summer

C H E C K – O U T  F A C I L E ,  A N D  L E T  T H E M  C H E C K  Y O U  O U T 

B E F O R E  Y O U  S O A K  I N  T H A T  S U M M E R  S U N !

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Did you know May is national Skin Cancer Awareness Month? It’s okay, I didn’t either! I had no idea until I received a very pretty email from an even prettier boutique beauty and dermatology office, Facile, located in the design district of West Hollywood. I’ve been a follower of theirs on IG for a while now because, well, their posts are pretty, their office is pretty, and above all it’s reminder to try and keep my skin healthy and pretty!

The email was offering free skin checks for the entire month of May. I’ve never had one before and I know I should, so I thought, why not?! It gives me an excuse to go to this very pretty office and take very pretty pictures for myself, and hopefully leave with the peace of mind that my skin is in the clear (literally).

First impressions: Gorgeous! I want to work here! Heck, I want to live here!

 

From the lobby I was taken to an equally chic, yet calming room where I undressed to my bra and underwear, then covered up with a blue paper robe (pictured further below. fancy!).

I met with Nurse Practitioner, Breana Wheeler, who went over my medical history before having me stand to do a thorough scan; top to bottom, front to back. The appointment took all of 15 minutes, but in my short time with her I learned a few things…

 

Skin cancer can be found in more than just dark moles. Pink and white spots can carry cancer as well, so be on the lookout. We noticed one white spot towards the top of my chest, where the sun tends to hit directly often. My next step: a biopsy. No cause for concern, but rather be safe than sorry.

 

Other things to look for: moles that change color. Sounds gross, but basically it’s a mole that is darker in the center and lighter on the outside, fading into the skin. Rather than posting my not-so-cute examples here, I’ll point you to some direct resources of information from the The Skin Cancer Foundation: How to Perform a Self-Check, Types of Skin Cancer and Precancers

 

Lastly, before you hit the pool or the beach – or for any of us in sunny cities – before you even step out of your house or sit by a window, lather on SPF with zinc. To be honest, I’ve never looked beyond the number on the bottle when buying sunscreen. EWG.org reports that Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide provide strong sun protection with few health concerns, and they don’t break down in the sun. Some of my favorites right now include the following:

Pacifica’s Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen – This is a great all-over sunscreen when you’ll be outdoors for an event or family BBQ. It sprays on nicely and has a bronzing tint that evens your skin tone, gives you a subtle glow, and doesn’t look or smell like you’re wearing sunscreen. It’s like a protective body make-up that also doesn’t come off on your clothes once it’s dry. Amazing!

Algenist – Right now, this is part of my everyday routine. It’s lightweight, yet has a high SPF, and has little to no sunscreen smell. It wears perfectly under make-up. After moisturizing in the morning, I apply this to my face, neck, chest, and then into my hands before I put on my make-up and I know I’m covered.

Drunk Elephant – Yes, I love the brand name, and yes I love the packaging. Nonsense aside, I love that the brand is non-toxic and unscented. I use this on my body when I want thicker, long-lasting coverage that isn’t too high in SPF. This is the first product of Drunk Elephant that I’ve tried and it has me wanting to test out the whole line of products!

I’d love to sign off wishing you a summer of “safe tanning,” but there’s really no such thing. Instead, because I love the sun as much as any other SoCal-born girl, I’ll wish you all an amazing summer and “cautious tanning!” … I know – it doesn’t sound quite as right, but it’s the best I got and the best we can all do!

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blushing

The sun is shining, the sky is clear, and everything (even our perspective on life) is light, bright, happy and all around pretty. Shall we say, everything is coming up roses?!

Slight obsession here.

Blush colors have always been a spring-wear staple, but as we’re seeing them pair so perfectly with both bold and bright hues alike, they’re becoming a pretty neutral that can transition us from season to season.

Sprinkle these colors into your home, or flaunt these soft tones on date night and it adds a subtle touch of femininity, and lets face it – just makes us feel pretty!

Speaking of date night, this cute off-the shoulder number from H&M will do! Swoop your hair up into a pony and show off those eye-catching earrings, with jeans and an open-toe sandal – he’s yours!

Day date? Bring your pink-framed sunnies! Flattering sunglasses are hard to find, but this Kate Spade pair is a classic shape, good quality (again, Kate Spade!)  and in a style that has returned every season since those early Hollywood glamour years that we all swoon over. Safe to say, you’ll rock them for years to come.

Take your interiors up a notch, or ten really, with a pink sofa. This one by Article is a soft enough tone that you can swap in a variety of rich-colored or neutral pillows and throws to enjoy it year round.

If a pink couch is too risky for you, go with pillows like this one from Urban Outfitters. It can elevate any sofa, neutral or rich in color.

Ever heard the phrase, “Rosé all day!” Well, we couldn’t agree more! This pretty bottle is from Club W, a subscription based site with affordable wine, and just as important – crazy gorgeous labeling. Drink it outdoors in these acrylic Kate Spade tumblers, or set your glassware on these gorgeous pink stone coasters, and you are living the definition of Happy Hour.

No, these glossier products are not blush colored, but their packaging is! Nonetheless, what’s in those tubes is even more amazing. The company’s simple approach to good quality beauty and skincare products is unlike any other line. Shopping the site you’re not overwhelmed. It’s clean, simple, and not complicated. They said it best: “Because ‘beauty’ should be fun, easy, imperfect, and personal. Above all, we believe that you give life to products-products don’t breathe life into you.”

To give your skin extra love, spray on some Rose Hibiscus Face Mist during your nightly routine. It’s like heaven in a bottle; relaxing, light, natural, subtle, and replenishing. Herbivore is another company that I admire. Their product line is simple yet completely luxurious, and their practices are cruelty-free: no animal testing. Yay for good company values!!

Simply because I can’t get enough of these colors and how to pair them,below is some of what I’m pinning for further blushing inspo!

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Pink Green and Aqua

Pink Apricot and Berry

Pink Grey and Navy

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cactus trend

P A R D O N    U S    P I N E A P P L E ,

T H E    C A C T U S    I S    H A V I N G    A    M O M E N T .

Designed by Contributing Editor, Allise Shingle

Fresh off of Coachella with summer in sight, desert inspired style, decor, accessories, and art are particularly hot right now. (See what I did there? Hot – summer, desert, cacti. wink wink!) Bad puns aside, we’ve rounded up our favorite cactus inspired items should you want to throw this trend into your current style. Believe us, it wasn’t easy to narrow down!

A neutral tote is a necessity. A cactus tote is just awesome. This one found at The Future Kept.

I’m a bit of a hand cream addict and I find that all Illume products are particularly luxurious. Their lavish hand cream in any scent is…well, lavish! Our pick: Illume Cactus Verde Lavish Hand Creme pictured above. Buy it online or stop in Anthropologie.

Postcards are a lost (and missed) sentiment! Send them, receive them, buy them, and as I like to do – frame them and hang them! Cute postcards make great, inexpensive art for your home. These cactus postcards come in a set of 8 4×6 prints for only $12! Too great, right?

Accessorize your accessories! Keep your gadgets on trend with this cactus phone case. I love the simple blue and mint green design, and that it’s not too feminine. Other options that caught our eye can be found on Brika and Keep.

Pillows are the easiest way to inexpensively change up your decor or color scheme. Throw this cactus pillow on a chair or two and it will quickly add a summer vibe to your home. (And who doesn’t want it to feel like summer?)

Simple gold necklaces go with everything and are the best, classiest “everyday” necklaces to have. Change it up with this cactus shape pendant from JewelMint.

If you don’t have a green thumb, go with succulents! If you live in California, we’re in a drought, so definitely go with succulents! If you’re looking for a good hostess or housewarming gift, go with succulents in this wooden planter. It’s simple, chic, modern, and neutral enough to lend itself to any household decor. It’s a pricier planter, but definitely worth it!

Everyone has a denim shirt (right?), but a denim shirt with a light cactus print takes it up a knotch. Pair it with a cute skirt, tie it in a knot (if that’s your thing), and boom – you’re ready, comfortable, and on point!

If you don’t want desert themed overload in your home, this pretty watercolor print is a simple and light way to fold the trend into your current scheme. The print we picked is $30 from The Aestate. Warning: while you’re there, you will be tempted to blow your budget. Everything she does is absolutely beautiful.

If you’ve seen some great cactus products yourself and think we’ve completely missed out, let us know in the comment section!

H A P P Y    S H O P P I N G !

 

sunny weather13

P O O L S  |  P A L M S  |  P I N E A P P L E S  |  P I N K  C O C K T A I L S !

Polished Picks : Poolside Edition

Every good tan starts with a good bikini! This Target bandeau two-piece has removable straps to avoid unwanted tan lines when basking in the sun, and to provide support when frolicking in the water (Baywatch-style, of course). It’s the perfect print for the season, and totals at about $45 combined for the top and bottom. Need more support? It also comes in a halter! Hallelujah!

Dry off and lay out on this Turkish towel beauty from Serena & Lily. I normally would laugh at a towel costing $48, but a Turkish towel is versatile and will last. It will look classic, and most-likely brand new years down the line, and can be used as a light throw blanket indoors or outdoors. It can be worth the cost. Still laughing? There are lots of cute, inexpensive options linked here at Target and Macy’s.

Rihanna can pull off hoop earrings and a belly chain in the water, but let’s be real – it’s not the most practical. Keep your accessories light and easy with this $7 neutral hat from Forever21, timeless eye-wear, and simple gold studs. For added style, go tropical with the pineapple studs above from Bing Bang NYC because…well, why the heck not?

Reading material is must for long tanning sessions. I’m magazine-obsessed and eagerly await each issue of Domino magazine. Naturally, the color issue out now will be with me poolside for many weekends to come (even after I read it, I will read it again). It’s perfect to get you in the spring/summer mood and out of the dark winter vibes.

Skip the oil (always) and tan gradually with sunscreen in high numbers. Relax – it’s March – you have plenty of sunny days ahead. Don’t tan too quickly when your skin is at its lightest and most sensitive. Neutrogena provides great coverage, but the scent of Hawaiian Tropic just sings summer, pool, and beach weather. I love them both.

Speaking of the beach: If you don’t live near one, bring the beach to you by swapping out some framed photos with one or two calming, tropical prints like the one above by Murray Mitchell. Look for prints that coordinate or complement the colors in your home, and you’ll feel a little closer to the beach every time you see it.

Last, but never least – serve yourself a cocktail, a make it pretty! Recipe for the pink babe in the photo is below.

T H E  U L T I M A T E  L E M O N A D E

– 2 parts Burnett’s Pink Lemonade

– 2 parts lemonade

– Splash of sparkling water

– Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge.

– Drink up and refill!