Tag: nordstrom

Moving Series Part One: Everything But the Furniture

by Madison

It’s moving time! I have tried (and tried and tried) to be a vlogger. Like multiple times. I can’t stand the editing process. And making sure I get enough clips. And making my friends and family be a part of it. Maybe I will change my mind, who knows. But for now, I am making moving blogs a thing as opposed to moving vlogs.

I am obsessed with moving vlogs, but it is hard to find everything they talk about, definitely not as shop-able! If that is the goal, of course. So, let’s make moving blogs a thing. Starting with the first in this series titled Everything But the Furniture. The reason for this is that I want to do an entire post on the items I get to furnish my apartment and how I chose them. But this post is going to be more of the essentials and random things I have gotten thus-far in the process. As I continue, and actually move in, there will be photos and live styling of how I put everything together. Exciting stuff, amiright?

I made this post super easily shoppable, the picture at the top of this post is completely clickable! Simply click on the product you’re interested in and shop away!

Most of the items are pretty self-explanatory, but here are a few honorable mentions that deserve a little more detail:
+ Malin+Goetz candle: I mean, that pricepoint is hefty, I am not even gonna lie. But for your home to smell like an expensive luxury interior design store? I am all for it. My favorite thing is to elevate your space in small ways that can make a huge difference. I am not going to buy a $2,000 bed but I will buy one that looks expensive. There are some things that are meant to be splurged on, candles are one of them.
+ COMPAGNIE DE PROVENCE soap: Again, another thing to splurge on. I am going to do a whole post on simple ways to elevate your bathroom (and make it feel like a fancy hotel bathroom) and this is one of those steps! This soap smells like heaven, lasts forever, and looks perfect on your bathroom counter.
+ AllClad pans: These are the best pans I have ever used. Take 1 second to wipe clean and never have anything stuck to them. My parents have had them for over 2 years and they are like brand new. They are absolutely worth the price point and the only pans I will ever buy!

I have a LOT more on my to-buy list as I am taking as little as possible from my current place and have been saving for a while in order to purchase all new things. The space that you live in daily should be your favorite space. The things that you use daily should make you feel at ease and bring you some form of joy, not to be too Marie Kondo over here. For me, living in a dark space with items that aren’t easy to use or are old or don’t work well doesn’t make sense to me. I would rather save in other areas and splurge on items that are going to elevate my every day. Kind of like how changing your phone case seems like a huge life change. Or changing your hair brush, mousepad, etc. Things that are essential that you use every day all day deserve upgrading! This is a hill I will die on.

Items I am still going to buy (that aren’t furniture)
+ Dyson Vacuum
+ Roku TV
+ Throw pillows
+ Plates & utensils
+ Single-cup Keurig
+ Hangers
+ Curtains
+ Vase
I will be doing a bunch of hauls on my IG as that is the easiest form of videoing for me so hop on over to @MadisonCrowley to see me unbox everything mentioned in this post (I shipped it all to Georgia) and the future stuff I buy to add to the apartment! I will document the move-in process as well as decorating! I am going minimal but classic and am excited about some of the art pieces I am going to be hanging on the walls!

I am so stoked for this. It has really given me something to look forward to during this quarantine. I would have liked to be able to shop for some of this stuff at the store but that’s just what happens when a deadly virus takes over the world!

Thanks for stopping by and reading the first part of this exciting series for me. Let me know if there are things I need to add to my list or if you have any of these items and love them too!

Don’t forget to head to my Instagram where more of the daily fun happens:
@MadisonCrowley

‘Til next time!
xx, Madison

Tabs I have open 24/7… And why I can’t let them go.

by Madison

It’s Friday Eve! Isn’t that the best feeling ever? Thanks for popping into V&L. Hope ya like it. Explore around, search some terms, read up on who I am. I am always ready to chat so DM me on Insta ( @MadisonCrowley ) if you feel like being bffs.

This was a post that I randomly thought about one night as I was closing multiple tabs before ending my work for the day night. I realized there were so many that I keep open and frequently use so I wanted to give those a shoutout. I am going to start polling about blog posts because I want to know what YOU guys want to read about. Have any questions or topics that you want me to research? Please let me know so I can write about them!

Most of these tabs are super useful!! I keep a lot open so y’all may be slightly stressed by this. BUT I have most of them “pinned” so that they don’t take up alllllll of the room on my browser.
Let’s jump in.

☆ Google Docs: I am always thinking, writing, and brainstorming so I always have a Google doc up. I categorize with a few different keywords like V&L | Brand or V&L | Blog Ideas and then if I am doing work for my internships I will do C&C | Partnerships or if I am researching a new oil I will do YL | Notes. So you get the idea. Everything in its place! And Google docs are perfect because I can be typing up a post on my computer and then have to run out the door and can finish on my phone. I love that I never have to worry about losing my work and I can always share the docs with someone if I want to collaborate or share what I have been working on.

☆ Coolors: This website is way too exciting if you are a blogger or into branding. I could spend hours on this site going through color palettes and finding new tones of blush to fawn over. You can also install a coolors plugin onto your bookmark bar and go through with a “picker” that allows you to pick the colors from your favorites brands and websites to see just what colors they are using to define their brand.

☆ Virtual Office: I always have VO up so that I can check on what my business babes are up to or look up an oil to see what it’s benefits are and what it does. I am constantly finding new Young Living products that I want to add to my home or oil collection. There is really an oil for everything and I love finding them. Virtual Office keeps track of how big my paychecks are going to be!

☆ V&L Stats: Alllllways using this! I love to see where people come to my blog from and what they click on after they get there. A lot of people use Google Analytics, I need to start using it as well. But for now, I just use the stats that come with WordPress and I devour them. I like to see what people search and what items they click because that really helps me write content that not only I like but what YOU guys like.

☆ Facebook: Let’s be real, I find myself scrolling waaaaaay too often. I normally catch myself doing it and then close FB and then go right back when I remember that there is something I need to do. FB holds all of my Bachelor groups and secret oily groups filled with my gfs who I use oils with so I am always finding inspo from them or a new recipe that I want to try, hence what always pulls me back to Facebook. I am working on sharing more of my life on FB as well, I just want to connect with you people!!!

☆ Back & forth between H+H and TSC ‘Relentless‘ post: As all of you guys know, I finally made the move to start a blog in 2016 after reading Hustle + Halcyon for the first time!!! Payton is my fave and every time I need inspo or need to remember why I started blogging I head to hers and am instantly inspired by her realness. That’s exactly what I want to be for my followers – real. No bs over here. Life can be hard and life can be wonderful. I want to share it alllll. I also fell in love with the word relentless from Lauryn Evart’s post on The Skinny Confidential. I’ve linked it here so you can read and I am writing up my own post with info on the word that moves me. It may be a long time coming since I want it to be perfect. #perfectionistbloggerprobs

☆ Canva: Being a blogger means making tonnnnns of graphics! I love making graphics and making my blog posts pop. It’s super fun for me. I make all kinds of things on Canva. Social media posts, labels, my media kit, you name it and it has probably come from Canva. I made the pic at the top of this post with Canva!

Honorable Mentions:

V&L Email / Yahoo Mail / Intern Email: Emails, emails, and more emails. Never a day where I’m not constantly checking my email. Personal, work, internship. There is always something going on!

Instagram: Engaging on Insta is SO much easier on a desktop. I like typing on my computer so much more than on my phone. I actually hate typing on my phone LOL.

Amazon: I am always popping things into my cart. Prime is life.

Nordstrom: Allllllways browsing as a blogger. And a gal who likes to window shop.

Well, there ya have it! My most frequently used / always open tabs on my browser! Hope you guys got a glimpse into my world and what I do on the daily. I am always googling and researching and looking things up so this definitely isn’t all that I use but it sums it up super well. What tabs do you always have open? AM I MISSING SOMETHING? I need to know. Share your tabs with me by commenting or whatever way you like to share.

‘Til next time,Autumn in November

Everything you need to know about blowouts ⏤ Straight from an expert.

by Madison

Hi! So excited you decided to stop by V&L today. How ya doin? Hope you’re well and your day includes something you love.

I am sitting here with a tallll glass of ice water with a drop of lemon essential oil in it, and I am here to chat about blowouts. We all love ’em, we all need ’em, and sometimes we can’t afford ’em, which totally sucks. Honestly a picturesque morning for me starts with blowouts at Drybar and iced lattes from Nordstrom followed by wandering through the displays gathering ideas and inspo. Sounds ideal. Blowouts make me feel like a boss babe and I wanted to get all of the details on how to get the perfect blowout at home during those weeks we can’t make it to the salon.

I sat down with hairstylist Emma Weber for a trim and a blowout and asked her allll the juicy details about blowouts and what the perfect recipe for an at-home blowout is, all while sipping a venti iced caramel macchiato ( with soy of course ) and documenting the process with pics.

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Beach Prep – What I do to prepare for a beach vacay

by Madison

( PS. This image above is totally clickable!!!
Just click the item and it will take you right to where you purchase the product. Brilliant, I know. )

Hiiii! Welcome to Vogue and a Latte!

I am currently sipping coffee while staring at a white sand beach with my bf. Does life get any better? The exciting thing about blogging ( and making money from blogging ) is that it doesn’t even feel like work most of the time. Writing this post while on a vacay, without distractions, is SO fun. I thought I would share with you guys some of my tips and tricks for prepping for your upcoming beach trip! Whether that be spring break, a weekend getaway, or just summer approaching.

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Look chic for your Valentine or Galentine

by Madison

Heeeeeey babes!

I’m sitting in my bed with a candle from Anthro burning on my night stand (probably this one) and sipping on some wine after a workout and dinner with my bf. Life is goooood, y’all.

I’ve got a cute vday outfit for you gals. Chic, slightly colorful ( I know, outside of my vocabulary ) and comfy. It doesn’t fall in line with the cutesy red dresses that everyone is posting right now, not that I have anything against the flirty, fun, red minidresses. This is just my twist on how to be chic and cute for loves favorite holiday.

I have another look coming next week that is more edgy/sexy for Valentine’s Day, but I wanted to share this one first!

SHOP STATEMENT BOOTIES

This look has all of the components that I love about an outfit. A statement shoe, comfy jeans, a neutral sweater, and a bold accessory piece ( scarf in this case ). It’s all about balancing your colors/textures/neutrals. If you wanted to go a different direction with this look, you could do a statement necklace with a bold bag on your side.

There are a few pieces of this outfit that I want to highlight including this sweater. It has bell sleeves and is sooooo comfy and soft. It’s also the perfect gray sweater to dress up or down. I’ve worn it a million times since I got it!! I’m linking it here for all of your purchasing enjoyment.

These earrings pictures below are also my absolute GO – TO  gold hoop earrings. I wear them almost every day. They make me feel chic and put together and they add a finishing touch to my look. I feel like I love pieces that are the “finishing touch”… probably because I mostly just wear black all day, every day! Click here to add these babies to your every day arsenal.

I shot with a photographer in ATL named Taylor who totally rocks! If you guys have any photog needs, hit her up. I’ll link her website here.

What are y’alls plans for Valentine’s Day?? Galentine’s Day?? I personally think you should make the person that you love feel special on every day of the year, but Valentine’s Day is a fun excuse to get dressed up and give some extra special love and attention to your special someone. And eat lots of yummy chocolate!!

I have some new partnerships and collaborations coming up and I am SO excited to share them with you all! I also have an exciting giveaway happening soon with one of my new fave ATL bloggers. I am thrillllled for everything that is coming up in these next few weeks.

My socials are always exciting and happening so follow along with me @MadisonCrowley.

‘Til next time,Autumn in November

Sweaters + Life Updates

by Madison

Hiiiii everyone!

Ever have one of those weeks where it goes TOTALLY different than what you anticipate? Yea that was this week for me. This blog is going to have a little bit about sweaters and a little bit about life.

PSA: If you clicked on my blog post solely for sweater details, scroll down to the “Shop This Post” feed and view all of my sweater picks!!

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Roll Out Of Bed Style

by Madison

Hi everyone!!!

Wow it has been a good two weeks since I have last posted and that is a PROBLEM!! As you know, I went to Atlanta and once again had a fabulous time with all of my friends in one of my favorite cities. Atlanta is growing to be such an incredible place filled with art and trends and never ending places to explore. So much of my heart is in that city.

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I’m Back, Y’all.

by Madison

HI! Happy Monday and welcome back to Forge A Frenzy!

It has been two long weeks since I have last posted and wowza, life has been crazy. I took an unintentional hiatus from Forge A Frenzy over the last two weeks due to two life events: Moving from Newport Beach to Huntington Beach, and a much needed trip to Atlanta to see my dearly missed friends.

All of that being said, life is finally settling back down to normalcy. I am figuring out my new commute to work, unpacking tons of boxes, and scouring Pinterest for room inspiration ideas. And I got a pedicure. Pedicures always put life back on track.

I have two fun looks coming up on Forge A Frenzy, this one and another that will be posted shortly, but after that there are going to be some home/interior posts coming because that is where my hard earned money is going towards these next few weeks. I have slowly but surely been redoing the furnishings in my room and I have some cute DIY’s (that don’t look like DIY’s) that I am going to be tackling. The rest is a mix and match of HomeGoods finds and Target scores. I like to get the best bang for my buck and those two places have really been helping me out.

On top of that, I have tons of new places to add to my Atlanta food + drink guide that I will be summing up in a post as well as adding to my Atlanta Travel Guide page. Such exciting stuff!!!

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Graphic Tee’s + Espadrilles: How To Make It Work

by Madison

Happy Tuesday frenzies!!

Last week was a weiirrrrddddd week for me. Going through some kind of blogger rut and it was NOT FUN. But the good thing is that this week I have a fun look for you and have lots of content in the works (like my fave spring/summer beauty products).

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Off The Shoulder Love

by Madison

Hiiiiiii frenzies. Welcome to my place for ramblings and photos.

FIRST POST WITH MY DARK HAIR BACK!!! While I enjoyed the lighter version of me, dark brunette feels most authentic!

I love weekends. Like a lot. I worked retail for 3 out of my 4 college years as well as my first post-grad job at Nordstrom. Let me fill you in: weekends DO NOT EXIST IN RETAIL. I struggled with loving clothes and styling and loathing working retail. It was a love/hate relationship to say the least. I definitely enjoyed working at Encore (the local Athens, GA boutique where I spent Tuesdays + Thursdays as well as some weekends) because of my fab coworkers and all of our super freaking cute product, but weekends, in my book, are for relaxing and exploring.

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