Fashion

Summer Essentials

Its summer here in the U.S. which means only one thing:
ITS THE BEST, MOST MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR. Don't let those Christmas junkies tell you differently--summer is the king of seasons.
However, though summer is totally amazing and enchanting, it's also unforgiving: blistering sunshine, drying water,  and weird tan lines, can put a damper on your summer fun. Luckily, I'm here as your summer expert (I was born in July--so yeah) with your absolute summer essentials:


1. SUNSCREEN



This is the MOST CRUCIAL summer essential--the sun can absolutely ruin your skin. I mean it; its not just tan lines or freckles you have to worry about: excessive sun exposure can cause premature aging and cancer. Yeah. So ditch the dangerous tanning, and instead choose a sunscreen (with at least a 30 SPF) that has self tanner built in.

2. One Piece


One piece swimsuits are really trending right now, but many of them include super cute, but potentially disastrous cut-outs (uh, hello horrific, impossible-to-even-out tan lines). So, do yourself a favor and choose a piece that omits the cutouts, and instead grab one with plunging neckline, a graphic, or a cute pattern to keep the drama. (Left to right: Nastygal, Billabong, ASOS)

3. Hats



Like one pieces, hats are having a huge moment right now, and thank goodness! Not only are they super cute, but they help keep your pretty face from being damaged by the sun. Whether you choose a boyish cap like this bomb lemon embossed one from Beyonce's Lemonade merch, or something more traditional like this straw hat from 2020AVE, or this floppy wide-brim hat from ASOS, you'll look great and take great care of your skin.

4. Lip Balm



Its a terrible truth: we so often forget that our lips are ultra-sensitive to damage from the sun, and need to be protected just like the rest of our body. Luckily there are plenty of yummy, beautiful lip balms out there that help keep your lips smooth and safe! (Left to right: EOS Lemon Drop SPF 15, elf conditioning balm SPF 15, Wet 'N' Wild Juicy SPF 15.)

5. Body Butters



Sun, water and sand are all fun and games until you come home to find dry, cracking and agitated skin. Don't skip the beach, however--just make sure you are moisturizing everyday with some nutrient-rich, ultra hydrating body butters like these! (Go for body butters for a extra kick of moisture!)


The bottom line? Have fun, but take care of yourself! What are your favorite summer essentials?

Happy summer!

Phenomenal Professional Fashion

I want to be a professional, powerful woman.

You know, the type of woman that takes 1st class flights to Thailand for "business," and buys Venti Starbucks drinks everyday without a second thought. I want to be the kind of person you see walking past you on the street and think "Ooh, wonder where she is heading? An important Skype call with the president? A meeting with the CEO of Apple?"
You know those people, right?

There is only one problem.

Traditional "professional" clothing makes my soul shrivel up and weep. Pant suits make me sad. Bland blazers physically hurt me. Why is it that to look professional, we must dress in colorless, tweed-laden, kitten-heeled, cookie-cutter outfits? Why are professionalism and "drab" synonymous in this current business world?

I for one think that you can dress colorfully, forgo the pantsuit and bland blazer, and still look like a powerful, take-no-crap-from-anyone businesswoman, and to prove it, I've included four must-have Spring/Summer professional clothing types to add to your closet ASAP:

1. Flowing Midi Skirts

I am so loving this new trend--midi skirts are not only comfortable, but are long enough to be worn around the office (with heels!) no problem. I particularly love this white midi from Midnight Bandit--is there any colorful top that wouldn't look absolutely stately when paired with this skirt? 

2. High-Necked Sleeveless A-Line Dresses

I am firmly of the belief that sleeveless dresses can still ooze class, especially when paired with a high neckline. This stunner from ModCloth is no exception--can't you just imagine stomping through Central Park in this floral dream, politely telling your assistant on the phone to "Make it work, Stacy." ?

3. Colorful Peplum Blouses

Peplums, when done right, can be both whimsical and refined--and in a bright, eye-catching color, you are guaranteed to stand out in a crowd of professionals. This top from Augustine's is the perfect combination of dignified and enthralling, and will keep you comfortable in those long, tiring press conferences *sigh*. 

4. Baggy Pastel Trousers

Ok, not only are these super comfortable, but they are downright delectable in this raspberry sorbet color from Troy Gift. I absolutely love these trousers with a nice, loose blouse, pumps, and a huge, blingy necklace. It just screams: "Bosses can be chic, too!"

How do you combat the woes of professional garb? Let me know!

Happy ladder-climbing!