Designer Spotlight: Rebecca Minkoff

I felt this second designer spotlight post (check out the first here) should belong to yet another woman making waves in the industry. As of lately Ive been intrigued by the design and aesthetic that the Rebecca Minkoff brand has … Continue reading

The “Ugly Sandal” Part 2

As mentioned in my previous UGLY sandal post I am currently obsessed with the comfort of and albeit stylishness of the new wave trend of sandals. The previous feature on my “faux birks” led me to continue to search for other ones in different shapes and colors. I came across these babies at TJMAXX and instantly fell in love. They are from the brand Italian Shoemakers. The gold stood out as functional for everyday neutral use, and the cushy cork provides the comfort I fell in love with from my original pair. They are exactly what I wished for and Im so glad Im trading in some of my extremely flat -no support sandals and giving my feet some tlc. Links below!

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

gold, sandals, faux birkenstocks, cork, thong, casual

Inga Leather Heel Strap Sandal

Italian Shoemakers

Birkenstocks

Minimale Animale X Nasty Gal

A little side boob never hurt anyone! Or at least not in my opinion. I have been on the hunt for a top that exposed “side boob” for quite some time now. Obviously this look is not for the faint of heart and requires confidence and if I may say balls to rock. It’s not an easy task to expose yet cover vital parts when you have particularly bigger girls to work with. In comes this awesome top from Nasty Gal. The Minimale Animale swimwear collection is one I’ve been coveting for ages now. They are all uber sexy and on trend. This suit is the product baby of both brands collaborating and I couldn’t be happier with the result! Since it’s an actual bathing suit it is lined fully (wont show up see through even with flash) and its tight enough on the sides to prevent any accidents (although for a night out on the town some would suggest boob tape for extra security). I love the high cut and the cute square pocket detail. It is so versatile worn as a regular bathing suit or as I did for a fun night out on the town with some high waist shorts and booties. As always check out the links below for this number as it is now on sale (typically this brand can run anywhere up to $300) so check it out while its discounted!

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nasty gal, minimale animale, t-kini, swimsuit, bodysuit

nasty gal, minimale animale, t-kini, swimsuit, bodysuit

nasty gal, minimale animale, t-kini, swimsuit, bodysuit

club, outfit of the night, minimale animale, nasty gal

T-Kini- Swimsuit

Toodles

Ari

Nueva York

This crop top is everything! Once I saw the “Nueva York” graphic I knew it had to be mine. Anything that can remind me of home is always a win, plus the rainbow/holographic colors are fun for the summer. This top is final sale on Nasty Gal so go before its gone forever! I paired it with my grey trouser shorts and leopard boots (both old season forever 21). Links to items below!

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

blog, new york, nasty gal, nueva york, crop top, fashion, leopard, boots

Nueva York Crop Top

Grey Shorts

Similar Heels- Here & Here

Toodles

Ari

The “Ugly” Sandal Pt.1

This post is long overdue seeing as summer is almost over but I finally got the chance to photograph and style the look! Birkenstock sandals have been seen on everyone from fashion bloggers and celebrities alike. Why would anyone want to wear these “ugly” sandals you ask? Well for one they are incredibly comfortable! Unlike a lot of summer sandals I buy and toss after one summer of use here in sunny Florida, these babies will last you and are incredibly versatile. I personally don’t think they are ugly at all but was just intimidated by some of the pricing. Unless you score a great sale, they can run you upwards to $150. In comes this faux pair! I found these in Target and they are from the Sam & Libby collection (Sam Edelman and his daughter’s line). The Ashland Sandal features less cork than the original birks and stud details but still have the same aesthetic of the cross thick adjustable straps. While I save up for Birks perhaps in the near future these are an amazing alternative. For the price they cant be beat! I styled it with a silk blue button up, white Ann Taylor shorts and my Kate Spade chain link bag. Links below!

target, sam & libby, birkenstocks, birks, sandals, summer, trends, outfit of the day, styled

faux birks, royal blue, white shorts

faux birkenstocks, royal blue blouse,

faux birkenstocks, royal blue blouse

faux birkenstocks, target

faux birkenstocks, royal blue blouse, kate spade

faux birkenstocks, kate spade

Sam & Libby Ashland Studded Sandal

Similar Royal Blue Button Up’s- Here, Here & Curvy

Similar White Shorts- Here & Here

Actual Ann Taylor “City Shorts”

Toodles

Ari

Shea Moisture

Coconut and Hibiscus body butter, dry oil mist and hand & body scrub.

Coconut and Hibiscus body butter, dry oil mist and hand & body scrub.

For the last month or so I have been using these three Shea Moisture products and I can’t say enough good things about each of them. Shea Moisture’s products contain naturally certified organic ingredients, they also take pride in not adding any potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, paraffin, formaldehyde, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrance, petrolatum and lastly it is not tested on animals.
The Coconut & Hibiscus collection blends an exotic mix of fruit and floral ingredients giving this line the perfect summer island feel. I love anything coconut, so it was ultimately love at first sight. This specific line is said to help remedy some of the most common beauty woes such as dry skin and discoloration. The coconut oil penetrates into the skin leaving it deeply moisturized while the hibiscus flower brightens and tones your complexion. They also have a hair care line (I believe Ari has reviewed some of their products).
How to use:
First use the hand and body scrub all over my body while in the shower (Tip: exfoliating your legs before shaving leaves them feeling extra smooth)
Second I mix a quarter sized amount of the body butter with 2-3 spritz of the dry oil mix together and rub all over my legs, knees, arms pretty much everywhere.
* You do not have to mix the body butter and oil together it’s just my personal preference. The oil on its own leaves an amazing sheen on your body, perfect for a sexy night out. The body butter is thick an creamy leaving your body feeling silky smooth.
By using these three products my skin is left with an abundance of moisture and smelling like a delicious coconut drink.

These products are sold directly on Shea Moisture’s website or your local Target and Drugstore will carry them.

Links to Products:
Body Butter
Hand & Body Scrub
Dry Oil Mist

Happy Summer,
-Gwen

60’s Beachside Blouse

As some of you may know I was featured on Willow & Clay’s clothing site on their quirky “I spy” series. I wrote about the city of Orlando and styled some pieces from their site. They were kind and gracious enough to send me a beachside blouse and I am in love with the boho feel of it! The bell shaped sleeves and empire waist gave off a 60’s vibe perfect for the summer. I wanted to pair this feminine piece with edgier items to mix up the look. I went with my favorite faux leather shorts, and my cutout booties (both old season Forever 21). This shirt can be cinched in at the waist for a more polished look or worn as is for a boho vibe. This shirt is breezy and fun for everyday casual wear or can be spruced up for a festival look paired with the right accessories (i.e floral head crowns and boots). Thanks to Willow and Clay for their awesome opportunity to collaborate and Im in love with my new shirt! Links below for the top and similar items.

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

beachside blouse, boho, bohemian, booties, 60's, mod,

IMG_3893

IMG_3894

Willow & Clay Beachside Blouse

Faux Leather Shorts- Here & Here

Cut out Booties- Here & Here

Peace & Love

Ari

July 4th Outfit Inspo

Happy Independance day to all of my fellow Americans! I am so excited to be able to share some outfit inspiration for this awesome day, but mainly happy for the day off from work. Who wouldnt be looking forward to gorging oneself on barbeque food, watching fire works and wearing fun patriotic themed items? This year I decided to tone down my previous enthusiam (ie tattoo american flag lips) and went for a more subtle approach in showing my support. My camo skinnies serve as a “neutral” base while also representing for our troops, American flag canvas flats are old season target and my crisp white button up finish off the look. Links to similar items below.

american, ootd, outfit, fourth of july

american, ootd, outfit, fourth of july

american, ootd, outfit, fourth of july

 

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Untitled #2

 

Happy fourth everyone!

Ari

Chiquita Banana

What a long over due post from me! After coming back from Puerto Rico my sister Gwen has been putting in so much work and has posted so many amazing things. Keeping with that momentum here is an outfit of … Continue reading

Modcloth: Day and Night

Modcloth is one of my absolute favorite websites, not only do they have a great selection of clothing, accessories and shoes they also offer a wide range of sizes making it a super easy one stop shop for just about everything you need.
I believe I have mentioned before that I absolutely love striped clothing! Modcloth’s Coach Tour Dress in navy stripes is definitely right up my alley. Check out 2 looks I’ve created down below, the left side is more day time appropriate while the right side can lead you to a fun night out on the town.

Modcloth Day & Night

 

The Coach Tour Dress has a fold-over collar along with gold buttons on the side which gives the dress a polished look. It also has a cinched waist, perfect for those of us who need a little extra help in that department.
Day look: I think this dress is super casual and perfect for some vacation fun. I added a bright yellow flat sandal and a turquoise crossbody bag to give the outfit a little pop! (who doesn’t love a little color!) I decided to keep everything else a bit more neutral by adding some all black sunglasses, a tan leather strapped watch and some small yellow flower earrings.
Night look: Although this dress has a casual feeling to it changing up a few key accessories can make a beautiful transition into an evening look. I still kept some bright colors in mind but I switched the yellow flat sandals for a yellow peep toed wedge, more evening appropriate yet, still comfortable. For the bag I went with a smaller neutral colored clutch, I feel this gives the look a very soft and feminine touch. Accessories are also key in making an outfit, I opted for a rose gold watch and super cute anchor stud earrings, making the dress appear a bit more nautical. Last but not least, a nice red lip really adds a touch of sophistication to this look.

If stripes aren’t your cup of tea Modcloth has so many other styles and patterns to offer. Check some of these out:

Polka Dot Dress
Solid Print Dress
Floral Plus Size Dress
Maxi Plus Size Dress

Xo,
-Gwen