My Summer Must Haves: All You Need for the Perfect Summer Look

Summer is in full swing and I'm loving it. The nice, sunny, weather has me in the best mood and I'm happy to share some of my favorite new and old items that I've been obsessed with of the late. These items will have you staying cool, bronzed, and summer ready.

WHITE FADED GLORY SANDALS

I recently picked these sandals up at Walmart and they've already paid for themselves. I've worn them nearly everyday since I bought them. They go with everything. I love the crisp white and silver details for summer.

BANDANAS

Bandanas are my go to accessory all year round but even more so in the summer. They instantly add a boost of color to any look and they are perfect for keeping your hair out of your face. I love tying one into a headband with a ponytail or curled hair. They make for a retro, pinup vibe that I love.

CHARLOTTE RUSSE MIRRORED SUNGLASSES

Ever since I bought these sunglasses at Charlotte Russe I've been seeing colorful mirrored glasses everywhere. I love these ones because of their white frames and purple, blue, and green lenses. They go with a ton of my warm weather wardrobe and whenever I put them on I feel a tad bit more summery. 

JERGENS NATURAL GLOW 3 DAYS TO GLOW

I'm pretty pale and usually I'm not one to sit outside and tan. In order to add a bit of color to my skin I tried out Jergens gradual tanner. Although this tanner can be a bit streaky if you don't apply it carefully, when you are careful and neat it gives you nice natural color. I did not experience any orange color. I do prefer this product better with a bit of a real tan underneath. It looks more even that way. 

HAWAIIAN TROPIC SHIMMER EFFECT SUNSCREEN SPF 8

This sunscreen isn't the best for everyday use (for that you'd probably want a higher SPF) but for me this is perfect for a quick sunbathing session. I like the shimmery effect it gives my skin and it smells great for a sunscreen. 

COVERGIRL CG SMOOTHERS BB CREAM

This is the perfect replacement for foundation during the Summer. It is much lighter, has pretty good coverage, and also has just enough SPF for everyday running around. I love this stuff and have been using it much more frequently since Summer started. 

NYX MATTE BRONZER

In the summertime I'm all about a little extra bronze. When it comes to finding a good bronzer there is always something I struggle with, the glitter or shimmer content. This matte bronzer is perfect for a natural look. It's completely sparkle free and a little bit goes a long way.

SINFUL COLORS NAIL POLISH

In the summer I love either a good pastel nail polish or something bright. These two shades from Sinful Colors are my favorites, Tempest (purple) and Bikini (pink). I'm currently rocking Tempest. 

What are some of your summer essentials?

Let me know in a comment!

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest

Holiday Gift Guide: The Guys

Whether you're shopping for your boyfriend, dad, best guy friend, or brother,

here are 10 holiday gifts for the guy in your life.

1. The Heat (Widescreen), Walmart, $9.96. 2. Jacket in Wool Blend, H&M, $99. 3. Pullover Crew Neck Sweater, Target, $29.99. 4. Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme 3.4 oz, Giorgio Armani, $78. 5. 'Mercer' Chronograph Bracelet Watch, Michael Kors, $295. 6. Knit Hat, Target, $4.99. 7. Leather Gloves, H&M, $29.95. 8. Ramones Tee, $16.80, Forever21. 9. 'Little America' Backpack, Herschel Supply Co., $120. 10. Star Player Leather Sneaker, Converse, SALE $56.25 (reg. $75). 

1. As I mentioned in a previous gift guide DVDs always make a great gift. Pick out a couple of his favorites and you have a gift that you can't go wrong with.

2. For the stylish guy in your life this coat from H&M would be a wonderful gift. It's fashionable with navy wool and leather sleeves but also practical for the cold months ahead. 

3. This Santa skull sweater may not be ideal for everyone on your gift list but the right guy with a quirky personality would love it.

4. Cologne is an excellent gift for any guy. Pick him up a bottle of his favorite scent. If he doesn't have a favorite I highly suggest Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme by Giorgio Armani. It has a clean and fresh smell that isn't too strong.

5. I love a good watch. Michael Kors makes some of the best that I've seen. The one featured in this gift guide is on the pricier side but in my opinion it is completely worth the money. The face is modern and its all black color is very masculine. This watch will not be going out of style anytime soon.

6. Who doesn't need a great beanie? I love the bright red color of this one. For only $4.99 it would make a perfect stocking stuffer or add on to a gift.

7. Leather gloves are another fashionable but still practical gift.

8. For the music loving guy in your life it may not be the greatest idea to get him his favorite band's new album. Most likely he already has it. Instead get him an awesome band tee and maybe throw in an iTunes gift card. I'm a huge Ramones fan.

9. There is just something that I love about this backpack. It can be used everyday whether for school or work. Also, this bag is stylish and casual at the same time. All in all a nice backpack like this is a favorable replacement for the typical Jansport.

10. Everyone likes a cool pair of Converse. Update your guy's with these leather ones for a more put together look.

Happy December!

Stay tuned for more gift guides.

 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend right up until Christmas.

In the meantime, check out the rest of this year's guides.

Your Best Friend - The Fashionista - The Makeup Lover 

Is there a certain gift guide you'd like to see?

Tweet me or leave a comment with your ideas.

- BL

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest 

Holiday Gift Guide: The Makeup Lover

Welcome back, Meghan, Freshmen Fashion's go-to when it comes to beauty and makeup.

This year Meghan has chosen 9 of her favorite picks for the holiday season to help you shop for the makeup obsessed member of your gift list. 

1. The Cookie Exchange Set, Philosophy, $24. 2. Little Love Potions!, Benefit Cosmetics, $36. 3. Dramatic Eyes Long Wear Eye Shadow Collection, Hard Candy, $4.88. 4. Naturally Naughty Make-up Kit, Hard Candy, $8. 5. Vice Palette 2, Urban Decay, $59. 6. Synthetic Precision Kit, Sigma Beauty, $57. 7. Organic Lip Balm - 4 Flavor Multipack, eos, $10.99. 8. 3-Pack Knee High Socks, Xhilaration, $7.50. 9. Curlipops 1" Curling Iron Wand, Bed Head, $32.49.

1. "[Philosophy The Cookie Exchange Set] is perfect for those girls who love to enhance their natural beauty! Complete with a lip gloss, lotion, and shower gel/bubble bath! It is holiday scented and smells like different yummy cookies!"

2. "[Benefit Little Love Potions Set] includes everything you need for a daily makeup look! Each of these products I personally enjoy. The travel size products allow you to try out many different products!"

3. "[Hard Candy Eyes Long Wear Eye Shadow Collection] comes with 4 waterproof eye shadow pencils. This is a great gift for those who like to experiment with color! They can be used as eye shadows or liners."

4. "[Hard Candy Naturally Naughty Makeup Kit] has everything you need for a night out eye look! For girls who like dramatic smokey eyes this is a perfect kit!"

5. "Yes, [Urban Decay Vice 2 Palette] is a little bit of an investment, but as an owner of the original Vice and a lover of Urban Decay shadows, this is a great gift! These shadows are smooth and highly pigmented. The palette has many different colors in it, so it is perfect for girls who like to experiment with shadows."

6. "Every makeup lover needs some good brushes to apply her new makeup with! [Sigma Synthetic Precision Kit 4 piece] comes with four durable eye shadow brushes. This is personally on my Christmas list year!"

7. "Eos lip balms are a favorite of mine and many other girls. This pack of four is a great stocking stuffer or a great gift for anyone on a low budget!"

8. "I know this isn't exactly what you may have thought of getting someone for a gift, but wearing riding boots with knee high socks peeking out in so in style this winter. These are cute stocking stuffers or a great add on to a gift!"

9. "A curling wand for me is a must have product. Bed head is one of my favorite brands in hair products! [Bed Head Curlipops 1" Curling Iron Wand] is great for a girl who has very fine straight hair. It helps to add volume and texture she will love!"

Love  Meghan's gift guide? 

Make sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel here and check out her tutorials and makeup videos.

Stay tuned for more gift guides!

 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend from now right up until Christmas.

Is there a certain gift guide you'd like to see?

Tweet me or leave a comment with your ideas.

- BL

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest 

OOTD: Making a Cameo

Jacket, H&M. T-shirt, Walmart (similar). Scarf, K-Mart. Ring, Forever21(similar). Jeans, Celebrity Pink. Macy's, Boots - BareTraps, QVC. Lipstick, Rimmel, Moisture Renew, 540, Burgundy Lustre (similar).

For a perfect fall look I paired my favorite faux leather jacket with a simple black tee, dark wash jeans, and tall black boots. I accessorized with a burgundy scarf which I tied to make into an infinity scarf and my new favorite ring. To top off my look I applied dark lipstick that matched my scarf. 

What's your go to fall look?

Let me know in a comment!

- BL 

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest 

Holiday Gift Guide: Your Best Friend

Your best friend is basically your sister. She's loyal, trustworthy, and supportive. 

Show her that you value your friendship this holiday season with a great gift.

1. Mean Girls DVD, Walmart, $5.86. 2. PINK Boyfriend Half Zip Pullover, Victoria's Secret, $44.50. 3. Knitted Tube Scarf, H&M, $9.95. 4. Pretty Sleep Pant, Aerie, $34.95. 5. Viscose Top, H&M, $12.95. 6. Jumboo Lace-Up Ankle Boot, Steve Madden, $159.95. 7. Pop Secret Buttered Popcorn 6 pk, $3.99 & Coca-Cola Soda 20 oz, $1.59, both Target. 8. Pretty Kitty Skull Cap, Betsey Johnson, $17.98 (orig. $22). 9. Hopeless Romantic Too Bucket Tote, Betsey Johnson, $118. 10.  Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - Sweet Mint, eos, $3.29. 

1. Your friend's favorite movies on DVD are always the perfect gift. Initiate the perfect girl's night in by picking up a few chick flicks that your best friend is sure to love, some comfy PJs, and yummy snacks. Stuck on what movies to get? Mean Girls is a classic. 

2. A comfy sweatshirt like this one from Victoria's Secret is perfect for almost any type of girl. Pick one out in her favorite color and you're good to go. 

3. If you're having a difficult time trying to figure out what to get your friend you can never go wrong with a cozy knit scarf. They're perfect for the colder months and will be a great addition to her winter wardrobe.

4. Still going with that movie night idea, pick up a colorful pair of plaid flannel pajama pants like these... 

5. and an easy but fashionable t-shirt like this to go with the rest of your gift.

6. Combat boots have been huge this year. A great splurge gift for your best friend would be these awesome Steve Madden boots. They're a staple shoe that can potentially go with so many different outfits. She's sure to love them.

7. All the snacks required for your movie night.

8. Your friend can be a bit quirky, get her an adorable knit hat like this one by Betsey Johnson to match her personality.

9. Another wonderful splurge gift would be a statement bag that she can use everyday. I'm loving this ultra feminine one from Betsey Johnson. 

10. Need a simple gift or even a stocking stuffer? eos smooth spheres have got to be some of the greatest lip balms around. Sweet Mint is my personal favorite. 

Stay tuned for more gift guides!

 I'll be posting a new guide each weekend from now right up until Christmas.

Is there a certain gift guide you'd like to see?

Tweet me or leave a comment with your ideas.

Happy November!

- BL

Bloglovin' - Twitter - Instagram - Polyvore - Tumblr - Pinterest 

Update Your Favorites for Valentine's Day

Did you get asked on a last minute V-day date? Before you go out and buy a whole new outfit take a look at your favorite items in your closet first. Here are some fun, flirty, and feminine ways you can update your favorite essentials into a charming Valentine's Day ensembles. 

Update: Your Favorite Little Black Dress

Start with your favorite LBD, whether its fitted, flowy, short, or long. Add shiny red lipgloss, classic red pointy-toe pumps, and a gold, sequined clutch and you have yourelf a simple yet glam Valentine's Day outfit perfect for a night out.

Update: A Casual Denim Shirt or Jacket 

Get this feminine, casual look by starting off with your most lived in and loved denim shirt or jacket. Layer under this shirt or jacket a fun light pink graphic tank. Throw on your fave dark wash or black skinny jeans and a girly pair of sky-high wedges. I love these ones because the color and bow detail are perfect for Valentine's day. To top off your flirty casual look put some volumizing mascara on your upper lashes only. 

Update: An Edgy Leather Jacket

Take your favorite faux leather coat and a pair of skinny jeans (red ones would look awesome). Accessorize this basic combo with a fun scarf, high-heeled ankle booties, and dark red nail polish (the name of the one shown is Valentine!). This pairing will give you a romantic, edgy outfit. 

XO,

BL

This is not a sponsored post.

For more about the items featured please follow these links:
LBD: http://www.polyvore.com/update_lbd/set?id=72074121
Denim Shirt: http://www.polyvore.com/update_denim_shirt/set?id=72074483
Leather Jacket: http://www.polyvore.com/update_leather_jacket/set?id=72075810