Patriotic Perfection

Hello Fashionistas!!

I had a very busy week in the bioengineering lab, and this post was originally supposed to be published Friday, but I'm so excited that I was able to finish it up after coming home from the lab today.

The Fourth of July is a very big holiday in North America. On July 4, 1776, the United States adopted the Declaration of Independence and declared our independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This day became a national holiday, Independence Day, but as we all like to call it, The Fourth of July. Around this time of year we show our patriotism a lot more. We bring out the fireworks, barbecues, and picnics, carnivals, and just have a really great time, but what we fashionistas focus on most is our holiday OOTD! Many outfits stick to the traditional flag colors of red, white, and blue while others focus more on formality and elegance.

Here are some traditional looks for inspiration:

Top Left: Lauren Conrad wearing a red skater skirt and blue button down top. Top Right: Beyonce wearing flag print high waisted shorts. Bottom Left: Kat Von D wearing a flag print sweater. Bottom Right: Carrie Underwood wearing a flag print tank top.

If you don't want to go the traditional route, here are a few outfit ideas that I put together: 

Day                                                 Night      

Day

Here is a look that I believe can be worn from day to night. With all of the family barbecues, picnics, and fireworks, it's going to be pretty tough walking around in heels all day long, so here's a great option:

What are your plans for Independence Day, and what are you ladies going to wear? I know I have followers from all over the world, so you ladies can just describe what you would wear on a typical holiday in your country. I hope you all enjoyed this post. Thanks for all of your lovely comments on my previous post.  Happy Monday!!!

Breaya

The Sunscreen It List

Hello Fashionistas!!! Are you ladies tired of smelling like a swimming pool when swimming isn't on your schedule for the day? Or if your skin is as sensitive as mine, are you tired of the annoying breakouts you get that comes along with protecting your skin from the sun? Well, after doing some research, I've rounded up the top sunscreens that can be used all year round.

Super- Sensitive/ Sensitive Skin

If your skin is super sensitive to sensitive, look for the oil free, baby versions of sunscreens. The formulas are always ultra-gentle so the skin won't be irritated. 

 Banana Boat has the really strong chlorine scent, but their products get great reviews. 

I've never tried the Adorable Baby brand. After reading so many reviews, I've already purchased my first bottle. Adorable Baby contains all natural and organic ingredients. Its main ingredient, non-nano zinc oxide, protects the skin against UVB and UVA rays with 30 SPF protection, and I hear the smell is amazing. Not to mention, the product received a low hazard rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

Banana Boat Natural Reflect Baby: $8.99, Target       Adorable Baby Sunscreen: $24.99, Amazon.com

Best Protection and Scents

I've tried many different sunscreens because of their scents, but I didn't really focus on the ingredients. Now, I'm really aware of what I'm putting onto my body especially with all of the chemicals that are being put into products these days. 

This sunscreen is paraben free and provides mineral protection. The best thing is that it's fragrance free, so that it won't interfere with any other scents that you may want to wear. 

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunblock: $7.35, Vitacost.com

This organic green tea and herbal blend prevents radical damage and fights aging effects of sun exposure and pollution. Swimming pool scent not included!!! 

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun Spf 30+: $15.95, Walgreens

This sunscreen was developed with the naturally protective plant cells of the Buddleja Davidii Stems and the Lilac Leaf, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This formula was made with 70% organic inactive ingredients and is preservative free. This sunscreen is also unscented.

Coola Plant UV Body SPF Moisturizer: $42.00, Organaca.com 

This sunscreen is 100% all natural!!! It's organic, vegan, non-toxic, woman owned, and cruelty free!!! It's really gentle, so it won't cause breakouts, (yay for us sensitive skin girls!!!) and it's not too expensive!  "Loving Naturals products never contain solvents, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Loving Naturals is committed to earth friendly practices that minimize waste in the manufacturing, packing and shipping processes. Loving Naturals is a cruelty free company and never tests products on animals( Loving naturals product label)."  

Loving Naturals Vegan Sunscreen: $12.99, Silentsprings.com

What sunscreens do you ladies like to use? If I missed some really awesome products, please feel free to comment below. Thank you all for the lovely comments on my previous post. Have a great day!!

Breaya

Summer Essentials 2014

Hello Fashionistas!! I hope everyone is having a lovely Monday. After a lovely day in the lab, I wanted to do a post about some of the things that I've grabbed for the most the past few days. As you all know, I started my bioengineering internship a couple of weeks ago, and I'm also taking summer courses. Between my busy schedule and the hot Texas summers, I just know that these products are going to become my staples for this summer. 

Product 1: Canvas Backpack/Bag 

Since it's so hot, I hate carrying too many things in/on my arms. I love canvas backpacks. They're cute and they hold everything from my school books to my wallet and keys. I have several in different prints to match all of my outfits.

Canvas Backpack: $17.99, Amazon.com

Product 2: Nutriganics Foaming Facial Wash 

I love this facial wash!!! I actually started using this a few months ago, but it's really refreshing and cooling for summer. It's deep cleansing and protects against aging. 

Nutriganics Foaming Facial Wash: $14, The Body Shop

Product 3: Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow

I totally fell in love with this product when I first tried it. I suffer from seborrheic dermatitis, and my eyebrows have fallen out quite a bit, but this product has helped a lot. It has fibers that adheres to skin and hairs to create the appearance of a fuller brow. It's totally worth every dime.

GimmeBrow: $22, Ulta, Ulta.com, Sephora, Sephora.com

Product 4: Vitamin E Moisture Cream

I love this moisturizer. It makes my skin look amazing. I apply this right after washing my face with the Nutriganics Foaming Facial Cleanser, and then I am able to to just walk right on out the door. My skin actually feels protected and hydrated.

Vitamin E Moisture Cream: $16.50, The Body Shop, Ulta.com

Product 5: Ulta Butter Balm

I was really surprised when I tried this gloss. It goes on like a gloss, but it moisturizes like a lip balm!!! The colors are really pretty and not overly pigmented, and the stay is long lasting. I drink a lot of water, but the balm stayed on for about 2 hours, so I was really impressed. 

Ulta Butter Balm: $8, Ulta, Ulta.com

Product 6: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Since it's too hot for straight hair right now (lol), I've packed up my flat iron, and I'm just going to wear my curly hair all summer. Curly hair is much lighter and easier to maintain when it's hot. So this is my go to product when washing my hair. 

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie: $9.99, Target, Target.com, etc.

Product 7: Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

I really love this product. It really minimizes my pores and makes my skin less oily. It's also a lot cheaper than many of the pore toners that I've seen on the market, and I believe that this one works just as well. 

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner: $7.47, Walmart

Product 8: Jordana Forever Flawless Pressed Powder

I don't wear makeup often because I have super sensitive skin. I probably wear makeup twice a month, but when I do, I wear the Jordana Forever Flawless Pressed Powder. This powder doesn't break me out as much as other powders I've tried, and I think it makes my complexion look great. 

Jordana Forever Flawless Pressed Powder: $4, CherryCulture.com 

Product 9: Joggers

My latest obsession has been joggers. I really love the versatility of them. They're cute and comfortable. They're perfect for my lounge, study days or class days. I've seen them in so many cute prints and styles. 

Tribal Print Joggers: $52, Alexmalay.com

What are some of the products that you can't live without for summer, ladies? I hope you all enjoyed this post. Please, feel free to comment. Thank you all for the comments on my previous post. Have a lovely Day!!! 

Breaya

Tropical Punch and A Look Into My Life

Hello Fashionistas!!!!

Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've missed you all. I recently started my Bioengineering internship for my degree, so the past few weeks have been all work and no play. During a lab experiment, I finally had a little free time to take a few pics of fellow engineers.

A Look Into My Life

Dr. Bennett, the lab instructor

A few of the students working on cancer research. So cool!!! 

and just a simple pic of one of the labs!! :)

Trend Alert: Tropical Punch

Recently, I've totally had the hugest crush on the tropical print trend. I actually saw it first on fellow fashionista, Paola Lauretano's blog, "Express Yourself" (http://expressyourselfbypaolalauretano.blogspot.com/.) I thought it was really cute, then, I kept seeing it everywhere, so I was finally inspired to do a post of my own. I can't wait to incorporate this trend into my own wardrobe. It's perfect for Summer, and it just makes me extremely thirsty lol. 

What do you ladies think of this trend? How would you wear it?

I hope everyone enjoyed this post!! Have an amazing Monday!! 

Breaya

Trend Alert: All White

Hello Fashionistas!!! I just received my latest nerve block injection and, boy, am I feeling a lot better. :) I want to thank everyone for your sweet comments on my previous post. 

Whiteout 

Lately, I've seen many street style and runway outfits with all white elements. I must say that I really do like the trend. I think white is classic and timeless, and an all white look paired with a colored blazer/jacket would work amazingly for any occasion. I'm very impressed with the ladies that can pull off an all white look and keep everything nice and clean (with not even a speck of dirt) the entire day. I really do like the trend, and I definitely will attempt to try this trend out. Walking back and forth to class and going to the bioengineering lab everyday I always find dirt somewhere on me, but I'm definitely going to challenge myself to pull this trend off.

When going for white, I believe that you can't go wrong with a white piece in every thing. White dresses, white shoes, white shirts, everything just works with white!!!! 

Some of my Favorite Pieces:

White is perfect for any occasion. I really love this crocheted tunic. This would be perfect for the beach.

Crochet Swing Tunic: Asos, $80.03

I really love cardigans. I think that a woman should have a cardi in every color. This is a basic white cardigan, but the lace back makes this cardi so unique and feminine. 

Lace Back Linen Cardigan: Forever 21, $17.80]

I love embroidered things, and this dress is so cute that it should be illegal. This dress is fun and light. It's perfect for any occasion and very trendy for summer. 

Embroidered Lace Dress: Forever 21, $27.80

Peasant tops are super cute and comfortable. I really love that this one is lowy and simple yet very elegant and cute. 

Embroidered Peasant top: Forever 21, $19.80

I really love shorts. It's always hard to find an extremely comfortable pair, but these are cute, lightweight and PLEATED!!! Pleated shorts are extremely cute and trendy for summer, and this white pair can be worn with anything. 

Classic Pleated Woven Short: Urbanog.com, $15.80

What do you ladies think of this trend? How would you wear it? 

I hope everyone enjoyed today's post. I really love hearing your feedback. I hope you all have a wonderful day. 

Breaya

My Favorite Spring/Summer Trend and Health Update!!

Health Update

Hello Fashionistas!!!

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted in a few days. I suffer from Chronic headaches and nothing has helped. My neurologist recently started me on nerve block injections, and they have helped tremendously. I couldn't go a day without a headache, but now I can actually go full weeks without even a twinge of pain. Unfortunately, my last injection is wearing off today, but thankfully I'll be receiving another one Thursday!!! 

So let's get down to business.

Kimonos, Kimonos, Kimonos!!! 

 As I've gone out to do things from shopping to going to the doctor, I've seen kimonos everywhere. Even travelling long distances they're really  popular in so many different cities and states. I really think this trend is to die for. They can be worn with almost anything, and I have so many outfit ideas to pair them with. They're perfect for the rainy spring days and light enough for the sweltering summers. The best thing is: They come in so many different prints and styles!!! I can't wait to try out this amazing trend.

As you can see, kimonos can be dressed up or down by simply choosing the right style. Here are some of my favorite, affordable pieces:

Florals are perfect for spring and summer, and this kimono has really cute lace trim. You can pair it with a pair of cute jeans and a basic tank or a party dress for a night out.

Lace-trim floral kimono: Forever 21 and Forever21.com, $19.80

Another great option is this rose print maxi kimono. It's chic and can be worn casually or formally. Chiffon is light and perfect in blocking the sun. Plus, this cutie can also double as a robe!!

Rose print maxi kimono: Forever21.com, $24.80

I love everything about this kimono!! Especially the flowy, asymmetrical back. It's chiffon and of course floral print. I would definitely pair this with a cute pair of high waisted shorts or jeans and a cute cropped tank. For a more dressy feel, pair this with a cute midi dress or skirt. 

Sheer floral print kimono top: Charlotterusse.com, $24.99

What do you ladies think of this trend and what would you pair it with? 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have an amazing day!!!

Breaya