Tuesday, May 6, 2014

10 Things to Try this Month: May

1. A Spring Up-do

Spring Updo

 
With the warmer weather fast approaching, an updo makes perfect sense. It not only looks extremely adorable, but it also keeps your hair off your neck keeping you cooler in the heat. Glamour.com has a great guide to some of the cutest Updo's right now that you can try all on  your own.
 


2. A great Pair of Boyfriend Jeans

Boyfriend Jeans


A fabulous pair of boyfriend jeans aren't just stylish, they are super comfy too. You can wear this style of jean with just about any top and your outfit with look effortlessly chic. Just pick a shade a denim you favor and I guarantee these will soon become a wardrobe essential.
 

3.Sunglasses that pop! Shades in a bright, vibrant color

Sunglasses that Pop


Bright colors are back this summer, especially when it comes to accessories! Have some fun by wearing a color that pops right on your face.
 

4. Orange Lips

Runway Trends: Orange Lips
 
A beautifully bold lip can freshen up your makeup and give you a more youthful look this summer. I think orange is the perfect hue for warm weather months.
 

5. A stay-cation

Have a Staycation


Too busy to plan a getaway? Why not enjoy the relaxing benefits of a vacation right in the comforts of your own home?! Have everyone at your house turn off the cell phones and unplug from social media, that way their are no distractions from your relaxation and quality family time. Try camping in your own backyard, a relaxing picnic full of delightful food, or creating an outdoor theater.
 

6. A great CC Cream

CC Creams

 As temperatures change, it's important for us to adapt our beauty routines and products accordingly. Try a CC cream in place of your usual foundation this month. It will offer you more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or BB cream, but will still give you a lighter feel and finish than a regular liquid foundation.
 

7. Making your own fresh fruit smoothies

Home made smoothies

When the weather gets warmer, nothing is more refreshing that a cool, healthy drink. With juicing becoming more and more popular, why not treat yourself to a dose of homemade fruity freshness. Good to the taste buds and the body.
 

8. A blushing Smokey Eye

A Blushing Smokey Eye

 
 This soft take on a smokey eye has been the hot ticket in the beauty and fashion world this spring. Make it even more feminine and fun by balancing the look with pale pink lips too.
 

9. A Fun Fedora

Fedoras for Spring

 
I think a great fedora is fabulous for two reasons; one, it makes any plain outfit look instantly put together, and two, it covers up a totally bad hair day. For that, I will always love rocking an adorable hat.
Here are a few of my personal favorites that I practically live in during the warmer months.

 

10. Brightening up your Patio

Brighten Up the Patio

Since the sun is out and more time will be spent on our patios, add a little extra eye candy to your outdoor oasis.

I've added a few bright accents to freshen up my patio this spring.
 
Click HERE to find more details & pics of my spring & summer ready patio.

I hope this little list inspires you to try something new this month!!

Lots of Hugs,
Brit
 

Monday, May 5, 2014

OOTD: Floral Print & Ripped Denim

My Floral print obsession this season has only grown...I just can't get enough!
I love this top from forever 21 because the beautifully colored floral print is placed over a neutral background making it pop in such an effortless way. 
When I wear this I feel comfortable and cute at the same time; if you ask me, that's always the perfect combo for any kind of outfit.
 
 
 
 
This blouse is so easy to wear with basically any bottom but I love it with my ripped jeggings from American Eagle.

 
 
 
I found this pretty statement necklace for an even prettier price at Forever 21Here is a link to more fun statement necklaces available at Forever 21 now
 
 

 Top: Forever 21 Jeans: American Eagle Shoes: Valentino Handbag: Tory Burch
 
 
I hope everyone has a bright & fun Cinco De Mayo!
 
Lots & Lots of Hugs!
Brit
 
 

 


Friday, May 2, 2014

Sweet House Sweet Home

Hello Everyone, and Happy Friday!!
With summer fast approaching I have decided to start a new little venture. Along side fab philosophy, I will be blogging weekly on my new home blog Sweet House Sweet Home.
I've had a love for home design and dĆ©cor for as long as I can remember. When I was a young girl, I just loved to look at my mother's Home and Garden magazines and would dream of one day decorating my own house when I was all grown up. When I entered my twenties and moved out all on my own, I enjoyed decorating any apartment or house I moved into; to me, that was the best part of independence at the time.
 My obsession with interior design has only grown since my husband Travis and I purchased our first home back in March of 2013, which we've decorated and renovated in hopes of turning this wonderful house into our home.
When I think of what makes a house a home, I think of family, comfort, good food, and an all around sanctuary. An abode to hide away from the world with your loved ones, a dwelling place where you laugh the hardest and share your thoughts, or a place to entertain good friends and gather memories.
 
As a housewife, I get great joy out of caring for my home and making it a place of escape from the hustle and bustle of the world for both Travis and myself.  
 
Throughout all the renovations this past year, and the immense decorating and organizing I've done, I have felt compelled to share my passion and love with those who might have the same interest, and I hope other's will share their tips, tricks, and home solutions with me too.
 
So please, take a little time to visit my other blog. I hope you enjoy what you find there.
 
Lot of Hugs!
Brittney
 
 


Thursday, May 1, 2014

White on White

 
Outfit Of the Day
 
Wearing white on white is a trend we have seen a lot of this spring and I'm happy to report it looks like it will be just as stylish to strut your stuff in an all white outfit this summer too. Since embellished tops are in all the stores this summer, I've paired this creamy white blouse from Forever 21 with my favorite white skinny jeans from BCBGeneration.find them HERE.
(P.S. They're on sale!!)
 
When wearing layered color, it's important to keep your accessories tonal as well. It gives the look symmetry and balance. Here I accentuated the gold beaded accent in my blouse by wearing gold pumps and carrying a simple, but super, fun gold clutch wallet from Kate Spade.
 
Wearing all white gives you an instantly tailored look...
  
 
 
Metallic shoes and accessories are definitely on trend for the spring and summer seasons this year. Every designer has jumped on the band wagon and most have their own interpretation, which I think is so fun! The ones shown above happens to be Gianni Bini, but Vince Camuto has managed to create some unbelievably adorable metallic shoes this season, check out my favorite booties by him in a previous post HERE.
 
Top: Forever 21 Pants: BCBGeneration Shoes: Gianni Bini Clutch: Kate Spade
 
So I want to know, what are your go-to accessories when you wear a white on white outfit?? Let me know in the comments below.

 Thanks for stopping by!

 

 LOTS of X&O's - Brit

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

How To Have an At Home Spa Day

What better way to end the month of April than with a little pampering? As busy women, it's important to treat our skin (and our sanity) at least once a month by taking a little time for ourselves and soaking, moisturizing, and relaxing our bodies. BUT since we are all on-the-go, it can be difficult, not to mention often times near impossible, to set aside time to visit the spa or the salon and get the royal treatment we deserve. Getting a great spa treatment can cost a pretty penny too, one we'd often rather spend on necessities and therefore aren't willing to spare for a facial.

So, why not have a spa day right in the comforts of your own home?  You can treat your skin and unwind without breaking the bank.
 

First, 


Bath time

The best way to start your personal day of pampering is to begin with a soothing bath. Set the mood for an overall relaxing experience by lighting a few candles. If you're seeking to really bathe blissfully, play some peaceful music or soundscapes.
Using bath salts or bubble bath, which ever suits your fancy, will help calm and satisfy your senses.
While soaking in your tub, be sure to scrub away any dead skin cells that might be sticking around using an exfoliating scrub or body wash.
When you're finished soaking, be sure to hydrate your skin with a nourishing body cream or lotion.
If you really feel like indulging, you can incorporate essential oils into your bath by using them in the water or after to treat your skin for a few extra beauty benefits.

Next,

 
Face TIme

While it's fun to treat your face to a few more extra products than you do on a daily basis, it's important to remember to use the right products for your skin. With all the options out there, It can be tricky finding the perfect one, but have no fear, that's what the friendly sales associate at your local Sephora and Ulta stores are for. Tell them what your skin type and concerns are and they will steer you’re in the right direction. Make sure you find an exfoliator, a mask, and a cream to reap the full beauty benefits of an at-home facial. Adding an essential oil or two will boost those benefits as well.

Then,  

Treat your Feet

With sandal season in full swing, it's important not to neglect your feet. After a dry winter, and months of keeping our feet tucked away in socks and boots, your feet need a little extra attention before they are ready to slip on those sling backs. Using a foot scrub can help get rid of any dry skin or calyces that you might have. If you really want to treat your feet, you can use an electronic exfoliator like the Clarisonic Pedi Sonic or, my personal favorite, the Emjoi manicure tool. After buffing away unwanted skin, sooth your soles with a lotion made specifically for your feet. I tend to have very dry feet no matter the time of year, so a little something extra I do after conditioning is throw on a pair of Aloe infused socks to really lock in the moisture.
If you want to skip the socks and finish your personal pedicure with a pretty polish, using a product like Deborah Lippman's Turn Back Time on your nails will benefit your nails with it's anti-aging properties while making them beach ready. Our nails age just like our skin, Deborah Lippman has provided us with a product to reverse the process; seriously she's a nail polish rock star, and I'm officially her biggest fan.

 

After that, 

Give yourself a manicure

Give yourself a salon worthy manicure by using the proper tools and products. If you want to keep your polish looking pretty longer, be sure to use a base and top coat.

Finally,

RELAX

After you've primped, pampered, and moisturized your body, it's time to unwind. Put on a pair of comfy pajamas, grab a cup of hot tea, and curl up in bed with a really good book, or relax on the sofa with one of your favorite chick flicks.
 
I hope this little post has been helpful and inspired you to spoil yourself a bit because you deserve it girlfriend!
 
XO. Brit

 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

OOTD: A Day in the Garden

 

 
 
 
 

 Dress: Forever 21 Shoes: BCBGeneration clutch: Michael Kors