Red, White and Cool

Happy Fourth of July!!! In spite of a lot of negative statements and sentiments being felt by some during these dubious political times, I am still happy to say I am proud to be an American and celebrate this day. The struggle to identify with one “culture” when you are first generation is hard but I think both me and my sister could say we got the best of both worlds and are better people for it. This great nation still has a long way to go with relation to race, immigration issues (just to name a few) but nonetheless its the place we call home. Its also great timing that Gwen has come back now from her 6 month stay in London to celebrate with all her close friends. Below is my OOTD for your standard BBQ or casual outing for this holiday. Plaid is so versatile and it doesn’t hurt that It incorporates the flags colors. I paired this #fabfound Marshalls dress with my Aldo lace up booties and some gold accessories. This piece could also be used to layer and could have been worn with shorts and a crop top as well. Heres to another great year and awesome fireworks! Links to similar items below and previous Fourth of July outfits for inspiration.

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

fourth of July, ootd, red white and blue, plaid, tartan, fashion, blogger

Similar Dresses from Forever 21 –Here, Here, Plus Size

Previous Fourth of July Posts – Here and Here

XOXO-Ari

Coming to America 

My flight back to New York is only 3 days away! (I’m such an emotional wreck). I have been organizing and packing over the last couple of days and as I was putting together my handbag I thought I would give you guys a glimpse at my must have flight items.

During a long flight something to read be it a book or magazine is great to keep yourself occupied.

Music- either an iPod, iPad or where ever else your music is stored, oh and you must not forget your headphones. Mine are from the brand Frends

I like to carry a notebook in order to reflect on my journey or jot some notes down. This cute pineapple one comes from Paperchase (UK). 

Flushable wipes (self explanatory, especially for us ladies)

EmergenC- this is a good vitamin C packet to take before flying as you’ll most likely be around a sick person along with all of the recycled air, which doesn’t help the cause.

Hand sanitizer- once again trying to keep germs at bay. This Soap and Glory one smells amazing!  

Chewing gum– my ears pop when descending and landing, chewing gum really helps my ears from becoming filled with air. My favorite is sweet mint from Orbit

Hand cream- keeping hands nice and moisturized is very important! Another Soap and Glory favorite! This cream is also considered a hand mask. 

Hydrating Face cream or mask- your skin looses a lot of is moisture and can become really dry with such high altitude so once again it is vital to help your skin retain some of it by adding in a hydrating face cream or a mask. I’ve packed the Sephora brand Honey sheet mask and the Nuxe creme fraiche 24 hour moisturizing mask. 

Eye mask– undereye areas are also delicate and can become quite dry, placing eye cooling masks can also help keep them fresh looking. I’ve got the Skyn Iceland hydro cool firming eye gels which really help de-puff the under eye area. 

Hydrating spray face mist– a mist also works if you prefer a quick spritz of freshness every few hours or so. The Evian facial mist is great for a quick refresher! 

Lip balm– we can’t forget the lips! The key word for this post is obviously hydration and your lips should also be nice and moist for the duration of the flight. My current favorite has been the Nuxe Reve de miel lip balm.   
This might seem like a lot of products but this is a routine that I am pretty much used to. I also make sure I carry a large tote to ensure I can bring along all of these items. I am currently using my Longchamp tote. It is super comfortable to wear and ultra roomy!   
There you have it guys! I hope this post was helpful for any those of you planning on taking a summer holiday (or during any season really). 

Safe Travels!

xx, Gwen 

Frizz Happens

Hello Lovelies!

On this Sunday I wanted to share with you another casual look sure to make any curly haired trendy girl happy. I bought this limited edition “Frizz Happens” t-shirt from the amazing Alyssa or “Forever Flawlyss” on Ig and Youtube. She is a beauty and fashion blogger gaining more recognition and rightfully so! Her curly hair tutorials as well as fashion posts on instagram are incredibly unique and fun to recreate. She came out with this “frizz happens” t shirt line for only a limited time and I jumped on the chance! Living in such a small place I sometimes want to scream this to people when they rudely stare at me and my big hair. Frizz does happen, GET OVER IT! I paired my awesome shirt with camo print jeans, a blush blazer, Kate Spade eiffel tower purse and my new favorite nude sandals purchased at TJMAXX. This shirt is no longer available but you can get pretty much any saying printed on a white t-shirt in your local malls or even etsy.com

frizz happens, curly hair, ootd, camo, nude heels, kate spade, black and white

frizz happens, curly hair, ootd, camo, nude heels, kate spade, black and white

frizz happens, curly hair, ootd, camo, nude heels, kate spade, black and white

frizz happens, curly hair, ootd, camo, nude heels, kate spade, black and white

Until Next Outfit of the Day…..XOXO- ARI

North Face Killa

The brand North Face brings back so many great memories of my past. Growing up in New York, North Face is an iconic staple to get you through any harsh weather conditions (especially the cold). From my coat to my book bag, hat and gloves, north face was where it was at in terms of style and what was on trend. This hip/fanny pack is one way I can rock it while now residing in scorching Florida. I stole it from my sister (and co blogger) who had stolen it from her best friend back when she was in high school. I guess you can say it’s endured a lot and yet still has so much life left to it. It is extremely roomy and can fit my entire wallet, keys, some cosmetics and my phone comfortably with still some room for more. I loved being purse-less for this comfy and casual day! I paired my bum bag with a white crop top and boyfriend jeans from H&M, target studded sandals and a plaid shirt to tie around my waist and cover my belly. This brand will always have a special place in my heart

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

ootd, fblogger, fashion, plaid, boyfriend jeans, north face fanny pack

North Face Hip Pack

Boyfriend Jeans

Target Sandals

XOXO- ARI

Nail Cuticle Tattoos

The little details are what make life that much more interesting. This statement could not be any truer with regards to fashion and accessories. Trends like midi rings and small dainty jewelry are spot on because they are feminine, interesting and don’t overwhelm your look. These nail cuticle tattoos do just the trick! I found them on ASOS and was immediately smitten with the idea of sprucing up my nails more than just stacking rings together. It’s a way to be ornate without having to fully commit to getting some actual permanent ink. These stick on tattoos are perfect for a concert, party or even just worn casually with a great manicure. They are applied just as any other temporary tats and come off with water in the shower. Links at the bottom!

nail cuticle tattoos, nails, blogger

nail cuticle tattoos, nails, blogger

nail cuticle tattoos, nails, blogger

nail cuticle tattoos, nails, blogger

nail cuticle tattoos, nails, blogger

ASOS Nail Cuticle Tattoos

XOXO, Ari

Sunglassspot Sunnies

As many of you may have caught on already the hype about Sunglassspot.com is too real! This awesome website features designer inspired sunglasses as well as fun decorative sunnies for the climbing temps! At only $5.00 a pair you cannot beat the quality or design. You can change up your look every day and protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun while always staying on trend! The following picks were a combination of mine and my sisters. The plan was to each get three and now that we’ve received them, we want more! Check out how my picks look on my face below and make sure to check out the site for more stylish options.

sunglassspot, sunglasses, sunnies, cat eye, designer, celine dupe

sunglassspot, sunglasses, sunnies, cat eye, designer, celine dupe

Sharp Rimless Bottom Clear Lensed Cat Eye

IMG_2837

Round Metal Trim High Pointed Tip Cat Eye Mod

IMG_2836

Retro Round 50mm Pearl

Sunglassspot

XOXO, Ari

Diced Pineapples 

 Pineapples are currently all the rage! They can be found on clothing, home decor items, shoes, accessories and of course your local supermarket. I love how every so often a new trendy “iconic piece” pops up into the scene, for a while it was foxes, cats, owls and now we are moving on to fruits! For whatever reason I am totally loving anything pineapple these days. Here are a few products I have recently picked up.

Whilst browsing at Topshop (it all begins with just a casual browse, next thing you know you find an item you just can’t bare to continue living without). I came across this pineapple phone case by Skinny Dip (£12). I saw it, grabbed it immediately, bought it, love it and that is all! Funny enough I sent a photo of it to my sister and she was totally jealous because she too has been wanting this case.

 “Joy the store” is a shop I have literally walked by a million times and never seemed to notice them until I went over to Greenwich one weekend. This glistening rose gold pineapple from the window display was calling my name. I just went in to see if they were selling it and to no surprise I am now a proud owner of a gorgeous rose gold pineapple money bank. Is this a total necessity? No but, what is life if you can’t indulge in all of its pleasures am I right? (This was discounted because it has a minor chip on the stem, I paid £15) 

And lastly I don’t even have to tell you guys that I was once again in Primark (I just can’t stop) and spotted this pineapple tote. I am a huge sucker for totes they are just the easiest way to carry extra stuff around. At only £1.50 you can never have too many! (This will be gifted to Ari, yay now you’ll own something pineapple-y as well!). 

Here are some other cool pineapple themed items/clothing.

pineapple

Are you guys into this trend as well? Let me know down below if this is a hit or miss for you. 

(The title of this post was inspired by Rick Ross’s “Diced Pineapples” in case you were wondering)

Same or similar items can be found Here Here Here

xx Gwen

Denim On Denim

An ode to Britney and Justin, denim on denim is making a resurgence in the best way! Paired best with complimenting shades (both items being light or both being dark denim) this works well in a casual setting or even dressed up a little with heels and edgy jewelry. I was inspired by the button up denim shirt I purchased in London on my Primark shopping run. It was particularly tricky to match exactly since I don’t have such light jeans, but I made it work with my thrifted shorts of a slightly different wash. I brushed my curls out and went for a “cool” hipster vibe with my bowler hat and nasty gal cut out booties. Details and links below!

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

denim on denim, primark, shorts,nasty gal, heels, ootd, fashion, fblogger, blog

Similar Top
Similar Shorts
Bowler Hat

Love, Ari

Nike Leisure Wear OOTD

Random fact about me: I am not into theme parks! I know it sounds preposterous considering I live in close proximity to all things magical at Disney and Universal but nothing about it appeals to me. I get sick on most rides and am apparently a bit afraid of heights (never really knew this until my trip to Spain going up the mountain Montjuic a couple of months ago). I was invited this past weekend to Busch Gardens in Tampa and to appease my family I went. I opted for my new favorite work out Nike capris purchased at TJMAXX, a white t-shirt and my old air max sneakers that would keep me comfortable and cool. The sporty athletic leisure look is cohesive with the ever popular 90’s resurgence and also plays up androgynous sex appeal in a woman. I’ve actually been complimented more by men wearing sport clothes then my normal attire. Next time ( if there is a next time) I would probably go for a wife beater or racer back to avoid ugly tan lines and also in a slightly darker color considering I got soaked in a water ride and gave the kids a show. Free wet t-shirt contest anyone? I ended up having a lovely day and enjoyed viewing the animals and spending time with family. Links to similar items below!

Men’s White Crew Neck T-Shirt- Literally anywhere! Walmart, Target etc

Nike Capris

Nike Air max

XoXo- Ari

Paris is always a good idea

Another bank holiday has rolled around in England causing the urge to book a quick city break. I chose Paris! the city of lights, one of those most magical and romantic cities of all time (so I’ve heard). I am insanely excited! I wanted to quickly share with you all what I packed for my long weekend getaway. Focusing on makeup and some key pieces I felt were necessary. I also got some fun tips from “Parisian Chic” a style guide by Ines de la Fressange. Let’s begin!

Choosing what makeup to bring is always so hard for me, especially lipsticks I mean how can a girl anticipate what color she’ll want to wear for the next three days? (Champagne problems). I tried to focus on my holy grail products and a variety of what I consider to be classic lip shades.

 

  

For clothes I pretty much chose basics ie; jeans, a denim button down, striped t-shirt and a little black dress for a night out. Two pieces I want to give special attention to are my faux leather jacket and side slit blouse. I purchased them both at Newlook.

A motorcycle inspired jacket can easily transform an outfit into chic and edgy. I love the contrast of pairing it with something a bit more feminine to balance out the asthetic of the look.

This side slit blouse is all the rave in London (I’m assuming it is back home as well). I love the slight sexiness it posses as you’re mostly covered up in the chest area but can show off a bit of skin without being too much.

If you haven’t already noticed I am pretty much obsessed with wearing black. Normally I am all about color but lately black pieces have taken over my wardrobe. Wearing black makes me feel like I’m in a classic piece (even if it’s only a plain black t-shirt). This was also confirmed while reading the “Parisian Chic” book.

  Stay tuned for my Paris adventures!

xx Gwen