All Posts By

Madeleine Wilson

Lifestyle

2014 Year in Review

If you had told me this time last year how far my blog would take me, I would have rolled my eyes and told you you were crazy. I know it’s cliche to say this, but I never imagined how incredible this year would be. So many things have changed in my personal and professional life and it’s amazing to have those captured in the form of my blog. In total, I received nearly 134,000 views from 120 different countries in my first year of blogging. I never imagined I could reach that many people.

I need to say thank you to all of the people who have helped me along the way. To all of the bloggers out there that I leaned on for support and guidance when I first started off – thank you for being patient with all of my questions and dedicating so much time to helping me. To my friends and family who believed in me even when they didn’t really understand what this blogging thing was, thank you. To my readers who came back every week to check up on my site and engaged so much with me in comments and social media, thank you. To all of the brands that took a chance on a young blogger like myself, thank you. I could not have done this without the support of so many different people and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of you.

Overall, my blog has just been an incredible blessing. I am so happy to have found a way to channel my adoration for fashion, passion for writing, and creative flair into a productive and cohesive format. I have had incredible opportunities to get my foot in the door with major fashion brands. I have learned what it takes to conduct myself professionally online and create a solid brand for myself. I have created relationships with other bloggers that have been invaluable sources of comfort and guidance. Finally, and most importantly in my opinion, I have learned how to handle crushing rejection with grace and incredible success with humility.

This year was the tip of the iceberg. I can’t help but feel that I’m on the cusp of something massive. I have an amazing way to channel my personality and passions while developing professional skills at the same time. This past year, blogging has brought me so much joy – I can’t wait to see where it takes me in the year to come.

Beauty

First Birchbox Review

Honest birchbox review

BirchoxDecember Birchbox contentesWelcome to my first ever Birchbox review! My older sister gifted me a 3-month subscription, so I’ll be showcasing the products I receive here. For those of you who don’t know what Birchbox is, I’ll fill you in. It’s essentially a monthly subscription service where you receive a fun box stuffed full of beauty product and fragrance samples catered to your tastes. It’s extremely affordable and a great way to discover new products! Plus, who doesn’t love receiving packages in the mail?

The following products were included in my box: Gilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy body wash (retail $15 for an 8 oz. bottle), N.4 Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect (retail $32 for 6.7 fl. oz. bottle), The Balm Stainiac lip and cheek stain (retail $17 for 0.3 oz.), Harvey Prince Ageless perfume (retail $55 for 50 ml. bottle), and Real Chemistry Luminous 3-minute Peel (retail $48 for 1.7 fl. oz.).

Body WashGilchrist & Soames Spa Therapy body wash  (retail $15 for an 8 oz. bottle)

This body wash smells amazing – just like you were sitting by the ocean. I don’t know much about body wash or what separates a good one form a bad one besides smell, but by going off of just smell, this one’s a winner in my book!Hair product

N.4 Lumiere d’hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect  (retail $32 for 6.7 fl. oz. bottle)

I rarely heat style my hair any more so it took me a while to end up trying this product When I leave my hair natural, I don’t comb it for days on end (it sounds gross but it’s what you’re supposed to do with curls, I swear!). Anyways, I used this before blow-drying and then curling my hair and it worked wonders. It detangled it well, reduced frizz, and provided shine. Lip and cheek stain

The Balm Stainiac lip and cheek stain (retail $17 for 0.3 oz.)

This stain is phenomonal. It only leaves a tiny hint of residue on your lips so it feels like you aren’t wearing anything at all. You don’t have to worry about this stain rubbing off either – it’s so thin and durable. I loved the color as well, but it was definitely not what it looks like exactly. It turned out to be a more of a dark rose color – less red than it appears in the bottle. Perfume

Harvey Prince Ageless perfume (retail $55 for 50 ml. bottle)

This fragrance is different than what I usually go for but I was surprised by how much I liked it. I typically chose very floral and sweet fragrances, but this one was much more refreshing and light. It made me feel like I was at the ocean – very clean and clear. peel

Real Chemistry Luminous 3-minute Peel (retail $48 for 1.7 fl. oz.)

I’m a newbie when it comes to face masks and peels, but I was so blown away by this product. As soon as you begin rubbing it on your face, it exfoliates and peels the dead skin away immediately. It was so instant it felt like magic. After I washed it all off, I felt like I had brand new baby skin! So fresh and clean! I absolutely loved this. Doing a peel like this one once a week would be so refreshing, I might have to consider investing in a bigger tube.

Beauty Fashion Lifestyle

Birthday Wishlist

birthday wishlist
birthday list
Fashion Lifestyle

Theta Winter Formal

IMG_7164

IMG_7164This past Saturday was my sorority’s winter formal. It was a absolute blast and such a special night as it was mine and my boyfriend’s first formal together. Even though we’ve been together for over two years, we’ve never been able to attend a formal together because we went to different universities. Since my transfer, we’ve been able to do so many things we couldn’t before. It’s been an incredible joy to share these things with him. We spent the night laughing and dancing – falling in love with each other all over again. It was a perfect night!

The dress I’m wearing is BY FAR my favorite dress I’ve ever owned. You can get it at The Flaunt Shop for only $60 here! Such a steal for such a gorgeous dress. I felt like a princess! I also wore my Luxy Hair extensions so that I could really feel like a mermaid. With my Jessica Simpson pumps (similar here), the look came together perfectly. My handsome boyfriend is wearing a charcoal Alfani suit and a gray/silver Calvin Klein tie.

IMG_7142IMG_7165IMG_7131This dress was asctually too perfect! I can’t wait to wear it again!

Lifestyle

Surviving Finals with The Classy South!

Surviving Finals

Surviving Finals

I’ve teamed up with Corbin from The Classy South to bring you the best finals week survival guide. She covered study tips while I focused on de-stressing techniques. Be sure to head over to her blog to check out her helpful advice!

We all know that final exams can be overwhelmingly stressful, so I figured I’d offer up some simple things you can do to relax.

Make a Check-List

Crossing items off your list is so satisfying and will keep you motivated to keep going. It will also help you plan out your time so you can manage when to study and when to schedule in breaks. For every hour of studying, schedule in fifteen to thirty minutes to relax.

Drink Water & Tea

Staying hydrated is the key to staying on focus while studying but will also improve your overall health. When you take care of your body, your mind will be at ease.

Listen to Your Favorite Music

Blast a little Sam Smith, Michael Buble, Ed Sheeran or whatever will help keep you calm and focused. Whatever your jam is, play it. It will boost your mood and you’ll probably end up singing along with a big smile on your face.

Have a Dance Party

When you just can’t hold it in any longer, let it out through a crazy dance party. Shake it off T-Swift style and you’ll instantly notice those nerves vanishing.

Take a Hot Bath/Shower

When you’re stressed, your muscles become tense and knotted. Feel the stress melting away in a nice hot bath or shower.

Work Out

Exercise releases endorphins which will boost your energy and mood. It’s one of the best things you can do for your mind and body.

Bake Cookies

Sometimes you have to indulge a little bit when you’re stressed beyond belief. Nibble on some cookie dough, get some studying in while they bake, and then savor every bite while your worries drift away.

Hug it Out

There’s nothing better when you’re stressed out than a huge embrace from a loved one. There is so much emotional comfort found in physical touch.

This Positively

One grade is not (most likely) going to change your life. For the most part, you already know what you know. You’ve worked all semester learning this stuff. If you think you’re going to do well, you’re more likely to do well. Remember that life exists beyond school and there are far more important things in life than grades. And above all, know that you are amazing and brilliant, no matter what happens.

Look at Pictures of Cute Animals

When all else fails, look at baby puppies. I did you not, looking at pictures of cute animals is scientifically proven to improve your mood and reduce stress. To get you jump started, here’s some pictures of mine and my boyfriend’s puppy, Darwin.

 

Beauty Fashion

Christmas Wishlist

christmas wish list
Untitled #63

1989 by Taylor Swift CD – Target | Zara Blanket Scarf  | Kate Spade “cedar street – maise” Satchel | Kate Spade “Break the Ice” Tumbler | Steve Madden Raspy Platform Bootie | Viva La Jewels Tear Crystal Chandelier Earrings | Hunter Boot Welly Socks | Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette | Brandy Melville Luana Top | Kate Spade Ballpoint Pens | UGG Australia Dakota Slipper | J. McLaughlin Sailcloth Duffle | Canon EOS Rebel T3i Camera

Happy December everybody! I started my Christmas gift shopping about a week ago and will hopefully finish it all by the end of today with all of the amazing Cyber Monday deals. I finally pulled together my own personal Christmas wishlist – I hope you enjoy it! The biggest thing on my list is the Canon Rebel T3i camera since I really need a new camera to step up the quality of my photos for the blog. Crossing my fingers Santa pulls through this year!

What’s on your Christmas list? Let me know in the comments below!

Fashion

Ten Dazzling Holiday Dresses

ten dazzling holiday dresses

dazzling holiday dresses titleAll eyes will be on you this holiday season when you strut into the room in one of these stunning dresses from Nordstrom, Tobi, Charlotte Russe, and Forever21.

Between the endless holiday parties, New Years Eve, family gatherings, and festive nights on the town, there are so many occasions to get dolled up this winter. I’ve pulled together some of my favorite stunning dresses that will be sure to make everybody envious of your drop-dead-gorgeous style. (Pssst…can you guess which one I bought for my winter formal?)

I want to hear from you, my fabulous readers, what your favorite holiday trends are. Sound off in the comments below!

Also, don’t forget that you can now shop my Instagram feed! That’s right, by signing up with LIKEtoKNOW.it, you can get product details in each post delivered directly to your email inbox. Signing up takes two seconds and it will make shopping so much better! Follow your favorite fashionistas (and me of course) and shop their looks just by clicking “like.” You won’t regret it, I promise! Dazzling Holiday Dresses

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

 

Fashion

Five Coats You Need This Winter

5 coats you need this winter

Five coats you need this winterWinter came in full-force the past few days for most of us. To help you brave the cold, I’ve pulled together five essential coats you will want this holiday season. Bonus: they’re ALL under $150!

The Leather | The Utility | The Fur | The Parka | The Peacoat

 

Lifestyle

Six Books Every Undergraduate Woman Needs to Read

six books

five books

1. Bossypants by Tina Fey

Tina Fey’s memoir will make you laugh out loud and question her sanity. Just kidding about that last part – you will realize (if you haven’t already) what a complete genius she is. Be inspired by her resilience, humble beginnings, and secrets to success, all in Tina’s witty, raw voice.

2. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham

There’s no question that Lena Dunham is known for her refreshing and honest voice. This collection of her essays shed light on her struggles and triumphs both professionally and personally. Her stories are hilarious, heartbreaking, cringe-worthy, and above all, ones we can all relate to.

3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling’s memoir is honest and hilarious. She walks readers through every step of her life – goofy pictures of her younger self included. You will feel like Mindy’s best friend after reading this.

4. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg

More serious than the rest of the books on this list, Lean In focuses on professionalism and success in the workplace. This book has given me personally so many tools that I have used already in the workplace. It will give readers tangible and concrete strategies to implement while climbing up to the career of your dreams.

5. Yes Please by Amy Poehler

The long-awaited memoir by Amy Poehler will leave you with your sides aching from laughter. Amy’s wise words permiate these pages and wind themselves through stories, lists, pictures, and even poetry.

6. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

This is also on the more serious side as Sophia Amoruso – the CEO of Nasty Gal – discusses her road to success. Be inspired creatively, intellectually, spiritually, and professionally by her story. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, feminism, fashion, business, or just kicking ass in general, this is a read for you.