It’s been SO long. TOO long. Sometimes the priority becomes working your way up the career ladder (sometimes in a sweater dress) and you get caught up dedicating effort into something you hope will pay off one day. The same feeling goes for my blog, but my schedule is making it difficult to give the time it deserves.

When it comes to my blog, I’m such a perfectionist. It’s so important I share quality content, both visually and editorially, and I’ve realized I need to stop overthinking what I put out and trust the work I put in. After all, I created this platform to express myself.

It’s been over a year since I’ve launched Ynique and it’s come a long way. I’ve learned so much and I’ve never doubt its future, but it’s not going to build itself. I could delve into further reasons why my baby hasn’t been getting attention, but there’s never an excuse for pursuing your passion.

It feels good to come clean about the blogging woes because, trust me, running this thing ain’t easy. That being said, 2017 will be an even better year for Ynique. I will dedicate more time to my passion and worry less about the content being “perfect.” Sometimes you need to trust your readers will appreciate it for what it is.

Thank you to all my loyal followers and the support you’ve provided thus far. It doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m thankful you’re still here. Now enough about my New Year resolution, its the middle of January. Let’s talk fashion.

A sweater dress is the perfect transitional season wardrobe must-have. The weather is getting a bit warmer so it’s only appropriate to flaunt a little more leg. I love this one by Topshop because of it’s unique magenta hue and mini cable knit texture. The turtleneck hits the right length and its body con fit is both flattering and sexy.

Sometimes a wardrobe full of black and neutral tones can use a pop of color. I found these babies at Forever 21 and the knotted multi-strap detail and chunky platform heel drew me in. I paired the ensemble with a nude fringed clutch by H&M and round sunnies, also from Forever 21.

For the beauty, I teamed up with Blushington to feature top tier beauty and lifestyle products on my blog and social. With locations in Los Angeles, New York and Texas, Blushington is a full service beauty salon offering make-up and esthetician services in a glamorous and fun setting. In addition, they have an additional service called Blush on the Go which offers house calls for the damsel in distress. They’ve been sending me the best curated goodies to try and I’m so thankful for the partnership. All opinions are my own.

My first review is dedicated to the Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in Sunlight. This bronze shimmery powder can be used as a highlight, eyeshadow or bronzer. For this look, I used CoverFX‘s powder brush to apply the product to my cheekbones before applying blush (Laura Geller‘s Blush and Brighten Blush in Pink Grapefruit) to give me an all over sun-kissed glow. It shimmers beautifully when the light hits. Well done, Kevin. You’re a legend.

For the lips, I went with a matching hue by Bite Beauty. I absolutely love this color because it’s unique, loud and applies extremely smooth. It gives you a lush, moisturized look and stays on for hours.

And that’s that. My first blog post in five months (*gasp*) and one of many to come. Watch out 2017, Ynique is coming for you.