FASHION: Summer Beach Look

Hi everyone! It's Adri of Adri's World here. A beach day is a favorite on these hot Summer days, so let's add some fun style!

Of course a great pair of sunglasses should be a part of everyone's beach bag and I personally love those aviators! A colorful patterned beach towel to match your stylish bikini and a pretty pink nail polish are perfect.  And, if we're going to be in the sun we cannot forget sunscreen and a hat to protect our skin. Oh, and let's not forget a fun and bright bag to take it all with us!

Are you ready for Summer beach days?

[1.ray-ban sunglasses, 2.madewell mara hoffman beach towel, 3.j.crew hat, 4.bop basics tote, 5.j.crew bikini, 6.deborah lippmann nail polish, 7.lancôme sunscreen]


- post by Adri Reynoso

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BEAUTY: The NO MAKEUP LOOK

Hi MBG readers, Allie here of ALLIE NYC. Hope you are enjoying this glorious summer. It certainly is in full swing, and I do not know about you, but when the three H’s are raging the last thing I want to do is put on makeup. But let’s face it, who really wants to face the world sans makeup? So if you want to look like you are naturally sun-kissed and gorgeous read on…

The key is to start with self tanner. Self tanner, like this one from Bare Minerals will give you that healthy glow (in a healthy way) and will allow you to skip the foundation, reserve that for the winter months. Instead of a heavy foundation considered a tinted moisturizer or a bronzer. You can blend a liquid bronzer across your face and then follow it up with a quick dusting of powder bronzer like this one from Maybelline.

If this is not enough coverage for you, mix a bit of bronzer with a tinted moisturizer. I also like to scale back on eye shadow as well, I will use whatever light colored semi-shimmer shadow I have and sweep it over my entire lid. Then I use a matte brown shadow like this one from Sephora in the crease and blend it into the lighter shimmer powder for just a hint of a shadowy eye.  Of course a bit of eye liner and mascara is must, as is a splash of color on the lip. I generally steer clear of very bright colors or heavy pigments.

I like Buxom’s Full-On Lip Tarnish, it has more pigment then a gloss but less then a lipstick. It also has a slight plumping effect. Sexy! Finally, I use Benefit’s Sun Beam highlighter above and below the brow, across the tops of my cheeks and down the bridge of my nose. A perfect way to look all natural with out baring it all!

So, how does your makeup routine change for summer? 

1 :: 2 :: 3 :: 4 :: 5 

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FOOD: PINEAPPLE + COCONUT CHIA FLURRY

With the current Pineapple craze - While on my Instagram, I came across a photo of a Pineapple drink I had to make. Of course, I enlisted the help of my husband & this is what we made.  It is truly the perfect Summer treat!

How to make:

Add 1/2 C agave or simple syrup to 2 C pineapple juice and whisk together. Pour the mix into a tupperware, cover and freeze (will take 2+ hours).

Add 1/3 cup white chia seeds to a 13 oz can of coconut milk and whisk together. Portion into serving glasses evenly (should make 4 3.5oz servings, so the glasses should be small tumblers or aperitif glasses). Chill for 1-2 hours.

When ready to serve, remove the frozen pineapple mix and scrape hard with a spoon to "snow" it, then spoon on top of one glass of the chia pudding. Serve with a wedge of pineapple.

&.......if you still can't get enough this Pineapple trend - check out my Pineapple Summer Trend post I wrote recently. Want more?  How about some of my original Pineapple paintings! Check them out here.


-images by jen ramos

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FASHION: Transitional

Hi everyone! This is Sandra from Blasfemmes and this time I’ll be sharing with you my top 10 key pieces to get ready for the seasons change. More and more I care about picking pieces that are good investments, i.e., that are versatile enough to use again and again and in various ways. And if the pieces work well in combination, like they do in this collage, even better! 

 What are your go-to ‘transitional’ pieces??  -  Do share!

1. Michael Kors Top // 2. Lauren Elan Necklace // 3. Joie Utility Jacket // 4. Marc Jacobs Watch // 5. Loeffler Randall Bag // 6. Sea Leopard Skirt // 7. Topshop Dress (get the look here) // 8. Joe's Shoes (and here too) // 9. Paige Jeans // 10. Zara Flats

-post by sandra 

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BEAUTY: SUMMER BEAUTY STAPLES

Hi MadeByGirl readers! Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here. Today I am here to share with you six beauty products that I have been loving this summer. Let's get to it!

 Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream
Due to the high heat, and sometimes often high humidity, I try to keep my makeup light in the summer. This BB cream is perfect for days when you want minimal coverage but don't want to wear foundation.

Essie "Big Spender"
Confession: I am a fan of this Essie shade year-round, but especially in the summertime. It looks great with a variety of skin tones and especially great with tan skin.

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil Light
The lighter version of Josie's Argan Oil is perfect for daytime wear. I know it is strange to put oil on your face in the morning, but trust me on this one. It absorbs quickly and does not leave an oil finish.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Everyone knows this mascara is great. What I didn't know was how great this mascara is at staying on in the water. While it is not waterproof, it surprisingly stays put at the pool or at the beach.

Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry
My hair is naturally curly so it can get quite frizzy when I straighten it on humid days. This serum works wonders and keeps my hair straight through damp weather.

Fresh Sugar Shine Lip Treatment
I love Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment, so when they came out with the Shine Lip Treatment, I knew I was going to love it as well. I was right and after one try, this gloss became a staple in my beauty routine.


What were some of your favorite beauty products this summer?

- post by kelsey nicole

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BEAUTY: 10 Natural sunscreens

Hi MadeByGirl readers, Kelsey from Kelsey Nicole here. Today I am here to talk about sunscreen, natural sunscreen, that is. Sunscreen is something you should apply to your face every single day. Even if you are only going to be outside for a short period of time - it is a necessity. 

If you apply a product to your skin everyday, and sometimes multiple times a day, why not choose one that is natural and free of the bad stuff? Below I have rounded up ten different natural sunscreens that are safe on your skin and will offer you excellent protection against the sun.

Bareminerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen | Dr. T’s Supergoop Continuous Mist SPF 50 | The Honest Co Sunscreen SPF 30 | John Masters Organics SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen | | Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil Free Moisturizer | Hampton Sun SPF 15 Continuous Mist Sunscreen | Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen, SPF 30 | Badger SPF 30 Organic Sunscreen | Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry Sunscreen SPF 30 | Josie Maran Argan Sun Protection for Body SPF 30+




-post by kelsey

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FASHION: Summer Nautical Style

Hi everyone! I’m Sandra from Blasfemmes and I’m so happy to be one of the newest Fashion contributors here on MBG! To start off I’m sharing with you one of my all-time favorite trends for chic Summer looks: nautical stripes. I think it’s safe to invest in striped garments and accessories because they’ll always be a classic and they’re also extremely versatile, agree? 

I like having several options on the table so if you are not particularly fond of striped clothing you can always wear striped accessories like striped sandals or a striped sun hat (by the way, I need to get my hands on that one).




Any favorites? Do tell!







First look:




1. J. Crew Panama Hat // 2. Vix Striped Dress // 3. Ray-Ban Aviators // 4. Rebecca Minkoff Sunglasses Pouch // 5. Vila Denim Vest // 6. Illamasqua Lipstick in Flare// 7. Tory Burch Sandals // 8. Eric Javits Tote




Second look:




1. Karen Walker Sunglasses // 2. Vix Cover Up // 3. Nordstrom Sun Hat // 4. Banana Republic Necklace // 5. Nars Lipstick in Heat Wave // 6. Chanel Nail Polish in Pirate // 7. Victorias Secret Sandals // 8. Bottega Veneta Eau de Parfum




- post by sandra lopes

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Fashion: Summer Hats

Hi everyone, Kat from With Love From Kat here.  Summer in New York has gotten off to a steamy start and hats have been my lifesaver.  No matter what I seem to do with my hair - flat iron it, curl it, or let it air dry - it ends up looking like a mess!  I've been alternating between wearing my J.Crew Panama hat and Rag & Bone floppy hat.  

Both have been able to hide my crazy hair situation and enhance my outfit.  I have my eye on that Collection XIIX hat for the beach and Nordstrom B.P. hat for another everyday option - it's only $18! 

 Which hat is your favorite?

1. Splurge: Rag & Bone hat // 2. Save: J.Crew hat

3. Save: Collection XIIX hat // 4. Splurge: Emilio Pucci hat 5. Save: Nordstrom B.P. hat // 6. Splurge: A.P.C. hat

Below is Jen with her black floppy brim fedora from Rag & Bone - you can buy it here.

-post by kat tanita

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FOOD: Curried Chicken Salad

Hi MBG readers, Lauren from Perpetually Chic here! One of my favorite quick lunches is to pick up curried chicken salad and a seeduction roll from Whole Foods. Since our Whole Foods is not close to my work, that curried chicken salad haunts me on weekdays. 

Inevitably my stomach begins to growl, and I'm left wishing I had it in my hands. I finally decided it was time to recreate my beloved chicken salad at home, so I can have it whenever I please. Keep reading for my version...

Like any good restaurant re-creation that happens in our kitchen, I examined the ingredients of the original then added a little twist of my own--Greek yogurt in place of mayo. I have to say, I'm pretty pleased with my recipe! It tastes lighter but still has that great curry flavor. 

This recipe comes together very quickly--it's also a great use for leftover chicken.

Curried Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

Salt, pepper and garlic powder

6 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1/4 cup slivered almonds

1/4 cup finely diced celery

1/4 cup dried currants

1/4 cup minced red onion

1 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

a dash of ground tumeric

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, ground black pepper and garlic powder. Cook over medium-high heat on a grill, about 4 minutes per side. Roughly chop into cubes.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, curry powder, salt and tumeric. Add the cooked chicken and stir to coat. Then add the almonds, celery, currants and onion. Mix well to combine.

3. Serve on top of lettuce with bread or crackers on the side. 

-Recipe and photos by Lauren Craig

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Decor: Eclectic Beach House

Drew here, with an eclectic take on a beachy design scheme.

When styling a room with an eclectic vibe, mixing different patterns, textures, furniture and sometimes unusual and unique objects, always helps in creating this particular look.

To me, an unexpected twist to a traditional beach scheme is often times more intriguing, leaving quite the impression, as opposed to the usual norm.

You can also observe a more modern and less literal approach in this design palette.

1) Pottery Barn Lamp

2) Z Gallerie Coral

3) One Kings Lane Striped Pillows

4) One Kings Lane Octopus Pillow

5) Serena & Lily Hanging Chair

6) One Kings Lane Couch

7) Bloomingdales Bowl

8) One Kings Lane Jar

9) One Kings Lane Rug

10) One Kings Lane Side Tables

What are your thoughts on this eclectic beach vibe?

-post by drew humphries

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Perfect Wedges for Summer

Man, oh man. I'm so psyched that it's Friday, aren't you?

Most people leave early from work on Fridays, but unfortunately, my assistant & I are working a bit late today (I think). But hey, it's a blessing to have work, so I should just shut up & be grateful.

This weekend I'm thinking I want to shop for the perfect wedge. Wedges are the type of shoe you can walk around in & STILL be SEXY & comfortable, don't you agree?!? I admit, I DON'T often wear wedges, because they make me feel tall & skinny. Some of you are probably thinking, "what's wrong with looking tall & skinny? Is she serious?" 

YES, I am. I don't like looking like an AMAZON WOMAN I guess is what I'm trying to say. So, I usually opt for wedges that aren't too high.... like #1 below, which is my absolute favorite!!!

I'd love to know if you ladies will be sporting wedges this summer - which style above do you like best??

1. emilio pucci wedges

2. carina espadrille wedges

3. emilio pucci

4. casadei

5. casadei

6. rupert sanderson kay wedges

7. rupert sanderson kibo wedges

8. nadia grilli

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