Mini Spring/Summer Fashion Haul (High + Low end)

Every so often between the seasons I like to purge some old, unworn, space-wasting items from my wardrobe and replace them with fun, new purchases.  If I haven't mentioned it before, one of my biggest closet tips is to toss/give away anything you haven't used or worn within the last 12-month period.  If you haven't worn it for 365 days, chances are you won't be reaching for it any time in the near future.  (If you catch yourself saying, "but what if I need it for something later!?" -- STOP.  If you haven't needed it for an entire year, you are just kidding yourself.)  

The best part about purging your closet is being able to replenish it!  My rule is that for every two things I give away, I allow myself to buy ONE replacement item (because I'm trying to downsize my wardrobe, as hard as it may seem).  

Anyway, I haven't written a fashion post in a looong while, so I figured I'd go ahead and showcase some cute things I've picked up for the upcoming spring and summer months.  Read on!

1.  Wildfox Classic Fox 2 Wayfarer Sunglasses ($169)

New season, new sunnies.  I don't wear them often, but when I do I want them to be super comfortable and super practical.  Don't get me wrong, I think those fashion-y sunglasses are cute in certain situations on certain people, but I'm more of a classic style girl.  These Wildfox wayfarers are the perfect balance of function and fashion.  And they're super durable and sturdy for being plastic frames.  The warm tortoiseshell color is my favorite part -- I think black frames are just too harsh on my skintone.  All around great sunnies!

2.  Helmut Lang Micro Modal Asymmetrical Tank ($45 on sale at The Outnet, from $90)

This is just a cool, updated version of a plain old white tank top.  It's a lovely, semi-sheer material that's perfect for warm weather.  The asymmetry of the hemline makes it more interesting to look at than a basic tank.  It's great for layering underneath a crisp button down, or wearing on top of a cute bralette.  And before anyone freaks out about the $90 original price tag, don't.  I like to invest a decent amount into wardrobe staples that will never go out of style.. like a classic white tank.

3.  BooHoo "Alyssa Daisy" Swing-Style Jersey Playsuit ($16)

If you haven't ever heard of or shopped at BooHoo before, it's basically like a British version of Forever 21.  I like to shop at fast-fashion stores like BooHoo for pieces that I know I'll get a lot of wear from, but might be a bit too trendy to last for more than a few seasons.  So something like a jersey romper might not be in style when I'm 30 (not to mention perhaps not the most age-appropriate garment), but will definitely be used a ton this summer!  A cute kimono or jean jacket makes this romper anywhere-appropriate, and it's just as nice for going out at night with a statement necklace and heels.

My favorite part about rompers are their ability to look like dresses but still have the "modesty" of a pair of shorts.  I especially love the swing-style of this one.  You can't really tell in the picture, but it looks virtually identical to a flowy sundress, without the fear of a gust of wind lifting up the skirt.  Best of both worlds!

4.  BooHoo "Gina" Strappy Jersey Playsuit ($16)

I seriously can't believe how cute this is -- and for only $16?  Obsessed.  The back is just as cute as the front, but I couldn't figure out a decent way to photograph that in a mirror by myself.  This is very similar to the swing-style playsuit, but with amazing strap detailing.  I also love the faux-halter neckline of the straps, which is super flattering on anyone who has broad shoulders like I do.  The straps draw the eyes inward and sort of tricks the eye into thinking the body is slimmer on top.  Who doesn't like that??

5.  BooHoo "Mollie" V-Neck Rolled Sleeve T-Shirt Dress ($20)

I love a good t-shirt dress -- they are extremely versatile, comfortable, and chic.  They give an effortless cool vibe, but still look put together.  Pairing a plain white t-dress with a leather jacket and moto-style boots is a great concert or bar outfit, and matching it with an adorable pair of strappy sandals and jean jacket is the perfect running-errands or summer brunch outfit.  

This t-shirt dress is perfect, and isn't too long on my 5'5" frame!  A lot of of the time I feel like I put a t-shirt dress on (or any mini dress for that matter) and the length hits me at the knee.  Does this happen to anyone else?  But not this one!  It's a great mini-length without being too ridiculously short.  The material borders on semi-sheer, so be sure to pair this one with nude undergarments or a cute bra/bralette!

6.  T by Alexander Wang Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($55 on sale at The Outnet, from $110)

I am a sucker for the classic white tee.. if you haven't gotten that by now from this post.  When the weather gets warmer, I think oversized tees look (and feel) so comfy and relaxed.  I ordered a size up from what I'd normally wear to ensure this tee was good and baggy.  It ended up being just a smidge more oversized than I anticipated, but I still love it (and wear it a ton) nonetheless.  And again, the fabric on this one is super luxurious feeling, but a little sheer.  

7.  BooHoo "Corina" High Waisted Turn Up Denim Shorts ($20)

I'm the queen of jorts.  It's that simple.  But I don't have any pairs that are.. shall we say.. longer in length?  Dare I say.. conservative?!  Most of mine are casual, cut-offs, and generally pretty short.  When I saw these ones I immediately fell in love.  I don't have anything like them!  The darker wash and rolled-cuff are super cute and definitely a little more tailored than I'm used to.. not to mention the long-line length (for me, anyway).  I'll be wearing these babies whenever I want a little classier twist on my every day jorts outfits.

8.  Mossimo Supply Co. "Carolyn" Slip On Sneakers ($24.99)

It's always a struggle to find a good mix of cute and comfortable for errand-running shoes.  Sometimes I just don't want to wear a pair of heels to the grocery store, but I don't want to just throw on my Birkenstocks or Minnetonkas.  Insert: the cute sneaker.  I have a few pairs of lace-up ones from Keds, but these slip-on faux leather perforated sneaks are an amazing find.  Who knew, Target?!  The tan color with the white and black soles are just interesting enough without being noticeable.  I just recently wore these out with a pair of black American Apparel leggings, big men's Hanes white tank, and zip up Brandy Melville hoodie.. and it was the perfect comfy/cute outfit.

9.  Mossimo Supply Co. "Veronique" Quarter Strap Sandals ($22.99)

I don't have any black flat sandals.. weird, right?  I have my fair share of tan, tobacco, and cream leather sandals, but nothing black.  I always feared that the black color would cut off my leg at a weird place and make me look stubby, but I swallowed that fear and grabbed myself this cute pair of strappy flats.  The gold hardware will match any outfit I put together, and the simplicity of the design won't clash with my minimalist warm weather style.  Plus, my flat hobbit feet feel super secure in these sandals, and don't feel like they're flopping around and will fall out (like some strappy sandals can do).

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Hope this random conglomeration of spring and summer items was interesting enough and didn't waste any of your precious time!

DIY: Personalized Jewelry/Catch-all Dish!

Guys.  I love crafting.  Sometimes I just get in a mood and all I want to do is make things.  I know, that sounds strange.  Anyway I got really inspired by a DIY jewelry dish I saw a while back, and wanted to make a version for myself.

Everyone has those little knick-knacks that you love but just don't really know what to do with/where to put them.  Obviously in the photos below I showed an example of how this cute little dish can be used to store jewelry, but I'm actually currently using it to house tiny things like thumb tacks, paper clips, screws, and rubber bands.  The possibilities are endless!  Well.. that's definitely not true, but you get what I'm trying to say.

This DIY actually took a tad bit more effort (if you want to call it that) than some of my other ones, but it's pretty simple nonetheless.  Read on for more!

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1.  

I knew I was going to paint my letters gold before I got started, so I picked up some gold-colored polymer clay.  Even though the paint would inevitably cover the clay, it's easier to start off with a base color similar to your paint color to avoid obvious streaking (or prevent the need to paint double coats).

Whatever kind of clay you end up buying, make sure it is bake-hard clay (clay that, once heated up in the oven, will dry to a rock solid state).  It should cost you less than $2, FYI.  Mine was only $1.50!

2.

Break off a decent sized chunk of clay, and knead it between your fingers and palms until it is soft and malleable.  This might take a while, but it's necessary.

Once it's soft, use any sort of round tool and roll it out flat (til it's about 1/4" thick).

3.

With any sharp utensil -- they do actually sell tools specifically to do this, which, unless you already own one, I highly recommend foregoing -- carve out the letter you want.  I used the end of a wooden toothpick, so get creative.  Make sure the letter is big enough to handle once it's cut out, and make sure the block lettering isn't so thin that it breaks.

4.

Actually cut out the letter, using an exacto knife.  Be very careful with this step, to avoid cutting into the surface you are working on.  Also be sure to try to stay as true to the edges of your letter as possible.  Take your time!  This step takes a lot of patience and hand-work.

5. 

Smooth out any rough edges in the clay using the heat of your hands/fingers.  Try not to ruin or distort the shape of the letter when doing this!

6.

Finish cutting out all the letters you want, and make sure they fit into the dish.  Get creative with what you want your dish to say!  I chose my name as a generic choice, but you could do any of your favorite words.  (My next choice was to do "Dream", for example.)  You can get fancy with the lettering, or keep it simple like I did.  It's up to you!

7.

Preheat your oven to whatever setting is on the package of your clay, and stick all your letters into an oven-safe baking dish.  Then bake them for the appropriate amount of time.

My directions said to bake 15 minutes for each 1/4" of an inch thickness.  But I kept mine in for about 30 minutes just to make sure they were done.  They might feel springy when you go to check them -- but trust me, the letters won't get 100% solid until they're finished cooling down!

8.

Paint your dish!  I chose to roughly paint the edge of the dish with gold paint, and create a splatter of little dots cascading down one of the sides.  This part is also totally up to you!  Painting polka dots, chevron, or any other pattern would work.  

9.

Paint your clay letters once they're dried.  I used the same gold paint for my dish and my letters, but, again, this is totally up to you and your creativity!

10.

Glue the letters to the bottom of the dish with some heavy-duty super glue (just to make sure they won't fall off when you load your dish up with goodies..).  You might need to physically hold them upright and in place for a few seconds while they dry to avoid having them fall over and get stuck everywhere.  And make sure not to put anything in it overnight until the paint is dry and the glue has set!

AND YOU'RE DONE!

This is a super cute personalized gift to make for any birthday/special occasion, or to simply make a one-of-a-kind catchall dish for yourself, like I did.  Get creative with the words and designs!  Make one to match your bedroom, paint one your favorite color, or create one for friends/family.  Everyone needs a good catchall dish, so why not personalize it and make it special?  

[BTW, my dish is actually a small baking ramekin, which only cost me $2 from World Market.  So I made this entire DIY for only $4!]

Blank Canvas Cosmetics Makeup Brushes

I'm constantly on the lookout for quality, affordable makeup brushes.  I think half, maybe even more, of the makeup battle is the type of brushes you use.  Just because Tom Ford sells $80 brushes doesn't mean everyone needs to use them in order to get a flawless application.  Hell, some people even swear by their tried-and-true E.L.F. $1 brushes!

I like trying to find a nice middle ground.  MAC and Sigma brushes aren't terrible.. but not everyone wants to shell out $15-$20 on a single brush -- especially when you are an avid makeup wearer and have multiples of each type of brush.  I did a review on my Coastal Scents brush kit a while back, which was only $35 for 22 brushes, and found that they're great backup brushes.  But I never stop looking for bigger and better options.

The other week I was perusing YouTube beauty channels, per usual, and stumbled across a review from an Irish YouTuber that I instantly fell in love with.  She mentioned a great cosmetics company based in Ireland that sold quality, affordable brushes.  When I saw the review and checked out the website, I thought these brushes had an uncanny resemblance to Sigma brushes -- but for only $7-$10!  I know saving around $5 a brush doesn't seem like a lot, but it definitely adds up, and it never hurts to save some money.  And with that, Blank Canvas Cosmetics had me hooked.

The website has an award posted which boasts the company is Europe's top rated cosmetic brush company, so I definitely had to test that theory.  I decided to pick up 4 types of classic brushes to test this Blank Canvas Cosmetics out.  

I grabbed a short pencil brush, a tapered blending brush, a fluffy all over lid brush, and a highlighting face brush.  Immediately after opening the package, I definitely noticed just how similar these brushes are to Sigma, both in appearance and feel. The ferrule (metal part) is virtually identical to Sigma, as well as the black lacquered wooden handle.  They're weighty, which is so nice, and feel substantial in the hand.  They don't look cheap in the slightest!  

First up: E23 Short Pencil brush - $8.46.  I love using pencil brushes for my lower lash line, and for cutting a sharp crease.  The heels of these brushes are great!  (The heel is the part where the metal ends and the hairs begin.)  They're super tight and have little to no fallout.  And the quality of the bristles is just as good as with Sigma or MAC.

E32 Tapered Crease Blender - $8.46.  Such an amazing tapered crease brush!  I've found myself gravitating towards this brush every time I apply my makeup.  It's dense yet fluffy and applies shadows beautifully into the crease, and diffuses any harsh lines with a little more pressure.

F28 Fluffy Powder/Contour Brush - $8.46.  This brush could definitely be used as a face brush to apply highlight or setting powder in small areas (hence the "F" label), but I use it as an all-over lid brush for base shadows.  Personally, I have a ton of lid space between my brows and my lash line, so I can use quite large sized brushes to apply a neutral eyeshadow.  It's so fluffy and soft and applies such a nice sweep of shadow on the lid!  I love this brush.  

F15 Small Contour/Highlight - $15.87.  This is the perfect under-eye setting and highlighting brush!  If you use concealer or cream highlight underneath the eye and on the sides of the nose, this brush fits in the small nooks of the face like a dream.  It also works wonders for powder highlighting when you don't feel like using a big fan brush.  

Closeup of the ferrules

Closeup of the ferrules and heels/bristles

Closeup of the lacquered wooden handles

Overall, I am MORE than impressed with the quality of these brushes.  They're on par with Sigma and MAC, for a considerably less amount of money.  And if you google "Blank Canvas Cosmetics discount code," you can find a ton of 10% off codes that will get you brushes for even cheaper!

I highly, highly recommend these brushes!