(Safe) Fun in the Sun!

If you're like me, summertime comes with memories of being halfway out the door of the house and hearing your mother shout, "Did you remember to put on your suntan lotion?!"  Well, that's not the only thing we can do to take care of our health in the summer. Read below for my top five fun and fashionable tips on how to be safe in the sun!




1.  Swackett
My friend, Jessica, introduced me to this awesome and FREE weather app, which you can read about here. It tells you exactly how to dress for the weather, and will even let you know when it's necessary to pack up the sunscreen or a bottle of water!

2.  The Vapur: A Collapsible Water Bottle
Speaking of water bottles: OMG!  I am obsessed...OBSESSED...with these ADORABLE and PRACTICAL water bottles!  It's super important to stay extra hydrated in the summer, but my problem has always been that I hate schlepping around my water bottle once I've finished drinking from it.  Well, The Vapur is a collapsible water bottle - meaning when you're done with it, it rolls up so you can neatly tuck it away into your bag.  AMAZING, right?!  You can also freeze it and use it as an ice pack.  It comes in a variety of chic styles, including the Runway and - you will die when you see this one - the Sweater, which includes a preppy-looking bottle cover that'll keep your bottle colder longer, and moisture-free!








3.  Jergen's Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer
I posted about this AMAZING self-tanner here.  I just can't say enough about it!  You can either get it for fair to medium skin tones, or medium to tan skin tones.  Plus, it'll make you smell delicious...another benefit of staying out of the sun!

4.  Urban Outfitters Mint by Goorin Marled Hat (currently on sale!) 
Sometimes in the summer, when I know I'll be outside for a while, I like to wear a hat to protect my skin and provide me with some shade.  I LOVE this floppy hat from Urban Outfitters because it's the perfect size; it provides plenty of coverage, but it's not so big that it'll overwhelm your face.  (And, it comes in a variety of colors!)






5.  Bobbi Brown SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer
Anyone who reads this blog knows I LOVE all Bobbi Brown makeup!  Well, her SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer is no exception. This is definitely one of those makeup products I couldn't live without!  It barely feels like you're wearing anything, which I love.  Not only does it provide some protection from the sun, it's also a fantastic alternative to a heavy foundation - giving you a light yet effective coverage for the summer months.

Hangin' Out

Yesterday, I spent the day with my parents in Long Island.  I knew we'd just be hanging around the house, so I opted for an easy and comfy outfit, hair in a pony, minimal amount of accessories, and barely-there makeup.  

T-Shirt: American Apparel (also wore it here)

Skirt: Anthropologie

Shoes: Steve Madden Vakay Flip Flops in Gold Leather (only $29.95!)

Photo Credit: Ma!

Moments

Steve Madden Croquet Slip-On Loafers

Top: Gap Pure Cocoon T

Bra: The flowery straps on this Marie Jo Avero Seamless Wire Bra look so sweet n' sexy when peeking out from underneath a tank or T!  See Girls star Zosia Mamet wearing the same one on Conan.

Necklace: Free People

On Nails: Essie's Mojito Madness.  Kiiiinda funny, since I'm drinking a Mojito!

If this isn't heaven, I don't know what is.

Clean up manicures or help create a perfect line when applying eyeliner with these Q-tips.

Get 'em here or at your local drugstore.

Copied Jessica (who took the mojito pic above) and bought these SUPER comfy wide-leg lounge pants.  

Guest Blogger: Jessica Introduces the Cutest App!

Hi, Everyone!


I wanted to introduce you to my hilarious friend, Jessica.  LOVE her!  She told me about the CUTEST app the other day that's become my new obsession, and we decided it MUST be shared with you.  Read all about it below!
  
xoxo,
Amy

Jessica
How great is her curly hair?!

Hey, Glamour Addicts!

This is Jessica, with the infamous mole, and I had to tell you about the best free app out there!!! It's a little something called Swackett. It's a new kind of weather app that actually tells you what you want to know when you check the weather: what to wear!

Swackett

Swackett features "peeps" - guys and gals (pets included!) adorably dressed in weather-appropriate clothing for that particular day (earmuffs and a long coat on cold days, a sundress and flip flops on hot days...) so you know exactly how to dress when you head out of the house. The peeps will even remind you to bring your umbrella if it's raining, or to put some sunscreen or a water bottle into your bag if it's really hot. There are also LOTS of other features, including current weather details, an hourly forecast for the next twenty-four hours, daily forecasts for the next five days, and fun facts (dirty snow melts faster than clean snow...who knew??).  


Swackett is a free app for your iPhone and can be found in your iPhone's app store.  It's also available for iPad, Mac, and as a web app, too!

Happy dressing!
Jess xo

Saturday Funnies

Hi, Everyone!


Check out two of my favorite videos from this week!


The first one is short n' sweet - about thirty seconds.  Watch Jimmy Fallon struggling at Catchphrase...I was DYING!  Hilarious.  

The second video (it's actually two videos - there's a part 1 and a part 2 - and each one is about five minutes long) is Martin Short being interviewed on Conan.  I am just crazy about him...he ALWAYS delivers and has SUCH a quick sense of humor.  Watching him is like watching a Vaudeville act or something...love him!!!!

Make a Statement

The other day, I was really feeling the T-shirt and jeans vibe...sometimes, there's just nothing better!  I decided to add a statement necklace in order to give a little oomph to my casual ensemble.  I love how effortless this look is, like, "Oh...just jeans, a T, and a kick-ass necklace...no big!"

T-Shirt: American Apparel

Hair Tie - worn around wrist as a bracelet: Emi-Jay (also posted about Emi-Jay here)

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Necklace: Anthropologie

Outfit of the Day

Watch: Michael Kors
Pearl Bracelets: H&M
Arrow Drop Bracelet: Madewell
Sharp Studded Bracelet: Lulu's

Shirt: Express (old)

Shorts: DVF Boymuda Jacquard Shorts

Wedges: Ferragamo

Summah-Summah-Summah-TIME!

Happy First Day of Summer, everyone!  Peep some of my favorite summer things below.  

Enjoy the sunshine xo!

1. Target Coverup
I got this for a trip to Puerto Rico a few years ago, but I love it so much that I wear it in the summer months instead of a bathrobe when I get out of the shower.


2. Emi-Jay Hair Tie
Celebs love these hair ties that double as a casual bracelet.  They come in LOTSA colors, and you can get headbands, too. PS...The company was started by two 15-year-old girls!


3. Beach Fragrance by Bobbi Brown
THE FINAL WORD ON A SUMMER FRAGRANCE!  Light n' beachy, this just SCREAMS summer!


4. Iced Hazelnut Coffee from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
I had my first iced coffee of the season today, and loved every second of it!


5. Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Pale Mauve
This is my all time favorite brand of lip color - it's SO moisturizing that you don't need to apply chapstick beforehand...LOVE that!  The pale mauve shade is GAWJUS for summer.

6. Fifty Shades of Grey
I really wanted to be a part of the conversation, ya know?  Am only about thirty pages in, and so far, I'm loving it!


7. Ankle Socks (Check out these fun ones from Old Navy!)
Once a week in the summer, I put lotion on my feet, and then wear these socks around my apartment to lock in the moisture.  It helps my pedicure to always look nice n' fresh!


8. Essie's Mojito Madness Nail Polish 
A fun new green from Essie's summer collection!


9. Essie's Cascade Cool Nail Polish 
Love this sweet new pink from Essie's summer collection!  It's sold out online, but you can check your local drugstore, or try picking it up at Ricky's, which is where I got mine.


10. Jergen's Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer
LOVE this self-tanner that gives you a SUPER natural glow, and DOESN'T STREAK!  It used to smell like tanning lotion (yuk), but they've improved it so it smells really good now!


11. Moleskin
This is a MUST-BUY!  Pick some up at the drugstore, and wear it on your feet instead of a band aid if you're getting blisters...it doesn't fall off, and is super thick and cushion-y.

One Top, Two Different Ways

So, I'm loving Anthropologie's scalloped shell top, which I have in blue (shown below and also here) and yellow.  AND, now it comes in pink as well!  What's a girl to do?!?!  *Sigh*


I've been so obsessed with this shirt that I've been wearing it as many ways as I can. Check out the pics below, when I wore it two different ways in one day.

A lil' dressier for a morning meeting          A bit more casual for the rest of the day

Dress: ASOS                                             Dress: Old Navy

Shoes: Ann Taylor Elizabeth Pointy Flats

Look at the pattern on the ASOS dress...
palm trees and flamingos! 

 

Cuff: old

Necklace: Wink

Watch: Michael Kors; Pearl Bracelets: H&M; Leaf Ring: Aldo

Shoes: Madden Girl

Little Home Ideas

Sometimes, all it takes is a teeny little thing to give a little oomph to your living space! Check out two of my ideas below!

Add a little somethin' to your coffee table by gussying up a candle!
Here's whatcha need:
Stop by your local Bed Bath & Beyond and pick up:
1. 2 little bags of sand.
2. 1 little bag of tiny shimmer rocks.
3. 1 little bag of shells. 
(The items above are all found in the same section.)
4. 1 large glass bowl.
5. 1 large glass candle. (Bed Bath and Beyond sells tons of candles, but the one in my pics is from Anthropologie.  It's important the candle is glass or see-through so the light from the flame shines through the jar, which will then give the effect of softly lighting the sand and seashells around it.)

Throw everything in the large glass bowl (sand on the bottom, tiny shimmer rocks and shells on the top), and stick the candle in the center.

This is what it looks like during the day, when the candle isn't lit.

Voila!  This is what it looks like at night, when the candle is lit.  So pretty, and SO cozy!

Put your nail polish on display...such a chic way to decorate!

This is where I used to keep my nail polish - in an old Barney's hat box that I had tucked away inside a drawer.

I realized that nail polish is so pretty!  Why not put it where I can see and enjoy it every day?  I ended up rearranging my little perfume tray and making room for alla my colors...this little display just makes me so happy every time I see it!

Check out one of my favorite colors...Butter London's Teddy Girl...LOVE, espesh for the spring and summer!

Colorful Moment

Bobble BPA Free Water Bottle...Love this eco-friendly water bottle.  You can get the filters in a variety of colors!


Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish...Bright n' fun for spring!

Mixin' n' Matchin'

I'm totally diggin' this new idea of mixing and matching all types of patterns.  
PERSonally, I think this trend is here to stay.  It is in MY wardrobe, at least!

Cardigan: Banana Republic (old)

Top: Anthropologie Henga Shirtdress (worn as a shirt)...currently on sale!

Pants: AG Polka Dot Ankle Stevies

Shoes: J. Crew Viv Bow Flats

Anthropologie Henga Shirtdress
I wore this as a top, but can't wait to wear it as a dress in the summer!

Take a look at a close up of the pattern on the 

Anthropologie Henga Shirtdress: Parrots!  So 

funky and adorable!


Photo Credit: My super cool friend, Melissa.  Check out her kick-ass blog at: www.thefatapplenyc.com

A Few Of My Favorite Spring Things

Top: J. Crew (currently on sale!)

Snack: Reese's Unwrapped Mini Peanut Butter Cups (yummiest when refrigerated!)

Coconut Milk Mango Candle: Anthropologie

Shoes: Ann Taylor Elizabeth Pointy Flats 

Makeup: Apply Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner (Choc. Shimmer Ink) with Ultra Fine Eyeliner Brush

Lunch with The Parents

Last week, my parents came into the city and we spent the day together.  It was such fun, PLUS, it was the first time this season that it was so warm out, I actually had to take my jacket off...summer's juuuust around the corner.  HOORAY!

Jacket: Anthropologie 

Watch: Michael Kors

Top: Anthropologie (love this so much that I also picked it up in yellow!)

Jeans: Citizens of Humanity Angie Super Flare 

Ring: David Yurman

Reversible Headscarf: Coach 

Earrings: Modcloth

Necklace: Lauren Elan

Photo Credit:  Why, mom and dad, of course!

Errand Outfit

Last week, I woke up one morning and realized I'd have to devote my entire day to running errands.  Blech!  "Well," I thought to myself, "If I'm gonna be out of the house all day, I may as well try and feel cute!"  So I poured some coffee into my travel mug  (which I posted about here), put on something that would allow me to feel comfy while running around all day, and hit the road.

Jacket: American Rag (old), but look at this adorable pink spring option from Forever 21!  
Scarf: H&M (old), but peep this one from Topshop...would look AMAZE w/the pink jacket!
Shirt: C&C California (similar here)
Jeans: Gap Sexy Boyfriend Jeans
Sunglasses: Dior, but am dying for these from The Row, or their cheaper counterpart here
Flip Flops: Reef (similar here)

Instant Mood Booster!

Look out, Justin Bieber! There's a new kid in town!

Fast forward to 1:34 to see the most kick-ass audition yet from my fave summer show, So You Think You Can Dance!  This video puts me in the best mood!!!

 

What Makes You Spesh?

The other night, I was at 16 Handles with my friend, Jessica, when I realized:

It got me thinking about the fun little features we all have that make us different.  Check out some of my favorite celebrity examples below.  The quirky physical attributes of these ladies not only make them stand out; in some cases, they're what made these women famous!  Looking at these pics makes me wanna embrace every little flaw I have because...look at how beautiful these "flaws" can be!  Here's to imperfections!!!

Kate Bosworth's Multicolored Eyes

Sarah Jessica Parker's Nose

The Gap in Lauren Hutton's Teeth

Fran Drescher's Voice

Tina Fey's Scar

Julianne Moore's Red Hair & Freckles

Brooke Shields' Eyebrows