Monday, May 11, 2015

10 Summer Essentials



Summer time brings about a change in wardrobe, a change in schedule, and even a change in skin care. I want to share a list of favorites that I'm really feelin' for Summer 2015.

1. Platform Wedges
Currently OBSESSED with platform sandals and wedges. Some may say clunky, but I say comfy. So happy these modern Spice-Girl platform, summer shoes are in style. When your whole foot bed rests on a leveled platform, you still get the sexy height without killing your feet. Feel free to bar hop all night without taking off your shoes between walks.




2. Shift Dresses
These are perfect for summer. With a loose, t-shirt shape, these dresses won't cling or stick to your body on warm summer nights. Even though they seem a little shapeless, the feminine details and shorter hem paired with fun accessories or shoes, creates the ideal comfy, care-free summer look. Plus, you can chow down at your favorite food trucks without worrying about your dress feeling too tight on that food baby. Score!



3. Surf Spray
Just because we're land-locked doesn't mean you can't rock the oh-so-effortless beach waves. Blow drying your hair every day and using heated tools is not only bad for your locks, but let's be real... It's a pain in the @$$. Especially when it's a hundred degrees outside. I use Bumble & Bumble's Surf Spray, but many drug stores offer sea salt spray alternatives. Spray on towel dried hair for best results!



4. Braids
Braids of any sort are a girls best friend in the summer. Its miserable to have limp, sweaty hair sticking to your face when you're out with your friends. Even if you're not a braid connoisseur, a simple braided strand in a ponytail or bun adds a fun twist on the kind-of-boring hair style. Add me on Pinterest to see some of the tutorials I plan on trying this summer!



5. Cleansing wipes/pads
I go to the gym daily, and no matter the weather I work up a sweat. Summer in Oklahoma guarantees sweaty hair, sweaty body and definitely sweaty face. Sometimes sweat can cause a different kind of breakout when it gets stuck under your pores. Little tiny bumps form, and even though exfoliating can help, they're still a pain to deal with. I suggest keeping face wipes in your gym bag or purse. Using them after sweating can clear out the pores and help prevent bad breakouts. Check out your local drug store and do some research to find ones that work well with your skin type!




6. Jergen's Natural Glow
Self tanners have a bad reputation, but I've had nothing but good results with Jergen's Natural Glow. It doesn't make you a bronze goddess overnight, but instead creates a gradual, natural tan over time. I use it every night before bed - mainly on my legs and arms. No streaks and GOOD NEWS! They recently changed the formula so it doesn't stink anymore! Yay!



7. Neutrogena Clear Face sunscreen
I love laying out by the pool just as much as the next person, but we all know that sun damage can be dangerous. If you're not going to do anything else, AT LEAST protect your face. As women, the skin on our face is not as tough as mens - that's not anti-feminist, it's just a fact. You can always add bronzer to make your face glow, but you can't take away skin spots and wrinkles that the sun can cause. This sunscreen leaves a matte finish with no clogged pores. I took it to Mexico last summer and used it all day, every day.



8. Sun-kissed hair
I love my dark hair in the cooler months, but as summer approaches, I can't help but itch for some sun-kissed hair. With so many fun ombre, balayage and highlight inspirations floating around it's hard to not want a new summer hair-do! The good thing about this popular hair trend is that you can go as subtle or as dramatic as you want! There are options for everyone out there looking to change it up.



9. Color-block swimwear
Color-blocking is EVERYWHERE right now. I mean, Summer is the perfect excuse to wear as many neon colors as you can at once. Plus, color-blocking is an easy way to mix and match tops with bottoms to expand your swim wardrobe. Whether its a tiny bikini or curvy, cut-out one-piece, there's a color-block suit out there for you!




10. A good water bottle
Sound silly? Well, it's not. Keeping your body properly hydrated has so many benefits to your skin, your digestion, your well being! Balance out the summer ale's with some good old fashioned H20. Enough said.


That's what's in my jar.