Summer 2016 Favorites

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Accessories:

Simple Jewelrythin rings, thin necklace.

*In this heat, too much chunky jewelry is too much to handle. I’ve sort of found my everyday simplicity and I’ve really liked wearing it.

Tan Strapped Sandals

*I practically wear these things every day! They are so comfortable and the color goes with everything. And the marshmallow white bottom gives me 90’s fashion vibes.

Mirrored Sunglasses

*I love a good funky colored shade any day, but when I came across the clear frame and the mirrored lens I fell in love with the sleekness of them. These really do go with everything and they are understated which seems to be my summer trend this year.

Beauty:

Tess Christine inspired makeup

*Tess Christine is one of my favorite YouTubers. And I love her style so much. This look has inspired my recent everyday makeup. With her tips, I’ve crafted a simple, bronzed, nude look that I really love.

REVLON Ultra HD Matte Lip color

*This color is the perfect blush nude, and I love the matte texture. It wears pretty long too. And I got it on sale in CVS for $6.99…BONUS!

Messy Bun Hairstyles

*I cut my hair pretty short earlier in the Summer, so I’ve been trying new hairstyles that will accommodate a shorter do. I’ve utilized the mini pigtail buns often throughout this Summer. It’s a bit funky at first but I’ve grown to like it and it’s pretty quick to style. Which is also a huge plus!

Sea Island Cotton Body Spray -Bath & Body works

*This has been my favorite body spray for quite a few years, but I haven’t been using it for quite a few months. I finished it and then had to resort to another scent, because I just hadn’t been to a mall to pick up a new bottle. I’m very picky when it comes to scents. If it’s too strong it will give me a headache or bring on a slight anxiety. For that reason I don’t wear perfume- just body spray. But recently I made the mall trip and I caught a 3 bottle sale. It’s such a beautiful linen, light, airy, slightly floral, clean, crisp scent. I adore it. 

Tips to Beat the Heat:

Travel water bottle

*This one is so cute holds a really good amount of water. And it as a straw spout which I prefer.

Portable Fan Necklace

*This has been a lifesaver this summer, during these heat waves. It hangs on my neck and blows air up at me. Hands free, does the trick!

Spray Bottle

*I’ve seen so many of those hydrating sprays, but they are always so expensive, so instead I just put some water into a spray bottle and I carry it in my purse or work bag and if I feel like I need to cool down a bot, I’ll spritz my wrists or my neck/chest, and face. You can also bop this into the freezer to chill it a bit.

Entertainment:

TV Show-

American Gothic

*This is a 13 part murder mystery on CBS and it has got me hooked. And it doesn’t hurt that my girl Bethany Joy Lenz has just gotten on board for a few episodes. Check it out…you won’t regret it! SO GOOD!

Song-

“Can’t Stop The Feeling” – Justin Timberlake

“Make Me” – Britney Spears

*Pop royalty is back! Enough said. These two songs have been my summer anthems.

Other:

Sunflowers

*Sunflowers are my favorite flower and this Summer I have seen so many beautiful ones.

Iced hot chocolate

*This started with the dunkin donuts frozen hot chocolate, but then I’ve ordered iced hot chocolate in a restaurant and I fell in love with it. So naturally I started making it at home. I basically just make a cup on instant hot cocoa (with milk-not water) microwave the cup for just a bit to allow easier to mix and then pour over ice, chill in freezer and viola! SO delicious.

 

What are some of your summer favorites & tricks and tips to beat the heat?

Let me know in the comments below!

-<3-

 

“Make Me”- Britney Spears Fashion

If you ask me, no one does black lace like Ms. Britney Spears.

She’s recycled that look since her jaw dropping iconic 2001 VMA red carpet look.

And quite frankly anytime she rocks black lace it still suits her perfectly.

Here’s Britney rocking a darker hair with a similar black mesh look

at the 2010 Grammy Awards.

And more recently she rocked this scandalous number at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

In fact there are several flawless Britney Spears looks I’ve been obsessed with over the years and most of them are looks she’s worn in her music videos.

The torn fabric look from “Stronger,” has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember, I just always thought she looked so damn cool and edgy.

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Currently I have been in love with the AMAZING black lace inspired outfits she’s rocking in her newest firecracker video for “Make Me.” Some people have been hating on this video and I just don’t get it. I think it’s really fun and you can’t take it too seriously. And FYI if you think this video is her objectifying men, that’s a bit of a reach. I mean how many rap videos do women have to sit through and see boobs and butts sticking out and women being objectified continuously. The video has a plot, the men are there to audition for her video, it’s not just like men naked for no reason. There’s a fun little story to go along with the theme of the song. And um…I am obsessed with this song! 

Anyway…I digress, these black lace looks featured in this video are so classic Britney, and so sleek and trendy. Black Lace, never goes out of style. And the fedora….perfect touch. Can one rock that outfit on the regular please?

 

Did I also mention that she announced that her new album; “Glory” will be released…August 26th!

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“Make Me” and (her next single) “Private Show” are available on Spotify. Catch a sneak peek on “Private Show” in the commercial for Britney’s newest fragrance inspired by the song!

Britney promises a new era with this album. From the listen of just these two songs, I’ve got to say I’m excited, I feel like this may be just what I’ve been waiting to see from her. A reinvention. Britney Spears in all her GLORY. 😉 #GloryIsTheTitleOfHerAlbum #SeeWhatIDidThere #CleverIKnow 😉

The Queen is Back!

*I do not take credit for any images, videos, gifs used.*

-<3-

 

 

Female Fashion Frustrations

Having to wear shorts under dresses and skirts #chafingproblems

Jewelry trends #chokers  

It’s too hot for this shit! In the summer sometimes I just cant deal with wearing jewelry, as much as I love it, everything just sticks to me and I hate it! And chokers are the new trend and I love how they look, but when I try to rock one, I give up before I leave house. I feel constricted. Lol.

Racerback tank tops #hellobrastraps

I’ll admit I know this is a fashion no-no and it’s tacky, but I am totally guilty of this. I do it all the time. And I just don’t care. LOL. I’m not about to wear some uncomfortable strap device every time I want to wear a racertrack tank. #SorryNotSorry

When heels make your outfit, but you’re just not into dealing with the pain

I’m usually the girl who brings a pair of flats with me, because I know heels are not my usual jam.

The maxi dress #WhatUndergarmentsDoIWear #WhyIsThisDressSuddenlySeeThrough

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But she still looks good tho!

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Oh is this how you style them?

 The strapless dress/bra #AllBrasSUCK

The strapless is not for the busty.

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Pulling and tugging. All. Night. #BigBustProbs

I have this adorable off the shoulder shirt that I love but I hate strapless bras- they lack support- so I wear a tank top under the shirt which defeats the whole point of the style of the shirt. Ugh.

When you don’t want to wash your hair and your dry shampoo fails you and you end up looking like a sweaty gym rat.

The romper/The jumpsuit #BUTnowIhavetopee

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It’s crazy because in my mind when I have a reason to believe I can’t use the rest room freely, I feel like the idea is on my mind more than usual. It messes with your mind, Lol.

Can you relate to these fashion frustrations?

Soldier on my fellow females, we got this! #LookinFlawless 😉

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

Tori Kelly- Style Files

Tori Kelly is one to watch. She has a voice to be reckoned with. Plays the guitar and the drums. Has a damn cool laid back style with funky twists and spins and overall gives off really good cool chill vibes. AND HER HAIR IS EPIC!

I’m going to showcase some key things I’ve noticed in her style choices.

Maybe it will help create some fun fashion inspiration for my laid back girls out there.

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The sneaker trend.

Tori has this cool way of rocking a funky sneaker with a dressier outfit. Somehow it works.

Below she is pictured wearing them with a dress, a romper, shorts, and a pants outfit. And although it may be considered a slightly off kilter concept, she makes it work. I’m not much of a sneaker girl and I don’t know if I would be able to pull of this trend, but I’d definitely give it a try!

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The Daytime Village At The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Festival - Backstage

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Colored shades.

Below you will see Tori rocking the same pair of green sunglasses. I am obsessed with these. They are such a funky color and reflective and just bad ass. They add a pop of color to any outfit and work really well with her big blonde curls.

Flannels.

Below you will find Tori incorporating flannels into her outfits, whether she is the rocking them around her waist to add more dimension- giving it that 90’s grunge vibe- or she’s rocking a full skirt piece, Tori makes it all work-effortlessly. Besides, you can always throw the flannel on if you are cold which would then in turn switch the outfit up a bit-giving it a cozy, cabin in the woods vibe. Where’s my crackling fireplace and my glass of wine? I’m ready. 

The all black theme.

Tori wears a lot of black, all black outfits often including a leather jacket to be more precise. She even likes to paint her nails black as well. It gives off an edgy, rockerish vibe. And let’s be honest, you end up looking sleek as hell. What I love so much about the following three all black outfits, is Tori’s choice to accent the shoe with a shiny texture and vibrant sparkly color. We see gold wedge sneakers in the first photo (WHICH I ADORE), electric turquoise heels in the second photo and sparkly silver platform sneakers in the third photo. These accents are what makes Tori, Tori.

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Thin rings on three consecutive fingers.

I see a lot of people wear simple jewelry additions like this. I adore this trend. So is there a name for these rings, and where can I get them?

The basic Tori samples.

Leather jackets aside, Tori often rotates denim pieces, plain tees, blazers, and booties.

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Classing things up.

Even though often opting for a laid back, comfortable fashion style, Tori Kelly is no stranger to putting together a kick ass red carpet ready wardrobe. Below you will see how she isn’t afraid to go bold, bright, adding a little sparkle and shimmer. The first look plays with color, the second is head to toe sequins and sparkle, rocking the heels too. The last photo is my favorite look. I love everything about it, the studded booties, the feather dress, the leather jacket – which makes for a really interesting but beautiful texture contrast. And these pieces are all slightly different shades of gray/black as well, which compliment nicely.

 

Lanvin : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2016

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All of these key ideas give Tori her own style. And it looks comfortable too. I’m all about that life. Because sometimes I can’t fashion, I’m too tired and now that summer is here, I have no patience. But it’s fun to explore the idea that laid back basic pieces can be made into fashion forward looks and still remain chill and comfy. Tori Kelly is quite the talent. So I leave you with these killer performances as you start to gain some outfit inspiration from her stellar self. Let me know in the comments below if I missed any Tori Styles Tips!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2p0wMy182w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsEIHVo5XGo

 

*I do not take credit for any images used.*

-<3-

 

5 Struggles Every Girl Can Understand

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Shaving on the regular for the summer…we all dread it, am I right ladies?

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Let’s be real in the Winter, we don’t give it a second thought. But now we actually have to care. What an imposition! Lol. #DangAnkles #AlwaysKnickingMyself

 

Cramps that crimple you…but why is there a war going on in my uterus?

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Seriously though, sometimes I can’t move from my bed and I don’t even want to. #Zombie #WheresMyChocolate #LeaveMeAlone #IllRipYourHeadOff

Rushing to get ready and then this happens…

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Clean up on aisle- I ain’t got time for this! I’m rushing as it is and now you wanna play games.

Breaking out the spanx…Tight dress…You know what you gotta do.

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#CurvesForDays #SmoothItOut #BreakingASweat

Ran sacking your closet for an outfit and coming up with nothing.

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#LifeStory

Ah the trials and tribulations of being a girl. It’s wonderful isn’t it?

We all have our struggles and we all know what a pain they are, but at the end of the day the show goes on and we pull through. #GirlPower #Sweats #MessyBun #NoBra #NoMakeup #Netflix #IceCream #DoYoThang

* I do not take credit for any of these photos.*

-<3-

DIY Dress-Up Trunk Gift Idea

As promised…here we go.

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So every time my God daughter’s birthday rolls around, I always strive to come up with a gift idea that’s really special. Special to her likes and special to what she’s currently into. Because let’s face it kids go through their phases.

I spoil her on the regular, BUT her birthday is cause for some extra special spoilage. 😉

I was toying around with the idea of buying her a Dress Up trunk. But the more I researched, the more I became discouraged with the quality of these so called “trunks.” They were simple flimsy cardboard, and well that just wasn’t going to cut it for my little Soph.

So I decided to create my own Dress Up Trunk; personalized with costumes that would fit her little personality.

Here is the finished wrapping:

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I used these decorative keepsake boxes to act as my trunk(s). They are sturdy, have a lid, are perfect for storage and can just be left out in a playroom on their own. And they are cute as a button.

I ended up having to pick up a smaller one to hold all the accessories because the big one just wasn’t enough. Yes I splurged a bit. Once I get an idea, it kinda spirals. I just can’t stop myself. 😉

The top gift wrapped box is actually her Disney Princess Birthday Train “3” Doll. 3 is Aurora a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty. It’s a tradition I’ve started with her, I get her one every year. My God mother did it with me and now I get to pass along the tradition.

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Here are the outfits I chose to include:

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How freakin’ cute is this! (I love the tutu!)

Some pretty dresses (because every little girl wants some fluffy princess dresses), A chef set (she loves to pretend to cook), and A Wonder Woman costume (her favorite superhero.)

A tea party hat, purse, and white glove set with feather boa and pearl set; because we play tea party sometimes.

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A purple tutu and an assortment of shoes.

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Accessories included:

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Left to Right: Feather Boa, Beaded Necklaces (she loves her beads! she uses them for everything! Even pretend spaghetti dinner #multipurpose) A princess crown, Chap sticks in fun flavors, headbands, rings, coin purse, sunglasses, bracelets, princess wands, light up princess wand, and a brush.

 

 

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Purple was a bit of a color theme, because it’s her FAVORITE COLOR! (And she will tell anyone who will listen all about it…at that decimal!) Since the outfits didn’t really have purple in them, I went all purple on the accessories and accent pieces.

Her little shocked smile when I brought out her gift at her Birthday party was the best. I got a bunch of videos and pictures from her mom recently of her playing with everything. They are the best photos ever. I am obsessed. That was my ultimate thank you, to see her having a fun night playing dress up with her mommy. She even sent me a video of her putting on the chap stick I got her and smacking her lips together like any grown girl putting on lipstick would. It was the cutest thing ever. I had to include them because she watches me put my makeup on and always wants to take it and put it on herself, especially the lipstick. She puts it on and goes “Kissy!” Lol. So cute. It’s adorable.

*Extra Fun Tips:

When gifting any kind of purse or coin purse you should always put some money in them for good luck. So I placed a dollar in her little purple purse and some coins in her personalized coin purse.

Where I found these products:

Her accessories were found in Dollar Tree-Deals; Jewelry, wands, sunglasses and headbands.

The pretty purple crown was ordered from Party City when we had a little “Purple Party” for her on her actual birthday.

The princess pretty dresses and shoe set was found in Christmas Tree Shop, along with the coin purse, chap stick, and brush.

The Tea Party Set was found on Amazon as was the Wonder Woman Costume and Chef Set.

The decorative boxes were found at Telco; a discount store.

*Hope this was helpful!

******

This gift was really fun to create for my God daughter. She’s only three and she likes to play pretend, and I don’t see that going away any time soon. If you ask me dress up trunks are a perfect idea for little girl birthday gifts, because playing dress up never goes out of style. Even I still feel like I do that when I get all dressed up to go out with friends or to a special event. Putting on the makeup and deciding on an outfit and how to accessorize it perfectly. It’s fun!

So if you have a special little girl in your life, and you’ve been wracking your brain for a gift just as special, look no further.

Let me know how it turns out. Or if you want any other ideas! I’m all ears. Comment down below!

-<3-

*All photos are my own.*

#crappycellphonepics

My Weekend in Outfits-Part 2

This past weekend I had my cousin’s 15th birthday party. Every year they host a big memorial day weekend BBQ filled with good food, and good company. It is one of my favorite family traditions.

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The theme was Hawaiian Luau and you know I was all about that theme life. #IfThereIsAThemeIKnowAboutIt

Here’s my look-

OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES:

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*For this Hawaiian inspired look, I based the colors  I wore, off of the flower crown (and sunflower ring)  I had made a few years ago. Yellow & Orange were my basis. Believe it or not I had all of this in my wardrobe and didn’t need to spend a dime.

I wore this burgundy sun dress with orange design on it. The dress is a bit low cut, so under that I wore a peachy pink tank to match the dress design. Over the dress I wore a orange sleeveless button up and buttoned it half way, tying it at the waist, to create a top and skirt look. #HulaGirlStyle. Then, lastly I paired it with some tan sandals.

I accessorized with my flower crown, sunflower ring, a yellow party lei I had, a white dangly shell bracelet and pineapple earrings. As my sister in law and friend Lauren said “Why wouldn’t YOU have pineapple earrings.” haha It’s true I’m weird, and I actually have strawberry earrings too! 😉

MAKEUP & HAIR:

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*For my hair I basically, again, used the same curling products, however, the night before I had actually braided my hair so that when I took it out the next day, it would leave me with some beachy waves. I kept it in all morning and while I did my makeup and then took it down added my products and some water and scrunched it- and there you go beachy hair. I had it down but swept it up in a messy beachy bun when it got hot out.

For makeup I was basically just going for a bright fresh faced look. Peachy pink blush and lips and a mix of bright white and pink eye shadows. A little bronzer went a long way for some sun kissed skin in this look too and just like that, I was Luau ready.

 

*All images are my own.*

-<3-

 

My Weekend in Outfits-Part 1

This past weekend I went out to celebrate my best friend’s 25th birthday. We enjoyed a really great Mexican meal and danced a bit at a club filled with a fog machine, a disco ball, an electronic bull, and a whole lot of Spanish music. Sometimes I act my age. Other times, I’m 25 going on 85. #GrandmaSouls

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As the summer weather begins to creep in, I wanted to create a fashion look both cute, and comfortable. Something that I would survive the heat in.

So here’s what I came up with and I have to admit, I was happy with the end result.

Here’s the look in-you guessed it-crappy cell phone pictures. 😀

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How flawless is that printed set on my best friend. #FashionistaSistas

For this look I wanted to include darker, more timeless shades and pieces, and enhance it with accessories and a bold shoe and red nails. #YouGuessedIt #IAlsoRockedMyBLUEHeels #YetAgain.

[See my first post on styling them HERE]

OUTFIT:

-Gray and black checkered capri dress pants

-A simple light weight razor back black tank top

-Blue heeled sandles

-Red nails

ACCESSORIES:

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HAIR:

I basically just used some products; curling mousse, curling serum, dry shampoo for volume, and hairspray and then I braided two braids on either side of my head and pinned them back. I curled the rest of my hair and pulled it to the side twisting it up into a messy side bun, with a few clear elsatics. I added the flower to dress up the simple do.

MAKE-UP:

I got my inspiration for this look from a video linked below.

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I just combined alot of whites, browns, reddish orange bronze colors, and golds, lined with black eyeshadow on the top and bottom water lines and blended a nude lipstick and a dark brown over top. You can basically make your own adjustments to this look, but I really loved it! Especially this lip combo-Left: wet n wild’s 900B “Pink Suga.” Right: Revlon’s 665 “Choco-Liscious.” I will definately be doing this look again.

Natural Brown Makeup Tutorial- 90’s Inspired

So there is my look, I felt chic and sophiscated but funky with the blue heels, red nails, big rings and studded purse. Those little touches definately made the outfit less businessy and more me.

****Segway****

As part of my best friend’s present this year I got her tickets to a concert-

Here’s how I told my best friend we’re going to see Bethany Joy Lenz in concert!

Bethany Joy Lenz L.A. -by ljGUNDERSON

 

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I got her a card and printed out the concert poster to fold up and leave in the card. On it I wrote a little riddle that read:

She’s someone we’ve always admired.

Beautiful and unique.

A”Joy” to watch on screen.

A voice, oh so sweet.

She’s finally touring- New York City.

I hope you are free.

So we can live out a childhood dream

And finally see our ultimate idol;

a girl we’ll always know as “Haley.”

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We can’t wait….full blog post (and possibly vlog) coming for that- post July 28th!

*All photos (except those of Bethany Joy) are my own*

-<3-

Yellow. Blue. Red. Look

You ever have an event coming up and instinctively begin planning an outfit to wear for it in your head? Sometimes it’s based on pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Sometimes it’s based on inspiration you come across. And sometimes it’s completely fictitious and you basically think of it out of thin air. And then- the hunt begins.

For me the hunt is the worst part of fashion; the worst part about being a woman. Because you hop from store to store trying to look for pieces that fit this fashion vision. A vision that doesn’t necessarily exist.

I’ve wanted to try this yellow, blue and red color scheme out in an outfit for a few years now. And I finally got the chance to play!

My vision was to wear a yellow dress, with blue heels and red accents; nails & of course lips. (You guys know I LOVE a red lip.)

The dress was a surprising find. But I gave up hope on the blue shoes for a while, until recently one day I came across a pair of ankle strapped sandals and I instantly fell in love.

The heels were actually bought and worn for an entirely different outfit and I actually wore the yellow dress once before styled differently. But as the pieces of my dream outfit slowly began piling in place, I finally took my latest invite to wear this dream outfit of mine.

Let me break it down for you. *In crappy, edited cell phone pics. :/

Full Look all pulled together:

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Close-ups of my makeup:

I basically used a lot of bronze colors, golds, whites and browns, filled in my eyebrows, applied mascara, and I used a navy blue eyeshadow as eyeliner on top and bottom. Then I used a red lip pencil (with a berry undertone) and a matte bright red lipstick over top. Bronzer, Blush and highlighter were also in effect in this look.

(How flawless does my best friend look??? #BrightLipsOnPoint #BrightLipSistas)

My accessories:

I love gold accessories. I think they complemented the pale yellow color of the dress nicely. I also chose the mirrored “diamond” rings to complement each other. And now that I think about it all the detailing in my outfit was silver; my zipper up the back of my dress, my shoe buckles and my purse zipper. So the mirrored accents on my jewelry tied all that in.

I skipped a necklace this time and went for some really cool funky peacock feathered earrings that hung down and dressed up my hair in the process. I love how the greens and blues of the feather complemented the yellow and the red.

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Ignore the after hours makeup mess. lol. I was just trying to get the earrings in. haha.

 

I also added a blue clutch to match the shoes and a taupe cardigan to match the underlying layer of the yellow eyelet dress.

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My clutch is actually double sided. The other side is black, which I didn’t mind too much even with such a bright outfit, because the soles of my blue heels are black. So it all tied in. And let’s be real I made sure the blue side was on display to match the blue heels.

Clutch Essentials:

I’m a big purse kind of girl. On a regular basis, I usually carry a huge purse or bag. My purse is essentially my life in a bag. So how does a girl like that downsize her sack bag, into a clutch? Here’s how I did it.

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*First choose a decent sized clutch, and just take the basics.

Money

ID

Keys

Lip products (for touch-ups)

Hair ties

Hand sanitizer

A mirror

Pill case with Tylenol & Tums 

Packages of Pepto Bismal & Claritin

Granola bar

Emergency Pads/Liners (#girlprobs #noshame)

Oil absorbing sheets

Gum

Band-Aids

Tissues (not pictured)

My Catholic saints, rosary and pray rock- treasures that come with me wherever I go.

*Tip: Leave the flats or flip flops and sunglasses in the car.

* I know this seems like a long list, but I fit everything and had a little wiggle room. #missionaccomplished

My Hair: 

For my hair style I went pretty simple. I washed my hair, and left it in a top knot after applying products; curling serum, curling mousse and hairspray. I let those products take and dry a bit as I did my makeup. When I was ready to start my hair, I took it down and found it dried in a scrunched formation. Which is what I wanted. Then I blow dried it and added some dry shampoo to the crown for volume along with more hairspray before curling my hair with my curling wand. After that I shook the curls loose by tipping my head over and running my fingers through my hair. Then parted my hair on the side, swept my curly hair to the side and used an clear elastic to put it into a side pony tail. I opted for the clear elastic, because you couldn’t see it, and my curls didn’t get squashed by a big old hair tie. After curling a few front pieces to frame my face, I secured any bumps or flyaways with some bobby bins and Voila! Done.

**I really loved how this look turned out. The dress was a pale yellow, with a unique eyelet detail and so I opted for a neutral taupe cardigan this way the bold red lips and bright shoes didn’t clash. There is certainly a variety of color here, but when blocked a certain way, I really think a look like this can work.

So is there a certain look you’ve been wanting to try out, but haven’t. 

Three words. Go. For. It.  

*All photos are my own.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sophia Bush: “Casual” Style Files

Sophia Bush: “Casual” Style Files

Read my First Sophia Bush Fashion Style Files HERE

Meet Erin Davis HERE

I love fashion and experimenting with it. But lately with my current job position being a bit more of a relaxed dress code environment, I’ve found myself reaching for more simple pieces; jeans, plain t-shirts, cardigans or flannels (oh flannels, what would I do without you?), and converse.

Capture

This well-known accessories girl has implemented a few key simple jewelry pieces that I wear basically every day. Which is quite the change for a lover of jewelry.

And I’ve noticed that in this change, I’ve sought out some laid back fashion inspiration. I’ve reached for basics and practicality, because when you feel comfortable, your performance at work and in life- shines greater.

Now don’t get me wrong I still love fashion. I love color and prints and mixing and matching. I love accessorizing and picking which pieces will make an outfit complete. But it’s nice to throw on something comfortable and have a well-rounded look, especially when you’re busy.

So let’s get into the Sophia Bush talk. The reason I chose her is because well I love her, and I love her style. I think she does casual really well. Her looks come across effortless, chic and just super chill. So much so that it gives high fashion a run for its money.

Here are some of my favorite casual Sophia Bush Looks:

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The casual look I think stems from playing detective Erin Lindsay on NBC’s Chicago PD. Bush’s character is a badass and she catches the bad guys while looking flawless in a t-shirt and jeans. She was actually a huge inspiration for me, when I decided to chop my hair off last summer. Can’t wait to do it again this summer. #LongHairAndSummerHeatNoBueno

Have you ever been slightly jealous of a woman who can make a t-shirt and jeans looks so damn cool, calm and collected? Like she doesn’t even have to try. And yea I’m sure Lindsay dresses this way because she needs to be comfortable on the job while she bangs down doors, speed races in cop car chases, and avoids the temptation to kiss her co-worker boyfriend while clocked in, but Bush’s “Lindsay” has transformed the casual look into a staple for me and many fans who were obsessed with her fashion forward Brooke Davis character on CW’s One Tree Hill. (Check out my “Erin Davis” Blog Post linked above for a fashion comparison of these two characters.)

Take a look at Erin Lindsay’s Style:

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Chicago P.D. - Season 2

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What I love about Bush’s looks are how she keeps the comfort of basic pieces but throws in some odd pieces to brighten the look; like a bright colored or funky printed purse or shoe, or a really chunky statement necklace or my favorite- a killer pair of shades. I think mixing really feminine pieces with simple more masculine clothing can make for a really dynamic look, all while just looking chill and like you just threw this together a few minutes before heading out the door.

Fashion is inspiring. I love gaining inspiration from people I admire. Watching TV and film has opened doors to the fashion world too. I can’t count how many times I’ve tried to dress like Lizzie McGuire back in the early 2000s. Sophia Bush is one of my favorites and I think she’s been inspiring my more laid back fashion, that and well my current lifestyle. #Change #SometimesItJustFits

Now I wish I could pull off the casual look and make it look as fashion forward as she (or Detective Lindsay) does, but hey I can only be me. I’m sure I’ll be back to my bohemian side at some point. The cool thing I’ve realized about fashion, is that it evolves. Constantly. Style is not just one look. Sure we all want and try to keep up with the trends. But sometimes I find myself throwing caution to the wind and just wearing whatever the hell I want, whether or not it’s deemed “in style.” One day I can be rocking jeans and a t-shirt and the next on a weekend if I’m going out with friends or have a family occasion to attend; I’m rocking the dress and the heels and the makeup. Style doesn’t have to confine you into a small minded box. Style is just as much how you wear something as it is what you wear.

Style is mood. Style is occasion. Style is expression. Wear what you want to wear.

Wear what inspires you. Experiment. Nothing is set in stone.

*I do not take credit for any Sophia Bush images used.*

-<3-