Update: The New What the Clique

In 2011, a tiny seventh-grade girl sat in her bedroom with a 10-pound Dell laptop. She had no idea of the journey she was about to embark on when she decided to start a blog. It's now seven years later, and that 5ft tall middle school girl is now 5 foot 3'' (Don't question it!), and a freshman in college.

When I began What the Clique, my grammar and fashion sense were both absolutely terrible, but I had a passion. With the love and support of my family, I have spent the past seven years making this passion a reality. I have been so fortunate to land sponsorships with brands I could have only dreamed of a few years ago. 

As I've grown and matured, so has my blog. My posts began to improve little by little as I began to shape myself in the young adult I wanted to become. Now, I am only a few short months away from my 20th birthday, and it is time for a change.

I am so, so excited to announce that I finally took the plunge and decided it was time to invest in myself and in What the Clique. I hope you guys join me in transitioning from this blog to Whattheclique.com! 

Thank you guys so much for all the love and support for these past seven years. I wouldn't be on this incredible, life-changing journey without each and every one of you. I hope that you guys take the leap with me, and visit Whattheclique.com! 

xoxo,

Erica 

Anti-Aging with SkinCeuticals

A couple of years ago I read an article about the benefits of starting anti-aging products at a young age. I'm almost 20. That's way too young to be thinking about anti-aging products, right? (Disclaimer: I honestly almost cry every time I admit that I'm almost 20.) According to the New York Times, "A survey by the market research company Mintel found that 33 percent of French girls between 15 and 19 are already using anti-aging or anti-wrinkle creams."

"beauty has no age"

Picture via Pinterest

Unfortunately, my skin has given me trouble for years, and I couldn't imagine focusing on anti-aging products until I had my skin under control. Enter SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense... (This post is not sponsored) 

SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense

When I was first introduced to this product, I was on the fence. Was this little bottle really worth the price tag? Thankfully I found it for a discounted price at Skinstore.com and decided to take the plunge. (Sign up for their emails! They run discounts almost every week.)

This product takes care of my two biggest skincare concerns: anti-aging and breakouts. Right off the bat I noticed my skin tone seemed to be brighter. Which is saying a lot because my skin normally looks lifeless in the wintertime. 

I wouldn't say it's a miracle product, but I definitely did see results. This little product is so powerful that it started to peel the palm of hand where I place it before applying to my face. So definitely be sure to wash your hands after! All in all, it seems that almost everyone who tries the product loves it. Results vary depending on the user, but there were little to no bad reviews.  

Via SkinCeutical on Instagram 

Have you tried products from SkinCeuticals before? What's your favorite?

Valentine's Day

Call me a hopeless romantic, but I love Valentine's Day. I seize any opportunity it's socially acceptable to be overly affectionate, and Valentine's Day is definitely one of those occasions. 

This year I teamed up with my friends, Claire and Kitty, to shoot some Valentine's Day looks! There's this cute coffee shop within walking distance from campus (Idego Coffee), and we decided it would be the perfect shoot location. Plus, they have incredible vanilla lattes! 

Just a little roomie love! 

I'm going to miss living with Claire so much next year! I couldn't have asked for a better roommate. She really is the best! 

Kitty's outfit was perfection! Isn't she so chic? 

I purchased this J. Crew blouse almost two years ago, and it's hands down the most colorful piece I own. It's so much fun and also looks super cute with jeans! This time around, however, I styled it with my white corduroy pants from Banana Republic, and J. Crew brown heeled boots. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Travel Bug

When I was in middle school, my grandma gave me my first luggage set for Christmas. The suitcase and weekender bag were both the prettiest shade of purple and I was obsessed! Unfortunately, both pieces have seen better days. My weekender just recently tore along the seams while I was packing for the spring semester. I'm looking for a replacement, so I'm sharing some of my favorites below...

Picture via Harper's Bazaar 

Madewell the transport weekender ~ Splendid Monterey Weekender Tote ~ Sole Society Cassidy Vegan Weekender

Diane von Furstenberg Adieu Hardside Spinner Luggage 18-in. ~ Sole Society Mason Vegan Travel Satchel

Neiman Marcus Distressed Woven Weekender Bag ~ The Well Appointed House Weekender Bag in White with Navy Accents ~ Dooney & Bourke Getaway Weekender Bag

Staying Warm in January

Fleece-lined leggings, shearling-lined boots, fleece-lined flannel shirts... You name it, I own it. 

Picture via Pinterest

I don't handle cold weather very well. My boyfriend always makes fun of me because I literally curl up like a dog when I'm freezing. Hey, no shame! I'll do anything to stay warm.  

Polartec® Power Stretch® Tight ~ Shimmer Down Long Coat

I have the Athleta Polartec® Power Stretch leggings in gray and honestly have been living in them since December. They are thermally insulated and are able to keep you toasty warm without being bulky. I wore them on our New Years Day hike at Grayson Highlands State Park along with my Shimmer Down Long Coat. (Pictured above) 

Wearing my fleece-lined flannel shirt from Gabe's. Shop similar below. 

 

Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt in Light Coral  ~ Fleece-Lined Flannel Shirt in Deep Red

In my mind, cold feet is the equivalent of stepping into a puddle of water with socks on. (Ughhh I hate it!) Here are some cozy options to keep your feet toasty warm. 

Shearling-Lined Slides ~ Shearling-Lined Suede and Leather Boots ~ Glick Elmfield Tan Leather/Tan Suede Combi

What are your favorite items/brands that help you stay warm?

Comfy at Home

When I was little I hated two things; bangs and turtlenecks. Bangs always made my forehead feel itchy and turtlenecks made me feel like I was being strangled. Fast forward ten years, and I still hate bangs, but I can't imagine staying warm in the wintertime without turtlenecks.

I got this chunky sweater from Banana Republic last year. Not only is it toasty warm, but it's also my favorite shade of pink! Total win-win situation. Although this exact sweater is no longer available, there are plenty of similar options linked below.

I've been obsessed the past couple days with Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha. Their holiday iced espresso classics were 75% off at Kroger earlier this week. So, so yummy! 

Turtleneck: Banana Republic (Similar options here, here, here, here, and here)

Jeans: Banana Republic (Similar options here, here, and here)

Shop the look: 

  

Leith Chunky Turtleneck Sweater ~ Articles of Society 'Mya' Skinny Jeans

Shopstyle Collective links are used in this post 

Twenty Sixteen

Todays post is short and sweet. I wanted to take a quick moment to reflect on 2016.

I can't believe 2016 has come to a close. It has been one heck of a year! I can't believe how many changes have occurred in only twelve months. I graduated high school, began college, met a group of incredible friends, and experienced an equal amount of highs and lows.

If I could freeze time, I would freeze my life in these college years and soak up every laugh, every tear, and every heartbreak. I want to remember every time I almost peed myself laughing and every tear that brought me closer to finding my happiness. I want to remember every time a guy made me feel like I wasn't good enough, and then I remember the first time I met the guy that continually puts the biggest smile on my face.

I want to remember every argument I've ever had with my best friends and how we resolved it. Although awkward and upsetting at the time, it inevitably brought us closer together.

I want to remember the stress I felt as I studied for my first college exams, and how I felt every fiber of my being pushing me to study one-hour longer and do one more practice problem.

I want to remember the feeling of failure and how empowering it feels to pick yourself back up and move on.

Although most of these things weren't ideal at the time, I never regret a moment of the learning opportunities I experienced in 2016.

Peace out 2016, and hello 2017!

A Year in Review...

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has made this year a success for What the Clique. From my amazing readers, to the incredible brands I've had the opportunity to work with, it has been a great year! 

January: 

 

New Year, New Colors

March:

My Childhood Nostalgia in collaboration with Invaluable.com

May:

Review: Diora Keratherapy at Moxie Hair Salon 

June:

Graduation

Review: TRESemmé 7 Day Keratin Smooth

College Bound in collaboration with Credit Card Insider

July: 

 

UcommonGoods in collaboration with UncommonGoods.com

College Talks with Ashley from My Well Dressed Life

Review: LUSH Cup O' Coffee Face & Body Mask 

Victoria Sport

August: 

Eat Your Way to Healthy  in collaboration with Nuts.com

Lake Life + A Giveaway 

In August, I had the opportunity to host my first ever giveaway in partnership with Cabana Cream!  

New York City Summer Guide 

YoDerm  in collaboration with YoDerm.com

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Update: Welcome to College

September: 

What I've Learned From My Parents About Love

College Update: September

Why Fashion?

Kiss My Face Quick Dry Spray Deodorant

October: 

My Clarisonic

I was beyond excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with skincare brand, Clarisonic, this year.   It really was a dream come true to be able to collaborate with such a high end and popular brand. 

College Update: October

December: 

Happy Holidays!

Winter Break 

Merry Christmas!