For this week's post, I wanted to share these gorgeous Badgley Mischka gold satin embellished peep toe pumps. Can't wait to find a dress to wear with these to an upcoming wedding. What's your fashion love this week? Leave it in a comment down below!
Fashion Friday {Gold Embellished Badgley Mischka Pumps}
Fashion Friday posts will share a quick peek into something I'm loving right now. Nothing starts the weekend off better than a dose of fashion love!
Birchbox Shop Mini-Haul {Unboxing + First Impressions}
I finally had enough Birchbox points to justify an order from the Birchbox shop and I'm finally getting around to opening the box and sharing the goodies with you! If you're not familiar with Birchbox, it's a monthly subscription box that contains 4-5 samples of products to try for $10 a month. You can find out more info about Birchbox here. Whenever you buy products or take surveys about items you receive in your box, you earn points that you can redeem toward full-size products from the Birchbox shop. Ok, now onto what I got!
So this is what it looked like when it arrived. It had the Birchbox logo on the box, but wasn't flaunting the usual Birchbox pink. Everything was nicely pack and any liquids were in plastic just in case. (There was also some white tissue paper, but I took it out before I snapped the picture.)
The first thing I ordered was the Caudalie Divine Oil. I received a sample of this in my Birchbox a few months ago. I was hesitant about the whole oil craze, but this one stood out. It does not leave a film after you use it and I really like the scent. The bottle also has a spray top making it easy to apply.
Birchbox explains: "This dry oil hydrates parched skin and disappears in seconds without any residual stickiness or oiliness. And the scent is truly divine, with fresh notes of Moroccan and Bulgarian rose, grapefruit, vanilla, and the subtlest floral undertones."
Next I picked up the Jouer Lip Enhancer. This is the second time I've purchased the full size of this product after getting a sample in a Birchbox a year or two ago. I love this product!
I find that using it on a regular basis leads to fuller, softer lips. You can use it on its own, before you do your makeup, or use it to regloss throughout the day.
The consistency is somewhere between a gloss and a balm and I don't find it to be overly sticky. From the Birchbox site I've learned that the key ingredients are Maxi-Lip, vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
The last full-sized item I purchased was the Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facial Towlettes. I've used other products from this brand, including the Yes to Carrots hand cream and the Yes to Cucumber wipes, and loved them so I was excited to try these. The wipes are marketed to brighten your skin and correct and repair. I'm not sure about the latter part, but the pre-moistened wipes lightly exfoliate your skin leaving it feeling fresh and looking clean. I am not the biggest fan of grapefruit, but I am enjoying these so far. I can imagine these would be great to remove makeup or freshen up after a workout.
The last three things I got were samples that were included with my order.
Jouer Signature Fragrance Mini Roller Ball
This adorable little roller ball sample of Jouer's signature fragrance was a free gift for purchasing a Jouer product. The primary notes in the perfume are jasmine, gardenia, and honeysuckle. This smells like a fresh spring bouquet in a bottle. If you like sweet, floral perfumes like I do, I would definitely recommend trying this one.
Incoco Nail Applique
Next I received a set of Incoco Nail Appliques in the pattern Freshly Picked. These appear to be another variation on the patterned nail polish strips. I haven't had a lot of luck doing a full manicure with them (I have tiny nails!), but I have been using them for accent nails and that seems to be working.
LiftLab Lift + Fix
The last thing that came was an eyedropper bottle of the LiftLab Lift + Fix. This is a totally new brand to me. This is described as an all around serum that is supposed to protect skin from environmental damage and fight the effects of aging. I haven't tried many serums, but I'm willing to give it a shot.
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Ok, so that was a lot of info about what was in my Birchbox shipment.
* Have you tried any of these products? If so what are your thoughts?
* Have you received anything you'd like to share about from the Birchbox shop?
* Are there other products I should be trying?
Let me know in the comments below!
Finding the Perfect Sunnies {Tips + My Obsession}
Confession: I have a bit of an obsession with sunglasses.
Ok, that last photo was just for fun, but sunglasses are an everyday staple for me. You can see a peek into my sunglasses collection and how I organize them here. I love to experiment with different shapes and styles and just have fun with them.
So what should consider when you're picking out a pair? Here's my tips for shopping for your new favorite sunnies and a round-up of my favorite picks for this summer.
Shape: Aviators, oversized, cat eye, wayfarers, circle frames...so many to choose from! There are loads of articles out there that try to tell you "how to pick frames for your face." While there is some merit behind that advice, I think the best way to decide what you like is to try on lots of pairs. Rules are meant to be broken after all--at least when it comes to fashion. It's important for you to pick sunnies that are comfortable and for you to like the way they look (you're the one who has to wear them after all!).
Metal vs. Plastic Frames: This is often a make it or break it decision for me and there are pros and cons to each. Metal frames are more adjustable and have a looser fit, but at the same time can get warm in the sun and may also bend easily. Plastic frames will hold their shape, but sometimes can fit tight around the temples and are difficult to adjust, especially if your ears aren't quite even like mine.
Frame Color: If you're buying metal frames, you'll be able to choose among gold, silver, gunmetal, and sometimes colors (check out these pink aviators I gave away a few weeks ago). With plastic frames, you can find just about every color under the sun and even patterns. One of my favorite pairs has a floral print. If you're just buying one pair, I would suggest finding something that is neutral to your style that you can wear with the majority of your outfits.
Color of Lenses: Another consideration is the color of the lenses. The color of the lenses will affect two things. First, is the tint when you look through them. Some just make colors a little darker others may make things appear rose-colored or sepia-toned. This is another reason I recommend trying sunglasses in-person on before purchasing. Second, is the outside color of the lenses that everyone else will see. These might just be a color of the lens or they could be mirrored. This is a personal preference (I tend to stay away from mirror lenses).
Embellishments: Want rhinestone-studded wayfarers? Go for it! A little detail on the sides of the frames like filigree or a pearl cabochon can add a bit of elegance. There are no rules, just have fun and wear what makes you happy.
Shop these looks by clicking the corresponding pair below.
Dana Renee Style Shop Re-Launch!
If you've followed my blog or Facebook page for a while, you probably know that I also design jewelry. Well today I am super excited to share with you my new online shop! After lots of searching, designing, and picture-taking, I am happy to announce that it's finally up and running. You can check it out at http://shop.danarenee.com or you can find it through the shop link on my Facebook page.
Here's a look at some of my favorite pieces that are currently for sale in the shop. I'd love to hear your feedback and I look forward to sharing more creations with you soon!
Here's a look at some of my favorite pieces that are currently for sale in the shop. I'd love to hear your feedback and I look forward to sharing more creations with you soon!
Mancave Decor DIY {Home Is Where the Controller Is}
My husband converted our basement into a bar/mancave and I'm always on the lookout for fun decorations he can use to add to it. While I was wasting time on StumbleUpon recently I came across this Home Is Where the Controller Is pattern and knew that I had to make him a cross stitch of it.
In case your interested in making one of your own, here's how I did it using this pattern.
Supplies:
- Needlepoint Canvas (an 8x10 will be big enough)
- Embroidery Needle
- Embroidery Floss (1 Skein each of: Black, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Lime Green, Green, Yellow, Blue, and Red)
- Medium Embroidery Hoop
I think all of the supplies for this project cost me about $7.00 from the craft store.
How to make it:
- Start by finding the center of your canvas. If it was folded like mine it should be pretty easy. About 2/3 of the way down the canvas, begin with the top center of the controller. I worked mine in a circle going clockwise.
- Secure the area you'll working on in the embroidery hoop. You want your canvas to be taut where you're working, it will make it easier to count and follow the pattern.
- Each block on the pattern should correspond to one cross stitch.
- Stitch the outline of the controller and the text in black, then use the corresponding colors to finish the controller.
- I used two strands of embroidery floss for the outline and the text and I used four strands of floss to create the controller details (this makes them look a bit more raised-up in person).
Now all that's left is to frame it and find it a home downstairs. I think I'll try the NES Controller next!
Candy Birthday Cake DIY
A friend of ours who loves candy had a birthday the week before last and when I came across the idea of a candy cake on Pinterest I knew this would be a perfect gift! (I can't remember the original pin I saw, but if I can find it again I'll add it to this post). This was such a unique and fun gift to make and only took about 20 minutes. I made this the same day as the Housewarming Jar and forgot to take step-by-step photos, but the process was pretty straightforward. If you have questions, leave them as a comment down below and I'm happy to answer!
Here's what you'll need:
- Floral foam or styrofoam base
- Wide ribbon
- Lots of candy in different shapes and types
- Glue Dots
- A little bit of liquid glue
- Cake board or card board
How to Assemble:
- I started with two floral foam wreath forms and stacked them one on top of the other securing them with a small bit of E6000.
- Next I took some wide grosgrain ribbon and tightly wrapped the base until they were completely covered and secured the ends with a bit more glue.
- Now the fun part! Open up all your candy bags and decide on a pattern. Begin securing pieces to the base using the glue dots. I started by placing a repeating pattern of fun size bars upright around the base. Then I did a row of minis above those. For the top I added a horizontal ring of fun size bars.
- To fill the hole in the center of the wreaths, I put some balled up tissue paper in first then filled it with Tootsie Rolls.
- I finished it off by inserting Blow Pops and Tootsie Roll Pops around the hole to create a decorative ring on the top.
- Place it on or glue it to a piece of cardboard or a cake board and you're ready to gift it!
This would also be super cute to gift in a bakery box. Have you made a candy cake or something similar? Leave a link to your project in the comments, I would love to check out your creation!
Join me at these fantastic DIY Link Parties: Dear Creative, Skip to My Lou, Nap Time Creations, and Homemaker's Challenge.
Update: The post that inspired this project was from Lick the Bowl Good.
Confessions of a Fashion Blogger Tag
I saw Melissa's answers to this tag over at imanawkwardturtle and decided that it would be a nice pick-me-up to my Monday evening!
1. How long does it take you to edit/write a post?
It honestly depends. A tutorial or curated post might take hours, but an outfit of the day probably takes about 30 minutes including taking the pictures.
2. Are you a spender or a saver?
Saver all the way! I might splurge on a new suit (for work) or a pair of timeless shoes, but otherwise I love sale shopping, thrifting, and generally getting the most bang for my buck!
3. What type of post do you enjoy writing/recording?
I enjoy hunting down pieces to share with you in my Luxe Bargian posts (it's an extension of my saver habits from the previous question!)
4. Do your friends and family know about your blog/channel?
A think a bunch of them do or they at least subscribe to my Facebook page ;)
5. Are you most likely to buy a bag or a pair of shoes?
Shoes. It's an obsession. I even have my own shoe closet in my walkin (no judging!). Although, I did go on a purse kick for a while recently while I was vintage shopping.
6. What clothing item do you wear way too much?
Loose fitting cardigans. I tend to get hot and cold a lot (something I attribute to my chronic illnesses), so I tend to layer one of these on just about every outfit.
7. Are the outfits you post really what you wear in public?
Yep!
8. Who or what inspired you to start your blog/channel?
I gor my introduction to blogging a few years ago when I started a frugal blog. Then while I was recovering from neurosurgery, I started watching beauty vloggers on YouTube. One day about two months ago I decided that I wanted to shift my blogging efforts to beauty and fashion and join part of the online community. I also have a jewelry line by the same name.
9.What’s your style mantra?
Where what makes you happy! It's your life and you're the one who has to live it in those clothes. Be adventurous, take chances, follow your whims. Maybe you'll miss the mark sometimes, but so what?
I tag everyone! If you do this tag, leave your responses in a comment below so I can read them!
Housewarming Gift Idea {Welcome Home Jar}
Two of my good friends just closed on a new house and I was racking my brain for a unique housewarming gift. It was as if the blogging world knew what was on my mom because this Housewarming Jar DIY post from the blog Oh Happy Day popped up in my BlogLovin' feed. I was inspired by hers and decided to change a few things and make my own. I'm sorry I didn't take step-by-step photos, please ask away if you have any questions!
Once you've decorated your jar to your liking using etching cream or paint, then you get to have fun filling it with goodies! For this jar I included: Goo Gone, Super Glue, a picture hanging kit, felt protector pads for furniture, a multipurpose scraper, garden gloves, a flower pruner, and kitchen towels with colorful prints.
I really loved how this project turned out. The best part is that after they've used the items in the jar, the recipient is left with a wonderful cookie jar. I will definitely be making these again in the future!
Do you have other housewarming gift ideas or has someone given you something unique? Comment below and tell me about it!
If you can't wait for some more DIY inpsiration check out the Creative Inspirations Link Party and the Show Me What Ya Got Link Party.
I started with a one gallon Anchor Hocking glass jar. You can find these at Target, Walmart, and on Amazon. After cleaning and drying the surface of the jar, I placed the labels of the words "Welcome" and "Home" on the jar. I liked the graphic look of the different font sizes. I then used a sponge brush and Armour Etch to permanently etch the words onto the jar. I followed the instructions on the Armour Etch packaging to leave the cream on for 60 seconds. This resulted in a very light etching which worked great for this jar (see picture below). If you wanted something that stands out more, I would look into tutorials on different methods or possibly other products. You could also paint the words onto the jar like they did in the inspiration post.
Once you've decorated your jar to your liking using etching cream or paint, then you get to have fun filling it with goodies! For this jar I included: Goo Gone, Super Glue, a picture hanging kit, felt protector pads for furniture, a multipurpose scraper, garden gloves, a flower pruner, and kitchen towels with colorful prints.
I really loved how this project turned out. The best part is that after they've used the items in the jar, the recipient is left with a wonderful cookie jar. I will definitely be making these again in the future!
Do you have other housewarming gift ideas or has someone given you something unique? Comment below and tell me about it!
If you can't wait for some more DIY inpsiration check out the Creative Inspirations Link Party and the Show Me What Ya Got Link Party.
Affordable Accessories {$10 or less}
Affordable Accessories {$10 or less} by Dana Renee Style
The right accessories can transform your look and brighten up an outfit. Here's some that won't break the bank!
- These beaded bobby pins are perfect for pinning back your bangs or accenting a tousled up-do ($5, JC Penney)
- Pair this adorable elephant necklace with a basic tank or t-shirt ($2.80, Forever21)
- This French Heart Shopper's Tote would be great for the farmer's market ($1.50, Forever21)
- Brighten up your travel bag with the orange satin train cosmetic case ($8.99, Macy's)
- Bring some edge to a sundress with this spike stud necklace ($7.98, Nordstrom)
- Wear this turquoise cuff bracelet alone or add it to your arm candy party ($8.80, Forever21)
- Use this simple belt to cinch dresses or shirts at the waist ($5.60, Kohl's)
- This chic lightweight scarf can take you from day to night ($4.99, Charlotte Russe)
Fun Twist on a French Manicure
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| Left to Right: 1 Coat of Base, 2 Coats of Base, 2 Coats of Base and 2 Coats of Gold |
I also tried this out using a shimmery rose gold colored polish with the gold tip and an aqua color with a silver tip and really liked those as well. The color combinations are limitless! Let me know if you try this, I would love to see your pics!
How I Organize My Sunglasses
I sort of have an obsession with sunglasses. I always stock up when they go on sale in the winter because I'm guaranteed to break a few pairs each summer! When we moved into our new house two years ago, I was excited to finally have room organize all of my clothes and accessories where I could see them. I converted an upstairs bedroom of our cape cod into a walk-in closet.
When I was looking for a way to display my sunglasses, I had to think outside the box a bit due to the sloped ceilings and relatively little table top space. I picked an area the wall that wasn't being otherwise used and bought small command hooks (like the ones you use for cords or Christmas lights - I found them at Walmart in the holiday section last year). These hooks were the perfect size to fit the folded sides of the glasses. I spaced them out on the wall and then hung a couple sideways to fit a few more pairs vertically. And voila! An easy way to see all of the different styles and keep them accessible.
Do you have a different way of organizing your sunnies? I'd love to know!
Effortlessly Chic {Date Dresses}
Whenever the hubby and I head out for a date, I love taking the opportunity to dress up a bit. My go-to date outfit has always been a flirty dress. It's something that makes me feel pretty and feminine, and it is effortlessly chic. Pair colorful a dress with flats during the day or heels at night and your good to go.
I've rounded up some of my current favorite styles. I am drawn to colorful pieces with interesting cuts and details. These are great for spring and summer and can easily transition to fall by adding tights, a cardigan, and ankle boots.
What is your go-to date outfit?
Outfit of the Day {Maxi Dress + Ruffled Sandals}
It was a cool day here in Maryland, so layers were perfect for browsing the flea market this morning before having a yummy Cinco de Mayo dinner.
Cardigan, scarf, and maxi dress from Old Navy. Silver ruffled sandals by Candies from Kohl's. Sunglasses from Charlotte Russe.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Home! {Taco Night Ideas}
We celebrated Cinco de Mayo in our house with margaritas and taco bar. Want to create your own taco bar for a fun, Mexican-themed dinner? Here's what I pulled together:
- Tortillas (for soft tacos)
- Taco Shells
- Ground Beef Seasoned with Taco Seasoning Mix
- Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomatoes or Salsa, Mexican Blend Cheese, Sour Cream, Taco Sauce, and Hot Sauce and whatever else you'd like for toppings
- Yellow Rice (we just had it as a side, you could also add black beans to have a rice and beans side)
- Tortilla Chips
- Salsa
- Queso
For a little extra entertaining ease, I've found some great taco night serving dishes. I bought the cactus margarita glasses, the topping/salsa bowls, and the tortilla holders from Dollar Tree. The hard taco holders I picked up at a thrift store. We put the rice, taco meat, and queso in the triple slow cooker on the warm setting to keep it hot throughout the evening.
May Photo-A-Day Challenge
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| Image from The Idea Room |
I'll be posting them as I can on my Instagram account (you can find me there as @DanaReneeStyle) and I'll round them up on here every two weeks.
Want to join? Check out her post here to find the hashtags to use. Also, leave me your Instagram user name in a comment so I can follow along!
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