Tag Archive for summer

What’s your signature nail color this summer?

Every time I give myself a diy pedi, I pick the same color.  It is just inevitable.  Pink Parka by Essie is my go to summer toe color!  Its bright neon pink  and screams summer!

While neon pink is one of my favorite colors, I can’t wear it everyday on my clothes. SO what better way than my toes!!

I get mutliple compliments on it and it makes me smile!

What is your signature nail color this summer?  Maybe I’ll try it!

Photo Source: http://www.essie.com/products/

Do you hide behind accessories?

I’m not just talking statement jewelry, which of course makes a statement.  Do you let jewelry be the prominent part of your outfit to cover other things? I think I’ll go more in depth in this topic one day.  Today, I let my necklace do the talking.  I’m hoping that it will distract others from noticing my a bit too causal for work outfit, barely maked-up face, and not really hair do. 

I frankly didn’t feel the want to get overly ready this morning like I usually do.  I’m wearing a fitted red tee with capped sleeves and a plaid black/cream/red vest over it with black crop dress pants and black heeled sandals.  But for a Thursday it might be a bit casual.  Not that that stopped me from wearing it.  I threw on a few dots of foundation and swiped on a little eye shadow, completely forgetting eyeliner and mascara! I parted my hair down the middle, leaving it down, and brushed it.  Then, I left. I felt not quite put together but didn’t quite care.   

 

In the car I found my long black wooden bead necklace on a ribbon chain.  Its one of those “wear it to amp up the outfit” necklaces.  And it did its job wonderfully.  I no longer feel outfit incomplete.  And I’m going to stand behind my big beaded necklace and let it do all the talking!

Do you hide behind your accessories? What piece do you let do the talking?

Shine Beauty Guru Review:Sweat and Water get the knockout with the right Strength!

As soon as clinical strength deodorant came out, I was on it.  Texas heat + weak deodorant don’t mix well.  So Secret Clinical strength was a blessing.  When I found out, we would be testing the WATERPROOF kind for our Shine Beauty Guru assignment, I was stoked!

 Summer is upon us and this couldn’t come at a better time. I opened that baby up and applied away.  After reading the directions, it said the best application time was at night (that way it could absorb better!)   But I’m a twice a day applier so…we’d see. 

 

 I already love the clinical strength of Secret. It really does cut down the sweat. Which makes it a lot easier when wearing colored shirts. (no stains!)

 I’ve been applying it nightly after my shower and when needed during the day.   Its worked great and smelled fantastic. So fresh, so clean clean!  Sometimes even when I forget perfume, the hubster says, “You smell good!” 

 So when lake days and pool days came around, I was ready to put it too the test!!  Layin in the sun, the rest of my body would be covered in sweat, but my arms were dry! Holy moly! That’s never happened! I wondered if I could apply it to my whole body? But that might be a little odd.

 After swimming in a lake all day with no where to shower, I put on clean clothes (of course I forgot my deodorant!) and still felt fresh. The rest of my body felt grody but I my arms felt clean.

 When I spent the evening outside dancing, it worked no sweat!  Even in the shower, I could tell it worked. It took two or three scrubs to feel like I got it off.    

 This deodorant is a new summer must!  The clinical strength wards of sweat and the waterproof ensures that you’ll feel clean in and out of water.  Whether you apply it once or twice a day, it works!

 Though it might be a little higher than your normal deodorant, the extra protection it provides is worth that extra 2 or 3 dollars to me!  Another plus, no white marks when dressing! (unless you apply your deodorant and then immediately put on a shirt..but that was my fault that time!) 

 I give it 5 stars!!

 So grab your self a tube and dive in that pool! 

Photo Source: http://www.secret.com/ClinicalStrengthProducts.do

Easy Access: Summer’s Hottest Trends

Summer is in full swing, I’m already getting bored with my clothes.  I don’t really wanna buy more but I need some inspiration, STAT! I’m in need of some major fashion voltage!  I’m obsessed anyway so why not share!  So today I’ve searched through some of my fav magazine websites and found the hottest trends for summer! Some I agree, some I don’t and others I’ll do my own way! Here are the hottest summer trends from Glamour.com, Elle.com, and Instyle.com

 GLAMOUR—> They visited with their favorite “personal-style” bloggers and got 18 tips on how to amp up your summer wardrobe!

18 Hot Summer Outfits (Warning: These Are Super Sexy!) by Melissa Mann

1.       Layer on a little lace to dress things up.

Set the mood by adding romantic lace to casual basics. “I like this outfit because it incorporates two of my favorite spring-summer trends, chambray and lace,” says Jessica.

glamour2.       Flirt it up with fun summer colors.

Don’t be afraid to show off your experimental side by mixing and matching contrasting colors. “Bright colors lift my mood, and this outfit is no exception!” says Kristina. “I love mixing different textures, like sequins, and playing with more than one color in an ensemble.”

3.       Show off some skin with an unusual neckline.

The season’s one-shoulder tops and dresses let you flaunt your fab arms without having to worry about roaming bra straps slipping you up.

4.       Dress around one showstopping piece.

Show off your favorite statement piece—whether it’s a bright necklace, killer shoes or a sassy skirt—by keeping the rest of your outfit low-key. “This summer look is perfectly delicate but with a punch of color,” says Taylor . “I love wearing a flirty and fun skirt on a hot summer day, and this one is great with the bright florescent flowers.”

5.       Stay cool in breathable fabrics.

“On hot summer days, I gravitate toward breathable fabrics like linen and stretchy cotton—and of course, bare legs,” says Keiko. Note that “breathable” doesn’t have to mean blah or floaty—Keiko’s tight mini can really move!

6.       Have a summer fling with warm-weather colors.

Next to midday margaritas and the smell of suntan lotion, nothing says summer like wearing sky blue and bright white.

7.       Bring out your year-round heels at the peak of summer.

Your favorite pumps—you know, the ones you wear nonstop from September through February—can look just as fab now. Just lighten ‘em up with a breezy summer dress and an “I’m on vacation” smile!

8.       Update your bold basics with cool prints.

Last year’s brights and neons look off-the-vine fresh when paired with hip little prints and stripes. “I like this outfit because it’s bright!” says Jessica. “The floral print and bright red work well together for a fun summer look.”

9.       Bring out your best vintage finds.

There’s no better time to wear your so-filmy-it’s-almost-see-through vintage dress than a summer’s night. (FYI: Sometimes the harsh sunlight can drill right through fabric, making your, ahem, undergarments highly visible.) “I would wear this 1950s vintage yellow dress to a cocktail party or just out for drinks with my friends,” says Alyce. “It’s such a vibrant color and an instant mood lifter.”

10.   Show your sundress who’s boss.

Amp up the glamour factor of a simple sundress with a bold necklace and movie-star sunglasses. “One of the best things about summer is the ability to throw on a great dress and be done!” says Katy.

11.   Learn to love shorts.

Sure, finding the right pair can be as tricky as sleuthing out a flattering pair of jeans, but in the end it’s totally worth it! Not only does it make your favorite shirts and tops work double time this summer, but it makes bike riding, errand schlepping and looking trendy a total breeze. “Sometimes all that matters is comfort,” says Keiko. “On the hottest of days, I don little shorts and a loose-fitting top with a pair of feminine flats.” (P.S. We’ve got a ton of fab shorts fit tips right here!)

12.   Put an edgy spin on party clothes.

“Playing with cutouts, volume and color mixing becomes more important when it gets too hot to layer,” says Diya. If you’re glamming it up for a night out on the town, why not take inspiration from Diya and make a sweet floral skirt look rocker-chic by pairing it with dark colors and cool-girl accessories

13.   When wearing long sleeves, go short everywhere else.

It’s A-OK if flaunting your arms isn’t your thing—try a minidress to show off your legs, and make ‘em look even longer by wearing neutral heels. “I like that this style of dress is short and swingy,” says Christine, “but has enough coverage to keep it flirty and not too sexy for a daytime party.”

14.   Try a pair of roomy shorts.

A little less girly than a skirt and a heck of a lot more comfortable than a pair of skinny jeans (especially in hot weather—ick!), cute tailored shorts might just be your favorite new date outfit. Pair ‘em with a tight top to make the playful vibe seem sexy.

15.   Kick up your heels in a swishy skirt.

Elastic waist cotton skirts are as cool and comfortable as you can get! Top yours off with a colorful belt and your get-dressed time will be short and sweet.

16.   Stay cool, calm and collected in soothing white.

Unlike sun-seeking dark colors, bright white will reflect the rays and keep you feeling—and looking—unsticky.

17.   Shield yourself from the sun with a cool hat.

Not only will a straw fedora amp up any outfit’s cool factor, but the summer topper will act like an added layer of SPF. (That’s a not-so-subtle hint to slather on something on your face and bod when you’re baring your sexy skin!)

18.   Dress for the sun—and the AC.

“This dress screams summer, and the pattern is so pretty,” says Alyce. We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Bonus points for the bright blazer, which’ll make the sunshine-to-freezer-like-interiors transition a total cinch.

See the whole slideshow here!elle

ELLE—> Found “fashion finds for any festivity from poolside bash to swanky soiree”

Summer Party Patrol

By SYDNEY WASSERMAN

  • Beach Bonfire                  As the sun sets into a purple sky, you’re celebrating your inner beach goddess in loose luxe knits and earthy prints.
  • Block Party                     Reggae music and barbecued everything fill a raging street party. Stay fresh in bright colors and fly sportswear—someone is likely to break out a hose at some point
  • Preppy Pool Party       Crisp and clean white dresses will undoubtedly abound this weekend. At a no-swim pool party, pair yours with feminine sandals, scarves, and a summer-survival tote.
  • Swanky Soiree                If you finally got that invite to the hottest party in town this weekend, get yourself in the season’s best peach-nude tone, whether in a long gown or a flirty mini.
  • Upstate Escape              Steal away to the country in American classics with comfy knits, natural fabrics, and a good pair of jeans for those breezy nights under the stars

See the examples and get buying information here!

INSTYLE—> found the best trends for summer and alphabetized them for easy rembering!

Summer Style A-Z

A is for American in Paris

Kate Moss and Eva Mendes know that one needn’t be French to adopt a soupcon of Gallic style: The classic Breton striped shirt looks utterly chic and easy when paired with good old American denim—skinny or trouser-cut—and a pair of dark sunglasses.

instyleB is for Braids

The low, loose side braid is the new ponytail; it’s pretty without being too polished. From left, Rachel McAdams, Leona Lewis, and Kate Bosworth sport the look.

C is for Cutouts

Peek-a-boo cutouts are the perfect way to show a little skin. Go for solid colors and streamlined silhouettes to maximize the drama; as Malin Akerman and Halle Berry demonstrate, the greater the contrast between the dress’s shade and your skin tone, the sexier the reveal.

D is for Denim Top

Denim button-downs aren’t just for cowhands anymore: Paired with high-heeled sandals and a pencil skirt—as seen on Ginnifer Goodwin, far left, and Hilary Duff—a chambray shirt is well-suited to both a business meeting or a laid-back afternoon stroll.

E is for Elaborate Earrings

Swap out the statement necklace for a pair of ornate danglers—they elongate the neck, draw attention to your face, and work with both updos, as seen on Kate Beckinsale and Nelly Furtado, and loose, beachy waves a la Sienna Miller.

F is for Full Length with Flats

A flowing maxi-dress looks positively ethereal with a delicate pair of flat sandals; take a tip from Charlize Theron and add big-night jewelery to make it evening-appropriate, or dress the look down, like Jennifer Aniston, for a stroll by the beach.

G is for Gingham

The quintessential picnic pattern is surprisingly versatile: Dita Von Teese goes retro with a fifties silhouette and a headkerchief, while Katrina Bowden looks modern—even sexy—in a checkered minidress paired with platforms.

H is for Hip-Slung Belts

In winter, a cinched waist is where it’s at, but the heat of summer sometimes calls for a breezier silhouette: A low-hanging belt adds definition but still looks laid back. Chanel Iman, far left, chooses an ethnic style for her basic cutoffs, while Fergie opts for a more polished effect.

I is for Isabel Marant

It’s no wonder that the coolest girls in New York and L.A. will wear literally anything by this Parisian designer—Marant makes basics anything but. The must-have piece, as seen on Zoe Saldana and Natalie Portman, is a petite, ladylike jacket that works with dark jeans or a bright minidress.

J is for Jean Shorts

Abbreviated denim is a summer staple, but this season a rolled-up hemline looks best—it’s easier to dress up than a messy cutoff. Rachel Bilson gives her casual pair some polish by adding a chain-strap bag and metallic sandals, while Whitney Port goes elegantly bright with a patterned blouse and flats.

K is for Khaki

These dust-colored trousers work well with dark leather and denim. Make the menswear basic more female-friendly by cuffing them—to reveal a flash of delicate ankle—and strapping on a pair of neutral-colored sandals like Heidi Klum and Jennifer Aniston.

L and M are for Lace and Military

Diane Kruger and Alexa Chung both opt for this unexpected mixture of rugged and soft: A stretch of elegant lace is a surprisingly apt complement to standard-issue military style. Add high heeled sandals or a structure bag to create a look worth saluting.

N and O are for Nude and Off-White

Peaches and cream is a classic combination. But these fair neutrals needn’t look staid: Sarah Jessica Parker toughens up her taupe lace dress with a sharp white blazer and layered chains, while Megan Fox’s sexy ivory sheath looks elegant when paired with a blush-colored bag.

P is for Print Over Print

Mixing prints and patterns is a very modern move, with a high degree of difficulty. But if you’re careful to keep all your pieces in the same color family, like Kirsten Stewart and Whitney Port , you should be able to rise to the challenge. The results are thrillingly au courant.

Q is for Quick Hair Fixes

Summer heat and humidity have conquered many a hairstyle; better to abandon any idea of looking impossibly sleek in favor of a host of quick fixes that will leave your do impossibly chic. Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Alba opt for gently mussed topknots that work day and night, while Beyonce caps her beachy waves with a colorful straw hat.

R is for Rope Details

Go goddess in a Grecian-gown accented with braided details——January Jones and Eva Amurri show two different takes on the classic look. Draped, flowing fabrics belted with rope are great for accentuating curves, but keep your accessories simple to avoid looking like you’re headed to a toga party.

S is for Spice Colors

Super-bright shades may be sunny-season favorites, but don’t overlook the duskier side of the color palette: Cinnamon, sage, and mustard shades can add flavor to your warm-weather clothes. Paula Patton’s printed dress is pretty tropical, and Miranda Kerr’s seperates make her skin glow.

T is for Tie-Dye

Tie-dye has come a long way from it’s hippie-dippie roots: As recent runway iterations have shown, the technique can be used to achieve very high fashion results. Kate Bosworth pairs her loose-fitting dress with a chicly earthy bag and heels, while Kristen Bell wisely lets her vibrant choice take center stage, sticking with nude, minimalist accessories.

U and V are for UV Protection

Coco Chanel may have popularized the suntan, but this century trendsetters are focused on finding stylish ways to avoid burns, skin cancer and wrinkles. Kate Hudson and Vanessa Hudgens strike the right balance, pairing wide-brimmed hats with sweet sun-dresses. Finish the look with strappy sandals and of course, a generous helping of SPF.

W is for White Dress

This summer, set aside your little black dress in favor of a bright white version: In the right silhouette, the shade can suit almost any occasion. Reese Witherspoon’s streamlined sheath is perfect for the office, paired with an ivory status bag and metallic heels; Demi Moore tempers the sweetness of her strapless a-line with a black clutch and heels.

X is for Xtra Bright Lips

A smoky eye can be too tricky for the sweaty season. But a super-bright lipstick confers the same quantity of pretty polish. If you’re fair-skinned, choose hot pinks and reds with blue undertones; the medium-to-dark-skinned should try orange-based reds and vibrant plums.

Y is for Yellow Bag

Sunshine-y yellow packs a punch, but it definitely doesn’t suit everyone’s skin tone. Instead, try pairing a bright lemon bag with tailored office-ready separates, like Taylor Swift, or a more boho-style dress, like Joy Bryant.

Z is for Zigzags

Jagged lines are a jaunty alternative to horizontal stripes, and have the added advantage of drawing the eye upwards, rather than out. Try a zigzagged handbag, like Anne Hathaway’s, or a copy Milla Jovovich’s cool coat.

 To see all examples and the whole slideshow, click here!

 And there you have it! Tons of new inspirations, ideas, and more in one neat tiny package!  Hope you got plenty of ideas cause I sure did!

The respective links to the articles/slideshows:

Glamour: http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2010/06/18-hot-summer-outfits#slide=1
Elle: http://http/www.elle.com/Shopping/Elle-Shops/Summer-Party-Patrol
Instyle: http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/summertrends/photos/0,,20364861_20368391,00.html

Quick Style Guide: Staying Beautiful in the Heat

Oh, its been to long since the last quick style guide! And you know how I love them so!  It’s summer ya’ll! And in Texas that means 85 degrees by 9:00am.  It’s hot, its sticky, its hard to stay beautiful!  So of course I’ve got some fabulous things to offer to help stay looking hot all day long!

surfspraysHair: Its difficult to have cute hair in the summer. 

My first reaction to overheating is to pull my hair up into a ponytail and off my neck.  Pony tails don’t have to be boring though!  Position is everything.  Play with it! Try high on your head, try a straightened pony in the middle, or a low natural wave pony behind your ear (this is what I’m sporting today, I let my hair airdry overnight)

 But there are some days I love to wear my hair down, you say?  Me too! So go for an easy style!  Easy, Beach Waves! Instead of slaving over a curling iron during the morning, try some wave spray!  My absolute favorite is Garnier Fructise Wonder Waves Spray! It helped create this look and this one. But I’m also ready to try some new products, inspired by this Style.com article—Surf Sprays!  I’m going on the hunt for the Frédéric Fekkai Beach Waves later!  Welcome to your new summer hair!

 

Makeup: Who wants cakey foundation and creasing eye make up?! No one!

somekindofgorgeous

So when possible go without!  Put on the minimum you can stand….for me I need eyeliner/mascara/lip balm!  If you know you’re going to be near water or outside all day, chose something waterproof.  My Faves: Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Sable and Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express Waterproof Mascara 

Switch foundation/base whatever you wanna call it! Try something lighter.  Since my wedding I’ve been using Benefit Some Kind of Gorgeous (Foundation Faker).  Its a lot lighter than other foundation and perfect for summer. Definitely give it a try!  Have someone at Ulta help you!

 

 

Body:  It seems no matter what the season my skin is dry dry dry.  Summer is awful be cause lotion and high temps don’t mix well.lovemycouturesamples

 So try a light lotion, like some of Nivea’s options!  I use something that protects my tan. I apply it after I shower at night, Love My Couture Tan Extender.  It actually works and is not greasy when I’m outside.

 

So there ya go! A few ways to stay beautiful (easily) in the summer heat!

 

Style.com Article: http://www.style.com/beauty/beautycounter/2010/06/salt-of-the-earth-eight-surf-sprays-to-get-you-through-the-summer/

Style.com Picture:  http://www.style.com/beauty/beautycounter/2010/06/salt-of-the-earth-eight-surf-sprays-to-get-you-through-the-summer/

Benefit Foundation: http://img-arch.pconline.com.cn/images/pclady/cosme/product/z4/200905111952256711_s3.jpg

Love My Couture: http://www.devotedcreations.com/

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