After the end of a grueling month of p-sets, essays, and juggling who knows how many other responsibilities and obligations, MODA Blog brings you a refreshing list of favorites from our bloggers and photographers to fill you with inspiration and energy for the next month.
Read MoreMODA Blog Favorites: January 2018
After the end of a grueling month of p-sets, essays, and juggling who knows how many other responsibilities and obligations, MODA Blog brings you a refreshing list of favorites from our bloggers and photographers to fill you with inspiration and energy for the next month.
Olivia
Call Me By Your Name (the book not the movie!!)
Call Me By Your Name was undoubtedly one of my favorite movies from last year, and I think it's in part because I decided to stay true to the source material and read the novel before I saw the film in theaters. While Luca Guadagnino's interpretation of the work is stunning and draws incredible strength from Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer's chemistry and raw performances, André Aciman's writing is simply riveting and so poetic. It is truly one of the most beautiful novels I've ever read, and Aciman's lyrical writing style rivals those of other literary giants like Ian McEwan, Haruki Murakami and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Trader Joe's ends & pieces
I realize there are bigger fish to fry, but can I just take a moment to give Trader Joe's ends & pieces a shoutout. It's essentially a bag of leftovers corners from the fruit bars they make, but let me tell you these are so amazing and delicious and the perfect "healthy" snack. I found out recently that these are a seasonal product (which is honestly rude... give the people what they want, Trader Joe's!!!), so whenever you see them at TJs you must stockpile at all costs.
Glossier mint balm dotcom
This winter hasn't been as bad as ones in the past, but you can still run the risk of dry skin and chapped lips. While a lot of Glossier's skincare products are iffy, their lip balms are actually pretty great. I use mine as a lip salve at night and it's quickly become my go to lip balm (even over tried and true loves like Burts Bees and Mongo Kiss chapstick).
Olinka
First Aid Beauty Skincare
I hate a lot of things about winter, but the thing I definetely hate most is the impact the harsh dry weather does to my skin. A few weeks of walking around campus in the bitter cold made my already-dry-skin even dryer. My skin savior has been First Aid Beauty Skincare, especially their sensitve-skin-friendly Face Cleanser and their Ultra Repair Instense Hydration Cream. Since using these products, my skin has gone from a red, flaky, mess to smooth and supple.
Moleskine Notebooks
Ever since coming to campus, I've started religiously using Moleskine notebooks for all of my notebook needs. Even though they're more expensive than regular spiral notebooks, the quality is worth it, especially since I rarely fill regular notebooks. I like to use their Cahier Notebooks for notes, their Classic Notebook for journaling, and their 12 Month Daily Planner to schedule out my life.
LÄRABARs
One of my goals this year has been to eat breakfast every morning. For someone who's a chronic oversleeper like me, it can be really tricky to make it to the dining hall in the midst of rushing to class. Whenever i'm running late, I just grab a LARABAR and eat it while I'm walking to class. Despite only being made from a few simple igredients (with no added sugar!), these are super tasty and come in a variety of favors.
Yeju
Living Proof Restore Collection
My hair has braved through endless curling, straightening, and dyeing throughout this year thanks to my inability to commit to a certain hairstyle. Sadly enough, the effects started showing with split ends, breakage, and a generally unkempt look that might've fit my mood for finals week. But over break, I decided to experiment with Living Proof's Restore line (since I already love their Perfect Hair Day collection) and I don't think I'm turning back. Since I started using the shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in cream, my hair has become softer, shinier, and more manageable in general. Its appearance is less frizzy and also doesn't get static-ridden in this dry, windy sweater season.
Check out the sampler trio here
L'Occitane Hand Cream
Bless my mother's soul for gifting me this because it's the only thing keeping my hands from flaking in this merciless cold weather. I've always been a bit skeptical with hand creams because my hands just aren't soft, but this one does the job. It doesn't feel greasy or stay on the top layer of your palms. Not only are my hands noticeably softer, but they also smell like heaven in a bottle. Grab yourself a tube or two. There's a small store in Lincoln Park that you could check out, but Sephora and L'Occitane's websites also have an extensive line of scents and different intensities of moisturizing effect.
Brandless Chocolate Chip Cookies
I've made it a New Years Resolution to not leave my apartment when necessary because it's cold. Now that I can order bags of chocolate chip cookies through Brandless and munch on them while reading for my next discussion, life is 100% better. Discovering Brandless not only saves you money from buying overpriced brand-name snacks, the taste rivals the simplicity of the packaging and company's mission.
Kardelen
L'Oreal Lash Primer
This month I bring you my favorites, all of which hail from the beauty aisle at Target. Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes made the recommendation of this primer- and it works. It does its job beautifully with my other new favorite mascara- MAC's False Lashes.
Ponds Cold Cream
Hot take- Neutrogena makeup remover wipes can be alarmingly drying, especially in the winter, and don't always remove stubborn mascara and eye makeup as well as I'd prefer. I picked up a jar of this cold cream at Target and noticed instantly that it works beautifully to remove all traces of makeup as well as to keep my skin hydrated.
Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation
I picked up a bottle of this in the summer because I had run out of foundation, but set it aside in favor of another one. I rediscovered this and am absolutely in love with it, as it sets beautifully and doesn't get too separated during the day. A cult favorite of YouTubers and laymen alike, this can be found in any drugstore with an impressive range of colors.
Images via ulta.com
What have you been loving this month? MODA Blog wants to know (our bloggers and readers are always seeking new inspiration and cool things to try out!).
Featured image via Kathryn Hicks.
Feeds to Follow: Paris in Four Months
Paris based fashion photographer Carin Olsson runs a fashion, travel and photography blog and Instagram account that documents her adventures around the world. Whether she's collaborating with brands like Dior on their latest beauty campaign, attending Paris Fashion Week or shooting in the most beautiful and remote locations, Carin has made a name for herself in the fashion industry for her dreamy, beautifully staged photographs.
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Carin's blog also doubles as a wonderful guidebook for some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Whether she's sharing with followers her favorite café in Paris, stopping by the best London boutiques or flying back home to Stockholm for the weekend, a quick scroll through Paris in Four Months provides readers with an incomparable glimpse into the best and brightest cities around the world have to offer!
12.2k Likes, 135 Comments - Carin Olsson (@parisinfourmonths) on Instagram: "Memories from last week in Antibes and Cannes for the film festival ✨"
8,157 Likes, 75 Comments - Carin Olsson (@parisinfourmonths) on Instagram: "So out of my comfort zone while filming together with @Diorparfums in the middle of a field (in..."
Carin's blog, Paris in Four Months, documents her most exciting adventures, taking readers everywhere from the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic in New York City to the Chanel in Cuba show several seasons back. Her blog features a colorful collage detailing her outfits, behind-the-scenes footage of fashion shows, racks upon racks of couture at designer showings, and more! Check out Paris in Four Months to keep up with Carin's latest adventures!
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Feature image via
MODA Blog Favorites: November 2017
After the end of a grueling month of p-sets, essays, and juggling who knows how many other responsibilities and obligations, MODA Blog brings you a refreshing list of favorites from our bloggers and photographers from this November 2017 to fill you with inspiration and energy for the next month.
Read MoreFeeds to Follow: @maryljean
Ever dreamt of spending your days wandering through leafy neighborhoods in Europe, documenting your travels and enviable sense of style through grainy film edits? Well, Mary L Jean (@maryljean on Instagram) is living that dream.
The young fashion, travel and lifestyle blogger has a growing follower base (100k and counting) and documents her adventures both on Instagram as well as on her blog Laces & Places. Mary (who's still in high school!) is a native to Switzerland, but her travels frequently take her all over Europe and beyond. A quick scroll through her most recent posts racks up location tags in London and Tuscany, to name a few. Check out the gallery below for a few of our favorite photos and don't forget to follow Mary on Instagram.
Feature image and all other images via @maryljean.
You Are "Good Enough"
YouTube has revolutionized the modern creator. No longer is the norm to stardom and international fame through the traditional means of auditions and mainstream Hollywood, but through a webcam and thousands of "subscribers" that check into a digital platform weekly. This innovative and personal relationship between the creator and subscriber has launched many careers, including vlogger and viner Nathan Zed. Known for satirizing celebrities and pop culture, Nathan has accumulated over 450,000 subscribers over the past six years.
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Many YouTubers extend their brand beyond their YouTube personality and try to extend into other entrepreneurial fields such as movies, music, sponsorships, and most popular: merchandise. Nathan Zed is no different, and encouraged by the need to uplift those who feel they are not good enough at anything. Detailed in one of his most well-received videos, he discusses the need to compare yourself to others and feel immeasurable and wants to turn this concept on its. Continuing this, he created another video discussing his merchandise line named "GOOD ENOUGH" in the hopes of making himself, and in turn others, feel good. Promoting mental health awareness, especially in a community of color, Zed chooses to feature a diverse group of models and fans to showcase his line of clothing and remind everyone that they don't need to prove their worth to anyone. From Kehlani to John Green, his clothes have become a trademark and reminds everyone that they are good enough.
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Blogger's Day in The Life: Kathryn
I've always found myself in an odd mix of skepticism and inspiration by the classic college promotion advertisement of "What Our Student's Do In A Day" - often too good to be true (read: do you really have time for yoga three times a week while taking honors analysis? These are the questions I'd like an answer to UChicago Administration!) yet often provocative of a lust for the glory of time management. In the spirit of breaking these mixed feelings, I've decided to embark on a journey of showcasing some of our blogger's daily schedules - whether they will be mundane (as mine), artistically inspiring, or spurn light-class-load envy is yet to be decided.
Read MoreFeeds to Follow: @CarmenGraceHamilton
Carmen Hamilton (founder of the blog Chronicles of Her) combines laid-back, cool girl vibes with staples of classic dressing and a certain vintage flair. With her endless and enviable collection of graphic tees, the blogger and editor can always be spotted brunching and globe trotting in a pair of signature sunnies and with plenty of attitude.
Follow Carmen and Chronicles of Her on Instagram to discover all the brands you never knew you needed in your closet and for a lifetime of outfit inspiration.
4,205 Likes, 57 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram: "Waitin' on that Bloody Mary 🌶🍅"
6,101 Likes, 47 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram: "8 things we're wearing on repeat (and think you will too) up on @chroniclesofher_ 👀 Link in my bio."
4,736 Likes, 83 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram
4,470 Likes, 55 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram: "@lucillagray"
9,260 Likes, 121 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram: "Tea + me + @wedgwoodau 🙃 #Arris"
4,781 Likes, 51 Comments - CARMEN HAMILTON (@carmengracehamilton) on Instagram: "This is a picture of me wearing a tee and some jeans @tommyhilfiger #TOMMYxGIGI. Read my tips for..."
Feature image via