America the Beautiful

Photography by JJ McDaniel

I am not an American but this is a country that I have called "home" for 6 years, and will probably continue to do so for many more years to come. Having assimilated to the culture, I have decided that the 4th of July or Independence Day, is my favorite adopted holiday. From the food to the fireworks, the gathering of friends and family, to the warm July weather...it's a day that embodies some of my favorite things about life.
How do you like to celebrate this day?

If you haven't quite put your outfit together yet, here are few of my favs to help inspire you....

Enjoy :) and Happy Birthday America.

So fresh and so MINT!

Jumping into a pool, the ocean, or a shower, is not the only way to stay feeling fresh. This summer, mint is cool! So get fresh with it! 

Here are some of my personal favorites:

Elkin Mint Skull Bracelet $70
Seven For All Mankind Mint Super Skinny Gwenevere Pant $210
Vespa Mint Green illustration from Etsy
Diane Von Furstenberg Mint Green Sudan Wedges $175
Mint Vintage Stripe Print Tee $12
Miss Heartbreaker PolkaDot Dress $39

For a bohemian chic look, I would recommend pairing a pair of mint skinny jeans with a lacy blouse, or a top with floral prints. Alternatively, work the romantic look by matching the mint with another pastel color, such as salmon, or a baby yellow. I think these are great combinations that you can only really pull of during the spring and summer months, so I recommend you take advantage!


Feel free to incorporate the minty fresh with one of this season's other trends: bright colors! Whether it be neon, or color blocking, minty green is a tame enough color that you can vavavoom it up with a bright splash of color. My personal favorites? Black & mint for a more sophisticated look, maybe more appropriate for the office, and bright pink & mint for a more playful, fun, summer look that is sure to show off your extra color.


While these are a great way to get a subtle minty flavor, don't hold back from the "total look." Mint Green is a subtle enough color in and of it self, so you can wear it head to toe, either in the form of a maxi-dress, or perhaps a pair of mint green skinny jeans with a mint green polka dot blouse. I would recommend that if you do take this route, you add a splash of color, or contrast with your accessories; sunglasses, purse, jewelry, shoes, watch or belt.


I'll keep you posted on what I pair with my favorite mints. Please share yours too!

Sizzling Summa..

I'm heading to the beach today for the first time this season! Breaking in the beach season if you will! Whether you will be enjoying the sun's rays on an exotic island, a local beach, or the closest pool, make sure you do your summer loving in style!

If you are at a loss for what the bikini trends are for this summer, you're in the right place. For starters, we're in luck ladies; there are a vast array of styles and trends this summer so I am confident that we can all find something that works with our own personal sense of style, and comfort zone.

Here are some key words for summer 2012: metallic, tie-dye, ruffles, fringe, vintage, one-shoulder. Now let's take a look one by one..

1. I hold Rihanna responsible for this trend, and I absolutely love her for it! I have my fringe bikini packed and ready to go! Additional bits such as a fringe, can add weight to that part of the body, so this is perfect for girls like me who are smaller up top.


2. This stunning bandeau bikini pays hommage to the metallic/mermaid influenced trend. Very bond girl if you ask me, and sure to catch the eye!


3. It wouldn't be a revival of the 80s without a little tie-dye. If you don't feel comfortable adding it to your day-to-day or office wardrobe, why not have some fun on the beach with it? This little number also incorporates the ruffle trend.


4. For bustier ladies, who might be nervous about the support of a regular bandeau bikini: the solution has arrived in the form of the gorgeous one-shoulder bikini. Nervous about tan lines? Simply pull the strap down when you are laying out.


5. Vintage bikinis, in my opinion, are pure genius. They were created to stylistically and structurally sculpt our bodies to look like we are all pin up girls! Definitely a good choice if you want to accentuate your curves.


6. As you saw from my previous post, gold is a big trend for this fall. But don't be afraid to be ahead of the trend game by rocking a metallic gold bikini like this gorgeous piece, to perfectly transition from a summer to a fall trend.


For all you bargain hunters, keep in mind that the Victoria's Secret Semi-Annual Sale started on Tuesday (June 12th) and they carry most of these trends at affordable prices! I recommend that you get in to a store, or online, and snag a few staple items...both for the bedroom, and the beach.. ;)


Remember life is a beach, so play in the sand!