Summer Archives - Embracing Beauty

6 Must Haves for Summer

Ashley — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 03:48:20 +0000

Summer is in full swing and I am loving every minute of it!! Besides a great book and some sunscreen here are five new items that I recommend to help you enjoy summer to it’s fullest…without sacrificing style of course.

1. Tarte’s Limited Edition LipSurgence ($19)

This lip gloss (pictured in Envy) will keep your lips looking colorful and shiny all day. I’m a huge fan of Tarte products and this new lip gloss is no exception.

2. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Nail Lacquer. ($6)

I’m in love with this soft and simple shade named Almond. Something about is so calming and feminine.

3. XG Sunglasses ($125-$145)

Protect your peepers with fashionable shades. I’ve just ordered a pair of the Zurich sunglasses with “Extreme Glare” technology. I’m excited to give them a try!

4. Vionic Sandals ($45+)

If you know me personally I’ve complained for years about how there needs to be a company who will invent a lightweight sandal that has arch support – well, a company did that!!! A company called Vionic. Clarks’ flip flops have support but they are on the heavy side. Chacos are fabulous sandals but they’re not meant to be dressy in the least. Vionic sandals are the solution! They are as light as can be and they have fabulous support to help protect the most important curve of your body – the arch of your foot. I just discovered these this summer and I’ve already bought two pair. They are a little costly but oh so worth it!! Trust me! (and they’re having a 30% off sale right now! Yay!)

5. White Shorts ($24.50)

Okay, so white shorts aren’t new but I think everyone who walks should own at least one pair of white shorts during the summer. White shorts can be a little intimidating for ladies during certain times of the month but have no fear, I know a new product from U by Kotex that will make white shorts wearable all summer long! U by Kotex pads w/ new 3D Capture Core has got your back…or should I say bottom? Ha! (Plus, while supplies last you can snag a free sample of U by Kotex Curve by clicking here. Oh and you can visit BringComfyBack.com and show your uncomfy face to enter to win BIG!)

By the way, the white shorts pictured above are from J. Crew Factory and are on sale for $24.50, from $39.50.

6. Jamberry Nail Wraps ($15)

Jamberry nail wraps are like stickers but with super holding power, that stay on your fingers for two weeks and your toes for four weeks. These are just perfect for keeping a great mani while battling the surf or relaxing in the sun. The color above is Icy Rose Polka.

JUST WAIT until Sept. 1st though!!!! I have had an exclusive sneak peek at their newest TruShine gel polish and it is AMAZING!!! I like Jamberry but I LOOOOOVE their gel polish. In my opinion, every woman should own it (who wears polish at least).

What’s on your must-have fashion list this summer?

Fabulous Florals: This Summer’s Most Beautiful Dresses

Ashley — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 14:41:06 +0000

This post was written by Katie who is a self-confessed foodaholic and fashion-obsessed blogger from the UK who writes about her favorite clothes, countries and cupcakes.

It’s no wonder so many fashion designers are inspired by the beauty of nature. You only have to go for a walk in the woods and see the bluebells peeking up from the forest floor or see golden poppies on the trails of the Golden State to feel truly uplifted.

And, this summer, more than any other, many of the big-name designers have given a fresh twist to flowery fashion, creating stunning prints and shapes. No more so does the floral trend come into its own than on a summer dress. The two just go together like peanut butter and jelly. The floral dress is also incredibly versatile. There’s one for just about any occasion, whether just taking the kids to the park or attending a friend’s wedding. Here are just a few of my favorites:

For summer weddings

What could be more romantic for a summer wedding than a floral dress? The all-American brand Anthropologie, has this beautiful, embroidered gown with a structured shape formal enough for a wedding. On a fine black lace-mesh background with pink and red flowers, I’ll be buying this one and waiting for the wedding invites to start flooding in! It’s not just for summer though. It’s an all-seasons dress that would look equally gorgeous worn at a garden party when the sun is shining or a dinner party in winter. Definitely an heirloom piece to keep in the wardrobe for the next generation…

For musical festivals

There are plenty of music festivals that you probably wouldn’t want to go to, but lots more that pride themselves on their family-friendly atmosphere. The Creation festivals in the US have a joyous feel while the GoldCoast OceanFest or the Wychwood Festival in the UK have lots of events as well as the music that the whole family can join in. Finders Keepers’ tee-shirt dresses can be worn on their own or teamed with leggings and flat biker boots.

For the office

Florals may be more associated with off-duty style or with more formal outdoor occasions, but I’ve found the perfect dress to brighten up my day when I have to go into the office. Sitting just on the knee and with a black background, this dress from Erdem has a more business-like feel than other florals, but still manages to retain a playful edge with its yellow, white and blue blooms. I’ll be wearing with my black ballet pumps or investing in a new pair of block heels. It would look equally beautiful on a night out though, with black heels and a clutch.

For vacation time

Florals were given a truly tropical vibe by the likes of Raf Simon for Dior and Christophe Lemaire who used swirling, twirling over-sized ferns and flowers. On the high street, La Redoute has a designer-esque version which is simply stunning. With a sweetheart neckline and flared skirt, it’s very flattering. It would be perfect for a summer vacation – I’ll be wearing with tan sandals and a slouchy bag for sightseeing and swapping these for metallic heels and a matching clutch for a rare date night with my other half.

For family lunches

Long lunches with family are one of the joys of the weekend, whether at home, at our favourite Italian restaurant or taking a picnic to the park. While, all too often, I opt for my much-worn skinny jeans and Breton-striped top, I’m going to make an effort to turn these lunches into occasions even more special by putting a bit of effort into my outfit. Vintage stores are a lovely way to find day dresses, each probably with a story of family lunches gone by to tell. I love the simplicity of this rose design from Vintage Vixen. I’m going to cinch it in at the waist with a skinny, plaited belt and wear with sandals on sunny days.

They’re all beautiful pieces that just go to show why fashion’s love affair with florals is so enduring.

Summer Outfits

Ashley — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 20:34:24 +0000

My love for summer is only deepened by my love for summer outfits! So today I thought it would be fun to play around and design a casual summer outfit. This aqua color caught my eye and just seems to scream summertime!

Typically my summer wardrobe consists of sundresses, jeans, khakis, shorts capris, tees, tank tops and a ton of accessories! I’m not a super trendy dresser but this is a tiny peek into my summer style! What do you think of the outfit? What are your summer favorites?

Bootcut Denim
Sandals

Someone mentioned in the comments that they liked this outfit but they were worried about the cost of it. Most items I chose are affordable with the exception of a few more expensive pieces. I’ll list the prices below and if you’re interested you can click on the picture of the item above to be taken to where you can find more information or purchase it.

Shirt – $10

Jeans – ~~$19.50~~ On sale for $18.50

Shoes – $89

Ring – ~~$19.88~~ On sale for $9.94

Necklace – $68

Earrings – $159

Big Honkin’ Summer Fun at Target

Ashley — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 03:23:27 +0000

Target is the destination for everything families need to make the most of summer and to prove it Target sent a few bloggers a “Big Honkin’ Summer” kit to review. Target has items to keep your family occupied whether you are traveling to the beach, mountains, or having a staycation. Target has all the essentials for you to make the most of your summer. If you’ve been in a Target store recently, you may have noticed the giant beach balls, sunglasses, and sand buckets that lead you directly to their brightly colored summer merchandise.

Here are the items that I received to review and check out Target’s kid catalog where you can find all of these products and more for summer:

Kid Made Modern Printed Tape Set – $6.99
Kid Made Modern Board Book Kit – $14.99
Toy Golf Club with Ball Set – $2.99
Giant Badminton Set – $7.99
Lemonade Stand Banner – $2.00
Lemonade Stand Money Box – $3.00
Lemonade Stand Sign – $4.00
Lemonade Stand Juice Container – $6.00
Lemonade Stand Ice Bucket – $6.00

We fired up the grill, gathered about ten different couples and their kids and we had a big honkin’ pink lemonade party! The Giant Badminton set was my personal favorite as it reminded me of playing in the yard as a kid. The Kid Made Modern Board Book Kit & Kid Made Modern Printed Tape set are adorable and could keep kids busy for quite a while. The Toy Golf Club with Ball Set was probably a favorite with the kids. Even when they weren’t “playing” you could always see one kid carrying it around.

The Lemonade Stand Banner, Money Box, Sign, Juice Container, & Ice Bucket were all used at the party and will probably be used over and over again for summers to come. I was surprised how well each piece was made for being so inexpensive. We colored the lemons on the banner and the sign with a pink Sharpie to make them look like pink lemonade. I can’t help it, I’m girly! : )

Summer is my favorite season and it always seems to go by so fast. Sometimes I honestly can’t believe how fast time flies! Can you believe my little girl just had her first birthday? {She’s the one above in yellow} In hopes that summer won’t pass me by so quickly this year I’m trying to slow down and make the most of every moment. Our family has a few weekend trips planned but for the most part we’re staying home and enjoying homemade ice cream, watching fireflies, playing in the yard, grilling out, taking walks in the evening and well, just spending time together. Target makes it easy to have a Big Honkin’ Summer without leaving town.

Target has a fun Facebook app called “Summer-zier” that allows you to add large “Big Honkin’ Summer” icons to your favorite photos. You have the option to share them online with your friends and you could even to order prints at your local Target Photo Center.

To learn more about Target’s Big Honkin’ Summer you can find more information at Target.com or follow Target on Facebook.

Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Target and received products to facilitate my review and thank me for taking the time to participate.”

How To Create a Light Summery Look With Makeup

Ashley — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Have you updated your makeup for summer yet? Bikinis and beaches call for a light,summery sparkle. For a light look, you need light products…check out one of my favorite beauty supply stores, Image Beauty, for all of the products you’ll need to get that beachy, carefree style that looks so perfect in the summertime.

During the warmer months, you’ll want light coverage that does double duty by protecting your skin from harmful rays. Use a tinted moisturizer for light coverage that won’t melt, such as Cover Girl Aqua Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15 for added protection.

Blush is a bit heavy for a summery look; substitute a light bronzer or luminizer instead. A bronzer is perfect for those early days of summer when you’re still pale but want that sun-kissed look. Try L’Oreal True Match Naturale Shimmer Bronze for luminous color.

With all that color, you don’t want to neglect your lips! Lip color for summer is light and natural looking. Heavy lipsticks look out of place at the beach or barbecue. Try a lip stain like Cover Girl Outlast Lip Stain in Flirty Nude. A little color goes a long way.

The eyes are perhaps the trickiest feature to play up for summer. Heavy shadows and liners can feel thick in the summer heat. Your best bet is to forego eye shadow and liners altogether. Define your eyes with mascara instead. To guard against water, sweat, or tears from that summer break up, use a waterproof mascara. Try Physician’s Formula Aquawear Mascara in Black/Brown.

Don’t forget your nails! Summer is the time to show off an immaculate pedicure. You could go with a clear polish or French manicure to showcase your pedicurist’s hard work. Alternatively, try Art Club Nail Art in Gold Glitter for a little color and shine. It really shines against tanned toes.

You can find all of these beauty supplies online or at any beauty supply store. Image Beauty is one of my favorite places to buy beauty supplies because they ship their products super fast and offer them at really great prices! So make sure to lighten up with these products for a fresh, beach-worthy look. Your skin and fellow beach-goers will thank you.

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

Ashley — Sun, 27 May 2012 21:18:37 +0000

I love this deal that comes around every summer! If you’re looking for a fun and frugal activity during these hot summer months I have the perfect idea for you. What about free bowling?

Go and sign up at KidsBowlFree.com to get a voucher for two free games of bowling for each of your children every single day all summer long. Every. single. day. How awesome is that? Click to see which locations near you are participating.

AMF Bowling Alleys also offer their Summer Unplugged program that offers two free games of bowling for each of your children every single day all summer long.

Please note: Shoe rental is not included so if you plan to take advantage of this more than a few times, I highly recommend purchasing bowling shoes for your children. You may be able to score a good deal on these at a local sporting goods store or consignment store but you can also buy them on Amazon.com for around $25-$35.

Ready for Summer!

Ashley — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:17:21 +0000

I’m super excited about summer! I just bought this adorable baby pool/sprinkler from One Step Ahead! I am giddy with excitement. I simply can’t wait for my little one to try it out!

I also bought her this fun swimsuit from Target. Isn’t it sweet? Target has a lot of cute little girl swimsuits this year. It took me the longest time to decide on which one to get!

So what about you; are you prepped and ready for summer? There are only 76 days until we can feel Summer’s warm touch! This year summer officially starts on Thursday, June 21, 2012. Do you have any tips to share on how to maximize fun on a minuscule budget?