Samantha K Schmidt

I have always considered myself somewhat of a minimalist. I like simple design and get anxious when there's too much clutter. With that said, I've also been a trend-seeker most of my life. I'm immediately attracted to things I see on blogs or in stores and feel an immediate need to buy more. It's the consumerist mindset that I've grown up, but my minimalist self and my consumerist self have always battled it out. Lately, I've been inspired by other minimalists to start narrowing down my clothes and accessories to only the essential items. This looks different for everyone so here are a few tips on how to decide what to keep in your closet. 1. Get rid of anything you haven't worn in a year. Whether the item is no longer trendy, doesn't fit, or never quite looked right it's time to get rid of it. If you are holding onto items thinking you will fit into them again, keep this in mind. Once you lose the weight you'll want new items anyway instead...

Venue:  October Oaks - Webster, FL Photography:  Jenny Tod - Indianapolis, IN Catering : Cuisine by Michael J - Webster, FL Florist:  Clermont Florist - Clermont, FL Dress: Aurora Unique Bridal Boutique - Melbourne, FL Groom and Groomsmen Attire: JCPenney Bridesmaid Attire: White House Black Market More Photos:  Schmidt 2016 Gallery

As a woman, it is likely that your wedding dress will be one of the most important purchases of your life. We can talk about how crazy that is another day. Today we are going to focus on how to narrow down such a difficult decision. There are 5 things you have to decide on when picking the perfect dress. Shape There are 5 basic wedding dress shapes. You'll want to pick one that accentuates your best features and hides the ones you don't want to display. The best stylists will have you try on 1 of each shape to figure out what you like before you narrow down any other details. Style The style of your dress should flow thematically with the rest of your wedding. Is your wedding in a church or in a barn? Is the event more rustic or more elegant? I had a dream dress in mind when I first thought about getting married, but that changed after my husband and I picked our venue. My vintage 1920's dream dress just did not fit with the rustic outdoor setting of our weddin...

Summer is a great time to go the beach and catch some rays, but after a day of body surfing (or real surfing if you're cooler than me) your skin and hair can be in a state of chaos. Here are a few things that I keep in my beach cosmetic bag to help me freshen up after a day in the sun. 1. Deodorant It's an obvious choice at the start of your day, but you may forget to bring it to the beach. It's likely that your newly tanned skin is dry and in need of some perspiration control. I love this fresh cucumber scent by Dove. 2. Dry Shampoo or Shine Spray I love the texture of my hair after being in the ocean, but the salty sea can leave your hair feeling dry or oily depending on your hair type. For oily hair, spray a bit of dry shampoo at your roots to freshen up. Batiste has a variety of scents and colors to choose from, so you don't have to worry about dusty gray roots. Dry hair needs a douse of moisture. This shine spray from Moroccan Oil is great becau...

As the engagement season begins to come to a close you may still be waiting around for that perfect ring, or you may be gearing up for a new year to find love. Either way millions of girls around the world are dreaming of the perfect ring to mark a special bond between them and their one true love. Unfortunately, when thinking of the perfect engagement ring the same image pops into every girls mind. When I got engaged there was one thing I knew I didn't want... the same thing everyone else had. And let's face it the diamond is so overdone. It wasn't until the 1900's that diamonds became a popular gemstone among the general public. Previously, diamonds were only possessed by kings and queens (which probably increased their desirability). In the meantime, however, common people wore less rare gemstones made of brilliant colors and precious metals. When we think back on our grandmothers' jewelry collections we remember all of these beautiful colors and antique des...

Last week I gave you the basic guide to thrifting. This week we are going to talk about the best thrift store finds. What are the best items to look for when thrifting? Here are few things that you'll want to look for on your next excursion.

I am just full of tips and tricks lately. Just consider me the Samantha in your friend group. You know the older, more "experienced" friend. (I can't resist a good Sex and the City reference.) Today's tips are all about thrifting. I like to consider these the basics. If you've never thrifted before, this is the place to start.

I spent much of my adolescence crash trending (it's basically crash dieting for a fashionista). I grasped onto a trend I liked, bought everything that exhibited that style, and wore it to death for 6 months or so, then switched to something else. I went from skater to boho chic to preppy in just a few years. As I got older I realized that I had a love for ALL styles, and I wanted to be able to create them simply with a basic, but versatile wardrobe. My strategy was to begin collecting a lot of basic pieces that could be transformed with the right accessories. This technique keeps my closet from overflowing and keeps my wallet from emptying. Here are the basic pieces that every fashionista needs to pull off an easy and versatile wardrobe. Shirts : Pick well-fitted t-shirts in a variety of neutral colors. I like to stick to one style, but you can get a mixture of crew necks and v-necks as well. shirts by samantha-k89 featuring cotton t shirts Rag bone tall shirt , $...

I'm a minimalist at heart, but I love to have variety in my wardrobe when I travel. Part of any girl's wardrobe is having the right bag for every occasion. I have three bags that I take on every trip. These travel essentials can be placed one inside the other like Russian dolls to help you minimize what you have to carry. These must-haves will give you variety without the bulk. 1. Wristlet This wristlet by Fossil is perfect for your essentials. Use this for your ID, passport, some cash, and lip gloss (that's an essential right?).

Happy Friday Luxers! I have made it through my first full week back blogging. If you are having as much fun as I am be sure to follow my blog on bloglovin and check out all my other social media for regular updates. Now on to the pins. Fitness I've always wanted to try aerial fitness. Apparently now you can do your yoga moves midair as well. Food  These salted caramel chocolate cupcakes are perfect for any season. Let's face it if you don't have that bikini body by now you might as well indulge. (I'm kidding, but seriously indulge.) Fashion I can never resist a mini-diva. This look can definitely be modified for us regular size divas. Home I have an obsession with tiny homes, but this is the perfect size for a permanent home if you aren't up for putting yours on wheels. I'm going on a cruise this weekend, so Monday's post may be a bit late. That's if I can pull myself away from the boyfriend who gets back from Guatemala...

Am I the only one that gravitates towards the guy gifts at the store? All the girl gifts are the same: jewelry, scarves, monogrammed tumblers. Don't get me wrong those are great, but every now and then I want to geek out with the guys. Whether you are shopping for Father's Day, wedding season, or a friend's birthday here are some unisex gifts that work for everyone. Unisex Gift Guide by samantha-k89 featuring beer drinkware Pier 1 Imports beer drinkware / Archipelago Black Forest Travel Tin Candle / Handbag / Black headphone / CLUBMASTER

I never thought I'd be caught dead wearing a fanny pack, but this year the hip hugging accessory has made its way into my heart and my wardrobe. Here are a few packs you won't mind on your fanny. Splurge: Rebecca Minkoff Affiar Fanny Bag - $195 Elizabeth and James Cynnie Lambskin Belt Bag - $245 Joyrich Editorial Map Bum Bag - $155 Steal: Juicy Couture Double Pouch Fanny Pack - $59 (at Kohls ) Avenue Dee Triangle Print Fanny Pack - $34 Apt. 9 Quilted Fanny Pack - $19.99

Thanksgiving is a time for food, fellowship, and ...fashion? If you're a fashionista like me there's always an excuse to get dolled up, but after 2 plates full of food it's time to dress down. Here are two outfits you can rock this Thanksgiving for class and comfort. Classy: - long sleeve shirt - skater skirt - waist belt - infinity scarf - tights - quilted purse - suede pumps (not shown) (Everything was thrifted) Casual: - jeweled t-shirt (Marshalls) - sweatpants (Wet Seal)

Hey there fashionistas! Ever ask yourself how you can possibly divide your time between fashion, social media, and gaming during your lunch break? Now you don't have to sacrifice. I recently landed on the gold mine of fashion apps. Welcome to Covet Fashion. Created by Rachel Zoe, this stylish app is an easy way to get your fill of all your tech needs in one place. Fill your virtual closet with designers like Cynthia Rowley and Rebecca Minkoff. Enter contests and chat with other stylers. Get tired of dressing a virtual fashionista? Dress yourself by purchasing this year's latest trends. Be on the lookout for excellent discounts. Covet allows you to create head to toe looks for every occasion and share them with all your friends. What more could a fashionista need? Download Here **This post is not sponsored.