FUNdamentals for Summer!

     Summer is here people! SO get ready! As you may or may not know by now but I live in Florida or what I like to call it during summer, hell. It's hot. It's swampy. It's humid. It's M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E. I can't even go outside for more than a minute without feeling like I'm melting or going into some heat- induced panic attack.  BUT I live here (for now at least) and I have to make do and survive and in order to survive the summer I have a few fundamentals to help me make it through.

Maxi Dress, White Button Down Tunic, Brown Sandals, Shorts, RayBans , Lip Balm, Fedora, Sunscreen , Evian Spray

      First of all, the most important thing is sunscreen. Sunburns aren't cool and if you want to be tan get a spray tan. Another summer essential for me is the Evian face mister. It's a life saver and instantly cools you down! It's a little pricey so in order to save money you can just buy a small spray bottle in the dollar section and fill it with Evian bottle water or whatever water you like. For my lips, I like a little color so the new M.A.C. Hey sailor sun tints are perfect! While we would love to walk around in just our bathing suits all summer that is not socially acceptable (yet!), thats where jean shorts come in handy. Match them with whatever you please, they will keep your legs cool and look stylish too. Next thing is a white button down tunic, wear it as a cover up or a shirt, it's just awesome. My favorite dress for summer is a maxi dress. It's so flowy and comfy and you can still sit criss cross indian style on the floor without worry about your underhoos showing. On my feet I wear a pair of neutral sandals or sandoots! And I ALWAYS grab my Rayban wayfarers and a fedora. Now it's time for me to face the heat yet again. Wish me luck! Adios Amigos!

Summer Shoes

Shoes: Jeffery Campbell

   
    While I spend most of my day barefoot, when I do have to put on shoes I'm grabbing these babies. Living in Florida, I don't get to wear boots very often (unless of course I want my feet to sweat like crazy!). These shoes are the perfect combo of boot and sandal. I like to call them boondals or sandoots, okay, actually I just made that up but both those names are pretty awesome if I do say so myself! Below, I have found some other awesome boot sandals that I wish I had in my possession (sigh, someday). 

From Left to Right: Jimmy Choo, Irregular Choice, Jeffery Campbell, Betsey Johnson

 
     They are perfect for any outfit from high waisted ripped jean shorts and a white tank to a flirty sun dress. While summer outfits can sometimes feel a little boring (especially if the only shoes you wear are flip flops), boot sandals add that little bit of pizzaz and oomph to make any blah summer outfit feel fun and different! SO I ask you, would you wear boondals? What's your favorite summer shoe?
 

Which One are You?

Cultured, Viva Glam Gaga 2, Viva Glam 1, Lovelorn, Brave, Pink Nouveau, Vegas Volt, Shy Girl, Orange Tempera 

   
    Lipstick. It's something that I used to be very, very afraid of. I wouldn't even wear lipgloss, just plain Burt's Bees.  But in the past year I have become obsessed, I mean seriously OBSESSED. Not only do I love wearing it but going to the counter and picking out a new one is always so fun and refreshing. I walk up to the counter feeling blah and leave feeling like a brand new girl ready to take on the world. It really finishes a look and makes me feel so much more polished. Currenlty my go-to lip pies are M.A.C brave and lovelorn. Do you wear lipstick or are you more of a chapstick girl? Do you have a favorite brand? Mine is obviously M.A.C. but I am always up for a new suggestion!


XOXO

One Item Three Ways: Burnt Red Corduroy Pants

I have been on the hunt for some awesome corduroy pants, specifically in a burnt red/brick/ brownish color and today I finally found some! But I got to thinking about the practicality of colored corduroy; can they really fit in my wardrobe already or will I have to buy new shirts just to go with them?  So like any young women as soon as I got home from the mall I started making outfits (I like to rationalize my purchases like I'm sure most of you do!). Much to my surprise I could make so many outfits with my new burnt red corduroys! Below are some examples of the outfits I made :

Shopping Day Corduroys!

Pair colored (in my case burnt red) corduroys with a neutral color sweater  and sparkly necklace. I've been lusting over these boots for sometime (they are super fun!) and I think they would go fabulous with the corduroys. Top it off with a felt hat and a pink lipstick and you're ready to hit up the stores for all those holiday deals.


Rocker Corduroys!

If you're having a rocker type of day, corduroys can be the perfect alternative to leather leggings or jeans. Pair it with a denim button down with cool details and an armful of bangles. On your feet wear leather motorcycle boots. To finish off the look, wrap an infinity scarf around your neck and exchange your knitted beanie for a faux fur one.


Party Corduroys! 

Corduroys may not be the typical party pants but I believe that with the right outfit they can totally be party pants! To dress up corduroys wear a sequined covered t-shirt and a patent leather nude pump. Wear some sparkly earrings and add a pop of color and fun with a bright colored clutch.

So I say colored corduroys are awesome and I cannot wait to rock some of these outfits this fall. They are not only a nice alternative to jeans they can be very practical, even in bright colors. What do you all think? Will you be sticking to jeans or opting for corduroys this winter?

These aren't my EXACT clothes but they are similar! ( I mean seriously I could NOT afford a sweater from the row but a girl can dream!)

Yay or Nay: Ponchos!

Is it a giant scarf? Is it a blanket? No, it’s a poncho! With the cold weather quickly approaching the need to find comfy outerwear is here.  While most girls will lean towards pea coats and leather jackets, I challenge you to wear a poncho! It is the perfect combination of a snuggie and a warm coat.  Ponchos are comfortable and warm. So whatever you call it, poncho or cape, I say let’s rock them this winter!

Via Polyvore

Now don’t be afraid to take the fashion risk, below is some awesome outfit inspiration:

Holiday Party Poncho:

 Via Polyvore

Jazz up the poncho trend but sporting a vintage inspired lacey see-through number. It’s the perfect addition to any strappy holiday dress. Keeping with the vintage feeling of the poncho pair it with back seam tights and a feather headband.   With this poncho you will be the star of the party!

Weekend Poncho:

 

Via Polyvore

For the weekend opt for a printed poncho with jeans and tall boots, it’s the perfect mix of comfort and style!  It also transitions nicely from running around town picking up Christmas presents to relaxing by a fire drinking hot cider with friends.

Lazy Day Poncho:

Via Polyvore

When it’s a lazy day (we all have them!) opt for a sweater poncho. This one is perfect. With the turtle neck you won’t even need a scarf! Pair it with printed leggings and a warm white thermal. For your feet wear a slouchy sock and weather boots for mucking around campus after a snow storm. And don’t forget to top it all off with a furry hat to keep your head warm. 

So let me know what you all think?! Is it a yay or a nay? For me it's a yay!