below.

xx,

Traci J 

Summer Clothing and Mini Beauty Haul | Video

Hello loves,

Here with another Monday video!  This week I'm bringing you a summertime clothing haul (with a few beauty products).  I hope you enjoy! :D

Don't forget to head over to my YouTube Channel to like and subscribe XD

With love,

Traci J 

Peace, Love, and Hippie Tom

Hello loves,

I am super excited to share this post with you all today. Things have slowed down a little since my road trip to Tulsa and planning my friend's bridal shower.  I have had time to enjoy being at home and start soaking up the summer sun!

A few weeks ago my mom and I went down to an antique farm that is just a short drive from our house.  I don't talk about it often, but I'm from a very small town in South Eastern Wisconsin (though lately I feel more nomadic than anything) - and there isn't always a lot to do.  One thing that I take for granted is this little antique farm.  To me it's normal - it's always been there - and my mom and I have always gone there to look around.  But lately, it's become a hotter destination.  This is Hippie Tom's farm from American Pickers. If you haven't heard of him - or the show I encourage you to check it out.

While we were out there - we decided to snap some picture of my outfit.  I paired this white knit top from Brandy Melville with American Eagle jeans, a coral kimono, and brown wedges.  I felt a little "hippie-ish" myself.

Top: Brandy Melville

Kimono: Francesca's (similar)

Jeans: American Eagle

Wedges: Asos (similar)

Sunglasses: Forever 21

Would you guys be interested in seeing more pictures from my adventure to Hippie Tom's? I took a ton of the barn and the rest of the grounds. I'd be happy to share them with you. :)

xx,

Traci J

*This post contains affiliate links 

What's in my Bag? | Video

Hello loves,

It's the return of the Youtube Channel!  I haven''t uploaded anything since my Christmas Tag video - and finally got a chance to film with a proper camera.

Here is my long anticipated "What's in my Bag" video!

Be sure to head over - like and subscribe.

xoxo,

Traci J

Summer Essentials Haul with Shopathome.com

Hello loves,

I've recently returned home to Wisconsin after a year of traveling - and let me tell you - I am so excited to kick off summer.  With spring starting to heat up, I've started getting my makeup and wardrobe summer ready! 

So this week I'm bringing you a summer themed haul with help from my friends over at shopathome.com! Shopathome.com is a website that gives you cash back at TONS of your favorite retailers just for shopping. Two of my favorite places to shop are Ulta,and Target (no surprise there) and both of them are featured on shopathome! In this haul I'm getting myself summer ready top to bottom - meaning face makeup and footwear ;) 

Let's get into the haul!

My Summer Face Basics

Benefit The Porefessional primer

Stila Tinted Moisturizer

Age Rewind Concealer
Tarte Smooth Operator Finishing Powder

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Benefit Watts Up Highlighter

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Captivating

My Summer Footwear Must Haves
Vogue Etzel Fisherman Sandals
Lilly Pulitzer Pineapple Flip Flops
Layla Sneakers
Sam and Libby Toni Sandals
Kendra Rhinestone Sandals

What are you stocking up for this summer? Will you be getting cash back just for shopping with ShopAtHome? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

This post contains affiliate links.

Trendspotting: Cat Eye Sunglasses

Hello loves,

Today I wanted to talk about one of my favorite trends that I've seen this season, cat eye sunglasses.  I'm obsessed with these. They give a mod vibe to any outfit and are super chic.  I decided to round up a few of my favorites that I've seen on the internet.

1...Urban Outfitters

2...Forever 21         

3...Asos                  

I haven't made my purchase yet - but I'm hoping to get my hands on a pair of these ASAP.  Which ones are your favorite? Will you be rocking the cat eye sunglasses trend this spring? Let me know in the comments!

xx
Traci J

Black is my Happy Color

1/2/3

Hey all! 

Today I wanted to just put a quick post up here on BFJ to share some of my favorite pieces from the past month.  I caught myself wearing a lot of black, white, and grey recently.  It's a classic color combination that is easy to dress up, dress down, and add in pops of color. 

Both tops are from H&M and perfect to wear with jeans or leggings (they both cover my behind so that's a plus).  When it was chillier I paired them with black knee high boots, but now that it's warming up I've been opting for my Vans (pictured above) or my bright blue Converse. 

The Vans I got as a Christmas present from my Mom and I absolutely adore them.  They are the perfect mix of classy and edgy.  I'll say it - I'm in love! 

--

Recently I purchased this top from the Bethany Mota line at Aeropostale.

It reads: "Black is my Happy Color," which is totally true for me!  Putting a sleek black outfit on makes me feel fierce and determined - does anyone else get that feeling? Or is it just me and Bethany Mota?  

Let me know in the comments below what color is your happy color!

Ps. I promise things will get moving over here in a few weeks - bear with me!

With love,

Traci J xxx

2014 Favorites

Hello loves,

Can you believe that another year has come and gone?! It's about to be 2015 - and I just can't wrap my mind around it. While I sit here attempting to mentally adjust to the new year - I have compiled a list of my 2014 favorites!  Here you will find the beast beauty products, favorite fashion items, and other random 2014 favorites of mine.

Enjoy :)

Beauty

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation

This is a product that I could not have survived 2014 without!  Covergirl 2 in 1 Foundation, you were my go to base. My sunshine on a rainy day, if you will.  When my skin was dehydrated and cranky from too many hours in the airport - you helped me put on a happy face.  When I had only slept for 3 hours - you rejuvenated me.  And God forbid, if I had a blemish (or 12) you were there to hide the redness.  Thanks, Outlast. Thanks.

Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

New to me in November of 2014, this shampoo and conditioner duo helped bring life to my ombre without weighing it down.  My hair is longer than ever - and also more dry - finding a treatment that adds enough moisture without weighing it down - is downright impossible... That is until I saw Ingrid Nilsen recommend Dove Dry Oil Shampoo and Conditioner in this video.  As soon as I purchased them, I was hooked!

Angled Brush from ELF

My beautiful little angled brush.  How I adore you.  I've had this guy for a couple years now, but only recently realized how much he means to me.  Each and every morning he helps me fill in my brows - which is no easy task.  Sometimes, they are beautifully groomed - recently waxed, plucked, and all together maintained - but more often than not they are two fuzzy caterpillars atop my brow bone.  This CRAZY affordable brush allows me to precisely and naturally fill in those bad boys. Stay classy, angle brush. 

Fashion

T Shirt Dress
(Similar)

I bought this dress from Target in July, and first featured it in this post. It is so comfy - and versatile.  You can dress it up with heals and a blazer - or down with sandals and a ponytail. This grey t shirt dress has taken me through many long flights - and never once wrinkled. I was even wearing it when I met Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco, at LAX. For that alone - I thank you, t shirt dress. 

Black Faux Leather Jacket
(Similar)

Coincidentally, this faux leather jacket goes great with the dress I just mentioned.  I swear, I have the hardest time finding jackets that fit my petite frame.  So, when I found this one at Marshall's early in 2014 - I snatched it up.  The cute floral panels give a hint of femininity to this sassy jacket. Every girl needs a good leather (or pleather) jacket to bring out their sass.

Francesca's Necklace

I have received SO many compliments on this necklace.  I picked it up on Black Friday - and it is truly the best necklace ever.  It goes with everything.  The whit acrylic jewels and rhinestone accents add a hint of glamour to any outfit.  I like to layer it with cozy, oversized sweaters. 

Noms

Sea Salted Dried Okra

Now I know that this does not sound all that appealing. But I'm telling you - this is the snack that got me through 2014.  It's crunchy, salty, and good for you!  Instead of reaching for potato chips or some other unhealthy snack after student teaching - I grabbed a handful of these instead. Try it. I promise it's delicious. 

Panera Bread

Mmmm. Panera.  Living on the road has me going out to  eat A LOT.  Whenever someone wants to have a meeting over a meal - I always suggest Panera.  They have so many choices that I never have to have the same thing twice.  My favorites have been the Autumn Squash Soup and the Roasted Turkey and Avocado Panini.  Plus, I'm  absolutely obsessed with Panera's green tea. 

Neuro Water

One of my coworkers introduced Neuro Water to me this July. Neuro water is a line of enhanced flavored waters.  They have water to help you sleep, give you energy, and even reduce stress.  I love the Tangerine Dreams for sleep (it has melatonin) and puts me to sleep with only half a bottle.  I really like the Bliss one as well - it is said to reduce stress. 

Music
Don't forget to follow me on Spotify!

Panic! At The Disco

This past summer - Miss Jackson - was my JAM, and I have a history of indulging in Panic!  However, until I randomly ran into Brendon (the lead singer of Panic! at the Disco) at LAX - I hadn't listened to the rest of Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die yet - and OMG!  This album (and really all of their music) is amazing!!!  My top 3 off of their latest album are:

1. Colar Full

2. This is Gospel

3. The End of All Things

Ed Sheeran

Oh, Ed. You're just darling.  He took the world by storm during 2014 - and was the soundtrack to most of my wait time in airports throughout the year (and my before bed playlist).  X was phenomenal.  My top 3 are:

1. Nina

2. I See Fire

3. Photograph

The 1975

Do I even need to talk about my love affair with The 1975?  I first heard about them from Ingrid Nilsen - over a year and a half ago - and I'm still infatuated/obsessed/CRAZY about them. I have no more words, so let's just jump into my top 3 picks.

1. Medicine

2. Sex

3. The City

Whew! I'm tired just listing out everything from 2014. What a year!  I'm interested in knowing what your favorite things from 2014 are!  Let me know in the comments below.  Did we share any favorites?

Happy New Year everyone!

XOXO,

Traci J

The Little Things

Hello loves,

Lately I've been in love with all things little.  December was the season of stocking stuffers - advent calendars - and all around cute sized everything.  I love delicate jewelry and makeup.  Not only is it cute to wear, but it is also cute to display.

Marc Jacobs - Daisy Perfume

Tarte - Thrilled Blush

Francesca's - White Violet Earrings

Lorac - Royals Palette

Francesca's - Midi Rings

What are your favorite little things currently?  Share with me in the comments below!

With love,

Traci J

Happy New Year | Party Outfit

Hello loves,

And Happy New Year ('s Eve)!  I meant to take pictures of the outfit I wore to my family holiday party - but so much was going on that I never got around to it - UNTIL NOW.    Luckily - it's perfect for a New Year's Party - so I thought I'd throw it in as a bonus NYE post today.

The best part about this outfit - besides the fact that it's cute - and has tights with BOWS on them? It was super affordable!

I've been wearing this Francesca's necklace with EVERYTHING lately. 

Top... Charlotte Russe

Skirt (similar)... Charlotte Russe

Necklace (similar) ... Francesca's

Bow Tights...Target

I hope you enjoyed this affordable New Year's Party outfit and bonus post!
Later today I'm heading out to visit with my GREAT friend, Melissa.  I haven't seen her since the summer and I am her Maid of Honor.  We have so much to catch up on and I cannot wait to ring in the New Year with her.

What are you wearing this New Year's? What are you doing? I'd love to know - share with me in the comments.

With love,

Traci J

Gift Guide for Her - Target Edition

Hello loves!

Whenever I need to purchase a gift last minute - or I'm buying a gift for someone and I just do not know what to get them - I immediately find myself at Target.  I swear, they have something for everyone (including me, which is why I generally end up with a gift for myself too).  I decided to peruse the Target website and come up with my top 5 picks for holiday gifts for her this season.

1...Knit Beanie
2... Three Piece Gold Accessory Set
3... Reindeer Leggings
4...Metallic Reindeer
5...Cardinal Mug

What are you buying for your friends this Christmas?  Have you picked up anything great from Target lately - did I miss something?  Let me know in the comments.

Happy Holidays,

XOXO Traci J

I Love Weddings! Drinks All Around | October Style Challenge

Hello loves,

First things first. I - LOVE - WEDDINGS.

I admit it. I am a hopeless romantic. I get caught up in the flowers, the vows, the venue... Shoot, I even get caught up in the color scheme. Weddings. They're down right magical.  

And... I'm in luck.  My beautiful best friend, Melissa, is getting married next summer - and asked me to be her Maid of Honor.  Not only to I get to attend the wedding of two of my most favorite people on the planet - but I get to help her plan her big day.  Since the boyfriend no longer exists - this may be the closest I get to planning a wedding in quite some time. #foreveralone

Snap out of it, Traci. Let's get to the point.

Yes. So, the people at Weddington Way approached me with a challenge to style a bridesmaid look centering around one of their dresses. My reply was "HECK YES I WILL." Okay, that wasn't really what the email said - but you get the gist.

The challenge was as follows: If you were the Maid of Honor and the bride asked you to help her style the look for her big day, what would you suggest?  -Side note how convenient that I AM the Maid of Honor?!

Dress...Weddington Way

Shoes...Asos

Necklace...Baublebar

Lipstick...Nars

Tank...Etsy (Giddy Bride)

I took one look at this dress and my mind immediately went to Breakfast at Tiffany's - and then to Blair Waldorf (this is the way my brain works).  The style of the dress is super classic. I paired it with the black pumps - pearl collar - and trendy coral lipstick.  Mint and coral will forever be my favorite color combination. I cannot get enough. 

I threw in the cute tank just for grins...hoping my bride will let me wear this while we are getting ready ;) 

Take a few moments to peruse their site and gawk at all the BEAUTIFUL dresses.  How would you help style your friends' wedding? 

I challenge you to create your own style board and link to your post below!

Don't forget to check out all of their bridesmaid dresses here!

With love,

Traci J 

Make your Mani "Fall Fabulous" with Julep

Hello loves!

If any of you have been paying attention to my Twitter or Instagram, I have been obsessing over how pumped I am about fall being here!  SRSLY guys. I love all things fall, especially nail polish. 

 The beautiful people at Julep and I want to help YOU find the perfect nail color to take your mani from fun in the sun to fall fabulous! 

Check out my outfit inspiration based off of Julep's Roc Solid.  

Relaxed Roc-er

Based off Julep's Roc Solid 

Leggings...H&M

Jumper...TOPSHOP

Shoes...Vans

Necklace...JCrew

Looking to shift your style into Autumn? Use this helpful chart from Julep to pick your perfect fall polish!

What color will your nails be rocking this season? Let me know in the comments!

With love,

Traci J

Arrivals and Departures | Airport Travel Outfits

Hello Loves,

For part 2 of my travel series, I am bringing to you three different airport ready outfits.  Each one is unique - but they all have two things in common: style and comfort.  

Sometimes you just want to be lazy and cozy, other times you need to look runway ready. Whatever your airport style needs, you will find an outfit for you in this post!

Let's take a look at these outfits.

Comfy Chic

The perfect outfit for airport comfort - mixed with laid-back style.

Amerie High Waisted Disco Pants...Boohoo

Crop Rollback Sleeve Tee...Boohoo

Vixen Slingback Shoes...Topshop

Mini Tara Hold-All...Topshop

RockTheRunway

Pairing a cozy tshirt dress with a flowy kimono makes for a trendy - vacation ready outfit.

Tshirt Dress...Target

Arcadia Satchel...TJMaxx

Fringe Printed Kimono...TJMaxx

Cutout Leather Moccasin...Zara

Frequent Flyer Fashion

For the inner diva in all of us... The black romper and slip on booties make this stylish outfit still practical for the airport.

Romper...Forever21

Zip Jacket...Zara

Soft Shopper Bag...Zara

Deep V Ankle Boot...Boohoo

What will you be wearing to the airport on your next trip?  What outfit or piece is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

With Love and Safe Travels,

Traci J