Brands I Love: Toast

By nature I am poor at making decisions, and this translates to my wardrobe choices. My style changes frequently and drastically, but there are a few brands that I have loved regardless of my current taste, I think because their clothing is so versatile and timeless.

I first found Toast a couple of years ago, and since then they have quickly become one of my favourite brands. Not only are their styles to die for, but their artistic team is so great, and they release a look-book each season which is always incredible. Although they are not a cheap brand, the quality is outstanding and they do have good sales. I picked up a few things last year, including two of my now-favourite skirts and a lovely cardigan.

Here are some of my favourite photos from their A/W15 collections:

What is your favourite brand? Or like me, do you also have many? Let me know!

x B

My Favourite Things: Part I

It might sound cheesy, but lately I've been admiring the beauty in the everyday. I find that everywhere you look, you can find something beautiful, and the world we live in is full of so much beauty that it's almost too much to handle! I've been working on a list of my favourite things, mostly related to the beauty of the world we live in, so wherever you are in the world, whatever kind of life you lead, you can appreciate these things as well.

1. The way that trees are reflected in water (puddles of rain, lakes). Related: the lights of a city reflected in water at night.
2. Sunlight shining down through a tree, and how it moves as the breeze rustles the leaves.
3. The moon. This is a big one that is complex for me, and maybe one day I'll dedicate a post to my love for the moon. I like the idea that although our world has changed so much over the course of history, the moon has remained the same, shining bright up there every night. Just think- Shakespeare saw the same moon that you do, so did Cleopatra, and your great-great-great-great-great grandparents. A nice thought, if you ask me.
4. Taking a walk through a forest, surrounded by the whisper of trees in the wind. Related: the beautiful 'hush-hush' sound that trees make when it's windy. It sounds like they're talking to each other!
5. Visiting the beach on a stormy day, when it's so dark that you can't tell the sky and the sea apart.
6. Not so much nature-related, but one that enhances everything the world has on offer: listening to a beautiful piece of orchestral music while doing something mundane, or going for a walk around your neighborhood. I find that this helps me appreciate the little things. Perhaps one day soon I'll dedicate a post to my favourite classical pieces and film scores.

I hope wherever you are in the world, and whatever you are doing, you are aware of the beauty that surrounds us every day. When things are bad, remember that this world was created for you and it's beautiful, so get out there and enjoy it!

x B

(photos are from my Instagram: @rebeccasather)

My Skincare & Beauty Basics: November 2015

The weather has been dreadful in the PNW lately, so I've been paying extra attention to my skin so that the cold winter air doesn't dry it out!

Some of these products I use everyday, others every week, but they are all part of my routine and I love them so much!

Up first: face. I use my Clarisonic Mia 3 (previously the Aria) with the 'Radiance' brush head. My cleanser changes almost daily, I have about three I use in rotation because I've yet to find one I really love. I then use the Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Toner. I found this a few months ago at a supermarket actually and love it so much. The packaging is delightful, it smells great (none of that awful alcohol smell that most toners have) and it really does work. When my skin feels a little dry or I just feel like a pampering, I use the Caudalie Grape Water. I love this product but I recently learned that Caudalie is not cruelty-free so I need to finish this and then find a cruelty-free alternative. For moisturizing, I start with the Fresh Seaberry Oil (not pictured, but link to previous post about it). I have also started using the Hana Eye Oil that I received in a Petit Vour box and it's so great! Plus, it's made in Bainbridge Island so it's a local brand! Next I'll use either the Belif Aqua Bomb (mornings) or Burt's Bees brightening moisturizer (nighttimes). Would recommend both! Also pictured is the Origins charcoal mask, which I really like. I bought a trial size and I don't think I'll buy it again but I really like how it feels on my skin.

For my body: I was such a devoted fan of the L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate (this is my third jar), but like Caudalie, they're not cruelty-free, so once I'm done with this one, that's it! They also increased the price recently which is pretty uncool. The consistency is PERFECT though so I need to find something similar that is cruelty-free. The other moisturizer I've been using is from Coconut Revolution, their coconut oil for the body. I was given this (really big) sample at a market a couple of months ago and it's great! The only thing I don't like is that you need to warm it up to use it, so you can't use it in a hurry.

Finishing touches: the perfume I've been wearing a lot lately is Urban Rituelle's Ginger Apple. It's an Australian brand so it's much easier to find when I'm at home in Melbourne. This must be my third bottle and I have a few more stashed away for when I finish this one! To me it smells like Christmas so it's perfect for this time of year. I also really like the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz pencil. I wear it in Soft Brown and the consistency is perfect, as is the little spooley brush it comes with. Lastly, this Habit nail polish was also in the last Petit Vour box and it's all natural, cruelty-free goodness. I love it!

What are your go-to products?
x B

Life Lately: November

I don't know what it is but the last couple of weeks have left me feeling totally exhausted, and in need of a long (really long) sleep. I think that the lead up to finals has begun, and the weather is getting colder, so now is the time to think about self-care and remember to put my health before my grades. It's something that I always try to do but at this point in the semester it can be so easy to stay up all night working on papers and cramming for exams. It's not healthy!

Hope you are all well, and not too stressed out!
More posts coming soon, I promise! Just need to crank out a couple of papers first.
x B

Today's the Day

Note: today's post is on a slightly different note. Not 'serious' but related to something that is very important to me. 

I've been a vegetarian for six years now, and don't miss meat one bit. I've been wanting to commit to veganism for about a year now, but haven't for two reasons: cheese (honestly, I eat way too much of it); and the fact that my school dining hall doesn't have a lot of vegan options.

This week I watched the film Cowspiracy and I can honestly say that it has changed how I think about food in general, and particularly about animal agriculture. This morning I had cereal with milk, and couldn't bring myself to finish the milk. That's when I knew it was about time for me to fully commit to veganism. 

I'm not one to tell people how to live their lives, but it is frustrating when meat eaters don't know the facts about animal agriculture. So I would encourage you to do some reading, watch Cowspiracy, and see if you still feel like eating a steak for dinner. Just learn the facts and then decide for yourself. 

x B

Wish List: November

This month has been one of those where I just want everything! Do you ever have those? I feel like whenever I see something I like, I start thinking about whether I can afford it, and it's not a great state of mind to be in. I've started keeping a wish list on Pinterest that I update often, which helps me avoid impulse purchases. I thought I would share a few things I wish I owned right now!

1. LL Bean Donegal Wool Blazer. This is so pretty and honestly I may just buy it. I think it would go with everything and be good dressed up or down.
2. Porselli Oxblood Suede flats. Classic, they don't really need an explanation! I love a good pair of ballet flats.
3. The North Circular Marl Beanie. Lily Cole started this brand a few years ago, and I love it. They use sustainable materials, and everything is handmade by 'Grannies' in the UK.
4. Lily Lambert Pavo perfume. I tried this on months ago and fell in love with it, but can't find it anywhere! I may just buy it online! To me, it smells like the perfect mix between a relaxing yoga afternoon and romantic evening. It's dark and lovely.