Friday Favorites

It’s Friday, so y’all know what that means! It’s time to link up with Erika and Andrea to let everybody know what some of my favorite things are right now!

 

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Happy Friday, everybody! I know it’s been awhile since I last posted (this is the first post of the week), but I’m happy to be back.  I didn’t feel well for part of last weekend, so by Sunday evening I hadn’t hadn’t yet had the opportunity to write down my feelings about the current state of our country before a Monday morning post.

I shared my heart on instagram on Monday, but I still wanted there to be some space and time on the blog and my social media channels before I started sharing regular content again.  I of course had posts originally scheduled for this week, but I thought that pausing for a bit was the right thing to do.

I am fully aware that the conversations and the work are just beginning both in my home and in the world.  I’ve spent a lot of time consuming information this week from various outlets, and there are many stories that have hurt my heart and affected me deeply.  Some of these stories  have led me to realize that I have absolutely NO idea what black people and other people of color often experience.  Reading other’s stories has been incredibly eye opening for me, and I’m grateful to those that are sharing so openly.

Personally, I want to make a long term commitment to keep reading, to keep listening, to keep learning.  I’ve heard over and over again this week that change doesn’t come when you’re comfortable. And it seems that in order for true change to occur, many of us are going to have to remain uncomfortable for a bit.  And obviously, we’re going to have to keep doing the work on our own hearts and be so incredibly mindful of how we are raising our children.

Our church’s pastor shared the following message yesterday, and I feel that it’s important for me to share because this is on my heart too and I don’t want it to go unsaid either:

“Condemn and bring justice to anyone who mistreats others because of their race.

Honor and support the police officers that daily lay down their lives to protect us.

We must do both.”

We are doing both in our home.  And we are praying for all.

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A GREAT RED DRESS

Last week I posted some awesome finds from Target, and I got lots of great feedback from y’all on the items.  Many of you ordered one or more of the highlighted pieces (this eyelet top seems to be the favorite by far – click HERE to see it on me), and I got lots “MORE TARGET PLEASE” requests!  I was happy to oblige.  (You can click HERE if you missed my previous Target recommendations!)

So, today I’ve got this DARLING dress.  And here’s the honest truth:  I’m in love with it.

Let’s start with the color.  It’s a gorgeous and vibrant red.  We all know that there are lots of different shades of red, but this is a true red (without any orange undertones).  It’s fully lined and looks much more expensive than it is.

Because get this…it’s ONLY $29.99!

The chest area is tight, so if that’s a problem area for you, I would definitely suggest sizing up.  For size reference, I’m wearing a medium and definitely need the room in the chest.

flutter sleeve dress / sunglasses /straw bag / statement earrings / sea green necklace / bracelet / cognac wedge option

Look at the pretty little details!  The lace, the little flutter sleeves, the tassels, and the tiered bodice are all lovely.

And don’t miss the sunglasses.  They are so cute and under $15!

flutter sleeve dress / sunglasses /straw bag / statement earrings / sea green necklace / bracelet

And the bag and the bracelet?  Well, they are both from Amazon and darling too!

flutter sleeve dress / straw bag / statement earrings / sea green necklace / bracelet

The bracelet combines just about every color under the rainbow, and I really love it paired with the red.

The rattan bag is well made, sturdy, and adorable.  The little tassel is removable, and there are pom poms on both sides.

flutter sleeve dress /straw bag /  bracelet / cognac wedge option

Now I just need somewhere to wear this outfit and show it off!

flutter sleeve dress / sunglasses /straw bag / statement earrings / sea green necklace / bracelet / cognac wedge option

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BAG OPTIONS

If the rattan bag above is too small for you and you prefer a larger tote, I think this one is a great option!  I like the cognac handles and the striped lining and accents.

And if you loved the bag I paired with the dress, but was disappointed to see that the ship date is delayed, this bag is a great option with a faster ship date!

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AN EASY APPETIZER

Okay, ladies!  I have a super easy app recipe to share.  In fact, it’s not even really a recipe, but I’m going to give you some guidelines to assemble a dip like this.

First, I bought my favorite store bought hummus and spread it out in a pie plate.  I then sprinkled some chopped veggies on top.  I chose to use black olives, red cherry tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, and green onions…but you can choose whatever veggies you’d like.  Next I threw some feta on top and drizzled on a little bit of olive oil.  And as a final touch, it got a healthy dose of Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning.

And VOILA!  A delicious and healthy appetizer that also happens to look beautiful!  And it takes under 10 minutes to assemble.

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MY NEW CUP AND A GREAT SUMMER DRINK

We’ve had quite a bit of pool time lately, and when I saw this wine tumbler pop up while browsing Amazon, it flew into my cart because I needed a new cup for the pool.  My tumbler doesn’t usually have wine in it, but it’s also perfect for a refreshing little cocktail that I make with coconut lime seltzer, vodka, and fresh lime.  YUM.

My exact tumbler is the “color swirl”, but there are lots of different colors and designs available.

wine tumbler

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MORE LOFT FINDS – ALL ON SALE!

In addition to Target finds that were super popular last week, I also shared some LOFT finds a couple of weeks ago that I’ve also received wonderful feedback on!

And right now just about everything at LOFT is 50% OFF!  Code:  LOVE

Do you remember the floral tie waist shorts?  Click HERE to see how I styled the shorts with a white v neck tee and denim jacket.  I also love them styled here with a white sweater and flat sandals.

First of all, they are incredibly comfortable.  They have an elastic waist (praise hands for no buttons or zippers right now), and I love how feminine and flirty they are.  The colors are so pretty, the pattern is adorable, and they are very flattering.

For size reference, I’m wearing regular smalls in the shorts.  I’m 5’4″, but with relatively long legs for my height. I’m wearing a medium in the sweater.  (FYI, this is the sweater that I also own in hot pink and olive green.  I’M OBSESSED WITH THIS SWEATER.)

white sweater/ floral tie waist shorts / statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals (size up a 1/2)

These shorts aren’t from LOFT, but the camo shorts have been RESTOCKED AGAIN in some of the most popular sizes, so grab them before they’re gone! They are in the LOFT section today since they are paired with the LOFT sweater.

They are really great shorts and they come in other colors too, so even if the camo isn’t for you, you need to check them out.  (Click HERE if you want to see when I styled them with a blush v neck tee and my neutral tassel necklace.)

They are a sturdy twill, but they have a bit of stretch to them (which I love). Let’s be real, if the pants don’t have a little bit of stretch, I’m not wearing them.

For size reference, I sized up one size to a 6. The size 4s were a little tight around my waist, and the 6s are much more comfortable. My tummy is my problem area, so if it’s not yours, you can stick with your regular size.

white sweater / camo shorts / tile bracelets /  statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals (size up a 1/2)

Okay, one more look with the white sweater.  You saw a version of this outfit last week HERE, but styled with a tassel necklace and camo tote.  I love the sweater, and I love the shorts.

There are ONLY 3 sizes left, so I’m keeping my fingers cross that your size is available.  There are mixed reviews on sizing, but I do suggest sizing up one.  I’m in the 28s and really like the fit.  I’m sure the 27s would have fit just fine, but I love how the 28s are very comfy and not tight at all.  The denim is sooooooo soft and soooooooo stretchy.

Also, the color is fun and I really like the frayed hem.

white sweater / denim shorts / cuff bracelet / statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals (size up a 1/2)

And in case you need some solid visual proof that I love this sweater.  Here you go.  #notashamed #thesweateristhatgood

And right now it’s ONLY $20 with the code LOVE!  Which means you could get all 3 (should you be crazy enough to do that) for ONLY $60.  I sometimes have been known to get a top in 2 colors (if I really love it), but I truly think this is the first time EVER that I’ve owned the same top in 3 colors.

So, it seems I’m really loving a lightweight sweater paired with shorts these days.

This lavender sweater is incredibly lightweight, so I’ll be wearing it all the way through the summer.  There are high slits on the side, but not high enough that they show bare skin.  For size reference, I’m wearing a small, and it’s still quite oversized.  I like the super relaxed fit.

lavender sweater / denim shorts / statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals (size up a 1/2)

This peasant top can be worn ON the shoulder (on the left) or OFF the shoulder (on the right).  I like the versatility, and I love the spice color.  For size reference, I’m wearing a small.

It also comes in white and would be a great basic!

peasant top / fringe raffia bag  /  denim shorts / cuff bracelet / statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals

I love a basic tee, and I love a pretty floral pattern, and this top gives me both!  For size reference, I’m wearing a medium.

floral tee / denim shorts / statement earrings / dainty necklace / sea green necklace / sandals (size up a 1/2)

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AWESOME BRUSH SET

I’ve been in need of new makeup brushes for quite awhile now.  But dang, brushes are expensive.  Because of that, I’ve put off buying them.

But when I saw this set and the fantastic reviews, I immediately wanted to give them a try!

This set contains:
– Foundation brush
– Concealer brush
– Powder brush
– Buffing brush
– Detailed concealer brush
– PRO Team brush tutorial
– Pebbled faux leather pouch

Look how nicely the brushes fit into their pouches!

This tutorial brush set includes the essentials for helping you create a flawless complexion. It comes in a compact pouch with a tutorial insert, and an uncomplicated step-by-step guide to help you achieve your flawless look. The set includes a foundation brush to apply your base, a buffing brush to smooth out, a detail concealer brush to cover imperfections, and a larger concealer brush for under eyes and around the nose area. The luxe powder brush offers all-over finishing for a flawless look. All brushes come housed in a beautiful pebbled faux leather pouch perfect for on the go or travel.

And they all fold up so nicely into this great little pouch!

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SELF TANNER RECOMMENDATION

I’ve talked about my favorite self tanner no less than 8-10 times on the blog and social media.  But since it’s still my most asked question that I receive on direct messages, I’m going to mention it again.

Second to getting a professional spray tan, this is the best and most natural looking “tan” I’ve ever had.

It comes with a mitt, you spray the product on the mitt, and then you rub the product on your body in circular motions.  The great thing about this tanner is that you can see it going on, so you can see if you are missing areas and then fix them.  You immediately see a difference in color, but the tan continues to develop a bit over the next 15-20 minutes.

The picture below shows the results about 10 minutes after I applied it.  WOW, RIGHT?  It lasts for about 3 days, and I’m telling you, the color is amazing and so natural looking!  Also, the right leg shows 1 application.  If you wanted a deeper color, you could just repeat the process!  Plus, the photo doesn’t really do the real live difference much justice.  I’m telling you.  IT’S SO GOOD.  In real life, people ask me ALL THE TIME about my “tan”.

Now, here’s why I received tons of questions over the last two weeks, the regular formula I use is sold out so people have been asking for other recommendations.  Well, this Fake Bake DARKER formula is still available.  It’s obviously from the same maker, just a darker formula.  I ordered it so I could review it for y’all, so I hope to be able to review it next week!  But if you are one of the readers that has been messaging me and can’t wait, give it a try yourself!  It has over 2,000 5 STAR REVIEWS, so I’m guessing it’s fantastic.

Fake Bake DARKER self tanner

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MY NEW STONE WRAP BRACELET

While searching Amazon for new items to highlight for y’all, I came across a bracelet that looked VERY promising.

And y’all.  It’s so much better than I ever thought it could be.

SO.

SO.

GOOD.

wrap bracelet with turquoise stone

MAMA tee / wrap bracelet with turquoise stone

I mean, right?

ruched blouse / wrap bracelet with turquoise stone

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That’s all for today!  I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend.

Filed Under: Fashion 28 Comments