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Author Archives: Karen
The Perfect Hair Accessory for a High Neck Top
Today’s post is kind of special, it’s the first blog post shot by my boyfriend. He’s been taking some of my outfit shots for Instagram, so I knew he was ready for the big time. The photographer I have been using had a baby at the start of the month, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to shoot with her for awhile. Originally, I had a few out of town weekends scheduled, so I knew it was going to be hard to book a time with my other photographer before I ran out of outfits to share. I asked my boyfriend if he would mind doing a little mini shoot and he agreed. Now, I’m so happy we did it because it led me to having a surplus of content so I can keep on posting!
My hair these past two weeks has been lots of ponytails and buns, and headbands are great for making this quick hair up do feel a little more polished. About once or twice a week (during a normal work week), I take a pilates class at lunch. Headbands have become a staple for me for hiding post-workout hair.
Headbands are also the perfect hair accessory to pair with high neck tops. I like wearing my hair up with these tops. I think it helps showcase the style and details of the top a little better, but I’m not always a fan of my hair up do skills. Adding in a fun headband helps dress up my basic bun a little. It also adds a fun pop of print to my ivory top.
My headband was a purchased from a local boutique during the end of year sale season. I found one that is similar. I’m planning to add a few more in different materials and colors. I’m really wanting a pink velvet one!
Have you embraced the headband trend yet?
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Ivory High Neck Blouse | Dark Wash Jeans | Brown Suede Heels | c/oSimilar Tote Bag | Similar Headband (mine was a local boutique sale find) | c/o Pearl Earrings | Similar Gold Bangle
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How to Style a Maxi Dress for Spring
Hello friends! I hope you had a good weekend despite everything going on. I’m adjusting to a work from home lifestyle mixed with an evenings at home lifestyle. My apartment has never been cleaner, lol. Steve and I broke into my game collection this weekend and played a few rounds of Scattegories on Saturday followed by a minor binge watching of Tiger King on Netflix. We only intended to watch a couple episodes, but this show ya’ll is crazy! Right when you thing you know everything another curve ball is thrown. If you are looking for something to watch, I highly recommend!
Flowy maxi dresses are great for summer! They are perfect for beach vacations because they can work as both a swimsuit coverup and dinner dress. I will also toss mine on before heading to a pool party or just to run errands or grab brunch on a hot day. This one is also perfect for a day at home when you want to fill dressed up but still comfy.
You can easily make these summer maxi dresses work for spring too with two simple add ons. First option, belt the waist. This works for summer too. It helps define your waist and can change up the look of the dress. I place the belt a couple inches above my belly button to add the look of length to my petite frame and create a more slimming look. Second option, add on a denim jacket. A great option for cooler days! You can roll up the sleeves to about a 3/4 length for a daytime look. A denim jacket can both dress up or dress down a dress. I love the versatility of it. For a spaghetti strap dress, it can make your outfit more work friendly. If your maxi feels dressier, a denim jacket can give it a more casual brunch time look.
A few simple adds and your maxi dress is quickly transformed into a whole new look!
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Blue Floral Maxi Dress | Similar Denim Jacket | Brown Belt | Wedge Sandals | Straw Circle Purse | Necklace | Earrings | Stone Bangles
Photography By: LA Photography
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Most Popular Self Tanners Reviewed
It’s no lie that I love a good faux tan! It’s safer than a tanning bed and quicker than laying by the pool. A couple years ago, I shared exactly how to apply self tanning mousse. After I wrote that post, I thought it would be fun to try out some of the more popular brands and products on the market. I had always used the same product and wondered if something better existed out there. I found some hits and misses along the way.
If you are still looking for the perfect self tanner or are curious about trying out one of these brands, I’m sharing my results and honest opinions on each one.
MOST POPULAR SELF TANNERS REVIEWED
LOVING TAN 2HR EXPRESS DARK
The Loving Tan mousse is one of the higher priced on the list. It gives me a nice dark and natural looking color with little to no smell. I use the 2Hr Express, but I will sometimes sleep in it for 6-8 hours. I find it works fine for both time frames. When this one starts fading, it fades a little splotchy and uneven. I always struggled with applying this one on my hands and feet. It was often way darker or uneven. I applied lotion prior which did help. Overall Opinion: Great for a dark color and quick tan.
ISLE OF PARADISE GLOW CLEAR MOUSSE
If sitting around in self tanner for 2-6 hours is not your thing, this might be the self tanner for you. It contains no guide color, so you can apply and then go about your day. I use this one before work. I let it soak in for about 20 minutes before applying makeup and skincare products. You do have to be a little careful with washing your hands for the first couple hours. I tried both medium and dark, and prefer the dark shade. It’s also a clean beauty brand. Downside to this one, no guide color so you really have to pay attention when applying. It fades quicker than other products. I wrote a full review on this one, HERE. Overall Opinion: Great for a busy lifestyle with a stain free formula.
ST MORIZ TANNING MOUSSE DARK
The lowest price self tanner on the list. I’ve used this one for years. After trying more expensive tanners, this one still is my favorite. It gives me a natural dark tan that lasts the longest. It fades evenly like a natural tan with no splotchiness and little to no smell. It also has very little sheet staining when I sleep in it. It does have some, but it washes out. My downside to this one – I sleep with one of my elbows bent which causes slight discoloration. I’m probably the only one that notices it, but this was the only self tanner that didn’t fully develop in my inner elbow because of it. Overall Opinion: Great for a natural, dark tan for half the price of other self tan products.
ST TROPEZ EXPRESS BRONZING MOUSSE
As an express mousse, this one didn’t work out for me. I would wear it for a full 6 hours for the best results. I also noticed it develops more after you wash it off. The first couple of times I used this one, I was super disappointed in the color immediately after showering. After a few hours, I notice the color had deepened into a nice dark tan. I find the St Tropez self tanners to be the worst at sheet staining while you sleep. It washes out, but over time it started to not fully wash out. Overall Opinion: I’m glad I tried it to see if it lived up to the hype, but the results didn’t compare to others. Leaving this one on the shelf for future tans.
ST TROPEZ SELF TAN CLASSIC
The most disappointing self tanner of all the ones I tried out. I’m pretty sure this tanned my sheets more than it tanned me. I noticed zero difference in color after using this product. In addition, it stained my sheets the worst. I used this product a few more times, but ended up stopping because of the lack of tanning results. Overall Opinion: I would not recommend.
ST MORIZ FAST TAN EXPRESS MOUSSE
I love the regular St. Moriz, but I was not a fan of their express mousse. It had a little more orange tint to the end color and has the most noticeable smell. It did develop quickly. I accidentally fell asleep and wore for 4 hours once. It turned me way more orange than tan. It’s an affordable option with my most natural tan developing around the 2-2.5 hour mark. Overall Opinion: Not the best express option for a natural tan, but it is an affordable option for express. Just be careful not to go over the 3 hour limit.
After trying all of these self tanning mousses, I decided to stick with my St. Moriz Mousse for now. The price and results just can’t be beat. I do plan to keep the Isle of Paradise on hand for days when I need to tan and run. If you are wanting to give self tanning a try this spring or summer, be sure to check out my post on the best way to apply self tanner for a detailed how to plus a few dos and dont’s.
Hope ya’ll have a great weekend! Thanks for spending some time with me this week!
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Florals for Spring
Hello friends! Let’s get the important stuff out of the way first. With everything going on, I’m still hoping and planning to keep my little space as normal as possible. This blog has always been my creative outlet, and I find calm in the consistency and routine of putting together content. My hope is during the next few weeks to provide you with a space you can visit when you need something lighthearted and well routine. It feels weird at times to be talking about beauty and fashion with so much going on, but it also makes me still feel connected to others and as someone who lives alone, I think that’s important. So know that by continuing my normal content, I am not being insensitive to what is happening around us, I’m just coping in my own way.
Now, let’s get back to spring fashion! I added a few animal prints to my closet for spring, but I’m not leaving my favorite spring print out in the cold. This season, I have been drawn to the more feminine and smaller floral prints. I think this teal floral spring top is the perfect example of the kind of print I’m talking about. It has such a delicate look to it, and the additional details on the top really help add to the overall feminine, romantic feel.
White jeans were an obvious choice for me with this top. White really helps colors pop and makes this light teal standout. It also compliments the white on the floral design and brings this to a more prominent view when looking at the print. If you wanted to pull out the darker details like the leaves, you could achieve this with a pair of dark blue jeans.
Thanks for stopping by friends and stay safe and healthy out there!
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Teal Floral Blouse | White Jeans | Block Heel Sandals | Circle Crossbody Bag | Silver Earrings | Cuff Bracelet | links Bracelet | Silver Bangle
Photography By: LA Photography
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