Dressing from the Boardroom to the Boardwalk

Summer Friday’s are upon us and it’s time to update your wardrobe for the summer social scene that lays ahead.

Ann Taylor and Thirty-One Gifts’ summer collections have everything you need to take from the boardroom to the boardwalk. These patterns scream summer but maintain the professionalism oh so desired in the office. Just grab your bag and your sunglasses – you’ll be having your happy hour with Ann Taylor and Thirty-One soon enough.

 

 

Casual Crewneck Chiffon Summer Dress – Sunday Style

Let’s talk about this dress.  It’s simply amazing from the tunic cut to the free-flowing style.  I have a secret to share!  In the summer months, I primarily shop online.  This is because not only do I run a local business but my boys are home for the summer.

That means there’s no time for excessive running around to stores.  More so, I spend the majority of my hours making memories with the kids.

Our days involve crafts, swimming or visiting the local library.  But, looking great doesn’t have to be compromised!  I just do a small shift with my shopping strategy.

The dress in this post was purchased from Amazon.  Honestly, I was hesitant because online shopping can be tricky.  The first step is to know my measurements and the style of dress that accentuates my shape.  The second step is to take into consideration my problem areas along with colors that compliment my complexion.

The jewelry that I’m wearing in this picture was purchased from a thrift shop.  I love thrifting but that’s another blog post!

What are your online shopping tips?  Share in the comments below.

Dress:  Amazon | Pumps:  Jessica Simpson | Makeup:  MAC Cosmetics | Pearl Necklace & Sunglasses:  Tiffany & Co.  | Perforated Braided Clutch:  South Moon Under

 

Father’s Day Gifts For Your Dapper Dad

Just a friendly reminder—Father’s Day is coming up on June 17th. Celebrate your dapper dad with a thoughtful and useful kit from IOPE by AMOREPACIFIC and great products from KORRES.
Give your dad exactly what he needs, but not might go out and buy for himself.
IOPE MEN products are formulated to target men’s specific skincare needs. The IOPE Bio Essence Special Set features three of IOPE’s best-selling skincare products— in full and travel size. ($59; Available for in-store purchase at Aritaum.)
  • Bio-Essence Intensive Conditioning: This essence brightens, revitalizes and smooths skin. With daily use, it hydrates and strengthens fatigued dull skin. Additionally, this can be used as aftershave, toner or a serum.
  • Perfect Clean All-in-One Cleanser: The cleanser is an exfoliating formula that is gentle enough for daily use and contains natural exfoliants that thoroughly remove impurities such as dirt and excess oils. Formulated with moisturizing capsules it also replenishes skins moisture barrier.
  • Triple Lift Serum: An anti-aging formula with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin and provide a more luminous complexion.
The KORRES assortment of Greek grooming essentials is formulated with clinically-proven ingredients that reflect the brand’s deep knowledge of authentic herbal remedies. KORRES identifies powerful natural ingredients and maximizes the effectiveness to address the skincare needs of men, from dads to grads. The ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream and MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm are must-have grooming items that are perfect for Father’s Day (and even the soon-to-be graduate).
  • ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream: This richly textured shave cream helps your razor glide smoothly over skin to ensure a deep and comfortable shave. Absinthe Shave Cream is a brushless, non-foaming preparation and, as it is formulated at a milder pH than lathering creams—preventing skin roughness. ($32.50; korresusa.com.)
  • MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm: The light textured and the nutrient-rich balm is made for after-shave care. Enriched with energizing ginseng and anti-inflammatory marigold, it reduces irritation commonly caused by shaving. Ginseng extract enables the delivery of nutrients—ensuring the healthy appearance of skin. ($16.50; korresusa.com.)

NEW ROOM INSPIRED BY THE WILD NATURE OF THE BARBAGIA AREA AVAILABLE AT SU GOLOGONE HOTEL THIS SEASON

Su Gologone, the hotel that embraces Sardinia’s most genuine traditions and culture, reopens with the new Wild Suite – the latest creation of Mrs. Giovanna Palimodde, artist and owner of the hotel.

Inspired by the wild nature of Barbagia – mountain area of inner Sardinia where Su Gologone hotel is located – the new suite is built using locally sourced materials and aims to better engage guests with the wild identity of the Italian island.

The Wild Suite features two big double bedrooms with two bathrooms and a private garden terrace that features a creative and savvy use of paired copper, iron and juniper trunks. Also, both natural and artificial light blend, creating a calming and soft ambiance.

Junipers, prickly pears, mastic, and cork trees decorate the outdoor area, which overlooks the stunning views of the Barbagia Mountains. This area also features a telescope for star gazing, an open-air bed warmed by a firepit, a bespoke sink installed between the branches of a fig tree and an open-air Jacuzzi.
The interior design of the new Wild Suite is also curated by the owner Mrs. Giovanna Palimodde, using fabrics, linen and home décor items that are part of her own Su Gologone Style® collection.

Su Gologone hotel reopens with the new Wild Suite this season with rates starting at €198 per night for double occupancy, bed and breakfast accommodation in a Classic Room.
Rates for the Wild suite starting at €1,480.00 per night, double occupancy, bed and breakfast accommodation.
www.sugologone.it/en

NOTES TO THE EDITOR – About Su Gologone hotel (Oliena, Sardinia, ITALY)
Located in the Oliena region of Sardinia, Su Gologone hotel embraces authentic Sardinian tradition. Each bespoke hotel room embodies Sardinia’s history, embracing the lives and labors of the island’s weavers, nomadic shepherds, and talented artists. Su Gologone experiences include traditional local activities such as art and craft workshops as well as cooking and sampling authentic local cuisine. www.sugologone.it/en

Ann Taylor Brings Back Pastels in Time for Summer

Sunny days, refreshers and day parties, sounds like the perfect reason for wearing the prettiest summer outfit!  Ann Taylor just launched its summer collection and it consists of all your favorite summer pastels and bolds.

The collection ranges from wide-legged pants to the perfect tea party dress, making it easy to find an outfit while feeling hip and fun wearing it. Each outfit can be accessorized with the perfect gold jewelry and your favorite summer heels or slides to complete the look.

Have a BBQ or Graduation party to attend?  See below style selects from Ann Taylor for the perfect occasion.

 

 

5 Jewelry Trends to Take Away from the Fall/Winter Season

Jewelry can really make an outfit stand out. Even an outfit that might seem dull, at first glance, can be invigorated and livened by a piece of jewelry chosen accordingly. Of course, there are certain trends that dictate the design of jewels – and if you want to recreate your style, picking the right accessories will allow you to do that!

Accessories grant that specific je ne sais quoi that is so alluring. We really love the way in which a piece of jewelry can add depth and dimension to an outfit. That being said, we’d like to talk about the main trends you’re likely to observe this year.

  1. Statement Earrings

Without a doubt, statement earrings are a beloved trend. Hence, most jewel makers offer a wide selection of styles – including Brilliant Earth. The best thing about statement earrings is that they catch the eye. In fact, they direct all the attention towards the upper part of the body. You can combine them with classic, timeless pieces such as a white or black dress – you couldn’t possibly go wrong. Plus, you can choose from so many models and designs, meaning that you’re bound to find something that appeals to you.

  1. Oversized Jewelry

Another ever-present trend is that of oversized jewelry. In fact, it comes down to this: the bigger the jewelry, the better. The thing is that oversized pieces of jewelry instill confidence – a characteristic that should describe every woman nowadays. Essentially, oversized gold or silver accessories are in sheer contrast with minimalist, dainty clothing. Hence, Brilliant Earth Jewelry diversified their available styles, to make their jewelry selection as varied as possible.

  1. Simple, Elegant Necklaces

Another trend that is likely to be around for a while now is that of thin, dangling necklaces. Regardless of the type of outfit, you’re wearing, adding a bunch of dainty, elegant necklaces with a simple, timeless design can really add a hint of texture and character. In fact, during the fall, you can attempt to combine them with scarves. Conversely, you could pair a set of dainty necklaces with chunky, metallic chokers, if you’re the adept of unconventional jewelry.

  1. Charm-Style Jewelry

Our list continues with charm-style jewelry. Whether we’re talking about bracelets or necklaces, charm-style jewelry is an ongoing trend that is gaining territory by the day. People who are eager about collecting things will find them infinitely more appealing. And this doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that charm jewelry is the definition of whimsy, not to mention that you can get as creative as you please.

  1. Fall Leaves Theme

A theme for the fall/winter 2018-2019 season is that of fall leaves. This theme makes one think of nature, or, more specifically, the woods. Nature-inspired fashion pieces always manage to look good, and we definitely appreciate the dainty, ethereal leaves we’ve noticed in some of the upcoming collections.

To conclude, these are some of the main trends you’re likely to observe in the jewelry department. Which of them appeals to you the most and why? Let us know!

Collaborative Post

Get the Look Style Breakdown: Dyson Supersonic and Alexander Wang

On Sunday, June 3, Guido Palau styled top models, including Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid, at Alexander Wang‘s fashion show using the Dyson Supersonic.

Downtown Americana

Start with clean hair and a messy middle part

Next, dry hair using the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer to flatten any volume and remove frizz. Take a large section of hair and dry the ends first. Do this section by section around the head.

To keep the roots lying flat, blow dry them a bit more while keeping the middle portion of the hair more natural.
Use the medium setting of air flow, which has enough power to get the hair super shiny and create texture without making hair too straight or flat.
Apply Redken No Blow Dry cream, starting at the bottom of the hair so the ends will be smooth while the hair still looks natural. Next, apply NBD Cream to the roots and take it all the way through.
Spray Shine Flash 02 section by section starting from the bottom and working to the top.
When using the products, make sure they are even all around the head to achieve the natural look.Use the Dyson Supersonic and a brush at the end of the hair to get the ends really straight and spiky for texture.

Most of the girls will have an Alexander Wang headband to finish the look and give them the desired Americana look.

Some of the models will have braids, which are personalized and inspired by the show, incorporated into their final look.

For these looks, use the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer to blow dry hair and get it super smooth before it is braided.

Since the look itself is really tight, using the Supersonic gets hair dry and smooth without overheating it.

South Moon Under Store Opening and The Summit Birmingham

South Moon Under opened a few weeks ago at The Summit Birmingham.  I learned about this store while living in Baltimore and hosting a styling event at the Harbor East location.  If you were a fan of the Scandal Shopping TV Series we featured the retailer to recreate Olivia Pope’s iconic look.

SMU has a variety of stylish items from a few of our favorite brands.  Some of those labels include Chinese Laundry, French Connection, Gucci, Nasty Gal, and Lucky Brand.  I stopped by the store to see the new merchandise and pick-up a summer accessory.  The store manager informed me that each store has only a select amount of key pieces.  There’s no worry about having the same outfit as your former classmate.

I enjoyed walking around the store while music played and secretly fell in love with the Uneven Fray Denim jacket.  The official store opening is Saturday, June 2, 2018, at 10:00 a.m.  If you stop by South Moon Under, tell us what you purchase!

Store Address:

220 Sumit Boulevard

Suite 150

Birmingham, Alabama 35243

Time to Break out the White Clothing: Ann Taylor Summer Outfits

Ann Taylor has all the looks needed for this summer’s wear. From all-white outfits to white pieces paired with bold colors, you’ll have something to wear all summer long – and keep you looking and feeling cool. Pair your favorite white pants, with a bright top from Ann Taylor and accessorize it with the perfect gold jewelry to complete the look.

Ann Taylor has everything that will have you looking trendy, sophisticated and feminine all summer long.

 

Healthy Food Tips to Help Fight Dehydration This Summer

Summer is finally here and the days of laying by the pool, beautiful hikes and beach fun are upon us. Unfortunately, the combination of the Summer heat and outdoor activities can lead to excess sweating. This helps keep the body cool down, but it can also lead to dehydration so instead of endless glasses of water opt for some healthy fruits and veggies. Incorporating these into your diet can add to your water intake and keep you hydrated all through the summer.

Featured Photo from Ciara Instagram

Dr. Christopher CalapaiD.O., an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, anti-aging medicine, and chelation therapy has created a tip sheet of his seven favorite healthy foods to help fight dehydration.

  1. Watermelon
  • Watermelons contain around 92% water and one of the most hydrating foods out there. They can be a great alternative to snacks like pretzels, chips, and peanuts. These popular snacks have large amounts of sodium and can make you more dehydrated.
  1. Cucumber
  • Cucumbers are about 96% water and they contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. They are high in Vitamin B6 helping to produce serotonin, which is the brain chemical that controls mood. I suggest making small cucumber-watermelon bites, which are both incredibly hydrating and delicious.
  1. Strawberry
  • Strawberries have the highest water content of any berry, 92% to be exact. This berry is a great source of vitamins C and K. You can enjoy the tart-sweet flavor without consuming too much sugar.
  1. Cantaloupe
  • This popular melon is 90% water and packed with rich flavor. One cup of cantaloupe provides 100% of the daily recommended values of Vitamins A and C.
  1. Tomato
  • Tomatoes are made up of about 95% water. Along with their sweetness, they are perfect to take the place of higher calorie condiments. One medium-sized tomato contains only 22 calories.
  1. Zucchini
  • Zucchinis are 95% water and help to give you more energy. They also contain a good amount of potassium helping to reduce blood pressure. The veggie also promotes skin health-giving a glow and restoring moisture.
  1. Lemon
  • While I don’t think a lot of people enjoy eating lemons, adding them to water is a great way to change-up a plain glass of water. Besides enhancing the flavor, lemons are a great source of vitamin C and aids in digestion.