Viva Las Vegas

A lot is going on in the world right now. One thing after the next, war, refugees dying from trying to seek a better life, so many natural disasters and yet again another mass shooting. I can't imagine what these people are going through and I often wonder why am I where I am, why didn't these things happen to me? My heart has been hurting these past few weeks of all that has gone on around the world and hurts all the more knowing that they're are people inflicting pain upon other people for whatever reason it doesn't matter, it's just pure evil. I've seen so many injustices throughout the world and read about it daily and I just discover more and more how critical it is that we as humanity need a savior. A total revelation that us as individuals are not perfect, that we as people aren't perfect and that the only thing that can change our hearts is the unconditional love of Jesus.

I am not left out of this and I need the grace of God everyday. I just pray that this world experiences the love and healing power of God in such a tangible way that it changes us as humanity, to walk into who we were created to be, that broken hearts are healed, that dead souls are brought back to life, that we would prefer and love other people first, that we would seek to lay our selfish desires aside, that we would seek to understand one another and give grace, empathy and compassion to the people who we may feel do not deserve it. I lift up all those effected by the loss of those in Vegas this week, that they have community surround them, love them and comfort them in this terrible time, amen.

Michael and I took these photos on our way to LA, we stopped just outside of Las Vegas to see this art installation in the middle of nowhere desert. I was driving like a bat out of hell as we were chasing the sunset and trying to beat the storm that was rolling in. Looking at theses photos now I loved how they turned out with the polarity of light and dark. With the darkness of the storm blowing in it made these crazy bright colored rocks stand out all the more.


Thanks for stopping by guys
xo

Enchanted

This sheer top from Zara has got me feeling all sorts of enchanted! It subtly shows the body in an interesting way that one wouldn't expect; and the color and placement of the embroidered flowers gives the perfect feminine touch. I love that this year has been full of embroidered details, it looks good on basically everything! 

I've got embroidery on my Gucci loafers (they are proper grandma slippers for sure👌🏽) and my husband even has it on his shirts, beanies and his slip-ons. My mum asked if he was trying to be like me...I'd say maybe a little bit! 

xx
Grace

Photography by Michael Penhale

Outfit Details:

Embroidered Tulle Top: Zara

Hat: Goorin Bros.

High-waisted Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Jeffrey Campbell Booties: Free People

The Little Pink Dog

In honor of Junie B.'s 16th birthday (April 28th) my little sisters and I decided to give Junie a fresh new-do by giving her a beet juice bath. Yes that little dog below is 16 believe it or not, so that makes her old af...haha 112 in dog years! 

She's the furry little sister we used to dress up and walk around the neighborhood in a stroller, have dance parties with, swaddle in blankets, our little cuddle buddy and we'd have to clean up her poop when she got into a tin of Hersey kisses from Valentines day. 

I can't imagine life without her. I still remember picking her up from the breeder and thinking she was the cutest one because she was the runt of the litter and had unique little spots of apricot on her ears and back. Now that she is pastel pink I'm even more in love with her and I think it put a little pep in her step! Haha who really knows if she is aware she is pink, all I know is she seems to be acting more like her old puppy self again!

Cheers to another year little Junie B.

I love you!

Photography by Mikey Penhale

Outfit Details:

Beanie: Brixton

Sunnies: Urban Outfitters

Girl Power Shirt: Target

Jacket: Forever 21

Cropped Suit Pants: Theory

Union Jack Boots: Dr. Martens

All About The Shoes

Let's be honest, this post is really all about these shoes. I've always been obsessed with shoes, well boots specifically... and I've never been more obsessed with any pair I've owned until these babies came into my life. The best part is that these were gifted to me from a dear friend, who obviously loves me very much! 'Cause who would ever give away a pair of new Tommy x Gigi shoes from this seasons runway show away? Uhhhh...not me!!! I am so very thankful to be a proud owner to these sexy boots! Took a look.

-Grace xo

Outfit Details:

Boots: Tommy x Gigi High Cowboy Boot

Jeans: Urban Outfitters

Fringe Bag: Free People

Choker T-Shirt: Made by yours truly 

Jean Jacket: Levis (thrift find)

Crystal Necklaces: Made by yours truly

Sunnies: Thrift find

Hat: Goorin Bros

Photography by: Michael Penhale

A Letter To My Younger Self

A few weeks ago I was inspired to write this letter about what I would say to my younger self. I'm a pretty open person and strangely enough I found this kind of difficult to share, but from my experience everything brought out of darkness and into the light brings nothing but healing. Mind you this is what I would have NEEDED to hear years ago and it may be disturbing to some of you, but this in fact was my reality and is the reality of so many teens and young adults.

To my younger self,

I know your suicidal thoughts.

I hear the lies echoing in your head about your self hate. 

I see your tears, your blood and mutilated limbs. 

I see past your tough exterior you use to hide in. 

I know you're broken and I know you're hurting. 

Your pain is real. 

You may not believe me when I tell you this,

but one day you will experience the highest of highs

and I'm not talking about any drug.

It's natural, it's so real and it's something greater than you, something from outside you that lives, moves and breathes and that will move through you. 

You can't see it now because it's very dark where you are, bu there is hope.

You are not alone.

One day you will actually love you.

And one day you will actually love your body.

You will quit hurting it for temporary comfort.

You will be kind to it. 

One day you will see yourself as beautiful.

Will you please fight to live another day?

Because I promise you this pain and internal suffering will stop.

Will you please fight to live another day?

Because the pain you feel right now will one day be use to bring other girls hope.

Will you please fight to live another day?

Because you are deeply loved.

Please keep fighting,

I know you're tired, but I believe in you.

You are so strong.

You are courageous.

You are worthy. 

Love, 

Your Older Self 

<3

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

My Top 10 Beauty Favorites

Awhile ago I gave a list of 5 of my favorite things, things that made life just a little more organized and a little more pretty. This here is a list of my 10 favorite beauty products right now, because we all know I lovvvveeee all things beauty. Some of these guys were on my blog post a couple weeks ago but they ARE that great that I am featuring them again :)

1. Dr. Bonners Lavender Castille Soap

This stuff has been around for decades and I love using this for body wash. It's natural it smells great, it gets the job done along with about 20 other things you can use this soap for. It comes in an array of different scents but I love lavender everything...so lavender it is. 

2. Lime Crime Cashmere Velvetine

This guy was on my favorite things list and I'm putting it on here because it truly is that good. The company is vegan and cruelty friendly. It smells like cupcakes, is matte and the formula glides on beautifully and stays on LITERALLY the whole day! Never have I not seen this color compliment every skin tone either...

3. Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

I use this balm e-v-er-yday. I never get chapped lips...I think this balm is why.  The creamy texture and hint of peppermint makes your mouth tingle and feels refreshed, and I feel it makes my lips a little more plump! Not sure if it's suppose to do that, but I'm not complaining!

4. Where Is Pore? Caolion Premium Blackhead Steam Pore Pack

I swear Korea knows what they are doing when it comes to skin care. This mask has steam-activated charcoal powder that opens up clogged pores and extracts the gunk while it also exfoliates dead skin cells. Some how they've created this mask to create heat, I was shocked when I put it on because it really does feel like you're sitting in front of a steamer. This mask makes my skin feel smoother and look brighter.

5. Globe Petal Multi-Use Oil

This oil. This fricken oil guys! You can use for E-V-E-R-Y single thing. As a body moisturizer, on your face before bed, your nails, hair...I'm sure you can find more things to put it on. But I love this stuff a little goes a longgggg way and the smell, oh the smell is heavenly!

6. Tangle Teezer 

This product was also on my list of favorite things. This brush is amazing on wet hair which is always a no-no but not with this, it gets out stubborn knots on dry hair and helps create volume if you rub it in your scalp. 

7. Cedar + Stone Scrub

This scrub is all natural and has 21 different minerals to detox, purify and calm your skin. The scent is earthy and calming which is my favorite. It will "scrub" all your worries away...

8. Hologram Nail Polish 

There isn't much to say about any nail polish really...other than this color is the coolest and it brings me back to the 90's!

9. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Matte Lavender 

Apparently I'm not just obsessed with the scent of lavender but with the color as well. This lipstick is very fun and different, it's definitely a statement color and I don't think I've really seen anyone else wear this color. But the formula is long-lasting, feels like velvet and comes in so many shades from hot reds, statement colors and nudes. 

10. Activated Charcoal Capsules (not pictured) 

Activated Charcoal is something you would normally take for an upset stomach but I use it for teeth whitening. I bought my bottle of capsules from Whole Foods (they probably have it at any natural food store). I crack open a capsule and put about half a capsule in my mouth and brush my teeth as usual. This can be very messy and a little bit goes a long way. But it's a great whiter and it won't hurt the enamel on your teeth or gums like other whiteners!

-Grace

xo

Tips For Creating Your Own Style

As many of you may know I love fashion and style, it's been my favorite thing since I was about 7 years old. I used to have my own designs in my drawing pad and I even wanted to go to FIDM for a hot second when I was contemplating MAYBE going to college. But now I'm a hairstylist and I love what I do and I still get to be creative and still work in the fashion industry! I love that fashion is a way of expression, it's art and it can be collected. Some people collect Pokemon...I collect clothes...and teacups (fun face about me). 

For me my style is a way of self expression and for other people's inspiration. And that's what the cool thing about style is, is seeing something that you like and mimicking it in your own way. That's why I love thift stores or getting things that not many people have. It makes it original and it inspires on lookers such as myself. 

Below are 5 tips to help find your own personal style and help you present yourself your own way to the world!

1. Wear What Makes You Feel The Best

A lot of times I see people wearing things that I think look really cool like the whole Adidas trend that has resurrected from the 90s. I love athletic inspired outfits but I think look really silly in them because that's not what I feel most comfortable in. It just isn't my NATURAL style, I always gravitate towards 70s bohemian or grunge (wow what a combo right? Haha) and I would say that's my style because those are the pieces that I always pick out naturally. You're going to look uncomfortable and unnatural in something that you don't feel your best in. 

2. Brand Yourself

I feel like it's important to find one accessory or article of clothing that trademarks your look. I would say mine is a wide brim hat and tons of rings. Weather yours be stripes, statement jewelry, even a certain color theme, high heels, it can be anything! What is that one thing that you almost always incorporate in your look? It will brand you and when people see something similar and say "that looks like (your name here)". 

3. Finding The Odd Man Out

Go through your wardrobe and reevaluate what can stay and what needs to go. I have to remember what style I'm going for and how I want to present myself to the world. You have to find those pieces that just doesn't go with the vibe of everything else in your closet. For example if you have a lot of neutral colored blouses and then you've got one shirt that's hot pink with little yellow hearts all over it...(really bad example) it's probably not going to look like it's you because it stands out so much of what you already own. Make sure all your pieces vibe together. 

4. Your Go To Outfits

Take pictures of outfits you're really feelin yourself in. Common...you know those days. You probably end up taking a pictures anyway and posting it on Instagram #bodypositive and #feelinmyself. Take Polaroids (that's really expensive) or photos and put them all in the same album on your phone. This will come in handy for those days that are just rough and you feel like you don't look good in anything. Ya know 12 outfits later and you still leave the house not feeling comfortable with how you look...trust me you are not alone. If you take pictures of your favorite outfits it will help you on those bad days to just be able to put on a "good outfit" in a rush.

5. Best For Your Body

For myself I try and find things that will accentuate certain features. My legs are long and I love a good pant that will make my legs look EXTRA long and thin. For example I will never wear pants that are way too tight. I can not have any sort of muffin top or double butt going on in the back of my pants. We all love skinny jeans right? But if you see any thing trying to force its way out of any piece of clothing...just say no. Don't buy it and if you already own it get rid of it. It's more flattering on your body to wear things that fit properly on your shape. Sometimes this may be hard to evaluate for yourself what looks best on your body because a lot of us struggle with loving our bodies. But your body is beautiful! Bring an HONEST friend with you when you go shopping to find things that fit nicely and will accentuate your best feature(s)....trust me you have good features even if you don't think you do. 

Thank you for reading and I hope my tips helped you on your journey to finding your personal style! 

Go out, create and be true to yourself!

"Don't let anyone make you be who you aren't. Stay true to yourself at all time. Even when it's not trendy." -Unknown

What I Am Wearing

Lady Roulette Fedora Hat - Goorin Bros. 

V Neck Crop Top - Urban Outfitters

Black Highwaisted Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Gorjana Mika Lariat Necklace - Rocks Box (use code gracebff165 for a free month)

Belt - Thrift Store

Boots - Thrift Store

Photography by Kiersten Fienning

Forest Feelings

Last week I finally got to visit my most desired place to go in the States! If you guessed Oregon ding, ding, ding YOU'RE RIGHT! (Shout out to Luke & Val for getting hitched and having the coolest wedding I've been to yet!!)

So if you were to creep my Instagram and see who I follow, you'll see a majority of people that I follow are from the PNW and for obvious reasons. They have dreamy pictures full of lots of green (my newly discovered favorite color), trees, nature and the most beautiful views. And last week  everything I saw on Instagram is what I experienced in real life and so much more and it was A M A Z I N G! It is hands down the most beautiful place I've ever been. I questioned everything I was doing with my life while I was up there I just loved it so much I didn't want to leave. Kind of sad but now I'll just have to go again...

The main reason for this trip was to watch and celebrate our friends marriage and of course I was going to wear a dress that was covered in blue wildflowers to compliment the greenery. This is my favorite maxi dress and its because it has the most flattering slits in the front to show off some leg! And it wouldn't be a party without my fluffy white jacket...that jacket turns you into a rockstar instantly. 👌🏼

xx

"Let's take our hearts for a walk in the woods and listen to the magic whispers of old trees." -Unknown

What I'm Wearing For Your Inspiration

Dress- Some Days Lovin (bought mine from Urban Outfitters awhile ago but found this dress for sale on Poshmark for y'all)

Tribal Necklace- Ebay (I know I wear that necklace a lot)

Booties- Kelsi Dagger

White Jacket- Forever 21 

Round Sunnies- Forever 21

Photography by: Kiersten Fienning