Organically Gorgeous

 

Over the past few months, my skin has completely changed. This is not something I normally talk openly about, but I think it is important to know that not everyone is perfect! I went from having crystal clear skin with a few bumps here and there to having flare ups of tiny little bumps all over my face. Let me tell you: it isn’t fun!

I have always stuck to a strict skincare routine involving a lot of high-end products that worked wonders for me for years and I had not recently changed anything so I was puzzled. I go for a monthly facial at Cowshed Spa in Chicago (I see Ashley- she is a miracle worker!) and found out that my sudden little bumps were not acne, but bodily toxins trying to expel themselves through our largest organ: my skin. Ashley had me switch all of my beauty products over to being 100% plant based, organic + all natural and I was totally lost. I started researching brands that are gentle but effective and stumbled upon TULA.

Each TULA product nourishes your skin with a balanced meal of good-for-you ingredients, the same way a healthy diet nourishes your body. At TULA, they are not just looking at what we put on our face, but looking inside at internal medicine to improve the health and appearance of our body’s largest organ, the skin. That means leveraging the power of probiotics, “the newest breakthrough in skincare.” TULA uses carefully selected skin superfoods and probiotics AKA good bacteria to help skin reveal it’s best self.

My personal favorite and new hero product is the Exfoliating Treatment Mask. I have never used a mask that has exfoliating particles in it, but was pleasantly surprised at the texture. This particular mask contains Lactic acid and Bentonite clay to gently peel away impurities, dead skin, and debris and the tiny beads are plant-based and biodegradable. They release hydrating nutrients including Jojoba and Vitamin E to heal and calm skin.

If you have sensitive skin like me or are

 making a conscious effort to switch what you put on your body to being plant-based, TULA is the perfect line to dip your toe into. They offer this great little started pack so you can try different skincare items to see what works best for you.

 

PS: how funny are these products from Anese? The silly names make me laugh every time I look at them. Currently obsessed with this hair elixir. PSS: take 20% off your order with code FIRST20. No…I do not earn anything from this.

 

<3 Al

Thank you TULA for working with me on this post!

Birthday Weekend Outfits

 

This past weekend I turned 24! My family has always celebrated “birthday weeks” and I look forward to it every year! My parents and I tried out a new restaurant in Chicago called Giant. Not going to lie- I was a little nervous when I first took a glance at the menu, but everything they put down on the table was more delicious than the last. It is in Logan Square, about a five minute drive from Lost Lake. I have professed my love for Lost Lake here before, and recently made a tiki cocktail inspired by their tiki drinks. Needless to say, we stopped at Lost Lake for a cocktail to top off the night.  Saturday night we went to The Aviary– my all time favorite cocktail spot in Chicago. If you have not been to The Aviary- you need to RUN there right now! The things they do to alcohol are truly incredible. We ended the night at Swift & Sons. I got a few questions about the outfits I posted on Instagram, so I thought I would share them!

My mom called me last week when I was in Nashville to see if there was anything I had wanted for my birthday. Honestly- I 100% forgot to tell my mom that I wanted anything because of my foggy Lyme brain.  Whoops. BUT- my mom found this beautiful python lips bag from designer Gelareh Mizrahi- you can scoop one up exclusively at Barney’s or on her website, here. Fun fact: you can order a custom bag of your face. I collect (hoard) bags (and shoes and clothes- HA) and this was the perfect, unique addition to my collection.

 Oxford: JCREW: Skirt: JCREW (now on sale, similar here, also on sale.)

Loafers: Madewell (Also obsessed with these that Jenn Lake recently wore- but alas they do not have my giant size.)

Leather jacket: All Saints. Striped T-shirt: (Similar) JCrew. Belt: Louis Vuitton.

Jeans: Good American. Bag: Gelareh Mizrahi.

<3 Al

Sarah’s Stories: A College Girls’ Guide To Breakups

DreamDry Brings Their Styling Expertise to Lincoln Park

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Via Racked NY

 

Rachel Zoe may be small in size, but she has no shortage of style to go around. This past Wednesday, Rachel Zoe and Robin Moraetes, co-founders of DreamDry, took the windy city by storm for the opening of their latest location in Lincoln Park. The opening party was just as chic as you would think a Rachel Zoe hosted soiree would be: Moët & Chandon kept the bubbly flowing while Vosges Haut-Chocolat served light, delicious bites. Zoe wore a gorgeous black jumpsuit, and large gold Chanel earrings.

The first feature I noticed at DreamDry was the crazy zig zag floor. The whole space is decorated in black and white, and reminds me of classic glamor. Zoe and Moraetes recently talked to Suntimes Splash, and explained who DreamDry will serve: “We wanted to come up with a solution for the busy professional, the busy mom, to have a more upscale, affordable luxury experience. DreamDry really is a destination.” [Suntimes Splash]

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DreamDry does not just offer a blowout, but a full experience. I had the pleasure to experience a DreamDry blowout last week, and was pleasantly surprised at the difference between DreamDry and other blowout salons I have tried. As an avid blowout bar junkie, I appreciate the small things. My stylist immediately handed me an Ipad fully loaded with the different hairstyles available. I settled on the “Stevie,” a bouncy blowout with loose curls. My stylist gave me a phenomenal scalp massage while washing my hair, and then gave me a mini Ipad stacked with all the latest magazines to keep me occupied during my appointment.

I left with shiny, voluminous hair that lasted for three days after my blowout. My verdict? I would go back in a heart beat.

Blowouts and braids start at $40.00, but with the impeccable service and long lasting effects, it’s well worth it.

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