Summer 2015 Wishlist

It's warming up here, but I know how miserably hot and humid it's going to get in the next couple of months when summer REALLY hits. So I'm enjoying the weather as much as I can now! 

I've had my eyes on a few different things recently as summer rolls around but I can't quite decide what I can afford to cross off my list. Why is everything so expensive? 

1. A Ralph Steadman print - Ralph Steadman did sketches for some of Hunter S. Thompson's books and articles. He's also done illustrations for some editions of Alice in Wonderland, Animal Farm, and Fahrenheit 451 just to name a few. The illustrations he did for Thompson are some of my favorites, as well as his Animal Behaviorist prints. I don't know why I'm so drawn to them! You can see some of his prints here. 

2. A new purse - I've been using the same boring Longchamp for too long, it's time for a new everyday purse. 

3. This dress from Earthbound - I saw it on display while walking downtown and I fell in love. I love the hi lo length, and all of their clothes are so comfortable. 

4. Bite Beauty Watercolor Lip Gloss Library - I'm not too familiar with Bite Beauty but since I've recently become infatuated with lip products, I've taken interest. I read reviews on this set and some said they were sticky (which bothers me), but I still want to give it a try. Does anyone own any Bite Beauty products? 

5. Workout shorts - I have like 2 pairs that are suitable for pilates that still fit me. 

6. Passion tea lemonade - A love of mine all year round! My favorite Starbucks drink - so fruity and sweet and pink. 

7. Chocolate covered strawberries - yeah. 

Have any of you tried the Bite Beauty lip glosses? Or any of their other products? I'm intrigued now. 

What's on your summer wishlist? 

Currently Loving: Soft Pink Lips

In the past I haven't been a big lip product girl, but lately I've been loving soft pink, almost nude lips. 

They're so pretty for summer! You can really do anything with these colors - matte, glossy, natural makeup, dramatic makeup, etc. I desperately need to go lip product shopping since my collection is so small.

 Here are some soft dusty pink lippies I'm after right now! 

Do you like soft pink lips? What are your favorite lip colors right now? 

Designer Lust: Missoni

While browsing the internet this morning, I came across a Missoni maxi dress that really caught my eye. I did some more browsing and became obsessed with the bold colors and prints. So perfect for summer. So out of my price range. 

Still, nice to lust after. 

What designers are you lusting after? 

Shop! Inspired by Daenerys Targaryen

Happy Monday everyone! I hope you drank water over the weekend. 

I'm so behind catching up on Game of Thrones, and every time Daenerys Targaryen comes on the screen I swoon at her outfits. She goes from looking like a desert badass to a pretty, flowy queen (or Khaleesi). 

She kind of has the Greek Goddess look about her, but she also wears leather and asymmetrical skirts and tops. Maxi dresses appear a lot in the show - mostly blue, grey, white, and other dusty colors. The only time you ever really see her shoes is when she is wearing boots, but you can't go wrong with sandals.

Woohoo Target! They have temporary tattoos that would work so well if you're planning on going out for a night with a Daenerys inspired outfit. And anything with a dragon on it will be appropriate. We are being inspired by the Mother of Dragons, here! 

H&M had an awesome selection of maxi dresses. I love the asymmetrical grey dress that they have. She wears a lot of asymmetrical skirts in the beginning. Those earrings look a little bit like dragon eggs or dragon scales, too! 

And finally, Kohl's! That skirt is perfect for this look. Asymmetrical and dark grey! All we need now is a brown crop top, some black fingerless gloves and boots and we'll be in business. 

Are you as addicted to Game of Thrones as I am? What do you think of the Khaleesi herself? Do her outfits inspire you? Let me know what you think! I hope you all enjoy the rest of your Monday! 

Paper Planners & Journals

If you have a smart phone/tablet that you carry with you regularly, you already have a digital planner at your fingertips. Digital planners are so easy and convenient to use! They can sync basically your whole life with one tap. Being able to set alarms and reminders is also a huge plus.

It's probably just me, but for some reason I really miss having a physical planner. Journals too. Just something to write/doodle/brainstorm ideas in, or just something to jot down a quick idea.

 It also sucks when you need to add an event or check your calendar and one or both of your devices are dead.  

I'm partial to hand writing things (don't know why). You can color code on most digital planners, but I like highlighting things and putting stars and stickers next to important things in paper planners. I had shark stickers all over one of my planners to make sure I never missed "shark week" every month. 

And they are just so darn cute. 

You also have an excuse to buy ridiculously adorable stickers, washi tape, bookmarks, etc.

I never had any washi tape but I see I missed out because it's so cute. Washi tape can be used several different ways. The way I've seen it used most often is for marking several days in a row in your planner, if you're going on vacation for 5 days for example.
You can get stickers for literally anything - shark week, when to take pills, a water tracker, events, workout, pay day, bill due, etc. Just make sure you use them wisely and not make your planner too hectic. Of course a book mark is a necessity. You can buy cute little decorative ones or you can use a simple paperclip.

Seriously though look at those stickers. Who would ever think a bill due date would look so pretty?

I've gone through 2 Moleskine notebooks (pink ones!) and now I'm halfway through another note/sketchbook right now. I used them to practice writing with my fountain pens, practice calligraphy, doodle, write lists and blog ideas, write when I can't sleep, and anything else really.

So lovelies, do you still use a physical planner? Or are you strictly digital? What about notebooks? Let me know - I'm curious to see if I'm the only one left!

Review: Wet n Wild Wildshine Nail Color Protective Base Coat

Happy Monday everyone! 

How was your weekend? I hope you drank some water. Especially if you got a tipsy and beyond on Friday or Saturday. Or last night, I don't judge. 

Today I'm reviewing the Wet N Wild Wildshine Nail Color Protective Base Coat. 

I didn't have a base coat and this was cheap so I thought why not. I don't usually buy Wet n Wild products because I haven't had particularly good experiences with them in the past.

I like to paint my nails outside if you haven't noticed.

I was pleasantly surprised! I applied it and expected a long dry time, but it dried so quickly! The coat I applied on my left hand was almost completely dry by the time I was finished applying it to my right hand. 

I've used base coats before, but none of them made a big difference in my application or manicure in general. My manicures last so long with very little chipping for over a week now. Even John commented on how long my polish stayed on without chipping. 

I used it with the worst nail polish that I own (I don't even know what it is, it's old and the label has rubbed off). I wanted to put it to the real test. This nail polish usually chips so badly after a day or two. It's been about a week and there was chipping, but not nearly as bad. And even more - this is a dark nail polish and there was no staining when I took it off. 

I haven't even been using a top coat. I have a Sally Hansen top coat but it does almost nothing in regards to my polish staying power. It's not worth the extra application and dry time to even bother. But I haven't really needed one when using this base coat. 

The only thing I don't like is the handle. It's clunky and I have to close the bottle pretty tight so it won't come undone. I'm pretty sure they just recently released this design. It's visually appealing but not very practical. 

I will definitely be repurchasing and I highly recommend it. 

Do you usually use base coats? If so, which one? Let me know so I can try more to see how they compare! Have a good Monday! 

Happy Friday! Weekend Picks

Happy Friday loves! 

The weekend is finally here! I think it's fair to treat yourself to some shopping this weekend for making it through the week, right? Especially if you completed the water only goal. I failed :( I'll try again this week/weekend though. 

But really it's time to stock up on spring and summer clothes, so start this weekend! 

Express is having some pretty good sales right now. Those sandals are only $20 and they have a ton of other colors. Shorts and Skorts are buy 1 get one 50% off, so if you need any shorts for the summer now's the time to get 'em. And of course my favorite accessory in the world (scarves) are all 50% off. 

Forever21 has some insanely cheap swimsuits if you need or want a new one this year. Of course you can get your trendy sunglasses on sale there as well. Another thing you might not think of when you're shopping for summer - a cute beach towel. It's kind of been instinct for me to grab a ratty old towel or bathroom towel for the beach, but when I was on vacation last year I bought a shark towel that I adore. You all know how much I heart sharks! 

BLACK LACE SHORTS! Ahhhh! Ok I'm seriously considering going to H&M tomorrow to get those. If you read my last post (Inspired by Jelly Bellys) then you know I'm in the market for some cute black lace shorts. Only $22! I've never really looked at the H&M home items but they have some super cute paper cups if you're planning on having a summer get together! 

Last but not least - Ulta! PSA: CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES! It's disgusting to see how much gunk comes off. Brush cleaner probably isn't something you think of getting when you're on a beauty run, so make sure you don't forget. Don't forget eyeshadow primer, too. Oily eyelids + hot/humid summer = insanely creased shadow. 

So I'm going to be a bad influence on you this weekend. Treat yourself! Even if it's just a $4 headband. Make yourself a drink, relax, and enjoy the weather (hopefully it's good where you are). Hope you all have a good weekend, and congrats on getting through the week! 

Drink water.

Are you going to treat yourself to something this weekend? Are you all stocked up on your summer clothes? 

Inspired by: Jelly Bellys!

John is in class so I got a hold of my computer to do a post while I can! The Blogger iPad app is way too frustrating. 

I don't like normal jelly beans, but I do love some Jelly Bellys. 50 whole flavors to choose from! Even though some of them are really gross, the good ones are good. My favorites are Tutti Fruitti,  Strawberry Daiquiri, and Mixed Berry Smoothie. The super fruity ones of course. So here is a post in honor of these (mostly) good candies! Enjoy your sugar high! 

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A Jelly Belly cocktail seems like a pretty good idea! Actually cocktails in general are always a good idea. I found this one on Tablespoon.com and changed it up a little bit. It sounds almost too sweet, so I probably wouldn't be able to drink more than one. It's a cute Easter/girls night/cocktail party/other occasion drink though. 

Ingredients

3 oz cotton candy flavored vodka

1/4 cup Bubblegum and Very Cherry Jelly Bellys

2 oz orange flavored liquor

ice

optional: 6 red and pink Jelly Bellys (you choose the flavors) and lemon slices

Directions

1. Place 2 martini glasses in refrigerator 1 hour before serving. In small bowl, pour vodka over 1/4 cup Jelly Bellys. Cover and refrigerate. 

2. Fill martini shaker with ice. Shake the bowl with the vodka and Jelly Bellys. Strain into shaker and discard Jelly Bellys. Add liquor and shake well.

Optional: add 3 Jelly Bellys to the bottom of each glass and garnish each with a lemon slice.

3. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

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I'm almost disgusted with myself for making an outfit this girly. But how can you not with a name like Tutti Fruitti?? I was thinking about heels with the dress but I think the blue Vans are adorable. This would've been a super cute Easter outfit but it's still wearable for spring/summer.

A little less girly, a little more polished. I LOVE lace shorts for this summer. Reminder: get as much use out of your blazer as you can before it gets too hot! But for real I'm really loving lace this season. Actually I love lace every season but I am in dire need of some lace shorts/lace skirt. 

Well I hope you got a sugar high just from reading this post. I have a jar of Jelly Bellys over on my desk that I'm going to go devour now. 

If you did end up trying the only water this week challenge, how are you doing? I was actually doing alright with my water consumption up until I wrote that post. I guess thinking about it made me really crave a sweet tea and a coke. Ah well, back to water I go I guess. I hope.

Don't forget, giveaway coming soon! I have most of the items collected, just waiting for a few more! 

What's your favorite Jelly Belly flavor? 

Goal of the Week: Drink Nothing but Water

Happy Monday loves!

While my boyfriend has taken over my computer until the end of the semester, I've been trying to get the hang of the Blogger app on my iPad. I absolutely cannot stand it. This is the third time writing this post. I'm sure most of you are also feeling like this on this lovely Monday morning (or afternoon or evening depending on when this actually gets published):

If you aren't, good! Seriously keep it up. 

It's Monday so I'm assuming a lot of you have had lots of coffee today. This week I'm challenging you to only drink water. 

I'm sure everyone has heard all of the benefits of why drinking water is good so I won't bore you with all of that. Energy is the benefit I'm after right now. I've been working out for a good 2 weeks now and attempting to only drink water. It's going alright-ish but milkshakes at Steak and Shake get me.

If you're a coffee drinker this is going to be a real challenge for you. Coffee is going to be calling your name as soon as you stop drinking it. The more you get into the habit of drinking only water, the more you'll notice the change in your energy level and how much longer this non-caffeinated energy lasts.

People have said that it takes 21 days to form a habit, but that's not true. It really depends on the person; habit formation happens in the basal ganglia in the brain (I think). It's going to take more than a week to actually get into the habit, but if you do it for a week you should start to notice how much better you feel. 

Do it this week (you'll survive) and hopefully you'll be motivated enough to make it a habit. I'm still working on it. Make some fruit or cucumber water for flavor. 

                                              

You can do it! 

Also if anyone has used the Blogger for iPad app let me know if I'm missing something or if it's just not that good. I can't change picture sizes, text orientation/color/font and my posts keep not saving :( 

Are you going to try the challenge? Have you already tried before? Or do you already have the will power to just drink water? Have a good rest of your day, and drink a glass or two of water between now and bedtime!

-graceyloo

Local Designer: JLINSNIDER

When you hear South Carolina, you might invision nice country folk that wear camo, drink beer and moonshine, and hunt whenever they get a chance.

When you hear Charleston, you might invision Lilly Pilitzer/Vineyard Vines/Polo/Jack Rogers/Sperry-wearing people with a dash of southern charm. I'm not hating I promise! 

But the beautiful thing, or at least one of the beautiful things, is the ever growing number of local designers; designers you'd never guess came out of Charleston. 

I'm starting a local designer series, starting with JLINSNIDER. 

Designed and created by Jamie Lin Snider, JLINSNIDER features one of a kind modernized vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories. And when I say one of a kind, take it literally. If you buy a something from her, it IS the ONLY one. It's all wearable vintage and very, very unique. A little hidden gem in the Charleston scene.

Jamie Lin Snider grew up in Anderson, South Carolina and went to school in Las Vegas. She moved back to Charleston in 2011 and founded her store on upper King Street. Upper King used to be a area you wouldn't really want to visit, it could be dangerous and sketchy. Now it's a must visit if you're into the fashion scene, or even if you're not. Upper King now is "up and coming", I guess would be the correct term for it. Mostly college kids and all the cool kids. Just kidding, kind of. But really, she started out with her Etsy store and it blew up and now she has all of this! 

That's our girl right there! She is such a sweetheart, I've talked to her twice and both times she was so kind and cheerful and very passionate about what she does.

Here are some images from Charleston Fashion Week runway from years 2011 through 2014

all images from JLS runway portfolio

There are some dresses in there that I cannot for the life of me figure out what kind of fabric she used. You can probably guess which ones, let me know if you figure it out. I'm so curious. 

As far as I know, the only places you can buy her clothes right now is at Holy City Consignment, King Dusko, or her Etsy page. 

Her clothes are pretty expensive, as expected. Somehow, the stars aligned for me perfectly and I was able to get my hands on three shirts I wanted. I was walking down King Street on a Tuesday or some random day like that, full paycheck, and decided to walk in because I had never been in before. This was a year or two ago when she had her own retail store. She happened to be having a huge sale on everything in the store if I remember correctly. I was surprised that there weren't more people in the store, but one of the girls working there said that Jamie Lin would randomly decided to have unannounced sales. 

Outfit posts with said shirts will come later this week. 

Here are some cool photos from her portfolio: 

And last but not least, some awards she's won:

Best of Charleston 2011- Best Risk Taking Designer 

Charleston's 50 Most Progressive People, 2012

Best of Charleston 2012- Best Designer Boutique 

Best of Charleston 2014- Best Place For Leopard Print Suspenders (really random and specific award?)

Best of Charleston 2014- Best Local Designer

I wish there had been some mens clothing on the runway for fashion week. I don't really remember seeing any mens clothing when I went in the store, but that might just be because I was too excited about the sale to look. 

Like I said, I'll do outfit posts later this weekend/week with the shirts that I got. 

Also don't forget- I'm doing a giveaway soon! 

What do you think? Do you like vintage clothing or do you prefer more modern clothes? Would you wear any of these risk taking designs? Let me know what you think! 

Have a good weekend loves!