Bohemian-hippie-chic style

I am loving the Boho-chic style that is so in right now. I think it just epitomizes a carefree lifestyle. It looks eazy-breezy and casual, so that means the clothes have to be comfortable. Here are some ways to pull it off:

First you need a tie-dye maxi dress.


Then add some comfy, flat shoes or sandals....



Fringe on the accessories is always good (just don't go overboard and wear anything and everything with fringe.)


And wear some nature inspired jewelry! I really like the look of these headbands, too.


Bonus points for sunglasses like these- I have been looking everywhere for the perfect pair...




What do you think? Into this trend?

Sephora Beauty Insider

I love Sephora. Whenever I am at the mall, I have to stop in there and play with the makeup- it's like being a kid again! I love all the crazy colors, the witty names for the products, the samples, the wall of perfume, the "free" gift once you accumulate enough points.... Of course, you don't earn points unless you are a Beauty Insider. And of course, buy stuff.

But being a Beauty Insider has another perk, in my mind at least. When I can't get to the mall to go in there and play with makeup, I at least get the emails about what they have in terms of the latest and greatest. It is like virtual "window shopping."

I just received the Beauty Insider email now, and it has a lot to tempt!






Is it just me or does the Cargo Lash Activator claim to GROW your lashes???? And how many of you have been using the Clarisonic brush for eons now and swear by it? Or do you want it as much as me? And that Lorac lipstick- the perfect summer shade of coral- not too pink, not too orange, and light enough to be sheer. Aahh Sephora.... I can't have everything, but I can dream!

Reader Q&A!

Reader Billie Jean has a question:

I started looking more oily after using Noxema. Today is better after a full cold water rinse. Do you cold water rinse the nox to close your pores and get excess out? It's something I learned as a teen and just remembered.

Here was my answer:

If you are noticing you are more oily or that your pores look big because of the Noxzema, you could try toner. I do the cold water splash at the end too- tightens the pores! If you do try toner, be sure to get a good one. Most contain alcohol which is drying and really strips your skin. Burts bees should have a good one. Or use good ol' fashioned witch hazel. Just read the label and step away from anything containing alcohol. Hope that helps!

Do you guys agree? Would you do anything differently? Do you have a secret you want to share? :)

Flowers in fashion

I have noticed more and more flower patterns when out and about shopping- and I think I like it. This is what I am talking about:

Urban Outfitters


I love beanies in general, and I am always hoping I will someday find a way to wear them with my crazy curls.


I love train cases- particularly vintage or vintage looking ones. I remember having one to play with as a kid, who knows how old it was. I only wish I knew where it was now. This one from UO may not be vintage or have a hard shell like that old one, but it does have pretty flowers all over it and a silky lining! Would look cute for travel or just sitting in your bathroom holding all your makeup, don't you think?

I love maxi dresses in all forms, and this one from UO is no exception. I like the big bold flowers on this one- I don't think small flowers would have had as much impact.


I think flower prints on tops are great. The thing about a top like these is that it can be dressed up or down easily- depending on whether you wear boyfriend jeans or skinny, dark wash jeans, flat gladiator sandals or stilettos. And depending on the jewelry, the versatility goes even further. Wear a studded bracelet and a piled on bunch of chain necklaces and you have a rocker-chic style. Go with some stacked gold tone rings and a single long chain with several little charms and you have more of a girly style. Also, anyone notice the one sleeve black t-shirt up there? Accentuating one shoulder is hot hot hot right now. Isn't it nice when you can draw attention to a little bit of skin without actually revealing much?


This plaid flower headband is so cute- I think it would look great with a plain white boyfriend t-shirt, some slightly destroyed denim, and some simple jewelry. It looks like the flower is pretty big and would be hard to miss on one's head. So since it would draw so much attention, I would keep everything else simple- let it take the spotlight. (Charlotte Russe) The earrings would be cute mixed with rocker-chic jewelry- I think matching up things from opposite styles makes things look modern and fresh, and like you aren't trying too hard. (Urban Outfitters)

I have a feeling about what many of you might be thinking about this dress, because I initially thought the same thing. I had several dresses a lot like this in elementary and middle school. Maybe you are thinking it is very "circa 1990" with it's cut and the small print. Maybe you think the pattern looks like your grandparents' curtains. But I am telling you, this could be very fashionable with the right add-ons and accessories. With the right boyfriend blazer or denim jacket, and some casual gladiator sandals or distressed leather cowboy boots, it would be right on trend. See below for some good options. (Dress, jackets and shoes all UO)


This cardigan caught my eye because it has a very relaxed and drapey feel- very different from the cardigans we are used to from JCrew and Gap (which I love as well!) Plus, it has a print, while most of the cardigans I currently own are a solid color. This skirt is adorable- would be great with a solid v-neck t-shirt. It has the same flouncy cut we have been seeing, but the wide waistband should make it more flattering for a wider range of body types. And it has pockets! I never put stuff in the pockets of my clothes, but it's nice having them, haha.


Do you like the flower trend? Too girly for you? Do you prefer them hippie-style? big and ornate like upholstery? (ha!) bold and eye-catching?

Fashion inspired by the Fourth of July

So this weekend, like most in the U.S. I saw fireworks. Even if you weren't looking for them or laying out on the ground beneath a display, you probably couldn't escape them. And like most (other than dogs and car alarms,) I enjoyed them! It did make me think of fashion that dazzles in a similar way.

Bedazzled

The last time I went to Topshop I noticed sequins are back in a big way- they are definitely having a moment. Check it out.


Then there are these rings from Forever21:


Big statement rings have been in for a while now, but in the past it has been big stones. Here we have lots of little stones, and the effect is kind of like glitter.

Graffiti art

This picture from the fireworks we saw made me think of graffiti art and fashion, like these:



Tassles


When the fireworks go up they light up the sky, and then as they fall they kind of look like streamers, or maybe tassles? And tassles have made a comeback too:


Topshop skirt


Do you ever get inspiration from an unexpected place?