J.Crew Fall 2013 Picks

Even though it is still July, it's starting to feel like fall in Cleveland. The temps have been in the 60s-70s for the past week, and as much as I like the warm weather, it's been a nice break from the heat and humidity. Being able to sleep with the windows open is one of the best things ever!

J.Crew has already begun adding fall items to their website, and I'm in love. I had a really hard time narrowing down my favorites because there are so many great looks, but here are the ones that are on my radar - 

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One of my favorite things about fall fashions are the colors. Deep red, green, and blue jewel tones are my absolute favorites. Even though I like animal print for all seasons, I love the colors/prints for fall as well. Especially calf hair shoes! I'm also loving how J.Crew is still using metallics, the shininess of that mini is so fun! And of course no fall line is complete without a little leather - skirts, bags, belts, etc. - I really can't get enough! 

Bring on the crunchy leaves and apple picking! And yes, I'm aware I have awhile to wait, but J.Crew is getting me in the spirit already! 

What do you think about the new fall line? What items are you loving?

Currently Loving: iPhone Cases

After my beloved iPhone bumper finally met its match last week, I've been on the hunt for a new case. I'm currently using the Kate Spade Le Pavillion Hard Case as a temporary replacement and I don't really like it. Don't get me wrong, it's cute, but it doesn't snap together all the way, the polka dots are chipping off, and it keeps cracking! I've been searching for a new one that is both cute and functional, here are some of my top picks! 

Leopard | Glitter | Tiles | Dots | Floral | Bonjour!

What case do you use?

Monday Motivation

Just a little Monday motivation for you from one of my favorite Etsy shops, Charm and Gumption. By the way, gumption mean to have initiative and spunk (I didn't know that!). This is actually a post card, check it out here! 

Hope you're having a great day!

Weekend Overview (Chicago!)

This weekend I went to Chicago! I was there from Thursday until Sunday to visit my boyfriend and we did so much that I'm still exhausted. We went to the Shedd on Friday, and Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville on Saturaday. Chicago is an awesome city, I love just walking around and finding fun new things. Unfortunately it was chilly and rainy when I was there, and I packed mostly summer clothes. Obviously that was a fiasco but we made it work. Here are some highlights of the trip!

The view outside the Shedd is awesome!

Glazed and Infused in Lincoln Park! I got the Vanilla Bean donut. Soo good! 

Outside the Lincoln Park Zoo

Another great view from the zoo

My boyfriend and I in Wrigleyville! 

O'Hare is seriously the coolest airport. There are so many artsy touches! 

It was a lot of fun, I can't wait to get back! Hopefully next time it will actually be nice out! In the mean time, it feels great to be home and to catch up on blogging! 

What did you do this weekend?

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks soo much to everyone who entered my very first giveaway! I can't believe how many people entered and I'm so excited to announce the winner.

Congrats to Lynzi C! You will receive an email soon with more info!

Here are your favorite parts of summer:
1. Days spent at the pool
2. Getting to wear colorful clothes
3. Having time to read
4. Traveling and meeting new friends
5. Having free time
6. Swimming and camping
7. Wedding season!
8. Holidays spent with friends and family
9. Sandals!
10. Ice cream
11. The sun and warm weather
12. Sleeping in
13. Relaxing on the beach
14. Laying out and tanning
15. Barbecues and fireworks!

I'm already working on another giveaway so be on the lookout!
Thanks again to everyone who entered and congrats, Lynzi!

Healthy Fast Food (what?!)

Breakfast is by far my favorite meal of the day. I love the carbs, the fruit, and everything that comes with it. Making a stop to Starbucks for breakfast on the weekends is definitely one of my favorite things to do, their Skinny Vanilla Lattes are seriously my weakness. However, most food on their menu is super calorie heavy (apple fritters have 420, and the Reduced-Fat Cinnamon Swirl Coffee Cake has 340!). We should be eating breakfast to kick-start our day and give up some energy, but these items actually slow us down! 

To combat this problem, I did some research on fast food breakfast that is actually healthy and will make you feel good in the morning. There are some options from my favorite places to stop, they are super tasty and healthy too!

Starbucks Oatmeal and Coffee - Starbucks's oatmeal is made from whole grain and is so tasty. I seriously love getting it in the winter because it's nice and warm and fills me up! It feels like a comfort food but only contains 140 calories. You also have the choice of adding nuts, dried fruit, or brown sugar for around 100 extra cals each. 

Dunkin Donuts coffee and Eggwhite, Turkey, Sausage Wrap - This sandwich contains a whole lot of protein (11 grams) and only 150 calories. This is good because it will keep you full much longer than a bagel or donut, and you don't get the mid-day sugar crash. 

Panera Power Breakfast Sandwich or Parfait - Panera is another favorite on Sunday mornings if I want to sit down, enjoy some delicious bread-y items, and sip my coffee in front of a fireplace. Their Power Breakfast Sandwich is made with whole grain bread (did I mention I LOVE their bread?), with egg, Vermont white cheddar, and smoked lean ham. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. It has 330 calories, but will also keep you full and satisfied well into lunchtime. The Strawberry Granola parfait is also a good choice, made from low-fat, organic vanilla yogurt, maple butter pecan granola with whole grain oats & fresh strawberries, and containing 310 calories. 

What's your favorite place to grab breakfast? What do you like to get?

PS - Don't forget to enter my Summer Favorites Giveaway!

Tagged Tuesday: Colors of the Rainbow

Hunter from Prep on a Budget tagged me today for Colors of the Rainbow!

Here are my favorite items in every color:

Red | J.Crew Polka Dot Bikini

Orange | Orange & Coral Throw Pillows
Yellow | Kate Spade Licorice Patent Heel
Green | Lilly Pulitzer Cute As A Button bangle
Blue | J.Crew 4" Chino in bright indigo
Purple | Kate Spade Palm Springs Sloan

I'm looking at you, Prep Essentials! 

This was harder than I thought it would be! Thanks again Hunter!

DIY Home/College Decor

In less than a month I'll be moving into my new apartment at school with three other awesome roommates. My direct roomie is my best from from freshman year and the other two are great friends and sorority sisters! Of course being in college means money is limited, but that doesn't stop us from trying to make our apartment as cute as possible. One of my roommates has been texting me pictures of crafts all summer that she's making to decorate!

Here are some great ideas for decorating your home/apartment/dorm that you can do yourself!

I believe adding glitter to anything is a good idea! I have cheap silverware from Target, so adding a little sparkle would definitely be something to do! Paint on a little glue, pour on glitter, spray with a clear sealant! 

Don't forget to glitter-ify your keys too!

Personalized coasters, super easy and cute!

I find that having plants in my apartment makes it so much livelier and happier. This DIY for gold leaf succulent pots is easy and adorable! 

Pin ribbon to wall and add pictures to fill up space! This will really brighten old, scary dorm walls (like my dorm freshman year, it was bad.)

Washi tape makes for a great picture frame and is removable. Check out the tutorial here!

While you're at it, might as well do the whole wall!

Make your own pillow covers. These would look so cute on my couch!

I hope some of these ideas will inspire you to decorate your home/apartment/dorm, whatever! In the words of Kate Spade, live colorfully! 

What are some crafty ways you decorate your space?

PS- Don't forget to check out my Summer Favorites Giveaway!

The Weekender + What To Pack

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This summer I've been doing so much traveling - and I love it. Whether it be flying to Chicago to visit my boyfriend, road tripping down to school, or just visiting friends for the night, I feel like I'm always packing. Regardless of why or how you're traveling, a weekender bag is the way to go. They are big enough where you can fit enough clothes/accessories for a short road trip, or they can be used as a carry-on if you're flying. There are tons of different styles of weekenders, from duffels to totes, and picking out the right one can be hard (the bags tend to be "investment pieces" ... aka expensive). So, I have narrowed down the bags that I think are the cutest (of course), but also the most practical: 

DNTX Striped Weekender, Lola Duffel Bag

Sunday Bag, Tory Burch Robinson Weekender

Pottery Barn Union Canvas Weekender, Deux Lux Raleigh Luggage Bag

I especially love the monogrammed bags! This weekend I'll be flying to Chicago, and I ALWAYS over pack. I tend to think of every scenario possible, stress myself out to no end, and end up bringing ten outfits instead of the two-three I actually need. To help myself pack light (and hopefully you, too!), here is my list of essential items for your carry on.

Extra layers and watch | I never seem to be able to get comfortable on airplanes. I'm either too hot, too cold, my seat won't go back, or the dude next to me is snoring. Bringing an extra layer definitely helps to control the temp. and make me a little more comfortable, and also makes a great pillow. A watch is definitely important, especially if your phone dies!

Necessities | This is a well known rule of packing, but you should definitely keep necessities like medicine or contact solution in your carry on with you. I usually bring a little Advil or motion sickness medicine just in case!

Waterbottle | I always carry a waterbottle in my bag with me, but having one with its own filter is ALWAYS useful. Part of that gross feeling you have when you get off an airplane can be do to dehydration, especially if you're on a long flight. A waterbottle with a filter is amazing because you can have fresh water anywhere!  

Entertainment | The time waiting in the airport, waiting for your plane to take off, waiting to land, and waiting to get off the plane goes a lot faster when you're doing something you enjoy. Bring a mag, a book, or your iPad to help pass the time. I also like to bring a portable charger like this one just in case your battery gets low!

Wallet | I like to bring a bigger wallet with lots of pockets to help keep everything organized. The most frustrating thing is having to dig through your bag to find your boarding pass or ID!

Freshen up! | I also like to bring a cosmetic bag with a couple items to help freshen up. Some makeup, hand sanitizer, or on-the-go tissues can really make you feel a lot better after a flight! Of course I want to make sure I look good for whoever I'm meeting at the airport, too ;)

What are your carry-on essentials?

Summer Treat: Creamy At Home Iced Coffee

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In my last Friday Favs post, iced coffee was the very first thing on the list. And it's first for a reason. I LOVE iced coffee. It's so refreshing (not a way you'd normally describe coffee!) and still gives you that caffeine buzz. I normally go out to a coffee shop to get my fix, but it does get pricey and there isn't one conveniently located to where I've been working this summer. Sooo, I decided to try my own at home - and failed. I put ice into hot coffee with milk and sugar. Bad idea. The ice melted and made the coffee gross and watery, and it wasn't even that cold. To remedy this issue I hit the internet to find some actual legitimate iced coffee recipes.

There are many different techniques to making iced coffee, but I wanted one that was easy, simple, and fast but still delicious. I found two different recipes that I like, Simply Delicious and The Pioneer Woman.

Simply Delicious came up with a brilliant idea, make coffee ice cubes! All you have to do is brew a pot, pour it into an ice dish, and freeze. The next morning put the coffee cubes in your freshly brewed coffee and viola! Nice cold coffee without the wateryness. Or, you can brew a big pot and keep it in the fridge, then add the coffee cubes. Whichever you prefer. Add cream and sugar to your liking! Genius!

The technique that The Pioneer Woman uses is a little more complicated and takes a little more time, but produces a stronger, richer coffee than just brewing it and adding the cubes. Here are the steps:

1. Pour a pound of coffee into a container (large bowl, pitcher, Tupperware, etc.)

2. Pour in 8 quarts (2 gallons) of cold water

3. Stir to make sure all the grounds come into contact with water

4. Cover the container and let the coffee steep for at least 8 hours, longer will result in stronger coffee

5. After the time is up, place cheesecloth (or a coffee filter, or paper towels) inside a fine mesh strainer

6. Slowly pour the coffee concentrate through the filter and into a different container, discard grounds

7. Use a spoon to press the liquid through 

8. Refrigerate the liquid 

When you're reading to drink the yummy, strong coffee - 

1. Fill a glass with ice and pour in coffee about half way

2. Splash in your choice of creamer (skim, 2%, or whole milk, half and half, sweetened condensed milk... you get the point)

3. Add in sugar, syrup, etc!

There you have it, two different ways to make iced coffee. I think I will begin by trying Technique #2, stronger coffee is right up my alley. 

Hope this helps if you're looking to make some great at-home iced coffee!! Enjoy! 

Ps- Don't forget to enter my Summer Favorites giveaway!

Summer Favorites Giveaway!!

It's finally here, my very first giveaway! I'm so excited to share some of my favorite summer items with you, one lucky winner will receive all of these fun goodies! Here are the details:

1. I love sunglasses, and this tortoise Wayfarer-style pair is perfect!

2. These hairbands are so colorful and fun! This is the "pool party" pack - the colors are perfect for summer. They can double as hairbands or bracelets!

3. The Day at the Beach pencils by Amanda Catherine Designs are so cute and would make great accessories for your desk! These pencils are printed with gold writing and include the phrases: Polka Dot Bikini, Day At The Beach, Salty Hair, Sunkissed Glow, Ocean Waves, and Pina Coladas.

4. Essie "Bachelorette Bash" is described as a creamy, juicy fuchsia and is my go-to color this summer. The shade of pink is so pretty!

5. These cute earrings are bright pink and will match your pink nails perfectly!

6. Kate Spade's Flower Patch earrings are seriously a must-have for summer! They are also bright pink and have cute little crystals in the middle. I was really considering keeping them for myself because I loved them so much :)

7. No one wants chapped lips, especially in the summer! Keep your lips looking nice and kissable with Neutrogena Naturals lip balm. Neutrogena is my go-to for just about everything, and this lip balm is perfect! It is minty and hydrates literally all day. It works great as a primer under lipstick, too!

8. Sunscreen is essential in the summer!! I burn to a crisp without it. I love this Neutrogena sunscreen because it's lightweight and oil-free (that oily feeling is the WORST), and waterproof! You're ready for a day at the beach!

9. Use this cute nautical pencil case to hold your new pencils, or use as a cosmetic case! I keep these in my Longchamp to try and keep it organized!

The giveaway will last until Sunday, July 28th at midnight. All you have to do is follow the steps below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck! 

Kate Spade New Arrivals

I love the theme for Kate Spade's new arrival line; cinema! There are so many fun little items that feature this theme including popcorn look-alike bags, clapboard iPad sleeves, and film reel inspired shoes. The old-Hollywood feel adds a certain glamour, but of course Kate Spade puts her own spin on things. I think the cinema-themed accessories so clever and cute, but it would definitely take a certain kind of woman to be able to rock that popcorn bag!

Lights Camera Action Carousel Bangle Watch, Lights Camera Action Terry, Cinema City Popcorn Bag, 3D Glasses iPhone 5 Case, Directors Clapboard iPad Sleeve, Steal the Show Bangle, Cinema City Bangle, Cinema City Samira, Cinema Key Fob

Fresia Heel & Laura Heel (these come in pink, too!)

Can't forget the shoes! I love the subtle film reel detail. 

What do you think about Kate Spade's film inspired line?

Friday Favs

Hello and Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a great week! Mine was hot and sunny and filled with late-night trampoline jumps, walks through lightening-bug-filled parks, online shopping (what else is new), and mosquito bits, lots of mosquito bits. I'm looking forward to spending time with fam this weekend and just relaxing!

Here are some of my favorite things this week- 
Iced Coffee - It's been ridiculously hot this week, so iced coffee has definitely been my go-to!

Fall Fashions - Is it stressing me that that we're already thinking about fall? Yes. Do I still love seeing what's new for the season? Absolutely. Check out these fall previews - Tory Burch, J.Crew Factory, Simply Soles,  Piperlime - I spy leather and suede!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Great deals on Kate Spade, Frye, MAC, Tory, and more. I purchased the Kate Spade Gramercy Grand watch in gold, and although I was sweating when I hit 'checkout' I'm so happy I finally caved in and bought it. I couldn't resist almost 35% off!

Cookie-For-One - This recipe for the Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One is genius!

Back To School Shopping - I love stocking up on fun new things for the upcoming school year. I love these pencils, this notebook, and these fun push pins.

Have a great weekend!

Everyday Summer Makeup

The weather has been crazy this week, it's been over 90 degrees every day and soo humid. If I step outside for more than a few minutes I can already feel myself starting to get sticky! On days like this keeping your makeup looking fresh is definitely a challenge, but it is doable with the right products and the occasional mid-day touch up. I wanted to share some of my favorite make up products to help you stay pretty and fresh even in this ridiculous heat! 

Face
bareMinerals Foundation - I love this foundation because it gets rid of any shininess that may occur during the day, it is lightweight, and even has SPF! I always try to stick to products with SPF in the summer to protect my face as much as possible. No wrinkles, please!

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer - I put this moisturizer on after I wash my face in the morning, it keeps my skin from looking dry but is also oil-free so it doesn't get shiny. It has SPF too!

Blush - I love fresh pink blushes in the summer, especially ones with a little shimmer.

Eyes
Long-Wear Eyeliner - Stays all day even in the heat! I like to wear waterproof too, never know when you might decide to run though a sprinkler ;)

Urbran Decay Naked 2 Palette - Natural brown/gray shades with some shine are perfect for summer.

Eyelash Curler - This is just a given. Curled eyelashes are the way to go!

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara - I like this mascara because it doesn't look too thick on your eyelashes, but it makes them look long, full, and so pretty!

Lips
Rosebud Perfume Co. Strawberry Lip Balm - This lip balm adds a little color to your lips and also smells like strawberry :)

bareMinerals Moxie Lip Gloss - I like the bareMilerals gloss because again it adds a little color but also makes your lips look really shiny. It has a little menthol that makes your lips tingle (which I like) and stays on super long! And I like that it's not sticky. 

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm - Also adds a nice natural color and keeps your lips hydrated and protected!

I hope some of these suggestions will be helpful when looking for new summer makeup!

What is your favorite makeup to wear in the summer?

Recent Purchase: Bright Lights Necklace

I recently purchased Molly Suzanne's Bright Lights necklace and I can't wait for it to come! Her boutique is so cute, they have amazing jewelry at great prices. I loved so many pieces it was hard for me to pick just one. I've never had something so neon-y but I'm excited to experiment with different looks! Here are some ideas that I put together -

And some other items I love -

J.Crew look-alike Flower Power necklace

The Taylor necklace

The Crystal Flower necklace

Do you have any neon jewelry? How do you style it?

Tuckernuck Look-Alike Style

I absolutely love this professional look from Devon at Tuckernuck, but of course it's extremely expensive. She is wearing the Two Penny Blue Linen Blazer paired with the Lele Sadoughi Falcon Necklace, both for hefty prices of over $300. So, to get this look without paying the price I did some searching for look-alikes. I found two pieces that I think would work fabulously.

Compared to the original, BaubleBar's Gold Spotted Jaguar Pendent and this gray blazer are way more affordable. AND they look very similar to the originals! I would pair with white pants or even a pair of dark jeans. Love it!

Summer Essentials

I love summer styles because they're light, colorful, and airy. It's so nice being able to leave the house without worrying about wearing a million layers to stay warm! I have put together a couple summer essentials that I believe every closet needs for the season. These pieces are classic and versatile, and can be mixed and matched in a ton of different ways for different occasions! 

1 | Bright nail polish is an easy way to make any outfit more summery. I love light pinks and coraly-reds, especially Essie Boom Boom Room or Sunday Funday!

2 | A simple chain-link bracelet is a classic piece that can really be worn for any season. They look great with light weight button downs or even a tank. This one from J.Crew factory is so cute, and on sale!

3 | Of course Sperry's are a necessity for summer, they're made for boating! I'm liking the dark brown right now. What could be better for summer than a waterproof shoe?!

4 | A light canvas tote with a touch of leather (and monogram). I love this one from Mark & Graham! Perfect for use as a carry-on, beach bag, or just an every day purse!  

5 | A light weight button down is perfect for hot summer days that turn into cool nights. Roll the sleeves up and wear with shorts during the day or roll them down to protect from mosquitoes when the sun goes down! I like this short sleeve shirt or this long sleeve one! 

6 | Chinos, chinos, and more chinos. I couldn't survive the summer without them. Pair with a cute braided belt and your button down! 

7 | I love tortoise sunnies! Keep the sun out of your eyes and add a little more chic to your outfit! 

8 | A basic pair of wedges is definitely a summer staple. They're comfortable and can be worn with everything, dressed up or dressed down! I especially love them with a cute summery skirt or dress. Not to mention they made your legs look awesome. 

What are some of your essential items for summer?

Friday Favs

Happy Friday! Tonight I'm going to an Indians game for some hot dogs and fireworks (and hopefully a Tribe win), and I'm free for the rest of the weekend! I'm hoping this mean lots of downtime, relaxing, and catching up on reading.

There are a few things I'm loving this week,

1 | Etsy custom calendars - I really love displaying cute calendars on my desk, and Etsy has tons of custom designs to choose from, monogrammed and all. They're great for sprucing up a boring desk at work, and keeping your life organized. 

2 | Tortoise everything (especially sunglasses)

3 | C. Wonder pillows -There are so many fun colors and patterns!

4 | Beach vacays - I'm  headed to the beach in a few weeks, and I'm SO excited. Yes it's going to be a million degress, but I can't wait to get some sun and spend time by the ocean. I'm on the market for a new sun hat and beach bag!

5 | Pretty pink lipstick - Sometimes I like red, sometimes I like coral, but right now I'm liking natural pinks. I think it's a really nice and fresh look for summer. 

6 | Apothecary vases for bathroom organization - I really love how these look on a bathroom counter! I would fill them with cotton balls, nail polish, and maybe some lip gloss. I think they are adorable and great for organizing!

What are you up to this weekend?

Favorite Summer Drink - Piña Colada

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On hot summer days when I'm outside relaxing (or sweating to death in the name of getting a tan), there's nothing that I want more than a nice cold drink. What's my go-to? A piña colada. They're easy to make and literally taste like summer. Taking a sip is like instantly being teleported to a private island and having cabana boys fan you with giant leaves. I love them. But, with the creamy-alcoholy goodness comes TONS of calories. 

My piña colada and boyfriend's margarita from a Mexican restaurant last weekend! Creamy and SO delicious!

To combat this problem (because no one want to look bloated in a bikini), I have searched high and low for the perfect skinny piña colada recipe. I came across Love and Zest's recipe and it sounds delicious. Most skinny recipes that I found were boring, a little pineapple juice and a little rum. But this one has the creamyness, thanks to vanilla Greek yogurt and light coconut milk, with WAY less calories. It's a win-win! I've included the recipe below:

Skinny Pina Coladas
makes 2-3 servings

3 cups frozen cubed pineapple
1/2 cup light coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut rum
1 cup ice, add as needed
2 tablespoons flaked coconut, for topping

Place ingredients into blender, and pulse until smooth. If needed, slowly add ice and process until smooth. Pour pina colada into chilled glasses and top with coconut flakes if desired.

Note: If going Virgin or making a breakfast smoothie, sub in coconut water for the rum.

-------------------

I would definitely garnish with the coconut flakes, but maybe add a chunk of pineapple or a maraschino cherry as well. I'm so excited to try this recipe and feel a little less guilty about indulging in my summer fav. 

What's your favorite summer drink?

First Giveaway!

I'm extremely excited to announce... I'm going to have my very first GIVEAWAY!

It's going to be summer themed and filled with lots of my favorite summery items. It won't be for a couple weeks, but I wanted to give you all a sneak preview! I'm hoping to have some more followers before starting, so please share, share, share!!

I really am SO excited and hope you all are too! Keep checking back, it will be up over the next few weeks!

Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning is a great thing. Actually, it's pretty much a miracle. My pale Irish skin does NOT do well in the sun, it's gets all blotchy and burns so easily. Even if I do get some color, it fades in a matter of days! I always feel guilty laying out because I know I'm increasing my risk of skin cancer, wrinkles, and sun spots later on. All things I would definitely rather avoid. So, how do I get the bronzed goddess look without the sun? Sunless tanner, of course!

The sunless tanning experience can either be really great or really awful. There's the streak issue, the bad smell, or even the rubbing-off-on-your-new-white-tshirt problem. However, if you find the right one, you can get your summery glow in a matter of minutes and avoid the stress and social scrutiny (you know you judge those orange people) that comes with a bad tan. I've tried my fair share of tanners, and I've put together a list of my favorites to help you avoid the baddies.

1. St. Tropez Self-Tan Bronzing Mousse - This tanner is a mousse which makes application really easy and streak-free. It dries in 60 seconds, looks natural, and doesn't have the gross tanner smell! 

2. Jergens Natural Glow - Jergens is a go-to for many self tanner lovers. I have fair skin and find that the medium/dark actually works better than the light/medium. It is affordable and gives a nice gradual tan that looks natural. Definitely go with the unscented!

3. Bare Minerals Faux Tan Body - I love Bare Minerals, they have never let me down! This tanner is made from a mineral copper complex like gives you a brown (not orange!) color, and also contains aloe vera and other natural ingredients that hydrate your skin. 

4. Kate Somerville Tanning Towelettes - A little pricier than the other tanners, but the towelettes make application so much easier than lotions/sprays. You can even do your back yourself! 

5. Neutrogena Build-A-Tan - Neutrogena is also one of my favorite skin care brands. Their tanner is gentle on skin and gives you a pretty natural glow. I can see a difference after only one application! This is probably my favorite tanner, I love the color it gives me. 

Do you use sunless tanner? What's your favorite brand?

Summer Sunglasses Guide

Sunglasses are by far my favorite summer accessory. They make any outfit instantly chic and add a little mystery. I love wearing really dark sunglasses because I feel like I belong in Hollywood ;) Like I mentioned in my Friday Favs post, I'm really loving cat-eye sunglasses. It's fun to experiment with different shapes and colors and see what works best on you!

Here are some styles I'm really loving this summer -




I love how many different shapes and colors designers are choosing! How cute are those heart shaped sunglasses? I think I might need to add a pair to my repertoire for lazy beach days or even hanging out around campus.

Personally, I always get frustrated when trying on sunglasses because of lot of frames don't look right on my face. I envy the lucky few who can pull off any pair! If you're like me and have to be picky with your frames, I put together a guide to help. I had to stare at a picture of myself for like a half hour to pin-point my face shape, but once you figure it out you can start choosing the best styles that work for you.

Do: Go for cat-eye or round glasses to draw attention downward

Don't: Wear glasses with over embellishment on the sides

Do: Go for oversize glasses to even out face and break up length

Don't: Choose glasses with narrow frames

Do: Most shapes work, so try something new!

Rectangular frames or aviators are a good place to start

Do: Pick glasses with angles or horizontal frames to elongate face

Don't: Pick round frames that make you face look even rounder

Do: Go for styles that soften face like round/oval shapes, cat-eye, or butterfly

Don't: Wear styles with sharp geometric shapes


Hope this helps with your search for the perfect glasses!
What kind do you wear for your face shape?