What Nicole Wore

Friday Fun: Creating a Bestie Box

August 21, 2015

Eeeek – we’ve all been there. Your bestie lives out of town and you need to send her a pick me up. Or maybe your sister moved for her job and you want to send her the best birthday gift ever since she’s away. Fear no more, you’ll be a gifting pro after this post.

A lot of people immediately turn to the gift card route, but there’s a ton of options that can be fun and colorful to send out to someone.

What Nicole Wore: Creating a Bestie Box — ridiculously good ideas notebook via homegoods + paper straws via tj maxx {similar in gold, black and white, green, hearts} + bath and body works candle {campaigning to bring back this scent ASAP} + opi nail polish + donut sticky notes via paper source {sold out, similar} + bath and body works deep cleansing hand soap + nutella to go snack + francesca’s collection plaid flannel {similar, on sale} + j. crew shorts {thrift find, similar on sale | last seen here} + sophie harper ring c/o rocksbox {use code whatnicoleworexoxo for a free first month | similar under $40}

TJ Maxx is one of my favorite places to start the hunt for gift basket/box goodies. Everything in my local store seems to get refreshed regularly so there’s always new stuff that I haven’t seen and because they buy from such a wide variety of stores and retailers, you can often find things from a brand you love at a reduced price. #StayThrifty

I’m mug crazy and usually include a mug in all gifts, because I have no more room for anymore of my own but can’t seem to stop buying them. Hoarder tendencies, I know.

Cards are one of my favorite ways to make a package personal. Aside from the message and your signature, there are millions to choose from and you can always find something special. For example, my uncle is obsessed with his dachshunds, so if I see a dachshund card, I snag it because I know he’ll get a kick out of it.

Paper goods are one of my favorite things so these are usually something you’ll find a gift basket from me. There’s a variety of options to go with from sticky notes for your college bound bestie (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or thank you cards for your friend that teaches (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Pretty up your packaging! We all know that first impressions, whether they’re fair or not, are something that register. You don’t have to spend a ton — I usually pick up a few bubble mailers every couple months when I see them on sale in different designs, but they can also be found in the Target dollar spot (my home away from home) in chevron and kraft, which is super easy to dress up with washi tape and metallic sharpies.

Stationery doesn’t have to be crazy expensive either. Granted, I love me some Paper Source, but I always have multiple bundles of $1 stationery packs on hand and will line them with glitter wrapping paper, like you see above, for a more personal touch that lasts forever.

Paper tape, or washi tape, is fun to use to decorate envelopes and boxes like I said above. I use mine a lot to spruce up my planner and there are tons of different colors and patterns available. I love the Kate Spade one that is available in this desk set as well as this set of glitter tapes.

Makeup sample kits are an inexpensive way to try new items without fully committing them and are the perfect gift for your friend that loves makeup and the friend that isn’t always adventurous with makeup.

Benefit has several different options for you to gift, as does Tarte (a new beauty fave of mine, thanks Ulta!), Urban Decay has a few, you name the brand — they probably have a gift set of sample or travel sizes and Ulta and Sephora will run these at promo prices from time to time.

I put these boxes together for two of the girls that live in the sorority house I’m on a board for and obviously had to throw together some personalized mugs. Here is the tutorial I’ve used to create Sharpie mugs that are washable.

Don’t forget to throw in a bottle of nail polish as a #TreatYoSelf kind of little gift. I usually do one of two things. 1. Buy a bottle from a brand new polish release. 2. Buy a mini set.

Lately I’m loving the new OPI Venice collection, the mini set is available here, but the collection features several shades I adore including this soft peach, a gorgeous nude, and a soft mint. I’m admittedly partial to OPI polishes, I like the formula and the brushes are always great, but this new Essie shade has me all heart eye emoji too.

It’s Fashion Friday so I can’t NOT show you the latest item on my wish list. Pretty sure leopard print booties are a need and hello it’s for a good cause. Also, crushing on these perforated booties (on sale), this concealer (the Tarte makeup artist at Ulta was a goddess that made my bags disappear in seconds + it doesn’t crease), this shirt, and this cross body (winning lottery ticket, please).

8•19•15

August 19, 2015

What Nicole Wore: I'm From The [Color]Block — ann taylor colorblock button down {thrift find, similar | last seen here} + shop versona rose gold necklace {last seen here} + bracelets c/o siramara + blue mirrored aviators via five below {similar + splurge} + roz and ALI blue jeans + simply vera by vera wang jeweled wedge flip flops via kohl’s {old, similar}

I can’t believe it’s already Wednesday, but I’m definitely happy about it. Lately, I’ve found myself stocking up on transition pieces: this quilted top, a gorgeous and bright maxi skirt, more window pane, the perfect black circle skirt and this striped shirt with lace detailing are all on my wish list (or already ordered, whoops!)

All the back to school sales are really killing me, but in a good way.

This colorblock button down is a major fave of mine and looking at these pictures makes me want to go thrifting ASAP to see what new goodies have come in since the last time I went.

See you Friday!

8•17•15

August 17, 2015

What Nicole Wore: Let's Get Dotty — old navy polka dot chambray shirt {old, similar under $25! | last seen here} + roz & ALI white jeans {sold out, similar} + clarks usa sandals {old} + rebecca minkoff clutch {sold out, available solids, on sale in snakeskin | last seen here} + shine bright necklace c/o siramara {last seen here} + hm sunglasses {similar, on sale}

I’m finally starting to feel like I’m back in the groove of my normal routine and it feels SO good, y’all. Being on the go and changing things up is always fun, but I’m definitely someone who appreciates certain levels of my daily routine.

Going to the gym is for sure one of them. Ya girl feels like an Energizer Bunny after getting a couple sweat sessions in.

Another factor contributing to my “togetherness”? I pulled out my new Kate Spade planner (I have this print in the large) and actually started writing things down again. Fun fact: I have a horrible memory and have to take notes of anything time oriented otherwise, I’ll forget. I ordered my 2016 planner back in May when Lifeguard Press first offered the pre-order, but am head over heels for a couple of the latest and greatest agendas to hit the streets.

Onto this look: I love this chambray shirt and tied in the white polka dots by pairing it with white jeans and my marble clutch (a white clutch would look killer too). In the past, I haven’t been able to wear denim anything to work so being able to wear colored jeans and chambray whatever is giving me a lot more casual work vibes.

A chambray shirt is a great piece to add to your closet if you don’t have one already — I know I wear mine with scarves a ton during the fall and you’ll see me layer it under sweaters once the cold weather gets here. While I’ve had this one foreva eva, I’ve been thinking about getting a plain chambray button down or popover for the added closet versatility. I love these couple of options that are in a pretty wide variety of price range.

Another classic piece that I’m going to tell you that you HAVE to have in your closet is a white button down. I wear mine all the freaking time.

I apply a lot of heat to my hair so I try to feed the beast by giving it a lot of love via products that help strengthen it and repair some of the damage I’ve done to it in the past. It’s a 10 is one of my absolute favorite leave in sprays that I use before blow drying and the flat iron spray is a must have when I’m straightening or curling my hair.

Cheers to a new week and to fresh starts!

IG Roundup

August 14, 2015

kendra scott bracelet c/o rocksbox + perry street statement necklace c/o rocksbox

Getting a new set of jewelry is always exciting especially when it includes some fun new Kendra Scott pieces! I’ve been eyeing this necklace for weeks now and am going to cross my fingers that it comes in one of my upcoming Rocksbox packages before I pull the trigger.

[Read more…]

Eat Cake for Breakfast: It’s My Birthday!

August 11, 2015

I don’t usually post on Tuesdays, but it’s my birthday so I’ll do what I want, ya feel? I feel like so much changed in the past year: I started posting to Instagram daily, got rid of some of the toxic influences in my life, left a job, found a new job, learned to stand up for myself and be assertive, got comfortable in my own skin — to the point where I felt okay with getting in front of a camera and starting this blog, embraced new friendships, began volunteering with my sorority, got even better at dealing with my anxiety, attended a blogger meet up by myself!, and my absolute favorite traveled some more.

{This post contains affiliate and/or referral links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link in this post. Thank you for your support of What Nicole Wore.}

What Nicole Wore: Birthday Sequins — j crew factory sequin shirt, currently on MAJOR sale {last seen here} + loft gingham shorts {consignment find, similar | last seen here} + sperry leopard print shoes via nordstrom rack {old, similar | last seen here} + aviators via five below {similar, splurge} + statement necklace via eBay

Even better I got better at accepting some of the less favorable facets of my personality. I’ve always held grudges, but I’ve started to see myself let go of things from the past. Finding that way to live with a little more grace is something I’m really proud of. I got over my fear of being “friendless,” let go of some friends that frequently made me feel bad about myself and realized the world didn’t fall apart.

So, in less deep and emotional news, above is the cotton candy cupcake from Gigi’s. It’s one of their summer specials and in this season of embracing new things and experiences I decided to break away from my traditional “wedding cake” cupcake and try a summer offering.

While we’re on the topic of Gigi’s, I had to reign in the urge to go on a Twitter rant about the fact that they’ve taken the banana cream pie cupcake off the menu. GIGI. Nah girl, bring that back, stat. The lightness of the frosting and little Nilla wafer on top were too good. How dare you.

on my face: bare minerals foundation + nars blush via nordstrom rack + eyeshadow {wearing sidecar} + eye primer + brow filler + mascara + lipstick c/o influenster + highlighter + setting spray + primer c/o influenster

I’ve gotten to use the Indeed Nanoblur face primer and Covergirl Outlast lipstick from my I Do Voxbox twice now and feel comfortable reviewing them. I’ve said on multiple occasions that I’m not a lipstick fan and once again, I’m reminded why. I exfoliated my lips, applied this lipstick, went and took photos and then came home and immediately took the lipstick off. Despite all of these precautions, my lips are completely dried out and cracking. #NicoleStickToLipTints

The primer was not as offensive — overall, I like the product, just not as much as the primer I typically use. The scent is very light, but I do find the primer to be a bit heavy. I like that it doesn’t immediately begin drying and adhering to the skin when I apply it; usually my primer application kind of resembles a 50 yard dash because I’m moving quickly to put the bottle back down and start distributing over my face before it can absorb. The Nanoblur doesn’t immediately sink in, which can be seen as a pro or a con depending on how much time you like to put into your beauty routine. I don’t like the heaviness of the product. I have combination skin that leans more towards the oily side so any product that is going to contribute to the oil my skin seems to collect as the day goes by is a big no. I was aware of the weight since I’d used this product a week or so ago and used my matte setting spray instead of my dewy finish, but no dice; I still felt like this added to the oiliness I hate getting as the day rolls by.

These products were provided to me by Influenster for testing and reviewing purposes.

See you in this space Friday!

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