Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Must Have of the Week: Spiral Bobby Pins


This week I've been loving spiral bobby pins. I've been wearing my hair up in a messy bun a lot lately and regular bobby pins just weren't cutting it. While at the store I picked up a pack of spiral bobby pins thinking I'd give them a try. They worked even better than I had expected them to. They make my messy bun feel secure and they're virtually effortless to use. All you have to do is create the hairstyle of your choice and then twist the pins in, ta-da! your hair is ready for the day.

Pick up these Goody Spin Pins here.

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

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*

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Must Have of the Week: Forever 21 Necklace


During the Summer I usually don't wear a lot of jewelry. My everyday heart pendant, some simple stud earrings, and the rings I wear all the time is enough for me when the weather is warm. Because of this, I buy way less jewelry during the Summer than any other season. The other day while strolling around Forever 21 I spotted this unique necklace and really liked it. Although it was inexpensive at only $4.80, I chose to pass that day but when I saw it for a second time at another Forever 21 (and liked it just as much) I chose to buy it. Turns out, I actually love this necklace for Summer. It has plenty of sparkle but it is still light enough for hot weather. I love it!

Pick up one of these necklaces for yourself here

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Monday, June 30, 2014

4th of July Fashion: 3 Looks, 3 Styles

I have to say that the 4th of July is one of my favorite times of the year. Summer is in full swing and there's just something about the colors red, white, and blue paired together. I love it! I always have fun playing with clothes for special occasions and the 4th of July is no exception (check out what I wore last year here). If you're looking for something to wear this Friday to watch fireworks, attend a family BBQ, or just show off your American pride here are three looks to help you gain some inspiration.


I love an outfit with a fun and flirty pinup girl vibe. The 4th of July is the perfect time to be inspired by such a classic look. I kept it casual by pairing a simple red, polka dot, collared shirt with light wash boyfriend jeans. For accessories, all you need are some basic white Converse and a fun head wrap. Headbands like the one shown above are such an essential in my closet. I love this one's nautical print for the 4th. I can see this look paired with a nice red lip to really pull together that retro inspiration. Overall, this outfit will keep you comfy while still maintaining an adorable pinup look. 


For those who like a look with a bit of edge this outfit is totally up your alley. Instead of going for full on red, white, and blue this look incorporates just a hint of the patriotic color combo. The white lace shorts contrast with the edgy Rolling Stones tee, giving a touch of femininity to the outfit. The tall gladiator sandals reinforce the rock n' roll vibe while the sunglasses keep the look 4th of July festive. 

If you're looking for a look thats a bit more dressy try something like this. A denim dress is still casual and comfy but when paired with bright pops of red the look takes on a more girly vibe. The wedges make the laid back dress look more put together and the fun headband makes this outfit unique and special. 

What will you be wearing on the 4th of July? 
Tweet me a pic!

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Must Have of the Week: American Eagle Tanks


I don't know about you guys but it has been HOT out where I live. Thanks to a recent mall visit I have found a fashionable and affordable solution, these fun and bright tanks from American Eagle. Don't judge me but I bought nearly every color and pattern these tanks come in. They're just too perfect. I like their unique high neckline, light material, and summer ready prints. My favorite is white with a purple, green, and blue floral graphic (shown above). The fact that I only paid $7 for each tank due to the huge sale they were having only sweetens the deal. 

Pick up one of these awesome tanks (or two) here

-BL

*This is NOT a sponsored post*

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Summer Lookbook feat. Warby Parker

The official start of summer is right around the corner. You're most likely going to be spending more and more time outside enjoying the warm weather. With warm weather comes sun, and the sun's harsh rays can be very damaging if the the proper precautionary measures are not taken before stepping out into the nice weather. Wearing a pair of protective sunglasses is extremely important. If you're going to be wearing sunglasses nearly everyday you want them to be good looking, right? Check out the late spring/early summer looks I created below with some of Warby Parker's beautiful glasses.


Sunglasses, Raskin in Polished Gold, Warby Parker. Top, American Eagle. Necklace, LC Lauren Conrad. Watch, Charlotte Russe. Rings, Charlotte Russe. Jeans, Celebrity Pink. Boots, Charlotte Russe. 




Sunglasses, Raskin in Jet Silver, Warby Parker. Dress, Forever 21. Jacket, Levi's. 








Sunglasses, Boyd in Marbled Charcoal, Warby Parker. Tank, TJ Maxx. Jacket, Aeropostale. 






Sunglasses, Madison in Rum Cherry, Warby Parker. Top, Cali Trends. 






Sunglasses, Jasper in Marine Slate, Warby Parker. Jacket, Target. Tank, American Rag. Necklace, Forever 21. Jeans, Celebrity Pink. Watch, Aeropostale. 



From top to bottom:
 Raskin (Jet Silver), Boyd (Marbled Charcoal), Jasper (Marine Slate), Raskin (Polished Gold), & Madison (Rum Cherry)

I was introduced to a brand called Warby Parker a little while ago and when I looked at their website I was instantly intrigued.What I saw was a bunch of sunglasses in a range of different styles, there was something for everyone.

In order to find out what sunglasses were for me I used their wonderful home try on option to see what I liked most. Here are some notes on how my home try on process went.

Basically, the home try on process allows you choose five pairs of glasses that you are interested in for a hands on trial at your own home. After picking your favorite five pairs Warby Parker will send you your glasses for a time period of five days. During those five days you have the chance to give your borrowed glasses a whirl.

The only issue I came across was that one of the pairs I wanted to use in the home try on process was unavailable to me because all the home try on pairs were with other customers at the time. Clearly, people agreed with how much I loved them. With a little patience this problem can be avoided by waiting your turn. Due to the fact that I am not a patient person I just decided to pick a different pair in their place. I was too anxious to wait.

My home try on package was delivered in only three days, they came right on time. When I opened the box I was happy to see five beautiful pairs of very nice quality sunglasses.

My taste when it comes to sunglasses is usually pretty basic and simple. A good pair of aviators or wayfarers is usually what I go for but at the same time I thought the home try on would be an opportunity for me to branch out a little. Because of this I chose both some classic aviators (Raskin) and some more interesting picks as well (Jasper, Boyd, & Madison). Then I created five late spring/early summer looks.

Another great aspect of Warby Parker is that they give back. Warby Parker works with partners in order to provide those in need with glasses. After a pair of glasses is sold, Warby Parker either provides glasses or funding to a non-profit partner. For more information about this program click here. So, when you purchase from Warby Parker you are not only treating yourself to a great pair of glasses but you are also doing your part to better the world.

Overall, I would most definitely recommend Warby Parker to a friend.

For more information about any of the details mentioned click here to visit their website.


-BL

*Thank you to Warby Parker for introducing me to their brand & for giving me the opportunity to check out their glasses*