Lipstick, Louboutins & Lemon Drops

Shopbop Friends & Family: Top 10

2014-10-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Shopbop Friends & Family Sale is here! It was hard to narrow down my top ten picks, but I couldn't resist these Fall basics. Don't miss 25% off site-wide until Thursday 10/16! All you have to do is use the code: FAMILY25

3 Bloggers//Fall Transitions

2014-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fall= plaid, plaid, and more plaid for me. I have a bit of an obsession with flannel shirts, because you style them in so many different ways. Skinny jeans, a leather skirt, layered under a leather jacket, you name it! I just recently picked this one up, and I plan on never taking it off because it is so soft. Layered underneath this light sweater, and it's the perfect Fall outfit. Layering is key for the upcoming months because I could walk out the door in 50 degree weather, and later it will be 75 degrees. How do you transition into Fall? P.S. Make sure to stop by Dear Serendipity and Adored by Alex to see how those ladies transition into Fall! xx

Velvet by Graham & Spencer plaid shirt//Velvet by Graham & Spencer pullover sweater//J Brand jeans//J. Crew flats (on sale!)//Michael Kors watch (similar)//Hermés Garden Party tote//

P.S. Excuse the bags under my eyes, these pictures were taken mid-studying for my Organic Chemistry test today. Yikes!

Black Maxi

2014-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Maxi dress//J.Crew pearls//J. Brand denim jacket//Joie sandals//Ray Ban sunglasses//Hermés watch//Prada handbag//

I am seriously going to miss my maxi dresses when I have to put them away for Fall. I live in them (I have this dress in two colors!) It is so easy to dress them up or down for running errands or going out for drinks. I love to add a denim jacket over them because I get cold everywhere I go (even if it is 105 out). Does anyone else live in maxi dresses like I do?

Fall Basics

2014-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Theory blouse//Current/Elliott boyfriend jeans//Valentino rock stud flats//Gigi New York clutch//Michael Kors watch//Bangles//Ray Ban sunglasses//

When I put this outfit together, I was having one of those i hate my closet moments. Trying to transition into my fall wardrobe has been pretty difficult considering it it is still 105° here (yikes!) Boyfriend jeans, basic tees and fun flats will have to suffice until I can pull out my leather jackets, boots, and chunky sweaters. My look is normally pretty casual, as I rotate between these jeans or my trusty Jbrand skinny's. Do you have any fall basics that you reach towards?

Watercolor Dress

2014-09-03T08:52:00.002-07:00

Zara dress//Sam Edelman sandals//Prada handbag//Ray Ban sunglasses//Michael Kors watch//Hermés bangle

Even though summer is "technically" over, Fall has not made its way here in Arizona. I swear it is never going to get cool, which is why flowy dresses like this one have been on repeat for me. I am so happy that this week is a short one. For some reason, I cannot motivate myself this week! Yesterday, instead of tackling my to-do list, Brad and I watched four episodes of Game of Thrones. We finished the series, and I am seriously sad that we have to wait until April for the next season. Should we start Breaking Bad or House of Cards next? Have a great rest of your week! xx

A Shirt with a Story

2014-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Burberry Shirt//Citizens of Humanity jeans//Joie sandals//3.1 Phillip Lim handbag//Ray Ban sunglasses//Hermés watch + bangle

I love a shirt that has a story. My freshman year at SMU, my parent's were in town for parent's weekend. The particular football game was a "Red Out" and we took it very seriously. Of course, I waited until the last minute to find something to wear and looked in my closet and found nothing that was red (that was acceptable for an SMU football game). Panicking, we jumped in the car and headed to the mall. Well, because every SMU girl was looking for something red to wear to the game, they had nothing. That is until my Dad picked this shirt up. I was hesitant at first, but was so desperate for something to wear to the tailgate that started in 30 minutes, that we ended up getting it. Now, every time I wear this shirt, I think of my Dad, which makes it even more special. Happy Labor Day, make sure to see my roundup of all the good sales going on! xx

I am really going to miss wearing my white jeans. I may just have to be rebellious and break the "No White after Labor Day" rule this year. Sometimes I can't resist pulling them out mid-winter with a chunky sweater and black boots! Are you a rule breaker when it comes to this?

2014 Labor Day Sales

2014-08-29T16:46:00.002-07:00

Can you believe that it is already Labor Day? I feel like after this holiday, time flies and before we know it, it will be Christmas! I've rounded up the best sales around the web, so start shopping! I hope you have a great holiday weekend! xx

Anthropologie: Extra 20% off sale items ends 9/1

Baublebar: 50% off jewelry styles ends 9/1

C. Wonder: 30% off full price items + additional 50% off sale items

Gigi New York: Free shipping & free personalization on $75+ orders ends 9/2

Other great sales:

Gap: Up to 40% off ends 9/1

J.Crew: 40% off final sale + free shipping on orders over $100 (free shipping on all orders on Labor Day) 8/29-8/31. Code: WEEKEND

Joie: New items added to sale

Kendra Scott: 15% off sitewide + free shipping ends 9/1 at midnight. Code: 2014LDW

Nasty Gal: More than 60% off

Nordstrom: 40% off mens, womens, juniors, kids, home & gifts ends 9/7

Waiting on Martha: 20% off everything ends 9/1. Code: SOLONGSUMMER

Image via

Hair Favorites

2014-08-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie, I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to products. Hair products, beauty products, skin products, you name it. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites. If you haven't tried "it's a 10" then you need to get on that (asap). I use the leave-in product when I want to straighten my hair. It makes it look so silky! When I had longer hair, it would get pretty knotty after a day at the pool, so I came to love the Bumble and Bumble tonic lotion, which gets out nasty tangles and also leaves your hair feeling soft. When I am rushing out the door and want to air dry my hair, I go for the Mai Tai spritzer (I personally like it better than Bumble's surf spray). It smells so good and creates the perfect "beachy waves." I am definitely guilty of not washing my hair every day (after hearing you aren't supposed to, I definitely was excited). Insert: Dove's dry shampoo- it's a lifesaver. Lastly, I always use my Hot Toddy heat protector when I plan on drying/straightening/curling my hair. Do you have any favorite hair products? I would love to hear! xx

Sunday Funday

2014-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Urban Outfitters headband (similar)//Ray Ban sunglasses//Maxi dress//Jack Rogers sandals//Farmer's Market tote (similar)//Michael Kors watch//Chan Luu bracelet//J.Crew pavé bracelet//

This weekend was a quiet one, which was much needed with school just starting back up. Brad and I took a cooking class at Sur La Table, which was so fun. If you haven't taken a cooking class there before, I highly recommend. It makes me wish I had gone to culinary school! On Sunday we beat bopped around dowtown Phoenix, which is usually our go-to Sunday activity. I love exploring new restaurants and neighborhoods down there. This maxi is one of my favorites, and it's on major sale (I just ordered the black!) I hope you have a great week!

Back to School Essentials

2014-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

iPhone charger//Tory Burch card case//poppin starter set//Marc by Marc Jacobs tote//Jonathan Adler pens//bkr water bottle/Rifle Paper Co. notepad//FRENDS Headphones//Sneakers//Rifle Paper Co. card//Kate Spade New York planner

Where did the summer go? It totally flew by, I can't believe I start back up at school on Wednesday! The best part about going back to school is of course, shopping for school supplies. Year after year, I tell myself I need new supplies, when clearly I don't. Bright accessories, fun pens, and a cute book bag all make going back to school just a little bit better.

Tweed + Studs

2014-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Taylor tweed jacket//T by Alexander Wang tshirt//Banana Republic pencil skirt//Nicholas sandals//Chanel handbag//Hermés watch + bracelet//

Guys, I am seriously in love with this little tweed jacket (with studs!) I was hesitant on what I would wear with it and how often I would actually wear it, and now I throw it on over everything. I guess it helps that a good chunk of my closet is black. The studs add an edgy touch to the tweed that I seriously love. I am already so excited to wear this tweed blazer I snagged at the Anniversary Sale. Rebecca Taylor, you have done it again.

Summer Date Night

2014-08-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

Alice + Olivia top (similar)//Citizens of Humanity jeans//Joie sandals//Gigi New York clutch//Michael Kors watch//Ray Ban sunglasses//

Brad and I try to have a date night at least once a week, I think it is so important to spend time together even when our schedules are hectic. New restaurants are always popping up here, so we have a lot of fun trying new places. White jeans are normally my go-to because they are so easy to dress up or down if we decide to go somewhere else after dinner. This Alice + Olivia blouse has gone through so many closet purges, it is too perfect to give away! The one shoulder makes it feel a little sexy without bearing too much skin. This dress is really similar to my top, and I might just have to have it--the draping is gorgeous! Do you have a go-to summer date night outfit?

Currently Coveting: 8.11.14

2014-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! This week's Currently Coveting post has me so excited for Fall. Unfortunately, it's not coming any time soon, so for now I can just shop! I love this Claire Vivier clutch, it can easily be transitioned from jeans and a sweater to dinner and drinks at night. And that YSL clutch...swoon! Have a great week! Unfortunately, it's my last week of summer, so I am soaking in every minute of it. xx

Shop the post:

Summer Fruit Tart

2014-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

Nothing screams summer more than a fresh fruit tart, right?! I made this with my little cousin and it was seriously good. We cheated and bought a pre-made pie crust, but it was still delicious! Next time, I am going to try and make the crust by hand and also layer the custard filling with fruit in the middle.

Summer FRUIT TART

adapted from The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Crust

1 1/4 C flour

3 T sugar

1/2 t salt

8 T unsalted butter

3-4 T ice water

Custard Filling

3 extra large egg yolks at room temperature

6 T sugar

1 1/2 T cornstarch

1 C milk

1 T unsalted butter

1 T heavy cream

1/2 t cognac or brandy (or vanilla)

Toppings

Assorted fruits (I used strawberries, raspberries, sliced nectarines, blueberries, sliced kiwis and sliced oranges)

1/2 C Apricot Jelly (I almost always omit this. I think it probably helps to keep the tart fresh, but we always eat all of it the day I make it so…)

DIRECTIONS

For Crust:

1. To make crust combine flour, sugar and salt in food processor or bowl. Cut butter into 1/4 inch pieces and add into food processor or bowl. If using a food processor pulse about 10 times until butter forms small bits, if using a pastry cutter and bowl then cut dough until small bits form. Add ice water and continue processing/cutting until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a disc shape and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and then roll the dough into a large circle. Place dough into your 10 inch tart pan with removable bottom, cutting off excess dough with sharp knife. Line the dough with foil and fill with rice or dried beans. Bake the tart crust for 10 minutes and then remove the foil and beans or rice. Prick the crust with a fork and bake for another 20 minutes.

For Custard Filling & Toppings:

1. Using electric mixer with paddle attachment or electric hand mixer beat egg yolks and sugar on medium-high for about 3 minutes until mixture is light yellow. beat in cornstarch on low speed.

2. Bring milk to a simmer in saucepan and slowly pour warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking steadily. Then pour mixture back into saucepan. Cook over medium heat while stirring constantly with a whisk until mixture is think, about 4 minutes. Bring to a boil, then bring heat to low and cook for 3 more minutes.

3. Remove from heat. Mix in butter, vanilla, cream and cognac.

4. Pour through strainer and into a bowl. Place plastic wrap directly onto custard and refrigerate until cold.

5. Put baked tart shell on serving plate. Assemble tart my spreading pastry cream over tart crust. Place prepared fruit slices casually on top of custard.

6. If you choose to use an apricot glaze melt jelly with 1 T water in a small saucepan and brush over fruit.

Shop what's in my kitchen:

Cutoffs & Slip-ons

2014-08-06T06:00:00.001-07:00

T by Alexander Wang shirt//Free People cutoff shorts (similar)//Vans//Ray ban sunglasses//Bangles//Michael Kors watch (similar)//Jawbone UP 24

Summer=cut off denim shorts and slip on sneakers for me. I snagged these Vans at J.Crew at the beginning of the summer and haven't taken them off since. It brings me back to my 7th grade days when Vans were a wardrobe staple. When I first tried these shorts on, I thought the rips were a little too much, but the distressed denim has since grown on me. I also love the little lace detailing on the sides.

Got my Vans on but they look like sneakers...

Vacation Diaries: St. Maarten

2014-08-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

Madewell coverup//J.Crew headband//Ray Ban sunglasses//Bathing Suit

If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you saw some snaps from my recent vacation. For seven days we sailed around the Caribbean stopping in St. Maarten, St. Bart's & Anguilla to explore. It was truly perfect, I wouldn't have changed anything. We got to anchor during the day where we could snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and of course just relax and read. We are already talking about where we want to go next summer (I am pushing for Greece!) because it was such a perfect vacation, just what we all needed!

J.Crew headband//Zara shirt//Current Elliott shorts//Hermés bangle

The beautiful St. Bart's

ATVing around St. Bart's was definitely a highlight!

We had the most adorable chef and captain from South Africa who made us feel right at home!

Our home for the week: B'Shert II "Meant to Be"

I still can't believe how clear the water was!

9 Seed coverup//Mara Hoffman swimsuit//

My sweet brother who is basically 9 feet tall...

Yes, we had shirts made...

Thank you to my sweet mama for taking on this unforgettable trip!

Beach Chic

2014-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

We are finally settled in to our new place...it only took two months! "Beach Chic" was what I had in mind when looking for inspiration as I decorated. Of course, Pinterest helped me out when looking for inspiration (follow me here if you aren't already!). Navy, white, and pops of coral with driftwood accents make up our apartment, and I absolutely love it. Stay tuned for pictures next week!

Photo sources: 1//2//3//4//5//

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

2014-07-18T06:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year, ladies. I did some damage during this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I couldn't resist this Rebecca Taylor blazer, and this Vince ombré sweater. I grabbed these Frye boots, and of course stocked up on Hanky Panky's. This sale is getting me so excited for Fall, with temps above 100 every day, I am getting so sick of summer!

St. Maarten Bound

2014-07-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am off to the Caribbean today for a sailing trip to St. Maarten, St. Bart's & St. Kitt's! Here is a peek into my suitcase. Packing was easy for me because it was all maxi dresses and coverups (all that I ever wear). I can't wait to explore the towns on the different islands, and of course get a good tan ;) I will have intermittent wifi, so things might be pretty quiet here. If you aren't already, follow me on instagram @morganshep23 to keep up with my travels!

3 Bloggers//Summer Whites

2014-07-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

For this installment of Three Bloggers, we are showing you how we style summer whites. I was pretty excited about this one, considering white is a wardrobe staple for summers in Arizona. I love to add a pop of color when I wear white. Insert: This scarf, which I turned into a headband. I just recently chopped off my hair, so I am still trying to embrace it. Right now, my hair is just too short to do anything fun with it, so I've had to get creative with scarves to spruce it up! Don't forget to stop by Dear Serendipity & Adored by Alex today to see their full outfits.

Louis Vuitton scarf//Madewell dress {on sale!}//Elizabeth & James sunglasses//Gigi New York clutch//Marc Jacobs watch//Hermés bracelet//Jack Rogers sandals//

P.S. If you are in the Scottsdale area, Flower Child is a must if you haven't been there. Their Arnold Palmer station is my fave for those hot summer days!

That extra push

2014-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need that extra push. For me, I got that little push the other night. It was a reminder to do more of the things I love to do: blogging, yoga, and volunteering. I know things have been extremely quiet around here, and I am so so sorry about that. These past two months, I feel like I've been running through the motions every day while forgetting to do the things I love. So, thanks to Brad for giving me that little push I needed, I will be blogging more occasionally, going to yoga more often, and get back to volunteering once a week at the Children's Hospital. I can't promise daily posts (baby steps), but I'm excited to bring some fresh content to this little blog. I hope you are doing the things you love, and if not...get to it!!

Photo credit

3 Bloggers//1 Tunic

2014-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tunic//Shorts//Shoes//Sunglasses//Earrings {Kendra Scott "Elle"in White Pearl}//

What better way to stay cool during the hot temps than an adorable tunic? This brings our second installment of 3 bloggers. It is already in the triple digits here (ugh!), which means perfect tunic weather. They are light and breezy, and can also make for an adorable bathing suit cover up if you order a size up. I know this one will make its way into my suitcase for my trip this summer! Make sure to stop by Dear Serendipity and Adored by Alex to see how Emily and Alex styled their tunics.

P.S. If you missed our last "3 Bloggers," check it out here!

Spring Has Sprung

2014-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is in full swing here (and almost over...it's already in the high 90s), and I am so excited that I can pull out my colorful dresses. This is one of my go-to outfits for work, but with a blazer over it. I love how easily this dress can transition, especially with the addition of a fun necklace and a clutch. Right now J.Crew is having a huge sale that you don't want to miss. With the code: GOSHOP, you will get 25% until 4/27. I already have lots of goodies in my cart! Hope you all had a lovely Easter! xx

*Special thank you to Sophie for taking these photos

Sale favorites:

SALE ALERT: friends & family at Shopbop

2014-04-15T05:28:00.001-07:00

My favorite sale of the year is here!! Shopbop Friends & Family Event is always a hit because you can take 25% off all full-price and sale items. I know I will be stocking up on bathing suits for my vacation this summer, as well as coverups. These wedges might just make it into my basket too...All you have to do is use the code INTHEFAMILY14 and you are all set! Sale ends Thursday so hurry, hurry!

Some of my favorites...

Blush Pleats

2014-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Crop top//skirt//Handbag//Sandals//Sunglasses//Watch//Jawbone//Necklace

Nothing feels more feminine than a blush pleated maxi skirt. I especially love that you can dress it up with sandals like these Nicholas ones, or even throw it on with my Jack Rogers and a blouse. I can already tell it is going to be in constant rotation this season, especially with the upcoming graduations I will be attending. I will admit that I almost stole this Alexander McQueen handbag from my aunt, after she graciously let me borrow it for this post. Isn't it to die for?