The Return of Furry Bags

fur-bags-for-fall-stained-c

Fur is one of those tricky materials for me. I’m not a fan of real fur for nonsensical ethical reasons (for me) that I might share another time. However, I don’t look down on others who wear or buy it. Do you. However, for me, fur anything can be very problematic with upkeep and styling possibilities. So, I tend to steer clear of “fur” anything unless it’s lining my coat or shoes.

However, this fall, I might have to test out the fur waters, but in the form of a cute bag.  For fall, a lot of designers and fashion lines are offering fur (faux and real) covered shoulder bag, satchels, and clutches.

Furry bags are always a fun, easy, and unexpected addition to any look; no matter how simple or extravagant the style. Still, a fur-covered bag can be a slightly visually aggressive. For the fall, might I suggest you stick to neutral colors and subtle patterns.

So, if you are also tempted into adding a furry bag to your handbag collection, I’ve selected a few pieces that might be the perfect fit for you.

fur-bags-for-fall-2015

Loeffler Randall Shearling Jr Lock Clutch Miss Grant Fur and Leather Handbag Elizabeth and James Cynnie Sling Backpack ASOS Co-ord Faux Fur Multi-Stripe Clutch

River Island Mixed Fur Clutch

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Smooth and Supple Summer Skin

rocking-my-summer-skin

My skin and I hit a major rough patch earlier this summer. I’m talking rough as in bumpy, large pores, and super oily and that was just my face. My legs and arms just couldn’t get along with any product to make them smooth and soft.

So, I did what everyone should do when this happens; STOP everything! I stopped using the face wash that I had only been using for a couple of weeks that just wasn’t living up to it’s $55 price tag. I stopped using this moisturizer that I had only tested for a few days before realizing that it was just too heavy for my sweaty summer skin. Speaking of heavy…I definitely had to stop using this full coverage foundation that I initially loved, but like the moisturizer, it was just too heavy for my skin in this humid climate of the south.

After going makeup free for over a week and using only Cetaphil and my favorite Mario Badescu toner to cleanse my face, I purged all the gookiness out of my face and proceeded to start a new path to smoother, supple, and clear skin and here are the products that have made my skin (not just face) so much happier in the final lap of summer 2015.

  • Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel in Lavender – When I first discovered that oil gel was a thing and the fact that it’s a great alternative to baby oil for us people with oily skin…I was all in! This Johnson’s formula is available in all of Johnson’s classic scents, but the lavender one, by far, is my favorite. It’s a very light and calming scent that’s perfect for hot summer days. FYI – baby oil is a great sealer for your favorite perfume or body spray. Apply a little oil on the spots you spray your perfume and follow up by spraying your favorite perfume and it will increase the longevity of your perfume. The More You Know *insert shooting star*
  • Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask – Yes, another Mario Badescu product. Hey, what can I say, my skin in my 30s has really adapted to this line and products. I use this mask 2-3x a week and since I’ve been doing this, my skin has gotten so much supple, soft, and clearer. My pores have minimized extremely and my skin is brighter and dare I say..is glowing. Well, it is! FYI 2 – I also used this, on a whim, for my chest. Supple skin…and boobs? Yes, the results were just as amazing!
  • Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt – Another gel to oil product. I think this has turned into something serious. This makeup remover and cleanser squeezes out of the tube in gel form and you rub it over dry skin and the the gel gentle transform into a oil and rubs away all of your makeup and other impurties. Once everything has been loosen, just rinse with water. I love it!

Although I’ve been using these products to help me achieve swoon-worthy summer skin, these products can and will be used all year.

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LUST-HAVE LIST: August 2015

LHL_aug2015

Well, August has arrived and I’m still trying to figure out where July went. Maybe, the record breaking heat caused my memory to sweat away…along with my make-up. Anyway…Hey, August!

Although the heat is still lurking, it’s slightly dying down and soon the coolness of fall will replace it. In the meantime, August is another one of my chill months that doesn’t include much other than my brother’s birthday. Since I don’t have any kids, the beginning of the new school doesn’t mean anything to me other than a tax-free weekend. So, my brother’s birthday is as good as it’s going get, other than a month of simple workdays and potential leisurely nights.

Maybe its just the anticipation of fall or the fact that stores are now advertising all of the new fall fashions, but some of the things that are on my radar this month are things that I probably don’t need for  a couple of more months. However, I’m all about preparation and scouting items I want. So, you will notice a couple of tthe things I’m lusting for this month don’t necessarily work for me…just, yet.

Still, here’s what I’m lusting for this month!

  • BECCA x Jacyln Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed – All the make-up girls (and guys!) have been clamoring about this limited edition hightlighter all over my social media timelines. BECCA teamed up Youtube Makeup Guru Jacyln Hill to come up with this universally perfect peachy white gold highlighter that adds illuminating and soft pearl glow that compliments most skin tones. A must-have…and lust-have!
  • Converse Chuck II Hi-Tops – In case you missed the news, after almost 100 years (98 to exact), Converse recently redesigned their iconic Chuck Taylor sneakers by adding more comfort in the form of foam insoles and no-slip tongue without taking away too much for the classic look.
  • TopShop Over Sized School Holdall – One thing that I do look forward with Back-To-School fashions are the abundant of large purses that are roomy and presented as alternatives to backpacks. This one from TopShop comes with more than enough room to carry my life, but also a long, adjustable strap to sling it on your shoulders and also large handles.
  • Apex Dumbell Rack – Recently, after only joining 3 months ago, I cancelled my gym membership. I hate admit this, but I had only been a few times and didn’t really like the environment. So, I’m looking for another gym. In the meantime, I recently took a liking to weight training. It’s really good and toning and burning fat. I recent bought some weights in different sizes that currently reside on the floor of bedroom and I might’ve stumped my toe a couple of times. Therefore, this dumbell rack is more of a need than a want.
  • ASOS Curve Shoulder Stitch Sweater – Off the shoulder tops are having a moment that will carry into fall. I actually work in a cold office. So, I can actually use this sweater now.

 

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Quick Dresses For Summer To Fall

quick-dresses-for-summer-to-fall

I know it’s too soon to think about or even think it’s going to happen, however, summer is going to end. It’s really hard to remember the last cool day I experienced. For the past few weeks, the heat index has consistently been in the early 100 degrees. The heat as been so unbearable that I have pretty much just been throwing on quick and light dresses whenever possible.

Dresses are great transition pieces between season, including the summer and fall. So, here are some fab dresses for summer to fall that will carry from one to the other.

TOPSHOP-tie-backmaxi

This tie-back maxi dress from TopShop is light and minimal enough for summer. Pair it with a denim jacket or oversize chambray top will make it it great fall option.

ASOS-paisley-print-swing-dress

Short and sleeveless makes this Noisy May A-line dress heat-friendly. When the weather begins to get a little cooler, you can get more wear out of this dress by pairing it with some short black booties.

nastygal-chiffon-dress

This power shift chiffon dress from Nasty Gal is definitely a great piece to have in your closet all year. You can pair it with strappy sandals for a hot summer date night or classic pumps and cinched at the waist with a belt for a office friendly look in the fall.

topshop-floral-sundress

Finding a nice floral print that can carry and transition you across multiple seasons can be a challenge. This floral print baby doll is a great score and addition to your summer closet with some embellished sandals or in fall with a cream boyfriend cardigan and nude leather flats.

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Current Favorite Lifestyle Books

current-favorite-lifestyle-books

Over the years, I’ve really developed a love and appreciation for “lifestyle” books. Over the past few months, I’ve been buying and reaching more them. I use them for everything from quick and healthy recipes, beauty tips, and even inspiration (not plagiarism.) for blog posts.

They are great for quick reads and valuable tips that you can incorporate into your life, including fashion, beauty, and home, especially for us girls constantly on the go and appreciate perfectly packed and presented information with pretty covers.

Rather you have a love of lifestyle books/guides or have an appreciation for books full of tips, then you should keep reading to check out the list of lifestyle books that I’m currently enjoying and that you should own.

Mr.Kate-book

Mr. Kate, one of my favorite bloggers, recently released her first book A Hot Glue Gun Mess, which is packed with fun DIY projects and sprinkles of style and home inspirations that you can easily incorporate into your life. Such a fun book that I’ve recently enjoyed browsing while stuck in the house avoid the heat on the weekend.

cupcakes-and-cashmere-book

Modern lifestyle stylist and blogger behind Cupcakes and Cashmere, Emily Schuman, recently released her second book called Cupcakes and Cashmere at Home. However, I still fancy her first book Cupcakes and Cashmere: A Guide for Defining Your Style, Reinventing Your Space, and Entertaining with Ease. Filled with useful tips, inspirational ideas, and beautifully styled pictures, the first Cupcakes and Cashmere book is great reference book for the modern and millennial woman on the go.

front-roe-book

Louise Roe is a well-respected fashion journalist and TV host and her first book, Front Roe: How To Be A Leading Lady In Your Life, doesn’t just offer style advice, but offers encouragement on how to love your life, home, and personality.

molly-sims-everday-life-book

Supermodel Molly Sims has done some of the most iconic things in fashion, including being a Victoria’s Secret runway model and hosting MTV’s House of Style back in the day. However, her book The Everyday Supermodel is very down-to-earth, easy, and informative. It’s almost like reading notes and emails from your good girlfriend. She (and experts she interviewed) offers great everyday tips on beauty and fashion that are easy to fix into the everyday woman’s life. However, I really enjoy her health and fitness tips which includes workout tips and recipes.

I know I’m not the only one appreciates a good lifestyle book and guide. If you know of anymore that I might fancy, please share!

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