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Thursday, July 9, 2015

What I Wore on the 4th of July

I know I've said this before, but I love the 4th of July almost as much as I love the country it celebrates. On this beloved holiday, I sported three of my favorite American classics: seersucker, button downs, and red lipstick. To make a statement, I added my new favorite hat. Lastly, I threw on some brown leather shoes and a brown crossbody to tie my outfit together.










I love this outfit so much and I had a great time strutting around San Diego wearing it! Even though it was the perfect outfit for the 4th of July, I think its perfect for any summer day. I hope your 4th of July was as wonderful as mine!
From head to toe:


Have a great day!
Emily

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

A Beauty Q and A with my BFFs!

Q:How do you make your make up sweat proof?
 A: In my opinion, the best way to make your makeup sweat proof is to use a primer spray, like the Urban Decay De Slick. Using this at the beginning and end of your makeup routine will create a sweat-proof-sandwich barrier for your makeup. Also, I buff my powder on my face to lock it in, which keeps my face matte all day long. 
Q:How do you do braids on the back of your head?
 A: Well, I've been obsessed with braids since I was born. I learned how to French braid by practicing on my head, so I'm just used to it by now. The best advice I can give is to keep practicing and don't cut your hair off if you get frustrated. 
Q:Which lipstick brand is best?
 A: This is a super tough question because I love so many lipsticks, but I know I haven't tried every brand yet. My favorite drug store lipsticks are the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick. They are smooth and don't settle in the lines of my lips. I absolutely adore the Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks-all of them. They have this distinct smell that takes me back to my childhood, the packaging is gorgeous, the formula is smooth and buttery, and the colors are so so pretty. So, I guess I would say that in my opinion Maybelline is the best drugstore lipstick and YSL had the best high end lipstick. 
Q:What is a must have for a lipstick lover?
 A: I have a few. I think every lipstick lover needs a go to red lipstick and a staple neutral or everyday lipstick. To me, a red lipstick will give a great statement and, let's be honest, who doesn't love a great red lip??!! I think a nude lipstick for everyday wear is really important because it ties a look together. You'll notice a big difference in your look after swiping a neutral lipstick on. 
Q:So I can't afford urban outfitters, but I love their clothes. Any advice?
 A: I'm not sure if I'm the best person to ask because though I do have a few things from urban outfitters, most of the clothes they sell aren't really my style. I would suggest looking at target and Marshalls. I also find really great clothes there and since that Urban Outfitters style seems to be trending right now, I've seen a lot of Urban Outfitters type stuff at those places. 
Q:Can I steal your dog?
 A: Well since Rudy is my best friend and my child, no. But feel free to give me as many dogs as you want. 
Q:What are your favorite kind of socks?
 A: I really love fuzzy socks, but I'm kind of wierd about the fuzzy sock toe line thingy so I always wear normal socks and wear fuzzy socks on top of them. (Weird, I know. But it makes me happy!)
Q: What are your favorite drugstore/ more affordable beauty products?
 A: Like I said, I really love the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick. I also love the Maybelline age-rewind concealer and the Maybelline color tattoos. My favorite lip liner ever is the Rimmel London lip liner in the color Eastend Snob. I always use EOS lip balms. They keep my lips smooth so I can use whatever lipstick I want. If this counts, I really like the Real Techniques make up brushes. They're kind of in the low-to-middle price range, but they're definitely worth the money. They are really good quality and they swipe makeup onto your face flawlessly. Same goes for the Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes. 
Q: If you could live off of one make up brand for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A:I would have to choose Urban Decay. The more I look at the makeup I wear, the more I realize how many Urban Decay products I use. I truly think that most Urban Decay products are really good quality. They're pigmented and they stay on all day. 
Q: What is your favorite clothing store/brand and designer?
 A: my favorite clothing store is Anthropologie. I love how they mix classic pieces with trendy ones and I feel like they host a lot of different styles and themes in their stores. My favorite designer to watch during fashion week is Elie Saab because her formal dresses are absolutely gorgeous. She never fails to add the perfect amount of embellishment. And I love how she isn't afraid to use bold colors. As for a designer that I actually buy stuff from, I adore Kate Spade. She keeps her looks classic, but still incorporates trends into her stuff. Also, there's always this underlying retro tone in her collections that are super cute. 
Q:When did you start getting into fashion, beauty, and hair?
 A: I've always had fierce opinions when it comes to fashion and beauty. Before I could even do my own hair, I would tell my mom exactly what I wanted and was not afraid to tell her to do it again if I thought it wasn't right(poor lady, I was a fashionista mess when I was little). When I was in 7th grade, I got really into volleyball and my clothing taste went down hill. Lucky for my appearance, I quit volleyball and went back to my fashionista roots. I guess if I was to give a specific time of my evolving, I would say around the end of 8th grade. 
Q: What and/or who inspired you to start blogging?
 A: When I started to get more into fashion, I found a lot of blogs and fashion accounts on Instagram and Pinterest. My favorite blogs are Gal Meets Glam, Classy Girls Wear Pearls, and The College Prepster. They planted the seed of starting a blog in my head, then my friends and family gave me the final push I needed. 
Q: Tips on swimsuit shopping?
 A: I've always had so much trouble with this. Since I'm a human person, I naturally have insecurities about my body. I think the most important things to keep in mind is that everyone feels the same way you do about swim suits and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made- Your body is exactly how it should be. 
Q: What is your top must-have item for each season?
 A: This is really hard because fashion is always changing. For the summer, I always need a cute sundress and some bright orange lipstick. In the fall, I like to ease into the cold by wearing knit cardigans and sweaters. In the winter, I can't live without puffer vests and riding boots (and hot coffee of course!) Finally, in the spring, I like to start wearing pink lipsticks and flowy tops. 
Q: Which is your favorite fashion capital? Why?
A: New York City, of course! Even though Chanel shows in Paris, New York is where my heart is. If you've ever met me, you know how much I love this city. Also, I've researched a lot about fashion in the 1900s and I know how important American fashion is. We've gotta stay patriotic!!
Q: What are some of your favorite DIYs?
 A: I have these gold flag banners that are hanging above my mirror in my room that I love. They were super easy to make and they really give my room some sparkle. I'm not sure if this counts, but I love embellishing gifts. I decorate them with ribbons and little tags and they are adorable. I also have a lot of fun doing this. 
Q: What is your favorite scent of all time?
 A: My favorite scent is anything vanilla. It's a super classic scent and it reminds me of cookies. At school, I keep this La Vanilla roller ball in my bag in the scent vanilla coconut and it smells like a sugar cookie fresh out of the oven. All of my friends borrow it from me and we just sit there smelling out wrists. Like I said about the fuzzy socks, it's weird, but we're happy!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Fourth of July Nails

The Fourth of July is, without a doubt, my favorite holiday (other than the fact that it is the eve of my birthday, I love the food, the fireworks, and, of course, the celebration of the best country in the universe.) I figured since I love the 4th so much, I would showcase the nails that I always sport while watching fireworks. Here are my American flag nails!
 To create the best flag ever, you’ll need:
·         a red nail polish (I’m using Essie Fifth Avenue)
·         a blue polish (Essie Pret-A-Surfer)
·         a white polish (Essie Blanc)
·         Base coat
·         Liquid dry or fast-dry top coat (optional)
·         Nail striper- I'm reusing an old red nail polish striper
·         Dotting tool (or toothpick, pen, etc.)
1.       I started by taking of my previous nail polish.


2.       Whenever I do my nails, I always start with a base coat. I used to not do this, and my nails turned yellow and brittle. I was able to save them by using a base coat, and now I never risk not using one.


3.       After waiting a minute or so for your base coat to dry, apply at least two coats of a white nail polish(By the way, my white polish was super goopy, so it got all over my skin-oops).  After you do this, wait for your polish to be almost dry or completely dry. This ensures that the white polish doesn’t have a weird cutting or pulling look when you paint over it.


4.       Once your polish is dry enough, turn your hand so that your nails are horizontal and outline a blue square using a nail striper. I like to pour a small amount of nail polish on a paper plate and dip my striper in that. This way, you won’t get too much polish on your brush and you have a cute artist palette- a double win.


5.       Fill in the blue square with blue nail polish.


6.       Pour some red nail polish on the same paper plate (not on top of the blue polish, obviously, we don’t want purple stripes) and paint horizontal stripes on your nails.


7.       Go back to the same white polish you painted on your nails before and create dots on the blue squares on your nails.


8.       After you finish your masterpiece, wait for your nails to completely dry. Then, paint a topcoat to finish off your nails. By waiting for your nails to dry and painting your topcoat on in quick strokes, you will prevent your nail art from streaking.


9.       You can stop at the topcoat, but I use a liquid dry top coat to protect my nails from messing up and to help them dry faster.



And that’s all! I love this nail design because it’s fairly simple and it shows the world how fiercely patriotic I am. Now you can eat your all American food, go swimming, and watch fireworks with the cutest and most patriotic nails. I hope your 4th of July is amazing!
Have a great 4th of July!

Emily