Recent Faves Pt. 6

Friday, October 7, 2016


Here's to another installment of my "Recent Faves." There have definitely been some great posts by favorite bloggers lately, as well as lovely little tid bits here and there of accessories, songs, shows, clothes, and such that I have come across. I love compiling these posts because it give me the opportunity to share those things that I have been "freaking out" over lately and totally "falling in love" with. Hope you enjoy these lovelies below:

  • It doesn't get more autumnal than apple orchards, plaid, hunter boots, pumpkins, apple pie, and pure classic charm like in Sarah KJP's recent post HERE....can I just be transported into this post!
  • Yes...I just cut bangs...and no, I am not hating them, I still love them, but I can totally relate to This Card 100%!
  • Hannah Everly did it again with her FABULOUS fall skirt line, and knowing my over the top love for Mustard Yellow it is no surprise that this darling skirt is my favorite!
  • Anyone else have a "slight"obsession with the history and life of the royal family? For some reason I have always been intrigued by the royal family and watched a number of movies/series focusing on them, the queens, kings, etc. and thus, am soooooo EXCITED for The Crown which is coming to Netflix!
  • Katie Gabrielle has the most darling designs in her shop and I can't get over how cute this book lapel set is!
  • I'm all about those 70's vibes this fall and have fallen in LOVE with this dress from Modcloth's fall line!!!
  • Speaking of Modcloth.....I am over the moon with the news that Modcloth is coming to Austin! That's right....a real life, standing Modcloth:)
  • I don't know about you, but Bethel is one of my favorite worship groups and I can't get enough of their newest album and have it on repeat nearly every day! 
  • When fall hits, Rebecca of A Clothes Horse always seems to live in a magical Fall world in Ireland and this latest post from her is utter PERFECTION!
  • Gotta admit that I have always loved One Direction, so when I heard that Niall Horan (he was always my favorite...FYI) came out with his own single "This Town" it totally made my day!! 
  • Lastly, I want to go traipsing through these woods.....they are like a page straight out of a fairytale....Little Red Riding Hood to be exact:)
Any of my favorites catch your eye?

-Madison

Making The Cut

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Dress: Lula Roe (Thrifted)
Purse: Thrifted
Shoes: Cato's
Watch: Sam Moon
Lapel Pin: Shop Luella
Earrings: Forever 21
**All Pictures By Me**

Person: "Did you do something different with your hair?" 
Me: "Yes, I cut bangs!"
(every comment from this past week)
SURPRISE! Well.....probably not that much of a surprise if you caught this weekends post or follow me on Instagram, but I took the plunge and cut bangs, and when I say "cut" I mean that I cut them myself......yes, you heard that right! 

Okay, so flash back to my Junior year of High School when I had hair down to my waist and decided to cut bangs (basically I was just copying Taylor Swift). However, when I decided to cut them the first time I failed to watch a really good tutorial and I totally did not know what I was doing! They didn't turn out horribly, but they were definitely to thick and not as flattering as I had imagined, thus after 6 months I decided to grow them back out. Three years later I have chopped off my hair to shoulder length, then went for long bob (which is back at shoulder length), and now I have gone for bangs again.....but here's the funny story!

I had been toying with the idea of bangs since spring break when I got my hair cut shorter (again I just see to be copying Taylor Swift's hairstyles), however I never could get up the nerve to go get them cut or find the exact style that I wanted. Then, last weekend one of my best friends was up at college staying with me and well....we decided to cut bangs. The sum of the story is that we sat down to do homework (which we both had a lot of) and 20 minutes later we found ourselves watching hair tutorials for cutting bangs, hopping in the car and buy scissors at Walgreens, and then proceeding to CUT BANGS!!! 

Thankfully, this time I knew what I was doing because I found some FABULOUS hair tutorials HERE and HERE (if you are thinking of cutting your own bangs check them out!). The fact is that I have always been one to cut my own bangs because every time I would get bangs (usually only side) cut at a salon I never liked them and I feel that when I cut them myself I have more control (plus I can't get upset if they turn out wrong). After having bangs for a week now, I am still getting used to them, but definitely LOVE how they change up my hairstyle and are truly perfect for fall!. 

Also, can we just talk about how FAB this Lula Roe dress (that I thrifted at Goodwill) is! Totally in love with the simple a classic silhouette which definitely pairs perfectly with my new "Introvert" lapel pin from Shop Luella, and this super fun and colorful satchel purse. 

Any of you toying with getting bangs?
Have you ever cut your own hair?

-Madison

October Plans & Goals

Monday, October 3, 2016

Picture By Me
As October unfurls before me I can't help but be filled with anticipation for the coming season, but also sadness because I feel that my love for Fall is greatly overshadowed by the business of life and college. I remember growing up and having every season FILLED to the brim with fun activities, and the kid inside of me still wishes life could be that simple with pumpkin patches, pumpkin carving with my family, cooking pumpkin seeds, baking copious amounts of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins every week, dressing up for Fall Festivals, and other such joyous things. Yet, as the months fly by and the years start over every 365 days, life seems to always change....just like the changing of the seasons, and I can't help wishing that time could stop so that I can actually enjoy it for a change instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle.

Nevertheless, with October now upon us, I find myself dreaming of so many things I want to do this fall, but knowing that hardly any of them will actually come to fruition (sadly)......yet one can still dream. Therefore, with that being said here are my goals and plans for the month of October, but first here is a recap for the month of September:

September Recap:
So much has happened in September.....Litterally....WOW!!

  1. Considering that Pumpkin Spice Latte's came out at the beginning of last month I am sad to say I have only enjoyed their delectableness two times (it would have been four if Starbucks wasn't out those two times)
  2. I finally had the Pride and Prejudice Movie weekend with a few girls and not only did we watch the 5 hour Pride and Prejudice, but we then all decided to watch the 2 hour version afterwards.....
  3. I had been faithfully attending the large Thursday night college Bible Study we have at college and am thoroughly enjoying it (plus the Small group I have with it also).
  4. Also had a fun breakfast picnic with some friends at the historical park across from campus (hopefully that will come to the blog soon...)
October Plans:
  1. With the Fall FANATIC in me I will be drinking LOTS of Cinnamon Apple Spice tea because its literally fall in a cup.
  2. NEED to make some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins when I am home this weekend because I am craving that FAVORITE fall treat!
  3. Continue to attend the Bible study that I have been going to and keep up with the girls in my small group who are fabulous!
  4. Get more organized and on top of homework! While I don't have all that much work in my classes this semester I want to get ahead and study each subject more when I don't have homework for the class. 
  5. Give a 15 minute speech (this coming Thursday) in my presentation class on how to create and work with a capsule wardrobe (totally inspired by the fabulous Lauren of Chic Ethique)
  6. Going home this coming weekend for my siblings homecoming (my brother is the quarterback for the football team and I am the designated hair stylist and makeup artist for my sister)
  7. Take a road trip with my family to visit my 98 year old grandpa and also probably take a trip to the family farm. 
  8. Season 4 of Agents of Shield premiered two weeks ago and my College Bestie and I have a standing Wednesday afternoon viewing of the episode every week, where we freak out over the shocking occurances and fangirl over our favorite #ship!
  9. Hoping to take advantage of the beautiful weather when it is here so I would like to visit the park early one Saturday morning just to read and enjoy nature.
  10. If there was an apple orchard close to where I live (trust me, I have checked) than I would definitely take a day trip there for pictures and fall perfection, but sadly that is only a dream right now. 
  11. October is Halloween season and while I am one of those people who loves an excuse to dress up and create a costume I sadly have nowhere to wear it and also work that night so no costume this year....
  12. Seriously considering trying a Capsule Wardrobe for the month since I already created a "mock" capsule wardrobe as a presentation for one of my classes....what do you think??
October Goals:
  1. Still working through the same book I was reading last month so that book needs to get finished and I need to start a new one!
  2. READ #GIRLBOSS....totally can't wait to read this book, especially since it has been sitting on my desk for 2 weeks. 
  3. Continue to have the goal of meeting new people or talking to them (have actually met 3 people in my science class...yay!)
  4. Keep up a good blog schedule and try to take as many pictures on the weekends as I can. 
  5. Do anything and everything I can to enjoy and embrace fall amidst a busy schedule. 
  6. Film a fall makeup tutorial and possibly a hair tutorial.....
  7. Brainstorm new content for the blog (let me know if there is anything you would like to see!)
  8. Watch what I eat and try to be more health conscious as well as drink more water (which I have been better at)

What are some of your Plans or Goals for October?
What was a highlight of last month?

-Madison


Autumn Daze

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Dress: Target
Shoes: Old
Hat: Target
Necklace: Hobby Lobby

The leaves are slowly, but surely changing colors in my neck of the woods and I love seeing all of the fallen leaves on the ground as I am walking to class. The weather has finally started to cool off and all week it has been in the low 70's......it has been heavenly! However, fall never officially arrives for me until it begins to cool off and the leaves start changing colors, the best part is when you walk outside one morning and it actually "smells like fall"......still waiting for that morning.  

I can't help but realize that many of my clothes this fall are actually the colors of fall, especially this dress. I found this dress at Target at the beginning of the season and finally snagged it over labor day when it was on sale. This dress definitely gets me into the fall spirit and is truly the comfiest dress ever! Midi dresses are a great style for me (#longlegs) because they are the perfect length and I love that this dress is a slightly modern take on 1970's fashion (which always seems to be what I lean to in the fall). Pairing this dress with a felt hat and sued ankle boots definitely gives it more of a 70's vibe and I can't wait to wear it more this season. 

Do you ever wear the colors of fall?
Is it finally fall in your neck of the woods?

-Madison

Current Beauty Faves

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Shampoo: Hello Hydration

I don't know about you all, but I am one of those people who loves a good beauty product, especially when it comes to my hair. My hair is never the same, it is ever changing be it in length (I have cut it many times in my life) or in styles be it curled, straightened, natural, etc. Whatever the case, a good hair product can completely change how my hair acts and is managed when I style it. 

I recently joined Influenster and was super excited to get a VoxBox with two Herbal Essence hair products. I have always been a major fan of Herbal Essence as the smell of their products is so delectable, but also because they always delivered the outcome that is promised. It was fun to switch things up a bit in my hair product routine and try out the products that were sent to me. 

I have used the Hello Hydration before from Herbal Essence, and was so excited to see it in my box, as it is hands down one of my favorite Herbal Essence products I have ever tried. With the amount of curling and straightening that often happens to my hair, I find that at times it can become dry and need a re boost of moisture. This shampoo definitely re-hydrated my hair as well as made it smell delightfully tropical!

The second product, the Toussle Me Softly Let It Loose hairspray, was a new product that I wasn't familiar with. However, after trying it out I was highly impressed! While this product is recommended to be used on damp or dry hair to give it a beachy wave, I actually chose to replace my normal hairspray and instead used this after curling my hair. The results blew me away! Typically when I curl my hair I end up with tight curls that are frozen in place by my regular aerosol hairspray and don't give off a wavy relaxed curl until day #2 hair. However, since replacing my typical hairspray with the Toussle Me Softly I have found that after curling my hair and spraying it with this product, I can actually achieve relaxed natural looking curls on the first day......my life is forever changed (I might do a tutorial on this??)! Aside from it's fabulous ability to make my hair touchably soft while still holding a wavy curl, it also is smells fabulous all day long!

P.S. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who left such sweet comments on my Blog Birthday post!!

Have you ever tried these products/brand?
What are some of your current beauty faves?

-Madison


Not To Shabby

Monday, September 26, 2016

Dress: Me Made
Shoes: Salt Water Sandals (Modcloth)
Purse: Vintage Coach
Necklace: Vintage
Watch: Sam Moon

I love that there is a historical museum across the street from my college. It offers not only the perfect picture and picnic spots, but also takes me back to my childhood and reminds me of the times when we would go on field trips to old farms and plantations decked out in all of our period dress up clothes. Taking a study break to explore the old houses and grounds is always one of my favorite activities, and roaming around the grounds of the old farm houses always makes me think of life back then and imagine what it must have been like to live on a working farm.....

With the fall semester in full swing and all of my responsibilities and assignments, I unfortunately do not find much time to sew during the business of the semester. However, back during the labor day holiday weekend I managed to finish sewing this dress that I brought with me up to school. I had been admiring the "Shabby Apple" style striped dresses and thought I would try my hand at making one with this lovely green striped cotton I had picked up in Branson Missouri last winter. The dress turned out quite nicely and is definitely one of the comfiest dresses I have sewn, as it isn't form fitting and easily lets you breath. 

I am curious to see how versatile I can make this dress in my fall wardrobe, as I am already imagining layering it with a collard shirts or throwing a sweater on over it. Truly, the idea and prospect of my fall wardrobe has me near giddy with the possibilities and colors. This past weekend I switched out all of my summer clothes for my fall pieces and I am already in LOVE with the natural rust, yellows, greens, and brown shades that fill my closet....now all I need is some chilly fall weather:)

Do you like visiting old farms or plantations?
What is something you have sewn recently?
Is it fall yet where you are?

-Madison

Minnie Muse Turned Two

Wednesday, September 21, 2016



Hip, Hip, Horray......Minnie Muse is turning TWO today! The party over here probably consists of donuts, LOTS of coffee, a few dance moves, and some fun tunes by Megan Trainor, Tori Kelly, and Taylor Swift!

It is crazy to think that it has been two years since I started this blog, and everything that has happened since then is mind blowing! Oddly enough, I started it at a unique time in my life because I I had just graduated High School a few months before. Thus, this blogging journey has been my constant companion throughout most of my college life, and without it I truly don't know what I would have done. I have used this space on the internet as a creative outlet for sharing who I am with others and doing what I love. I can't even begin to tell you all how wonderful it has been interacting with all of you incredible readers, and all of the lovely souls I have met over these past two years just blows me away. Minnie Muse wouldn't be where it is without EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU and nor would I! You all (the readers) are what make Minnie Muse what it is and make documenting my life and loves so worth it every time I sit down to write a new post.....it's just like I am writing to a LOT of good friends, so THANK YOU ever so much for being the lovely people that you are and for being such an encouragement to me!

Therefore, in honor of Minnie Muse turning 2 I thought I would do a countdown of the top 10 posts from 2016 (so far), starting with number 10:

#10:
I Can't Take A Compliment
#9:
French Quarter
#8:
A 1960's Easter
#7:
When All Feels Right
#6:
Peonies Please
#5:
Touring Estates
#4:
Confessions Of A Social Kind
#3:
You Are Not Alone
#2:
Wedding Wear
And last but not least.....
#1:
City Mode

I can't wait to see where the rest of this year takes me on my blogging journey and I cannot wait for all of the exciting things in years to come! Just within the last year Minnie Muse has grown sooooo much and I, myself as a blogger, have grown in my content, style, photography, and outreach with I hope to continue to improve upon as I continue to learn.
Once again, thank you for reading my blog, for leaving me the sweetest comments, for reaching out and getting to know me, for inspiring me with your own creativity and style, and for just being you!! Y'all are the BESTEST EVER!!

Were and of the 10 posts above some of your faves?
What has been something you have enjoyed about Minnie Muse?
What is something you would like to see more of in the future?

 -Madison

New York, New York

Monday, September 19, 2016

Jacket: c/o Madewell
Pants: Thrifted
Shoes: Catos
Shirt: Vintage (Minnie's Menagerie)
Purse: Sam Moon
Broach: Vintage

**Today's post was made possible by Madewell who gifted me this denim jacket. All opinions are my own.**

Sometimes I think about what people in NY wear and I always seem to arrive at the conclusion that those in NY take a lot of creative liscense when it comes to fashion. With that being said, I have yet to visit New York, so that is definitely a stop on my bucket list one day! However, when you received a package straight from New York, NY you easily become filled with New York fashion inspiration and start dreaming of visiting that inspiring city. In light of traveling, I tend to dress for the places I am venturing to......I can't just wear ordinary clothes, I have this weird thing about me where I like my clothes (fashion) to match my surroundings in some way, shape, or form. Therefore, if I went to New York I think this look would be one that I would pull out and wear whilst being a wide eyed tourist! 

Seriously though, I can't get enough of this ensemeble! Remember me saying last week that I was going to try different things this fall....well this look is definitely one of those "different" things. Get ready for lots of denim appearances this fall because I am completely IN LOVE with the classiness of denim, especially this denim jacket from Madewell (aka. the fabulous package from NY) that I can't get enough of!

I have always LOVED visiting Madewell or perusing their online store. Their selection of simple and versatile quality pieces, that retain a classic style throughout the years has always inspired me and drawn me to their brand. Not to mention that their jeans, jackets, and overalls are always the greatest one can find. Therefore, I can't say enough about the quality and sheer perfection of this denim jacket that will be a classic staple piece in my wardrobe for years to come.

I wanted something unique to pair the Madewell denim jacket with, and therefore settled on a classic pair of brown cigaret paints with my vintage gingham button up. I finished off the look with my sued nude flats, a red purse, and a vintage broach. When I say this ensemble was something different for me, it is true, because I very rarely wear pants and when I do they are always a loose or flowy fit. Therefore, this style was a bit different for me, especially since I paired the classic pants with a denim jacket and collared button up. However, even with contrasting pieces they all pair perfectly together for a business meets modern, meets slightly edgy, meets classy look. The only thing that would make this look even more perfect would have been some darling novelty lapel pins on my jacket (definitely something for the future).

Also, just an awesome reminder that if you have a valid college student ID you can get 15% off every time you buy something at a Madewell location (not valid online).....so make sure to take advantage of that if you frequently shop at Madewell!

Are you a fan of Madewell?
Do you ever mix things up that are different for you?
What do you think about ones fashion for NY?

 -Madison
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