Pampered to Perfection | How to Treat Yourself!

With exciting changes that come with the new year, it’s crucial to dedicate time for yourself. Whether it’s indulging in a good book, trying a new recipe or splurging on some retail therapy- treat yourself!! Here are some of my favorite ways to relax and unwind in the midst of a hectic schedule.

Draw a bath, light a candle and enjoy- you deserve it!

Not sure where to start? Take a trip to Lush Cosmetics! Applying a Lush face mask makes me feel like a true diva. My current favorite is the cooling “Cupcake” mask. It smells sweet enough to eat and makes my skin feel better than ever. My favorite part is that it’s infused with spearmint, giving it a tingly and refreshing feel. Pop it in the fridge and apply it cold- you’ll thank me later!

If I decide to pamper myself, I go all out. Lighting a candle is one of the easiest ways to make your bathroom feel like a 5 star spa. My absolute favorite scent is “Mahogany Teakwood” from Bath and Body Works (it smells like cute boys, not kidding).

If the candle isn’t aromatherapy enough, these “Stress Relief” products will definitely do the trick. This Bath and Body Works duo smells incredible and its stress relieving power proves to certainly not be falsely advertised. If I’m not using a bath bomb, I absolutely love adding the eucalyptus tea body wash to my bubble baths. Followed by the body lotion, your skin will be in heaven.

I recently received this Liz Earle cleanser in my Birch Box and I’ve been in love! It definitely works within your pores, leaving your complexion dewy and bright. Not only does this help with breakouts, but it gives your skin an even glow. I recommend gently scrubbing it off with a hot cloth for best results.

 

To finish off my spa day, I absolutely adore spraying my face with this “Eau Thermale Avène” spring water. It immediately feels super soothing and refreshing when used after a cleanser. Not only does it cool my skin but the thermal water gives it a lasting soft and moisturized feel.

 

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my favorite tips for pampering! If you try out any of these products be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below. How do you like to treat yourself? Wishing you a 2017 full of relaxation and rejuvenation!

 

If you liked this post be sure to like, comment and follow for more beauty, fashion and lifestyle content.

Thanks so much for reading!

XOXO,

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What’s in My Beach Bag? | Island Necessities

Spring Break is upon us and the sunshine season is just a few months away! Here’s an inside source to my beach bag essentials and some tips to keep in mind as you replenish your vitamin sea!

Sunnies

What’s a day at the beach without a cute pair of sunnies? Sunglasses are definitely a vacation necessity for me, not only do they protect your eyes but they can be a huge fashion statement. I adore this pair of Dior dupes which I discussed in my last post (if you haven’t read it yet, check it out here!) My adorable case is from a local boutique but you may be able to find a similar one at Nordstrom.

A Good Read 

The beach is a perfect spot to dive into a good book! I’m currently loving Bossypants by Tina Fey, it seriously never fails to make me laugh. This read is perfect for some light, seaside entertainment and I would definitely recommend it. What’s your favorite book right now? Let me know in the comments below- I love new suggestions!

An Underwater Camera 

Cute photos are a MUST on any vacation but a sand/water damaged lens can definitely put a damper on any trip. That’s why I love taking my FujiFilm waterproof camera on my beachy adventures! Not only does it have a wrist strap for underwater exploring but it definitely prevents the anxieties of a ruined camera. I used this a ton on my recent vacation and it perfectly captured my snorkeling memories!

A Hat

Salty hair can get wild and a hat is definitely a beach necessity! Mine is from Vineyard Vines and it always comes in handy. It’s super important to protect your face from UV rays (and to look cute- both of which can be achieved with a hat!) If a ball cap isn’t your style, floppy sun hats are also adorable and will achieve the same fun, tropical look!

Sunscreen (duh!) 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fair share of harsh sunburns. If anything, sunscreen is surely an essential if you’re spending the day with your toes in the sand. I like Neutrogena sunblock because I find that it is gentle on the skin and doesn’t give off a greasy feel. For my face I apply the Ultra Sheer stick and the Ultimate Sport Spray is perfect for my body for I know it will stay on all day. With sunscreen in your beach bag you’ll look like a bronzed babe instead of a lobster…Don’t forget to reapply!

Sandals 

These definitely aren’t everyone’s style but I ADORE my white Birkenstocks. These sandals are perfect for long walks to the beach because they are super durable and comfortable- not to mention cute! Complementing a tan perfectly, the white style is awesome for Spring and Summer. Yay for Birks!

That’s it for my Beach Bag Essentials! I hope you had/have an amazing and safe Spring Break! What’s in your beach bag?

Thanks so much for reading, don’t forget to like, comment & follow for more exciting  content coming your way!

Much love,

 

 

 

Getaway Garments | A Week in Paradise

A tropical tan is the perfect accessory to any outfit. I recently took a trip to the beautiful Harbour Island, Bahamas, where these beachy outfits left me feeling pretty in paradise. Enjoy (& don’t forget your sunscreen!)

This first outfit was definitely one of my go-to beach looks. My tunic style cover up is super light weight and kept me cool in the Bahamian sun. I purchased mine from a local boutique, however you should be able to find similar ones like it at J.Crew. I paired my tropical tunic with my favorite white Birkenstocks which aren’t only comfy and durable, but they compliment a tan perfectly! The sunnies I’m sporting here are exact dupes to the Dior “So Real” Shades (except for the fact that they’re about $500 cheaper!) and I purchased them on Amazon. This outfit encompasses both comfy and cute aspects which are crucial to any vacation look!

Whether I was grabbing lunch with a view or lounging on the pink sand beaches, this was another one of my favorite outfits from the trip. This navy and lime coverup is perfect for throwing over your swimsuit, instantly creating a beachy look. I paired my tunic with a simple pair of Tkees and I was ready for any adventure awaiting me on the island!

This fun jumpsuit was one of my dressier outfits on my vacation yet it definitely still gave off a beachy and relaxed vibe. I purchased mine from a small online store, Boho Outfitters but you can find similar ones like it at Urban or Nordstom. I adore the detailing on this piece and can’t wait to incorporate it into more outfits this summer. I paired my jumpsuit with my rose gold pair of Palm Beach Sandals, dressing up the look a bit yet not straying from comfort.

This final look is a classic white maxi dress that I couldn’t resist bringing on my trip. I purchased mine from Target but you can find tons of variations with this simple design. Whether you want to dress it up with a pair of wedges or wear it barefoot to the beach, this piece is so versatile and beautiful- not to mention it will make you feel like a goddess!

My tan is beginning to fade so it looks like it’s time to rap up today’s post. I hope you gained some outfit inspiration from my tropical looks! Be sure to tell me your favorite outfit in the comments below!

Don’t forget to like, comment, & follow for more beauty, fashion & lifestyle posts coming your way!

With Love,

A Flight Done Right | Travel Essentials

It’s time to stuff your carry-on bag and pick out your cutest duffle because February & Spring break are both swiftly approaching! Here are my absolute essentials for traveling regardless of the destination. Enjoy, and don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt!

My first airplane must is definitely a good book. Let’s face it, long flights can get pretty boring and you can only sleep for so long before needing a real source of entertainment. I recently picked up the intriguing (and aesthetically pleasing, I might add), IT by fashion icon, Alexa Chung and I am in love! This is definitely a quick read as it consists mainly of chic, style inspired photos and unique illustrations. The brevity of the book in addition to the abundance of fashion insight within it, make this read perfect for your time spent in the clouds.

My next two travel favorites will keep you sweet smelling, even if the lady in the seat next to you won’t stop eating her onion sub (yes, unfortunately I would know this from experience). First off, I love bringing my Kate Spade “Live Colorfully” roller ball perfume with me whenever I am on the go. This product has travel- friendly packaging and smells amaaaazing. In addition to this, I always throw a hand sanitizer in my bag because you never know when you’ll be caught in a sticky situation (literally). This particular one is from Bath & Body Works in the scent “Island Nectar” which not only killed off the germs on my hands, but made me extra psyched for my island vacation!

I’m certainly not the first person to say this, but airplane food is not the tastiest. That’s why snacks basically take up the majority of my carry on bag (oops!) One of my favorite treats to take on airplanes are these yummy dark chocolate pomegranate seeds. Not only are these so, so good but I like to believe that they are somewhat healthy (somewhat? Kind of? Maybe? Anyway…)

Beat airplane dryness with the perfect moisturizer! A crucial item in my carry-on bag is definitely my EOS hand lotion. Can we just talk about how cute this is?! I love EOS products and this little, egg shaped lotion is the absolute perfect size for traveling. Not to mention it smells AWESOME. I’d definitely recommend bringing some kind of moisturizer on a long flight because dry skin is no fun.

A final must have is definitely my phone, duh! Whether it be for relaxing music or mindless entertainment, my essentials would not be complete without it.

My floral iPhone case is from Sonix.

This is basically everything in my carry-on bag! What’s in yours? Be sure to tell me your airplane necessities in the comments below, and don’t forget to like & follow for more posts like this! Thanks so much for reading and stay tuned for more posts from my trip to Harbour Island.

Bon voyage!

 

Concert OOTN | Denim & Dancing

Urban fashion and concert style alike, both incorporate fun and edgy aspects. When I attended a Marina and the Diamonds concert in New York City last week, these were the words I kept in mind upon searching throughout my wardrobe for the perfect outfit of the night. Here you will find the details of my look from an awesome evening in the city… Enjoy!

My OOTN

Jacket- Urban Outfitters 

I love pairing denim with various looks to make them more casual yet keep them chic. On this rainy night in particular I was definitely glad I layered for it made waiting outside for Marina’s (!!!) performance a lot more enjoyable! While inside the venue, I tied the jacket around my waist and it looked just as cute. If you haven’t already invested in a denim jacket I would highly recommend purchasing one for they are super versatile yet practical!

Top- H&M

This classic black and white striped top is another super versatile item in my wardrobe. This shirt is very simplistic yet I love the fun effect that the higher neckline gives as it peeks over the denim.

Skort- Free People

I am so, so excited about this new piece! A pleather, envelope skort seems a bit intimidating upon first glance however I love the way that it can be dressed up or down. The fact that this is a skort instead of a skirt is also super exciting (got to love those built in shorts!) I am also obsessed with the statement zipper in the front. I can’t wait to experiment with incorporating this piece into various looks (Be sure to like this post if you want me to do a skort lookbook!!)

Black Tights 

I included sheer black tights under my skort for an edgier look (and for warmth!) You can basically find these anywhere- I believe mine are from Target.

Bag- Kate Spade 

My bright red bag added a pop of color to my look and served as a statement piece. This was the perfect size for the concert necessities and didn’t get in my way while I was dancing. If you were going for a dressier look, the cross body strap is detachable and the purse can be used as a clutch!

(Shoutout to my sister for letting me “borrow”- aka steal this forever from her!!!)

Sneakers- Sk8 Hi Slim Vans

As for shoes, I went with my black and white high top Vans. These were perfect for walking around the city and dancing all night. If you are going to a concert- especially in a city venue that’s entirely standing, I would definitely recommend going with more comfortable footwear. If you were looking to dress up a look like this, black booties would be the perfect addition.

I hope you enjoyed my outfit of the night!! I had an AMAZING time at the Marina and the Diamonds concert, she was fabulous live! Click here to listen to some of her music and be sure to let me know your favorite songs in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading, don’t forget to like, comment & follow for more OOTD & OOTN posts coming your way soon!

With love,

Makeup MUST-HAVES | My Favorite Products!!

Guess who’s back from her blogging hiatus?! THIS GIRL! I took some time off from my regular posting schedule but I am back and better than ever. Stay tuned for some fall inspired fashion content coming your way soon! Today I have an exciting post… my absolute MUST-HAVE makeup products! Here you will find my favorites from eyeshadows to lipgloss and everything in between! Enjoy!

Eye Makeup:

I just love experimenting with new eye shadow looks to make my eyes pop. Lately I have been obsessed with the Naked Basics and Naked 3 palettes from Urban Decay.

The Naked Basics palette has the perfect amount of neutral, matte tones that can be worn basically anywhere! My favorite shade would definitely have to be “Venus” because the shimmery champagne color looks gorgeous on the brow bone.

The Naked 3 palette is definitely the most pink/warmly under-toned group of eyeshadows compared to its’ “sister palettes” (the Naked 1 & 2). With a huge range of shades from matte, blush tones to shimmery, smokey violets I absolutely adore blending new combinations. I turn to this palette every time I go out and never get bored of the looks it can create!

The Naked 3 Palette

Speaking of eyes, mascara is probably my favorite part of applying makeup. Voluminous lashes can seriously transform your entire look. I am always on the hunt for new mascaras (comment your favorite below!!) but as of now I have been layering Maybelline’s, The Falsies (Volume express) and Great Lash Real Impact. The shapes of the applicators are different so the combination of both products not only gives me length, but volume too!

Face Makeup 

Now onto the face! As a fair-skinned girl who doesn’t sleep as much as she should, I definitely struggle with under eye circles (Don’t we all!). That’s why I adore the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind (It sounds a little scary, I know) Dark Circle Eraser. I don’t necessarily use it for the “age rewind” effects, however this acts as the perfect highlighter/concealer. Blendable and light weight on the skin, I would definitely recommend this product!

To avoid pesky shine on the skin, I always set my face with the Revlon Nearly Naked powder. This does an awesome job of locking in my concealer and keeping my skin matte without looking cakey.

To add a little color into my face I love contouring with Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer. This product does an awesome job of adding warmth to a look without creating harsh streaks or lines.

In addition to bronzer I love adding blush and highlighter with products from the Benefit Feelin’ Dandy set. I wrote a whole post on this cheek and lip combo so be sure to check it out here!!

Lips

Last but certainly not least, my favorite lip product! It’s hard to pick a top lip shade (the options are endless!!) so I went with my must-have gloss by Bobbi Brown in “Sheer Peach.” Let me tell you, this lip gloss is poppin’! This is the absolute perfect color to layer on top of other lip products and adds a stunning, long lasting sparkle.

What are your favorite products?! Be sure to tell me in the comments! Thanks so much for reading, I can’t wait to share more!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow if you enjoyed!! Have a wonderful week 🙂

With love,

(ps. this is my 20th post! A milestone! Thank you for your support so far!!)

How to Have a Sweet Summer! | Berry Lemonade Popsicles

What’s a summer day by the pool without something cool and refreshing to go along with it?! Instead of simply drinking my favorite beverages I decided to incorporate them into a delicious ice pop! Here you will find how to make your very own strawberry lemonade, white cranberry and raspberry treats. Enjoy! 

You will need: 

• A juice of your choice
  • I went with White Cran-peach from Ocean Spray, it’s not too sweet and has a super refreshing flavor.
•  Lemonade
  • I chose to use a strawberry lemonade k-cup which I brewed with my Keurig and let chill in the refrigerator before adding to my pops.
  • Of course, you can use any pre-made lemonade of your choice or better yet, make your own!
• Fresh Berries for flavor and decoration
  • I chose raspberries because they are just so pretty!
• Popsicle molds
  • If you don’t have these handy, they can be substituted by using small cups (like Dixie cups) and popsicle sticks.

What to Do:

• I was hoping to create a layered look on my ice pops so first, I poured my lemonade into the molds and let them sit in the freezer for about 2 hours until the consistency was no longer slushy.
• After that I simply poured my White Cran-peach juice on top, which gave the pops a fun “color-blocking” look.
• Before placing the ice pops back in the freezer I cut some raspberries into small pieces and placed them into my mixture.
  • This later left the pops looking super cute and tasting extra delicious!

I definitely recommend making your own DIY ice pops! They can be so easily tailored to the flavor preferences of you and your friends. Perfect for mid-summer barbecues and pool days, I can’t wait to make more of these! If you end up making your own summer treats like these, leave a comment below and let me know what flavors you chose to combine!

Thanks so much for reading, don’t forget like, comment & follow for more summer posts like this!

Have a sweet summer!!

With love,

Ps. I am very excited to be leaving for a month of vacation tomorrow, however I will be unable to post while enjoying my time there. I just wanted to let you know that there will be more exciting beauty, fashion and lifestyle posts coming at the end of August!

Stay tuned 🙂

Summer Blues | DIY Boyfriend Jeans

Who needs a boyfriend when you can wear boyfriend jeans?! Really though, these distressed denim pants are so trendy at the moment and can truly transform an outfit. Versatile and comfortable, boyfriend jeans can give  a simple look an edgy twist. Not to mention they’re super easy to make yourself! Realizing this, I geared up with a pair of scissors and decided to convert some old jeans from drab to fab (that was cheesy but I couldn’t resist) in a matter of minutes. Here you will find how to create your very own boyfriend jeans… Enjoy!

What you will need: 

In order to complete this super simple DIY you will only need a few items that can be found around the house!

• Jeans (pretty obvious)- I thrifted mine from my local Goodwill for just $5, as this was my first time distressing, the thrift store was a great resource for finding inexpensive pieces to DIY.
• Scissors- fabric scissors would be easiest if you have them however office scissors work just fine.
• Tweezers
• A pencil (or really any writing utensil of your choice!)

Now that you have your materials, follow these easy steps and you will have yourself a pair of trendy, statement jeans!

• Step 1: First, try on your jeans and use a pencil to mark exactly how wide and long you would like your distressed areas to be.
• Step 2: Next, use your scissors to cut horizontal lines about a half inch to an inch and a half apart, depending on how large you would like your holes to be.
  • Hint: Make sure you are only cutting through ONE layer of the pants!
• Step 3: After that, use your tweezers to pull out the individual fraying strands of denim you have created. This will gradually begin to reveal white, distressed areas.
  •  This step can be quite tedious, but stick to it, you will be happily surprised with the outcome!

• Step 4: Continue with the previous step until you reach your desired amount of fraying.
  • Hint: if you are looking for a less geometrical shape in your hole, make the lines you cut in “Step 2” unevenly sized to avoid a boxy look.
  • Throwing your jeans in the wash immediately after distressing will also create a more frayed, edgy style.

After following these steps, not only will you have your very own boyfriend jeans, but the pride to say you made them yourself!

Here are my finished pants! In addition to rolling the bottoms, I decided to create three holes, one on the thigh, knee and lower shin. I just love pairing my boyfriend jeans with my white Birkenstocks (they’re so ugly they’re cute!) for an extra fun and edgy look. I am so happy with how my jeans came out and would definitely recommend trying this DIY to spice up some old denim! If you do try it out or have any other DIYs you would like me to cover, leave a comment down below!

Thank you so much for reading- it means the world to me! Don’t forget to like & follow for more fashion DIYs in the future!

Have a wonderful week!

With love,

Adventure Awaits! | Birchbox Haul & Review

Summer is finally here!! With the sunshine season in full swing there are tons of adventures waiting just around the corner. At the beginning of the month I received my very first Birchbox subscription package, equipped with many products that will be essential for summer fun this season. Here you will find my initial thoughts and reviews on each item that I received in my June Birchbox. Enjoy!

First of all, can we just talk about how adorable this packaging is? I am already loving this monthly subscription box because it’s such a blast being surprised with one of these in your mailbox. Plus, it’s awesome getting to try new products and experiment with what works best for you. It’s like a mini gift to yourself each month! I’m already looking forward to unboxing my July package (stay tuned for a haul next month!)

The first item that I tried from my Birchbox was this Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water. It is “made with active hydrogen mineral water” and is said to “remove makeup and brighten skin.” Originally I assumed that this was simply a glorified bottle of water… what could be so special? However, I was surprised to discover that this stuff really works! The Micro Water allowed me to remove all of my makeup with a single cotton pad and only a few drops of the product (even my tricky waterproof mascara!) While many other makeup removers seem to leave an unpleasant greasy residue on my face, this product left my skin feeling cleansed and truly clean. Much to my surprise, this was one of my favorite items in the box and is definitely something I would repurchase.

The next thing I received was this sweet little Puravida headband. I love the tiffany blue color and feminine trim of this hair accessory. I will definitely be using this on hot summer days to keep my hair back and maybe even as a bracelet when my outfits could use a special blue pop!

Next up is this Tocca perfume in the scent Bianca. I really enjoy the fresh and slightly flowery scent of this product. I tried it out this week and already received tons of compliments on its bright, summery smell. Although nothing can beat my favorite perfume, Fleur d’Or & Acacia from L’occitane, I’ve really been enjoying trying out this fun, new scent and will definitely be using it in the future!

In addition to these other great products, I received the Templespa Good Hair Day shampoo and conditioner set. The products did a nice job of washing and detangling my hair, leaving it soft and silky. Personally however, I was not a huge fan of both the shampoo and conditioner’s scents, for the aroma of peppermint, lavender, and patchouli was a little too strong for my liking. Although it was not my personal favorite, if you do like this combination of smells, this is certainly the product for you!

Last but certainly not least is this Marcelle waterproof eyeliner. I LOVE this product! Slightly out of my usual makeup comfort zone, this bright aqua shade looks stunning on the waterline of any summer makeup look. Not only is the eyeliner super pigmented but its waterproof consistency is ideal for summer afternoons, swimming and sweating. This easy to apply product glides on simply and is the perfect addition to spice up your daily makeup routine. I will definitely be getting a lot of use out of my Marcelle liner this summer.

I had such a blast unboxing my June Birchbox and can’t wait to receive next month’s package!

To purchase your own Birchbox subscription for $10 a month, equipped with awesome products like these, Click here!

Thank you so much for reading, don’t forget to like, comment, & follow for upcoming Birchbox hauls and other exciting beauty, fashion and lifestyle posts.

Much love (& happy summer!!!),

Disclaimer: This post is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Birchbox or other companies listed, all opinions are my own!

Cute For a Cause | Ivory Ella

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in this world? Do you like to wear adorable clothes? If you answered “YES” to one of those two questions then you must check out the garments of the adorable new company, Ivory Ella. With a mission to save elephants (my favorite animal!) from poaching and extinction, this awesome company donates 10% of net profits to savetheelephants.org! By purchasing a product you could truly make a difference, not to mention look incredibly cute while doing so!

I recently ordered this fuchsia long sleeve t-shirt from Ivory Ella’s website and have been wearing it non-stop ever since! The soft, lightweight material and bright, fun color, make it perfect for summer! I also love the fact that it is so comfy and effortless yet still looks way cuter than a simple tee. Ideal for those pool days when you are running out the door to grab an ice cream cone, I will definitely get a lot of use out of this buy!

Photo credit to http://www.ivoryella.com

With a huge variety of products there is surely an item for everyone! The company recently came out with choker necklaces and men’s apparel in addition to the fun women’s tees already in stock. I am in love with the diverse amount of patterns and styles on the website and am constantly finding new items each time I check back!

With each t-shirt at a price of around $30, it is definitely comforting to know that a portion of your mini splurge is going to an awesome cause. Currently, the company ships to the U.S. only, however they have only launched recently and state on their website that they “hope to implement worldwide shipping in a few weeks!” I am extremely eager to see what this little company has in store and can’t wait to see what other adorable products I can purchase that can help save the elephants!

This is truly an awesome brand and I just had to share it with the rest of you! Let me know in the comments what your favorite item on the Ivory Ella website is and if you are planning to purchase anything!

Thanks so much for reading and don’t forget to like & follow for more posts like this! Also, be sure to share Ivory Ella with your friends, each purchase can help to make a difference!

Click here to access the Ivory Ella website & purchase your own products. 

Wishing you a wonderful week!

With love,

Disclaimer: This post is in no way affiliated or sponsored by Ivory Ella, all statements and opinions are my own!