August Favorites

I clearly was not expecting the summer to come to an end so soon since this post is coming out so late into the month by now (I got distracted...my b). It seems like just yesterday I was dreaming about the smells of cinnamon and clove and now fall is right around the corner. August was probably my favorite month of this summer. I walked in my first fashion show, dyed my hair blonde, and went to San Francisco for a much needed vacation. I picked up a few favorites along the way, and I can't wait to share them with you!

August Favorites

Beauty Favorites

OPI Can't Read Without My Lipstick- This is the perfect nail color for fall! We all know I'm a huge Breakfast at Tiffany's fan, and when the OPI collection came out last Christmas I snagged my favorites. This one is the perfect wine color I never knew I needed in my life. Your nails will look so good taking a picture of your first PSL...trust me.

DryBar Triple Sec 3-in-1- I first stumbled upon this spray back when I worked holiday at Sephora. I didn't have time to wash my hair, and one of my coworkers grabbed this spray and did a few spritzes while fluffing with her hand and OH MY GOD IT WAS LIKE I BECAME A GODDESS! It gave my hair body, reduced the oil at my scalp, and made my head smell amazing. This is the perfect product to keep in your gym bag, bathroom medicine cabinet, luggage, and basically everywhere OKAY!?

BareMinerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Slay- This lipstick is my PERFECT nude and I'm kind of obsessed with it. I first wore it in my fashion show and it's become a daily necessity. The lipstick itself is very smooth and creamy, and it lasts throughout my morning coffee. I should probably buy them in every color brb

Fashion Favorites

Wildfox Optical Glasses - I've had the same glasses for over 3 years and to this day still get compliments on them. Although my glitter frames are long gone from the Wildfox website, I recently picked up a new pair that scream Elizabeth Taylor and I can't wait to get my prescription filled. The thing I like about Wildfox is the price isn't bad for what you're getting, and you get a whole new variety than what you'd find at the eye doctor!

Food Favorites

Trader Joe's Breaded Eggplant Cutlets- There is nothing I love more than chicken parm except maybe eggplant parm (I like anything covered in mozz and marinara, honestly). My mom and I love to make our take on an eggplant/chicken parm casserole and it's SO good. I used to buy an eggplant and try to cut and bread it myself, but truth be told it was really hard to get it perfect. My pieces were too thick or too thin, the breading wouldn't stick, and if cooked too long it would turn to mush. But these cutlets from Trader Joe's...LIFE. SAVING. All you need to do is cook them a few minutes a side in olive oil and voilà! Hmm, I smell a new recipe post coming from this...

Smoked Salmon- One lox bagel from Einstein's and it's like I've had an epiphany. I've had smoked salmon for breakfast almost everyday for the past month. I put it on a half a bagel with cream cheese, cucumber slices, or just on the side with scrambled eggs. I know I don't have to go into detail about the amazing health benefits of eating salmon, just ask Victoria Beckham, but I swear I am more focused with fish in my belly to start my day. And can you say smoked salmon eggs benedict??

Music Favorites

Believer by Imagine Dragons- Imagine Dragons have came back with a vengeance. Their new album is so good and this song is my workout go-to. It's bad ass, it's powerful, it's just so damn good. Listen to this while you do bicep curls and I swear to God you will feel the difference.

Look What You Made Me Do by Taylor Swift- Taylor Swift has officially lost her mind and it's amazing. All snake jokes aside, this song is oddly powerful and full of revenge and it just really speaks to me. My favorite line is "I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me," because, let's be real, that is my life. Whether you like Taylor or not, you have to admit that the girl knows how to write a hit song. Hats off, Tay.

TV Favorites

Mad Men- I finally did it. I finished Mad Men. I laughed, I cried, but mostly I drooled over Don Draper. This is definitely one of my top 3 shows of all time and I only wish I had watched it when it was actually on air...just kidding binging it on Netflix was my greatest joy of the summer. But hey, AMC, can we get a quick TV movie? Set in the 80s? I need to see Roger Sterling in spandex. Thank you xoxo

The Bold Type- The Devil Wears Prada is one of those movies I always watch when it's on TV, partly because Miranda Priestly is #girlboss goals, but mostly because I love the idea of working for a magazine in New York City. The Bold Type is a new take on this concept, sans Andy and her shitty boyfriend DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE BIRTHDAY PARTY. The characters have started to grow on me, but I still feel like they are very immature and it makes me sad that my generation is depicted as being so entitled and whiny. Sometimes I want to slap the main characters, but for the most part I enjoy watching all the scenarios that my friends and I even have to go through.

Siesta Key- On a daily basis I think about how much I miss Laguna Beach and The Hills...and MTV truly blessed my life with their newest reality drama. I mean in the first episode a girl gets a broken nose from a fight...WHAT IS THERE NOT LOVE?! I like the fact that we are on another coast this time because, let's be real, that California lifestyle can get a teensy-bit old when you see it over and over again.




That's it for my favorites! For September, be on the lookout for a San Francisco trip guide, a new recipe, and whatever else strikes my fancy!

I'm a Model Now

I know I've been missing for a bit but in my defense I had a lot going on. Including...I walked in my first fashion show!

I volunteer at SMPS Colorado, a community of marketing and business development professionals, and for August the programs committee decided to spice thing up by hosting a fashion show at Macy's. The event focused on how you represent yourself decides how others see you, so it is important that you dress the part and define your own "brand." Members of the society, including moi, volunteered as runway models to show off the latest fall fashion line at Macy's. There was also a clothing drive so attendees could donate business attire to the Denver Rescue Mission. All in all, it was a fun event and I am so happy I got to be apart of it! I was finally able to bring out my inner Tyra Banks, and I hope one day I'll be able to do it again!

America's Next Top Models: Sam, Lexi, and Connor

Nine West jacket, Calvin Klein blouse, INC pants

Un bisou for my fans

Lauren by Ralph Lauren dress

Special thank you to Ely at The Unfound Door for these amazing images!

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Is there anything better than gathering around the table with your family eating delicious home-cooking? Yes: wine. I pulled together a little something-something to help you pair your favorite comfort foods with the most important beverage of the day. This year I am thankful for Niall Horan's snapchat account. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Wine Pairings

Beaujolais and Turkey

Okay maybe I have a sweet spot in my heart for Beaujolais (it was practically all I drank in France) but there's a reason this wine is widely sold this time of year. The light Gamay grape is not as harsh on the palette paired with the signature holiday bird. You might as well just buy 12 bottles while they're in stores.

Zinfandel and Cranberry Sauce

I know what you're thinking: "two spicey things, Lexi?" YAS GIRL HAVE SOME ADVENTURE! The spice-notes in a nice, bold Napa Zin will pair excellently with the clove and nutmeg of your mom's cranberry sauce. Why be boring?

Gewürztraminer and Apple Pie

Mainly I just wanted an excuse to say Gewürztraminer. But a sweet white paired with the warm apple-cinnamony goodness of American apple pie sounds like my kind of Thursday night. Make it à la mode and I'll be at your place in 5.

Chardonnay and Mashed Potatoes

Would it be weird if I said this was my dinner every night I don't have plans? The chardonnay will bring out the creaminess of the potatoes and leave you in this absolute bliss. Ooh and you can be bold and add some roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes...your mouth and wine will thank me.

Fall Fit Series: What's in My Gym Bag?

Welcome to my Fall Fit Series! If there's one thing I do every other week, it's go on a health kick. I figure in order to justify stuffing my face during the holidays I need to work on getting fit and eating better now. I have a lot of parties and soirees to attend these next few months and it's my goal to look my best for them all! Take this fitness journey with me by tagging me on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #fallfitwithduchess. Cheers!

Sensing a bit of deja vu? That's because I did this post when I first started my blog back in the day (still have the same bag and everything awwww). My FitBit is my best friend so hitting my steps is my main goal everyday. In order to ensure I crush my goal, I go to the gym everyday at lunch. I wish it was justifiable to wear Nike leggings and a sports bra to work, but I don't work for Google (yet) so I bring my gym bag with me everyday to change into. That means some essentials are needed so I don't head back to the office smelling like blood, sweat, and tears.

Leggings - Nike leggings are my heart and soul. Do yourself a favor and head on over to Nordstrom Rack to get these puppies at a discount. Plain black, camo, polka dot...there are so many options and they fit like a glove. Nothing better than showing off that booty, amiright?

Armband for Smart Phone - Since I discovered armbands my life hasn't been the same. It's so much more convenient to have your music attached to your arm than sitting on the treadmill ready to fall. In fact, I'm in the market for some wireless headphones (recommendations please) so that my music is completely hands free!

Deodorant - Needs no explanation.

Mini Flat Iron - Sweat + my thick hair = disaster. I always have dry shampoo on me but sometimes that just isn't enough, so when I discovered they make MINI flat irons (bless Sephora) I knew I had to get one. It's tiny enough to not take up too much room in my bag and is perfect for those last minute touches before I head out the locker room.

Hair Ties - Again these don't need an explanation, but I can't tell you how many times I've forgotten a hair tie so now I have an entire package in my bag just in case.

Makeup Palette - When wanting quick touchups before I head back to work, an all-in-one palette is perfect. I use tarte's Rainforest After Dark palette because it has eye shadow, blush, bronzer, and a highlight so I can give everything a little boost before finishing my day.

Perfume - I do take a rinse in the shower before changing back into my work clothes, but I still feel like I need a little scent boost after a workout. My favorite thing is to carry a different little perfume sample each week so my scent is forever changing. I have a reputation of always smelling good so IT'S A LOT OF PRESSURE OKAY?!



What's in your gym bag? Let me know with #fallfitwithduchess