The Twenties Girls Has Moved!

Hi everyone! The Twenties Girl has now moved to Wordpress, and I'm blogging under a new name. Please follow my new blog, The 219.

Thank you and happy Friday!!

Dots

J. Crew dress | Nine West heels | Coach wristlet | Vogue Sunglasses | Loft Necklace | Nicole Miller bracelet

 

 

 

 

 

It's not very often I have the opportunity to dress up in girly dresses and enjoy the sunshine. My week days are usually spent in work attire (pencil skirts, heels, blazers, etc.) followed by gym clothes after work, and by the time weekends roll around, I just want to be in a tshirt and jeans. I decided to break out of my comfy clothes and wear this cute, feminine dress to church this morning. I love how the dress is kind of a neutral palate - I can add various colors and patterns to totally change up my look, pair it with a cardigan and heels for a dressier vibe, and tone it down with a denim jacket and flats.

 

Product Review

A typical trip to Sephora involves going in for something specific, not buying it, and leaving the store with about 5 other products. I have been wanting to find the perfect nude lipstick or a couple months now, but I can't seem to find a shade that suits me best. I have a fair complexion, and I don't think nude lips work that well with my skin tone. I did find a lipstick I absolutely adore, even though it's not the shade I was looking for. I'll tell you about it in a bit.

My makeup routine is pretty much the same everyday, but I have been experimenting with new products and am trying to find the perfect ones for my skin. I'm pleased to say that the new products I have tried really have great, lasting effects! I thought I'd share my opinions of the following products because I am really happy I tried them!

Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter - $30

 I have never used an actual highlighter before. I have always swept a shimmery light-colored eye shadow around my cheekbones, and until now, was satisfied with it. I really like how easy the Benefit Watt's Up! Highlighter is to apply. You just sweep it on and blend it in with your finger. How much easier could it be?! I also love this highlighter because it's the color of my skin, so it adds just the right amount of shimmer and light to my face. I definitely recommend it!

bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer - Brightening - $23

Believe it or not, I have never used a primer either! Because I go through phases of liking and hating my foundation (and end up trying all sorts of different ones), I thought I'd give primer a try. The problem I have with foundation is that it never seems to be enough - no matter how much I put on, I still have uneven red spots and it is worn off by the evening. Instead of buying even more foundation, I thought primer might be the answer to evening out my skin without caking on makeup. I absolutely LOVE this primer. It added a nice hint of highlighter to my face, which made me appear more alert and brighter. It also created a really great slate for applying foundation, concealer, powder, bronzer, blush, and highlighter. My makeup lasted all day, and I could not have been happier with the results!

bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Nigh Serum - $50

Even though I'm in my early 20s and have been blessed with a good complexion, I have been really trying to take care of my skin and take all preventative measures as possible. I always use a night cream with retinol to prevent wrinkles, but I wanted to take my nightly skin care routine to the next level. The bareMinerals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum left my skin feeling hydrated and soft in the morning. My face was a tad on the greasy side when I woke up, but I just rinsed my face off and that took care of it! My face sees a lot of makeup during the day, so it's only fair that I treat it right at night! So far I really like this serum, so I am going to keep using it to see if I notice lasting effects.

Too Faced La Crème in "I Want Candy" - $21

I am a lipstick fanatic. I firmly believe that a great shade of lipstick and a pair of heels can make any girl's day brighter! I am so happy I discovered the new Too Faced La Crème lipstick. My usual lipstick routine consists of exfoliating my lips, putting on a layer of Chapstick and then the lipstick. Even though I still like to exfoliate my lips before putting on lipstick (exfoliating removes dead skin and ensures a smooth application), there is no need for a layer of Chapstick before the lipstick. So not only is it moisturizing, but the color is amazing and lasts for hours! I even wore this lipstick today while I was at the gym (yes, I wear lipstick to the gym!) and it lasted throughout my workout. I will definitely be adding different shades of La Crème to my lipstick collection! 

The Basic Cupcake: Chocolate & Vanilla

I promised my co-workers I would make them cupcakes last weekend, so I quickly whipped up a batch of my favorite chocolate recipe. It's a really easy recipe to follow, and I love that it uses water to add to the moistness of the cake. As for the vanilla buttercream, I usually don't use a recipe unless I'm trying something different. I have made buttercream frosting so many times I know it like the back of my hand! I typically use a pastry bag and metal tip to frost my cupcakes (I don't know the size off-hand) and always like to top them off with sprinkles! Half of the sprinkles intended for the cupcakes usually don't make it that far - I  end up eating them - so I have learned to decorate sparingly :)

Here's the recipe I used to make the cupcakes. It's a mint chocolate cake recipe, but I have never followed through with the "mint" part of it. I've included it in the recipe in case anyone wants to make mint chocolate cupcakes (If you do, please let me know how they turn out!) You can find the original recipe here.

// Mint Chocolate Cupcakes //

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2 large eggs

3/4 cup warm water

3/4 cup buttermilk

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

48 Andes® Mints, divided use

// Directions //
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside.

Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. 

Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Using a large scoop (about 3 tablespoons), divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Gently press one Andes Mint slightly into the surface of each cupcake. Take care to spread the batter over each mint. Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until tops spring back when touched.

Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

**note: I baked mine for 17 minutes and they turned out perfect. Also, I added about 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

// Vanilla Buttercream //

Since I didn't follow a recipe for my buttercream, I have provided links to a couple different recipes that are similar to what I use!

Simple Vanilla Buttercream

Vanilla Buttercream

Billy's Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Vanilla Buttercream

**note: my secret ingredient is about 2 tablespoons of corn syrup. It gives frosting a rich, creamy texture.

The Perfect Mix

J.Crew Shirt | Limited Skirt - similar here | Cosmopolitan Wedges - similar here | Necklace purchased here

I work in a casual office but still try to wear a skirt and heels during the week. I like this look because it combines the perfect mix of a couple different elements - my shirt is very casual but my shoes and skirt dress it up. I've been trying to come up with different ways to style my pencil skirts, and I definitely like the casual/dressy mix and unexpected color combination. I refuse to be a white shirt/black skirt, one-dimensional, creativity-lacking employee, so I might as well have fun with my clothes!

Weekend DIY

 

// BEFORE //

 

 

 

 

// AFTER //

 

 

 

 

// BEFORE // AFTER //

 



 

 

When I decided to redo my bedroom, I turned to Pinterest for inspiration (follow me here!) I like the way small details around a room really bring everything together, so I decided to finally put some of my pins into action. (I'm sure I am not alone in saying that once something is pinned, I completely forget about it!) I bought the little animals at a dollar store for $2. As for paint, you can use whatever color you want, but my room is purple and grey, so I decided to go with chrome (I used Krylon). After my 40% off coupon at Michael's, the paint was around $4. The pears also came from Michael's, and I used a 15% off teacher's discount (thanks, Mom!) and they came to about $6. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome - it was fast, really easy, and only $12!

 

When I told my boyfriend that today's plans involved spray painting tiny animals and pears, he looked at me with the "I think you're crazy but I still love you" look. Thankfully he tolerates my spontaneous crafting and compliments me when I'm done!

Cold Weather Accessories

 

Limited Coat - similar here | H&M Scarf | Coach Gloves - similar here | Cosmopolitan Heels | H&M Blouse - similar here | Merona Skirt | Vogue Sunglasses | F21 Necklace - similar here | Bracelet - purchased here

 

 

 

Aside from an excuse to visit Starbucks on a daily basis, there are only a few things I like about winter. In addition to a daily latte, I like accessorizing for cold weather, and I always feel kind of chic when I wear my pink gloves. My sister Sarah (check out her blog here) made all the girls in our family cute knitted headbands for Christmas, and my pink headband goes perfectly with my coat and gloves! I really love it because I can wear it to and from work, on shopping trips, and out to lunch without messing up my hair. I always get tons of compliments on it too, so thanks Sarah! :)

 

Words of Wisdom

 

 Exactly.

Snow Day

Apt 9 Blazer | Bandolino Shirt | Kut Denim | Banana Republic Booties - similar here | Vogue Sunglasses | Coach Wallet - similar here

 

 

 

Today marks the first official first snowfall of the season! I had planned on wearing a skirt and heels to work today, but opted for something a bit warmer due to the sudden snowfall. I picked up these Banana Republic booties last weekend and couldn't be happier with them! They are easy to walk in, comfortable, and warm enough to wear on a snowy, cold day. I try not to repeat clothing or shoes during the week (yes, I'm that obsessive!) but couldn't resist wearing my boots twice in the same week!

Floral Blazer

LC Lauren Conrad Blazer | Jella Couture Blouse | MNG by Mango Jeans | Dana Buchman Heels | Coach Purse | Pandora Bracelet

Welcome back, Twenties Girl readers! It's been about half a year, and I have decided to start blogging again. After my last post on the 4th of July, I had an unexpected trip to the ER that landed me in surgery. It set me back for about 2 weeks, and I was so far behind on my blog that I lost track of things. When school started back up in August, I was so busy with making it to class on time and writing papers that I had no time to document my wardrobe. But now that I have graduated and have begun my new career, I thought it was time to start blogging again. I've been trying to add more work-appropriate pieces to my closet while staying fresh and on-trend. I work in a very casual office, but I still like to wear skirts and heels on a daily basis :) There's just something about a great pair of heels and lipstick that make me feel chic, polished, and put together!

Patriotic

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Shorts: Banana Republic Factory {similar here} | Shoes: G by Guess | Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Reaction | Purse: Vera Pelle {purchased in Italy} | Watch: XOXO | Bracelet: purchased in Germany {gift from my friend Helen} | Necklace: Montana Silversmiths

Today is probably the only day I can get away with wearing the patriotic ensemble of red, white, and blue from head to toe. It was sinfully hot (it's been horribly humid and warm all week) so I opted for minimal jewelry, shorts, and a sleeveless blouse.

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing 4th of July! Thanks for reading!

Mint & Cobalt

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Pants: Banana Republic Factory {similar here} | Purse: Aldo {gift from Jake. Similar here & here} | Shoes: Kenneth Cole {similar here} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Necklace: Vintage | Watch: XOXO | Bracelets: H&M

This summer has been anything but slow paced. The majority of my time during the week is spent at work (the days fly by!) so my weekends are dedicated to everything I didn't have a chance to do earlier in the week.

My weekends are also dedicated to spending time with my family and boyfriend. Last night Jake and I saw Ted with friends, and tonight we went out for frozen yogurt. (I'm a huge cupcake fan and was really excited to eat pink cupcake flavored yogurt. So delicious!) 

Anyway, I was also really excited when I picked up this mint blouse last weekend. (My weekends are also spent shopping with my mom!) Since it's such a popular color this season, I thought it was about time I added it into my wardrobe.  I love how the mint really pops against the cobalt pants. 

Thanks for reading!!

Blush Blazer

Blouse: Worthington | Skirt: LOFT Outlet | Blazer: F21 | Shoes: Kenneth Cole | Purse: Nila Anthony | Sunnies: 5 Below |Watch: XOXO

I bought this blazer a couple days ago at Forever 21, and I'm really pleased with the style and fit. It can easily dress up an outfit but can also be worn as a casual accessory with jeans. I wore this on Thursday when temperatures reached 100 degrees in Chicago, so this blazer was only worn inside the office!

Thanks for reading!!

Pop of Color

Blouse: Banana Republic Factory | Skirt: Banana Republic Factory | Sandals: Mossimo | Bag: Nila Anthony | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Necklace: Rue 21 | Bracelets: JCP & Target | Watch: XOXO

I love how color can cheer up even the most plain striped shirts! I wore this outfit yesterday to work, and my friend was kind enough to snap a quick photo of me before we headed downtown to go shopping later in the evening.

Thanks for reading!!

Vanilla Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Frosting

I made these tasty little cakes last Sunday for Father's Day.  Since my dad is more of a vanilla guy, I decided to make a batch of my family's favorite vanilla cupcakes.

My dad recently bought me a new cupcake recipe book (I think it's his way of asking me to make more cupcakes!) with a bunch of recipes I have never made before.  The first recipe I decided to try from my new book was a honey lavender frosting.  It was absolutely delicious, and I will definitely make it again!

Thanks for reading!!

Vanilla Cupcakes (found here)

• 1 3/4 C cake flour, not self-rising
• 1 1/4 C unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 C sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 C (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 1 C whole milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp vanilla lavender sugar (purchased here)
• 
  
• 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
• 
  
• 2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat. 
• 
  
• 3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
• 
  
• 4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, frost with honey lavender frosting.

 

Honey Frosting (found here)

1/2 C (1 stick) butter, softened

8 oz. cream cheese, softened (1 package)

1/2 C honey

5-7 C powdered sugar

Fresh lavender

Vanilla lavender sugar (purchased here)

1. Beat first 4 ingredients at medium speed with a mixer until creamy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at a low speed until blended. Beat at high speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Makes 3 cups.

Lavender Brittle (found here)

Cooking spray

1/2 C sugar

1/4 C water

1 tsp lavender

1. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil; coat with cooking spray.

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves. Cook 4 minutes or until golden. (Do not stir). Remove from heat; carefully stir in lavender. Rapidly spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet. Cool completely; break into pieces. Makes 1/2 C.

Black, White & Coral

Blouse: The Limited {old} | Skirt: J.Crew Factory | Shoes: Merona | Clutch: Club Monaco {thrifted - $5!} | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from Jake} | Watch: Fossil {gift from Jake} | Earrings: purchased at Juniper | Bangles: F21

It's been a while! My weekdays have been really busy with work, so I'm just now getting around to posting pictures.

Today was the perfect day - it was sunny and 80 degrees, I rode my horse, saw a movie with my parents, and hung out with my family. Since the weather was so nice, I chose to wear my new(ish) J.Crew mini skirt and a sleeveless blouse I bought from The Limited a couple years ago. I love this outfit because I've jazzed up a black and white shirt with fun colors and prints - yellow shoes, coral skirt, green earrings, and a snakeskin clutch.

Thanks for reading!!

Leopard Shift Dress

Dress: thrifted {$12!) | Shoes: Nine West | Sunnies: Vogue {gift from my boyfriend} | Necklace: F21 | Bracelets: F21 | Cuff: H&M

My friend and I went to a thrift store in Lincoln Park on Thursday.  We didn't have much time to shop, but I luckily stumbled upon this shift dress.  It's so comfortable and versatile - I can't wait to figure out other ways to style it!

Thanks for reading!!