A Midsummer’s Night Dream

We all know the widely popular play written by William Shakespeare of love, fairies, and other woodland creatures.  There is something oddly magical about this special time of the year falling from June 21st thru around July 20th that evokes love, beauty, freedom, nature, and charm.  To me it’s a new beginning; a time to refresh, recharge, and to just let go of worry and inhibitions.  Let charm, magic, beauty, and love enter your life this summer, just remember to keep an open mind!

Here is my list of my top Mid-Year Resolutions to accomplish this summer and my Mid-Summer must have’s!

  1. Make everyday a mini vacation- From homemade island drinks infused with coconut juice and fresh pineapples (Liquor optional) to making your own homemade facial masks using honey, yogurt and granola.  These small moments each day will save you money and give you a 15 minute pick-me-up.
  2. Look for beauty in everything and I mean everything- it’s so easy to dwell on negative aspects of life and in other people.  Changing your prospective isn’t easy but will mentally and spiritually leave a lasting impression on your overall stress levels and well-being.
  3. Dance under the stars- what better way to welcome summer than with a loved one or some friends and let loose under the summer stars.
  4. Tap into your creative side with a DIY class- Take a jewelry making, floral arrangement, or baking class at your local college or florist shop.
  5. Have fun with homemade ice pops- create fun flavors like lemon basil, cucumber mint, and strawberry ginger!  Healthy and refreshing treat!
  6. Have photo shoot- Gather some unique props (mustaches, fans, vintage hats, etc.) and use fun patterned sheets as backdrop and remember to have fun!
  7. Go to a local water park and splash around like a kid-  I did this last year for my 29th birthday and granted we were the oldest people splashing around, but it brought back so many memories and we laughed the entire time!
  8. Beach Yoga- no need to explain the benefits of this- Just do it for your body and peace of mind!
  9. Dream-  When I was in grade school and High school I recall just staring out the window and dreaming big.  With the stresses of real life always getting in the way, just stop and know it’s never to late for dreams to come true…
  10. Throw an outdoor dinner party-  What a great way to enjoy summer by hosting a small dinner party.  Create an outdoor living room with bright accent colors, lots of candles, and soft music.  Creat a menu that is easy and light for a hot summer night and don’t forget to end the night with a fire and some smores!

Brights and Beauty

Meet Lauren, this adorable and vivacious “Chic Chick” is just a beam of fresh air!  With her bright floral jumpsuit and stand out red scarf this look makes sure no one will miss her in a crowded room.  I just love how bright and cheery this look is and even more so how affordable it is, the entire outfit is from Target!  She paired this floral jumper with some feminine accessories and the overall look is perfect for your spring and summer wardrobe.

Daily Affirmation:  ”I will be a sunny and bright ray of light for all to admire.”

I just love the dark nail polish with this feminine look!

{target boots: $34.99, target romper: $19.99, target mossimo cardigan: $24.99, Forever21 Ring $6.00}

Check out Lauren’s Blog!  Center Your Health

Barnyard Chic

I am so thrilled to be launching a new section to my blog called “Chic Chicks” where I will be featuring some lovely ladies and their stylish outfits! I am so excited to showcase my first featured guest “Chic Chick” Heidi.  She exuberate confidence and poise, but she also knows her style niche and what fits her body type best.  Heidi noted she rather splurge on a few expensive pieces and then incorporate cheaper finds to create her overall vibe.

Daily Affirmation:  “I am open to finding beauty in all aspects of my body”

I love how effortlessly chic this outfit looks, perfect for a weekend getaway

{ Free People Sweater, Shorts , Vintage Urban Outfitters Boots , Free People Turquoise Ring, Forever 21 Bracelets }

If you are a Chic Chick- please contact me and I will feature you and your outfit on the blog!

Polka Dot Fling

 

Loving the warm weather these days in Jersey, but it sure does make choosing outfits a task.  Hot and sunny one day to cold and rainy the next.  My outfit here portrays the best of both seasons with a bold black and white color combo, pairing this with some adorable polka dot peep toe wedges.  This outfit channeled my inner 1950′s bombshell and you can almost hear the tune of “Grease Lightening” playing in the background.

Daily Affirmation:  “I am not afraid to take bold risks in fashion and in my everyday life.”

{Michael Kors polka dot wedges, Michael Kors watch, Coach Sunglasses, misc. turquoise ring, white blazer vest and black pants from Lucky Lady Boutique in New Jersey and NYC.}

A signature piece for winters to come!

This was my must have piece for the winter, everything from the color to the silk lining inside, this jacket/cape had me at “Hello”.  Two main concerns with this coat was the hefty price tag of $258 and the fact that my good friend/co-worker is the one who introduced me to it and bought it herself!  I realized than it was not meant to be and I had to let it go.  Weeks went by and as I was doing my weekly internet window shopping I stumbled back onto Anthropologie’s website to find that the coat was marked down 50%!!!  I knew now I had to have it, after asking my friend for her approval first, since this is a signature piece! I swore I would never wear the coat around her!  I obeyed this unspoken code of womanly ethics and never looked back as I soak up all the compliments I get over it and how this magic cape transforms me into a vintage vixen.  This is a signature and classic wardrobe staple every woman needs in her closetchic~

*  Pair this cape with some pearls and long gloves!

Pin up Appeal

On my own personal mission to finding the perfect 50′s themed bathing suit for an upcoming party, I stumbled upon some amazing finds and noticed that the style was indeed coming back…  When I think of the 50′s, I think of an era where woman had to hide their sexual appeal and be the perfect proper housewife.  Classic 50′s icons such Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and pin up model Bettie Page broke through the molds representing femininity and embracing their curves and beauty.  I think we can learn a lot from this era of timeless, classic beauty and revamp it to each our own.  Stop saying “I will wear that when I lose 10 lbs.,” embrace yourself now, you only live once to do so.

Here are some exquisite finds from Anthropologie and Ladramaqueen.