Palm Print

| top | skort | shoes | bag | sunglasses | earrings |

I love all things tropical, especially during summer months, and this playful palm leaf print is perfect for a hot day. The weekend was filled with lots of time outside, and when the temperature heats up, I reach for lightweight, breathable pieces. Print and texture are a fun combination, and I loved how the eyelet skort paired with the breezy tank added interest to an otherwise simple look. Lace up sandals have been a popular trend for both spring and summer. I've enjoyed wearing these gold ones that work as a sophisticated neutral to pair with just about everything in my closet! ;) 

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Style Postcards From Europe: Stripes & Florals

| top | similar shorts | shoes | sunglasses | bag |

A short drive from Switzerland brought us to France to explore the narrow streets, quaint canals and bustling city life. For a day of walking, shopping, and wandering, I decided to play with prints and mix stripes and florals. The trick to print mixing is to stay within a similar color family in order to avoid looking too mismatched. 

Pro tip: When traveling, avoid packing individual outfits, instead pack versatile pieces so you don't overpack. For this trip, I packed pieces that I could mix and match to create multiple looks (because who really wants to lug a bunch of stuff across the pond?). This top would be perfect with white pants, denim, or white shorts. I'd pair the shorts with any solid top in blue, pink, grey, black, or white. Don't be afraid of mixing a few prints along the way; sometimes the unexpected combinations are the best! 

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Style Postcards from Europe: Floral Maxi Dress

| dress | shoes | sunglasses |

I recently took a trip to Europe (see some snapshots via Instagram here), and upon arriving in Switzerland, we decided to have dinner on the riviera one evening. The view is absolutely spectacular with majestic mountains everywhere you look, an expansive and serene lake, and charming architecture, coupled with the twittering of the birds as the sun starts to fade into brilliant sunset hues. I had picked up this beautiful floral maxi dress a little while ago and knew that this trip would be the perfect place to wear it. The delicate ties on the shoulders, charming floral print, and full ballgown skirt makes it so feminine, pretty, and even a little princess-like! I couldn't help but twirl around once or twice on the lawn just to play with that gorgeous skirt. If you're headed to a special event this summer, this is the dress for you!

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What's In My Bag: Summer Beauty Edition

Summer is here, and it's time to switch over the makeup and beauty favorites for a lightweight, more bronzed, beachy look. These are a few of my latest favorites that I'm bringing along in my beach bag, and packing in my travel tote for some summer trips. 

Face: When it's hot and humid or I'm headed out to the beach, I don't like to put on a full face of makeup. Instead, I'll start with a quick moisturizing lotion/self-tanner combination and use that as a primer. Lately I've been loving this one by St. Tropez which gives a natural, glowy color without being obvious. 

To combat shine and even out my skin, I'll dab on a light veil of this Tarte foundation which is oil-free and all natural. It's great for a long day in the sun when you don't want anything to melt off your face.

Finally, a quick swipe of a punchy lip color will highlight a tan and instantly pull your look together. Summer is the perfect time to bring out those corals and bright pinks. I've been alternating between these two colors by L'Oreal. 

Body: As much as I love the beach and spending time in the sun, I'm also pretty mindful of the amount of sun exposure I get. A beautiful tan makes everything look better and is definitely part of that fabulous, beach babe look; however, in order to avoid skin damage and wrinkles later, I like to use a bronzing mousse from the St. Tropez line. The color is beautiful and natural, with a bit of an olive undertone to create a gorgeous glow without looking orange. I use a tanning mitt to apply it and have found the application to be extremely easy and streak-free. 

In addition to a healthy glow, it's important to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. For travel, I'll bring along a tiny lotion with coconut and shea butter that I use on both my hands and body to keep skin feeling fresh post flight. 

One of the best things to keep in a travel bag is a small roll of floss; Cocofloss is my new favorite. It is infused with coconut oil, smells amazing, and has the tiniest hint of sweetness to help freshen up while on the road. I have both the Cara Cara Orange and the Strawberry flavors!

Before heading out the door, I'll dab on a little bit of perfume. I'm a bit of a fragrance chameleon, so I've found that it is hard for me to finish an entire bottle of perfume. Instead, I'll often opt for a rollerball that can be brought along for midday touch ups or travel. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue has been my go-to for the past two summers; it is light, clean, and reminds me of the cool, crisp sea air. 

There you have it! What are your go-to beauty favorites for summer? 

I'm always looking for suggestions!

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Coiffure Class 101: French Side Braid

I've not done many hair tutorials on here, but after receiving some requests, especially over the past year or so, I thought it would be fun to show you (with a little help from my styling maven of a sister) how to create some of the styles I wear on a regular basis. First up, the French-style side braid. This is a simple twist on a classic summer look, and a favorite of many a camp counselor. Having invested many years in summer camps, this fun, oversized braid is a subtle, styling nod to those happy memories. It looks so pretty, and in the high temps, will also keep you feeling nice and cool! A few subtle tweaks take it from camp-style to chic in a matter of seconds. 

{Step 1}

Brush out your hair, and sweep all of it over to one side. For those of you with thin or extra silky hair, a spritz or two of texturizing or styling spray will help with a little extra grip. For added volume and fullness, I like to use Big Sexy Hair Powder Play, and for extra hold and to zap oil, Psssst Dry Shampoo is pretty fantastic. 

{Step 2}

Begin by french braiding*, starting a few inches back from the top, pulling hair across the back of your head to keep the braid on one side and not down the middle of your head. 

*If you need help french braiding, here's a good tutorial

{Step 3}

Finish braiding off the rest of your hair, making sure to keep the braid tight, and secure with a hair tie. 

{Step 4}

Here's where the magic happens! Start loosening up or pulling apart the braid to give a softer, fuller effect. Begin at the top of the braid and work your way down; this gives your braid the 'Disney Princess hair' effect. If you have super thick hair, this step will alleviate a lot of the pressure and weight that comes from braids pulled tight on your scalp. 

{Step 5}

Fluff up the end of the braid, as well as around the top and crown of your head. Tuck in any super loose ends, but remember, this looser-style braid will naturally have a few pieces that may stick out, that's part of the casual I always look this fabulous charm of the hairstyle. For those of us with lots of layers, myself included, you may need to employ the help of a few bobby pins to keep the larger, shorter pieces from falling out, but use your layers to your advantage to keep the style from looking too slicked back from your face. Your braid should look full and effortlessly glam, not sloppy. 

{Step 6}

I always pull out a few pieces around my face for a little extra softness, and because I think it makes the style look better and less 'done', if you know what I mean. After you've tweaked it to your liking, I always finish the look off with a spritz of natural hold hairspray and a bit of shine spray. I like to use Chi Enviro 54 Natural Hold and Mermaid Hair Shine Spray (It has the perfect hint of coconut, tames frizzies, and makes your hair super soft and shiny!). Voila! Enjoy your fabulous, french side braid!

Happy Styling!

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Summer Sweaters

(Sweater: Gap, Shorts: Lilly Pulitzer, Necklace: Target, Sandals (on major sale right now!): Lilly Pulitzer)

The thought of summer sweaters seems to be somewhat of an oxymoron, but I have to admit that there's actually something to them. Lately I'm all about a comfy, open-knit sweater. They're the perfect piece to transition from the super hot afternoons into the breezy evenings, and whether you pair them with sweet scalloped shorts or white denim, toss them over a swimsuit after a dip in the ocean, or even slip it over a solid color maxi dress, you'll always look perfectly chic. This one I found from Gap is on major sale right now, and I think you'll love the effortlessly cool look for those long summer days. Also, can we talk about how much I still love the lace-up sandal trend? Whether you're in shorts, a dress, or even cropped denim, there's something so stylish about these shoes that pulls together any look. I've worn my gold ones so much this summer, and am looking forward to the lace-up flats that seem to be the next big thing come this fall. On another note, did you make a summer reading list? I always enjoy catching up on a bunch of books I've been wanting to read. I spent the past weekend doing some reading, and am always looking for good book recommendations! There's nothing like finding a new favorite! Have any suggestions? 

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Floral Favorite

(Dress: c/o Eshakti, Jewelry: Etsy, Lilly Pulitzer, Clutch: Vintage)

We're still in the middle of the sweet summertime, and there's nothing better than a simple look that is unfussy and effortless. This pretty, custom chiffon piece from Eshakti is so light and feminine, and the soft blue floral print is reminiscent of an old French print. I've gravitated toward more skirts and dresses lately, simply because it's just too hot for structured pieces. Maxi dresses are great for their simplistic silhouettes and chic appeal. Easy, breezy, beautiful...oh, and did I mention it has pockets?! Definitely a winner. In fact, I think this one is coming to brunch with me next weekend. 

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You're Pretty

We focus a lot of time and energy into what makes us pretty. We purchase products, choose outfits, take photos from the "right" angle, read books/articles/blogs on how to achieve the ever-changing, and sometimes elusive trends, all in the hopes of becoming beautiful.

I came across a quote recently that somewhat shifts the paradigm on this topic when it says,

Do you consider yourself pretty? Is "pretty" something that only affects the outside? 

Scripture would tell us that it's about more than just a good hair day:

"Be beautiful inside, in your hearts, with the lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God." /// 1 Peter 3:4

What does inner beauty look like in your life?

We're quick to judge another's appearance, or base a friendship on surface attributes, yet the beauty of a person's heart and spirit are what sustain relationships. Instead of allowing "pretty" to determine whether or not we like someone, or to inhibit our friendships from further growth due to competitive comparison, our objective should be to embrace and encourage the beauty found within everyone. Each of us has beauty to bring to the world, yet too many of us are so busy wishing it away, hoping for something that someone else has. Give yourself a little love and encouragement. You are awesome. It is ok to want to look and feel your best...in fact, it's encouraged! In addition to the "pretty" found in the outward appearance, let's cultivate the "pretty" found within. Let's be pretty smart, pretty funny, pretty kind, and pretty encouraging to all those around us. Instead of comparing to one another, decide to ditch the drama and embrace the strength found in all of us enjoying and living life together. Now, with that said, I just wanted to tell you, I think you're pretty. Live like it!

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Celebrate

(Dress: Terani Couture (similar version here), Shoes: Target, Bracelets: Michael Kors, Lilly Pulitzer)

If there's one thing I love, it's a good celebration. This week was nothing short of that, as we enjoyed cake, spa time, good food, time with family and friends, sun-drenched days on the water, breakfast by the beach, and a generous dose of sparkle.

Here's to fun, celebrations, and birthdays that last all week long...

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4 Summer Styling Tricks

Summer is my favorite. I love the warm breezes, beach days, necessity for sandals, and summer fashion. It can be challenging to dress for such high temperatures, but with a couple tips and tricks, you can stay cool and stylish, even in the summer heat.

1. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics. 

It's fun to wear a pretty dress in the summer, but make sure you choose fabrics such as cotton and linen to ensure that your skin can breathe. There's nothing more uncomfortable then being sweaty and hot in an outfit. I like to lean toward bohemian or brightly colored prints during the summer season! 

2. Pick a relaxed silhouette. 

Form-fitting dresses are great, but in the summer heat it can feel restrictive and sticky. Choose pieces that are a more relaxed or looser fit. This doesn't have to mean sloppy. Tailored detail tunics over white pants are a great combination to look put together without feeling so warm. 

3. Top it off. 

Throw on a straw hat, and a panama style is my favorite choice for summer! The loose weave allows the breeze to blow through, keeping your head cool, and also shades your eyes from the sun, whether you're on the beach or out for lunch. 

4. Dress up your basic pieces. 

It's easy to reach for the favorite shorts and t-shirt combo, out of habit and temperature factors, but mix things up, and pair your white shorts with a lightweight, silk sleeveless top, and some metallic accessories. Rather than the worn in flip flops, pair this look with strappy sandals with a low heel in a neutral to make your legs look miles long. Voila! Classic with a twist. 

Speaking of summer style, I don't know if you've heard of Eshakti.com, but they are a custom design retailer that allows you to design, style, and create your own pieces! I designed and ordered this flamingo printed piece from them last summer, and loved how it turned out! They've recently expanded their collection, and I'm already thinking of a few summer additions to my closet...whether it's a relaxed resort-style dress, tassel-trimmed tunic, chic chambray maxi, or custom linen pants, there's something for everyone! I love what they've come up with! Eshakti generously offered a $35 credit toward any purchase for anyone who reads my blog, so now's your time to pick out something pretty! Happy shopping! 

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Valid till 08/29/2015
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thanks to Eshakti for sponsoring this post

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Out Of Office

Is there anything more fun than the excitement of summer travel? I sure love a day off here and there to explore, relax at the beach, or swim in the pool. Now that those long, sun-drenched days are officially here, I've got travel on the brain. Here's a few of my favorite tips for a island vacay.

1. Plan Ahead
It can be an overwhelming process to pack the day before you leave, so skip the frustration, and plan out your outfits ahead of time. I like to lay everything out before putting it in my suitcase, so I bring the right pieces and avoid overpacking. Here's a fun couple of lists to help get you started.

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2. Do Your Research

While there's definitely something to be said about spontaneity; however, you don't want to miss out on some amazing memories because you didn't plan enough time or pack properly for them. It's really beneficial to do a little searching around to see what local hangouts, beaches, activities, and events are close by the area. You never know what kinds of local gems are just waiting for your discovery! 

(all via)

3. Enjoy the moment

Nothing against documenting that perfect sunset or picturesque vista, but remember to enjoy the moment! In our world of technology and constant barrage of social media updates, it's easy to focus on trivial things and miss the beauty of the place you're in! Vacation is a time to get away, relax, and recharge...don't worry, your social tech world will be there when you return. Let yourself be "out of office" for a bit, and you'll find that it does wonders for your creativity and stress level. 

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There you have it! Three of my top tips for a fun, relaxing, and fabulous vacation this summer. 

Bon voyage!  

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