This week was one of those weeks that made me think What did I do all week? Aside from trying to beat the heat that we've been having in the northwest, this week was a little uneventful, but I'm ready for the weekend. Here are some of recent favorites!
I am someone who tends to not gravitate towards brighter colors or trends. I will envy those who can pull of the trend from a distance, but will never have the guts to pull off the color myself. The Hot Pink trend is not exception. Although I don't usually wear a lot of bright colors, I love how hot pink has hit many stores this summer and is being incorporated into many summer ensembles.
Hot pink pieces make a fun statement to a look by adding a bright pop of color. Hot pink looks best with neutral pieces, such as black and white. However, don't be afraid to mix and match hot pink with other colors, such as some of the bloggers above have successfully done in a clean and fashionable manner. If you're feeling daring and looking to add more life to your wardrobe, hot pink may the "it" color for you this summer!
Will you be wearing hot pink this summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
When I first heard of strobing, I immediately thought of strobe lights and wondered how it was related to the latest "it" makeup trend. After a bit of googling, I realized that it is not related to the colorful flashing lights, but rather a technique that uses highlighter to contour. Unlike the huge contour trend, which used darker powders and often required a bit more time, strobing is supposedly a quicker way of adding dimension to your face.
Strobing makeup does not seem like a new phenomenon to me, particularly because it is essentially highlighting. It also does not seem very appealing for us oily-skin girls who tend to steer away from shimmery powders. There are many products though, from powders to creams, that can create a lifted look using light for all skin types. Strobing makeup is also perfect for those who want a faster method for a brighter and slightly defined look.
Here's a quick breakdown of strobing makeup:
What is strobing makeup?
Stobing makeup uses illuminating products to create both glow and definition.
How-to?
Apply a cream or powder highlighter/illuminator to the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, above the eyebrows, and on the chin. A fan brush or highlighting brush can used for the technique. Often a heavy hand is used for applying the product.
Although I think that over-highlighting is a bit over the top and reminds me of the makeup on the people of the Capital from The Hunger Games, using a very light hand when applying the product can create a more natural glow. I will personally skip the heavy strobing trend, however, it is a useful method for those who want a bright and radiant look.
What are your thoughts on strobing makeup? In or Out?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
My laptop is currently not cooperating with me and I'm resorting to posting from my phone so I'm sorry for the short intro. Here are some of my favorite pieces of inspiration!
Boho meets preppy with the embroidered trend that has been popping up in stores this season. Embroidery adds a touch of detail to an otherwise plain clothing piece, making an outfit look put together while also being unique. The detailing from embroidered pieces are also perfect for a wide range of events, from a causal day out to a dress for a more formal event, such as a wedding.
Embroidered clothing pieces are perfect those who like casual and comfortable clothing, but want to keep their ensemble from looking plain. Embroidered pieces also come in a wide range of sizes in terms of the embroidered detailing as well as many colors. Whether it's a touch of detail or making a statement, embroidered pieces are a great way to spice up an otherwise simple outfit.
What do you think about embroidered pieces?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
This post is different from what is typically on my blog, but recently I felt a need to write this post after watching a video by My Pale Skin called "You Look Disgusting", which touched on the unrealistic expectations of beauty. Since its upload, the video has received millions of views and rightfully so. The video is linked here and is on the bottom of this post, but as a quick summary, the video opens with Em Ford, the creator of the video wearing no makeup. Several hate comments about her appearance are displayed next to her bare face, but as she starts applying makeup, positive comments begin to appear. Em Ford, however, then also displays hate comments regarding her makeup. After then removing her makeup, she leaves the video with a positive message stating, "you look beautiful."
According to Em Ford's description, the purpose of the video was to show the unrealistic standards of beauty in a world dominated by social media. She further explains that no one should ever feel ugly because of these standards. I could not agree more with Em Ford. We are unfairly judged by how we look based upon expectations that are far from the truth. I had actually written a whole post about society's standards on beauty, however for some reason it has remained as a draft as I have not gotten myself to post it. Em Ford's video, though, makes me feel silly that I haven't yet posted one of the most serious posts I have ever written. After I edit the post one final time, I will be sure to post it on my blog soon.
Not only was Em Ford effective with showing the hate comments regarding her face without makeup, but also the hate comments she received when she had put makeup on. For some, makeup is to cover areas that society has deemed as imperfect. However, for many, makeup is also simply a form of expression. Writing a degrading comment about someone's appearance based on their makeup is just as hateful as writing a comment about someone's bare face. The comment may not hate on the person's actual features, but it does hate on the makeup work done by the person and their creative effort. It is as if there is a very fine line between too little makeup and too much makeup. A fine line that is molded and shaped by society, in which if you don't stand on that line, you are viewed as imperfect or ugly.
This video left me frustrated and sad with not only the current standards of beauty set by society, but also with those leaving such nasty comments about whether or not someone is considered beautiful. The hate comments show the power of social media and how society can greatly influence your view on someone you barely know by making a quick judgment about their appearance. A quick judgment that is based on unrealistic standards that we all become victim to and further strengthens the power social media has on our view of others. Hate comments not only cause pain, but also continue the cycle that we were successfully reeled in by both our society and social media. The only way that we can weaken and break the cycle is by making a conscious effort to remove ourselves from the cycle. This does not require any great act, but it does require one to think twice before judging a new face through the screen. It requires just a few seconds to rethink about writing a surface-level comment that could potentially cause someone pain.
I believe that it is not entirely our fault that society and social media has skillfully influenced our opinions based their greed for money and power. However, once we become aware of this influence and see that it is causing more pain than good, we become responsible for distancing ourselves from the influence of social media. Although the power of our society has made it difficult to change our view of beauty, it is important to rethink writing a negative comment and to prevent society's unrealistic expectations from making you think that are less than beautiful.
Another week has gone by, which means it is time for another Friday favorites post. The past several days were filled with work, but it was still a fun and good week. I'm a little bummed out that the week's almost over, but it's also about time for the weekend to start. Here are some of my favorites from this week!
Not to my surprise, my go-to top this summer has been a black tee. I tend to gravitate to the comfy-casual look on an everyday basis and black tees have been a must. Not only are they comfortable, but are versatile and can be dress up or down. When it comes to a simple piece such as a black tee, I either like to keep the rest of the outfit simple or dress up the top with some more detailed pieces. Below are three looks that are inspired by ways in which I wear black tees.
Black and white are one of my favorite combos for an easy, clean, but chic look. Pairing a black tee with a pair of white shorts or jeans are the perfect way to pull off the black-white combo. Add some more detail to the look with a chambray shirt, earrings, and wedge sandals.
Nothing beats a good ol' tee-shirt and jeans combo. Add to the laid-back look by wearing a pair of classic white sneakers. Finish the ensemble with a pendant necklace and a neutral tote bag.
Black tees are not just for casual wear and can be dressed up for a summer going-out ensemble. First create a monochromatic look by tucking the tee into a pair of black soft shorts. Add some detail to the look with a flowy cardigan, simple jewelry pieces, and a pair of classic sandals.
What's your go-to piece in the summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
Some people love pops of colors in the summer and others like a bright white. I personally love white in the summer, since it's a great way to brighten an outfit without making a bold statement. While I love a good pop of color, white is always clean and crisp and goes with almost anything.
A white ensemble is perfect in the summer for those looking for an outfit to complement their tan. White is also a great way to make other brighter colors pop, such as when paired with a bright statement necklace or pair of wedges. Whether you decide to wear white on its own or add a pop of color, white it a great way to bring light to any summer ensemble!
Do you wear a lot of white in the summer?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
I realized that it has been a while I have done a normal Friday Favorites with no theme. I would like to think that I have I would have a lot to say since my last favorites post, which was posted during finals week. I'm almost a month into my summer break, but it definitely does not feel that long by any means. It wouldn't be a true summer if it didn't seem like it was flying by! Anyways, here are some of my favorites that I have stumbled upon this week.
Taylor Swift has been the "it" girl, from her new(-ish) album to her action-filled music videos. Along with her evolving music, Taylor also has a style that is both trendy and classic, while remaining simple and not over the top. Here area some recreations of some outfits that can be incorporated in your wardrobe this summer that is inspired by some looks that Taylor has been spotted in recently.
This first outfit is the perfect going-out ensemble for the summer. First pair together a white and blue floral dress with a pair of blue heels. Add some more color to the look with a purple handbag. Finish the outfit with some more detailing with some silver jewelry.
If you love neutrals and white, this next outfit is right up your alley! Start by pairing a white crop top with a white skater skirt. If you want an exact look to Taylor's, wear a white top with some gold detailing or add a gold belt. Add some neutral pieces to the ensemble, such as a pair of neutral heels and coat. For a subtle pop of color, wear a pink handbag. Finish the look with some simple accessories.
This key to this next look is the black and white patterned shorts. To keep the focus on the shorts, add a black long sleeved tee and black booties. For accessories, go for a brown crossbody bag and a pendant necklace. Finish the look with some true red nail polish.
Although this last outfit is simple, it's classic with small twist. By adding a pair of blue heels with a white romper, you create a chic summer outfit with a pop of color. Add some gold accessories and a neutral bag to complement the dress. Wear a dark burgundy nail polish to finish off the look.
Who is your style icon?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
Flamingos are no longer just for cheesy front lawns and are instead a growing trend this summer. It seems like every year there's a new "it" print and flamingo is the new popular trend. Flamingo is a fun way to add a lot of detail and a pop of pink to any summer ensemble!
Although flamingo prints may seem childish, when paired with more sophisticated pieces, like crisp shorts or a pair of wedges, the print becomes a fun statement piece. The flamingo trend looks especially cute when worn at the the beach or at a daytime party, since it's a unique way to style a summer outfit. So if you're looking for something new and bold this summer, then the flamingo trend may be up your alley!
Also, here's a relevant bonus pic that was too cute not to show:
Will you be trying out the flamingo trend this season?
I would love to read it in a comment below!
I can't believe it's already the time of the year to pull out the red, white, and blue. From the good grilled food to the fireworks, nothing says summer like the Fourth of July! Here are some of my favorite pieces of inspiration for the fourth tomorrow, from ensembles to food to decor.
