Top: Ann Taylor (similar here, additional 40% off with code BRSALE until 6/30)

Pants: Madewell

Bag: Burberry

Shoes: Ninewest (my color is no longer available)

Necklace: JCrew

|| Outfit Details ||

Dress: Anthropologie  (similar style here)

Shoes: Steve Madden

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. This was the weekend of graduation festivities. I went back to my alma mater (UC Davis) to attend the graduation of one of my closest friend on Sunday. Being back definitely made me nostalgic, but one thing I don't miss for sure is the HEAT! >.< I can't believe it's been three years since I graduated... it still seems like yesterday when I walked across that stage, not knowing what I wanted to do with my life or what the future had in store for me. I was stressing about everything, from my job, relationship, relocation, etc. Fast forward to three years later, I'm still confused at times, but I have learned that life will (for the most part) always work itself out. There's not point in stressing over things or events I cannot control, but what I can do is help steer my life in the path I want to take. This blog is one of those steps. It may have taken three years for me to start, but better late than never. :) 

On another note, I just wanted to share a quick review on this dress that I picked up from Anthropologie a couple of weeks ago while I was looking for a dress to wear to a wedding in the East Coast. I picked this dress up during the additional 20% off sale they were having for Memorial Day, on top of the already reduced price. Although I wasn't completely in love with how it looked on me, I bought it anyway as a back up dress in case I couldn't find anything else in time. While I liked the fun color and lace details, I didn't like the material the lining was made out of (rayon-spandex knit); it wasn't as breathable as I wanted it to be. Also, the waist sits very high up, which isn't the most flattering on my figure. The length is also a tad long, so I would want to take it up one or two inches. I was debating on a 4 or a 6, but ended up going with the 6 since I wanted to be comfortable when I was eating. Another thing I noticed was that the zipper was VERY hard to pull up. I had to have someone help me every single time I tried it on. When I took these pictures, I thought I wanted to keep the dress, but have since decided to return the dress. However, I wanted to share my two cents in case anyone was wondering. Although the dress didn't turn out well for me, there seems to be a lot of others who are in love with the dress. If you want more details, read others' reviews on the Anthropologie page. Online, the price has been reduced again but is no longer available. I tried calling the store closest to me and they still had some in stock. I would recommend calling your local stores if you are interested. 

Thanks for reading. Hope your Monday is off to a great start!

The Sesso Naked Lipgloss is surprisingly a very nice nude color, and can be worn on its own for a tint of color or over a lipstick for a bit of shine. I personally don't use the eyeliner too much because it smudges on  my mono lids, but there are beauty gurus out there who swears by them. They do glide on very nicely and do not tug at all, but unfortunately for me the staying power is not too great. On the other hand, the Urban Decay liquid eyeliner is smudge-free for me! Overall, there's not a single item in this palette that I have not used. The only downside is that if you ever run out of the mascara, eyeliner or lipgloss, it might be tricky finding one that would fit the slots since they are not full size. In my experience, however, Urban Decay always gives out samples of their 24/7 glide on pencil in "Zero" (a black eyeliner) and if you run out of the mascara, they will often have samples as well. If not, Lancome and Clinique tend to have a lot of gifts with purchase, and a mascara is usually included. You can swap them out if needed ;)

A lot of the sunscreens I have tried has the typical sunblock smell and greasy feeling. This sunscreen, however, has a watery/runny texture as you can see in the picture above, and is super light and weightless. In order to activate the sunscreen, you actually have to shake it up first before using. Despite the small bottle, a little goes a long way. One bottle usually lasts me about 3 months (I only use for my face, but I apply it very liberally). After you spread it out, it dries to an almost powdery finish, and within 30 seconds you won't even feel or smell anything. Even my boyfriend who hates wearing any sunscreen because of the sticky feeling approves of this sunblock. I've also converted my best friend and this is now one of her staple products. I have tried countless different sunscreens, including the Chanel and La Mer. While those are also great (they all have very similar consistency, which is more watery/runny), the latter 2 can definitely break the bank ($55 for 1 oz and $85 for 1.7 oz, respectively) whereas the Shiseido one costs about 1/2 the price ($32 for 1 oz) and is just as effective. 

These two items have seriously made it so easy for me to pack my make up bag. If you haven't already, remember to read my previous post for more details on how to enter my Instagram (@serendiepityblog) giveaway for a chance to win these two items. It's super simple! All you have to do is follow, like, and tag a friend. 

I hope you enjoy the review. If there's any product you're wondering about, chances are I have tried it already (and if I haven't would definitely look into it), and will be more than happy to give you my two cents! Have a great weekend and good luck if you enter the giveaway!

|| Outfit Details ||

Dress: Forever 21 (similar here, here, or here)

Shoes: Zara (similar here or here)

Purse: Louis Vuitton

Hi everyone! I wore this floral maxi dress to a wedding this past weekend in Philadelphia and it was the perfect piece for the occasion. The empire waist enabled me to eat comfortably while hiding my food baby and despite the long length, the chiffon material was cooling. Although the back was a deeper cut, I was still able to wear a regular bra (no need for stickies!) without the straps showing. Most importantly, the flowy design made it very breathable. I was originally debating between this or a more fitted dress, but in the humidity I did not want to wear anything that would stick to my skin.  As always, comfort triumphs. :) 

I ordered a couple of dresses on Asos before borrowing this from a friend at the last minute. This one shoulder piece looked promising on the model. I knew I would be eating a lot so I specifically looked for ones that flared out, and given that it's a summer wedding, I wanted to go for a floral theme. I ordered a 4 and although it fit me, the length was too long and was not flattering on my frame (for reference I am 5'4). Even with my 4 inch heels, it made me look frumpy. I can imagine this would look beautiful on someone taller, but for those on the more petite side, alternations will be needed. I didn't want to deal with all the hassle, so will be returning this. The other dress I ordered was this Chi Chi London one.   I have broad shoulders and from the style, I knew would have to size up so I ordered a 6. However, it was still too small so this will also be going back. I was also disappointed in the quality. It looked nice in the picture but in real life it looked a bit cheap. I did like that there was a tulle layer underneath to give it more volume, so if you are on the more petite side, this might emphasize your curves nicely.

On another note, today marks one month since I started the blog. I'm definitely still building the foundation and am working on finding my voice and style. There is still a lot of room for improvement and I'm constantly trying to find new content. Having said that, I wanted to do a small giveaway to thank you so much for your support for the past month.



 I've been doing quite a bit of traveling and have a couple more trips coming up this year. The Urban Decay Naked on the Run palette have made it so easy for me to pack my make up bag. I just need to bring this, a make up brush, foundation and my Anastasia brow wiz (I use the color medium brown) and I'm set to go! Regardless of whether I'm wearing make up or not that day, I always have sunscreen on. The sun will make you age much more quickly, so this is a staple in my routine. I love the Shiseido Oil Free Sunscreen (SPF 42) because it's high in SPF and doesn't leave the sticky sunscreen feeling on your skin. This is especially crucial if you're going to a sunny place!

One lucky winner will win both of these items. Rules to enter are simple: 

1) Follow me on Instagram (@serendiepityblog) 

2) Like this Instagram post

3) Tag a Friend who you think would be interested :)  

The winner will be selected at random. The giveaway will be open from June 2- to June 9 11:59 PT and the winner will be announced on the blog on June 11. Open to US residents only. This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram or any other sponsors, it's just simply my way of saying thank you for supporting me! As always, thank you for reading and good luck everyone!