Basics are the KEY to building a wardrobe. I’m sure this isn’t the first time you’ve heard this, but there are so many things that could be considered ~basics~ and it can be hard to break it down for your wardrobe needs. 

So, I’ve created a FREE cheatsheet just for you, full of the essentials & basics that I believe every woman should have in her closet to build on. Print this out, hang it in your closet, whatever you need! 

Autumn Essentials

OH HI. Autumn is FINALLY, OFFICIALLY, here, & even if you're like me and somewhere too warm for your own good, there are still things you should get ready to have on hand all season.
HERE WE GO:

// Candles & autumn go together like lucas scott & literary quotes. (where you at, OTH fans) My favorite line is still the signature soy collection from Target & this season I'll be reaching for these two scents. COZY.
// Another classic fall pairing? Flannel shirts and a pair of grey booties or lace-up flats. Leggings are a classic way to tie this look together. 
// Wine/ burgundy is a fall staple color & right now I'm loving a simple burgundy dress. There are so many ways to wear it, like with a flannel tied around the waist or with a cardigan. Voila! 
// My favorite way to accessorize is with a good nail & lippie and for me, it's gotta change with the seasons! Dark nails are so dreamy, and this rimmel kate color is ALWAYS my go-to.
// PUMPKIN COFFEE. That is all.
// Oh & one last thing: every season needs a good playlist. Here's autumn's.
OKAY your turn: tell me all your autumn essentials! Anything I missed?
xo,

Summer Essentials

Hey hi, welcome to Monday. It might just now be the summer solstice, but the season is already in full swing, and like all seasons, summertime comes with a list of things you should have at the ready. SO. What are some of my picks?
Colorful nails + lips This is a must for a bright, easy pop of color. I've been really loving blue on my nails & my most recent fave is in the cab-ana. These matte lipsticks are two of my go-tos for the season! A good light coverage foundation I've talked a lot before about Chanel's healthy glow fluid because it's so wonderful. It's smooth & light, which is exactly what a face needs in the summer heat. Candles, always candles Candles are just a life essential, in my opinion. Cool fruit-y type scents were made for this, duh!

A good swimsuit + footwear Not to be worn together, obviously, unless that's your thing. In which case, you go! These wedges are a favorite pair of mine, so easy to dress up or down. (here's a regular size version) Mixing & matching suits are a trend I'm always here for. Currently I've got this xhilaration top & these color block bottoms. The bottoms remind me of Triangl and add some color to the suit.  Travel essentials Instant camera, sunglasses, and an awesome playlist. Check check & check! Hydration Water might just the most simple but most important of the essentials. Always stay coo!

OKAY, your turn! Did I leave anything out? Lemme know everything you reach for all summer. xo,

Spring Essentials

How glad are you that spring is here? I love this time of year and just like with the start of every season, spring brings with it some must-have essentials for survival. 

Here's what's on my list:

Bright nails + lippies

All the pretty colors pop out this season and I always like my nails and lipsticks to reflect that. Essie's Muchi, Muchi & Find Me an Oasis are two no-fail colors, and for the lips I've been obsessed with NYX's extra creamy stick in Strawberry Milk. 

Signature scents

I've never been a "fruity" perfume kinda girl; I tend to gravitate towards warmer, vanilla-y scents. Maybe you're the opposite? Whatever the case, find a scent you can turn to all season. When it comes to burning candles, I actually like the light fresh scents and I STILL adore this line at Target. 

All the rose

There's a reason rose quartz is the color of the year; it's pretty, light and versatile. A strong pair of rose gold flats like these or these are universally flattering and can paired with pretty much anything. Same with a pair of flattering sunglasses- your outfit is instantly more colorful.

Blast-worthy playlist

I like making playlists for each season (here's mine for spring 2016) that you can listen to while getting ready or jam to in the car. (because we can all relate, right?)

Versatile pieces

I recently put together a mini spring lookbook (yikes a plug-in) that I'll be referring to for ideas quite a bit. The key is (for any season) looking for versatile pieces that a lot of times are already in your closet, and mixing them up in fresh, season-appropriate ways. Of course, a couple shopping sprees never hurt anybody.......

Alright, what about you? Spill your spring essentials. Anything I missed? 

xo,

Winter Essentials

Christmas week also means the (official) arrival of winter, as if it's not obvious by the change in climate and skin that begs "moisturize me" more times than Cassandra on Doctor Who. (anyone remember that)

Anyway, I've found a few essentials that help make the season a bit easier on well, everything:

Beauty essentials

One of my hair care must-haves is the Hair Food mask, and it's especially needed in the wintertime. It hydrates the hair and leaves it feeling so. soft. I used to use it once a week, but lately I've been incorporating into every hair wash and I'm even more in love with the results.

Olay's face wash is another essential, a winter skin saver if you will. I'm obsessed with how refreshed it makes my face feel every morning.

My hands get extra dry this time of year, so I keep a travel sized tube of Jergens in with my makeup so it's there when I need it. 

Another rough area is my heels (few feelings are more ick than the feeling of cracked heels snagging on your socks) and Earth Therapeutics massage lotion is a lifesaver. Tea tree oil helps with the healing, while mint and lavender give the perfect calming effect.

Now onto lippies..... 

I used to read that you should exfoliate your lips like the rest of your skin, but I was like eeeh. Lip balm is good. Little did I know, exfoliators actually make a world of difference. Add some balm after and dry lips won't stand a chance.

You'll also need a lovely little red lipstick.... you can never go wrong with Rimmel Kate 107.

Fashion Essentials

I could go on about my winter fashion loves, but two of those things are essential for the season:

a fashionable + functional coat and a good little pair of booties. (don't worry, you can find regular size replicas of these everywhere)

Everything else

I love filling my room with warm candles on a cozy winter night (Fireside Hearth is one of my faves)  as well as a good playlist. It creates a kinda chill vibe that's much needed.

I also love hot chocolate. Lots of it. Add some popcorn & m&ms and voila. Instant nostalgia. And don't forget the marshmallows.... 

The key to surviving winter is finding products to help fight seasonal blues, (stay tuned for more on that) smooth out ick dry skin, and make sure your wardrobe's ready for the storms, all while staying chic.

Did I miss anything? Spill all your essentials for the season!

Fall Essentials (Fashion, Smell Goods & More)

{Pumpkin + tray | Hobby Lobby}

I could start this off on a fluffy, cliche, autumn-is-the-very-best note, but I think I've already had my share of fluff about it.

So instead, let's get on to the nitty-gritty must-haves for the season, shall we?

For me, good lipstick can make an outfit, especially in cool weather months. My love for Rimmel Kate 107 is everlasting, and I recently found another Rimmel Kate that isn't quite on the same level, but pretty dang close. The vampy look it gives is so perfectly autumnal. 

Darker nails tend to spring up this season as well, so good wine-y tones like this one are essential. 

Continuing with the darker shade theme, pretty palettes are what you'll need for all the fall eye looks. What I love about palettes is that there are so many combinations you can get out them and when you mix and match it makes it all the more fun!

I have a bit of a thing for candles, especially seasonal ones. Target's got a range of soy scents that are always so good you could eat... starting with the Pumpkin Cheesecake.

By far one of my favorite things about this season is the fashion, which I could go on about all day. But I've narrowed it down to just a few key pieces that can't go without mentioning:

Flannel. Flannel + fall are like two peas in a pod. The varying colors and style of flannels are part of what makes them so wearable. (and oh how they are comfy)

A denim jacket. Denim jackets are back in a big way (did they ever really leave?) and they're perfect for some structured layering.

Boots. Cowboy, riding, booties.... the possibilities are endless when it comes to boot choices.

Scarves. Obviously. 

When it's time for a morning, afternoon, mid-day or any time coffee pick-me-up, brew up some of Starbucks' fall blend. (not sponsored I'm just in love) Add some pumpkin spice creamer or cinnamon and it's instant heaven.

And for cozy evenings in? Some tea, netflix, and a comfy cardigan. Add in a playlist like this one and ALL THE CANDLES and you are golden.

SPILL: What are your fall essentials? Tell me what you'd add!

Summer Essentials

Now that summer is officially official, I've gathered my picks of must haves for the season. (There's a few) 

A good romper is my unofficial summer uniform and this one is one of my favorites. It's comfortable and pretty- a perfect combination.

Every summertime adventure needs an instant camera. I love my instax! I also recently got a cutie little case for it so I can carry it in style. Be sure to be stocked with film as well!

For me, warmer months mean lighter eyeshadows and I've been obsessed with this palette lately. (I mean I did do a whole post on it) If you wanna summer-ize your look even more, add some blue liner like this one.

The perfect pool or beach day setup: a rad swimsuit and aviators. And of course always use protection: SPF and water are your bffs.

My favorite way to get beach-worthy waves? With this sea salt spray.

Hot weather can make for an oily face, especially if you're already oil prone. Combat it with some oil sheets. These should be on hand at all times! 

A candle that smells like a tropical paradise or sweet spun sugar at a summer carnival can instantly improve your mood, as well as painting your nails fun colors.

The season just isn't right without an ultimate soundtrack that's driving-with-the-windows-down ready.

And some good summer reads should always be nearby! Sarah Dessen is on my forever list. I like checking out other blogs and tumblr for recommendations too.

Your turn! Spill all your next few months' essentials. Anything you'd add?

Spring Essentials

Today marks the official first day of spring! With a new season comes new essentials and must-haves, and I thought I'd share some of mine for this spring.

Lemon essential oil

// I've recently been getting into essential oils {<== That was a sponsored post, this isn't} and lemon is a perfect one for springtime because it's light and fresh and can help with spring cleaning. Find some more uses here!

Candles

// I love my fall/ winter candles, but when a new season hits sometimes you want some fresh scents. 

Recently I've been loving Signature Soy in Vintage Lace from Target. It smells really pretty! Can something smell pretty? Well I'm declaring it. It can.

eos lip balm

// Or as my cousin calls them, "My egg." They're seriously one of the best balms and perfect for healing your lips from harsh winter effects. 

My most recent flavor is Strawberry Sorbet and it smells sooooo good.

Floral. And coffee.

// Every spring rolls around and I find myself drawn to floral, and I'm reminded of that ever so famous Miranda Priestly quote, "Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking."

But I just can't help myself.

Sorry Miranda.

Top: Forever 21

As for the coffee, it's technically an every season/ daily essential, so it only made sense to throw it in.

I loooove hazelnut and sometimes I'll add some milk and cinnamon for a little extra. I also like to put iced coffee back into the mix for this time of year. Instant mood lifter.

Bright nail polish

// I'm all about white and light pinks and blues right now.

Coral lipstick

// I tend to shy away from lighter lipsticks because they have the ability to make you look younger and I have that issue naturally.

BUT if you can find a coral that's just the right shade, it fits right in with springtime.

Color: Maybelline Shocking Coral

Statement necklaces

// Fall is the season of the scarves, and I feel like spring is all about statement necklaces.

They're able to instantly add a finishing touch to a simple look and I'm kind of obsessed.

A rad playlist

// Music kinda puts everything together. See what's on my playlist next week!

Welp, that was a lot to cover, but fun to put together and I'm thinking about doing it seasonally. Let me know what you think!

Also, what are your absolute must-haves for this spring?