White has always been my favorite color to wear – now that I’m engaged (a post for another time, I promise!!), I couldn’t be more excited to finally be able to shop exclusively for all things white. I actually purchased this LoveShackFancy dress on sale before I got engaged and it’s been only fitting that I wear it regularly this summer. By the way, if you haven’t heard of LoveShackFancy before you have to check it out – the cutest summer dresses, tops and skirts for the ultimate girly girl or romantic. I’ll link some of my current favorite pieces below. Anyway, here are the pieces in my all-white wishlist for brides to be I have my eye on for the time being, with many more to come…
All White Wishlist for Brides to Be
Click on items directly to shop
+ Silk Maxi Gown – this flowy silk caftan is perfect for beachy or tropical occasions.
+ Slip Dress – you can never go wrong with a classic slip dress! It’s a must for every closet.
For the sake of your skin (and your future self), if you’re going to tan, make it sunless with these sunless tanning tips and products. Fake tans have come a long way over the past decade. There’s absolutely no reason to compromise your future skin anymore by laying out in the sun all of the time or even worse – going to a tanning bed. This is one area I wish I had listened to my elders when I was younger, but it’s fine – you live and you learn. I’m a slave to sunscreen, floppy hats, and minimizing my exposure to sun these days. If I really want some color I will opt to sunless tanning – a good spray tan will make you instantly look five pounds lighter!
No time to make it into a salon or don’t have the budget for an at-home tan?
Quality sunless tanning products are also not to be underestimated.
Sunless Tanning Products
To begin my sunless tan tips, there are some really good products you can use at home (I love St. Tropez mousse, Isle of Paradise drops, and Tan Luxe tan solution) – but the easiest of all is a good spray tan. Recently I got an at home spray tan with Vita Liberata and now I’m obsessed. One of my favorite blogs, The Skinny Confidential, got into my head years ago and I’ve never forgotten her words – “If you can’t tone it, tan it.” A spray tan does wonders for your skin’s overall appearance and also makes it look like you’ve been putting extra time in the gym, even if you haven’t.
Here are all the sunless tan tips you need to get the best spray tan possible.
The Spray Tan Tips You Need
For fool-proof, streak-free sunless tans, it might be appropriate to enlist a professional. In Los Angeles, I love Heather Tans and Vita Liberata (they come directly to your home!!). You still have to put in a little effort to ensure you get the best spray tan possible, but it’s very minimal. The entire process is easy and quick -which is why I love it so much!! Here’s what you need to do –
Pre Spray Tanning Tips
+ The night before, exfoliate and shave. Now is the time to use a dry brush! You want to avoid doing this after you get your spray tan, otherwise you will essentially be sloughing off your tan. Ideally, you would do this the day of your tan, but the night before is fine as well. Before the spray tan, you want the smoothest possible base to ensure your tan goes on evenly. Afterwards, be sure to moisturize!!
+ Immediately before the tan, make sure to use barrier cream!! Your technician should have to give you, but you will want to put some on your feet and hands so they don’t turn out orange.
+ Make sure your skin is clean before getting a spray tan. Avoid lotion and makeup! You want a clean surface for the product to stick to.
+ Leave your jewelry at home! You don’t want to be wearing any when you get your spray tan.
+ If you’re leaving the house to get a spray tan, wear dark and loose-fitting clothing (you’ll appreciate this afterward when you are especially conscious of rubbing your new tan on anything white or light colored!). For shoes, wear flip flops or rubber slides.
The Spray Tan Process
+ Ask for some light contouring – a really good spray tan will accent and hide the appropriate areas!
+ Every spray tan formula is different. Be sure to ask your technician how long to keep the formula on before showering. For at least the next 4-8 hours, avoid sweating and showering. Some formulas continue to darken over 8+ hours, so how dark you want your spray tan to become will also impact how long to keep the initial formula on.
+ Wear what you feel comfortable in. Everyone is different! Your technician will typically tell you how to stand and adjust to make sure every part of your body is covered evenly.
After Spray Tan Tips
+ Wear loose fitting clothing after spray tanning. The formula should dry quickly but you do want to avoid it rubbing off. Tight or white clothes are a major no no. This is the time to whip out old t shirts and sweatpants.
+ If you’re going to bed, I would recommend laying down sheets you don’t mind getting dirty or sleeping on a towel. For this reason, I recommend getting spray tans at night – that way you can change into loose clothes, sleep, and wake up and rinse.
+ Don’t shower or workout for the next 24 hours. You don’t want your tan to streak or wash off early. Also avoid applying makeup if possible. Again, you] want to prolong your tan as long as possible.
+ Apply moisturizer on your entire body every day. You don’t want dry skin flaking off as this will make your tan look splotchy and uneven. This will keep your tan looking even and fresh as long as possible. Using a light at home tanning formula can also help prolong your color and cover up any streaks if they come up.
More Sunless Tanning Tips
+ To prolong your spray tan, moisturize and avoid over-exfoliating or washing off your tan. A good spray tan will fade evenly over the next week or two.
Are you a fan of spray tans? What has your experience been like? xx
One of the more recent “it” designer handbags is undoubtedly the Chloe Nile bag. First spotted on the runway a couple years ago, the Nile is the latest in Chloe’s string of recent hit designer bags (following popular styles such as the Drew, Faye, and Tess). Many of Chloe’s bags are equestrian inspired, but I am particularly fond of the Nile bag. I’m very careful and selective about bags – as much as I would love to snatch up every new designer bag that hits the shelves, the reality is my budget simply does not allow for that. I have to be thoughtful about purchasing designer bags and view them strictly as a luxury want and not a need. With that said, I was really excited to add the Chloe Nile to my closet.
First, let’s talk about what makes an “it” bag. I’m sure everyone would love to know, especially the many designers that are constantly thinking of new designs and sending them out to various companies and individuals in the fashion industry. Stores can’t keep them in stock and somehow every cool fashion girl you know is carrying it.
A big part of a label’s image and perception?
Influencers. Celebrities, magazine editors, bloggers, social media influencers, the most stylish girl in your office. All of a sudden it seems like everyone has a bag and you just have to get your hands on it. Sometimes people will wait for months for a bag! The Chloe Nile debuted a couple years ago in Paris on the runway, and has been seen on the streets since then on many well known influencers. It’s easy to see why it’s been given the title of “it” bag.
White is my favorite color to wear, but I’ve always shied away from white handbags. Because let’s face it, white leather screams disaster from a mile away. I’d like to think I’m more cautious and responsible now than I was in my late teens, so after doing extensive research on proper care for white leather, I took the plunge (I always like to do my homework before making a big purchase : )).
I opted for the small crossbody version of the Chloe Nile and it is my favorite bag to carry at the moment – I receive tons of compliments on the bag and the white color and grain leather freshens up any outfit (it comes in a variety of other colors as well – I love this metallic and this gray version as well)! If you’re considering this bag for yourself, read on for my honest review of this purchase.
Reviewing the Chloe Nile Bag
Size + space:
The small crossbody bag is ideal if you’re on the go and traveling light. For reference, I have an iPhone 6s+ and in certain phone cases it does not fit in the bag. I can get away with my phone, a cardholder, chapstick, lipstick, and my keys in the bag. This size is perfect for daytime. The bracelet bag is even smaller. If you like more space in your bag, go for the medium size. Personally, I think the small is the perfect amount of space if you prefer smaller bags and do not want to carry too much stuff at any given time.
However, I will give a fair warning that it can feel a little too small at times. I love the look of the small size, and find the medium to be a little too big (starting to sound like Goldilocks here, I know) – I would recommend trying out the bag in store and seeing how it looks on you before purchasing (you should really do this before buying any bag!). I love the top handle and the fact that you can wear it with the shoulder strap or as a crossbody bag, it can be dressed up or down and a white bag is really the perfect summer accessory! But I do not know if this is a “forever” bag in my closet. You may feel differently!
Material:
The grain leather is well made and does not scratch easily. Of course, it never hurts to treat the leather on your handbags. So far I have not had any issues with my bag scratching and the metal bracelet part is not abrasive on the bag itself. But as with all quality leather goods, I recommend handling with care and taking to a professional to treat and clean.
Interior:
The inside of the bag is soft suede and looks beautiful. I imagine this would be difficult to clean if you got it dirty, so something to keep in mind if you are prone to accidents and spills.
Price:
Chloe bags tend to be less pricey than Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and YSL. The Nile collection tends to fall in the $1500 range (however, I have noticed the bags increase in price every year). So far the bag has strong staying power and is holding its value well for now. Of course, you should never buy a bag with the intention of turning it for a profit down the line – contrary to popular belief, most bags are not a good investment. Chloe bags in particular tend to lose a bit of their value over time, but a quick glance online shows that the Nile bag is still going strong.
Practicality:
The size and structure of the bag makes it ideal for daytime. However, I think it could also easily transition to night, especially in the summer. It’s actually one of the more versatile bags I’ve purchased in recent years. My only gripe is I wish it were slightly bigger and easier to open.
Overall, if you’re looking for a small leather crossbody that works well from day to night, I recommend the Chloe Nile. This style isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and will continue to wear well for years to come. Chloe bags continue to be iconic and translate well long after they hit the streets. They also have decent resell value, if you ever decide to find your bag a new home.
As a longtime fan and follower of Marianna Hewitt, I was super stoked when she launched her skincare line “Summer Fridays” – simple, clean beauty that promised glowing skin and natural ingredients. Oh, and can we take a second to talk about how cute the name and branding is?! Of course, anytime a product is launched by an influencer or on social media, it’s natural to be slightly skeptical. I knew I wanted to try this mask out for myself and see if it was more than just an Instagrammable brand and packaging.
My Honest Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask Review
This mask promises to be a powerful skincare tool – on the website, the product description reads:
You don’t have to be a jetsetter to have that lag.
Upgrade your skin to a business-class complexion—no matter what time your red-eye gets in, or what time your head hits the pillow. This uber-dewy, hydrating mask soothes thirsty, stressed-out skin by steeping cells in a nourishing mix of vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants and gently exfoliating extracts. Skin looks instantly renewed, radiant and ready for anything!
Non-comedogenic, no phthalates, surfactants, petrolatums, BHT, BHA, or silicones
It’s vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, does not contain any synthetic dyes or fragrances, and is not tested on animals.
“Jet Lag” Mask Ingredients
The primary ingredients in the mask are chestnut extract, vitamin C, and niacinamide. These ingredients claim to polish and exfoliate dead skin, brighten skin tone, and improve skin tone and fine lines.
Overall, I love how natural the ingredients are. My skin also tends to be on the drier side, so I love anything that promises hydration and moisturizing benefits.
As far as the benefits of the mask go, it’s exactly what I was looking for in terms of a moisturizing and overnight mask. I also travel often (and frequently take red eyes!), so an easy to pack mask that I can wear on long haul flights is also important to keep my skin healthy and glowing.
How to Use
I’ve worn this as an overnight mask (applied a thin layer before bed and rinsed my face in the morning) and loved how plump and dewy my skin looks and feels in the morning. I’ve also used it as a deep moisturizing mask after an exfoliating mask – I have Summer Fridays “Overtime” mask as well, which they suggest to use before Jet Lag. I also love my weekly date with Drunk Elephant’s Baby Facial, which leaves my skin incredibly thirsty – Jet Lag is the perfect follow up!
I also like it as an extra layer of hydration to plump up the skin before makeup application. The website suggests using as a primer (avoiding the area around the eyes) before foundation, and it definitely helps create a smoother canvas if you are doing your makeup.
The tube is also easy to use and transport, and fits easily in my toiletry bag for when I travel. It works perfectly for what it’s named after!
Results
Overall, I loved this mask. It works well on flights (short or long haul) and I love waking up to soft, glowing skin. But I do want to say, I don’t think this mask is for everyone. I’ve read my fair share of mixed reviews online, so I was initially hesitant to try it out for myself. And at almost $50, it definitely isn’t the most affordable mask out there. However, I do recommend this mask for drier skin types that could use the extra hydration. If your skin breaks out easily, you may want to avoid.
Personally, I found “Overtime” to be a little too harsh for my skin, but Jet Lag was a welcome addition to my skincare routine. I’ll be bringing this on all LAX – NYC red eyes from now on.
Have you tried any of Summer Friday’s products? Do you have any favorite sleep masks?
I’m all about simplifying my beauty routine. I like to keep things relatively low maintenance and minimal. But one thing I cannot give up is a good manicure. I feel like having well groomed nails makes you look instantly more put together. As far as where to go for a manicure, I have my favorites in Los Angeles. When I really want to spice up my manicure, I go to Color Camp.
It seems like these days everyone is trying to do a million things at once – but there’s something to be said for sticking to one thing and doing it well. That’s where Color Camp comes into play. It’s not your typical mom and pop nail salon – it’s a place where you go to get your nails done if you’re serious about nail art and design.
Think of Color Camp as a “Drybar for nails”
Color Camp is currently in Los Angeles only. They only do one thing (manicures) and they do them extremely well. I’ve only gone for gel manicures, but their regular polish manicures are worth the wait and advance reservation as well. My gel nails easily lasted 3 weeks and still looked brand new (with the exception of my nail growth). Sorry ladies, they don’t do acrylics – natural nails only!
The first thing you notice when you walk in is the magnetic wall of nail polish colors. They have every color you can imagine, as well as suggestions for nail art. If you don’t like one of their seasonal designs, that’s ok too. Bring in a photo of a design and chances are one of their nail artists will be able to recreate it for you. Think foil, delicate designs, prints, dried flowers, etc.
Where Color Camp really shines is their nail art on gel manicures.
If you have to remove gel, they steam the gel off, which is much less harsh on your nails. Afterwards, the polish is meticulously applied. The type of gel polish and the way they apply it makes the gel incredibly durable and long lasting. On top of that, I swear it helps your nails grow (and they never break!). I always go for the Super Gel, which is $10 extra and worth the splurge. I swear it makes your nails grow like crazy and keeps them healthy, even if you’re a gel manicure addict like me.
They have a menu of nail art – including a constantly changing seasonal menu.
Nail art ranges from $1-5 per nail. I always get so many compliments on my nails when I come here.
Currently Color Camp only has one location in Los Angeles – but I hear they’re expanding! Make sure you book your appointments in advance – they book up and cancellations are rare. If you want a fun manicure that lasts, I highly recommend Color Camp. Perfect for those days when you just want to treat yourself! xx
