My Favorite Makeup Products + Tips & Secrets

Hi dolls, 

I want to share with you all some of my all-time favorite makeup products. Now that summer is coming to an end, I will be starting to wear makeup again more often. During the summer, my skin tends to be more oilier than usual therefore, I avoid the whole 'dolling' up process. My makeup and technique, is pretty simple in my opinion. I usually wear lip gloss/balm, lipstick (occasionally), eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush (this was my "thing' about a year ago), and mascara (occasionally). I typically do a subtle to dramatic smokey eye day or night.

Spring into Summer: My Favorite Trends

Summer is officially almost two weeks away. Have to started your summer wish list? You don't need to read all the latest fashion magazines to get the scoop on what's 'hot' to wear this season. Become inspired by different pieces, people, and accessories that catch your eye. The items above are what I consider my muses for the summer.

• HEART SHAPED SUNNIES: If you're a sunglasses veteran, it doesn't hurt to switch up you itinerary every now and then. I love heart shaped sunglasses (sunnies as I like to call them) for the summer. They can make any outfit look retro chic. They can also add a feminine touch edged up look.
• CURLY HAIR: In the summer, it's best to limit your daily usage of heat styling. The sun already adds on extra damage to your locks, why add more fuel to the fire? As the weather gets warmer, embrace your waves, curls, coils, and kinks! Embracing your natural texture during the summer can give you hassle-free styling. You can enjoy fun activities on the beach and in the water!
• BEACH INSPIRED JEWELRY:  Incorporating elements from beach into your wardrobe can give you an ultra cool surfer vibe. A lot of this jewelry can be found in surfer shops, and in any local markets near a beach, pier, boardwalk, or shore. I personally love jewelry can be made out of sea shells and rocks.
• TRIBAL JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES: Tribal jewelry and accessories are very popular right now. Tribal patterns come in a vast amount of variations and styles. There are so many pieces to choose from.
• WHITE NAIL POLISH: This is a trend I have yet deiced to try out for myself. I love the way white polish looks against a different skin tones. So don't think you can't rock white nail polish! Find different bases of white that best suit your skin tone. Different gradients of white can have a powerful effect against any skin tone. The color above is by Essie and the color is in Marshmallow.
• DENIM CUT OFF JACKET: Every Girl/Guy MUST have a cut off denim jacket in their closet. It's a crime if you don't! You can have the sleeves cut off or the bottom of the jacket cropped. This is a fairly easy DIY project, to try at home. All you need is an old denim jacket, and your good to go!
• PRINTED DOC. MARTENS: last but not least, is a pair of printed Doc. Martens. I think everyone needs a pair in their closet. Doc. Martens are very interchangeable. You can dress them up or down. Find your size, color/pattern, and your set to go. It's as simple as that! On a cool summer night, you can pair them with shorts, a dress, or a skirt.

Color Blocking 101

Color Blocking seems to be the latest trend stemming in mainstream Fashion. Frankly, I've been "Color Blocking" for years. I never knew there was an actual term used for it. Color Blocking is when you mix and match different colors, pieces, fabrics, patterns, shapes, etc in an outfit. For example, you may wear a yellow blouse with royal blue shorts. You can Color Block with almost anything you could think of. Many handbags and shoes come in different patterns/colors that are already 'Color Blocked' (example: #5) The art of Color Blocking, relies on how well colors, pieces, fabrics, patterns, shapes, etc work together. Having a basic knowledge of different color schemes is helpful as well.

 Is this a hit and miss trend? The answer is yes and no. I personally think people should color block with no more than 3 colors at a time. Choosing the right colors that complement your skin tone helps create a successful color blocking outfit. Some of us color block subconsciously. I don't like when Color Blocking is forced (ie Nicki Minaj-esque). Have fun with color blocking. If you're new to it, start out with small accents like two-toned bags, jewelry, and shoes. Have a stylish day!

My Favorite Pieces For Spring

 1. Over Sized Shirt: An over sized top or sweatshirt is perfect for spring because you can pair it with leggings, a mini skirt, shorts, or printed pants.

2. & 9. Vintage Jewelry: If you're going for a romantic look, or wanting to spice up a plain outfit, accessories are the way to go!

3. Oxford shoes: Oxford shoes have been on my radar since last year. They add a masculine touch to any feminine outfit.

4. Printed Blazer: A Blazer is a must for almost any wardrobe. You can dress it up or down. A printed/patterned blazer creates definition to your outfit. A unique pattern will have heads turning!

5. A corset/Bodycon top: There's various ways you can rock a corset or bodycon top. I like to pair them with high waisted shorts or paints. A maxi skirt gives off a chic bohemian vibe.

6.  Crossbody bag: Crossbody bags are perfect for any occasion. Whether it's running errands or a night out on the town.

7. Sky Mile High Heels: This one is self explanatory. You can never go wrong with a great pair of heels. The higher the better! They can give the most ordinary Fashionista the feeling of walking in a Marc Jacob's runway show. Jeffery Campbell's (shown above #7) will give you that feeling!

8. The Tank Top: Cropped, long, over sized, fitted, it doesn't matter! Tank tops can create any look your going for, at any given time. My favorite tank tops are from indie brands or some I've designed myself. They can be plain or printed. Tank tops can be super cool and downtown cool.