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!