DIY Vintage Inspired Headband

You know those broken necklaces or bracelets that are on the bottom of your jewelry box?  We all have one or two. They are too cute to throw away, but there is just no way to fix them. Well it's time to dig them out and try your hand at an easy DIY project that is perfect for a rainy day.

In addition to your own baubles, you will need:

(1)  thin gage floral wire from the craft store.

(2) an inexpensive headband. Mine was $2 from the craft store

You can also use vintage brooches, vintage earrings or a cluster of fancy buttons to attach to your headband.  Hope this gets your creative wheels turning!

Linked up with:
Treat Yo'Self, Three-fer Thursday, Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday, Look What i Got, Working Girl with Style, Friday's Fab Favorites, Fashion Item Friday, Favorite Fashion Friday, Creative Mondays

Le Doggie Bag

West Elm Frenchie Market Tote, $14 now  // Loft Chambray Top // Loft Shorts // BCBG Shoes, TJ Maxx // Target Hat  // C.Wonder Bracelets  // Michael Kors Watch  // J.Crew Factory Necklace

I have spent more money on designer bags in my lifetime than I would care to admit.  It's a girl thing to want to own at least one really good bag, right?  The older I get, the more I realize that it isn't so much about the label, as it is functionality and simplicity in a bag that I crave.  I recently invested $9 (on sale) on this canvas market tote that has gotten more wear than some of my more expensive bags.  It's big, it's indestructible, and it's super cute.

For me, it's like buying your kids a lot of fancy toys, when suddenly you realize that all they need to be really content is that cardboard box that my bag just arrived in.  If they destroy it, it didn't cost a thing, yet their heart breaks with a tragic loss of a favorite toy.  I still love my fancy bags, don't get me wrong, but I am loving the carefree, replaceable ones just as much.

I hope you enjoyed celebrating Memorial Day weekend! Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
Trend Spin, Style Sessions

It's Gonna Be All White ~ Anthropologie Giveaway

Gap Dress, on sale now // Joe Fresh belt, love this one // Jessica Simpson Shoes // Michael Kors Bag // Michael Kors Watch // C. Wonder Bracelets // Julie Vos coin Necklace

Sometimes it feels so good to just throw on a simple, cotton dress, pull your hair into a ponytail and just go. It sounds easy and carefree, until you realize that you are wearing all white.

This means I will be wearing my lunch,  traces of dirt from my car will magically appear and my dog will somehow leave his print on me. But, it's going to be alright. I feel great the minute I run out the door, looking polished and pulled together.  The best part about it all?  I can throw this dress in the washer and start all over again.

This is Memorial Day weekend ya'll!  So, in honor of the holiday weekend, let's do something fun! I have teamed up with Meagan, from Because of Jackie and a couple of lovely bloggers for a $100 Gift Card give away to Anthropologie! To enter, simply follow the steps in the Rafflecopter widget below. Each entry you complete will give you more chances to win! A winner will be selected and contacted next week. Be sure to stop by and visit all these gorgeous and talented ladies too! Best of luck to all of you! 

Thanks so much for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linked up with:

 Three-fer Thursday, Treasure Tromp Treat Yo' Self, Casual Friday,  Friday's Fab Favorites, More Pieces of Me: Manic Monday, On The Daily Express: Manic Monday

Makeup Tutorial :: My Natural Daytime Glow

To get my natural makeup look, I only need 125 products and 2 hours.  Okay, not exactly, who has time for that?! However,  looking natural without a little bit of help is not an option for me.  You see, I'm a makeup addict. My mother-in-law (mom) got me hooked on good skincare and makeup in my early 20's.  Thanks to mom, I now have pretty good skin for a woman my age.  If you are in your twenties, now is the time to start, ladies!

My Daily Skincare Routine

The number one skincare rule for natural beautiful skin is to moisturize daily, a.m. and p.m. after you wash your face.  I am a fan of Lancome skincare and have used it religiously in my 20's and 30's.  However, as I age, I tend to use different  products, depending on the needs of my skin.  I am currently trying a dermatologist strength line,  Exuviance Age Reverse,  which is supposed to help even out my skin.  I have a lot of freckles, which I like, but I also have uneven areas. This stuff is making my skin appear healthier and also gives me a nice radiant glow.  Tip: I exfoliate my face once a week with Estee Lauder's Perfectly Clean.  This removes any flakiness, unclogs pores and leaves skin clean from any impurities. 

My Makeup Routine

Face:  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer with spf15,  Laura Mercier Radiance foundation primer, Laura Mercier translucent powder, eye shadow base, & concealer, Laura Mercier Moisture foundation with spf15

Cheeks:  Laura Geller cream stick blush, Baked bronzer, kabuki brush, foundation brush

Eyes:  Bobbie Brown eye palette, Smashbox eyeshadows, concealer brush, eyeshadow brush, blender brush, eyeliner brush

Lips, brows, lashes:  Kevyn Aucoin eyelash curler, CoverGirl Lash Blast mascara, Givenchy lipstick, Chanel lip liner, Chanel eyebrow pencil, Bobbie Brown gel eyeliner and eyeliner brush

Click below to read full post:

Check Please

Bananna Republic top and skirt (on sale) // Old Navy Tote // Jessica Simpson shoes, TJ Maxx // J.Crew Necklace // C Wonder Bracelets // Michael Kors watch

I think I am safe to say that Mother Nature just hates us all.  She has pushed us through the polar vortex, supplied us with plenty of snow and rain, and messed with us this past week with sunshine and warm hot weather.

As I was taking these photos, a gust of wind came out of nowhere, giving me special effects of "my hair blowing in the wind".  It was not as romantic as it sounds. Gingham print reminds me of a sunny picnic at the park, so I wore this skirt thinking it's May and the weather should be perfect for it.
Apparently, May doesn't mean anything to Mother Nature as she rained on my parade.

Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
Très Chic Thursday, Three-fer Thursday, Look What i Got, Working Girl with Style, Fab Favorites, Casual Friday, Favorite Fashion Friday, Simple Sequins~ Fashion Item Friday, Trend Spin, Style Sessions, Stylish Tuesdays

Romantic Notions

Romance is what keeps our marriage fresh and exciting. After 30 years together, Bill and I remain devoted to each other and more in love today than ever.  Our secret? We are best friends with a mutual respect for each other.  We are not marriage experts by any means, but through all the growing pains, having babies and the heartache of losing loved ones, one has always been a source of support for the other. 

With each brick that life has thrown at us, it has only created a deeper and richer foundation for our love to grown on.  He would be the understanding and supportive one and I would be a listening ear at the end of a long day. 

Here are a few ways that we keep our love fresh:

1. Saying the words "I love you" or "you are beautiful".  I can count in one hand how many days over these past 30 years that Bill hasn't said that he loves me or that he thinks I am beautiful.  It's amazing what a few meaningful words can do to lift your spirit, especially through those tough days. 
2. Morning coffee.  We have made a habit of having our morning coffee together just to enjoy each others company and conversation. I look forward to it so much.
3. Bringing home the favorites.  Whether it's a Zero chocolate bar or in my eyes, a freshly baked bear claw,  we both love to buy each others favorites while at the store. When you know the other person took the extra mile to make your day a little brighter, your love is a little renewed.
4. Trying out each others interests. Bill has a loyalty to the Cleveland Browns. Although football is not really my sport, I usually ask how they are doing and at least pretend that I know what he is talking about when he explains the scenario. I know for a fact that Bill doesn't really like taking photos for my blog, but he does it because he knows it's important to me.  In the photos above, he stepped out of his comfort zone and took photos with me.  I appreciate his great sense of style.
5. Be his Fantasy girl.  I have fun playing dress up. Oh, get your mind out of the gutter...I don't mean that in a naughty way.  I love experimenting with clothes and accessories.  I know that Bill loves the art of tattoos and the pin-up girl is pretty popular in the tat world.  So for our Sunday brunch date, I surprised Bill in this flirty "pin-up" style dress that he bought for me on our last trip to New Orleans.  We stepped out in our stylish duds and enjoyed a nice  brunch, and most importantly...Bill's eyes were just on me.

Are we relationship experts? Oh gosh, no. Only sharing with you what we've learned along this great adventure! 

Shop similar romantic styles here:

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Converse Sneakers · Old Navy Hats · Cubavera Shortsleeve Shirts

Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
More Pieces of Me: Manic Monday, On The Daily Express: Manic Monday, The Style Record; Monday Must Haves, Monday Bloom, Style Sessions, Stylish Tuesday's, Treat Yo'self Thursday

It's All About The Details - DIY

Bracelet: Anthropologie, similar  // Nail Lacquer: Deborah Lippmann

Shirt: J.Crew Outlet  // Jeans: J.Crew Outlet, similar // Ray Ban's 

I am all about the presentation when it comes to entertaining.  It's the tiny details that make any event special.  When my friend, Carly (above, right),  asked a few of us girls over for wine and cheese on a regular Tuesday night, I didn't expect anything fancy, just a casual time with great friends.  

When we arrived, Carly had put together an elegant cheese platter filled with cheeses, figs, walnuts, chocolates and crackers.  Personalized place mats with our names welcomed us on the patio table.  Emily (above, left) brought fresh bouquets of flowers for the moms, which added a special touch to our night.  We sipped wine from crystal goblets as we chatted the night away. 

 Here is how to create your own simple arrangements and party platter:

So simple and casual, but oh, so very glamorous! Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:
Random Wednesday, What I Wore Wednesday, What i Wore, Treasure Tromp Treat Yo'Self, Perfectly Coutured Three-fer Thursday, Tres Chic Fashion Thursday, Simple Sequins Fashion Item Friday, Penniless Socialite Favorite Fashion Friday, Passion for Fashion

Glamorous Dream Trip To NYC with Kendra Thornton

I am so delighted and flattered that the lovely Kendra Thornton, Travel Advocate, PR Businesswoman, and TV personality contacted me to participate in her glamorous New York Fashion Challenge.  Kendra appears as a travel expert on television stations across the country and has made special guest appearances on The Tyra Banks and The Nate Berkus Show.  In her message, Kendra shares her plans for a dream trip of a life time to New York.  She and her friends will be staying at the luxurious Dream New York City Hotel and are looking forward to living as large as the city itself by stepping out in style every evening. 

Kendra's Hair and Make-up Inspiration:

Ava Gardner in 1942 on the Left and a Fashion Model from 2014 on the right. Images found on Pinterest.

Kendra’s choice of a retro Hollywood look, makes this challenge extra exciting for me, since I’m pretty familiar with the glamour and elegance of the golden era.  I started with Ava Gardner as my fashion inspiration for Kendra's hair and make-up.  The wavy hair and red pouty lips will transform Kendra into the sultry Hollywood siren that she, well, all of us dream of.

Retro Inspired Dresses for day or night in the city:

Ava Gardner 1949 - Image found on Pinterest

During the golden era, women would always dress up in elegant lady-like dresses or suits, heels and their hair and make-up always done to perfection.  Not anymore, sigh...we've come along way in toady's comfortable fashion world, but it sure would be a lot of fun to transport back in time with Kendra on her magical trip!

Below are few of my retro inspired dresses to step out into the city looking just as fabulous and elegant as the celebrities did,  yet still feel comfortable enough to enjoy your days and evenings without too much fuss. Polka dots, floral and A-line midi skirts are also today's fashion trends keeping that retro vibe alive.

ModCloth Lady-like Dresses: Broadway shows // Lunch //  Cocktails // Shoes

Here are more fabulous retro inspired looks for the city, day or night...check out the heels and lace:

Karen Walker Sunglasses · Gucci Duffels & Totes · Christian Louboutin Pumps

Evening Gowns for glamorous nights in the City:

Ava Gardner - Image found on Pinterest

For evening events, long gowns scream Hollywood glamour. Whether you are enjoying and evening at a Broadway show or simply sipping cocktails  by the pool at the Ava Lounge, your glamorous dream trip would not be complete without wearing a fabulous long gown.

Evening Gowns: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Here are a few more gorgeous glamorous gowns, heels and clutch bags to choose from. I couldn't just pick one...

Jimmy Choo Clutches · Sondra Roberts Clutches · Nordstrom Clutches

I hope you have an amazing time with your girls, Kendra!  Please keep us all posted with photos of what you choose to

wear!

Don't forget to follow Kendra on Twitter.  Thanks so much for reading!

Linked up with:

Stylish Tuesday, More Pieces of Me: Manic Monday, On The Daily Express: Manic Monday, Style Sessions, Erin and Laura for Trend Spin Linkup, What She Wears