Earrings under $15!

Do you think it's possible to look on fleek within a budget?

Five beautiful pairs of earrings for under $15! 

My main inspiration for writing this blog is to create an environment where my readers can come to seek fashion inspiration without having to compromise financial stability for style. I am a firm believer that you do not have to spend a lot of money to look and feel great. 

Below are five beautiful pairs of earrings. 

The best part? All of them cost less than $15!

$14.50

Earrings: J.Crew Factory Outlet

$7.00
Pastel Pink Drop Earrings: H&M

$15.00

Tear Drop Stone Earrings: Loft

$12.00

Pearl/ Gold Studs: Dillards 

$6.00

Pineapple Studs: Charming Charlie 



I hope this post has inspired you to be on the lookout for killer deals this holiday weekend. I promise that if you set aside just a little time and money to pamper yourself each week, you won't regret it! 

Why pay full price when you don't have to? What is the sweetest deal you have ever swindled? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Pretty Patriotism

The Forth of July is right around the corner!
How to look pretty and patriotic without looking like you belong on a float in the parade...

 I will be seeing a lot of family from out of town that I don't often get to visit with this weekend.

I like to look nice and dressed up for the occasion so they remember me in a positive light, lol!
I decided to wear jeans with a light sweater as I find it transitions well from an afternoon BBQ through late night firework displays.

 I found the perfect balance between being playfully festive and stylish.

What I have noticed is that when I try to incorporate all three colors: red, white & blue to my outfit it looks a bit hokey... and you never want to look like you're trying too hard.

This year I decided to stick with two of the colors and pair them with a pleasant neutral.

(I have red hair... so maybe I did end up incorporating all 3 colors anyway)!

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Top: Nordstrom Rack // Bottoms: Articles of Society  // Shoes: DSW // Earrings: Charming Charlie
// Sunglasses: Macy's

I hope this has helped to inspire your Fourth of July outfit. 

I hope you have a great holiday weekend!

What are your plans for the holiday? Do you go out and watch a fireworks display or do you put on your own? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

What's for Dinner? Pineapple Salmon!

What's for Dinner?

The recipe you've been dying to have: Pineapple Salmon!

Here is the Pineapple Salmon I recently posted a picture of on my Instagram account. 

Hope you guys enjoy the recipe as much as my family did!

Pineapple Salmon

This recipe serves: 2

What you'll need:

1 pineapple (with the bark cut off. Keep it though, you'll need it!)

2 salmon fillets

a pinch of salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 1/2 tsp chili powder

1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder

1 Tbsp tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2-4 Tbsp teriyaki sauce (optional)

Baker's twine

What to do:

1// Combine salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper flakes and teriyaki sauce into a bowl. 

2// Place thawed salmon fillets into the marinade you have just created.

3// Let salmon marinate for at least a half hour. Longer is better, but if you're in a rush, 30 minutes will work.

4// Make a "little sandwich" with the pineapple bark and salmon fillet. Wrap your "little sandwich" with baker's twine.

5// Wrap your "little sandwich" in tin foil and either place it in the grill for about 7-10 minutes or in a conventional oven for 25-30 minutes. (Cook until salmon is flakey in the center).

This is a fabulous light Summer meal, enjoy!

What is your favorite Summer meal? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

My "Everyday" Makeup Routine

Some of you have been wanting to know my 

"Everyday" Make up Routine.

Well, here it is:

Before I do anything, I always wash my face. Even if you've washed your face the night before, oils and sweat can accumulate onto the skin during the night. You want to treat your face like a piece of art. You need a blank slate. After I've washed my face, I apply a thin layer of Clinique Moisture Surge. This helps to prevent foundation from caking onto any dry patches on your skin.

For me the most important thing is full face coverage. As a fair-skinned redhead, I am prone to patchiness. I am able to skimp out of many high-priced beauty products but foundation and a compressed powder are two things I always "splurge" on. Five years ago I was introduced to Clinique Super Balanced Collection. My shade is Alabaster, but you should visit a Clinique counter to find your perfect shade. I always finish off my coverage with Clinique Stay Matte: Stay Buff Compressed Powder. It helps to set the foundation and prevent your makeup from melting on a hot Summer day.

While my foundation and compressed powder are setting I begin to work on my eyes.

I curl my lashes with a Revlon lash curler. I apply two coats of Bare Mineral Flawless Definition.

Then I apply a thin layer of Clinique Chubby stick eyeshadow in Bountiful beige. I start at the brow bone and sweep it on as close to the lash line as I can.

I use an angled eyeshadow brush to apply a dark coat of Lancome Successorize Eye Shadow to the base of my lashes in place of eyeliner ??!!!??? I feel it gives a more relaxed and subtle look. Then, I use an eyeshadow brush to sweep Lancome All That Brightens (Lustrous) Eyeshadow to the outside corners of my lid. 

Next, I sweep Lancome Shimmer Plum Affaire Blush over the apples of my cheeks. I don't put too much on when I am just going out to run errands for the day. I may apply more if I will be going somewhere that will be dim lit, like a gastro pub or a show. Afterwards, I lightly sweep a bronzer over the "T-Zone" and any other spots that light would naturally hit my face.

Lastly, I apply a Lancome or Clinique lipstick. My current obsession is Lancome's Curtain Call Sheen. It is a bold deep wine color that is beautiful and powerful.

This usually takes me about 5-8 minutes start to finish. If I have a bit more time, I'll add more dimensions to my eye make-up and do a more nude lip for balance.

I hope this has been helpful. Do something fun this weekend!

Have you found the descriptions and photos helpful? Would you like to see a video tutorial next time? I'd love your input. Leave a comment below!

Home Remedies to Soothe a Facial Blemish

3 Tested and True Home Remedies to Soothe a Facial Blemish

I KNEW.

I could feel it coming on.

A pimple caused by stress and I was powerless to stop it.

While you can't really prevent a pimple from coming ; you can relieve yourself of some of its less than becoming symptoms.

Here are,

3 Tested and True Home Remedies to Soothe a Facial Blemish:

1 // Lemon Juice

Cut a fresh lemon and squeeze some of its juice into a cup or bowl. Dip a cotton ball into the juice and then place the lemon infused cotton ball over the blemish for a minute or two. After you are done rinse your face with warm water. The results are almost instantaneous. This is my "go to" method. I have found this also works to sooth redness even after a pimple has popped.

2 // Honey & Cinnamon

Did you know that honey and cinnamon possess many properties other than making everything taste delicious? It can make your skin glow. It can make your hair shiny. Yes, it can even make the redness of a pimple calm the heck down! Simply mix a little honey and cinnamon together. Dab a pea sized amount onto the affected area. Like a paste, leave it on your skin for as long as you can.
 *I'm not saying don't sleep with it... but c'mon sticky hair? Yuck!

3 // Aloe Vera

I don't know how I didn't think of this! I mean seriously, if aloe vera can help soothe the pain and redness of a sunburn...Why wouldn't it work similarly with a facial blemish? I find this one incredibly helpful when I am having a pimple that is not only unseemly but also incredibly painful. You know what I'm talking about... Ouch!

I hope these tips help you to avoid a big, painful and red disaster!

P.S If Acne is severe and affecting your life or self-confidence, visit your family physician or a Dermatologist. They can prescribe stronger creams or medicine that may be better suited for you. 

Have a comment? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Once in a Blue June

This look can be consolidated to three words:
Easy. Breezy. Calm.


My city had a power outage last week.
My Husband suggested we go out in hopes that when we returned the power would be back on.
Alas, when we got home... the power was still out.

After we put our daughter to bed, my Husband and I were able to sit out on our patio. I was really able to appreciate the beauty of silence. So often I overlook the importance of taking a moment to relax. I seem to have adopted a "busy = important" mentality. The small things in life are what is most important. My monthly goal is to focus my time on more quiet and simple things.

The weather is getting warmer but cool hues are definitely in this season.
A sultry satin and lace tank paired with a blue linen short can be consolidated to three words:

Easy. Breezy. Calm.

Just like a warm Summer night with no distractions...

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)


Shown Above:
Top: Romy // Shorts: Banana Republic Outlet (different colors available)
// Shoes: Steve Madden via Tradesy // Earrings: J.Crew (see them again, here)
// Necklace: Charming Charlie (old, similar)

What topics would you like to see covered on my blog? I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!

Shift & Sheath Dresses: 101

Shift & Sheath Dresses: 101

Commonly Asked Question

One question I am often asked:

What is the difference between a shift dress and a sheath dress?

Both are simple dresses that typically come down to the knee or slightly above. 

Sheath dresses are form fitting and curve hugging.

Shift dresses lay straight on the waist and hips. 

Both styles are beautiful.

I typically wear sheath dresses as I prefer clothing that is form fitting.

However, while shopping at the Banana Republic Outlet a few weeks ago, I came across a beautiful shift dress I just had to own. I received compliments on it from ladies in the dressing room, in line and even at the counter. The girl helping me out was like, "Uh.. This must be new. I want one. Where in the store did you find this?"

Good sign.

It is a simple way to look polished without much effort. 

I love how it can be made to look carefree with studded earrings and flats or posh with pointed toe heels and a fancy up-do. 

(Photo Cred: B. Campbell)

Shown Above:

Dress: (discontinued, similar) // Shoes: Steve Madden at DSW // Earrings: DSW 

// Bracelet: (old, discontinued) // Necklace: (old, similar)

**Nail polish is one of my "Summer at your Fingertips" Top 5 Summer Shades. Find out which one here.

Until next time!

Do you have any fashion questions? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment below!