Happy Monday!

Hope your weekend was perfect! Did you dress up? We carved  attempted to carve pineapples and I dressed up as Taylor Swift. Halloween success. I also checked out a new apartment, but sadly didn’t sign… mostly because it wasn’t this perfect home. 

I’m so happy to be alive today. It’s Monday. It’s NEW. We get to start over today. It’s a fresh week and we can make it whatever we want. 

This week I want to be healthy, productive, early and relaxed. I also can’t wait to post a tutorial Friday! 

A few things to kick off your week…..

Good morning routine.

A song to play while ending your day.

The best guestbook idea EVER. 

To calm you down on a crazy day. 

I have a crush on this. 

Love this scratch-off map!

Please go on sale. 

Adorable boots under $100.

Make it a great week!

XO
AJ 

HAPPY Tuesday!

If you follow @YourStylistAJ on instagram you already know my favorite fall mani is in full force!

No tutorial necessary, just replace traditional white tips, with edgy black for a sophisticated risk-taking look. I get more compliments on this paint job than ANY other mani I do.

For this, I chose OPI “Black Onyx” and Essie “Starter Wife”.

Would you ever?

In other news, I’ve stared a fresh challenge this week! I am going to use alllll of my energy to NOT COMPLAIN! Wanna join me? Lets shoot for a complain free week. Our friends will love us and we might just trick ourselves into thinking there’s not even anything to complain about!

Ready? Set? GO!
AJ

LETS CHAT! :)

What inspires you? No really, I’m asking. After a recent writer’s block recovery, I’m addicted to new inspirations. 

I’d love to hear about your inspirations! Post what inspires you on the facebook page through Thursday, and whatever inspiration is the most contagious, gets a $50 gift card for services with me at Thomas West Salon. 

SO! What inspires you?….

FALLing in love…

This time of year is just perfect. For me, fall means transitioning into newness. From the time we were itty bitty, this time of year meant new backpacks and sharp pencils. Everything was new! New teachers, friends, chordoroys…

That feeling of change chases me year after year. I adore layering and hiding under hats! 

OUTFIT DEETS:

• Nordstrom tank
• Akira Chicago faux leather detail chiffon blazer
• Guess denim
• Bonnie & Clyde hat
• (my necklace and boots are adorable too! BUT it was raining and totally windy- more looks to come!)

Hope you’re loving the newness as well!
XO
AJ 

Vulnerability. It’s a word that we tend to shutter at. Reading it, thinking about it, is enough to make us feel it. We associate being vulnerable as a negative thing. I think it’s a beautiful thing.

Instead of using the word vulnerable, I wanted to think of what it means to me, to better explain my concept here. I’ve decided on replacing “vulnerable” with “being open”. Being open to ideas, judgment and newness can be scary, or has left us jaded, but being open to these beautiful life experiences is LIVING. I want to be open to LIFE.

For me, being open to life has been dating long distance, moving from city to city, following my dreams, breaking the rules and sharing it all with you on this blog. All of this makes me vulnerable, and it’s amazing. Special even.

We could all open up to life more. Whether it’s wearing that adorably obnoxious hot pink coat you so want to wear but are afraid you’ll look like Elle Woods, or approaching the dreamy guy you just so happen to share the same commute with, or asking for the promotion you deserve. Be open, and yeah, be vulnerable.

Love,
AJ

Back with another SPEND VS. SAVE!

Carrie Underwood is so stinking adorable. She rocks out sequin dresses, thick lashes and super high heels, but she looks just as amazing in a cute little cardigan! 

When I saw the CMA promo video, I fell in love with her fall look, and after lots of googling, I found the cardigan she’s wearing! The original is a juicy couture. It’s precious, but I’m not about to spend over a hundred bucks on a cardigan I’ll be over by Spring… ESPECIALLY when I found one for a fraction of the cost! Shift your focus to the right, and enjoy the Forever 21 look alike. You’re welcome. :)

HERE is the SPEND for $158
HERE is the SAVE for $19.80

XO
AJ 

Nobody’s perfect, but somebody is perfect for you, and you are perfect for them. That’s what is so incredible for me as an on-site bridal specialist. I witness love, at it’s peak. It’s raw. It’s anxious. It’s humble. It’s vulnerable. It’s innocent. It’s that moment of goosebumps that lasts longer than just a moment. 

When you witness two people that you’re personally close to on their wedding day, it feels straight up Disney. 

Erin and Mike, are perfect for each other. Doing Erin’s hair, and rockin out the looks of so many girls with my bridal team was TOO amazing. Hope this short video by Delack Media Group makes you feel just as warm and fuzzy. :)

XO
AJ 

Welcome to a new style of post, you’ll be seeing much more of! …SPEND VS. SAVE

Where one chooses to spend versus save is simply personal preference. I’m in the beauty industry, and my favorite mascara is from the drugstore, but shampoo and conditioner? You’ll only find the finest in my shower. These are choices we make as consumers, and though I can’t make those choices for you, I’d love to provide you with some insight. 

I use NARS bronzer and blush duo in “orgasm” and “laguna”. I love this team of definition and flirt, but for $41, I almost resent it every time I use it. 

e.l.f. is a $3 knock off, with near identical packaging to prove it. Though the colors are NOT an exact replica, don’t be too quick to judge!

The NARS blush is a dewy pink, it’s sweet and feminine, but it’s undoubtably PINK. The e.l.f. blush is more peachy, but I think for many that makes it more wearable. The NARS bronzer is gorgeous, and the elf is a close match just a bit darker. 

Ultimately, the choice is yours, but for almost a $40 difference, isn’t the e.l.f. worth trying?

XO 
AJ

Click here to purchase NARS above.
Click here to purchase e.l.f. above.  

(No compensation was received for this post, and it is only my opinion.) 

goodhYOUman. makes me feel good. Wearing the clothes, and learning about the company will make you feel the same!

I met Brett Novek at the Project apparel show in Vegas this August. He started “goodhYOUman.” in memory of his dad, and sheds light on influential stories of people everywhere. Submit your story and it could be shared directly on the apparel. No seriously though, this guy prints REAL LIFE wearable pieces. Why didn’t I think of that!?

It gets better… every month, 100% of the net profits support the cause that is being sponsored. EVERY MONTH there is a new tag, a new cause, and a new sponsor. What a way to make a difference, and LOOK rad doing so. 

The graphic tees are to die for, and don’t get me started on the “LOVE” cuffs. The palette is one you can get away with living in, and layering with, until you’ve worn it to shreds. The soft blend is so rich, it’s amazing that it’s as affordable as it is! The poetic ideas printed on simple tees will make you consider just getting it tattooed instead. 

Can you tell I adore this company? THE GOOD NEWS IS… we’re expecting our order of goodhYOUman. at Bonnie & Clyde ANY day now. So keep checking back. OH, and please be sure to like goodhYOUman. on facebook to be inspired on the reg. 

Make it a great day! (it’s Friday after all)
AJ