Low-Cal Summer Cocktails

In an effort to drink responsibly (read: healthy), a girlfriend and I have mixed vodka and Crystal Light for years. Recently I noticed they caught on to our concoction and created mocktails. So this past weekend we tried out the Pomtini. I have to say, it didn't taste much different than the other fruity flavors we've used before...perhaps the margarita flavor will stand out a little more. Either way - I highly suggest! Have you tried any of the mocktail flavors?

Floppy Hats

I love hats during all seasons, but summer especially. I've discussed my love of fedoras previously, but this post is focused is on floppy hats. As I've gotten older, I've been working hard to keep the wrinkles at bay. That being said, I still love the beach. So in order to make both work, hats are essential. This summer when I hit the islands, I want to make sure I have the perfect topper.

Aqua Colorblock

Juicy Couture Striped Straw

Forever 21 Colorblock

Forever 21 Chain

Wedding Wednesday: Clutch

With everything being nearly done for my wedding (and it still being a year away!) I almost forgot to look for a wedding clutch! I always see them advertised, but in all the weddings I've been in and to, I've never seen the bride have one. Then I got to thinking about how I am going to need to touch up my makeup so I was on the hunt for the perfect one. When I came across this, I knew it was the one. The faint blush color will match my maids dresses perfectly and the feminine ruffle will compliment my dress.

Glint Ruffle Clutch

Review: Tree Hut

I'm not sure about you ladies, but my skin is not perfectly silky smooth. What I've found that works amazingly is Tree Hut's Shea body scrub and body butter. I actually bought these products without much research, just what I saw on the shelf at Ulta one day. I seriously began seeing results immediately!! If you're looking for something to make your skin smoother, I'd definitely recommend these products; they even come in several scents.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub

Tree Hut Shea Body Butter

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post; I was not compensated for my opinions on these products

Weekend in Photos

(clockwise from top left)

 

1. Anniversary flowers (peonies)  2. Anniversary gift (4 years)  3. New fence  4. Master bath accents

 

I am so excited that after 3 years of living in our home, we finally got a fence installed!!! Our dog is ecstatic that she gets to run around the yard and I'm happy that I don't have to worry where she is. And one day, I won't worry (as much) when little kiddies go out to play...

Sunday Inspiration

What a great way to display (and keep chilled) a bottle of champy!

Photo credit: Glitter Guide

YSL No More

Hedi Slimane, Yves Saint Laurent's new creative director, is changing the name of the iconic brand to Saint Laurent Paris. Ironic, since he is designing in LA, instead of YSL's headquarters in Paris. The only saving grace? He doesn't plan to touch the logo...

Summer BBQ + Hostess Gift

Looking for a hostess gift to bring to that summertime BBQ? Look no further than the limited edition Chandon Brut Classic. Wrapped in red, white and blue it is the "essence of of an American summer." And only $24!

Wishlist Wednesday

Jimmy Choo Glitter Luggage Tag

Cusp

Cusp is by far one of my favorite stores! The contemporary little sister of Neiman Marcus, is a mecca of goodies! Granted, I can't usually purchase everything I want from there, but it's certainly my go-to for a special piece. Now, all contemporary departments in Neimans will be re-branded as Cusp (a shop within a shop, if you will). It makes perfect sense, and quite frankly, I'm wondering what took so long for them to do this.

Photo credit

Weekend in Photos

(clockwise from top left)

1. New cap-toed flats from Steve Madden  2. A flight of Chardonnay at a cute wine bistro  3. Discussions of our upcoming honeymoon over gelato  4. Entrance to 2941, where we celebrated our 4 year anniversary

The winner of the Tiffany Lindsley giveaway is....Melissa Nelson! I will be in touch shortly. Thanks to all who participated!
<winner chosen via random.org>

Sunday Inspiration

I'm always looking for new ways to wrap presents...and this idea from a la parisienne is gorg!

PS. Today is the last day to for my jewelry giveaway - make sure you enter: HERE!

Bridal UGGs?!

I'm fairly certain the UGG craze has come and gone...although I know for certain there are still people holding on to their fuzzy boots for dear life. Perhaps this capsule collection was made for them. Complete with sequins, bling and something blue, you can now walk down the aisle in comfort!

UGG I Do Wedding Collection

Only a couple more days left to enter to win a piece of jewelry from Tiffany Lindsley. Make sure to enter HERE!

Did You Know...

That MAC has a recycling program?? The Back to MAC Program allows you to return your old (empty) cosmetic containers, in turn for a new lipstick! Simply bring six empty containers to a MAC counter and you will receive a free lipstick. There are so many old eye shadows I have, just need to empty them out and I'm well on my way...

Thanks to Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles for tipping me off to this wonderful program!

Wishlist Wednesday

If my dress wasn't ivory and I hadn't blown my budget on Vera, I'd totally rock these on my wedding day! Don't they just scream Cheryl?? Sigh...

Charlotte Olympia Love Dolly Twill and Calf Hair Pumps

Don't forget to enter my jewelry giveaway here!

Fun Finds!

Here's a few fun things I've found over the internet recently...

Cynthia Rowley Band-Aids

BE & D Brightlights High Tops

Cookie Bits cards

Tiffany Lindsley Giveaway!!!

Tiffany Lindsley has graciously offered one of my readers one of her fabulous pieces of jewelry! Her collection is focused on unique and high quality pieces that command attention and make you want to strike a pose. Believing that style comes from a blend of influences, they’ve imported their exotic treasures from around the globe. Open to US residents only, here's how to enter:

1. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect
2. Follow Tiffany Lindsley Enterprises on Facebook
3. Follow Tiffany Lindsley Shopping Board on Pinterest
4. Let me know what piece (below) you would chose if you win!

For extra entries:

1. Follow me on Twitter here 
2. Tweet about this giveaway
3. Follow me on Bloglovin here

Silver Leaf Earrings - The Icons

Moonstone Earrings - The Coquettes

Dancing Maiden Earrings

Sexy Beast Ring

There are a total of 4 chances to win. Please leave a separate comment for each entry and include your email address with each comment. A winner will be chosen at random on June 18th. Here are some pieces I have my eye on...

Missoni + Havaianas

For the second year in a row, Missoni has teamed up with Havaianas to design some classic flops. Not only do they incorporate the iconic prints of Missoni, they are also eco-friendly! Made from leftover rubber pieces from the manufacturing process, you can feel good about rocking these designer duds. Available at Nordy's for $70 - get them while you can!

Missoni Havaianas

Iconic Denim: Levi's

Levi’s jeans are such an iconic design, worn all over the globe, that we often forget that they have humble beginnings. First designed as a suitable trouser for working men, the jeans were soon adopted by people from every walk of life to become the must-have fashion item of the century. The brand has such a broad audience that they sold in Kmart, Neiman Marcus and everywhere in between!

Levi’s association with the celebs of the last century has only served to enhance this reputation. Here are the five most famous Levi’s wearers in modern history:

Jack Kerouac

An infamous author, traveler and friend to the intelligentsia of the time, Jack Kerouac was a huge fan of Levis jeans. He even mentions them in his most famous text On The Road. One of the most prominent authors of the ‘Beat Generation,’ Kerouac was renowned as a man who journeyed across the USA in search of another way of life, detailing the exploits of his companions and comrades in many of his texts.

Bruce Springsteen

‘The Boss’ is probably the most famous musician in the world to consistently sport a pair of Levi’s jeans. His working class upbringing and sympathies are communicated perfectly through his choice of trousers, as Levi’s were the original trouser of choice for the working man.

Julia Roberts

The American-born actress is a firm believer in the Levi’s brand. Often seen rocking a pair of Levi’s, the actress, who made her name acting in classics like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich and Notting Hill seems to enjoy the comfort, style and durability of these famous jeans.

John Wayne

Arguably the most famous Hollywood cowboy of all time, John Wayne’s iconic look would not have been the same without his adoption of Levi’s jeans as the frontier man’s trouser of choice. Capturing the imagination of a generation, John Wayne’s cowboy characters showed how durable, hard wearing and cool Levi’s could be.

Marlon Brando

When Marlon Brando first stepped off his motorbike in The Wild Ones, an iconic fashion style shot straight to international super stardom. Playing on the youth’s eternal desire for rebellion, Brando not only epitomized cool, but managed to redefine the entire concept.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

Wishlist Wednesday

 
Who doesn't need a little extra arm candy?! I think white and gold just screams summer, and of course coral fits right in.

Gold Bangle Set

Enamel-Stripe Pave Bangle

Cabochon and Crystal Bracelet

Beach Dreaming

I've had BEACH on the mind since the weather turned warm...and since I likely won't get to one until I'm in the Caribbean in August, I figured I'd continue my daydream and put together the essentials...

Chanel sunnies

Summer cocktail

Neutrogena sunscreen

Tory Burch beach bag

Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (scandaless!)

L*Space bikini

Comes the Dawn

Poems have been an integral part of my life since I was a teen. My first love constantly wrote me the sweetest words, and I in turn, was drawn to penning my own. I was even lucky enough to study under famed poet Nikki Giovanni during my undergrad. I find that in difficult times I turn to poems as a way to deal with my emotions. This one in particular has been helpful many a time...

After a while you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul
And you learn that love doesn't mean security,
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises.

And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open,
With the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today,
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain.
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn that even sunshine
Burns if you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate
Your own soul, instead of waiting
For someone to bring you flowers

And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth
And you learn and learn and learn.
With every goodbye you learn.

-Veronica Shoffstall

Love146

Love146, an organization that works to end child sex slavery and exploitation, will be holding a fashion show on June 30th in Frederick, MD. The goal is to educate and raise support for the fight against human sex trafficking in the US, as well as globally. The showcase will include pieces from Chic to Chic, Venus on the Half Shell as well as other local stores. All proceeds will go to Love146.

I don't typically promote on my blog, but if you've ever seen the film Taken, you know how real and scary this awful industry is.

eShakti Giveaway Winner!

Congrats to Natalie, from East Coast Chic! She chose the color block shift dress - and will now get to have it customized to her exact measurements!!! Thanks to all who participated...stay tuned for another giveaway in a couple weeks!

*Winner was chosen via random.org