Fashion Quick Tip: Go Nautical!!

I picked up this little number because it encompasses two of my favorite looks this summer; rompers & items with a nautical flair! I scored this on sale ($29.99 in store - $39.99 online) from Urban Outfitters, and it is probably one of my favorite purchases of the summer. To up the ante a little bit, I followed my own advice [given here], and decided to go with an accent color in lieu of navy blue or white shoes. I chose yellow as my accent color to make the outfit pop a little more. To add more cohesion, I chose a yellow polish, coupled with a yellow clutch.

Other Accent Colors To Try:

Red
Gold
Brown

Where Can You Find Nautical Pieces?

Zara
H&M
Forever 21
Urban Outfitters
Anthropologie

1. Across The Bow Jacket - $68.00 Anthropologie
2. Nearly Nautical Bikini Top - $39.95 Anthropologie
3. Hello Sunday Blazer - $98.00 Anthropologie
4. Spectator Sport Wedges - $49.95 Anthropologie

Romper: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Clutch: Vintage
Watch: Michael Kors
Earrings: DIY

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California Dreamin': Honey On The Rooftop

 Lo and I with Monica Payne - We loved her hair!

No attitudes. No doormen. No cover. My L.A natives are probably thinking this is too good to be true, considering L.A is known for their cocktail-sipping, snooty party scene, coupled with the hit or miss velvet rope games. However Monica Payne, Shelly Otto, DJ Rashida & DJ Eque, also known as The Honey Collective; definitely got it right with this one. Their rooftop soiree's presents a marriage of well dressed party goers, hipsters, good vibes, and sweeping views of the Downtown L.A skyline which perfectly frames the ultimate summer gathering. - For the past three years, these four beautiful ladies who came together as a collective, have been curating events that range from album/magazine release parties, movie premiere parties, to award after-parties, and of course their summer sexy soiree's.

Patrons are free to lounge around on comfy couches whilst sipping on drinks [reasonably priced may I add], as the cozy atmosphere is conducive to mingling, grooving, or 'working the room'. The Celebrity Selectress' better known as DJ Eque, has an impressive resume that spans from Diddy, to Virgin Records, GQ Magazine, and Mariah Carey respectively; so this honey definitely knows how to keep the party going.

 DJ Eque on the 1's & 2's

With the opening of L.A live, new lofts sprouting up on almost every corner, some of the best bars in town, and my new favorite haunt, Honey On The Rooftop; Downtown is once again the place to be in Los Angeles!

 Shout outs to these beautiful ladies that recognized me from the site! 

Lots of beautiful + positive ladies in the house! 

Where To Find The Honey's

Facebook

Myspace
Twitter

Be Notified of Future Honey Events! HONEYONTHEROOFTOP@YAHOO.COM
 
JW MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Rooftop Pool Bar
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015 USA

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Blow Outs | Curly Fro's & Twist Outs!

 [source]

Yesterday I posted a list of my staple products, so today I wanted to give you a little curlspiration to start your weekend off right! Here's my take on each of these looks:

Blow Out: 

Use an Ionic blow dryer: I recommend all curly girls invest in a ionic blow dryer! Ionic dryers produce negative ions, resulting in cuticles that remain flat. Flat cuticles equals more moisture retention, sheen, and body.
Denman Brush: I love this tool for sleek for blow outs, I actually prefer this for blowing out hair versus using it as a detangling brush. It provides great "grip" ensuring a nice smooth, sleek finish.

Full Curly Fro/Twist Out:

If your hair is anything like mine, well then it takes major prodding for it to get somewhat of a decent curl. For more of a fuller look, make smaller twists and allow to dry 75%. Then unravel twists, and diffuse the roots of your hair using the medium heat setting until your hair is the desired fullness. [as you diffuse, it should get big]
Komaza Coconut Curl Pudding & Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding are two of my favorite products to use for a look like this. I find that these products work best for me when I want to achieve bigger, more free flowing hair, as opposed to butter-based products which tend to weigh my hair down a bit.

Fro-Licious Fro's:

This isn't about curl definition, or perfection. This is an unapologetic in-your-face fro. Start off on freshly towel dried hair, and make about 4 sections. Detangle each section, and use a good creamy leave-in conditioner, followed by your favorite heavy moisturizer.
Qhemet Amla & Olive Heavy Creme & Oyin's Whipped Pudding are two of my favorite products I deem extremely moisturizing. Some good leave-ins are Paul Mitchell, The Conditioner & Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia [formally known as hair milk] <-Love using this as a leave-in

Wash N Go's:

There are many methods to achieving a fabulous wash n go; so I will focus more on my favorite tools.
Microfiber Towel [or you can try the budget fashionista method of using an old t-shirt] - I recommend every gal own a microfiber towel. I use this to gently wring out my hair before applying my hair gel. - Using a regular towel causes frizzy hair, but it can also cause split ends as well. You want to take care not to disrupt your curl pattern as you towel dry, which is why a microfiber towel/t-shirt will be your best friend!
Denman Brush: I tried raking product through my hair with a Denman brush [after my hair has been thoroughly detangled], and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Instant popping of the curls ladies and gents!
Eco Styler Gel w/Olive Oil: Pretty much the only thing that has consistently given me a decent wash n go! Check out my mini review/pics here: To check out my wash and go method, watch this video!

I think I am going to break out the diffuser and do a massive curly-fro this weekend!  What are you doing to your hair this weekend?

 All pics courtesy of KurlyKinkyKeekeers

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My Long List of Staple Hair Products!!

With all of the product raves, reviews, and recommendations out there, it can be hard for a newbie to secure a roster of staple hair products. When I first started my hair journey, I bought every product mentioned on almost every hair board, and most of them went straight to the trash. It took a while for me to get a steady rotation of tried-and true products, so hopefully this list helps some of you out!

The products with the asterisks are my favorite, and also receive high marks across most hair boards/review forums. If you are a newbie, or simply rebuilding your hair regimen; do yourself a favor and keep it simple, pick one product from each section [with the exception of the recommended tools section], and build your regimen from there.

Recommended Tools:

Soft Bonnet Hair Dryer - For Deep Conditioning
Blow Dryer w/Diffuser Attachment - For Blowing Out Your Hair
Jilbere Shower Comb - For Detangling
Silk Bonnet - For Preserving Your Hair-Styles
Steamer [I just did a review on the Huetiful Steamer, check it out] - For Hydrating Thirsty Hair
Denman Brush - For "Smoothing" Out Sections of Hair Prior to Styling [detangle the hair with a detangling comb first]

Shampoo's:

Online: 

In-Store: 

Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo **
Goldwell Kerasilk Ultra Rich Care

Conditioner's:

Online:
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment **

In-Store: 

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration **
VO5 Strawberries & Creme  **
Dudley's Hair Mask
Pantene Relaxed & Natural Breakage Defense Mask
Deva Curl One C
Kearacare Humecto **

Leave-In Conditioner's

Online:
In Store:
Giovanni Direct **

Sebastian Potion #9 

Moisturizer's:

Online:
Qhemet Amla Olive & Heavy Cream **
Qhemet Burdock Root
Oyin Whipped Pudding
Karen's Body Beautiful Hair Milk **
Oyin's Juices & Berrie's **

In-Store:

Deva Curl Set it Free
Jane Carter Nourish & Shine **

Protein Treatments

Online:
In Store:
Dudley's Hair Rebuilder
Sebastian 2+1

Product's to help twist/braid:

Online:
Komaza Care Coconut Curl Pudding **
Donna Marie Lock & Twist Gel 
In Store:
Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding
Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme

Oils:

Online:
In Store: 
Coconut Oil ** - Most Grocery Stores
Vatika Oil ** - Indian Grocery Stores
Monoi De Tahiti Oil ** - Trader Joe's
Brahmi Oil - Indian Grocery Stores

Extras:

Apple Cider Vinegar - For Closing Cuticles/Correcting PH Balance

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How To Reclaim That Positive Energy - Part 1

[source]

When our energy isn't aligned, we are in a constant state of inner conflict. It takes work, a lot of persistence and re-wiring to stop the barrage of negative thoughts that enters our psyche on a daily basis. I get questions from readers on how to stay positive especially during trying times in their lives, so I thought I would do a post on it.

Reclaiming your positivity is going to take a bit of multitasking on your part, as you will need to simultaneously change your outer world, while also working on your inner world.

To keep this from being wordier than it already is, I am going to break it up into two parts; This first installment is going to focus on your thought process, and de-cluttering your life, while the second will delve into relationships, and boosting your productivity.

Your outer world is a reflection of your inner world - What does your outer world say about you?

Part 1
Thought Processes  

Organization

Part 2

Relationships

Friendships

Productivity

 Lift your vibration by thinking positive and creating a positive energy field.

Did you know that you create your life experiences by the balance of your thoughts? Happiness, attracts happiness, and negativity attracts negativity. What is the likely-hood that your friend who is always male bashing [men aint sh*t] will fall madly in love and get married? - You must put yourself on a higher vibrational level in order to manifest the things you truly desire.

Understand that with every good deed, every good thought, and every good emotion, you are lifting your vibration, and creating a positive energy field that will reveal a new fulfilling life for you. 

Change the negative thoughts that are the most dominant first! 

As these are usually the thoughts that govern your day-to-day activities. [Some examples: being afraid of change, worrying about what others think, defeatist attitudes]

Take a sheet of paper and draw a line down the center of the paper. On one side write down all of your doubts, on the other, write down all the reasons your doubts are invalid. These will become your positive affirmations, you must return to these affirmations whenever your begin to feel doubts about your plan in life.

Here are some ways to replace more specific negative thoughts:

-If you are afraid of change, ask yourself what small step you can make TODAY that will get you closer to the bigger picture.
-If you have a defeatist attitude, you must gain trust back in yourself by following through on goals. Set 4 attainable goals daily, and slowly but surely as you work to focus on follow-through, the trust you lost in yourself will re-emerge.
-If someone close to you shoots down your dream, stop assisting them by participating in negative mental chatter. Negative mental chatter includes; self doubt, reflecting on what made them shoot down your dream etc. Instead, choose to focus on your positive affirmations.

Start a gratitude journal

When you realize how truly blessed you are, you will begin to feel happier each day. These don't have to be eloquent journal entries, simply list the things that you are grateful for each day.

 Control irrational thoughts that lead you to make rash decisions 

If you are having a "moment" take some time to get yourself in healthy state of mind. Never make decisions when you are overcome with emotion, as those tend to be the moments you are looking for instant gratification.
-If possible, give yourself at least 12 hours to reflect on the issue at hand, and make a decision only when you are detached from controlling the outcome.

Spend quiet time alone in one of your favorite places

You can relax, meditate, walk, run, or sit still. I recommend being still. I like to meditate near Runyon Canyon during sunset, it brings about about a sense of rejuvenation, and mental clarity. I mediate at least once daily to purge any discomforts/dissatisfaction. 

Once you are in a positive state of mind, it's time to DE-clutter!

De-clutter! [Workspace]

You will feel a lot better when your workspace is in order, having an organized, clutter-free workspace is conducive to healthy work habits. Try this: Remove everything on your workspace except for the things you absolutely need for (1) month, and see how well you do. Sometimes we don't realize that the things we put in/near/around our workspace to make us feel comfortable, can actually activate the "procrastination gene".

De-clutter! [Home]

Instead of cringing at the overwhelming thought of de-cluttering your house in one round, spend 15 minutes a day organizing, and de-cluttering.

For every new item you bring into your home, you must donate/toss two. 

Place all of the things you "think" you will need at some point in a box, and write a date on it [set the date for a year in the future] if by that time, you haven't utilized the contents of that box, it's time to donate/toss it.

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Pix: Lo & I Take on Downtown L.A

Last weekend, Lo and I took a little trip Downtown to do some goofing off! Here are some of my favorite places to go when I make the trek to Downtown L.A:

1. The Alley: - Entrance on 12th & Santee

This place is not for the faint of hearts. I'm going to be honest here; it can get hot, stuffy, crowded, and just plain icky. But if you can get passed all of that, you can snag really killer deals. Granted nothing down here is name-brand; however if you are used to shopping at places like Forever 21, H&M, and the likes; they offer the same selections, at a fraction of the cost.- You can find t-shirts and tunics from $2-10, shorts from $5-10, and dresses from $2-10. You can also get good deals on shoes that range from $5-20.

Tip: 

-Never settle on the first price you are quoted, this type of environment is conducive to haggling. If you don't feel comfortable naming your own price, ask them if that is the best they can do. Normally they will change their tune.
-Pay with cash to avoid being charged sales-tax!
-If you are shopping with a friend, "combine" your purchases to receive more of a discount.

2. Bottega Louie

This is hands down one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat when I am downtown. Bottega Louie is a swanky restaurant with a New York ambiance that boasts a modern aesthetic, floor to ceiling windows, a fresh deli, and a yummy selection of vittles. The venue is beautiful, the staff is beautiful, and the people that eat there are beautiful. Nuff said, it's a perfect place to eat, and people watch if you are in to that kind of thing.

3. The Modern Museum of Contemporary Art - MOCA

This is one of my favorite places to get inspiration, most of the installments there are conceptual, and therefore spark some sort of conversation, and thought. Regular admission is $10, however if you are a student, they do offer admission for $5

Tip:

Admission is FREE every Thursday after 5PM

4. Olvera Street - 845 N Alameda

Which is where these photos were taken. I love to take in the culture, and of course SHOP! Ethnic pieces are really in right now, however they can be a tad expensive. I love Olvera St. because you can get the trendy pieces like Moccasin's, Tooled Leather Purses, Poncho's, Jewelry, and Hats for little of nothing. Seriously, I spotted an amazing leather satchel for about $15 bucks [yup, it was leather].

5. Grand Central Market

This is another one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat when I am Downtown! I love the hustle & bustle of this place, they have everything from fresh produce, to dried goods and spices, fresh meat & poultry, and the usual selection of multi-cultural eats.

Tip:

They are only open between 9-6pm MON-SUN, so stop by early to get the freshest selection!

 Where are some of your favorite places to visit when you go Downtown?

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Calling All Mixtresses: Want to Ditch Your Store Bought Facial Cleanser?

[source]

For the past few months, I have been experimenting with more natural alternatives to incorporate in my skin-care regimen. As some of you may remember, I ditched my trusty store bought cleanser some time ago, and started relying solely upon the use of natural oils, plants, and extracts. - So far so good, my face has never looked better, and my pocket-book thanks me.

Gather your bottles, some oils, and read on for the deets!

A More Natural Alternative - The Oil Cleansing Method

Cleanse Using The OCM Method: Simply put, this method involves cleansing your skin with oils versus surfactants. Cleansing with oil is a gentle way to remove dirt, bacteria, and excess oils from your pores. Did you know that water does not dissolve oils [however, oil does]? This is why most facial cleansers on the market today are comprised of harsh surfactants. It is worth noting that products containing these surfactants can strip your face of it's natural sebum leaving your skin dry, and irritated.

Most oil cleansing formulas are 50% Castor Oil to 50% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, however you can pick the best ratio/oil type for your skin. Castor Oil is used as a base in most OCM formulations because it helps to draw out toxins, slough dead skin cells, excess sebum, and dirt from your pores, while the secondary oil acts more or less as a moisturizer, and carrier oil to deliver therapeutic properties deep into the skin. - I have very oily acne-prone skin so I use Hazelnut Oil in place of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it is much lighter than Olive Oil, and acts as a natural astringent/moisturizer. Hazelnut Oil is also purported to tighten and tone your skin, which is also a major plus.

My formula consists of: 60% Castor Oil, 20% Grapeseed Oil, 20% Hazelnut Oil [I also add several drops of Lavender, and Tea Tree Essential Oil]

Oils For Certain Skin Types

Oily, Acne Prone Skin: Grapeseed Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Flax Seed, Neem Oil
Dry, Mature Skin: Evening Primrose Oil, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil
Sensitive Skin: Meadowfoam Oil, Apricot Kernel, Rosehip Oil

Extra Additives [Essential Oils]

Acne Prone Skin: Tea Tree Oil, Bergamot Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosewood Oil

Dry Skin: Cedarwood, Rose, Myrrh, Chamomile, Patchouli
Oily Skin: Lemongrass, Clary Sage, Frankincense,

How To Do The Oil Cleansing Method

1. Gently massage oil mixture into your face
2. Place a clean towel under a stream of hot, running water. Lightly wring towel, and drape it over entire face for about 1-2 minutes. This opens your pores [and gives you a mini steam treatment] allowing the Castor Oil to draw the toxins out of your skin, while the secondary oil/essential oils permeates deep into the skin, lending it's moisturizing and therapeutic properties.
3. Remove towel, rinse thoroughly, and begin to wipe excess oil from face
4. After removing oil cleansing mixture, rinse face with cold water to close pores!
Cleanse face using OCM in the morning, and repeat at bedtime. 

Tone Skin

Here are two of my favorite toner recipe's:
ACV + Green Tea Toner
2oz Apple Cider Vinegar
2oz Distilled Water
3 Green Tea, teabags [high in antioxidants]
5 drops Tea Tree Oil [anti-fungal/microbal properties]
10 drops Jojoba Oil [a wonderful moisturizer that closely resembles the sebum in your skin's structure]

Boil water, add tea bags, and allow to steep for 20 minutes. Allow tea mixture to cool, and pour into a spray bottle. Add ACV, Tea tree Oil, Jojoba Oil, and mix well.

Tea Tree Toner
2oz Witch Hazel
5 drops of Tea Tree Oil
10 drops of Jojoba Oil

Mix all ingredients well, and pour in a spray bottle.

Moisturize Skin

I use about a dime-size amount of Grapeseed Oil to moisturize my skin; you can use any of the oils mentioned above that are best suited for your skin-type.

Where To Find The Materials?

Essential Oils - Texas Natural Supply - From Nature With Love - Whole Foods
Carrier Oils - Texas Natural Supply - From Nature With Love - Whole Foods

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Quick Tip: Two Tablespoons A Day To Healthy Skin, Hair & Nails

Before you feverishly hit the back button because you've spotted a nice big bottle of Cod Liver Oil, hear me out!! - What you put IN your body is sometimes more important than what you put ON it. We tend to spend an exorbitant amount of money on topical products for clear, glowing skin, strong hair, and long nails; so why not look to one product that can give you all that, and is natural to boot! ->> Cod Liver Oil is comprised from the livers of fresh cod fish, and extremely high in Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamin A & one of the highest naturally occurring sources of Vitamin D. Finding these nutrients at these levels in your daily diet can be challenging, so taking a supplement like this one becomes even more desirable.

Vitamin D - Acts as a natural antioxidant, heals and protects skin
Essential Fatty Acids - Reduces inflammations, improves the structure of skin cells
Vitamin A - The main component in helping correct skin disorders [acne, eczema, psoriasis, etc]

Here's What You Do:

Take one tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil at meal time twice daily [I do one dose in the morning, and one at night]

Skin Benefits:  

Clogged pores, and blackheads usually stem from a deficiency of Vitamin A. When a Vitamin A deficiency is present, new skin cells are unable to reach the surface layer of your skin. As a result, new skin cells remain trapped in your pores, where they eventually die.  

Eczema: The Essential Fatty Acids found in Cod Liver Oil stimulates anti-inflammatory hormones, which can help treat blisters, and inflammations related to Eczema as well as Contact Dermatitis. While the EFA's help to treat inflammations, Vitamins A&D also work to heal skin, and keep it protected and hydrated. 

Psoriasis: The Vitamin A found in Cod Liver oil helps to slow irregular/rapid skin cell production; this is good news to those suffering from Psoriasis because Psoriasis is caused partly by the over-production of skin cells.  

Hair Benefits: 

Cod Liver oil provides essential nutrients to your follicles that plays a major role in your overall hair health, and growth process. The vitamins and EFA's found in Cod Liver oil help's to create a smoother hair shaft, prevent hair loss, and contributes greatly to the amount of sheen, and durability of your hair. Cod Liver Oil is also rich in protein which means stronger hair for you!

Nail Benefits: 

Lack of Vitamin D can be the source of most issues with nails that are prone to chipping, and cracking. Regular consumption of Cod Liver Oil can lead to nails that are stronger, longer, and no longer prone to issues with chipping.

What Type Of Cod Liver Oil Should You Get?

My favorite [the one I can stomach the most] is Carlson's Norwegian Lemon Flavored Cod Liver Oil [Purchased from Whole Foods] - It is of optimum quality which means there is little to no fishy aftertaste, and it is lightly flavored with Lemon.

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In The Kitchen: Chicken Saltimbocca

Fireworks went off in my mouth upon taking my first bite of this dish. Hello love at first taste. The flavors are a bit complex, although the preparation is not, this is definitely my-kinda meal. I decided to opt for fresh spinach in lieu of the frozen type recommended in Giada's recipe, and I also used bigger chicken breasts because well, that's all I could find. Because my chicken was so thick, I had to use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks to hold the roll taught.

When you visit the deli in your local supermarket, ask for a 1/4 pound of prosciutto sliced paper thin. A 1/4 pound should be more than enough for this recipe. If you have prosciutto left over, wrap them around chunks of melon for a delicious afternoon snack.

Chicken Saltimbocca [Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis]

INGREDIENTS

• 6 (3-ounce) chicken cutlets, pounded to evenly flatten
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 6 paper-thin slices prosciutto
• 1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed <<-- I used fresh spinach [about 4 bunches]
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 (14-ounce) can low-salt chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Place the chicken cutlets flat on the work surface. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Lay 1 slice of prosciutto atop each chicken cutlet.

Squeeze the frozen spinach to remove the excess water. Season the spinach with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, toss the spinach with 1 tablespoon of oil to coat.

Arrange an even, thin layer of spinach atop the prosciutto slices. Sprinkle the Parmesan evenly over each. Beginning at the short tapered end, roll up each chicken cutlet as for a jellyroll. Secure with a toothpick.

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook just until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Add the chicken broth and lemon juice, and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.

Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and simmer until the chicken is just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Simmer the cooking liquid over high heat until it is reduced to about 2/3 cup, about 5 minutes. Season the cooking liquid with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove toothpicks from the chicken. Drizzle the reduced cooking liquid over the chicken and serve immediately.

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A Single Sunbeam Is Enough To Drive Away Many Shadows - St. Francis of Assisi

When I get dressed, I tend to keep certain elements in mind that helps take the fuss out of picking and choosing outfits. This summer for me has been all about dresses, colors, patterns, and bold lips; here are a few of my favorite things [Summer Edition].

 

 

I love dresses that have a fitted waist, and flare slightly at the hip. They tend to have a lot of movement, and accentuate the curves in a woman's body without being too revealing. When looking for these types of dresses, I always gravitate to dresses with cute patterns vs. solid colors. You can usually find dresses of this type for $30 an under at stores like:
Forever 21
H&M
Zara
ASOS [Even though they are in Europe, their shipping is cheap and lightning fast]

 

 

Accessories can really pull an outfit together, and help set you apart from the 5,452 people that may have purchased the same piece. I like to opt for stand-out accessories vs matching my accessories to my outfit because it really creates more of a unique, "stylish" look. Oftentimes my outfits are plain "as-is", but it is the accessories/styling that brings them to life.

If your outfit is:

Navy Blue + White = Red Accessories
Brown = Yellow/Orange Accessories
Blue + White = Yellow Accessories
Red = White Accessories

 

 

Pile it on! The brighter the better! I love bright fuchsia's, and deep dark reds! Pictured from left to right is:

Intriguing by Stila : This is a velvety smooth, matte fuchsia color, that I am wearing in the pictures today [Although it's matte, it doesn't dry my lips out, which is a major plus].
Ruby Woo by MAC: This is hands down my favorite red of all time! 

 

 

I love the juxtaposition of ultra feminine dresses paired with worn, rugged boots; it gives you instant edge factor vs a Pollyanna look. Because these boots can run a pretty penny, I usually hold out until I find a sale, or shop at places like:

DSW [which is where I got these Ralph Lauren Boots]
TJ Maxx
Ross
Marshall's

 

 

Nail polish really completes the look! This summer, look for bright colored lacquer, and sweet, minty pastels. OPI is my favorite brand, & here are my fav colors of the moment [from left-right]:

OPI Gargantuan Green Grape [a minty green]

OPI No Room For The Blues 

OPI It Color

 

 

Cover FX: Setting FX - This is hands down the best translucent powder I have tried to date. It perfectly sets your makeup without giving you a "ghostly" appearance, and is sheer enough so that you can wear it in the daytime. 

Smashbox: Anti-Shine - My face is extremely shiny, and this is the one product that keeps my face matte for up to 8 hours, even while in direct sunlight! I dab this on my t-zone [and anywhere else I am prone to shininess] before I apply my makeup. 

Make Up Forever:  Face & Body Makeup - A true staple for me, the coverage is sheer yet it still manages to even out skin tone, while giving your face a healthy, dewy glow.

 

Dress * Zara
Belt * Thrifted
Purse * Zara
Boots * Ralph Lauren
Jewelry * Forever 21

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