links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {may 5, 2016 edition}

Sometimes trends really aren’t trends at all. They’re just what we want to wear, period. IFB Bloggers were beaming about stripes, rompers, the perfect Summer crop top, pajama day wear, the color mustard, leather on leather, and large florals. And it’s this last one that made a great point about what may seem to be an oh-so-last-year trend, may really be just what was in order. Other editorial topics to read up on and consider blogging about yourselves this month include transitioning one outfit for multiple occasions, preparing for Summer, a proper book review, Mother’s Day, and the Met Gala. However, make sure you’re sourcing your facts correctly; read on for insight on fashion rumor mills.

No link up before a holiday weekend would be complete without a gift guide. In addition to a Mother’s Day guide, there is also a wonderful list of feminine chic bike helmets that your Mom would be just tickled to receive. My mom would take up bike riding in a heartbeat if she was promised a fancy helmet.

Links a la Mode, May 5

• Al Balsam Life: Met Gala 2016 | Iconic Fashion Moments
• Alive as Always: Mix It Up a Notch | Babydoll Batik
• The Antisocialista: I Like Big Buds and I Cannot Lie
• Arisgold: Five Reasons to Wear a Romper
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: May Crush List
• The Classy Junk: Black and Taupe | Outfit
• Distinguished Diva: Style Tip | The Easiest Way to Tie Ankara Headwrap | Video Tutorial
• The Dragonfruit Diaries: Beauty | Nightly Skincare Routine
• Everyday Starlet: Man Repeller | Seeking Love. Finding Overalls by Leandra Medine | Review
• The Fashionista Momma: Leather On Leather
• Finite 1: It’s Easy as 1-2-3
• Hey Just Jei: Mother’s Day Gifts to Make Mom Shine
• Les Assorties: Armadio | Undiscovered Italian Luxury Discovered
• Life in the Fash Lane: Summery Stripes
• Modavracha: Is Pyjamas Fashion Trend Stylish or Merely Comfortable?
• Sweet Tea Salvage: 10 Cute Bike Helmets
• Tales of Two: Channeling Your Inner Garden Nymph
• Vanity and Me: A Classic Look for Spring
• The Wanderbliss: Mustard
• We Are Ready Made: Rumour Has It

SPONSOR: Shopbop TRYB212, Diane von Furstenberg Dresses, Zimmerman Swimwear, Capwell + Co., Round Towel Co., Style Mafia, Crop Tops, Mules, Statement Necklaces, Men's Moschino


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beach hair

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{beauty board} ombre obsession

Get playful with your pretty by adding a little ombre to your makeup bag! The multi-tones for face give you a natural flush; while the hues for lips, tips, and eyes allow for a seriously flirty feel!

{1} Wet n Wild Color Icon Ombre Blusher in MAI TAI BUY YOU A DRINK and THE PRINCESS DAIQUIRIS {$4.99 each}

{2} IT COSMETICS CC + Radiance Ombre Bronzer {$34.00}

{3} NYX Cosmetics Ombre Lip Duo in PEACHES & CREAM, RAZZLE & DAZZLE, and PINK BUBBLES & CAVIAR {$11.99 each}

{4} SEPHORA COLLECTION Ombré Obsession Eyeshadow Palette {$25.00}

{5} Formula X The Ombré Glitters – Nail Polish Effect in MISCHEVIOUS and CLEVER {$12.50 each}

{6} NYX Cosmetics Ombre Blush in SOFT FLUSH {$9.99}


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{fashion folio} easy breezy

Kimono: H&M Kimono in WHITE / BLUE / FLORAL | Hair: Sultra The Bombshell 1 Inch | Lips: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in OBSESSED {on sale!} | Ring: Elizabeth and James Astral Ring in GOLD | Tank: Topshop Skinny Fit Vest in WHITE | Shorts: MOTO Vintage Rosa Shorts | Nails: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in 116 SHOCKING | Sunglasses: Sole Society HARDY Oversize Round Sunglasses in TORTOISE | Shoes: Chloé Isa Espadrille Wedge Sandal in BROWN SUEDE | Earrings: BaubleBar Ishigaki Drops

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nails inc. Coconut Brights Spring Summer Mini Gel Effect Collection Swatches + Review

Fact: this nails inc. Coconut Brights Spring Summer Mini Gel Effect Collection spent far too much time reposing on my Sephora wish list before I elected to pull the trigger; but OMG babes, I am so glad I finally did. Why? This quintet is everything for summer in terms of color; and the conconut water infusion and gel effect finish? Cake! You're going to want this collection in your summer stash. Trust.

Portobello Terrace is a Sky Blue Creme. Blue polishes have succeeded in becoming my number 1 fave shades {even trumping mint green hues}, so, of course, Portobello Terrace is my hands-down favorite color in this quintet. I'm loving the fact that Portobello Terrace has both that bright summer feel pastel-y, muted spring vibe, making it ultra-wearable at anytime. The formula here was a bit thicker than some of the other shades in this collection; but can easily be combated by wiping off excess polish on the lip of the bottle before application. This is 2 coats.

Trafalgar Mews is a Baby Pink Creme. nails inc. actually describes this shade as a blush nude creme, but it is 100% baby pink - not to mention breathtaking. Trafalgar Mews is one of those year-round necessity shades; but I particularly L-O-V-E it for summer because it gives you an insta-tan! Formula here is brill - one swipe, two swipe, top coat, go! This is 2 coats.

Charles Street is a Hot Pink Creme. Ladies, pictures do not do this gal justice because IRL she is even brighter {we're talking borderline neon} and more beach-worthy. She even left me, someone who notoriously feels ho hum about pink shades, swooning. Formula here was pure perfection. Charles Street applies creamy and smooth, and is v buildable. Obsessed with this one for summer - I'm actually using it as a pedi shade right now! This is 2 coats.

Chelsea Park Lane is a Dove Grey Creme. I do love me a good gray, and this one hits all the right notes for spring due to its lilac undertones. The formula here was excellent. Chelsea Park Lane reached opacity in one coat {though I opted for a second to make it more lush}, and was so. incredibly. easy to work with - I'm talking smooth like buttah! This is 2 coats.

St. James Place is a Pastel Peach Creme. This right here is quite the conundrum of a color. Is it a pastel peach creme? Is it a french vanilla creme? Is it a butter creme? Is it a peachy/pinky-based nude? Depending on the light you're in, St. James Place is kind of all of the above. And the truth is, I absolutely love it. Though slightly more patchy during application than, say, Chelsea Park Lane, St. James Place builds quickly and beautifully to a creamy opaque hue that is rich and luscious. I really think this one would look amazing with a killer tan! This is 2 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Sephora, Beauty.com, and Net-A-Porter for the mini set.

PRICE: $29.00.


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may crush list!

1. juicy guava Though blush isn't my favorite beauty item, it is such an essential to add life to your face. I typically go for peachy, barely-there shades; but I'm currently crazy for brighter cheeks that look flushed and straight-up juicy. JULEP's Skip the Blush Creme-to-Powder Blush Stick in GOLDEN GUAVA was included as a freebie in one of my recent orders, and to say I'm obsessed would be belittling my feelings - it is basically a vacay in a tube. Now I'm eager to snag similar shades in different finishes - the next two contenders being tarte's Cheek Stain in TIPSY and Smashbox's L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in LAUREL CANYON CORAL.

2. daring drape Tanks are basically my second skin come summertime - I wear them all. the. time. For that reason, I am forever trying to find tops featuring interesting aesthetics or prints to make my day-to-day uniform a little less boring. My latest love? Free People's Bull's Eye Wrap in IVORY and BLACK. That drape seriously slays - being daring without feeling OTT. I think I need it in both colors. Just saying.

3. gilded collars Long pendant necklaces are usually my thang, but my heart has been hijacked by the complete opposite: collars. I'm craving them in gold, snake-y styles paired with glowy, sunkissed skin and beachy waves. On my need, want, must-have list: BaubleBar's Night Fever Collar, and Sole Society's Rope Statement Necklace in GOLD. Tell me you love them.

4. never enough glow Highlight is my one true love. For reals though. I love it in bronze-y finishes that make you look like you're dripping in gold. BECCA's Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector® Pressed in CHAMPAGNE POP is my can't-live-without HG, but I'm dying to try a few new shades just to switch it up a bit. Currently on my wish list: Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator Powder in ADDICTION {almost too pretty to use tbh}, and Bobbi Brown's Highlighting Powder in BRONZE GLOW. What's your favorite highlighter?

What's on your May Crush List?


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NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Ahoy Sailor

Two coats of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Ahoy Sailor. Blue Teal Creme.

This color is liiifffeee!

Ladies, Ahoy Sailor is a sneaky little lacquer. In the bottle, it looks like a dusty baby blue, then you apply it to nails, and bam! A brilliant bright, blue-leaning teal that will make your summer banging!

The formula here is flaw-less. Smooth, opaque, and fast-drying. Ahoy Sailor was made for summer lovin'!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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back talk

Free People Carma Bodysuit in BLACK {also available in Wine and Slate}.

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this aesthetic? Totally gives new meaning to the saying business in the front, party in the back. For real though...

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links à la mode: the IFB weekly roundup {april 28, 2016 edition}

After this week’s round up, you will know how to do everything plus pack for a European vacation at home. OK, maybe not everything, but that’s what it seemed like.

IFB Bloggers were very generous with their advice, tips, and lessons this week. There were posts on the business of blogging. Examples of interviews and photography. Advice on developing your fashion empire from the beginning and on to sustaining it, with a special tip on friendzoning a photographer. Tips on clearing clutter, letting go, and reasons to wear vintage. All topped off with a lesson on shirt tucking; To tuck or not to tuck! Trends this week seemed to stem from the 1990’s even if that wasn’t their direct intention–ripped white jeans, iron on patches, young designer inspiration. And when in doubt, buy nude.

Thanks to the creative advice of Abroad Outlook on vacationing to France from the comfort of your own town, my family will be “traveling” to three countries this Summer. If you can’t go big, go home.

Links a la Mode, April 28

• Abroad Outlook: Your Guide to a French Vacation at Home
• The Antisocialista: Keep Calm and Iron On
• Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans: {Beauty Board} Nude Lips
• Christie Moeller: When to Tuck a Shirt
• Elements of Ellis: Wolf Print Shirt | Merci Maman Giveaway
• Everest Says: Cherry Blossoms and Coachella
• The Fashion Faux Pas’ of Gabrielle Banner: Jackets and Coats
• Greige Market: ATWG | The Manigazer
• Happy.Pretty.Sweet: Clear the Clutter | Throw Out Fifty Things
• I’m a Norbyah: The Haulternative
• Les Assorties: InCompany with Attire Club
• Lucy Van Dean: White Distressed Denim
• Moda Addicted: 24 Things About Me on My 24th Birthday
• MySelf Expressed: Inspiration Board | Spring RTW 2016 | Ryan Roche
• Purushu Arie: How To Become a Fashion Blogger | 2016 Edition
• Reason’s To Dress: Going Nude… Nude Leather That Is
• Sassy Ethnic Bohemian: 13 Ways to Remember Doves Can Cry #RIPPrince
• The Cherry Chapter: Clothes Call | How to Pack for a Vacation
• The Wanderbliss: Color Chaos
• We Are Ready Made: Kill to Wear | Dress to Kill

SPONSOR: Amazon's Shopbop ONE by Boutique, The Principle Collection Jeans, Black HaloDresses, Ettika, Alameda Turquesa, Temptation Positano, Evening Dresses, White Jeans, Lace UpGladiator Sandals, Men's Y-3 SPORT


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{fashion folio} summer days

Dress: Topshop Button Down Sundress | Nails: Ciaté London Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish and Effects in LUCKY 7 | Lashes: Lancôme DÉFINICILS - High Definition Mascara in DEEP BLACK | Jacket: MOTO Bleach Denim Western | Shoes: Sole Society SENA Espadrille Wedge in LIGHT CAMEL {c/o} | Bracelet: Pamela Love Apex Cuff Bracelet in SILVER | Lips: Buxom Full-On Lip Cream in MAI TAI | Earrings: Sole Society Natural Stone and Tassel Drop Earring in ANTIQUE GOLD

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Thanks to Sole Society for sponsoring this post!

sunkissed

Mascara: Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Babydoll in BLACK | Illuminator: NYX Cosmetics Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in GLEAM | Shadow: e.l.f. Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow in BROWNIE POINTS {c/o} | Lips: Too Faced La Crème Color Drenched Lipstick in NUDE BEACH | Bronzer: e.l.f. Sunkissed Glow Bronzer in SUNKISSED {c/o} | Brush: e.l.f. Flawless Face Brush {c/o}

You know that lived-in bronze smoky eye the Victoria's Secret Angels are always rocking? This e.l.f. Cosmetics Smudge Pot Cream Eyeshadow in Brownie Points is the easiest way to achieve it at home!

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Thanks to e.l.f. for sponsoring this post!

currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
True story: I have basically been consumed with summer everythang over the past few weeks. Beachy waves? Check! Sunkissed skin? Check! Bronze-y makeup? Check! I ordered this SEPHORA FAVORITES Bronze Bares All collection last week; and this Nu.Me® 1" Magic Curling Wand is currently on its way to me. So beachin', right?!

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{beauty board} catching fire

Set your beauty drawer aflame for summer with sizzling red, orange, and gold shades that will leave you burning bright from day to night!

{1} Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon in BLOOD ORANGE {$24.00}

{2} SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Face Powders – Blush, Bronze, Highlight, & Contour in 10 OH MY GOSH {$14.00} Essential for achieving that Victoria's Secret flush!

{3} Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil {$98.00}

{4} SEPHORA COLLECTION Ultra Shine Lip Gel in 33 POPPY FIELD {$12.00}

{5} Clinique Sweet Pots Sugar Scrub & Lip Balm in 02 ORANGE BLOSSOM {$19.50}

{6} SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Eyeshadow in MANGO SHAKE {$10.00}

{7} OPI New Orleans Nail Lacquer Collection in SHE'S A BAD MUFFULETTA! {$10.00}

{8} Hermès 1.6 oz Eau des Merveilles Eau de Toilette Spray {$108.00}


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NOTD: JULEP Nail Color in Brandis

One coat of JULEP Nail Color in Brandis. Turquoise Creme.

L-o l-o l-o l-o-v-e...ladies, this color is giving it to me!

Brandis is a brilliant bright yet darkened turquoise creme that would be right at home during the fall season, but I'm digging it for spring into summer.

Formula is fairly fab. It's slightly thick, but more of a runny thick {if that makes any sense}. You definitely want to wipe the brush off on the lip of the bottle before applying otherwise you'll wind up with a mini mani disaster. Best part? One. Coat. Wonder. Yaaaaassss! I highly recommend this lovely for your coming vacays!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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sonja

CLAYTON Sonja Dress in CORAL and BARE.

That neckline doe.

For $84 apiece, let's just agree that it's completely necessary to snag both colors, yes?

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Toni Garrn for Numéro France March 2012 by Camilla Akrans

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{beauty board} nude lips

Go nude for the summer with a your lips but better {YLBB} lippy that pairs perfectly with sunkissed skin or smoky eyes; and works for those no makeup makeup days!

1. Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in HONEY BERRY {$24.00}

2. tarte Rainforest of the Sea™ Drench Lip Splash Lipstick in SKINNY DIP {$22.00}

3. Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick in MELTED NUDE {$21.00}

4. Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in PURE HOLLYWOOD {$20.00}

5. SEPHORA COLLECTION Color Lip Last in 01 OH MY BEIGE! {$14.00}


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{fashion folio} spring edge

Top: Topshop Printed Strappy Plunge Cami | Lips: Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in DAINTY | Bag: Monserat De Lucca Bochoa Shoulder Bag in BLACK | Denim: MOTO Super Rip Jamie Jeans in BLACK | Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in BLACKEST BLACK | Shadow: Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad in PLUM | Shoes: Sam Edelman NAYLA Sandal in BLACK LEATHER | Nails: Formula X #ColorCurators: Ballet Beautiful Edition - Nail Polish Collection in LILAC FAIRY | Liner: Sephora Collection Long Lasting Eyeliner High Precision Brush in 01 BLACK

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Formula X #ColorCurators: Ballet Beautiful Edition Nail Polish Collection Swatches + Review

Ballet Beautiful is a huge part of my life {I legit do the Swan Arms Series three times a day}, so when I stumbled upon the Ballet Beautiful / Mary Helen Bowers nail polish collab with Formula X as part of their #ColorCurators series, I literally added all three shades to my basket and clicked checkout in five seconds flat. True story. Ladies, this trio is bomb. The colors are sublime for year-round wear, the formulas are on pointe {see what I did there?}, and the names of each shade? So necessary for helping you to unleash your inner tiny dancer. Peep the prettiness below!

Lilac Fairy is a Soft Lilac Creme. I was preeetty confident that Lilac Fairy would be the standout shade for me from this trio based on bottle alone, and I was so right. Though similar to Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Double Bubblegum, Lilac Fairy has a dove gray undertone that makes it feel a little more ethereal and ballet-esque. Formula here was fabulush! Creamy, quick to reach opacity, and just so pretty! If you only buy one color from this trio, I vote this one! This is 2 coats.

Ballet Barre is a Charcoal Metallic. There is truly only one way to describe Ballet Barre: Liquid. Metal. For reals though ladies, this color is everythang! It has that smoky, seductive Black Swan vibe to it {hated the movie btw}; while feeling perfectly poised at the very same time. Formula is flawless! You could easily get away with one coat here, but I doubled up to make it ultra-opaque. This is 2 coats.

Satin Slippers is a Pearlized Ballerina Pink. Yaaasss! Something that many nail polish companies overlook when producing ballet-inspired colors is the need for a pearlized finish when creating slipper-like shades. Satin Slippers actually has that quality, making it the absolute perfect representation of ballet slippers ever seen in the polish world. Trust. Satin Slippers is sheer, but it builds beautifully {use thin coats}, and looks positively brilliant on the nail. This is 3 coats.

AVAILABILITY: Sephora

PRICE: $12.50 each.


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currently crushing...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8
Orange is so not my color, but ever since using Essie's Sunshine State Of Mind, I have been obsessing over blood orange-meets-coral hues. NBD though because summer is so close, and this shade will fit right in, amiright? Happy Tuesday babes!

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NOTD: Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Double Bubblegum

Two coats of Ciaté Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish in Double Bubblegum. Lilac Creme.

Le sigh. Double Bubblegum where have you been all my life?

Ladies, you know that I'm a total sucker for a good lilac {especially for spring / summer}, so Double Bubblegum is giving it to me right now. Seriously, obsessed doesn't even begin to explain how I'm feeling about this shade.

Formula here is flawless. From stroke one it's like buttah, applying fluidly and fast while being ultra-creamy. If shades like this tickle your fancy you definitely need to scoop this one up stat!

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

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desert

LNA Desert Ripped Neck Tee in Weeds.

That ripped neck just gets me.

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vibes

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