Stand Up To Beauty Standards

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  • Space Jam: A New Legacy X rue21

    Any other 90’s babies here? As a 90’s baby, I loved Space Jam growing up! I practically idolized Lola Bunny, but who didn’t! Well it’s time for an all new adventure! Space Jam: A New Legacy is a totally reimagined, action packed movie starring Lebron James and, of course, the legendary Bugs Bunny! Ready for more exciting news?! I’ve teamed up with rue21 to showcase their exclusive Space Jam collection! This collection is comfy, fun, and perfect for lounging, a casual kickback and of course, basketball (but I definitely can’t play basketball, lol)! I’m a whimsical person myself and I consider my style to be a campy, and sometimes even a little bit ironic, expression of my interests and mood! I loved styling this exclusive collection with rue21 and seeing all the different vibes I could convey with these cool Space Jam: A New Legacy pieces! These looks say to me: I’m put together and trendy, but I absolutely still watch cartoons with a bowl of cereal on Saturday mornings!

    It doesn’t get any more comfy than this first look! The Space Jam: A New Legacy piece I chose is this cute, relaxed fit, cropped t-shirt. I really leaned into the relaxed fit and chose to pair this cropped t-shirt with these black and white boyfriend joggers. When I’m telling you rue21 has the BEST sweats, I’m not exaggerating! I kept things casual with elements of flare and added a butterfly ballcap, and rhinestone slides! Because, honestly, am I even me without a little bit of sparkle? I could try to sound cool and tell you this is my courtside ensemble but if I’m being honest, this is my grabbing-iced-coffee ensemble! But if you ask me, these pieces are versatile enough for sleeping, exercising, and every coffee run in between!

    For my second look I wanted to be a little more on the trendy end of the casual style spectrum. I opted for another cropped t-shirt from the Space Jam: A New Legacy collection and continued with the two toned theme we saw with the first fit! Two toned wardrobe pieces are a current trend I am super into right now so don’t be surprised when I tell you I also selected this blue and white, two toned denim jacket! I paired these pieces with a simple black mini skirt and I love the wrapped look in the front. Even with basic staple pieces, I tend to gravitate towards options with a little special detail. Even one small interesting element can really elevate a classic garment! I accessorized this fit with pink sunglasses and slides! I think these pink sunglasses are such a fun throwback to early ‘00s fashion. They give me major Paris Hilton vibes (That’s hot)! I can’t fully express to you how freaking elated I am that slides are all the rage this summer, lol! After spending way too much time at home in 2020, I am super out of practice wearing heels. And as much as I want to have a Hot Girl summer, it’s hard to go from slippers to stilettos so I am super duper relieved we all collectively agreed to basically stick with slippers! Rue21 has a great selection of cute and comfy (like, SO comfy) slides and I think I’m up to nearly 6 pairs and counting!

    If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe on a budget I’m telling ya, rue21 is your one-stop-shop! With so many exciting events finally happening, it’s only natural to want a new look for every party, concert, date, and vacation! Stay up to date on the latest trends with options in sizes XS-4X that won’t break the bank! And if you’re like me and itching to get back to the movie theater, grab tickets to Space Jam: A New Legacy in theaters nationwide July 16th! Or stay at home (where the popcorn is cheaper) and watch it on HBO Max! For more of this Space Jam: A New Legacy X rue21 exclusive collection, check out the rue21 website here!

  • Tie Dye Summer: with rue21

    Tie Dye Summer: with rue21

    Tie Dye Summer: with rue21 

    Summer is here! Well…basically! Regardless, I’m in full summer mode and right now I’m on a major tie dye kick! Tie dye just screams summer to me. I don’t know if maybe it’s because I always made tie dye t-shirts at camp every summer or if it’s because it’s the ultimate fashion statement for a laidback, I’m-here-to-have-fun vibe. Whatever the reason, every summer I am decked out in tie dye everything! Last summer it was all about the matching tie dye sweatsuit sets because we were all stuck in the house watching Tiger King, making whipped coffee and trying to figure out Zoom. But thankfully this summer is full of hope and fun plans! So, while I do still love the matching sweatsuit sets, I’m excited to kick things up a notch! And rue21 is a one-stop-shop for all our tie dye needs at crazy affordable prices! 

    This first look is simple, comfy, and to the point! A sweet, little tie dye dress is an extremely underrated statement piece! This dress is super light weight which is perfect for the unbearable heat down here in the south. Even though this dress is comfortable and weather appropriate, making it a practical choice, the hot pink makes a bold statement! The tie spaghetti straps, ruching at the bust, and ruffle at the bottom of the skirt all give off a retro, early ‘00s vibe. I added white platform slides and pink, heart shaped sunnies, and now I’m getting major Elle Woods vibes from this look! A pink lemonade isn’t required to complete this look but, hey, it doesn’t hurt! 

    This next look is a game changer and a bunch of fashion firsts for me! This is my first matching denim set, and my first tie dye denim. I know this sounds dramatic, and maybe I feel dramatic because this look screams Sharpay Evans, but this outfit has CHANGED ME. Like, wow, who is she? Is this a practical, mature outfit? Yeah, no, not really. But I couldn’t care less! This is exactly the whimsical, vibrant statement I’m trying to make! When I wear this fit out in public, I want everyone to be like, “oh she definitely had a pink Razor flip phone in highschool and probably still owns roll-on glitter.” By the way, both of those statements are true but I’m sure none of you are surprised! A simple white tank and the same white platform slides and heart sunnies, and *boom*, instant Disney Channel “it” girl. Also, low-key, maybe high-key, feel like barbie in this ensemble. Y’all, rue21 has done it again and I’m fully obsessed with this fit. It’s officially going in my favorite outfits hall of fame! 

    This last look is all about color and comfort! Which, honestly, is probably a great way to describe my personal fashion philosophy. You might remember this blue bikini from last month’s vacation looks! Choosing a favorite suit from last month is tough, but I really think this one takes the cake. I love the full coverage of the bottoms, and equally love the less-than-full coverage of the top. Hey, what can I say? If you got it, flaunt it! The fabric is soft and stretchy which is always a plus when you plan to wear your swimsuit all day long. Which I definitely do, because I’m a total water baby! But those early summer nights get chilly and if you go inside for a drink or snack the air conditioning can be freezing, so I love an oversized, zip up hoodie as a cozy cover up! That may be a bit of an unpopular opinion, but don’t knock it till you try it! Those crochet dresses and sarongs are cute and perfect for midday heat. But when the sun goes down, you’ll be wishing you had a snuggly hoodie to wrap up in! Especially on those unseasonably cold days that randomly pop-up sometimes or if you live somewhere it doesn’t really get hot until later in the summer! Anyway, now that I’ve made my case for summer hoodies, rue21 has a great selection of tie dye sweatshirts, sweatpants, and shorts! You can mix and match, which I think is so fun! I guess we’ve kinda come full circle now with the tie dye sweats! 

    Tie dye is a fun and timeless trend that never really goes out of style. Summer is about having fun so don’t shy away from wearing fun clothes, even if it’s silly or “childish”. Life is short and summer is shorter! Check out the rue21 blog for more summer fashion inspo! Which look was your favorite? 

  • Plus Size Pool Days: with rue21

    Plus Size Pool Days: with rue21

    I know, I know,  it’s technically still spring but I’m teaming up with my friends at rue21 to bring you all the summer vibes! I don’t know about you but summer is my “thrive season” and I’m so excited that it’s almost that time! Summer for me feels creative, electric, and free! It’s crazy because, for a long time, I dreaded summer and all the different scenarios where I’d have to figure out a way to cover my body. I was too self conscious to wear shorts, bathing suits and tank tops and I would literally wear jeans and long sleeve shirts in 90Âş weather! I was so consumed by my insecurities, I could hardly enjoy fun activities like going to the beach. My negative body image even distracted me from spending quality time with friends and family. Looking back on that time makes me so sad because we all deserve to feel comfortable in our own skin, as well as comfortable in the summer heat! Well, those days are behind me! Good riddance! Now I’m super pumped to wear all the crop tops and bikinis my heart desires (and the heat requires, lol)! 

    Okay I have to start with my absolute favorite outfit because I’m too excited to save it for last. When I say favorite outfit I don’t just mean my favorite from this post, or even from rue21. This is literally and actually my ALL TIME favorite outfit i’ve ever owned. Am I being dramatic? Probably! But i mean, come on does this not just scream “Lexi”!? First of all I love a matching set, right off the bat we are winning with this fit. I’m a huge fan of the ultra femme, romantic, floral and ruffel trend that is going around, so this set is right on the money! The sizing is generous, with lots of stretch, and the fabric is lightweight so this set is extremely comfortable! It just makes all of my preppy, princess dreams come true and you can catch me wearing this for….ever! 

    Now that we’ve gotten all the drama out of the way…HAVE YOU SEEN THIS STRAWBERRY DRESS?! Okay, okay, I’ll try to stay calm this time. But, come on! The powder blue, the mesh overlay, the embroidered strawberries! This dress is a total dream! I’m a huge lover of whimsy, and I think fruit prints and details are the perfect whimsical touch for summer pieces. I could see myself pairing this dress with a denim jacket for chilly evening weather or even a white button down shirt tied in the middle. I feel like this dress could easily be dressed up with heels and a clutch and just as easily dressed down with tennis shoes and a mini backpack. Either way, this is a statement piece that says “I’m the cutest person in the room”! I finished off my look with a silky, stretchy headband for an extra cuteness factor! 

    On the topic of dresses, this daisy sundress is an absolute necessity. If you’re well acquainted with me, you know I’m kind of the queen of wearing clothes in settings they weren’t intended for. I wear lingerie as tops, swim cover-ups as outfits, and I consider athleisure appropriate for practically any occasion! I love this dress because it’s lightweight fabric, adjustable straps, and smocked waist make it super versatile! I’ve now worn this one dress to the pool as a swim cover-up, to a restaurant as an outfit, and to bed as a nightgown. It’s so cute and comfy I could wear it everyday! And obviously I had this scrunchie on my wrist the whole time because that’s an accessory that is always appropriate! These platform sandals are also insanely comfy and, may I say, the velcro is such a fun throwback moment.

    Let’s get into these adorable swimsuits! This white one piece made me feel like a goddess! Something about a solid white swimsuit is just so elegant to me. The off the shoulder sleeves and the lace-up details add some flare and it’s such a moment! I’ll be totally honest, I was a little worried about this one piece ebing long enough to accommodate my chest, bum, AND belly. So many plus size one pieces are way too short and at least one curvy area of my body ends up popping out! But I was totally pleased with this fit! It was plenty long and true to size so I felt totally secure and comfortable. 

    I was also a bit worried about this tie dye bikini because my chest is pretty full and this bikini top connects at the front and laces up. I was pleasantly surprised with how perfectly it fit and how easy it was to adjust the fit by loosening and tightening the laces! I love tie dye and I think it’s such a fun look for summer! The side cutouts and lattice details make this suit a bit sexy and that never hurts!

    This blue bikini looked really comfy when I ordered it and I was very excited to find out that it is, in fact, really comfy! You know when you love a suit so much you’d rather put it on still wet, than put on a clean dry suit? It’s that good! The fabric is soft and the fit allows for a lot of stretch but also a lot of space. Sometimes suits will be a little tight in the band or the leg holes, even when the size is right. Kind like how bras and undies can be exhausting to wear at the end of a long day. In the same way, some suits can feel restricting after a full day at the pool or beach. But this suit is cut just right and I could wear it all day long (and I did…twice!). I also love solid color bikinis because you can mix and match with other bikinis! You can put two solid colors together, or combine a solid and a pattern! This is a great way to switch things up when you only have room in your closet or suitcase for a few suits! 

    I think the common theme here was comfort and that just super on brand for me. Life is too short to be physically and emotionally uncomfortable if you don’t have to be! If you’re hot and sweaty and wanna wear less, wear less! If you want to swim all day without anything holding you back, prioritize a comfy swimsuit over a fancy one! Whatever you want to wear is your decision, so do you and have fun this summer!  You can see more fat fashion over on my Instagram and Tiktok pages! For even more summer style inspo check out rue21!

  • Deep Discounts on Fine Jewelry with ShopLC

    Deep Discounts on Fine Jewelry with ShopLC

    OKAY WAIT: If you don’t wanna read this and you just wanna shop for fine jewelry at deep discounts click this link and use code LexiN20 to save 20% off. Thank me later!

    February is a big month around here because my birthday is the 11th, V-Day is the 14th, and my anniversary is the 22nd! And to be frank…this month hurts our bank account! I’m usually fine with one combo gift to try to be budget friendly, but this year I’m super excited (and so is my husband’s wallet) to partner with my friends at ShopLC and share some HEAVILY discounted fine jewelry! Jackpot!

    ShopLC cuts out the middleman and manufactures their jewelry themselves. This means major savings for us! This gorgeous necklace is platinum over sterling silver, and Swarovski zirconia and retails at approx. $329.99. On the ShopLC website it’s only $79.99! They have high ticket items like engagement rings and solid gold jewelry, as well as more fashion jewelry and everything in between. All for prices that make you and your Valentine VERY happy! 

    For my birthday I always wanna be as sparkly as possible! I’m talking body glitter, a tiara, and major bling! So these emerald and platinum over sterling silver hoops are PERFECT! They retail at approx. $729.99 but on the ShopLC website they are only $99.99! What I love about these hoops are the emeralds on the inside, so that you’re seeing jewels from all angles! I love these earrings because they are a great special occasion piece but I totally feel like I can wear them with a casual outfit for a pop of color! I mean, hoops go with everything, ya know? But if hoops aren’t your thing, ShopLC  literally has thousands of options from $3.00-$5,000.00! They actually have a Swarovski crystal version of these earrings (and other colors) for only $9.99! They truly have something for every style and budget!

    One of my anniversary wishes was adding an anniversary band to my bridal set! Y’all know I LOVE pink so you can imagine my excitement when I came across this pink tourmaline band in platinum over sterling silver! I literally squealed when I saw it retailed at approx. $289.99 and on the ShopLC website it’s only…$39.99!!!! At these prices I can have an anniversary band for every day of the week! This ring is too sparkly and looks beautiful with my set and also on its own! I’ve never been one for traditional bridal sets, and love being able to switch things up and have fun with my rings! 

    When Will and I got married on 2/22/2020 last year, it was before 2020 went..well..bananas (to put it politely lol). This first year of marriage has been a challenge because 2020 was a challenging year overall! Will has been my calm through the storm and has been the most supportive and patient partner I could ask for and I feel so lucky! I’m not easy to quarantine with! lol! Needless to say, we are CELEBRATING the beginning of year 2! No matter your reason for celebrating, ShopLC has something beautiful and affordable for every occasion!

    And as if you needed another reason to love them, ShopLC partners with No Kids Hungry to provide meals with each purchase! You can save extra 20% off your purchase with code LexiN20 so check them out now! Happy shopping!

  • Y2K Valentine’s Day With rue21

    Y2K Valentine’s Day With rue21

    Got a hot date for Valentine’s Day? Well whether you’re boo’d up, celebrating Galentine’s Day with your clique, or pampering you’re #1 (YOU!), rue21 has the perfect outfit for you! Okay, maybe I’m a bit early, but I’m just SO excited for Valentine’s Day! I partnered with my friends at rue21 and styled a couple of  Valentine’s Day inspired looks from rue21 that have me feeling super festive! I’m a Valentine baby, my birthday is February 11th, so I’ve always felt like Valentine’s day celebrations were an extension of Lexi Day! Also the Valentine’s Day aesthetic of pink & red, sparkles, champagne, jewelry, stuffed animals and chocolates…I mean, that’s basically all my favorite stuff! I’m also obsessed with the post-Y2K/McBling fashion revival (I hope velour tracksuits never go out of style again because they are So comfy!) so that’s where I got my inspo for these looks! Maybe I just wanna relive my childhood or something, but late 90’s and early 00’s fashion is my absolute favorite! Give me inflatable furniture and cover everything in rhinestones please! All I’m missing now are some butterfly clips but I’m sure I’ll find those at rue21 too! Shopping with rue21 keeps me up to date on what’s currently in fashion because they always have the latest trends! I’m SO pumped to see late 90’s early 00’s styles making the rounds again and gracing the racks of rue21 (or like…online, you get what I mean)! 

    This Y2K/McBling era look is styled after a late 90’s fashion moment that will always have my heart! I styled this outfit with inspiration from the 1998 Disney film, My Date With The President’s Daughter! 6 year old Lexi wanted that pink velor dress SO badly and I’m so glad I can honor her by rocking this one! As a nod to the dreamy Will Friedle (who plays Duncan), I paired this little pink number with a leather jacket for a good-girl-goes-bad look! No 90’s date night outfit is complete without square toe block heel mules! I added some gold hoops and a gold braided rhinestone choker for an extra element of bling! This look is so fun and flirty, perfect for a Valentines date! As cheesy as it sounds, when I was younger, this is exactly how I imagined I would dress as a fashionable and confident woman! There’s something really satisfying about wearing an outfit that would make little you say “wow she’s cool!”.  For me, this new year is going to be all about honoring my inner child because I turn 29 next month (yikes!) and I feel like it’s a great way to celebrate the end of my 20’s! I also think back on Little Lexi’s fashion dreams and all the things I was excited to wear when I was a grown up with a credit card! So Little Lexi is doing my shopping with me this year and I’m gonna have fun with my fashion and make her proud! 

    Let’s flash forward a few years to this next look, inspired by every early-mid 00’s “It Girl” who wore the iconic velour tracksuit! Everyone who was anyone wore a velour tracksuit, from Paris Hilton to Beyonce to Hillary Duff! And let’s not forget when the Cheetah Girls wore matching velour tracksuits while performing in the streets of Manhattan in their debut film (a cinematic masterpiece if you ask me)! This pink velour tracksuit from rue21 is so comfy and soft, I genuinely never want to take it off! In fact, if I’m being 100% honest with you, I’ve worn it four times already and I’m literally wearing it as I write this blog post! It made all of my McBling- “That’s Hot”-Razor-flip-phone dreams come true! I paired it with this cute babydoll T-shirt with rhinestones in the shape of a heart…with devil horns! This fit screams “Galentine’s Day!” and would be just the thing to wear for a Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Lizzie McGuire Movie marathon at your bff’s house! May I also suggest cookie dough and cosmos!? Obviously I wore my fabulous gold hoops and gold braided rhinestone choker because the bling never stops! 

    If last year’s quarantine taught me anything, it’s that fashion rules are fake! Sweatpants are real pants, bras are optional, and time is a social construct! I’m taking those lessons with me into this new year and instead of worrying about wearing the “right” thing, wearing what makes me happy! If I want to be hot pink and bling bling, I absolutely will! If i want to wear a velour tracksuit 4 days a week, I will just have to order one in every color! I hope y’all got a kick outta these fun throwback inspired Valentine’s Day looks from rue21! For more Valentine’s Day inspo, check out the rue21 blog! I’d love to hear from y’all about your favorite fashion moments from the Y2K/McBling era and what you’d like to try now that it’s back! Head over to my instagram and let me know! 

  • My Winter Picks: With rue21

    Winter can be tough because it’s cold and dark and wet. Huge bummer! Something that carries me through the bummer of winter are the cute clothes and accessories! Summer is so hot I don’t wanna layer or even wear shoes lol. So when it gets cold outside I get excited to pull out the boots and jackets! My favorite place to find super affordable and trendy fashion and accessories is rue21! 

    I partnered with my friends at rue21 to show you my top two winter looks, one cozy and one trendy! My cozy look is perfect for being comfy and cute at home, or on your work or family holiday zoom party! My trendy look is a sexier, 90’s throwback which is perfect for a facetime date, or filming TikToks. Don’t lie, you know you wanna! The accessories for both for both of these looks also make awesome gifts if you’re looking for a last minute, or belated holiday gift! 

    My cozy look starts with this Oatmeal Heather Corset Waist Hacci Knit Dress ($21.99- almost sold out). I cannot praise this dress enough. I’ve literally worn it three times already because it’s sooo comfortable. This dress is super soft (it almost feels like cashmere) and the cut and stretch make it insanely comfy, even for lounging! I love pieces like this because I can be snug but look cute and instantly put together! I paired it with a pair of Taupe Faux Fur Fold Over Short Cozy Boots ($12.99). These boots are lightweight and an affordable alternative to pricier brands. The insides are plush and I could wear them all day! I added Gold Hoops which come in a 7-pack of different styles ($7.99) and these White Faux Fur Over Sized Hair Clips ($5.99) to add a feminine touch and make the look a little dressier! The total for this whole outfit was under $50, which is unbeatable!

    For this 90’s throwback I went with all black pieces but mixed up the textures for a fun look! This Faux Fur Trim Bungee Tank Top ($19.99) is such a fun addition to my wardrobe and I can’t wait to match it with so many other things! This Black Ruched Side Slit Midi Skirt ($22.99) is stretchy so you get that body con silhouette while also being able to sit easily! I love the ruching on the sides for a sexy vibe! I topped it with this Faux Leather Shirt Jacket ($16.49) and i’m totally obsessed with it! This is basically a faux leather button down shirt and is the perfect solution for when you want to add a leather jacket for the aesthetic but don’t want to burn up wearing leather indoors. Its lightweight and even has a bit of stretch! I’d love to try tying it up to Britney Spears style next time! For accessories I went bananas lol! I just can’t help myself because rue21 has such low prices I can have it all! These Butterfly Wing Lense Sunglasses ($7.99) are so fun and I feel like a TikTok star (joking!…sorta..)! I’m wearing Gold Hoops again because they are classic, and I paired them with this Gold “Hot Girl” Necklace ($4.99) because who doesn’t love Megan Thee Stallion? I put these Scrunchies ($6.99 for a pack of 3) on my wrists because not only are they great to have when I need to throw my hair up but they make a cute accessory! The total for this look, accessories and all, was less than $89!

    If any of these pieces jumped out at you, you should jump on it because rue21 changes their collections up pretty often to keep things fresh, and I don’t want you to miss out! Not exactly what you’re looking for? No worries! rue21 has TONS more to choose from on their website. You can also find more inspo on their blog! Happy holidays, stay safe and stay warm! 

  • Holiday Gifts Under $50: Something For Everyone!

    Woah it’s already December? How the heck did that even happen, lol!? 2020 has been the longest year of my life but somehow this holiday season has already whizzing by! I guess because I’m finally feel a spark of hope and cheer…oy vey! 

    Well if you’re anything like me you’re super into the holidays this year because you’re clinging to anything bright and shiny as a well deserved distraction from the chaos of America… just me? Jokes aside, I’m super pumped about the holidays! Gift giving is my love language and shopping is my hobby so this is basically like, my Super Bowl! But I understand that not every is super into shopping and it can be difficult to find gifts for everyone on your list. Not to mention, most of us are on a pretty tight budget! So I partnered with some super awesome brands to give you some ideas that’ll make everyone on your list happy…for under $50!

    Smart watches are a hot item this year and would be the perfect gift for basically anyone! iTouch Wearables is a great quality and budget friendly option for smart watches! The iTouch watches are compatible with Android and iOS but cost waaaay less than their competitors…I’m talking under $50! I think these smart watches are perfect for younger kids and teens who want a smart watch but you want to ease them into the responsibility of owning expensive electronics! It’s also a great option for anyone who thinks they might be interested in owning a smart watch but is on the fence. And its a fabulous gift to completely surprise someone with because its impressive, functional, and doesn’t break the bank! I’m giving the iTouch Air Special Edition to my husband so he can do all kinds of things hands free while he’s at work delivering mail (he’s so cute in the mail man uniform!). 

    I’ve been using 7th Heaven face masks since I was a teenager! I usually get mine at Walmart or Ulta and they are super affordable and so much fun! I love doing a face mask with my sister while we watch movies or just before my shower after a long day. The price is so good (most are $1!) you won’t feel like you have to save these masks for a special occasion, so any day can feel special! These make fantastic stocking stuffers for the whole family (yes, even your dad should do a face mask!) or group a bunch together for a gift! For my birthday last year my friend gave me a cute mug full of face masks and candy and it was such a great gift! So if you’re looking for the perfect little touch to add to a gift set, or tape a gift card to, 7th Heaven products would be just the thing! 

    Okay so this one is hilarious to me but maybe I just have an immature sense of humor lol! Ballsy is a company that makes grooming gifts for bodies with balls (and obviously anyone else who want to use Ballsy!) and their stuff is super nice! I don’t know about y’all but my husband is the type of typical dude who use a 5 in one shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, tooth paste…okay I made that last part up but that’s how it feels! I think its super cool that Ballsy makes high quality products that are sensitive enough for men’s privates and targets their specific needs!The best part is these high end products don’t have a high price tag! I’m giving my husband the Jolly Jewels Sack Pack for Christmas, which smells amazing btw, and it includes the Nutts Butts and Body Wash, Nut Run Solid Cologne, and the Sack Spray Odor Neutralizer for only $45! Their gift sets start at $35 and are all under $100! Ballsy offers a variety of products starting at only $15 as well as a subscription service starting as low as $6 a month! This would be a great gift for your significant other, friends, siblings, and maybe even your dad if he has a good sense of humor lol! 

    We all know that person who is hard to shop for because they already have EVERYTHING. Instead of buying them another candle (calling myself out!) get them Formé, the worlds first high heel shaper! This gift is perfect for a shoe lover or organizing fanatic because it helps you break in your new heels and also keep their shape in storage while they’re not being worn. I love useful tools and gadgets like this because although it’s use is practical, it’s so clever it feels like a novelty. Formé would also be a great add on gift to a beautiful pair of heels or a gift card to go shoe shopping! 

    I have a lot of book lovers on my list and I love supporting Nashville creatives so this next one is my personal fave! Squeeze The Lime, written by local Nashville native Courtnie R. Dunn, is a novel about a young southern belle heroine who is determined to find her purpose, but along the way a new guy enters her life. Her world is flipped upside down and she must overcome harsh obstacles such as betrayal, stalking, and ever murder. She will also discover the power of love. I love reading books with female characters written by female authors! I also love that this book combines a story of self disocvery with a love story AND adds thriller elements! If you love stories where you can escape into someone else’s world (and drama) you will love Squeeze The Lime!  You can find Squeeze The Lime many places online, but I highly recommend purchasing it from Nashville’s independent book store Parnassus Books! Support a local author AND a local book store, and now you’re Santa! Don’t forget, it’s totally okay to get a gift for yourself too! 

    I hope this list was helpful! Head over to instagram story highlight for more pics and videos of these gifts and more! Stay tuned for more gift guides coming your way all next week! Ho ho ho! 

  • My Holiday Wish List: With rue21

    My Holiday Wish List: With rue21

    I think it’s safe to say, a lot of us are ballin’ on a budget this holiday season, especially after the wild year we’ve had! I’m sure many of you, like me, still want to spread some holiday cheer and spoil your loved ones (and yourself!). Well we are in luck because rue21 is offering amazing Black Friday deals with 40% off of their already affordable prices! I’m a Black Friday super fan, so I’m giving you an early look at my rue21 wish list!

    Who doesn’t love cozy gifts? Blankets, slippers and socks make perfect gifts for everyone on your list and rue21 is the perfect one-stop-shop for all things cozy! In my family we always open one gift on Christmas Eve and it’s always pajamas. I love this tradition because you can never have too many jammies! There is a wide selection available at rue21 but for my wish list I chose this comfy maroon sherpa jacket and matching sherpa shorts. They are insanely soft! I also got some festive Christmas pajamas for my dogs Hans and Mandi Moore! If your dog or cat is a good sport like mine are, I highly recommend dressing them in adorable rue21 pajamas for a boost of serotonin! Like I said, you can never have enough pajamas, so I also had to have these penguin pj’s. I paired them with this fuzzy blue sweater that I plan to wear as lounge wear and street wear! If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I have a huge obsession with penguins (I have a whole IG highlight dedicated to penguins) so I also chose this penguin blanket and socks! I love winter holiday season because it’s the time of year when there is an abundance of penguin swag!

    While rue21 has plenty gifts for the guys in your life, they really pop off when it comes to their girly and glam gifts! To make gift giving even easier, rue21 has the perfect gifts sets! It was so hard to choose but I decided on lipgloss and lashes gift sets! I love the shiny packaging and the price point is pretty great perk as well! The only thing I love more that beauty products is accessories, and rue21 definitely has us covered there. You can always find classic, everyday pieces like a black headband or CZ stud earrings but I love that rue21 always has the latest trends too! Whenever I see trendy statement pieces online I go straight rue21 because I know they’ll have it. For my wish list I was on the hunt for three different styles of earrings that I’ve seen everyone wearing on TikTok and rue21 had a set of earrings with all three! If there is a teenager in your life you find hard to shop for, I doubt you can wrong with accessories from rue21. I’m 28 but my sister is 16 and keeps me young, lol!

    Okay so this is less fun and exciting, but everyone needs the basics. The holidays are a great time to receive goodies but it’s also super helpful to recite practical gifts like masks, socks, t shirts, jeans, and leggings. If you want to keep things festive but also functional, rue21 has a great selection of hats, gloves, and scarves that will certainly come in handy durning these winter months. These are also great gift ideas for the people on your list who are tricky to shop for. If you’re like me, you might even want to stock up for yourself and buy extras to donate to your local shelters!more gift ideas

    For more gift and stocking stuffer ideas, check out the rue21 blog! Don’t miss out on the Black Friday 40% off deals but do stay tuned for an update on Cyber Monday deals!

  • Fall Farmers Market Style: With rue21

    Is there anything better than Fall? Yes! A Fall farmers market! One of my favorite autumnal activities is picking out pumpkins and produce from my local market. Obviously the perfect outing requires the perfect outfit and rue21 has the latest budget friendly, fall trends! The most classic fall fit is a plaid skirt with a sweater, I mean, just ask Rachel Green from Friends! So I put together two effortless festive looks that with make you want to drink apple cider and carve pumpkins!

    This first look is a major 90’s throw back for me personally because my mom and I wore matching outfits just like this one for our family Christmas card when I was 7! If you ask me, it’s timeless! This oversized black sweater makes for a great fall and winter wardrobe staple. I paired it with a red plaid skirt which is actually soft and stretchy as opposed to the the usually structured fit. This makes for a comfier fit which is nice for a casual day shopping for seasonal fruits and veggies! A simple black, knotted headband gives this look a preppy vibe and I think different accessories, like beanie or floppy hat, could easily change the tone of the whole fit!

    In my second look I’ve styled the same skirt but in black and white. I almost went with another black top but then I realized it’d be much more fun and interesting to opt for some color! So, I choose this orange chenille sweater that feels like butter! I’m such a sucker for chenille and it, too, gives me that 90’s feel. I kept the black headband for this outfit, and honestly I’ll probably be wearing it all season! I added these boots to keep things casual and I have to say, I think this might be my new favorite ensemble! It’s definitely making it into my rotation of regulars! Something I love about rue21 is that they offer affordable clothing and accessories in both straight and plus sizes. It can be tough finding trendy plus size styles and I love that there’s always something for me at rue21! They currently have some amazing deals you won’t want to miss, so check ’em out! For more autumnal outfit inspo, head over to the rue21 blog!

  • My Coming Out Story đŸłď¸â€đŸŒˆ

    My Coming Out Story đŸłď¸â€đŸŒˆ

    Happy #nationalcomingoutday to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether you’re publicly out, have only told a few trusted people, or haven’t told anyone at all. Your journey is unique and valid, take all the time you need!

    I’m pansexual and proud but it took me a while to get here. I first knew I liked both boys and girls when I was about 7 or 8. I cried to my mom a few times because I was “afraid I’m a lesbian”. She told me I was just comparing my body to other bodies, totally normal. I buried those feelings inside all through middle school and high school, but every now and then it would hit me like a giant wave.

    I was friends with gay, bi, non-binary, and gender fluid kids at my arts high school. I accepted them for exactly as they were but never myself. I didn’t tell anyone I thought I was bisexual until I was 19. By the time I was in my early 20’s I had told a handful of friends but didn’t speak about it freely and hadn’t told my family. I started seeing a new therapist and asked her for advice on coming out to my family. She told me I shouldn’t. She said that it could potentially upset them or change they way they think of me, and unless I was dating a girl, what’s the point? I was totally shocked and hurt. I told her that I felt like that was bad advice, that people should be able to be their honest selves with there closest loved ones. She replied “if telling the truth makes you feel better but hurts the other person, then it’s selfish and you should keep it to yourself.”. For the record, to anyone reading this, she’s wrong!

    I told a few family members when I was 24 and they reacted poorly but not in a dangerous or irreparable way. Just the classic “if your not with a girl then your not no though right? If you’ve never dated a girl how do you even know?”. So frustrating! When you know you know! By that logic, how does a virgin know they’re straight? We seems perfectly comfortable assuming small children are straight, calling them “lady killer” and “flirt” before they even go to kindergarten! I struggled then and still sometimes now believing that my sexuality is, in fact, valid no matter my dating or sexual histories.

    After I came out to those select family members and had to witness their initial reactions on their faces and answer frustrating and offensive questions they could’ve easily googled, I didn’t feel comfortable coming out in private settings or to individual people. I thought that’s how coming out had to be. In movies and TV, coming out is always face to face and dramatic, either positively or negatively. It doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s the thing: this is your personal business and you don’t OWE anyone an explanation. So if posting it on social media is easier for you, do it! If texting is easier, do it! If you do prefer to be one on one face to face, great! If you want to come out to someone in person but you’re nervous, invite a trusted friend who you’ve already come out to to join you. This is your truth and you make the rules. I declared my pansexuality on Facebook and never looked back! I’m sure there were a few people who thought “why didn’t she tell me?” But I had to do what was most comfortable for me.

    A close loved one asked me “why come out if you’re married to a man? What’s the point?”. Great question! Representation matters. Visibility matters. Normalizing being out and proud matters. Every person I know in my personal and professional life is influenced by me in some small way and vice versa. For instance, I don’t know of any queer people in my family and if I had, I would have felt infinitely more secure and safe growing up and coming out. I came out because I don’t want to deny any family member or friend that sense of security I so desperately needed. Also, there’s something to be said for living in your truth. You feel lighter and stronger at the same time. It’s liberating! For resources and support I recommend The Trevor Project , It Gets Better , and Human Rights Campaign.

    Sexuality is a spectrum and labels aren’t the most important thing in the world by far. But being your true authentic self is what national coming out day is all about! As we all head to the polls this November, please consider your queer loved ones. Vote blue to keep them safe and free to be themselves. Get voting information here.