Days 8, 9, 10

I have to admit...I have been a slacker since I last posted. I've had one of those weekends that my family refers to as "the lost weekends." You know, the ones where you barely do anything of purpose and relegate yourself to t-shirts and athletic apparel...yeah, one of those. Nonetheless, I will update you on what I wore.

Day 8

I don't have a picture for this day...I wore a purple and gold t-shirt (in honor of my Lakers!) and athletic shorts aaaaaaall day.

Day 9

I dyed my hair yesterday. I must say, dark haired Caylyn is my favorite...pictures to come I'm sure.
I had two great, great friends in town and it was wonderful. Toy Story 3 is also wonderful.

J. Crew rosette t-shirt in coral, I think this was like $39
Express barely boot-cut jeans, I have no idea how much these are, I got them for $19

Day 10

Another "lost weekend" day...I spent the entire day in my pajamas...I even went to IHOP in them. I know, so classy. I promise tomorrow will be better. I did paint my nails though...
OPI in OPI on Collin's Avenue, Ulta $8.50

Day 7

Nothing. I went shopping with my mom and wore a horrifying outfit. Green "Greek Week" t-shirt and jeans. Don't judge me.

Day 7


I did take a picture of myself today though...because I am obnoxious.

Day 6

Another work day...

• Luxury Stretch Editor Pant in black, Express $49.90
• Stretch Cami in black, Express $19.50
• h.i.p. Double Hem Tank in black, Nordstrom $28
• Gianni Bini Abbie sandals in black, Dillards $49.99

Day 6

New coral-y red lipstick was my main fashion statement of the day...still deciding how I feel about it.
Thoughts?

Day 5

Day five was another work day for me...black dress and the SAME shoes. That's only slightly embarrassing (they broke in the dressing room at the mall today, imagine my devastation).

My dress was from Urban Outfitters (my mom bought it so I have no idea how much it cost and it's basically a black, short sleeved dress. Nothing too special about it (I don't have a picture, but I do have a picture of something new!).

Day 5


Mimi Chica Ruffle Convertible dress in black, Nordstrom $44

I am in LOVE with this dress. It has ruffles (my fave), convertible straps and POCKETS. It is my new favorite.

Day 4

Today didn't go so well fashion-wise...it was a work day which meant all black. Black pants and a black top is so boring, I know. The exciting thing that happened today was that I lined my water-line with blackberry eyeliner and LOVED it. So did my coworkers. My picture is just because I was bored and nothing was showing how cool my eyeliner looked.

Day 4


V-neck tshirt in white, this was like ten dollars from Target

And if you must know what I wore to work today...here it is:

• Luxury Stretch Editor Pant in black, Express $49.90
• Black tank top from who-knows-where
• Gianni Bini Abbie sandals in black, Dillards $49.99 (these are seriously all I wear)
  

Day 3

I looked cute today...sunburn and all.

Day 3

Black ballerina shirt, I bought this at Old Navy two years ago so I have no idea how much it cost
Silence and Noise black and white skirt, Urban Outfitters $68
Gianni Bini Abbie sandals in black, Dillards $49.99
OPI nail polish in "We'll Always Have Paris", Ulta $8.50

Day 2

OK, day 2 of my 30 days of fashion post-set did not happen. I spent ninety percent of the day in a bathing suit with no makeup on (i.e. I am not in a suitable condition for pictures or to be considered fashionable in any sense of the word). Here is what did happen today...

Day 2


I had an unfortunate run-in with the sun at the pool today and my shoulders are a bit burned.

Luckily, I do have sunscreen for my adventures tomorrow.

30 Days of Fashion

This is my new goal: to post one little "blurb" every day (pictures included) about my outfit for 30 days. I don't know why I want to do this, I just do...so be prepared.

I will say, in my defense, that most of my outfits will be black because that is what I am required to wear to work; but I will try and switch it up to make it a little bit more interesting!

Day One


Pins and Needles Ruffle Dress, Urban Outfitters $58
Gold bracelet, my mom gave it to me!
Shoes, Gianni Bini Abbie sandals in black, Dillards $49.99
(sorry the picture quality is so bad and that I don't have a picture of my shoes!)

Be Particular

Be particular. That is, without a doubt, the Best Advice Ever Given in the History of the Entire World. Consider, if you will, the profound effect that following advice would have on say, your diet, your love life, your financial situation, your decision on whether to have that next drink. I mean, what do those two words not cover?
-Jill Connor Browne

I guess I need to start following my favorite advice, huh? Bahaha.

Bucket List

I saw this on another friend's blog and decided that it was such a cute idea that I just HAD to do it myself. This is my bucket list as of right now...

1. Work with AIDS orphans in Africa

This is something I have always, always wanted to do. I've always wanted to go to Africa; but working with children whose parents have been killed by AIDS has been something I've been wanting to do since I first learned about it.

2. Get married and have children

I feel like this is just a given for me. I can't imagine never getting married or ever having children but I am in NO rush to do either.

3. Get accepted into/graduate from law school

I want to go to law school (but it scares me! Big girl panties have to be on for this one!).

4. Travel all over the world (literally all over)

There are tons of places I want to go. All over France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Buenos Aires, Moscow, Amsterdam, India, Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania, Australia, Egypt, Cuba, Beijing...literally everywhere. I will go anywhere.

5. Be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

I want to go to Mardi Gras so bad. Not because I want to party, but just to see all the cool Southern traditions that Mardi Gras has to offer; especially the Indians. That's the coolest thing ever.

6. Run the New York Marathon

This is so silly, but I really, really want to do it.

So, that's a pretty short list...but it's all I can think of right now. Basically I just want to be happy and live forever (or long enough to see the people I love live happy lives). There are a lot of things I want to do in my life (like, A LOT. I have everything planned and I'm sure God is laughing at me for it), but there really are tons of things I want to do so I don't even really think a bucket list is even practical for me. :)

Summer's Calling

Just found this dress this morning and NEEDED to share.

Anthropologie Lanai Breezes Shift Dress, $188

I am OBSESSED with this dress; it's perfect for summer!

Rejoice, Pray & Be Thankful

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24

What I'm Loving...

To say the least, I am bored. I have already done everything I've needed to do today and I can't find anything else to do because the weather is yucky (I am SICK of this rain!), so I decided to do another blog post...yes, another one.

I've seen this tag on Youtube a lot; I haven't really seen it on Blogger a lot yet, but I'm sure it's coming. Basically this post is just going to be about all of the things I'm loving right now or my "favorites" right now.

Making Memories of Us-Keith Urban

I just heard this song the other day (I know it's old); one of my coworkers was talking about how she wanted to play it at her wedding. I am OBSESSED with it. Literally, obsessed.

Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm

I bought this stuff at the mall yesterday and I am already in love with it. I will admit it was an impulse purchase; it was in one of those little bins at the register counter at Sephora and I thought it was cute packaging so I bought it (bad Caylyn! Bad!), but I am so glad I did. It's the perfect amount of moisture, gloss and color all in one.

Anthropologie Candles

(Illume Spring Eden Tins in Fresh Ivy Vine, $18; Treasure Box Candle in Balinese Jasmine, $18)

It is totally my sister's fault for my sudden obsession with candles. I normally don't like burning candles or smelling them, buying them, etc. mostly because I don't ever burn them so it seems stupid to buy them-but these candles from Anthropologie are AMAZING. Perfect gifts for girls. Seriously, they smell wonderful.

On Account Of You Just Never Know...

This is one of my favorite excuses for anything. I say "on account of you just never know" to rationalize every purchase and random thing that I do. However, there are certain things that I do and have done and have believed in my entire life according to the principle of "you just never know."

Most of these things are completely pointless and unnecessary for every day life (seriously, you'd probably be wasting your time doing all of them) but that doesn't stop me.

Always shave your legs, on account of you just never know.

I shave my legs every day. If there is ever a day that I don't or can't, I feel disgusting. I hate the way leg-stubble feels with pants on and I just hate the idea that if anyone were to brush my legs, they would feel prickly instead of smooth. This is probably ridiculous and time-consuming; I could probably take 10 minutes less time in the shower if I didn't shave every day, but I do and always will.

Always wear pretty underwear, on account of you just never know.

This is something I have always thought was the best idea and my thoughts were confirmed when it was mentioned in my favorite book The Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love. I am pretty much obsessed with underwear (not in a creepy way), just because it is so pretty and girly! Almost every girl I know loves underwear and in my opinion, every girl feels better when they have on cute undies instead of generic cotton "granny panties." Not to mention I'm pretty sure that every girl has a pair of "lucky panties" that give her just a little extra spark (even if she's the only one who knows) on a day that she needs it.

Always have cash on hand, on account of you just never know.

This is something that becomes more and more important to me as I get older because when you're younger, money doesn't really matter. I think it is SO important for all girls to have cash on them at all times (if you have a debit/credit card, great, but have cash too) just because you really never know when something unexpected comes up that might require cash. In my opinion, it is important that all women be super prepared for anything (I'm not crazy) just because you don't want to be left hanging without a solution to an unexpected problem.

Always know how to play at least one (real) card game, on account of you just never know.

This principle doesn't only apply to card games, it applies to really any field of knowledge in life. As a girl, I am never more embarrassed than when I get "caught with my pants down" and don't know how to do something. I think it is important for all girls to know a little bit (preferably a lot, but let's be real) about everything. Sports, fashion, cars, money, business, makeup, etc. it doesn't really matter what it is-if you can hold a conversation about it, consider your job done. This is just another part of being hyper-prepared.

Always know how to cook a full meal, on account of you just never know.

I feel like all of these tips are about being prepared...oh well. This is one of my favorite tips I have ever thought of. I think that every person (boys included) should know how to make a FULL meal (including appetizers and desserts) because you really don't know when you will need to whip out a fool-proof meal. Plus, who doesn't want to know how to put on a good spread for your guests/family/friends/etc?

Unusual Tips and Tricks

This is a post that I am SO excited about. My sister and I were at the mall today when we started talking about little tricks and tips for makeup, hair, etc. that we have learned along the way. Most of these tips are things people don't really know or haven't ever tried before so I hope they help you as much as they've helped me!

1. Starbucks napkin
I don't know why these napkins work so well-but they do! If you have oily skin and use blotting papers, these napkins are what you should use instead! Nothing has ever worked better for me for blotting a shiny nose and the best part-they're free!



2. Vaseline
Vaseline is probably one of the most important beauty products anyone could have. Not only does it do wonders for chapped lips and dry skin, but as I recently found out, it can prevent your feet from getting blistered when you wear uncomfortable shoes (it works better than band-aids!). All you have to do is rub it on your feet (or just the part of your foot that gets blisters) before you put your shoe on and it should prevent blisters! This isn't fool-proof but it does work for some people.



3. Visine Redness Relief Drops
Visine drops are awesome. I get really red eyes sometimes because of my allergies and they are wonderful for relieving eye redness, but they are also great when it comes to taking the redness out of a spot (that's putting it nicely, a pimple) on your face. All you do is take a cotton ball (or a folded up piece of toilet paper), place a few drops on the cotton ball and hold it on the spot for a few minutes. This does not completely get rid of the spot or the redness forever, but it will relieve it for awhile.


4. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is again, a beauty wonder product (duh, it cleans and whitens your teeth but also freshens your breath). Toothpaste can also help clear up random pimples (I hate that word). Just put a little bit of toothpaste on a pimple (not a ton) and leave it to dry on your skin; this will dry out the pimple and help it heal faster.



5. Clear Brow Gel
I love brow gel. I don't have super unruly brows-but I do tend to rub them a lot which makes my eyebrow hair seem unruly. Eyebrow gel keeps them in place but also it tames the baby hair I have around my hairline! Brush a little bit on your flyaways (or baby hairs) and they should stay tame-at least for a little while! I would just suggest to get a different brow gel for this purpose than the one you use for your eyebrows (never know about cross-contamination)!

I will probably have more of these tips and tricks in a later post, but these are the only ones I can think of for now! I hope they help!

In the arms of Your mercy I find rest...

I just wanted to do this post because of how beautiful I think my church is (don't hate, because it really is beautiful).

My church is the best church in the entire world-seriously. I know that sounds like "my church is better than yours" but that's not how I mean it. What I mean is, MPBC is the perfect church for me. It's a progressive Baptist church that incorporates all of the traditions of Baptist theology but it isn't so archaic that none of it makes any sense in every day life now.

My grandparents were the first people married in the main sanctuary of MPBC and my parents were married there (the church even allowed a Catholic priest to co-officiate the ceremony because my dad is Catholic, tell me that isn't cool!). The people at MPBC are some of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met. They have gone above and beyond for my family when we've needed it and I couldn't be more thankful. Not only that, but worship at MPBC brought me a lot closer to the Lord than I even realized (I am even subscribed to the church's podcast).

Anyway, I love my church but my favorite part of the church grounds is the Garden Labyrinth.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20

What's In My Bag?

I've seen this "what's in your bag?" tag all over the place and I thought it would be fun to do...so for those of you who don't care at all what I carry around with me all day...stop reading now.

The pictures aren't the best quality (sorry!), something funky is going on with my camera and I don't like it!

Anyway, here's what's in my bag...

My Bag

I carry a black Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Tote (I am obsessed with these-I have four!). They're the perfect size for everything!

What's Inside

I have a coral Coach Hamptons wristlet, a Vera Bradley small cosmetic bag (in Poppy Fields) and a bunch of miscellaneous stuff floating around.

Coach Wristlet

In the Coach wallet-thing I have my checkbook (and my cash) in a Vera Bradley cover, my Vera Bradley card case (in Symphony in Hue) which holds my credit card, my IDs and other cards, my passport (say what you want about this being dangerous, I carry it everywhere), a pen from my sorority and dental floss (I am paranoid about having stuff in my teeth).

Vera Bradley Cosmetic Bag


In this bag I have various hair things, nail clippers, hand sanitizer, band-aids and Crest white strips (don't ask me why), my vitamin case, Burt's Bees lip balm, Softlips cherry chapstick, CO Bigelow lip shine in Ultra #1122 and my Tide To-Go pen (this stuff is MAGICAL!).

Miscellaneous Stuff

Random things I have in my bag include my sunglasses, a travel sized bottle of my perfume (Burberry London), my keys, Altoids (I ALWAYS have mints or gum), Neutrogena lip gloss in #50, Burt's Bees Pomegranate lip balm and DuWop's Lip Venom (I'm obsessed with lip stuff obviously) and most of the time I have a protein bar or some snack floating around in my bag for whenever I get hungry!

I know this post was probably boring...but it was fun for me!

Curly Caylyn

Even though I'd like to deny it, I have wildly curly hair. I straighten it all the time because I just can't deal with how curly and at times, nappy, it can be. However, in the summer, wearing it curly is much easier and realistic because my straight hair pretty much turns curly with all the heat and humidity here in N.C.

So, here is a post about how I keep my hair curly in the summer and how to make the most out of your curls!

Step 1: I shampoo and condition my hair with L'Oreal Vive Pro Nutri Gloss shampoo and conditioner and switch every-other-day with L'Oreal Vive Pro Hydra Gloss shampoo and conditioner. This line of shampoo is not specifically formulated for curly hair, but they both smell so good and work really well for my hair (I have dry, thick hair so make sure you find a brand that works well for you).

Step 2: I shake my head in the shower (kind of like a dog when it gets wet!) and DO NOT touch it with a towel. I try to get as much of the water out as possible so that it doesn't drip everywhere, but I don't put a towel on it because it makes it frizzy.

Step 3: With my fingers, I kind of estimate where my part should be and I lightly pull the errant hairs in the direction they are supposed to go (especially my bangs), though generally my hair falls on the side that I want it to.

Step 4: I let my hair air dry a little bit (this is generally when I do my makeup) and then once it has dried a little bit, I put Beyond The Zone's Noodlehead Curling Creme in my hair (only a little bit-too much product makes your hair look wet and greasy). This keeps my curls light and healthy-looking.

Step 5: After I put Noodlehead in my hair, I let it finish drying before I do anything else to it. Sometimes if I am in a rush, I will use a diffuser to dry my hair (always using a low setting) but generally I don't like to put any extra heat on it unless I absolutely have to.

Step 6: When my hair is completely dry, I spray it with John Frieda's 100% Shine Glossing Mist which is just a shine spray that I use whenever I do my hair (straight and curly). Make sure not to over spray it or it will end up looking greasy.

Be sure not to touch your hair too often! Touching creates frizz and can also mess up the way your curls look!

Click here to see a picture of my curly hair--but ignore my stupid face!

Southern Love #3

This book is amaaaazing; both as a book and as a movie (how could you not love something with Sandra Bullock? She is a Virginia girl, after all).

"She longed for porch friendship, for the sticky, hot sensation of familiar female legs thrown over hers in companionship. She pined for the girliness of it all, the unplanned, improvisational laziness. She wanted to soak the words 'time management' out of her lexicon. She wanted to hand over, to yield, to let herself float down the unchartered beautiful fertile musky swamp of life, where creativity and eroticism and deep intelligence dwell."

-Rebecca Wells