Moy + Toy Style

I truly am lucky to have such a wonderful brother. I know that most people feel that way about their siblings, but they don't realize is that my brother is about a million times better and cooler than their siblings will ever be. Sorry 'bout it.

Not only does he take amazing pictures, make ballin' graphics, and edit spectacular videos, but he also dresses well, a cause near and dear to my heart. My brother is the one person who I can go to for almost anything. He gives me help when I ask for it, he critiques me when I don't want to hear it, and as much as I might hate it in that moment, I know that he's only trying to push me to my full potential. I look up to him despite being taller than him and the fact that he's doing so many crazy and amazing things is, well, amazing. Whether we're blasting M83 in the car, watching movies all night, talking about cameras, or shopping at J.crew, I know you'll always be my best friend, no matter how far we are. 

My Outfit | Top and Skirt: H&M >> Cardigan: Zara >> Shoes: Aldo

Dry Skin Saviors

 Around this time of year, my skin goes crazy and refused to stay moisturized. With all the dry air from the heater, and the long, hot showers every morning, my already dry skin gets even worse. I've had a hard time finding moisturizers that I could apply once in the morning and not have to worry about reapplying later in the day. I needed the perfect balance between something that was thick and kept in moisture, but also didn't make me feel greasy and coated. A moisturizing body wash was also crucial so that I didn't feel as guilty when I subject my skin to the hot water I use in the shower. Even though I've convinced myself that it's really not that hot, high temps can draw out moisture, and harsh soaps only make matters worse.

 I've been using this Dove Go Fresh body wash for a few years now and it is honestly my favorite body wash. It's nice and creamy, and creates a good lather as well. I've used Bath and Body Works shower gels before, and while they don't strip my skin, they don't feel as moisturizing or creamy as this one. Best part about his body wash is that they come in various of yummy scents, and they are available in bulk at places like Sam's Club. The bottles are pretty big and last for a few months, so it's nice to not have to constantly be purchasing body wash. Nectarine and white ginger is probably my favorite scent, but the cucumber and green tea is nice as well.

And now my favorite part, moisturizers! The Body Shop Vitamin E body butter and the Eucerin body creme are great at keeping my skin soft and moisturized all day. I prefer the scent and texture of the body butter, but the body creme is a bit thicker and more hydrating. For extra moisture, I'll use a bit of The Body Shop Moringa oil. I like to add a few drops to my moisturizer, or use it by itself. A little goes a long way, and I literally use one drop of this oil for my face morning and night. It soaks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft rather than oily.

I've yet to find a hand cream or chapstick that keeps my skin moisturized, so if you have any recommendations I would love to hear them! How do y'all keep your skin in check with the drop in temps? I'd love to know!

Round Up

> Watched Skyfall twice this week. In my defense, it's a beautifully made movie, and the fact that Ben Whishaw and Daniel Craig are in it doesn't hurt.

> Rearranged my room once again. Digging my new setup. I might even do a little room tour!

> These outfits from Nicole and Jessica are making me want more emerald and fur items.

> Bethany's photography style is exactly what I aim for. Gorgeous pictures!

> The whole YouTube and Google+ integration pisses me off. Evelyn's video perfectly describes how I feel.

> This weeks episode of The Mindy Project had me squealing every two seconds. SO MANY FEELS.

> Finally got signed up for driver's ed! You should all be very afraid...

> My principal asked me to be the emcee at graduation this year. I'm not a fan of public speaking, but that gives me an excuse to buy a new dress.

> If you haven't heard of Batkid yet, you should really read this article. Not only does Miles have superb taste in superheroes, but the amount of love and support he got is absolutely incredible.

> I'm getting braids for this first time in a looooong time in an attempt to get my hair to be healthier and give it a break. I'm excited for some change!

Leaves.

My favorite thing about the fall time would have to be the leaves. I know we don't really get the pretty reds, oranges and yellows on the trees, and the leaves are never crunchy enough to my satisfaction, but I love when a big gust of wind comes, and you're surrounded by a whirlwind of leaves. I also love the fact that I can pile layer upon layer without being uncomfortable. I'm the kinda girl who wears cardigans in the blistering summer heat because I like layers so much. I'm all about thick, cozy scarves like this rust colored one from Forever 21, and tights. These tights have seen better days, and really need to be replaced. Hopefully, one of these days I'll go hit up F21 or Target and go HAM in the tights section.

Oh heads up, most of my outfits posted this gal/winter season will probably be incredible similar to this outfit. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. #sorrynotsorry

Scarf and Sunglasses: Forever 21 >> Shirt: Gap >> Skirt: H&M >>  Boots: Steve Madden

Let's catch up!

"What do you mean "catch up", Toyosi? You've been blogging almost everyday this month!"

I have been blogging more than usual, but I feel like I'm not really connecting with anyone, like I've kinda lost my voice. I don't really know if I ever really developed a voice with my writing, but I feel like ever since I started scheduling more posts, that I've been sounding drier and more bland than I probably already do. So let's play a little game of catch up, and see what's really going on. 

+ I only have two weeks left of school and I can't wait to actually get some real sleep

+ my brother came home after being in SF for six days on Friday...and then left for Chicago Sunday morning. I could honestly go a week without seeing my brother even when his room is only two doors down, but the second that boy is outta Austin, I begin to miss him terribly. I think I might have to bring him to college with me... 

+ I have a giveaway that's happening until the end if this month! (shameless promotion #sorrynotsorry) 

+ I got three mini candles from BBW yesterday and I'm in love. I think marshmallow fireside would be an amazing perfume/cologne.

+ I rarely read blogs anymore and it makes me feel kinda guilty. Having followers doesn't mean a thing if nobodies reading.

+ I shot and edited a look book and I think it might be one of the best things I've ever made. 

+ I tried to put together a photography portfolio, but the more pictures I uploaded, the more I thought my pictures sucked.

+ our football team actually won a game, so I might be going to my very first football game this year.

+ I'm trying to think of more content for the blog besides outfits, playlists, and wish lists, but I'm kinda stuck. Having to wear a uniform at school and being a fashion blogger ain't easy kids. 

+ finally switching back to contacts which means sunglasses galore

+ Pinterest is my newest addiction, and I need more blogs to follow!

So let me know, what have you been up to?

Fall Wishlist

Pants >> Socks >> Shoes >> Jacket >> Skirt >> Bag

Every once in a while, Texas weather likes to do this thing where it gets cold, and stays cold for a little while before returning to its' normal, and ungodly hot temperatures. It seems that once fall and winter come around I look into my puny cold weather wardrobe and before I can even think about buying some winter wear, the weather changes again. Despite the fact that everything is grey and cold, and that I rather hibernate than go out in the winter, I still try to look somewhat decent on those days when I drag myself out of the comfort on my bed to attempt to socialize go out. I put together a small list of my fall essentials that would still work for spring and even summer.

My love for cardigans is vast, but sometimes you need a thicker jacket, instead of defaulting to a hoodie, to keep you warm. Army green is obviously perfect for fall, and a utility jacket would be the perfect finishing piece for any outfit.

Corduroy is always pretty popular once the temperature drops. The last pair of cords I had were a really ugly pair of brown, flare cords which were unflattering and didn't go with anything. I'm really considering picking up a pair of skinny cords in a deep emerald or rich maroon. Gap has a variety of colors, and I'm envious of people who can find Gap pants in their size.

I'm all about wearing skirts and dresses in the summer, so for fall I just add some tights for warmth, but I would love to pick up some knee high socks for a different look. I could even layer high socks over sheer tights for some intense layering. I would need some cute booties for dressier occasions, or even when I want to put in effort during the day. The thick heel on those booties from Aldo makes it easy to walk in for extended periods of time. Last but not least would be a basic leather tote, perfect for carrying my camera, an umbrella, or even a jacket around on a fall time adventure.

How are you preparing for the cooler weather? Any items that I didn't list that you would consider essential? Let me know in a comment!

Navy + Magenta

1. The title of this post is extremely uncreative because naming outfits is honestly the hardest part of blogging. 

2. The other pictures I took look bad, so I hope you don't mind these rather ambiguous outfit pictures.

3.  Ten bucks says that I'll probably wear this outfit again before the year is over.

4. This outfit is also from a few weeks ago. oops.

 Shirt, Cardigan, and Shoes: Gap >> Pants: J.Crew Factory >>  Necklace: Forever 21

Stripes, and Dots, and Fuchsia Oh Yes.

 Oh hello outfit that was clearly worn weeks ago! I still wish that it was warm enough to wear shorts, but I'm glad that the weather is finally cooling down and acting more like fall.

I more of a color blocking type gal, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and decided to block two different prints together. I think it's safe to say that I was successful! I already knew that this thrifted 3/4 length sleeve sweater (originally from Old Navy) would be perfect for my shoes and bag that match almost perfectly. It was still fairly warm when I wore this, so I decided to get one last kick out of my polka dot chambray shorts.  I think the best way to mix prints would be to keep the color palette simple, and make sure that one print isn't overpowering the other. I think that the polka dots, stripes, and bright fuchsia keep each other in check.

Does anybody have any more tips for mixing prints? I'd love to know!

Sweater: Thrifted (Originally Old Navy) >> Shorts: J.Crew Factory >> Shoes: Gap >> Bag: H&M