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Madeleine Wilson

Fashion

Outfit of the Day: June 1st

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Happy June everybody!

Yesterday, I went to the Snohomish Wedding Show with my sister and her fiancé. It was so amazing to see the incredible venues just a 30 minute drive away from our home. I was beyond excited to see the venue they decided on called Jardin Del Sol. It’s phenomenal and suits them as a couple perfectly.

Tomorrow I’ll post some pictures I took at the venue but below is just my outfit for the day- I really loved the casual chic look created by mixing patterns and layering. I hope you enjoy!

Jacket: Sashimi (similar) | Top: Frenchi | Skirt: Frenchi | Shoes: Sofft | Scarf: Gift | Watch: Kate Spade | Bracelet with charm: Alex and Ani | Bracelets (white and pink): Forever 21 | Bralette: Foreign Exchange

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This week, I am participating in the Skirt Week 2014 Link-Up hosted by Shades of Sarah, Shopping My Closet, and Style On Target! For more info and to link up, see Sarah’s post here.

 

Skirt link-up
Style on Target
Shopping My Closet
Shades of Sarah
7 Comments
June 2, 2014 by
Lifestyle

Why I’ve Been M.I.A.

Hello beautiful readers!

I just first of all want to apologize for not being present the past couple of weeks. Life has been hectic for me as I’ve finished up final exams and projects, moved from LA to Washington, and started my brand new internship. Hopefully, I will get back into a regular schedule with my internship and everything. Having a schedule will help me carve out time to write and get back into my blogging groove. I miss writing and connecting with y’all so much, so I will definitely make it a priority to make time for blogging.

In the meantime, please check out my Instagram and Twitter as those are much easier and quicker for me to update! This weekend I will try to finish up a post and video about my road trip as well as my transition moving from LA to WA.

I hope you can all forgive me for being so busy lately! Trust me, I want to be writing. Thank you so much for all of your patience, it means the world!
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May 29, 2014 by
Lifestyle

Guest Post: 10×10 Guide to Mastering Road Trips

Erica Road Trip

I have my last guest post for y’all! This one is brought to you by Erica from Coming Up Roses – one of my favorite bloggers and also one of my sponsors! She’s such a sweetheart with such a passion for life and is fiercely loyal to her faith – something I greatly admire.

Since I’m about to embark on a huge road trip from Orange, California to Woodinville, Washington with Charlie (my best friend/boyfriend/biggest fan) and Erica is ALSO about to go on a road trip with her boyfriend, she decided to write a post for you all about surviving those long hours in the car. Wish us luck being trapped in cars with our stinky boys!

I hope you love her post as much as I do! Definitely listen to the songs she recommends, they’re great!

Connect with Erica

Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // Google + // Bloglovin’

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10×10 Guide to Surviving Mastering Road Trips

Hey there! I’m no Madeleine – I’m brunette and approximately 3,000 miles east of her. But my roots are small town, and I’m equally obsessed with bargain-driven style and fighting (not literally) to end bullying. I’m Erica, I blog over at Coming Up Roses, and I’m way stoked to be on Madeleine’s space today. Plus, I’ve always wanted to time travel, so simulating a 4-5 hour time difference is only fitting, right? Speaking of traveling…

Road trips are always made out to be the epitome of a dream-come-true summer: top down (and hands up n’ out), the perfect sunnies on and the perfect people around you, all screaming singing top 40 hits and sipping iced coffees from some drive-thru or pit stop.

It never really works that way, does it?

Forget doing your hair – the wind has gotcha covered.

You never realize how uncomfortable car seats are until you’re in one for 8+ hours.

And let’s hope you’re reaaaaaally good at “holding it” when the nearest bathroom isn’t for another 50 miles.

But, I’m a look-on-the-bright-side kinda girl.

Wind-drying my hair sounds efficient, 8 hours in a car means a lot of Spotify sessions, and at least most rest stops have Starbucks, right?

I’m about to be celebrating the survival of another year of college with a road trip from Philadelphia -> Chicago with my Love.

 

In the hopes of helping your summer tripping, here is a 10×10 survival kit:

10 riding-with-the-top-down jams: (just listen right now – I promise, they’re too good to wait!)

For the second 10 (10×10, remember?), I’ve got snacks, sprays, accessories and an easy-riding outfit to keep you casual car chic. Is casual car chic a thing? Of course it is.

Erica Road Trip

To munch on: Popcorners (1). These triangular popcorn chips are probably popped in the oven of God, because they’re so fantastically addicting. AND they come in Sea Salt, Cheesy Jalapeno, Caramel, Butter, Sweet Cinnamon, White Cheddar, and Kettle (yum, yum, yum and yum again). Keep snacks light, especially when on-the-go; pack a few packs of fruits and veggies in plastic baggies for a healthier boost around the 7th hour in the car. By then, you’ll just need raw sustenance.

To spray: Bath & Body Works body sprays are good for road primping, because suffocating you or the driver with an overpowering scent is asking for a headache and an even longer ride. I love Cashmere Glow (2) for a sexier sweet smell. If you’re like me, you’re really picky about scents and you cannot cannot cannot handle foul ones, especially in enclosed spaces. Long car rides = enclosed spaces for long periods of time. Play it safe and just spray.

To chew: Stride Sour Patch Kids gum in Red Berry (4). Satisfy the sweet tooth without rotting it out. It actually is sour before it’s sweet, just like SPK promises. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

To accessorize: Steve Madden pink n’ orange sunnies (8), a two tone boyfriend watch (3), and an internationally relevant infiniti scarf (7) – because why not show some global pride on a cross country trip stateside? A road trip is definitely not the time to be blinded by rays, so be sure to pack spares just in case you sit on yours (been there, done that). Time is of the essence when you’re on a road to who knows where, so chunky hardware watches are what’s up. And saying you don’t want a flag scarf is like saying you don’t want world peace.

To moisturize: Suave’s Moroccan Oil body lotion (6) doesn’t have an overwhelming scent either, but it’s super creamy and moisturizing to keep you in tip top car shape. Even though your is confined within borders (relatively speaking), feel exotic with Moroccan Oil. There’s nothing better.

To wear: Studded gladiator sandals (5). Mine are from a street-side shop in Spain (no worries, I flew there), but get similar ones here.
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May 23, 2014 by
Fashion

Guest Post: In Love with Lace

crochet top

Abbie is the author of The Pink Paperdoll where she blogs about fashion, design, and art. A fun fact for all my Theta sisters out there reading this, Abbie is a Theta alumna! She is so sweet and I just have loved connecting with her. I hope you enjoy her report on one of the hottest trends right now: lace.

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I think I can trace my obsession with lace back to my favorite American Girl doll, Samantha, who had the best lace Victorian dresses and accessories. My passion for incorporating lace into outfits continued as I grew up, and I’m very aware that seeing lace used in an especially cute way is the surest way to get me to make an impulse purchase! I may have once bought a rug because I saw it in a magazine and fell in love with the adorable lace doily pattern. My roommate at the time in our sorority house was less than impressed with our new enormous floor covering, but she was a good sport about it since she knew I couldn’t help myself–it was lace! And that’s just one of the many times that lace has snagged my heart and my wallet.

Well needless to say, I’m pretty thrilled that lace is really in style right now and there tons of versatile ways to wear it. You don’t have to be a girly girl to embrace the lace either—there are ways for everyone to try it out this season.

Crochet

Open knit crochet tops are all over. You can wear them over a cami, a bathing suit, or a sundress. This versatile piece is showing up in all kinds of colors, so you can pick your fave. If you’re afraid that lace will make you look too frilly, this type of top can be paired with jean shorts or accessorized in a way that’s not too soft.

crochet top

The Lace Dress

The allover lace dress is a total classic, which can be worn again in the fall with leggings. H&M sells a variation of it every summer, and I love to style my cream lace dress with a little bit of Western flair including cowboy booties and turquoise jewelry. White lace pairs wonderfully with denim and brown earthy tones.

Lace dress

Lace Shorts

I haven’t gotten a pair of these yet, but they’re definitely on my summer wish list. What better way to look trendy and pretty and be totally comfortably at the same time? Look for allover lace shorts with an elastic waistband for the perfect combo of flattering and comfortable.

Lace Accessories

If too much lace is overpowering to your taste, you can add accessories that give a little pop of lace to your everyday style.A lace clutch, headband, or hair bow might be exactly what’s needed for that wedding or summer barbecue you’re attending.

When shopping for cute lace dresses and accessories my go-to favorites are ModCloth and Lilly Pulitzer, but with lace as big as it is right now you can likely find cute things in your style at any of your favorite places to shop. If you’re crafty you might also like to try sewing a bit of lace detailing onto your denim shorts or tank tops yourself!

I hope I’ve converted more lace lovers to the club!
Have a fabulous summer, ladies!
2 Comments
May 22, 2014 by
Beauty

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff – Dove Advanced Care Deodorant Review

Dove Advanced Care

Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Dove. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Dove Advanced Care

Last week was probably one of the hottest weeks in Southern California that I’ve experienced. Originally from Washington, anything over 80 degrees is just suffocating for me. Naturally, I sweat…a lot.

Before the heat wave, I was using Dove Go Fresh “Cool Essentials” 48 hour deodorant. Basically, my only requirement for a deodorant is that it smells good and since it had a cucumber and green tea scent, I was sold.

But with the intense heat, I decided it was the perfect time to try out my new Dove Advanced Care “Revive” 48 hour deodorant that I had been sent. I also got the “Nourished Beauty” scent, but the “Revive” was more up my alley since it was fruitier – combining pomegranate and lemon. Yum!

Between running to work and class, I didn’t have any time to freshen up during my days despite the sweltering heat. I was happy to say the Dove Advanced Care worked its magic and kept me dry and smelling great throughout the day. As silly as it is, my armpits actually felt really smooth! Not that anybody is looking at or touching my armpits beside myself, but it was still nice.

The smell remained fresh throughout the day. I never felt like it was wearing off, which was great!

Personally, I didn’t see that big of a difference between the two deodorants – Go Fresh versus Advanced Care. I have never experienced a “bad” deodorant or anything. They all smell good and do the job just fine. However, I don’t have sensitive skin, so I would imagine the Advanced Care is much better for those who struggle with that! The new Dove Advanced Care deodorant is the only anti-perspirant/deodorant formulated with NutriumMoistureTM to provide ultimate underarm care – aiming to help those with itchy or irritable underarm skin.

Dove Advanced Care
4 Comments
May 21, 2014 by
Lifestyle

Guest Post: Decorating with Etsy

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I have a third fantastic guest post! This one comes to you from Patty who blogs at Atlantic Chic –  a lifestyle blog she recently started with her sister Michelle. They are Jersey girls who love fashion, makeup, and traveling. Patty also blogs at Reach Your Peak, which is her original blog. Check it out for health and fitness tips and workouts!

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Decorating With Etsy

Have you heard of Etsy? I’m sure you have, but if you haven’t, it’s a website where artisans can sell their crafts…anything ranging from art prints to jewelry to home decor.
I love Etsy, and even have my own Etsy shop myself, which I’ll talk more about at the end of this post. Buying things helps support artisans who are really passionate about their craft!

So if you’re trying to decorate (or re-decorate) your room or apartment, here are some great pieces you may want to check out!

Pillows
 
14×14 Coral Throw Pillow With Insert – $18.00
14×14 Rose Pillow With Insert – $35.00
14×14 Decorative Pillow (From my Etsy shop!) – $45.00

 

Prints

Gold and Silver Foil Pink XOXO Handmade Art – $18.21
 
For all you HIMYM fans. Different sizes available.
8X10 Friends Typography Print – $18.00

 

Kitchen
Wild and Free Coffee Mug – $15.00
11×14 Print – $15.00

 

How cute are all of those? Here’s a little background on my Etsy shop. My mom and I started it because we wanted to make cute gym bags. Most gym bags are boring colors, and we wanted bright, colorful prints. Our bags are also water resistant outside and inside!
But we also wanted to do this for a good cause. We teamed up with Manitos, which is a charity started by a woman in Brooklyn, NY. She started this charity to help children diagnosed with cancer in the South American country of Paraguay. This holds a special place in our hearts because my family is from Paraguay.
10% of all proceeds goes back to Manitos. We are actually visiting Paraguay this summer, so we plan on going to the Children’s Hospital and buying things the hospital may need.
Please check out our Etsy shop and take a look around! Some of are bags are custom made, so you choose a fabric from our swatches and we’ll make you the bag…your bag will be one of a kind!
What did you think of my Etsy finds?
Do you shop on Etsy?
 
 

Patty blogs at Atlantic Chic, which is a lifestyle blog she recently started with her sister Michelle. They are Jersey girls who love fashion, makeup, and traveling. Patty also blogs at Reach Your Peak, which is her original blog. Check it out for health and fitness tips and workouts!
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May 21, 2014 by
Fashion Lifestyle

Guest Post: The Real Monsters in Your Closet

The Real Monsters 2

I have another amazing guest post for y’all!

This one is brought to you by Hoda, an Iranian activist and fashion blogger from Oklahoma going to school in Chicago. Her blog, JooJoo Azad, meaning “Free Bird” in Farsi, is filled with photography of personal style and discussions on social-responsibility within the fashion industry. Warning: this site is more than just pretty pictures.

Hoda’s post covers a very serious topic – brands that are violating human rights, damaging the environment, and conducting business in an unethical manner. Personally, I have a hard time boycotting certain brands that have these violations, so I commend Hoda in her effort to boycott them and truly make a difference. I definitely need to be more conscious and aware of where my clothes/shoes/accessories/etc. come from. Sometimes we are blind consumers and do not think about the history behind a single product when we really should.

You can find Hoda on her blog, Facebook page, Twitter, or Instagram.

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THE REAL MONSTERS IN YOUR CLOSET

So I guess our childhood fears were warranted, after all~

But unfortunately, the real thing is much more terrifying than anything my imagination could have constructed and placed in my closet…
The Real Monsters
A recent investigation launched by Greenpeace East Asia found that “hazardous chemicals have been found in children’s clothes and shoes made by major brands including Disney, Burberry, and Adidas” that are not only being washed into waterways across the world and contaminating drinking water, but are also dangerous to the children wearing their clothing! Such “little monsters” hiding in the clothes in children’s closets have the ability to enter our bloodstream and do anything from promoting tumor growth to altering hormones and mutating reproductive organs! Now that’s something to really fear for!

Disney, American Apparel/Primark, GAP, and Addidas are already on the Boycott List (we’re on top of our game! c; ) (also p.s. now that I so conveniently put the link here for you, so you might as well take a look!), but for this detoxing campaign specifically, there is more you can do that just boycotting these brands! Let’s take active action to end their usage of these toxic chemicals in their children’s clothing!

The Real Monsters 2

(Photo via Greenpeace, toxic chemical waste via GAP)

Educate yourself!

Interested in the deets? Check out Greenpeace’s full report here!

Also, get the list of all the brands that have committed to detox–and those that need a bit more…pressure c; here!

Tell these brands to clean up and detox now!

Tweet to @adidas
Tweet to @gap
Tweet to @disney

Sign the Manifesto! 

Join the global movement and add your name to the list of people who care about fashion and ethics!

Check it out and sign here!

Spread the Word! 

The more people that take action, the more pressure we can put on these companies! Blog/share/tweet/email/talk about this issue! Already with your support Burberry, Zara, H&M, and others have agreed to detox, with the latest brand committing to detox on February 10th, 2014! Hooray! Let’s keep this momentum going!

 Together, let’s make these toxic monsters just as imaginary our childhood fears
2 Comments
May 20, 2014 by
Fashion

Guest Post: Building a Professional Wardrobe in College

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Hi lovely readers! So as you may know, this week is my finals week and also the week I am moving from California back to Washington. Needless to say, I will be VERY busy.

 

Unfortunately, I will not be able to be creating my own content this week, so I have a fantastic lineup of guest posts for you! I hope you check in everyday to read their posts and learn more about some other incredible bloggers that have been so generous in helping me out.

 

The following post is by Samantha of the blog Samantha Reads. I hope you love her post as much as I do!

 

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Hi wonderful readers of Small Town Roots & Cowboy Boots!

 

I’m Samantha, and I run the blog Samantha Reads. First off, I’d like to thank Madeleine for having me guest post today.

 

As we all probably know, college is a time of transition. You’re out of your safe hometown bubble, but you’re not quite in the “real world” yet. This is probably one of the last times in your life it will be acceptable to wear yoga pants on a week day, so take advantage of that! But we should also be using our collegiate years to build a professional wardrobe so we’re not stuck spending all the money we don’t have come graduation on blazers and pencil skirts.

 

That’s why I’ve taken some time to pick out versatile campus to office pieces that are casual enough to wear in college, but professional enough that they’ll also work when you graduate.
Midi Pencil Skirt, Zara, $59.90
A pencil skirt is key for the professional set, but basic black can be a little boring for a college campus. This bright blue adds some excitement to the work day uniform, and could easily be worn for a night out at school paired with a crop top.
Lace Jacket, H&M, $24.95
Even if you’re still in college, every girl needs a good blazer, but there’s no rule it needs to be plain. This one’s still in a neutral hue, making it office-friendly, but the lace will make you stand out in the crowd.
Pleated woven pants, Forever 21, $22.80
Say goodbye to the ill-fitting dress pants of offices past. These cropped, pleated trousers emphasize your shape in a way that’s still perfectly work appropriate, but could also be paired with a printed tank for class or hanging out with friends.
Harper Geometric Textured Dress, Francesca’s, $68
Dresses are a great choice for building a professional wardrobe. Worn with a blazer, this shift is perfect for the workplace. Worn without, it’s perfect for a school event or just brunch with friends.
If you like what you see, feel free to follow me on my own blog or on Twitter for more tips!
Xoxo, Samantha
1 Comment
May 19, 2014 by
Lifestyle

A Week of Guest Posts

Hi everybody! It’s that time of the year again: final exams. Since I’ll be busy studying my booty off, I’ve lined up some fabulous guest posts for y’all! I’m so excited to share them with everybody as they come from some incredibly talented women. I’ve listed them below so that you can check them out beforehand and get to know them! I hope you enjoy their posts as much as I do.

My lovely guest writers for the week

Samantha from Samantha Reads

Hoda from JooJoo Azad

Patty from Atlantic Chic

Erica from Coming Up Roses

Abbie from The Pink Paperdoll

I’ll miss you all this week but I’ll try to check in every now an then to reply to comments and whatnot. A HUGE thank you to my guest writers – you all are so amazing!
No Comments
May 18, 2014 by