Palm Trees

Another day, another dress. Dresses are easily becoming some of my favorite pieces to invest in seeing as they take out any of the guesswork when picking out an outfit. You don’t have to pair anything and it’s as simple as throwing it over your head and heading out. A great silhouette for me is an A-line that cinches me in at my smallest point and then flares out for the illusion of womanly curves and hips. Not only is this H&M number extremely flattering, it is in a great mustard color with peekaboo pops of blue palm tree print detailing perfect for the heat and also transitioning to cooler temperatures. I paired it with an old season pair of brown suede cutout booties and my round eye sunnies. Links to similar items below!

hm, h&m, palm tree print, a-line dress, booties, ootd

hm, h&m, palm tree print, a-line dress, booties, ootd

 

Similar Dresses-Gap, Boo Hoo, Shop Tobi, Charlotte Russe

XOXO- Ari

Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturdays

Although I am far beyond my teen years (Id like to think I can still pass for one) I am still excited to share this event and opportunity with our followers!. The Teen Vogue insiders program provides the inside scoop on trends and events for teen vogue readers and others with like minded interests. They are hosting a series of Back to School events in conjunction with your favorite bloggers and fall trends! Not only do you get to have a sneak peak of fall style, you can also apply for the VIP experience and meet with beauty vlogger Sierra Marie and blogger Melanie Pace. All you have to do is email tvitgirls@gmail.com with the subject line “VIP Experience” and the city in which youT wish to attend. Check out the link below of the shows happening all throughout the month of August and see if your local mall is a host! I will be sure to blog about the VIP experience and show you guys tons of photos after my event August 8 at The Florida Mall. Prizes, giveaways and more, hope to see some of you there!

BACK TO SCHOOL

What are some trends you guys are looking forward to for “back to school”?

-Ari

LIST OF EVENTS

Out with the old, in with the new Summer Fashion!

The unbearable summer heat has reared its ugly head and it has come at a particularly opportune time in my life. I am turning 26 this August and have been giving away or selling old gently used clothing that don’t fit my new aesthetic that I am trying to go for. No I am not giving up my crop tops for good (never gonna happen), but I am going for a more neutral palette in my wardrobe with sophisticated pieces that can transition in my different life roles easier. Some key pieces that one can invest in are a good pair of sunnies (to ward off the harmful rays), a long line loosely fitted tunic that can be paired a million ways, comfortable sandals and shorts that don’t scream twerkathon. This one is particular is hard for me seeing as my body shape does look better with tighter options. As we age I think the key is going for more tailored classic shapes that can complement our body types and shift the focus. I picked some summer items that inspired me below. What are some pieces you are looking to incorporate in your closet this summer? Comment down below!

Untitled #9

XOXO, Ari

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

London Eats 

For this post I thought I’d switch things up a bit and mention a few of my favorite places to eat in and around London. It is now coming down to the wire my friends (1 short day left) such a bitter sweet feeling, but anyways on to the delicious food.

Before arriving lots of people warned me about how “bad” the food is in England but let me inform you that it is not! I mean you can’t go wrong with fish and chips, a Sunday roast because who doesn’t love meat, potatoes & Yorkshire pudding? If you don’t fancy typical English dishes hop on the tube to any of the food markets and you’ll find a huge variety from all over the world! Here are a few of my favorites! 

The Bolingbroke (Clapham) – Sunday Roast  

Granger & Co. (Notting Hill) – Ricotta hotcakes, banana & honey comb butter. 

Borough Market (London) – Beef Curry & Paella (yes I mixed the two because why not?)

Camden Market: (Camden) Gluten free Tacos & Horchata/ Agua de coco   

Kettners (Soho) –  Afternoon tea 

The Regency Cafe (London) Easy Peezy English Breakfast (only thing missing is black pudding but I am not a fan)  

Fish and Chips (Camden Lock)   

Bangers and Mash (prepared by my boss) 

  I also want to mention The Black Swan (Pub located in Surrey) for the best Sunday Roast outside of London! 

I also want to mention that the Indian food in England is the best I’ve ever had, so good that I’ve never had the chance to take a photo of it.  An amazing place to go to is Tayyabs in London as well as Aladin on Brick Lane rd. 

I know this is outside of our normal posts but I could not pass up on sharing some of the wonderful places my mouth has had the pleasure of meeting. Hopefully this didn’t make you all too hungry. Maybe this could be of help for anyone traveling to England in the future. Take care lovelies 

xx, Gwen 

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

Weekend with L’Occitane 

L’Occitane en Provence is a French brand created by Oliver Baussan. His main goal was to create products that celebrate and preserve the traditions of his native town Provence. At only 23 years of age Oliver began making his own natural oils to sell at markets and the rest as they say is history. There are now over 2,000 L’Occitane shops all around the world! 

I made an online Sephora purchase and had Ari mail me the items I bought (can we say obsession?). This “Weekend in Provence” set was one of the first items I opened because I couldn’t wait to get a whiff of the sweet almond, ah pure bliss! Prior to purchasing this kit the only other product from L’Occitane I had tried was the cult favorite Shea butter hand cream and to no surprise I loved it! So when I saw this on Sephora’s website I figured I would give it a try. Here’s what the set contains…

Almond shower oil 2.5 oz – moisturizing body cleanser, leaves a satin finish
Almond supple skin oil 0.5 oz- created with almond proteins leaving skin very supple
Almond milk concentrate 1.7 oz- nourishes smooths and tones skin
Almond delicious hands cream 0.3 oz- the almond milk and oil softens hands
Almond delicious soap 1.7 oz- almond shells gently exfoliate dead skin cells for extra smooth hands

All of these products are also paraben, sulfate and phthalates free.

  

This is a limited edition set and can be found on Sephoras website. (Not sure about the actual store). Overall I feel this is a pretty fabulous deal for $36. You are able to try a decent sized amount of product therefore, being able to make an informed decision on whether you would repurchase a full sized item. I’ve been using the hand cream, body lotion and shower oil for about 3 weeks now and can say that the scent is truly divine! The shower oil creates a milky texture once applied on wet skin, I then rinse and my skin is left feeling silky smooth! I seal the moisture in with the body lotion, the best part is the almond scent lasts quite a while. I am still thinking about purchasing the full sized shower oil as it comes with a hefty price tag. Otherwise money well spent in my opinion! 

As the name suggests it is also perfect for a weekend getaway in Provence! Or anywhere else your heart desires! 

Have a lovely weekend everyone! 

xx, Gwen 

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