In March, I celebrated another trip around the sun and watched with wonder as spring bloomed all around me. I took walks every day I could. Watching spring arrive slowly, watching the trees begin to bud, watching the lawns green — it gave me LIFE. I also got to spend a wonderful week in my hometown, connecting with my family, going to the zoo with my nephews, and sharing a bottle of wine with good friends. I also, of course, spent a whole lot of time blogging! It’s been so good to be back in this space. I’m really happy that I was able to accomplish my goal of blogging every day this month and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Here are a few other things I’ve been loving this month:
Current playlist: Blueberries. I’ve been working on this playlist for a little while and I’m excited to share it! The overall theme is beats, but make it chill. It features current tunes that are groove-heavy, but laid-back and soothing. Perfect for when you want to vibe but not get hyped. Most of the songs are subtly optimistic, a little summer-y, and I’ve found it to be great for all different times of the day — morning tea, afternoon slumps, and late nights. You’ll hear artists like Raveena (I recommended her album, Lucid, in last month’s Life Lately post), Honeywhip, Chiiild, Wet, Denya, and Kacey Hill.
Current fav song: Lost Track by Haim. Just a fantastic new jam by my all-time favorite group (for music and style inspo).
Favorite recent beauty find: Ilia Limitless Mascara. WOWWW. Most mascaras give me raccoon eyes within a couple hours of application — I actually gave up on mascara all together a few years ago. BUT THEN. A friend recommended Ilia. I’m obsessed. Not only is it a clean formula, it looks SO NATURAL and stays put all day, even after a full day of traveling. I love the brush — it has a regular mascara brush on one side and a comb on the other, to give more separation to your lashes.
I haven’t tried any of Ilia’s other makeup, but once I run out of my current concealer I’m very curious to try theirs. Do you have any experience with their foundation or concealer? Let me know!
Current fav self-care routine: I’ve recently adopted the practice of greeting strong emotions that arise from within by saying, “Hello [fear, anger, whatever emotion shows up]. I will take good care of you.” I first heard about this practice from Thich Nhat Hanh. It sounds so simple but it’s a perspective shift that has had a profound effect on my mental health. It allows me to accept and acknowledge the feeling with compassion — while also reminding me that I am so much more than a passing feeling.
Favorite recent clothing purchase:
Ancient Greek Sandals Charys Sandal (on sale) | I’m such a fan of The Row aesthetic, but since they are out of my budget right now, I’ve been finding ways to get the look for less. This pair of platform flip flops by Ancient Greek Sandals is similar to The Row’s Ginza sandal for much less. Ancient Greek Sandals are such high quality and have the best support. They run a little small — I’m usually a 7, but I had to size up to an 8/38. More sizes here (still on sale but about $30 more than the first link).
Abercrombie’s Oversized Poplin Button Down Shirt | I might have two of these, I love them so much! The fabric is quality and the cut and drape are honestly stunning for the price. It’s pretty oversized, so I don’t need to size up — I get a Small. When it warms up, it can be challenging to add that “third piece” to your outfit without getting hot. But this shirt is so very lightweight. It’s perfect to wear open over a square neck tank on a warm day.
Current blogging vision: I really enjoyed the “outfit diary” approach I took in March — it helped me further hone in on my style, which I hoped it would. It was so special to shoot all the outfits in a studio space — I’ve always wanted to do that! I’ll probably move back to home shoots in April, but we’ll see.
I’m going to take a quick break from blogging the first week in April, but then I’ll be back on the blog with outfit posts two or three times a week. Plus I’ve got a spring wardrobe post in the works, and a packing list template that I’m excited about!
I’m excited to continue experimenting with different ways to share outfits, so while I’ll still be sharing on the blog, in April, I’ll be putting most of my energy into creating content specifically for Pinterest. I’m excited to try something different and I’d love it if you’d follow along on Pinterest.
I’d love to hear if there are any specific posts or topics you’d like to see in the future. Let me know!
Take care,
Nothing to suggest, just wanted to say that I’m so happy to see your posts in my inbox again! I love your style and really appreciated the in-depth post on the Abercrombie jeans recently – have a few pairs on their way to me now :)
Hi Katie! Oooh I hope the Abercrombie jeans work out for you! Thanks so much for subscribing and being here. <3
I really enjoyed your March posts! Looking forward to all that you’ll be bringing to this space :)
Regarding Ilia, I typically use tinted sunscreen vs. foundation, but I went to Sephora to get a sample of their tinted SPF, and it was…thick and kind of smelly. I love the ingredients and packaging, and normally product smells don’t bother me, but it was strong enough that I smelled it all day long. Anyway, all that to say, while I don’t have experience with their foundation, if you haven’t tried Sephora samples, they’re a great way to test something out before committing to a full bottle of product
I haven’t heard any buzz about it, but I’m curious about the Ilia concealer. I’m hoping to run out of my Too Faced concealer soon so I can get a better one, but I’ve been looking at Rare and Fenty for cruelty-free options with good reviews
Hi Christy! Thanks for sharing your experience with the tinted SPF — good to know about the smell, I don’t think I’d be a fan of that either. And thanks for the reminder to try Sephora samples! Definitely going to do that before purchasing anything. :) Putting Rare and Fenty concealers on my radar as well — thank you for sharing!
Hi! I have tried Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation, but I don’t love it. It smells a bit funny and it also tends to not rub in well for me, causing little “pills” on my face (if that makes sense). I use their primer and that seems to work well. I also tried their Fullest Volumizing Mascara, and that ended up all over the top of my eye lids, so I’m glad the one you tried actually stayed on your lashes. I have been using and LOVE DIME Beauty’s Volume Mascara. DIME is also a clean and natural brand like Ilia, so maybe check them out too!
Good to know Julie! Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. As I look closer, I see that a lot of reviews mention the smell, so that gives me pause. Thank you for the recommendation to check out DIME — I hadn’t heard of them. Glad to know another good clean brand.
Hello Caroline!
I enjoy your outfit dairy concept. I would really like to see this wrapped up in a type of monthly overview – post, the type of content you mastered so well in the past.
Not sure if you had your share of the Capsule Concept.. but I found it always immensely helpful to see all pieces of the wardrobe gathered in one place. And since you mentioned Pinterest.. that might be a good fit for that platform.
Anyways, so glad to see you back!
Hi Gisa! I’m still drawn to capsules, even all these years later, so I’ve got a post in the works. The idea of making sense of a wardrobe just resonates with me. :) Also thank you for the suggestion to do a wrap up post each month — I do love writing those, and will start working them back into the regularly scheduled posts.
Nothing to say except I am so happy you’re back! I looked forward to checking my email everyday in March just to read your blog posts!
I’m so glad to hear that Emily! Thanks for being here. <3
I’m excited that you’re back! I’ve loved reading your posts every day this month :-)
Thank you Breanna! Happy to be back. <3
Your “outfit diary” this month was great – it was so good to hear from you again! I’m excited to receive in my inbox whatever posts you’ll share with us next month :)
On a side note, Ilia’s make up is the only one I’m buying these days. Their concealer is much better than the conventional and rather expensive one I had previously (the shade I use is “Suma”).
Good to know, Adeline! I’m excited to give the Ilia concealer a try soon. I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the outfit diary this month. Thanks for subscribing too! <3
You’ve got me curious about the Ilia Limitless Mascara. I too have given up on mascara because I always end up with eye infections from flaking etc. And I prefer a lengthening vs thickening mascara. Thanks for the suggestion!
Hi Kelly! I hope it works well for you! It’s been a game-changer for me. :)
I am a huge fan of Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extension mascara! It’s a tubular mascara, so it comes off super easy and never flakes or smears. I hate taking off “regular” mascara because I always end up with raccoon eyes no matter how well I wash my face!
My best friends and I used to OBSESS over your blog when we lived together after college and were so sad when you decided to take a break. You’ve been so formative in my style and “less but better” approach to consumption over the years. Needless to say, we both texted each other SO excited when you reappeared again, and I’ve loved reading along every day. Welcome back!
Sara! I am a pile of mush after reading your comment — THANK YOU for taking the time to share this with me. There’s nothing better than sharing something you love with your friends, and I am floored and grateful that Unfancy has been something meaningful for you and your friends. It inspires me to keep sharing and blogging — thank you for sharing. <3
I would really love a post on your departure from instagram. I feel like it’s become a very negative space for many (myself included) and would love to hear what inspired you/made you decided to get off.
Hi Amber! YES. Great idea. I’ll start working on a post about it — being off Insta has changed my life. <3
I’m also interested in this!
Just want to say I’m so happy you’re back! I find your posts and outfits and vibe so restful and grounding. I loved the format you did this month–more posts on the blog, and a monthly wrap-up–and am also following you on Pinterest. Thank you for sharing with us.
Hi, I love your blog and was SO HAPPY when I discovered you were back. My favorite posts ever are packing posts, just in case you are in the mood for one of those anytime soon.
Hi Cristina! We must be on the same wavelength — I’ve got a packing post in the works right now. :D
So cool! Thanks :))
I love that I’ve rediscovered you here on Pinterest. I used to read your blog all the time circa 2014/2015 and I’m so excited to see that you’re blogging more often again. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us! :)
Hi – I’m a longtime blog reader of yours; came back to look at some old packing posts and was so delighted to see you are posting again. Love your posts, especially the capsule and packing posts, and look forward to seeing any new directions you take. <3