I recently took a road trip to Dallas to get my hair done, and spend a short weekend away with my mom. I don’t get to spend much quality time with just her anymore and was really looking forward to it.
Luckily Dallas is just under 4 hours from Houston so a road trip is totally do-able! Our first stop was to the salon where I had my locks transformed from honey blonde balayage to a rose gold melt! This process takes some time….(I’m not going to lie) and by some time, I mean about 2.5 hours but my stylist was prepared with Netflix and “Friends” so we were set and before I knew it, I was all done! I had decided on wearing and blue floral dress, knowing I love how red hair and blue look and to my excitement it didn’t disappoint.
This particular dress is from Modcloth. As soon as I saw it on their site, I immediately added it to my cart. There was just something about it. To me, it screamed summer! It is totally comfortable and the print is lively and cool. I was a little concerned with the fit when ordering as it looked short and I am tall but it fit perfectly paired with flats.
Our next stop was to Sam Moon to check out accessories and shoes. I had never been to a Sam Moon before so as soon as I stepped inside I was like a kid in a candy store! Sooo many glittering accessories offered at amazing prices! I had to reign myself in and was a good girl picking up 8 pieces, only spending around 45 dollars. Next stop was Daiso, a Japanese 1.50 store! This is one of my favorite places to pick up facial masks, candy, and stationary. I of course loaded up as we do not have a Daiso in Houston; Dallas is the closest location so when I go, I stock up!!
After that it was time to head to the hotel. We were staying at the Hilton Anatole. I have stayed there before but not since the on site water park had opened and all I can say is wow! The grounds are breathtaking and the artwork is magnificent, but to offer an on site water park with twisting slides and a lazy river?! You cannot get any better! Once we got settled in there was no reason to go anywhere else for the night. There is plenty of entertainment and restaurant accommodations in-house! We walked the grounds and appreciated the art, spotted a rabbit snacking on some grass, and visited the water park-all before sunset. After, we stopped for dinner at Media and had an amazing chicken chopped salad.
For the next day I chose to keep things casual with white shorts and a 3/4 length sleeve mint top. When I go on weekend trips I like to pack light so I coordinate my ensembles to easily pair with one pair of shoes. In this instance I picked a simple pair of laser cut nude flats.
I would say this trip was a success. I was able to change up my look, spend some quality time with my mom, have a bit of retail therapy and most importantly relax. It is always nice for a change of scenery, and to shake things up from your regular routine. Taking some time for yourself isn’t selfish it is healthy and rejuvenating. For me, it reminds me of what I am thankful for and clears my mind of all of the negatives so that I can come back strong, recharged and clear minded. Ready to conquer the road ahead. So remember to take some time for yourself this upcoming month whether it be a weekend away, a day shopping, or even an hour nap- just something for yourself. Trust me, you won’t regret it. 🙂
As summer draws to a close, and fall approaches I felt the need to grasp the last bit of summer brights I could. There is something about a great maxi dress that makes you feel unstoppable! What made this particular one catch my eye was the brilliant citron color mixed with grey. An off color combo that definitely works!! As soon as I saw it I knew it was for me.
Since the straps on this dress are extremely thin, and cross in the back, I decided to pair it with my favorite denim vest from Express. (#1 Because it adds texture and a nice casual vibe to the look. #2 Because I hate to wear strapless bras all day! They are just so uncomfortable!) Anyway, I paired the look with a mixed print sandal I got from Target and topped it off with a grey Michael Kors handbag.
This look was comfortable, bright and screamed summer!
My next call for brights was fulfilled with this vibrant neon yellow dress from Express. It comes in a flattering fit and flare design and has a unique mesh overlay for added interest and dimension. I paired this dress with the same target sandals, a black and white butterfly print scarf from Express, and my favorite back Kate Spade convertible bag.
Just because the season is almost over doesn’t mean you have to transition your wardrobe just quite yet! Summer is still here for a few more weeks, so enjoy it! I’m sure anyone who is still of school age would agree!
Until next time!
When the weather starts to heat up I know my alabaster skin no longer becomes acceptable. I am the palest person I know, so when everyone starts to get sunkissed and tan I look like an ill zombie. Luckily over the years I have discovered a few wonderful products to keep my skin healthy and looking season appropriate. These products will be sure to keep your pale skin looking its best no matter what the season!
Let me first start off by saying I do not use tanning beds. Yes, I know they are an option but with skin cancer running in my family that is just not an option for me. I also do not find premature wrinkles or leathering of the skin cute. In saying that, if tanning works for you, go for it! I just don’t have enough “tanning juice” in my skin to make it worth the money, time, or future damage.
What I have discovered is that bottled tan CAN look natural and amazing on pale skin. After trying out spray tans and multiple fake bakes Loreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer is what works best for me. To apply it, I use the Saint Tropez application mitt. It gives me the perfect streak-free application! Before I purchased that mitt I was a hot mess once the product dried so I highly recommend a mitt for application of ANY self-tanning lotion. The only negative I have for this product is the smell. Like most fake tanning lotions, they have an odor. This one is not horrible, but if you sweat it sort of starts to smell like a dirty mop. :/
For an outer anytime glow I use the Lush Black Stockings and Shimmy Shimmy for a light touch of color and a beautiful shimmering sparkle.
To keep my skin healthy and moisturized, I use the Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter . Though this is not tanning related the scent reminds me of summer and it keeps my skin looking its best.
For summer fragrance my number one choice is Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess. It is a warm yet sweet scent perfect for any maxi dress or day at the beach. I also love Vanillary from Lush. The fragrance is perfect for any occasion and stays all day!
For my face, the cosmetic products I reach for most to achieve a beach babe look are the Urban Decay Naked Illuminated in Luminous, and Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer. These two are the perfect face products to create a natural, healthy looking glow. I would also like to add that though both of these products are a bit on the pricier side (Estee Lauder at $39.00 and Urban Decay at $30.00), they are well worth the investment! You actually receive a generous amount of product in both that will last you for quite some time.
Aside from these products I always carry around a chapstick and sunglasses to product my eyes and lips from the harsh rays of the sun. I feel everyone should protect their skin but as an extremely pale person, I feel it is even more imperative to do so, as it gets damaged so easily.
With these products you can celebrate summer year round without looking ridiculous or harming your skin. And the best part is, when you want to go back to your normal self, it comes right off!
Until next time <3
Before I lived in downtown Houston I lived in a small suburban town about 25 minutes away. I would only come into the city for special events such as concerts or musicals. The idea of living in the city seemed so bold, glamorous, and out of reach. As I got older, I grew more curious and ventured more often downtown and began to learn my way around. I think I had a lot of misconceptions of the city, one of which was the safety. Its really all up to learning your way around. There are plenty of areas that are more than safe and wonderful to live an visit within the city.
I think that is probably one of the most stressful and foreign things you have to adjust to transitioning from suburban to urban life is that you are sharing your “backyard” with… a whole lot of people. In a suburban neighborhood, the day-to-day traffic usually consists of the people living there, in a city there are; lost tourists, business workers Monday thru Friday, other city dwellers, all buzzing around so paying attention is imperative. The traffic running through your “neighborhood” fluctuates all the time. Also, there are many events that occur which require closing off of main streets, so it is always best to have alternate routes ready!
As for transportation, I still rely on my personal vehicle the majority of the time. Houston is very spread out so you cannot walk everywhere in the city, and although public transportation has increased, it isn’t always the most time efficient, or convenient. The metro rail is great for most short distances from the medical center to midtown, or downtown, and catching an Uber is pretty easy, but if you have a car you will more than likely be using it.
I personally love the city life. There are many places you can visit within walking distance and there is almost always a sporting event to see. I can say I am no longer intimidated by the alternate direction streets and tall buildings, I can call them home. I have also learned to not be afraid of elevators. Living in a high rise requires multiple daily rides in an elevator and yes, after living in a high rise for almost 4 years getting stuck in once was bound to occur. (Thankfully it was not for very long, and honestly is not that scary of an experience.)
Next, get ready for unexpected and random noise interruptions all of the time. Cars buzzing and screeching, horns honking, planes humming, workers drilling, police, firetrucks, and ambulances whaling are all sounds you are bond to hear on a daily basis. For me, this is not a bother. I like to have noise in my life. I require noise to sleep, and some sort of lighting, so when I lived in the suburbs I always had my television on. I guess I just needed the city to sleep because now I don’t require that. There is light from the buildings and noise from the streets to keep me content.
I would honestly say that city life is not for everyone. Privacy does not exist outside of your dwelling and you must learn to reduce the size of your personal space, but for the right person it can be amazing. You have the opportunity to discover what makes your city so wonderful and can appreciate all it has to offer.
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to live inside of the city. It has helped me with navigation, conquering my anxieties over elevators, learning how to share space with others, and understanding the lifeblood of the city and all it has to provide.
Until next time <3
This week I tried something a little new for me..that is going bold and bright with my wardrobe. Don’t get me wrong, I love to wear bright colors, but not everyday and not multiple pieces.So, I decided to try something new. I first selected the most bright dresses from my closet, then accessorized the looks. Once complete I realized though bold, the looks were completely wearable and not too intimidating. ( I’m not sure what it is, but sometimes bright colored pieces appear intimidating to me) But I have learned that, that is just in my head! Clothing color is nothing to be afraid of.
I felt completely comfortable in my cobalt blue, neon orange, and hot pink dresses. And I also noticed that wearing these pieces even on the rainiest of days, can bring a little sunshine and joy into your life.
Embrace color this summer!!!
<3
So for the past few months I have really been on a “blues” trend. I caught myself gravitating toward blue hues in the stores and noticed in the fitting room it was the pieces I was choosing to purchase.
Navy has always been one of my favorite colors to wear. I feel that it is flattering with almost any hair color ( as I frequently change mine) and I always feel confident and comfortable in this shade.
The three looks I have posted are my overall favorite pieces. They each offer texture, dimension and a flattering silhouette. As we are nearing the close of summer and are headed into the fall, I wanted to also incorporate ankle booties into my looks as they are the perfect transitional pieces to strut you into the new season!
This Speechless brand faux suede mini dress is a must-have piece for fall! The lightweight design will keep you cool while the color and texture add warmth, and will pair perfectly with your favorite ankle booties and statement necklace or scarf. Here I paired it with fringe booties and a crochet bead embellished necklace.
My next look is this white tiered lace dress with a large floppy hat and ankle booties. A white dress can be perfect for the close of the season as you can style it so many different ways! I chose to darken it down with navy. This dress is on the shorter side but offers a very flattering fit and silhouette.
Lastly an ivory and navy lace dress with brown and grey accessories! This dress has quickly become one of my favorites with its lightweight design flattering fit, and amazing length. I just cannot get enough of it!
Have fun! Be creative with your wardrobe. Wear what makes you happy. And play with textures!
Until next time <3