She's Got Electric Boots

Aerie Sweater, Aerie Jean Shorts, Hunter Boots, Anthropologie Headband, Target Tights, Charming Charlie Necklace (worn as bracelet), "H" Necklace (gift from my mom), Revlon "Violet Frenzy" Lipstick

When I decided to add a pair of Hunter rain boots to my Christmas wish list, I knew I wanted them to be bright; I figured I'd be wearing them on rainy and snowy days (read: cloudy days) when a pop of color is much needed. This past weekend I returned home so that I could focus on getting some way long overdue reading and paper writing done, and although I decided to watch Legally Blonde on E! instead I did other useful things with my time, I still made sure to take some time to relax with my dog and partake in some leisurely cooking. The forecast called for rain, but in lieu of puddles and the lulling noise of a downpour, we received merely a dreary day. I still took advantage of my beloved boots, though, and their vibrance proved to be the perfect cure to an otherwise colorless afternoon. Theirs and Elle Woods's, that is.

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "No Rain" by Blind Melon. Available on iTunes.] 

Putting on My Face

Especially when purchasing pricier cosmetics, it's savvy for girls and women to discuss what works for them (and what looks pretty only in the packaging) before making the jump. While I don't ever look like a million bucks, I believe I've finally found a pretty reliable makeup routine after 7 years. Here are the products I use most...

The Basics:

Sonia Kashuk Makeup Brushes-- Inexpensive but sturdy and efficient. I've had mine for about 4 years now, and never have I found a shed bristle! (Available at Target)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Smoothing Stick Concealer-- I prefer using concealer all over instead of foundation. The consistency is thicker but it only provides coverage where I need it; that way I avoid that caked-on look. I like this one because it blends really well and contains skin-healing Vitamin E. And once again, not expensive. ($6.99 at drugstores)

Rimmel Volume Flash The Max Bold Curves Mascara-- My eyelashes are sparse and don't naturally grow in a curve, so I've always had trouble finding a mascara that keeps lift after I use an eyelash curler. To my surprise, every Rimmel mascara I've tried has done an excellent job of thickening, lengthening, and curling. (About $5.99 at drugstores)

Loreal Translucide Naturally Luminous Loose Powder (About $8 at drugstores)

Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover ($5 at drugstores)

Next Steps:

Loreal Telescopic Precision Liquid Eyeliner in Black (About $8 at drugstores)

VS Makeup Eyeshadow Quad-- Victoria's Secret's eyeshadow has become a fast favorite of mine; its texture is smooth while the color is bold. I usually wear a taupe or copper mixed with a darker brown, and I still have to take it off at the end of the day due to its long wear. ($16, victoriassecret.com)

VS Makeup Baked Mineral Bronzing Powder ($16, victoriassecret.com)

Worth the Splurge:

Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion in Diffuse-- Allow me to explain. I typically wouldn't drop $26 on a beauty product as seemingly trivial as luminizer. But trust me (and the 400+ user reviews on sephora.com) when I say this lotion will brighten your whole face and add life to a dull complexion. ($26, sephora.com)

Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Star Fuschia-- I've recently become a big fan on lipstick, and this is any lippy lover's dream. The color is great for day when paired with mascara and for night when worn with glowy skin and bold liner. ($32, sephora.com)

NARS Blush in Dolce Vita-- If you've ever had trouble finding a blush that actually makes a difference, look no further than NARS. Their blush is truly unbeatable in that it lasts forever--it stays on your cheeks and there's a ton of product in the container. ($28, sephora.com)

Not Pictured: 

Bebe Young Care Zartrose Lip Balm-- Hands down the best lip balm I've ever used. It's only sold in Europe (the last time I went I stocked up for both myself and friends), but you can score it online for a few extra bucks for shipping. Best part: the pretty rose and vanilla scent. ($2.99, ebay.com)

Revlon Eyelash Curler

Maybelline Define-A-Brow Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Blonde-- My eyebrows are quite possibly my most unfortunate facial feature (thanks, Dad); they're sparse on the ends, grow in the strangest shape, and my friend says they remind her of the Grinch. So it goes without saying that a dependable brow pencil is key. (About $5 at drugstores)

Q-Tips-- For all those eye makeup slip-ups, advises the girl with constantly shaky hands.

...what are your beauty essentials?

xo Heidi

Now That She's Back in the Atmosphere

SAUCE Cosmic Knit Dress, $125, urbanoutfitters.com

 "Doubt thou the stars are fire"? Please, Shakespeare. Stars may just be old light and dust, but this celestially nonpareil dress is all ablaze and anything but dated. While its quirky cosmic print calls to mind space camp commercials and science fairs, the sultry indigo hue and high-low hemline are as fit for romantic stargazing as they are for dinner with friends. But the frock beams too brilliantly to be restricted to night use only; paired with sandals and a sunhat, it promises to make any girl ignite an already bright day, so even when thrown on for a trip to the grocery store, it's just begging to spark a stellar-inspired love song (or at least a "where'd you get your dress?").

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot" by Brand New. Available on iTunes.] 

Festival Fashion

Emma Watson and Lily Collins at this year's Coachella

I still clearly recall the utter excitement surrounding my first concert. I was seeing the A*Teens, the Swedish teen pop group with an affinity for ABBA songs, and I was about 10. I remember having a lot of fun, but I also remember what I wore: tiny braids all over my head and an abundance of glitz thanks to my roll-on body glitter stick (bubblegum-scented, no less). And while what was cute in fifth grade definitely would not fly now, even back then I realized how the feverish ambience of concerts can affect your look. 

Some more recent (and less shimmery) examples? The Coachella Music Festival, which took place over the last couple weeks, and the British Glastonbury, which happens in June. Coachella always occurs in the spring and features of-the-moment performers, so obviously the attendees (many are celebs) dress the part. Very bohemian, sometimes punky, borderline hippie, and oh-so Cali cool, it's an excuse to wear fringe vests, floppy hats, and anything crocheted; that alone is enough to make me want to drive out to Indio, CA. But since I missed this year's festival, and a plane ticket to England is a little out of the question, I'm hoping to hit up Milwaukee's Summerfest or Chicago's Lollapalooza. Because, hey, I can work feather earrings and a fedora just as well in the Midwest as I can in the desert.

Alessandra Ambrosio at Coachella 2010

Emma Roberts and Chord Overstreet at this year's Coachella

Katy Perry at Coachella 2011

Emma Watson at Glastonbury 2010

Sienna Miller at Glastonbury 2010

Katy Perry at this year's Coachella

Diane Kruger at this year's Coachella

Camilla Belle at Coachella 2011

Ashley Greene at Coachella 2011

All images via marieclaire.co.uk & instyle.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Little Talks" by Of Monsters and Men. Available on iTunes.] 

Spring Footsy

 From Top, Left to Right: French Connection Elliot Jelly Thong Sandals, $31.81, asos.com// Cheap Monday Kloss Trot Sandal, $89.99, urbanoutfitters.com// ASOS FIZZ Leather Flat Sandals with Multi Ankle Straps, $58.17, asos.com// Yellow Flatforms (similar ones here)// Deena & Ozzy Ankle Wrap Wedge, $49.00, urbanoutfitters.com// ASOS VIOLET Flatforms with Bow, $63.63, asos.com// ATHLETE Wedge Trainers, $150, topshop.com// Nike Striped Dunk High Sneaker, $85, urbanoutfitters.com// ASOS DUDE Washed Canvas High Tops, $63.63, asos.com// ASOS PAPARAZZI Leather Court Shoes with Metal Spike Heel, $118. 16, asos.com//  Cheap Monday Spike Heel, $185, urbanoutfitters.com// Sandal with Contrasting Straps, $99.90, zara.com// Sandal with Methacrylite Heel, $129, zara.com// STRUT Contrast Platform Shoes, $130, topshop.com// "Dear New York" Heel, $99.90, zara.com

With a blog titled "A Shoe or Two," you can't be surprised that this whole post is dedicated to my favorite footwear trends of the season. While it was truly difficult to narrow the final categories down to only five (dramatically high gladiator sandals just missed the cut), I can say with confidence that in addition to expected spring shoes like pointy toe pumps and crocheted ballet flats, these styles will be everywhere in the next several months...or everywhere in my dreams at the very least. 

From flat sandals embellished with quirky toe-ring-reminiscent straps, to lucite heels (an update on Cinderella's glass slippers), to flatforms that simultaneously remind me of 10 Things I Hate About You and Across the Universe, to intense and just a little bit scary spike heels, to hi-tops that are more suited for a dress than gym shorts, every sole differs immensely from the next, promising that regardless of my plans, I won't have to go barefoot--or worse, resort to my torn and dusty Old Navy flip-flops. I'll take one of each in a size 8.5, please.

xo Heidi 

[PRESS PLAY: "Bad Girls" by M.I.A. Available on iTunes.] 

Never Have I Ever

[Never have I ever not overpacked.]

Saturday night was a typical one for a college student; it was one of my friend's 21st birthdays, so naturally the night began with drinks before we went to get drinks and finally finished the celebration with more drinks (it's safe to say I don't even want to look at a beer for at least a week). Somewhere in the mix of liquor we decided to play a game that entails a round of "Never Have I Ever," the classic activity in which you hold up three fingers and put one down every time a player names something--usually embarrassing--that they have never done but you have. While our version inevitably became way too disgusting way too quickly, the game got me thinking: what are some (less perverted) things that I have never ever done? Here are a few, some of which I'd like to be able to remove from the list and some that I'm perfectly content with having avoided in my 21 years of life.

Never have I ever...

-Eaten a macaron.

-Seen Avatar.

-Been to Hawaii or New York City.

-Lost all my baby teeth (I have one left that's hanging on).

-Finished burning a whole candle...or used a complete tube of lip balm, for that matter.

-Had a gyro or any form of lamb.

-Been given roses.

-Worn acrylic nails. 

-Owned a North Face jacket.

-Seen a shooting star.

-Gotten a speeding ticket (knock on wood).

-Done a cartwheel.

-Ran in a marathon.

-Smoked a cigarette.

-Completed a game of Monopoly.

-Been a fan of the song "Call Me Maybe."

-Cried during The Notebook.

-Held a worm.

-Put gravy on my mashed potatoes.

-Ridden on a tandem bicycle.

-Seen Diane Kruger wear an outfit I don't like.

-Jumped in puddles just for fun.

-Had a bad piece of Chicago pizza. (Other regions of the U.S.? Different story.)

-Gone surfing or waterskiing.

-Dissected a frog.

-Watched an episode of "Jersey Shore." 

-Worn contact lenses.

-Thrown a surprise party or had one thrown for me.

-Gotten a suntan without an accompanying burn.

-Discovered the perfect color of lipstick.

What are some things you've never ever done?

xo Heidi 

Felicity J. MODA Article

If you haven't had a chance to check out UW-Madison's online fashion and lifestyle magazine yet, go do it! Just one more addicting blog to read, MODA features drink recipes, designer-inspired outfit ideas, and plenty of articles on Hollywood up-and-comers like Felicity Jones. And some of the stories are by me, so...yeah, argument won.

xo Heidi 

Hair Rut

1

[Smoothed back bun + smokey eyes + nude lips]

Some Fridays can be tough. In the beauty department, that is. A bad hair day can ruin everything, and as vain as that sounds, it's all too true. An awkward bend, flat and lifeless strands, and frizz that refuses to disappear are only three problems I deal with on a regular basis when primping for the night. And after a long week when all I really want to do is go out and relax, fiddling around with a brush at the last minute can be frustrating enough to make me wish I was just staying in. An extension of my previous post, these photos serve as an easy solution to this age-old problem; when I'm in a rut and need an idea on the spot, I can turn to these classic looks and copy away. Some require a curling iron, while others only call for two hands and two seconds, so no matter what mood I'm in, I'll never again have to see a mess of hair staring back at me in the mirror at 9:30 P.M.

Bonus: The pics provide a jump-start for figuring what to do makeup-wise as well. 

2

[Parted/piecey pony + hair clip + contoured cheeks]

3

[Loose topknot + mascara + bare shoulders (bunny optional)]

4

[Teased curls + lots of hairspray + eyeliner on top lash]

5

[Different sized braids + beachy waves + bold eyebrows + clean makeup]

6

[Voluminous updo + black sash + cateye liner]

7

[Wild curls + small poof + pink lipgloss]

8

[Wavy ponytail + tiny bow]

9

[Glam waves + deep side part + hot red lips + false eyelashes]

10

[Teased waves + minimal makeup + boho headband]

11

[Messy fishtail braid + twisted back bangs + copper eyeshadow + clear lipgloss]

12

[Half-up hair + bouncy curls + rosy cheeks + pink matte lips]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Back Against the Wall" by Cage the Elephant. Available on iTunes.] 

Like a Dandelion

[Diaphanous, dainty, and one with nature]

Memories of my childhood are peppered with times spent outside. Whether I was swinging on the playset in my backyard, attempting to create a snowman in the winter, rolling down  the hill on the side of my house, or watching my brother and sister play with worms (I was repulsed by the hobby), I practically lived outside until a certain age. And to be honest, I miss those days--the carefreeness of being a kid, the chalk-covered fingers and the bike rides to the park. Spring always reminds me of these times due to the longer days and mild nights. And the dandelions. Who didn't make wishes before blowing on these pretty weeds as a kid? 

So to complement the puffy blossoms and pay homage to those well-missed springs of the 1990's, I've decided to make an effort to don sundresses that are just as ethereal as dandelions. But "effort" isn't really necessary since they're in stores everywhere due to their downright prettiness and easy flow. And being low-maintenance is key; I'll pair them with no more than rolled-out-of-bed hair and strappy sandals. Because that's what I would've done as a kid, after all.

Kimchi Blue Mellow Yellow Dress, $129, urbanoutfitters.com

UNIF Floral Chiffon Flounce Multi-Layer Dress, $115, urbanoutfitters.com

Lace Panel Maxi Dress, $100, topshop.com

ASOS Midi Dress with Lace Paneling, $90.90, asos.com

Dancer Slip, $98, freepeople.com

Flounced Leaf Dress, $29.80, forever21.com

 Crochet Top, $79.90, zara.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Come Together" by The Beatles. Available on iTunes.] 

Summer List

[My own Summer Goal #21: Invest in a retro high-waisted bikini a la Grace Kelly.]

On a bus ride from Madison to Chicago last weekend, one of my best friends Brian and I passed some of the time by putting together a list of things we want to do this summer. For the first time, we'll both be living in Madison during summer break (and in the same building!) along with some of our other friends. So to put it lightly, we're pretty pumped for the coming months. This summer also marks my first one being 21 as well as the last one before graduation for most of my friends. In other words, it might be my final chance to, with all my friends around, spend the hot days laying out at the Union and cooler evenings wandering State Street. Bittersweetness aside, here are several items from our list we can't skip out on:

1. Get drinks at both student Unions (and probably on a regular basis)

2. Go to Madison's zoo (it has red pandas!)

3. Take a road trip to Tennessee (our friend Jess lives there now, and we're looking forward to seeing her, whitewater rafting, and hitting up Southern bars)

4. Have a barbecue

5. Traverse to Picnic Point (maybe for a picnic?)

6. Expose our friend Amanda to a "Parks and Recreation" marathon 

7. Have a bar crawl in our suburban hometown

8. Go to Chicago for Sox games, the Taste, and--what else?--bar-hopping

9. Karaoke at Karaoke Kid bar

10. Crash a wedding

11. Force our friend Steph to visit Madison (she's a busy gal, so we're determined to make this happen!)

12. Go to Six Flags

13. Visit the farmer's market

14. Partake in some late-night Culver's runs

15. Have a classy party (by classy, we mean not wearing t-shirts)

16. Get Babcock ice cream

17. Take a second road trip to somewhere in the West (we're still working out the details of this one)

18. Tie-dye shirts

19. Check out Summerfest

20. Go horseback riding 

Image via

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Heaven's In New York" by Wyclef Jean. Available on iTunes.]

Style Rut

1

[Low back + lariat necklace + tight chignon]

For me, one of the most overwhelming facets of going shopping is determining what I'll be able to incorporate into my wardrobe and what will just collect dust in my closet. Sure, I love a lot of different styles when it comes to fashion, but many of them are unflattering on me or don't translate well into everyday life. So recently, I've been finding specific looks I'd like to recreate; call it copying, call it whatever you'd like, but the tactic is useful in that it allows me to really mull over a certain look before I tackle it and my wallet takes a beating. Thus, I've compiled a list of 12 keepers I've come across--they range from classic to boho, done-up to laid-back, but each one is very me through and through.

2

[Red shiny nails + engraved silver rings]

3

[Fishtail braid + flower headpiece + simple dress]

4

[Button-up + cardigan + matching pin]

5

[Floppy hat + neutral scarf + leather gloves + tights]

6

[Jean shorts + button-up + silky tie + leather biker jacket]

7

[Floaty sundress + loose curls + pendant necklace]

8

[Flippy skirt + white blouse + braided ponytail]

9

[Embroidered peasant dress + satchel + bun + wayfarers]

10

[Mini floral dress + faux fur vest + messy long hair]

11

[Silky tank + full mini skirt + lace-up heels]

12

[Head-to-toe white + bright red lips + smooth hair]

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Some Nights" by Fun. Available on iTunes.]