5 Minute Summer Up Do

Hi Lovelies!  Now that summer is here I am experimenting with ways to get my hair up and off my neck.  I love long hair but I can't stand wearing it down on very hot and humid days.  I also need to wear it up for ballet class.  I can't concentrate on jumps properly when my hair is flying all around and getting stuck in my lip gloss.  

Last Tuesday I followed directions on Pinterest that promised a quick and easy up do.  Basically, it's dividing your hair in half and rolling each side and then the back, folding the ends under and using bobby pins to secure it in place.

The original directions that I followed can be found here.  The directions promise to take just two minutes but I probably took five and cheated with a clip.  After parting your hair and securing one side with a hair tie, like one pig tail, take a small section of hair about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter near your temple and roll it a few times toward your head.  After a few twists add and 1/2 inch to 1 inch section of hair and twist a few more times.  Continue rolling until you reach the end of that side. Make sure you roll in the same direction!  When you reach the end temporarily secure that side with a few pins or a claw clip.  Make sure its tight so it doesn't fall before the other side is complete.  Repeat with the other side.  When you are done twist both tails together, up and tuck into itself against your head.  Secure with a few bobby pins or a clip like I did.  

Here's a side view of my undo and clip.  I took it from this wonky angle to show you the cute bird's nest and eggs on the top of the clip.  Isn't it adorable?  The detail work is amazing.  I bought the clip from an Easy shop called Fairies Welcome.  The store link can be found here.  These clips come artfully wrapped and would be a wonderful gift shipped as is.  You can tell the shop owner really takes pride in what she does and each of her pieces is a gorgeous work of art.  I highly recommend Fairies Welcome is you are looking for one of a kind hair clips and head bands.  I have ordered two so far and always receive compliments on them.

And lastly here is a view from the back.  This was obviously well after ballet class.  You can see that a few tendrils escaped but overall the style held well.  I would use gel and spray for a more formal occasion.  This style is great for summer and wanting to look polished and pretty.  I'll definitely be wearing this frequently all summer!

-Michelle

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*The product discussed was personally purchased and blogged about with permission from the shop owner.  Photos are courtesy of the blogger.

How I store jeans

Dooooo youuuur ears hang low, do they wobble to and fro,

do you hang your jeans on a hanger, fold them on a shelf, or in a drawer?

For most of my teenage and adult life I folded my jeans and kept them on a top shelf of my closet..  Usually the top couple pairs would fall onto the floor, at least daily or weekly.  What to do, what to do?

Storing them in a drawer takes up way too much space.  I tried it and it didn't last long. Hanging them by folding them over a hanger only creates hangers that are inches apart because the jeans are thick by the button and zipper and pushed the hangers apart so not many could be hung, and it took up a lot of hanging space.  That on top of a lot of stretched out plastic hangers that were weighed down by denim and eventually cracked wasn't a good solution.  Hanging them fully outstretched by pants hangers leaves an indention on the tops of every pair.

There is no right or wrong way and it's just a matter of preference!

I do love organizing, a little too much, and I love to fit a lot in a little space!  It was always quite time consuming unfolding each pair of jeans to see which ones were the shorter ones that I couldn't wear with heels, which were too long to go with sneakers, and which were skinny to tuck into my boots. That wasted time could have been spent matching my winged eyeliner on both eyes, or making my hair curls even on both sides!  Priorities girls, it's all about priorities!

Prior to Pinterest, which I thought was called pin interest until just last year, there weren't as many ways to access DIY storage solutions.  No, I have never been to The Container Store, for the same reason that I assume avid gamblers avoid Las Vegas.  I'm too afraid I couldn't 'contain' myself in The Container Store.  Pun intended.  Maybe if I get a gift card one day, but the moment I step into that store, I would instantly create a 6 month re-org project in my mind and I know I shouldn't nestle myself in the corner of my kitchen, coding my tupperware, when I should be out living life!  This is the same reason I don't own a label maker...yet.

Most girls dream about their wedding day.  For years, I dreamed of my perfect closet, and it all comes down to saving time.  Searching the summer clothes bin in the attic when you need a tank top to wear under an itchy sweater, or searching the winter clothes bin in the basement when you need a long sleeved sweater to stay warm on a cool brisk summer night is not conducive to the life of a twenty something.  I always wanted to develop a system where I could see and access any article of clothing I had, much like Cher's moving closet in the movie Clueless.  If what I own was stored half the year, what good was it! I wanted to be able to use my beautiful possessions!  

In 2008, I last moved, and pre Pintrest, I had my closet ideas in mind.  The first thing I packed and unloaded from my car were my clothes!  The same way I pack my suitcase is the same way I access storage of any kind, whether it be baking pans and muffin tins, mixing bowls, underwear, clothing, and shoes.  I try to fit the most in the smallest amount of space.  I question what device, box, bin, or rack fits the most in the smallest square footage, and here's the kicker, that can still be seen and accessed without getting lost in the shuffle.

I had gone to Lowe's and purchased two shoe shelves to stack on top of each other. I knew the best way to fit 50 pairs of jeans and see them all was with front entry access!  Huh?

I rolled each pair (or two) and fit them where a pair of shoes was supposed to fit.


This has been my favorite organization solution to date!

I could now access my jeans from the front seeing every single pair.  To remember which pair was which without unrolling required some rearranging and labeling.  Years later, I have settled on arranging them by color and starting with skinnies, moving to boot cut, and flare.  All of my labels are color and brand specific and some include specifics about pocket or thread color detail, or length, such as heel or no heel appropriate.


Doesn't everyone have fluorescent jeans? Or is it just me?

labeling like a champ

Time saving solutions!  Who knew it all started with jeans?

-Erin

*All products mentioned were personally purchased and this post was not sponsored by the company.

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New Lip Color Faves

Recently I have added some great new lip colors to my makeup collection.  Today I would like to share my new acquisitions with you.  Lipsticks and lip colors are my favorite part of makeup and I am so excited to have found each of these products.

My current favorite is this lip gloss by Paris Manning.  Velvet 59 is the perfect name for it because it really does go on like velvet.  I have worn this color almost every day since I got it in my ipsy bag a month or two ago.  It goes on smoothly, is not sticky, has beautiful coverage and gives just enough color to be able to layer over almost any other lip color that I have.  I absolutely love it and will be purchasing it again.

The next new color I am loving is a a Butter Lipstick by NYX.  It is color BLS17, Pops Exsplosif.  It is a nude, brownish color that matches my lips and gives me a boost of color.  It feels good on my lips, isn't dry, and layers well with Velvet 59.  I like that NYX is also cruelty free to animals and I will definitely also purchase this product again.  It was also in one of my tipsy bags recently.  Score!

I don't think I waited long enough after applying chapstick to apply the NYX Butter Lipstick.  You can see that it concentrated on the outer edges of my lips.  Whoops!  Patience never was my strong suit but I wanted to make sure I got a picture before I forgot!

And lastly, a new favorite pink.  As a redhead, finding the perfect shade of pink can be a challenge and when I find something that works then I wear it for forever and don't try anything new.  This is Flirting, a Creamy Lip Stain by City Color.  I didn't think this color was going to work for me but I was pleasantly surprised.  This is a matte, lip color stain that is applied with a wand like gloss.  It goes on kind of dry and powdery and after awhile my lips feel dry and I need to apply chapstick and then reapply it.  Reapplication is one of those things that is expected with lip color but I don't like the dry feeling.  However, I love the overall color and look so I am ok with it.  This was in my tipsy bag back in November or December, if I remember correctly, and I didn't get around to trying it for awhile.  Now I wear once every week or every other week.  I am on the fence about whether I would repurchase this or not.  I love the matte lip colors by Makeup Forever and Sephora's brand so much that I probably wouldn't.  I would buy a similar color from them instead.  

What are your new lip color favorites?

-Michelle

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*All opinions are that of the blogger.  Products were purchased through ipsy and photos are courtesy of the blogger

Knee High Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals have been on the fashion scene for a few seasons now.  They are cute enough and I have had a pair or two but I never really loved them.  Know what I mean?  Fast forward to Spring 2015 and knee high gladiator sandals have taken over the sandal scene.  I mean really, aside from the classics that never go out, basic surfer style flip flops and jeweled sandals, they are absolutely the shoe of the season.  Vogue even named theme one of the top trends for Spring!

Do you own a pair?  I don't yet... I haven't found a pair that is comfortable enough and I can't decide if I want brown, black or nude.  There's also the choice of tie or faux buckles with a zipper.  The tie ones are laborious to put on but seem to fit me better.  The zippered ones are so much easier but seem to gap around my ankle.  Plus, I kind of like tying the laces because they remember me of pointe' shoes and I adore ballet and ballerinas.

I haven't worn the tied ones long enough to figure out if the laces loosen up as the day goes on.  That might be a deal breaker for me.  

The pair above is featured on the Vogue website and I love the color and how it isn't quite so shocking as the black pair is. Black, knee high gladiator sandals look great with some outfits but with others they almost seem to be too much.  The brown is more subtle.  I have also seen a few nude colored pairs but they seem to be too subdued for me.  If you are nervous about the trend and wearing these then they are probably perfect for you though!

This pair is available from Steve Madden and I like the fringe detail on the front.  Fringe is also huge this season and these look really fun.

I am going shopping this weekend and I am hoping to find the perfect pair.  Wish me luck!

-Michelle

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*All opinions are that of the blogger.  Photos courtesy of Steve Madden and Vogue.

Kayda Pumps

Surprise, surprise!  I purchased another pair of shoes!

Lord n Taylor is one of my favorite stores for quality purchases.  Staple clothing items, long lasting foot wear, and beauty counters all in one place!  When I walk into that store I could just put my arms up and spin around in circles in a dress that swirls!  How come it's okay for little girls to do this, but not adults?

I purchased these shoes from Lord n Taylor in January because I loved their chameleon like ability to change from green to bronze brown with the light.

Kayda Snakeskin Print Pump by Ivanka Trump

I actually don't think there is a category invented yet for this type of item.  I am referring to an item that would add a hint of color but still could be considered a neutral, considering it wouldn't stand out as much as a bold colored statement pair of heels. I could pair it with solid brown or tan, or jeans with an olive shirt.  Green and brown are both earth tones after all.  The scaley textured print would be too much with a printed patterned outfit, but I could in fact pair it with a textured outfit, such as a suede skirt or jacket.  I would just put them in a category I'll call 'non-neut's' standing for non-neutral neutrals for now.

I ordered the shoes without trying them on, and they are a little high of a heel for me, but the classic look and length it adds to my legs just had me at hello.  

My goal is to try to build a wardrobe full of interchangeable timeless classics, and things that can be mixed and matched, also with the additional of a few trends and accessories.  These shoes fall under the timeless classic genre of wardrobe pieces.

If you haven't read about my affinity to Ivanka's Shoe Line, you can read my post Role Models & Boots.

I recently saw a pair of Christian Louboutin's on Pinterest that reminded me of Ivanka Trump's Kayda Snakeskin Print Pump pictured above!  

Christian Loubouton So Kate 'python aquarium' can be purchased here
(photo courtesty of us.christianlouboutin.com)

Similarly, they look a different color depending on how the light hits them and have the same scale textured look!

I thought my Kayda's heels were high until I saw these!  Will cigarette stilettos ever go out of style?  I hope not!  I love them both!

-Erin

*No items mentioned were sponsored by companies.

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Oxfords- Perfect Alternate To Sandals

I live in sandals during the summer time.  I find them comfortable, they are easy to travel with, and there are so many styles to choose from.  However, in the spring during transitions or random cooler summer days, I love oxfords.  They are perfect with tights  and a light weight dress or skinny pants.  Plus I think they are always adorable no matter your foot size.  During the summer they are a good alternative to sandals because they are light weight and if they have laser cut outs then they let your feet breathe.

I bought this pair at Marshalls about a year ago.  I love the ombre affect and the fact that they have a pop of color.  Today I am wearing them because my toes are desperately in need of a pedicure and the weather can't decide if it is going to rain or not.

Oxfords certainly aren't new on the fashion scene but obviously this classic is here to stay.  Oxfords have been re done in so many ways and I think that every women's closet should have a pair.  They are one of those timeless pieces that get worn and re worked in different ways.

-Michelle

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I'd rather be half tan than match the sand! 4 tanning favs

I have tried a lot of bottle tanning lotions over the years.  My friends have heard me say,
"I would rather be half tan, than match the sand!"
I say this because I have walked around proud as can be even with tan stripes down my calf after tanning application malfunctions.

I am about to try Jose Maran's Argan tanning oil, and Clarins tanning drops that are added to your regular facial moisturizer before applying, but until then...

My top favorite bottle tanning lotions that I have repurchased are:

Million Dollar Tan Cabana Tan Extreme ($38-42)

(photo courtesy of www.amazon.com)
made with organic ingredients and paraben free

                                                        

Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse ($35)

(photo courtesty of www.http://beginningboutique.com.au/)
no parabens no alcohol

                                                           

St. Tropez Self Tan Bornzing (Lotion or Mousse) ($32-37)

(photo courtesy of www.amazon.com)
Formulated without:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

                                           

Fake Bake Flawless ($13-27)
(photo courtesy of www.amazon.com)
paraben free preservative free

I don't tan year round, but summer is inching closer and I want to feel refreshed and kissed by the sun rays!  I' d like to think I'm gotten better at preventing streaks and orange elbows, but a few mishaps happen now and then.  Streaks don't deter me! Chemicals do!  I now only use brands that are paraban free, and I encourage you to do the same!  Parabens and Phthalates have been found in breast cancer tumors, so choose the brands formulated without!  Your skin is the largest organ in your body,  it is worth the extra dollars to treat it right!  Let me know your favorite bottle tan!

-Erin

*All products mentioned have been personally purchased and not sponsored by the company.

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Black Milk clothing

I discovered Black Milk clothing from youtuber Karissa Pukus!  I like the owner's rags to riches story, and how he used to eat mangos from his mango tree when low on cash.  (A fun fact about me is I love mangos!)  Black Milk's garmets are a stretchy nylon lycra material.  I don't know how their sizing runs though.

They are too pricey for my budget, but I found some similar styles elsewhere that each spark conversation wherever I go!  Owner James' creativity has led me to wear a lot of fun and wild printed leggings as opposed to simple black.  I do have to say that I don't own any Black Milk clothing.  The quality of my finds is not too good, but I assume Black Milk's pieces are more sturdy and wont pull or fray with one wrong move, so check out the website!
us.blackmilkclothing.com

me wearing skeleton leggings

me wearing strawberry leggings

Note the quality difference of extra black and coloring on my pair vs. below.

    (photo courtesy of www.aliexpress.com)

   me wearing my muscle pants - leg day at the gym

Black Milk also makes dresses, bodysuits, and more!  I love the two items below!

                                  Blue Cherry Blossom Reversible Skater Dress

                               (photo courtesy of us.blackmilkclothing.com)

                                                                            Koi Purple Leggings
                                                       (photo courtesy of us.blackmilkclothing.com)

Check out how Black Milk was created here!
Do you wear colorful leggings?

-Erin

*All products mentioned were personally purchased and this post was not sponsored by the company.

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My Vegan Chocolate "Frosty" Recipe

About two years ago I started seeing a recipe float around Facebook that claimed to make a vegan version of a Wendy's Frosty.  It used cocoa, almond milk, bananas, ice, and a couple of other ingredients that I can't remember right now. At the time that I came across the recipe I was not consuming any dairy or soy, so I was hopeful and excited to make myself a yummy treat.  In my opinion, the recipe was an epic fail.  I was so disappointed when I tried it.  I even tried tweaking the measurements and it still tasted awful to me.  I'm not going to lie, I became determined to make a yummy, chocolate tasting dairy free and soy free version of a milkshake and it became somewhat of an obsession.  I tried several different variations and after two years I finally have almost perfected a vegan version of a Wendy's Frosty at home.  I am excited to share it with you!

For this recipe you will need:
- blender
-vegan chocolate protein powder
-approximately 1/2 frozen pear cut into slices or cubes
-approximately 1/2 frozen banana cut into slices
-8oz of vanilla sweetened coconut milk

To make this milkshake or "Frosty" first add the coconut milk to the blender, then add the vegan chocolate protein powder, frozen pear and frozen banana.  I use Dutch Chocolate pea protein by Now Sports that I purchase using Amazon Prime.  A half a scoop works great for me but you will need to adjust that according to your taste and diet goals.  Some people are looking for ways to add additional protein into their diets and this certainly a great one!  Blend well and enjoy!  The pear gives it a thick consistency and using only half a banana rather than a whole one means that you can't taste banana over powering the chocolate.

If you find that your shake isn't thick enough then add a little more frozen pear or decrease the amount of coconut milk next time.  I have made this several times and I have never needed to add more pear and reblend.  Each time I have made it it has been thick , creamy, and delicious.  I have to use a milkshake straw to drink it but it could also be eaten with a spoon like soft ice cream.  

Please try out this recipe and let me know what you think!  Also be sure to follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook! 

-Michelle

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*This is a non sponsored review.  Photo is courtesy of the blogger

Swim Dresses

Swim dresses are adorable and right now they are the number one trend that I love to hate.  I honestly can't decide if they are the cutest thing to hit the swim wear scene since....almost forever or the worst thing that has happened to the beach and pool since swimsuits with suuuuper high cut legs were all the rage in the late 80s.

So maybe, Dear Readers, you can hear my points and help me decide.

First, swim dresses are generally modest.  In a sea of micro bikinis, cage details, and low cut monokinis, swim dresses provide demure coverage while still being flirty.  And of course, covered skin can absolutely still be sexy and attractive.

The black ruched swim dress pictured above is absolutely adorable, flirty, and modest.  It is available on SammyDress.com and looks to be a very flattering style for many body types.  

Second, swim dresses are more functional and practical if you do a lot of moving around, getting into and out of the water, and chasing kids.  I love my bikinis but there have been a few near misses with wardrobe malfunctions while I have been chasing my kids.  Thankfully I had felt them about to happen and was able to avoid losing a top, flashing a nipple, or mooning the pool...but really, who wants to constantly be worried about ending up accidentally partly naked at a children's party?  Not me!

Third, Swim dresses are an adorable and modern nod to retro swimsuit fashions.  I love when vintage styles come back and get reworked in a more modern way.  Some of the swim dresses I have seen lately are cute, modest, and so fun while being vintage inspired.  Below is another example of a swim dress that I like.  It's available at Torrid.  I like that the straps are adjustable and love the polka dots.

And now let's discuss the drawbacks to swim dresses.  

Not all swim dresses are more flattering than normal cut bathing suits.  Adding more fabric to your swim attire does not necessarily make it more complimentary.  In fact, just like with a regular dress, the wrong pattern or misplaced ruffles can you look much larger than you are or call attention to an area you wish to hide.  

Next, not all swim dresses are exactly practical to swim in.  The swim dress below is sexy but I am having trouble imagining being comfortable in the water with all that flowy material floating and flopping around you.  I suppose if you just sun bathe then it's probably ok.  If you like it, it is also available on SammyDress.com.  

Some swim dresses are cute on the hanger or pictured on models but are hard to pull off by real women.  Some of the vintage inspired or ruffled swim dresses that I have seen remind me of something that Cindy Brady would have worn and are about as short..or long depending on your view!  

While the strawberries on the suit pictured above are adorable, I can't picture myself or any of my friends being able to pull it off.  In addition, it's long enough that it reminds me of something my two year old daughter would wear in the summer.  Obviously, not with that same halter cut for a little girl, but the overall look.  I found this photo on Pinterest and am not sure of the original site selling it.  Anyone know?

And my last qualm with swim dresses is that they seem that they would be uncomfortable under a cover up or clothes when wet.  Like, you have to be fully dry before putting anything over them and whatever you wear over it has to be either a maxi dress or a cover up designed especially for swim wear.  You couldn't just layer shorts and a tank of the swim dress above very easily.  I think this suit is adorable but I don't normally get the chance to completely change into and out of my bathing suit  when I get to the beach or pool.  I like the ability and ease of layering whatever I have on that day over my suit and I don't see that as being feasible with most swim dresses.  I think of all the swim dresses I talked about today that the one above is my favorite.  It's available at Nordstrom and looks darling!

Now I want to hear from you!  What are your thoughts on swim dresses? Love them? Hate them?  Comment below and let me know!

-Michelle

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*This is a non sponsored review.  All opinions are that of the blogger.  Photos courtesy of Torrid, SammyDress.com and Nordstrom.