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July Birchbox Review | 2015

Birchbox was the first subscription service I ever signed up for and now it’s quite possibly my favorite! I just love receiving this adorable little box every month and seeing what’s inside. Some months are better than others, but I tend to get a ton of use out of the products. And even if it’s not my favorite product, it’s usually handy enough to use for my travels! Check out my July Birchbox review below and share what you think in the comments!

If you aren’t familiar with birchbox, it’s a $10/month subscription to monthly deliveries of beauty and skincare samples. And don’t forget… they offer boxes for both men and women! It’s truly a mini treat to yourself once a month and it’s a fabulous, inexpensive way to get introduced to new brands and products. As an added bonus, birchbox has an amazing rewards program. You get points for each monthly sample you review and each dollar you spend in their shop. 100 points= $10, and those points add up fast!

Check out my July Birchbox Review:

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+
COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray
RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream
Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition
stila look at me liquid lipstick trio

I have gotten a ton of Dr. Jart+ products in my past birchboxes. Just last month, I got the Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear™ Micro Water that I love! This month I received the Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45+ and this product apparently does it all! It’s a primer, moisturizer, treatment serum and adds SPF 45+. At first glance I love the stuff. It goes on smooth and even without having to use too much. And the color is great! Unfortunately, I found it to leave my face a bit sticky and it never quite absorbed into my skin. Since I’m someone who wears very light coverage creams on a daily basis, I found it a bit heavy for everyday use.

Makeup setting spray is new to my box of beauty tools. I’ve used it a few times for big events, but I’ve never quite understood why I would need to add it to my beauty arsenal. Well now I do! Not only does this COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray add a layer of SPF 30, it also makes my makeup smudge free! I have a 30 minute walk to work so the elements can be rough. Some days it’s windy and my eyes water, other days I’m just hot and sweaty! Somehow a simple spritz of this setting spray kept my eyeliner from running, it kept my eyeshadow in place and protected my skin from the intense sun rays! This product is a must for you girls on the go!

RUSK® Heatshift™ Re-Styling Cream is up next! This re-styling cream was basically made for me. I hate blow drying my hair and I always wait at least one day between shampoos. That’s where this dream cream comes in handy! For use on fresh hair, it’s great! It cut my blow drying time in half! And for one-day-old hair, I applied a little bit to my hair before curling and my hair lasted all day! I found it to hold much longer and better texture than my normal hairspray. Now I’m not sure how I’ve lived without it all these years!

Next up, I got a small sample of Harvey Prince Hello, Limited Edition . This perfume was inspired by the joy of waking up to a warm day with the sun shining and the flowers blooming. I mean that’s what summer is all about, right? The scent is an interesting mix of floral and citrus that literally perked me up when I sprayed it. There is something about smelling this fresh fragrance that energized me in the morning. It’s a great scent for a beautiful summer day.

Last, but not least, is the stila look at me liquid lipstick trio. I love getting lipsticks and lipglosses in my birchboxes, but this one is unlike any I’ve received in the past. This lipstick is on for the day, whether you like it or not! Good thing I like it!! I received the bright pink color, which is bold, matte and irresistible! The creamy texture glides on thick, but sets to a matte paint very quickly. And once it dries, this lipgloss won’t come off on your coffee cup or your man. And it’s easy to remove at the end of the night with makeup remover, no staining! I’m addicted to my sample and will be buying a few colors for backup!

And that’s a wrap for this month’s beauty samples! Have you heard of any of these brands or tried any of these products before? Tell me about them in the comments below!

Craving more beauty finds? Check out last month’s post, June Birchbox Review, or start getting your own birchbox delivered right to your door!

Black Fringe and Bright Tassels

I love this amazing black fringed hem maxi I snagged on sale at Nordstrom. Unfortunately, it’s sold out, but I’ve found a close alternative I’ve listed below. This is seriously a perfect summer dress. The loose shape makes it super comfy to wear and the fringe hem gives this otherwise boring dress some drama!

Going for basic? You could easily wear this fringed maxi over a swimsuit to the pool or to the beach. But it’s so versatile! You could easily dress this look up by pairing this dress with a black leather jacket, wedges and gold accessories for a night out with the girls. Or like I chose today, you can keep it casual, but spice it up with a little color and fun. I paired this simple dress with colorful, bright accessories. I went for my go-to summer pieces stacking on more fringe, tassels, beads and neon colors!

I finished the look with this bright pink lip from stila. This stila liquid lipstick stays on all day and packs huge color! If you don’t have time to do your hair or makeup, just grab this lipstick before you run out the door. It can finish any look and immediately add some polish, perfect for a hot summer day!

shop my black fringe dress look:

fringe hem dress ($40) / bright tassel clutch- similar here ($68) and here ($25) / black sandals ($59) / long turquoise necklace ($125) / neon pink earrings ($28) / bracelets- etsy and nordstrom / sunglasses ($170)

Embroidered Romper & Tassel Clutch

Hope you had a fabulous summer solstice yesterday! I have been anxiously awaiting a nice summer day to break out this adorable embroidered romper. It might look familiar! I featured it back in my Memorial Day post and have been loving it ever since. This strapless romper is so comfortable and perfect for any casual function. The bold embroidery is enough to stand alone, but can also be a blank canvas for your favorite bright accessories! I close the latter tactic and paired this easy romper with this fun beaded tassel clutch. BTW, can you believe this clutch is only $17 from Target?!

Although I’ve been seriously loving tassels lately… (check out my bracelets!) My life saver of the summer has been my embellished espadrilles. Espadrilles are everywhere this season. I’ve seen them in flat sandal form, wedges, but mostly slip-ons. [Check out my full summer shoe guide here!] Espadrilles are so versatile! I can easily dress these up or down and walk all day in them. They are perfectly neutral and go with everything in my closet and just the right amount of sparkle for both daytime and night,

shop my embroidered romper look:

Embroidered Romper ($52) / Beaded Tasseled Clutch ($17) / Embellished Espadrilles ($119) / Sunglasses ($170) / Gold Collar Necklace ($45) / Gold Bangle Set (on sale for $30) / Tassel Bracelets ($8 each)

Summer Embroidery Trend | 2015

Summer fashion can be so fun! People seem to take themselves less seriously and wear bright colors, fun prints, cute tassels & poms and of course summer embroidery! I’ve noticed myself incorporating a lot of embroidery into my looks lately so I decided to do a round-up of my favorite budget friendly embroidered items to kick off your weekend!

My absolute favorites are the Lace-Up Sandals, the Geometric Tote, the Chambray Shift Dress and of course the Black Jumpsuit. The chambray shift dress is so fun and effortless and would look amazing with some of summer’s hottest shoes… the Lace-Up Gladiator Sandal! And the jumpsuit is so versatile! It’s the ideal piece to take you from day to night this summer. The silhouette and fabrication are simple making it perfect for daytime lounging, but it could look great with heels out on the town as well!

Shop some of my favorite embroidered pieces below. All of them are super affordable! Share your favorites in the comments, I would love to hear from you on this 70’s inspired trend!

shop the summer embroidery trend:

Coral Peasant Dress ($30) / Lace-Up Sandals ($30) / Floral Espadrilles ($65) / Straw Hat ($38) / Chambray Shift Dress ($40) / Striped Pouch ($52) / Black Jumpsuit ($25) / Printed Ankle Tie Sandals ($35) / Peach Romper ($38) / Geometric Tote ($55) / Bright Floral Tote ($25) / White Gauze Romper ($35)

The Perfect Coral Dress for Summer

This coral dress screams summer to me. I love the bright coral color. I love the sexy off the shoulder silhouette. I love the flirty tassel trim. And most of all, I love how easy this dress is to wear.

I can see myself getting a ton of use out of this dress. Although it makes a statement, it’s super versatile. It’s easy enough to wear to a day party, to brunch with friends or even to spend the day shopping. There’s so much life packed into this dress. As soon as I put it on I wanted to spin around the room. The tassels are not only right on trend, but they add a playful element to keep the silhouette young and carefree.

I kept the accessories easy, fitting into the theme of the dress. My bracelets are all easy, summery, and have a boho feel to them. And I paired this look with my favorite wedges. These Audrey Brooke Sandals are my go-to for summer. They are surprisingly comfortable and go with everything. The gold details make these wedges feel elevated.

shop my coral dress look:

Coral Tassel Off the Shoulder Dress ($42) / Camel Wedge Sandals ($60) / White Clutch ($26) / Sunglasses ($165) / Tassel Bracelet ($8) & Watch ($38) & White Bracelets ($48)

White Eyelet and Bright Blooms

Spring is in full swing, I mean just look at those blooms! I paired all my favorite spring trends together for today’s look. Bright colors, eyelet and distressed denim! I’ve been wearing these pieces on repeat this spring and I think they will seamlessly carry me into summer!

Nothing makes a weekend better than the perfect pair of comfy boyfriend jeans. I am unhealthily obsessed with my newest Blank NYC jeans. They are stretchy, comfortable and I think the distressing on them is perfect. I find myself wearing them WAY too much. I would wear them everyday if I could!

When wearing boyfriend denim I think it’s important to pair them with girly pieces. The wedges and boyfriend jean combo is perfect for summer. It gives off a feminine, casual look that can take you from day to night. Finish the look with some fun accessories and you are ready to walk out the door!

shop my white eyelet look:

White Eyelet Tee ($20) / Distressed Denim ($98) / Candy Color Statement Necklace ($27) / Nude Wedges ($59) / similar Pink Bamboo Clutch ($58) / Arrow Cuff ($30) & kate spade jewelry / Sunnies ($165)

Lilly Pulitzer for Target- Ticket to Sunshine

Feeling down about those chilly winter temps? I’ve got just what you need to brighten your day and put a smile on your face!

Target just announced their newest collaboration, Lilly Pulitzer for Target!

Target is never one to disappoint with their collaboration partners and their latest choice, Lilly Pulitzer, is no exception. This limited edition collection launches April 19th and includes 250 pieces, ranging from clothing, accessories and shoes for both women (including plus size!) and girls, as well as home decor, outdoor accessories and beach travel essentials! What more could a girl want? The 15 exclusive collaboration prints are bright, playful and true to the Lilly Pulitzer brand esthetic.

This collaboration is already creating a ton of buzz! Click through the slideshow below to check out pictures of yesterday’s announcement party and do some pre-shopping! Share your favorite prints and products in the comments below!

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Not Your Average TOMS

TOMS have been my go to comfort shoe since college. Back in the day when TOMS had a selection of just canvas slip-ons, they were perfect for running quick errands and even walking around campus all day. Their One for One campaign has always been compelling, but what keeps me coming back every season is the expanding selection. I’ve migrated from solid slip-ons to wedge booties and sandals! I even wore the light pink wedges as my wedding reception shoes! (featured here in my Farmer’s Market post) My collection of TOMS has become pretty vast over the years and they are ALL super comfortable. Awesome cause and cute shoes? Sign me up!

One of the more recent collaborations I have been lusting over is TOMS & Jonathan Adler, a few of my favorite pieces are featured below!

glamourita TOMS x JONATHAN ADLER Collaboration

Overall TOMS are pretty affordable and I ALWAYS get my moneys worth! But, lately I’ve been wanting to upgrade to the TOMS+ collection. If you aren’t familiar with the TOMS+ line, it is a higher-end, luxury line TOMS offers and they have some really cute stuff! I love the cobalt woven classics, the stripes/floral mixing and the tropical wedges! All the prints are vibrant, fun and perfect for summer!

Lastly, I couldn’t leave out the awesome Men’s selection. My husband is a huge fan of TOMS. He has a few lace-up pairs in chambray and burlap. They are so versatile and great for his city commute! Below I added in some of my favorite men’s styles, what do you think of them? Would you by any of these TOMS? Share with me in the comments below!

Black, White and Bright

I have always been a big fan of print mixing. It adds a little fun to an otherwise ordinary outfit. A great way to dip your feet into the trend is to start with a common print like stripes, dots or animal print and pair it with a bold printed piece, like this floral skirt. I chose to pair this loud skirt with this black and white striped tank- these days I wear stripes so much that I almost consider it a solid!

I paired this look back to my favorite black sandals. These Payless black shooties were such a great buy; they are both comfortable and super affordable! Originally, I had fallen in love with these Steve Madden NONSTP Sandals, but wasn’t feeling the $99.95 price point. Then, I stumbled upon these Payless shoes for a quarter of the price and was immediately sold! They are so versatile, I get a ton of use out of them!

Black and White Tank- similar Forever 21 tank ($17.80) / Floral Pencil Skirt- similar AQUA skirt ($68) and JCREW pencil skirt (On sale for $96.60- originally $138) / Payless Black Shooties ($24.99) / Cleopatra Brooke Clutch (purchased on Hautelook, but also found at Overstock for $19.75) / Brighton Bangles / Pink Drop Earrings- similar Baublebar Drops ($38) / Cat Eye Sunglasses- similar AJ Morgan Siren ($24) and Maybe ($24) at Nordstrom

DIY Indoor Garden

I love living in San Francisco, but finding the perfect apartment in your price range is like looking for a needle in a haystack- and that needle may not even exist! Although we LOVE our current apartment, one thing that my husband and I really miss is a balcony and a backyard. And since we love being outside and enjoying the fresh air, we decided to bring the outdoors into our living room!

We wanted our indoor garden to be bright and funky, so we decided to paint the planters ourselves. We found LOWES to be a great resource in finding beautiful flowers and affordable terracotta planters of all sizes, but any home improvement store should have a similar selection. First we picked out our flowers. When choosing colors and sizes, keep in mind how you will be arranging these plants. We chose to keep the sizes symmetrical, but mixing up the flower types and colors. We ended up with seven plants and terracotta planters of varying sizes.

Now it’s time to paint the pots! We chose bright acrylic paints and clear tar gel to waterproof the paint. Since we love a good ombré, we decided to use two colors on each pot and faded them into each other, alternating the color combos so each one is unique! To get the ombré look, we started with our base color going 3/4 the way up. Then we painted from the top with the second color. As you paint further down, use less paint on your brush and use lighter brush strokes, fading as you go. You will end up with a one-of-a-kind ombré planter!

All that’s left now is to plant your flowers in your beautiful new planters! Do you have any indoor gardening tips or fun ways to show off plants inside the home? If so, share in the comments below!

Check out my July Birchbox Review:

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shop my embroidered romper look:

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shop the summer embroidery trend:

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shop my coral dress look:

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shop my white eyelet look:

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