A Single Sunbeam Is Enough To Drive Away Many Shadows - St. Francis of Assisi

When I get dressed, I tend to keep certain elements in mind that helps take the fuss out of picking and choosing outfits. This summer for me has been all about dresses, colors, patterns, and bold lips; here are a few of my favorite things [Summer Edition].

 

 

I love dresses that have a fitted waist, and flare slightly at the hip. They tend to have a lot of movement, and accentuate the curves in a woman's body without being too revealing. When looking for these types of dresses, I always gravitate to dresses with cute patterns vs. solid colors. You can usually find dresses of this type for $30 an under at stores like:
Forever 21
H&M
Zara
ASOS [Even though they are in Europe, their shipping is cheap and lightning fast]

 

 

Accessories can really pull an outfit together, and help set you apart from the 5,452 people that may have purchased the same piece. I like to opt for stand-out accessories vs matching my accessories to my outfit because it really creates more of a unique, "stylish" look. Oftentimes my outfits are plain "as-is", but it is the accessories/styling that brings them to life.

If your outfit is:

Navy Blue + White = Red Accessories
Brown = Yellow/Orange Accessories
Blue + White = Yellow Accessories
Red = White Accessories

 

 

Pile it on! The brighter the better! I love bright fuchsia's, and deep dark reds! Pictured from left to right is:

Intriguing by Stila : This is a velvety smooth, matte fuchsia color, that I am wearing in the pictures today [Although it's matte, it doesn't dry my lips out, which is a major plus].
Ruby Woo by MAC: This is hands down my favorite red of all time! 

 

 

I love the juxtaposition of ultra feminine dresses paired with worn, rugged boots; it gives you instant edge factor vs a Pollyanna look. Because these boots can run a pretty penny, I usually hold out until I find a sale, or shop at places like:

DSW [which is where I got these Ralph Lauren Boots]
TJ Maxx
Ross
Marshall's

 

 

Nail polish really completes the look! This summer, look for bright colored lacquer, and sweet, minty pastels. OPI is my favorite brand, & here are my fav colors of the moment [from left-right]:

OPI Gargantuan Green Grape [a minty green]

OPI No Room For The Blues 

OPI It Color

 

 

Cover FX: Setting FX - This is hands down the best translucent powder I have tried to date. It perfectly sets your makeup without giving you a "ghostly" appearance, and is sheer enough so that you can wear it in the daytime. 

Smashbox: Anti-Shine - My face is extremely shiny, and this is the one product that keeps my face matte for up to 8 hours, even while in direct sunlight! I dab this on my t-zone [and anywhere else I am prone to shininess] before I apply my makeup. 

Make Up Forever:  Face & Body Makeup - A true staple for me, the coverage is sheer yet it still manages to even out skin tone, while giving your face a healthy, dewy glow.

 

Dress * Zara
Belt * Thrifted
Purse * Zara
Boots * Ralph Lauren
Jewelry * Forever 21

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