Holiday
December 13, 2015

3 TIPS TO THROWING A SECRET SANTA PARTY

Holiday parties are so much fun to attend, and to throw.
This year I decided to get some of my girlfriends together and have a little
Secret Santa party. We usually hang out together at the park while we run
around after our kiddos, so it was nice to have a quiet night together after
all our kids went to sleep.
My favorite part about the party was that everyone gave such
thoughtful gifts to the girl they were assigned to bring a gift for! We all
have various interests, styles, and personalities so it was so fun to see what
each girl was gifted.
I put together a few quick tips on how to throw a successful
Secret Santa party. I kept this one really simple, with a few pretty décor
items from World Market that helped add elegance and style to the décor.
Keep the number intimate and even-
Its fun when you have a change to chat with each person at a
small gathering. I think around 6-8 people makes for a fun intimate party. And
the number needs to be even so that everyone that brings a gift gets a gift.
Set a price point-
Make sure everyone is aware and comfortable with the price
point you set for the Secret Santa gifts. Sending out a group text is helpful
and asking for input just to feel out to make sure everyone is ok with the
amount being spent on a present. Our price point was $25 for each girl. Also
make sure everyone knows whether they are getting a nice gift or a funny gift.
Both make for a great party, but its important to make sure everyone is on the
same page with the kind of gift to bring. Same thing goes for dress. I asked
the girls if they would rather come in festive jammies or nicer holiday
outfits. It’s important to get input from people attending to make sure
everyone will be happy and comfortable.
Ask for help-

Since the party is for close friends, no one will mind if
you ask for help! I asked each girl to bring an appetizer. I know the girls in
our group love a good appetizer, where candy and desserts might not get eaten
as much. So try and tailor the food to what you know your friends will want to
bring/eat.
DECOR DETAILS:
everything is currently 10% off at World Market online till Wednesday!



GOLD INITIAL MUG
BRASS GEO CANDLE HOLDERS
CHEESE PLATTER
MERCURY GLASS VOTIVE HOLDERS
DRINK DISPENSER 
SERVING BOWLS
SILVERWARE HOLDERS
WOODEN CHAIRS
LIGHT FIXTURE
GOLD ANTLER CANDLE HOLDERS
PINE CONE ORNAMENT 
GOLD STARBURST ORNAMENT
WHITE ANTLER ORNAMENT 
GLITTER BIRD ORNAMENT
GOLD FINIAL ORNAMENT

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

in collaboration with World Market
Leave A Comment
Beauty
December 7, 2015

3 STEPS TO SMOOTH, GLOSSY, HOLIDAY-READY HAIR

My hair has a natural wave to it.  The kind of wave that causes it to get pouffy and frizzy the second I encounter humidity. Years of bleaching my hair has only made it worse. Because I live in Southern California and deal with humidity on a daily basis, I’ve had to rely heavily on my straightener to keep my hair from going “Mufasa” on me (ie: morph into a lion’s mane). My hair washing, blow drying, straightening hair routine is a long one. I try to wash my hair only once a week because I dread this lengthy process.
I recently tried a new at-home frizz eliminating system called TextureTame. Have you heard of it? OH my goodness it’s a game changer. I’ve always wanted to try Keratin treatments at my salon, but I simply don’t have 3-4 hours every 2 months to devote to it. I did the 3 step at home treatment with TexureTame and saw immediate incredible results! I’m in love! 

Before I used TextureTame my hair was looking dull. It was so full of product and was in desperate need of a boost. I hated wearing my hair straight because it was looking so dry and damaged at the ends. After I used TextureTame’s 3 step treatment, my hair was glossy, vibrant, and I barely even needed to use a straightener! Honestly! I didn’t think I could get this kind glossy straight hair without having to straighten (and damage) every strand of my hair.

TextureTame is a three-part process that you can do at home to permanently eliminate frizz and strip your hair of any product buildup that causes dullness. It doesn’t have any harmful or toxic chemicals either. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Eliminate treatment- This step takes 30 minutes and only needs to be done every 3 months. It doesn’t smell the greatest…and because of this I was a bit skeptical. But boy does this stuff work!

Step 2: Moisture Lock treatment- This step takes 15 minutes and can be used once a week to keep hair super soft.

Step 3: Finish treatment- This step can be used as often as you want to dry or damp hair. It helps enhance shine and protect your hair from any additional damage.

This would make a fantastic Christmas gift for someone looking to step up their hair game! Plus, all Elle Apparel readers can get 30% off a 3 month supply of TextureTame by following this link.

I really love this product. Its much more cost and time effective than going into a salon for a similar treatment. And it WORKS. I’ll just let my handy little animated GIF do the talking…


In collaboration with Dermstore. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Leave A Comment
Family
December 3, 2015

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: HOW TO SHOP HER STYLE

Girlfriends, Mommas, sisters, your hairdresser, your brother’s new girlfriend….these are the people I love to shop for. I’ll take any excuse I can get to get something pretty and wrap it up to make it even prettier. I love the idea of thinking about the specific woman I am shopping for and really honing in on her personal style. My mom’s style is minimal and dainty. My sister-in-law is girly and chic. My girlfriends and I are doing a secret santa this year, and the friend I picked has the most impeccable classic and timeless style.
Nordstrom is my one-stop-shop for all these women and their various styles. I love that I can go to one place and find the perfect dainty earrings for my mom, on-trend floppy hat for my sister-in-law, and classic clutch for my girlfriend. I don’t have to worry if I get the wrong size or color, because with Nordstrom’s fast and free shipping and returns and exchanges, I can relax and knowing that they will be sure to get the gift that us just right for them without any hassle.
I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite gifts and grouped them by style, so hopefully it gives you a good direction when finding the perfect gift for the women on your list. All of my picks are $100 or less (most of them less than $50!).
Shop my picks by clicking on the item or the text links below

CLASSIC
PHONE CASE  |  SUNGLASSES  | WATCH  |  PERFUME  |  EARRINGS  |  CLUTCH
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

 

GIRLY
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

 

MINIMALIST
WATCH  |  BRACELET  |  SUNGLASSES  |  TOTE BAG  |  PERFUME  |  PHONE CASE

in collaboration with Nordstrom
Leave A Comment
Family
December 2, 2015

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR KIDS & BABY

 

ONE  |  TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE  |  SIX  |  SEVEN  | EIGHT  | NINE  |  TEN  |  ELEVEN  |  TWELVE  |  THIRTEEN  |  FOURTEEN  |  FIFTEEN  |  SIXTEEN  |  SEVENTEEN  |  EIGHTEEN

 

  • Eli is drooling and gnawing on his hands all the time now. These teethers from Dr. Brown’s are easy for small hands to hold, and such a cute design!
  • I don’t shop very often in the little girls department….but if I did I don’t know if I could pass these up. Can I get them in my size please?
  • My pediatrician said that I could start Eli on rice cereal. (he has “happy baby acid reflux”. He spits up constantly, but it doesn’t bother him) So many baby spoon designs give me carpal tunnel, but these spoons from Dr. Brown’s don’t hurt my hand to grip, and fit easily in tiny mouths.
  • Bradley has been begging me for a new backpack. We got the one he has now 3 years ago for preschool and its starting to fall apart. This one is quite the upgrade from Lightning McQueen!
  • What comes after rice cereal? Baby food! (stop growing up, stop growing up) This food masher is compact and simple. Meals are always a rush to get everyone fed and happy, so I don’t have time to bust out a whole blender contraption. I’m going to need a masher like this one from Dr. Brown’s that is compact and easy to clean.
  • Both my boys have Natives and we love them. These new designs look like they might be even better. Smaller holes so less sand gets inside, and a washable fabric instead of rubber to prevent odors.  Cash had literally worn holes in the bottoms of his rubber ones, so I might have to try this kind next.
  • Mr. Eli loves his paci, and Mr. Giraffe helps him keep it in when I can’t reach it while driving. I also like that you can unclip the paci and interchange them. He’s a paci snob, so just one kind of paci doesn’t do the job.

 

SHOP THE POST by clicking any image below

 

thank you to Dr. Brown’s for sponsoring this post
Leave A Comment
Fashion
November 27, 2015

THE BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEALS + MODERN GIRLS SEWING SALE CODE!

Black Friday is here! Today I’m sharing all of the very BEST sales out there. So think of this as your one stop shop to maneuvering your way through this sale packed weekend. 
First up- our Modern Girls Guide to Sewing is currently on sale through Cyber Monday for 30% off with code: BLACKFRIDAY. If you’ve been dying to learn how to sew but weren’t quite ready to pull the trigger, now is your chance! Head over to moderngirlsewing.com for the deal. Grab both courses to get the best bang for your buck and learn to sew adorable skirts and dresses for the holiday like these….




YOUR GUIDE TO THE HOTTEST BLACK FRIDAY SALES + their discount codes…

NORDSTROM // A majority of their items are marked down 49-55% plus an extra 25% off select sale items.

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

J.CREW //  30% off full priced items + 40% off sale items with code HOLIDAY
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

J.CREW FACTORY // 50% OFF EVERYTHING!! Plus free shipping over $50 with code SHIPGIFTS

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

ANTHROPOLOGIE // 25% off everything TODAY ONLY with code SHOPTOIT

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

BAUBLEBAR // 30% off everything with code THX

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

ASOS //  20% off everything with code CYBER
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

KATE SPADE // Surprise sale up to 75% off

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

GAP // 50% off EVERYTHING with code BLKFRIDAY

MADEWELL // 25% off your ENTIRE purchase with code CALMDOWN

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

TORY BURCH // Spend $250, get 30% off with code THANKS + free shipping!

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

SHOPBOP // Spend $250 and save 15%, spend $500 and save 20%, spend $1,000 and save 25% with code GOBIG15
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

MY TOP BLACK FRIDAY PICKS
hover over the image for a link right to the product!



MY TOP BLACK FRIDAY PICKS 
hover over the image for a link right to the product!

  • This beautiful Michael Kors bag is 50% off, and this one is less than $100!
  • I am on the hunt for a good leather jacket and look at this gorgeous color! 55% off for only $62.
  • My favorite Karen Walker sunglasses are 15% off and I never see them on sale. I have and love these and these.
  • I wear my gold Michael Kors watch almost everyday and this one is just over $100!
  •  This Tory Burch bag is such a perfect size and it’s $120 off with the sale code!
  • The perfect fall button-down plaid top only $32!
  • I wear my gold initial necklace everyday and this one is on sale for $40!
  • I love this scarf in camel on sale for $25
  • Dying over this perfect Kate Spade tote. Its 75% off and I can’t decide between the black or red. 
  • Black, leopard, Kate Spade, and 75% off!
  • The perfect black and white striped wallet for only $50
  • Such a perfect minimalist Marc Jacobs watch, on sale for less than $100!
Leave A Comment
Dressy
November 26, 2015

MODERN GIRL’S CHRISTMAS: SEQUIN SHIFT DRESS

First off- Happy Thanksgiving!! I know I’ve plowed right into Christmas on the blog, but I do want to say how much I love this day. I am so grateful for my family and I am so grateful that I am able to run this blog while staying at home and raising my boys. And thank you to all of YOU for supporting me! I truly appreciate every comment and kind word, I wish I could thank you all individually!
Today for Modern Girls Christmas week, I’m sharing a gold sequin holiday dress I made, using all the skills that you will learn in our intermediate online sewing course. Merrick shared the darling shift dress she made with the same tutorial yesterday. These dresses are SO versatile! All it takes is the knowledge of how to create a base pattern for a shift dress custom to your body, and that is exactly what we walk you through in our Intermediate Course. Once you have you pattern and the skills to sew it all together, this dress can carry you through any holiday. All you need is the perfect fabric!
DRESS: MADE BY ME WITH OUR INTERMEDIATE COURSE (SIMILAR DRESSES HERE, HERE, AND HERE) | EARRINGS | SIMILAR CUFF | SIMILAR NECKLACE | LIPSTICK

We are nearing the end of our Modern Girls Christmas week and that means we are so close to our Black Friday sale on The Modern Girl’s Guide To Sewing! It has been so fun sharing all our holiday looks (you can see the others here, here, and here)

Our Black Friday Modern Girls sale starts TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT PST and will run THROUGH CYBER MONDAY. Both our Beginner and Intermediate courses will be 30% OFF! Now is your change to grab these courses. You can watch the videos as many times as you need and they never expire! You get the best bang for your buck by purchasing both courses at once, and can take as long as you need to get through them. I will be posting more details about the sale over on my Instagram and at Moderngirlsewing.com. Happy shopping!

Leave A Comment
Dressy
November 25, 2015

A CHRISTMAS CARD TWIST: 3 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR CARDS UNIQUE

SHUTTERFLY CARD FOUND HERE 
ON THE BOYS: RED & WHITE STRIPED JAMMIES & BABY ONSIE JAMMIES c/o HANNAH ANDERSSON
Family Christmas cards are one of my absolute favorite things to design and send out each year. I know it can be stressful planning outfits and getting ‘the perfect shot’, but I am always so happy to have that stage in our life documented beautifully. It makes all the hard work worth it! 
2015 brought a lot of changes for our family- the biggest change being the birth of our baby Eli. What better time to change things up with Christmas cards, than after adding a new member to your family! Adding a new baby to the family is exciting and new and unexpected, and I wanted our card to reflect that. I’ve loved out traditional family pictures from past years (you can see some here, here, here, and here), but this year I wanted to think outside the box a bit.

I designed our card around the song “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. Instead of a pretty setting, I opted to take them in a studio. I originally had the boys holding baby Eli, but I liked it better with Garrett holding him, kind of like Santa is holding the best present of all! I really wanted to run with the theme, and I’m so happy with they turned out! I designed our cards using Shutterfly. They have such beautiful metallic card options, and I love the simple modern design of this one.

I listed 3 tips on how to make your Christmas Cards unique and memorable below…


TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS UNIQUE
  • Think outside the box: There is no rule that says your cards must include beautiful scenery and matching outfits. Don’t get me wrong. I love scenery and matching outfits. But maybe try taking pictures in your kitchen baking Christmas cookies, or reading “The Night Before Christmas” all snuggled up in bed. Or go with a theme like I did. I worried a bit that a theme would be cheesy. But if you are going to do a theme, you must commit to it 100% for the concept to really work. Why not break the mold one year?
  • Add visual interest: If you are going with a theme for your cards, bringing in props can really help elevate the look of it. If you do choose to shoot in a studio, make sure your props are big and bright and will really pop. Taking your pictures outside? Try pulling a piece of furniture outside to sit on, have the kids hold wreaths or balloons, etc. Props add a finishing touch to themed cards. 
  • Go with a candid: If you aren’t quite ready to sway from the typical family photo, try selecting one of the candid shots where your two-year-old is pulling a crazy face while everyone else is cracking up.  As tempting as it is to want one with everyone looking and smiling, it’s the candid shots where personalities shine through. And seeing everyones individual personalities is what gives your card it’s own personality. 


This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. Share and celebrate your family update. Shop Shutterfly for personalized holiday cards that are unique, meaningful and that are just the way you want.

Leave A Comment
Holiday
November 18, 2015

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR HIM

 

one  |  two |  three  |  four  |  five |  six  |  seven  |  eight  |  nine  | ten  |  eleven  |  twelve  |  thirteen  |  fourteen

 

Men’s Holiday gift guides are one of my favorite guides to make, want to know why? Because I just hand my computer over to Garrett and have him pick all of his favorites. It make Christmas shopping super convenient, because now I know everything he wants!
  • I think these shades are the sexiest men’s shades. Black and classic. And the matte frame is extra durable.
  • Garrett has these shoes and they are the most beautiful shoes he owns. I am so so obsessed with them. (and so is he)
  • Ties can be manly and cute at the same time…right?
  • I own this watch in black and brown and Garrett and I take turns wearing them. Perfectly minimalistic and an amazing price. A sure bet for a Christmas gift!
  • Garrett just got this quilted jacket and it is awesome. Warm enough for the cold, but not real puffy. The pictures don’t do it justice.
  • One of my favorite colognes that Garrett owns.
  • This shirt. No way could Garrett pass this up! And at an amazing price!
I’ve broken down all of my (slash Garrett’s) favorite picks by category below. You can check out even more options from last year’s Men’s Holiday Gift Guide.

 

SHADES
JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
TOPS

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
SHOES

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

WATCHES

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

 

GROOMING
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
ACCESSORIES
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
JACKETS
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
BOTTOMS

 

Leave A Comment
Casual
November 10, 2015

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FAMILY CHRISTMAS JAMMIES

 MOM & DAD

 

one  /  two  /  three  /  four  /  five  /  six  /  seven  /  eight  /  nine  /  ten  /  eleven  /  twelve  /  thirteen
 
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
 
!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.
 

 

THE KIDS
one  /  two  /  three  /  four  /  five  /  six  /  seven  /  eight

Leave A Comment
Casual
June 3, 2015

BEACH COVER ROUND-UP (THE 12 CUTEST COVER-UPS OF THE SUMMER)

There are so many cute summer swim cover-ups out there this season! I see them all over pinterest and instagram and decided to round up all my favorites into one post. So many beautiful bright colors and fun trims and embroidery and I can’t get enough of them!

(hover over the photo for clickable links to each piece)
ONE  |  TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR
FIVE  |  SIX  |  SEVEN  |  EIGHT 
NINE  |  TEN  |  ELEVEN  |  TWELVE

Leave A Comment
Casual
May 30, 2015

INSTAGRAM ROUNDUP / WEEKEND DEALS

 
BOTTOM LEFT | BOTTOM RIGHT

Happy weekend everyone! This weekend Garrett and I are celebrating our 8th anniversary, so it’s such a special time for us. We went on a little babymoon weekend getaway a few weeks back so we are just heading out to a fun dinner tonight and keeping it low key. I’m sure we will watch our wedding video with the boys. They love it!
This weekend will wrap up the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale (officially ends tomorrow), so I hurried and found some great pieces that are still in stock and on sale for at least 40% off. Shopbop also just added some great items to their sale section.  I’ve listed my favorites below:
  • There is one more style of blush colored clutch in the 40% sale and I was shocked it was restocked! This is such a hot color and the bag wont last long.
  • These sneakers are 40% off and I have had my eye on a pair for so long!
  • Such a great oversized white tee, and only $16.
  • Not totally sure I’m fully in on the flared jeans comeback, but these ones are pretty amazing. Not too flared, but still give a nod to the trend. 
  • Last call to stock up on these shirred tees. I love mine and wear them probably more than I should.

Leave A Comment
Beauty
May 29, 2015

MAY EDIT

EYEBROW POMADE | MAC LIPSTICK IN ‘SO CHAUD’ | FACE MOISTURIZER | EYEBROW PENCIL | SUNGLASSES
{Hover over the image to get clickable links to each product)
Each month I do an Elle Apparel Monthly Edit of 5 products that I have used over and over and that I love. As I have said before, my main criteria for a product to make it into The Edit is that I would buy the product again if it ran out/got lost/etc. Here is what I have been loving for the month of May:
Anastasia ‘Dipbrow Pomade”: I had been using a brow pressed powder prior to this pomade, but wasn’t totally in love with it. This eyebrow pomade is much better! I wear the light brown which I like a lot better than the blonde color, and I apply it with this angled brush. The blonde was a little too light for me. This shade is easy to lighten or darken up. A little goes a very long way, and I actually feel like I can mold and shape my brows with it. It’s also waterproof, so it stays on all day and doesn’t smudge off…even during my daily naps. (daily? yes. daily)
Philosophy “Renewed Hope in a Jar”: I included another one of Philosophy’s lotions in my March Edit, and I had to add this face moisturizer as well. Its a simple smooth face moisturiser that leaves a silky powder-like feeling on my skin. Not greasy or heavy at all, but it locks in the moisture. It doesn’t have any SPF in it (and I wear SPF every day), so it pairs nicely with my summer foundation that has SPF 30 (this was also included in my March Edit).
MAC Lipstick in ‘So Chaud’: I have raved about this color for years (I wore it in this post). I like to call it more of a Poppy than a red. I have a pink complexion, so the right red lip can be a bit of a challenge. This color doesn’t make my face look too white or washed out. It is highly pigmented and a little goes a very long way. Usually I fill in my lips with a red lip liner (it doesn’t really matter what color) and them dab this lipstick over it and press my lips together. The color lasts all day.
Anastasia ‘Brow Wiz’ Mechanical Brow Pencil: I use this along with the Brow Pomade. I’ve used each separately, but they work best when used together. I use the pencil mostly at the beginning and end of my brows and I always blend it with the brush on the opposite end of the pencil. It makes the brow look so much more natural. I get this in light brown as well.
DITTO Endless Eyewear Monthly Subscription: I love me some designer sunglasses, but I have always had a hard time spending the price tag for them. I’ve been using DITTO’s new monthly sunglasses subscription for a few months now and I can honestly say it is one of the monthly subscriptions that I actually use and really like (I know there are a lot of them out there now). For $19 a month I can pick from hundreds of designer sunglasses (these Karen Walkers are my current favorite). And when a new sunglasses trend comes along, I just swap them out for a new style. I also get good feel for which ones work well with my face and can test drive them before making a purchase. You can get your first month free with this link as well (it’s all month to month, no obligation to stay for a certain amount of time).
Make sure to check out my past Monthly Edits if you haven’t gotten a chance to!
(February | March | April)

 

Leave A Comment