Tag Archives: pretty

Jul21

Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

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Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition

Hi everyone and welcome to the conclusion to my Zara Haul series featuring a twenty dollar button down dress with to die for details! I’m unsure of the original price for my dress because there was no tag on the item but I’m assuming that it’s starting price was around seventy or so dollars, because that’s the Zara way. The button down dress is an item that I took for granted until I realized that I flipping love them, so now I have to make up for lost time and BUY ALL THE BUTTON DOWNS! Take a look at this new beauty and let’s discuss:

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White is a color that I don’t wear very frequently, just because I find it very anxiety provoking. Hello, future coffee stains. But, I always do enjoy a crisp, white piece of clothing when the perfect one comes a knockin. I simply love this dress, so having to be extra careful with eating, makeup, etc. while wearing it is totally worth it. The sleek fabric, kimono-esque style, blossoming pattern, and daring details all make this dress worthy of being in my expansive wardrobe.

The button down dress is a classic piece of clothing. It’s something that looks good on every body type and can really be worn for any occasion depending on how you style it. The button down dress offers timeless beauty to all who wear it and I am ashamed that it has taken me so long to appreciate that. The few button down dresses that I own are some of my favorites, so it’s definitely nice to be able to find one that I think is so well suited to me to add to the collection.

From the lace up detailing on the side to the barbell shaped cuff links on the sleeves, this dress is full of surprises. Probably the biggest surprise being that white actually looks good on me! As a very pale gal, white is something that I tend to unconsciously shy away from because of the fear that it will wash me out (And also stains, lol.), but it’s actually quite the contrary. By some divine miracle, the color white manages to enhance and exaggerate my skin and hair color even more, creating a stunning effect – especially while wearing red lipstick!

Of course, I’m looking forward to wearing this as an actual dress but I’m more excited to pair this with some black super skinny jeans and a nice pair of stilettos for an edgy, office chic look. Throw a blazer or a moto jacket over top of it and you’re all set with a look that can be easily suitable for day or night!

So there you have it, the conclusion to my Zara Haul: Black & White, Alright Edition! What was your favorite item from my haul? Who else is getting some serious summer shopping in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul11

Creating A Solid Foundation – On Your Face!

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Creating A Solid Foundation – On Your Face!

Modern foundation is a far cry from the clumpy, cakey foundation our mothers used to wear, but you would hardly know it sometimes due to the fact that so few of us know how to really do our foundation well. If you’re a foundation fan, and you want to avoid the caked-on face and look as flawless as a cover model, here are some simple makeup artist approved tips to help you do your foundation like a pro:

Find The Perfect Match: First and foremost, if you want your foundation to look good, you need to choose the right product. To test the color of foundation, you should apply a sample to the jawline. If the color blends in and cannot be distinguished from the rest of your skin, you know you’ve got it right.

As well as choosing the right color, you will want to use the right type of foundation for your skin. For example, matte products work better for oily skin, while drier skin may benefit from a dewy finish. To find out more about choosing the right foundation for your skin type, continue reading on soundbodylife.com. It might also be a good idea to try out a few samples or speak to a beauty adviser to find the perfect match.

Prepare Your Skin: You should never put foundation on your face without first cleaning and moisturizing it. Let the moisturizer sink into your skin for 3-5 minutes and then you can add a primer if you need your makeup to last all day or if you have very visible pores. If not, you can skip that and apply your foundation directly to your face.

Use The Right Tools: You might be surprised to know that makeup artists advise applying foundation with the tips of the fingers for a light coverage look. If you want to achieve a higher level of coverage, using a sponge or Beautyblender, which you can read more about at http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/makeup/g3711/how-to-use-beauty-blender-tips/ is advised. Throw out that brush right now and see your foundation improve!

Apply Concealer Last: If, like many women, you always apply your concealer before your foundation, you’re doing it wrong! The experts say that it’s better to apply it after foundation because then you won’t end up using too much. Makeup artists also advise using a concealer that is just one shade lighter than your skin. Doing it this way will help to prevent reverse panda eyes – not a good look.

Use A Luminous Powder: If you’ve been avoiding face powder because you think it gives you a dull, lifeless finish, then you obviously haven’t tried out luminous powder, which is perfect for reflecting the light and giving you a radiant glow. The trick is to apply the translucent powder in a ‘W’ shape starting from your left hairline, sweeping to the right. Hello, bright and pretty skin!

Less Is More: One final tip when it comes to foundation, concealer, powder, or any makeup really, is that less is more and by applying only the bare minimum that you need, you will always get that professional look you’re after.

A gorgeous makeup look starts with a strong foundation on your face! Try out these tips next time you’re doing your makeup for a picture perfect appearance.

Featured Image By: Flickr

 

Jul5

New Earrings Surprise

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New Earrings Surprise

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope that all of you are having a fabulous week so far. So this past weekend my mom surprised me and my sister with new matching earrings and they are SO pretty. She got my new little beauties from Target and I was pleasantly surprised because they are pretty hit or miss with their jewelry selection, in my most humble opinion. My mom hit the nail on the head with these dangling darlings so take a look and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Love.

It’s nice to know that my mom didn’t break the bank with these eight buck beauties for me and my sister. But, it’s even nicer to know that she saw these and thought of us enough to actually buy them. Little gifts and surprises like my new earrings make me so happy because everyone likes to be thought of every once in a while. To come home to my mom saying that she bought something special just for me automatically gave me the warm fuzzies. And I’m even warmer AND fuzzier considering that I’m beyond obsessed with my terrestrial themed earrings! :*)

I LOVE YOU, MOM!!!!!!!! ❤

So there you have it, my New Earrings Surprise compliments of my darling mama! What is your favorite gift that someone has given you? How do you like to surprise your loved ones? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun30

The Many Virtues Of The Rose Gold Makeup Look

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The Many Virtues Of The Rose Gold Makeup Look

If you’re shopping around for a new look, then we think we’ve found it. Well, actually, we didn’t find it – it’s been around for a while and has been especially used by makeup artists, but it’s finally come across our radar and now we’re ready to share with the world. We’re talking about rose gold makeup, which you can find just about everywhere: on the red carpet, the high street, in the clubs…everywhere ritzy and glamorous, that is. And that’s not all: this makeup is for everyone. That’s right: this makeup is transcending looks, financial status, job. Uniting the world with makeup…we like that idea!

The Virtues:

If you’ve never used rose gold makeup before, then don’t worry: we’re pretty confident that there will be a perfect match for you. In fact, this is one of its main benefits. It’s flattering, warm, romantic, and perhaps, best of all, it’s different. Far from traditional, it’ll make you stand out at any event where you rock this look. It also isn’t too much of any one color. It’s not too gold, not silver. It’s the Goldilocks of the makeup world, essentially and it’s fabulous, darling.

In Style:

If Pinterest is anything to go by, (And why it shouldn’t it be?!), then rose gold makeup is the style that everybody is clamoring for at the moment. Searches for this style of makeup has been up 190% over the last year. If you want to be part of a new wave of makeup that’ll shake up dance floors and events across the world this summer, it’s time to check out the best makeup tutorials and join all of the others who have fallen in love with this makeup style.

Celebrity Use:

Okay, we all know that it’s not the Average Joe on the street who can really send a makeup popularity soaring: it’s the celebrities on the red carpet. These superhumans, who usually look like a million dollars at the worst of times, take it to a new level when they hit the red carpet in their rose gold best. Of course, these celebrities don’t do the makeup themselves: they get their makeup artists to do it. Armed with RCMA makeup, they make their famous clients look their absolute best when they’re in front of the cameras. And with the right makeup in your bag, you can have the celebrity look, too.

A Face For Everyone:

Another reason for the ever increasing popularity of rose gold makeup is that it suits all face shapes. Whatever style your face happens to be, you’ll be able to play around with rose gold makeup styles and find the look that’s right for you. So perfect!

Getting The Best:

Of course, when it comes to makeup, it pays to do some research as to which products are worth investing in. You’ll want to make sure that you’re getting makeup that will look great when it’s applied to your face. If you buy the right products, then it’ll all come to your individual skills. You don’t have to go at it alone, however: check out some of the best beauty blogs and get a helping hand when it comes to getting the look that’s right for you.

How To Wear:

There are many ways to wear the rose gold makeup look. What will you choose? You can add a subtle but striking dash to your eyelids, let your lips do all of the talking by adding a rose gold lipstick to your lips, or give yourself a metallic glow by adding the color to the cheeks. This is one of the best things about the style: it’s versatile. You could go for the same color three days in a row but, if they were applied to different parts of the face, you’d have three completely different, though equally classy, looks.

Going Further:

It’s not just in makeup bags that rose gold is taking over. You can also change your look by having a rose gold hairstyle. There have been plenty of celebrities adopting this look in recent times, including Lady Gaga, Rita Ora, and Kate Hudson. That’s a pretty impressive list of beauties who thought it was the look worth going for!

Conclusion:

Clearly, with infinite virtues, celebrity endorsements, and quality makeup products available, it looks like the rose gold style is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Start playing around now and join the movement, you beautiful metallic GODDESS!!!!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun25

New Tarte Lip Paint

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New Tarte Lip Paint

Hiii everyone and happy Sunday! For my birthday, I got a free Tarte blush and mini lip paint from Sephora for my birthday and I am obsessed. Both shades are simply gorgeous and I love using each of them. But that lip paint? It is something else, I tell ya! That stuff doesn’t budge. It is seriously the best food proof, kiss proof, fool proof lip product that I have ever used. Don’t get me wrong, the blushy nude shade that I got for my birthday is to die for but getting it in red was a necessity at this point.

Despite not being the biggest makeup girl in the world, I went to Sephora yesterday and was so happy to get the last tube available in the Tarte lip paint that I wanted. Although I hate the name of the color, “Bae”, it really is pretty. Take a look and see for yourself:

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❤ ❤ ❤

What I love about this shade, is that it is a pure red. With my skin tone, hair, and personal style, the true reds are the only shades that I feel “work” for me. Reds with orange-y tones look clown-like on me and the deeper, more ox-blood reds look super goth girl on me. Neither of which are the look that I’m going for! No, I just want a simple and elegant red lip.

I have many beautiful variations of a true red lippie in plenty of reputable brands – NYX, Loreal, and Urban Decay. So, obviously, this latest purchase wasn’t something that I truly needed. But, my god, I really wanted it. To have a lipstick that you literally don’t have to worry about reapplying is a godsend for any lippie lover. Having just that little taste of what could be with my birthday freebie gave me an insatiable craving for more and I am insanely happy with my purchase.

I went out to lunch with my sister and her boyfriend while wearing my birthday shade and after finishing a big meal, my sister asked me if I reapplied my lippie. Nope, it just literally didn’t move the entire time I was stuffing my face. That’s how you know you have an effective lipstick, darling!

So there you have it, my New Tarte Lip Paint! What is your favorite makeup brand to shop at Sephora? Who else is obsessed with Tarte? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun13

Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

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Happy Birthday, Ankhor You!

Helloooo everyone and happy Tuesday! Today is a special day because it is my fellow Gemini darling’s 27th birthday! K.M., the author of the wonderful, fantastic, amazing blog, Ankhor You, is one of my literal favorite people on the planet. Not only is she immensely talented and a beautiful fashionista, but she is sweet, kind, and freaking hilarious. I am SO lucky to have such a lovely lady as a friend and it has been so much fun getting to know her better during our almost weekly FaceTime dates and frequent texting. I hope that all of you will join me in wishing K.M. a very happy birthday and I just know that 27 will be her best year yet! ❤

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jun11

Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

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Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy

Helloooo everyone and happy Sunday! Okay, so yesterday I got the prettiest shirt in the history of ever and the best part (other than it being gorgeous) is that I got it for: FIVE DOLLA HOLLA. My mom and I went to Kohl’s last night to get our shop on because we had coupons for days and wanted to make good use of them. It was difficult to tear myself away from binging on Orange Is The New Black, but this shirt was well worth it. Take a look and let’s discuss:

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If there’s one thing that Lil Red loves, it’s romantic, dreamy clothing. Which is kind of ironic considering that black is my favorite color and I prefer to dress in punk/grunge fashion. But, alas, the heart wants what it wants. Lol, seriously though, I love the contrast that flowy, girly style clothes has with my punk rock princess appearance thanks to my piercings, tattoos, and bright hair. It’s not often that I find a beautiful dreamer piece of clothing that I totally swoon over, but it’s pretty magical when I do!

This Lauren Conrad top combined all things fairy princess into one cohesive look. The creamy color, gauzy material, draped sleeves, flowy shape, and embroidery in one magnificent top is something straight out of the fairy tales and I am obsessed. My mom and I joked that this pretty little number looks like the modern day Puffy Shirt a la Seinfeld and I actually think this makes me love it more considering that’s my favorite show.

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^^^ Me.

Describing this shirt is weird because it’s one of those pieces that actually makes me feel pretty. Don’t get me wrong, lol I always think I look fabulous in the edgy, confident, badass way but I don’t have a lot of clothes that make me feel boho princess worthy. And the fact that I scored this wonder top for a whole five dollars? GET OUT!

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^^^ Elaine is my spirit animal. ❤

I can’t wait to wear this LC number throughout the summer with black short shorts and a peekaboo black lacy bra underneath to add that necessary touch of badassery to the look. A killer pair of platforms or wedges are also a must to toughen up the ensemble and make it feel a bit more Sarah. And as it gets colder? Swap the shorties for skinnies and you’re off!

So there you have it, my Lauren Conrad Ballin On A Budget Buy! How would you describe your personal style? How do you score the best deals while out shopping? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun9

New Black & Navy Nails

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New Black & Navy Nails

Hello everyone and TGIF!! I hope everyone has super fabulous weekend plans on the horizon – I most certainly do! My boyfriend is up from North Carolina for my birthday so he has some weekend surprises in store! AHHH! So yes, I’m way excited and all of the girly things. And speaking of all of the girly things, I got my nails done yesterday and they look gorgeous so take a looksee and let’s discuss:

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^^^ Pretty! :*)

It wouldn’t be my birthday week without treating myself to getting my talons filled and sharpened. As always, my darling nail tech, Steve, did a beautiful job giving me the princess treatment. As we were chatting while he worked his magic, I told Steve that I don’t think I’m ever going to not get my nails painted black. I have enough anxiety picking out my accent nail color for two nails let alone all ten!

Black is my go to color for literally anything because I’m never going to not like it, lol. Like, I’m never going to be disappointed with the color black and it saves me the hassle of having to analyze outfit choices if I were ever to venture away from sweet sweet noire. Long story short, it’s the best. And, believe me, I totally am aware of how redundant these nail posts are considering they legit look the exact same EVERY THREE WEEKS but they’re so pretty that I just can’t help myself! :’)

So there you have it, my New Black & Navy Nails! What color do you have on your nails right now? What is your go to polish color? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

Mauve Maven OOTD

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Mauve Maven OOTD

Hi everyone and welcome to a fabulous OOTD for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series compliments of my sweet friend, Geneva, from Genney Darling. Genney girl is an absolute doll. I so enjoyed chit chatting with her to get this post in order and checking out her blog is a total must – so be sure to give it some love! At the end of her post, Geneva mentions hoping to come back on lifewithlilred. All of my guest bloggers will always have a home on my page if they so choose, so this is definitely not the last you will be seeing of her! Now, take a look at her post exclusively for lifewithlilred:

Mauve Maven OOTD

Hello Darlings!

I’m Geneva and I run the blog Genney Darling. I was super excited when Sarah agreed to have me publish a post on her blog “lifewithlilred”.  She asked for something related to summer, which is coming soon, and I knew that I had tons of ideas especially for fashion posts. For those who don’t follow me, I run a fashion blog where I share my personal style with my readers. I have only had my blog for ten months, but I am already in love with the blogging experience and where it might take me.

Summer fashion can be difficult. I believe it is easier (and more fun) in the fall when you can layer on all kinds of flannels and sweatshirts along with other accessories and still look good while being comfortable. In the summer, we still have to think of comfort (especially in the heat), and it just feels all too easy to go to our basic short shorts and graphic tees.

In this outfit, I opted for my personal favorite mom jeans along with this mauve halter tank. I have been obsessed with mauve and I’m sure that it will keep making appearances in my wardrobe throughout the summer. This tank definitely will. I think it may be my new favorite summer piece!

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I thought the mom jeans would be good for summer because they are looser than skinny jeans, so your legs will be able to breathe a little better. (And some of us aren’t quite ready to show off our pale legs just yet!)

Shop the Look: 

Similar Mauve Tank Top – Forever 21

Mom Jeans – Asos

Creepers – T.U.K

Black Leather Backpack – JustFab

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Thank you for reading my post here on lifewithlilred. If you enjoyed reading this post, please make sure to follow my blog, Genney Darling, and check out some of my posts there. I hope to come back here and post for Sarah again. So, until next time!

Similar Posts:

The Mean Reds

Mellow Yellow

Many thanks again to Geneva for her gorgeous Mauve Maven OOTD! You are stunning! How do you stay cool with your clothes in the summer heat? What is your favorite color to sport in the summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May30

What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

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What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the very first post of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series compliments of the darling, sweet, talented, gorgeous K.M. of Ankhor You. K.M. is a dear blogging friend of mine who I absolutely adore and it would BEHOOVE all of you to go check out her page because I can promise you that you will love her just as much (but definitely not more) as me. K.M. is a mermaid princess and she is going to teach all of you a thing or two about Beach Chic attire. Check it out and enjoy:

What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

“I look my best when I’m totally free, on holiday, walking on the beach.” Rosamund Pike

When Sarah mentioned that she was doing a summer series with guest bloggers, I knew right away that I not only wanted to take part, and was incredibly honored she wanted me to, but I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to write. Summer is my jam, especially if it includes anything to do with the ocean. If I could live in a bungalow by the beach and write the rest of my life, I would be one happy mermaid. #Lifegoals

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Summer time isn’t just my happy place, but it’s my favorite kind of fashion. Maxi dresses, beach cover ups, flip-flops, skirts, bare legs – I love it all. All year, I wait for when I am finally able to shed the heavy coats and toss my espadrilles aside while letting my feet play in the sand. At this point, I wouldn’t say love but more like borderline obsessed.

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Summer Fun:

With the warmer weather comes endless activities from sea glass hunting, visiting light houses, to taking a schooner out on the ocean. And, of course, lounging in the sand catching rays is a must. While many of these activities can be considered casual, your style does not have to be. Nope, beach wear can be classy and chic, transitioning from a day in the sun to a night out on the boardwalk. Of course you want to be the epitome of a fashionista. After all…Pictures!

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Summer Trends:

Keeping with the unofficial Summer anthem of “let’s show some skin”, the trends aren’t just an emphasis of off the shoulders and cut outs, but bralettes and cropped tops littered the racks and runways this season. It is summer after all, and we want to be cool in our looks and our body temperature!

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// Sunglasses: Tory Burch // Shirt: Anthropologie // Skirt: White House Black Market // Shoes: DSW // Necklace: Seamilligan Designs // Cuff: Light House Studio Designs // Clutch: Alaina Marie, Bait Bags // 

It can be daunting wearing just a bralette, after all how many of us have Giselle Bundchens abs? Be honest. But, stores like Anthropologie are offering a variety of cropped tops and bralettes, from barely there to just a hint of peek-a-boo skin.

Added to that, high waisted skirts and pants have made a comeback in a big way, pairing well with the “let’s just wear half a shirt” shirt. It also gives us the option of showing a little less skin if we so choose.

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The Look:

I found this billowy cropped blouse at Anthropologie and the rest is history, especially when this blonde saw that it came in navy. Move aside black, navy is the IT color for blondes. While it might seem a tad naughty librarian, this shirt is incredibly versatile and pairs well over a camisole, if you want to be trendy, but demure. Tied and fitted at the waist, the kimono like sleeves offer another glance of skin when the arms are raised in the classic “touchdown” stance.

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Having planned a day of fun with my mer-twin at Eastern Promenade in Maine, I knew no amount of donuts or frappucinos were going to stop me from rocking this shirt. (You go girl!! -Sarah)

Channeling the high waisted trend, I opted for a white embroidered skirt from White House Black Market. Shorter then I normally go for, it was flirty and fun, perfect for a debut in the sun. Because of the wide elastic band, I could wear it higher up or lower depending on how much skin I wanted to show, or how many mimosas I had slung back at brunch. (AYYYY – also from Sarah)

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Accessories Perfect For a Mermaid:

The navy and white created a blank canvas to accessorize however the mood struck. I could go ultra glam or keep it nautical. I decided on the latter, choosing jewelry and accessories that had ocean ties.

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I wanted to rock my favorite tassel necklace by SeaMilligan Designs made from blue safety sea-glass. I then added a cuff made out of a lobster gauge from Lighthouse Designs. Rounding out the nautical accessories and to hold my things and maybe any sea glass I found, I grabbed my bait bag clutch by Alaina Marie. And, finally, for shoes I chose my lace espadrilles, that I could easily take off so that I could dip my feet into the (chilly!) water.

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The Finished Look:

All in all it was a trendy, yet Beach Chic look, that I could show off both on and off the sand. It is also an outfit that I could throw over a swimsuit or wear for a night out on the boardwalk. Much like most of the items that I buy and style, the options are endless for this look, as well as the individual pieces.

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Thank you SO MUCH again to the lovely sea princess, K.M., from Ankhor You for starting out my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series with a Beach Chic bang! How do you style a beach ready look? What are some of your beach essentials? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah