The Moptop

How I Decorated My Living Room on a Budget!

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First off, I want to say, I am by no means an interior designer. But I have had so much fun decorating my first ever living room after living in a studio for way too long.
When it comes to furniture, I tend to have a bit of expensive taste. Unfortunately, my student loans prevent me from being able to splurge on most of those items. I think having a small budget allows one to be even more creative!
I wanted my living room to feel cozy and warm which is why I chose warmer tones. Darker, jewel tones is what I decided for the color palette and it goes well with all of my plants too!

This couch is one of the pieces I have gotten the most questions about. For only $300, this couch is pretty damn great. It converts into a sleeper too! And I was worried about how comfortable it was going to be, but even though it is firm it’s pretty comfy too! This isn’t sponsored whatsoever, I bought it myself!

The root of my inspiration to go with a more vintage looking lamp, sparked when I stumbled upon this image of Ally Walsh’s home on Pinterest! I loved how unique the lamp looked and it can really go in any space if I decide to switch it out. Plus, it matches the velvet chair we have in the living room too!

Ok, so here it is: a link of all of the places where I got my living room furniture:

Sofa: All Modern
Rug: Revival Rugs
Vintage Mustard Hanging Lamp: Etsy
Vinyl Display Shelf: Etsy
Record Player: $50 on craigslist!
Mustard Chair: Hand me down from family
Plants: Local Nurseries

Overall, I think one of the easiest ways to decorate on a budget is to first try finding second hand and vintage pieces. Check your local thrift store or craigslist, you never know what you might find! Also, check discount furniture stores. I was really surprised and the modern styles a lot of sites like All Modern and Overstock had. And I am really happy with my purchase!

I hope that helps a bit and thank you guys for responding on my Instastories saying you wanted me to post about this! I love hearing your suggestions! Leave a comment below if you have any other post ideas and what you thought of this one!!

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L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co.

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A complete match made in heaven: L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co.
I can’t think of a better recent collaboration with two amazing brands. The packaging is as beautiful as the product itself. The other thing I really love, is the variety of different products that are a part of this collaboration as well. The hand lotions have been one of my favorites so far, but also available is lip balms, a manicure set and body lotions!
In case you have yet to purchase anything from this incredible collaboration, L’Occitane is giving a free gift with any purchase! Just use code RIFLEPAPER18 at check out. Definitely another great reason to buy!

Let me know what your favorites are from this collaboration!!

Shop L’Occitane x Rifle Paper Co. here!

How to Dress Up a Graphic Tee

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I recently had a random girl, who doesn’t follow me on instagram, comment on a bunch of my photos. Her comments had a rude tone behind them, asking me what was wrong with my eyes and why do I look down in all of my images. I’m pretty sensitive, so maybe she wasn’t saying it in a rude way…but I definitely took it as so. Who the hell goes out of their way to comment negative things on a strangers’ photo? Something about the little situation put some fire under my ass and decided to look at the camera more than usual during this set.
Yes, I have insecurities. One of my eyes is slightly higher than the other and I hate how it looks in photos. I have light acne and scarring on my face. So looking down is a comfort thing for me and something that I tend to do. I AM NOT F*CKING PERFECT AND I DON’T PRETEND TO BE. But I try my best to be a nice, understanding, and accepting person. This is something that I wish others would strive to be as well. You never know what insecurities or issues other’s are dealing with or going through. Why not be supportive and leave negative comments to your damn self.
Anyways, this is an outfit that I have worn so many different versions of. Blazers and plaid are so big this season and I have been all about them (Shop Blazers!). They pair so well with graphic tees and are such a cool way to dress them up while still looking more effortless. 
In case you’re looking for a way to dress up all of those graphic tees you have sitting in your closet, pair them with a cool vintage blazer and some boots. Or with a leather jacket and a neck scarf. Graphic tees are my favorite staple since they can be worn endless ways!
What I’m Wearing: Coat: Forever 21, Shirt: Madewell (Shop more graphic tees here), Jeans: Vintage Levis (Shop Levi’s Here), Boots: Free People, Bag: Simon Miller via Opening Cermony
SHOP MY STYLE BELOW:

The Sweater Dress: My New Winter Obsession

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I never realized how amazing sweater dresses really are until I recently got this one from Madewell! It’s the perfect cozy piece to have during the winter! They’re great for rolling out of bed, slipping on, and making a cup of coffee in. Or if you have a brunch date with friends, a sweater dress is the perfect piece! The button details on this one really made me fall in love with it. It’s such a simple detail that makes it unique and interesting.
Plus, I feel like it’s kind of difficult to dress this time of year. At least for me, I am already bored of Winter and ready for Spring! A sweater dress is that perfect happy-medium transition piece that works great for both seasons!
Also, I have been working with Shopbop lately and I can’t get enough of their site! They have so many brands that I love and that I can shop all in one place. So here are a couple of categories I am currently drooling over right now:

What I’m Wearing: Sweater Dress: Madewell (shop more sweater dresses here!) Coffee Mug: ML Pottery
Photos by Dawn Photo

SHOP SWEATER DRESSES BELOW:

How to Wear a Skirt during Winter

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Let me start off by first saying, for the current weather we have been having in Portland (rainy, windy, dark, cold and sad lol) this outfit probably isn’t the most appropriate. But I realize that I have readers located around the world and not just Portland. Since this outfit has been stuck in my head for awhile, I decided to photograph it during a short little time it wasn’t raining! This outfit, like many others I have been into lately, is of course inspired by Europe and the Parisian style. Timeless pieces are slowly taking over my closet that are super easy to mix and match. 
This skirt was one of my favorites over the summer and I wasn’t quite ready to put it away for the season. The tartan print makes it perfect for this time of year and paired with a sweater and tights, it definitely fit right into a (warmer) winter wardrobe. So if you’re in Los Angeles reading this, this one’s for you…please wear something like this for me! And for those of you who have lots of favorite skirts you wore over the summer or keep eyeing some mini skirts online, don’t be afraid to buy them just because it’s winter! They can easily be layered with coats and boots, plus most of us stay nice and warm inside, right?
What I’m Wearing: Sweater: Bella Frued via Shopbop, Necklace: Amazon (Similar here and here), Skirt: Isabel Marant, Tights: Wolford, Boots: & Other Stories, Bag: Vintage, Sunglasses: Zac Posen via Kenmark Eyewear
SHOP MY LOOK HERE: