Bronzed Belles

Everyone knows summer in the South means many wonderful things; sweet tea, sundresses and backyard barbecues. But what it definitely means is beautiful, bronzed skin for those of us that lounge around outside all day trying to perfect our dewy glow.

Now, I was unfortunately born without the "tan gene" (I inherited my skin tone from my Irish-Hungarian Daddy, thankyouverymuch!) so tanning for me creates various problems. I love the way a natural tan looks (not fake bake!) and I do know the damage that constant sun exposure can cause, but I absolutely HATE fake tanners (I use Jergens Natural Glow once a week instead of every day because of how much I hate the fake-tan look). So, I have a gigantic debate with myself every summer about how to achieve that perfect bronzed look, without completely damaging my skin or having to use self-tanners.

Tanning your body is easy enough and if you mess up or look strange/burnt, you can always cover it up with clothes. Tanning on your face isn't that simple; that is why I thank God every day for good bronzer. I wear bronzer literally every day. Winter, spring, summer, fall-I always have it on.

Here are my suggestions for the best bronzers for anything (matte, shimmery, dark, light, etc):

Clinique True Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer in Sunswept, $24
This is an oil-free matte bronzer (no shimmer) that comes in three different colors and is appropriate for all skin types.



Physicians Formula Magic Mosaic Multi-Colored Custom Pressed Powder in Light Bronze, $12.95
This is the matte bronzer I use every day. It is actually meant to be used as powder, but I am so fair skinned that it works as bronzer on me.
I like that it combines both dark and light bronze colors so I don't look too cake-y.



Lancome Tropiques Minerale Bamboo Bronzer in Temptingly Bronze, $45
This is a shimmery bronzer that combines many different shades of bronze and a little pink to create the perfect highlighting color for your face.

My only bronzer tips for application and purchasing the right bronzer for you are:

1. Keep your all-over bronzer matte. Putting shimmery bronzer all over your face makes you look cake-y and fake. Use shimmer sparingly to highlight your cheekbones and any other area you want highlighted.
2. Follow the 3-B application process. The 3-B is hard to explain over the internet. Basically what it means is starting at your temple, go down the side of your face in a 3 shape on one side and a B shape on the opposite side; highlighting your temple/forehead area, your cheekbones and your jawline. You can also apply some bronzer to your nose and chin if you're going for an all-over bronzed look.
3. Pick a bronzer that is appropriate for your skin type. Do not go too dark with your bronzer! It looks fake instantly and is not cute. The sales associates at any makeup counter or makeup store should be able to help you pick a color that looks natural on you and they can show you how to apply it properly!
4. Remember to blend! This is probably the most important bronzer tip I have. Blending is crucial when it comes to all makeup, but especially when it comes to bronzer. No one wants to walk around with makeup lines all over their face! Blend the bronzer into your hairline and on your neck (even applying more bronzer to your neck area) and if you're feeling a little frisky...you can always apply it to your collarbone and your décolletage!

Southern Love #2

A little bit of Southern Love and wisdom awaits every girl in this book.
Just a piece of what it has to offer:

"Do not ever give a Queen a home appliance as a gift. Period. The end. Now, an exception can be made in the event she just happens to mention in passing that she wishes she had, say, a full Viking kitchen, and then she goes out of town for a few days; and when she comes back, her entire kitchen is renovated with fabulous Viking appliances. She will be touched. On the other hand, if it is her birthday and you, all on your own, select, purchase, and present her with a Crock Pot, well, you are over."
-Jill Connor Browne

Mint Juleps and Manicures

I feel like the title for this post may be misleading, but I find alliteration alluring (don't judge me). This post has absolutely nothing to do with mint juleps other than I am writing about my feelings about summertime in the South and how this affects your nails.

To put it lightly, I am obsessed with nail polish. I love, love, love it. I spend more money on beauty products than food and recently more and more of my beauty budget has been spent on O.P.I's magnificent colors.

Now, summer in the South is hard on all parts of your body. The heat and humidity makes you sweat, makes your hair frizz and can be either good or bad for your fingernails. If you go swimming a lot (as many of us Southern girls do in order to escape the heat) the chlorine can do serious damage to your nails. Any kind of chemical can make your nails weaker and less attractive, so why not pay more attention to them?!

In my opinion, summer is the one time that you can get away with wearing almost any nail color. Hot pink, coral, orange and any neon color is perfect for this summer and here are a few of my favorites:

OPI-OPI On Collins Ave.
"A sizzling red-orange that knows where the action is."

OPI-Atomic Orange
"Rich, vibrant, packed with energy!"



Borghese Nail Laquer-Capri Coral

My one word of advice to nail-painting is: don't be afraid to try new colors! You can change your nail polish any time you want so there's no reason to wear just ONE color. Summer is about having fun and trying new things! Happy painting y'all!

Southern Love #1

I've decided to add a new section to my blog. It will basically just be a compilation of everything I love about the South; quotes, pictures, thoughts, traditions, etc. For the time being the name will be "Southern Love" so be on the look out for these random posts! Here is the first one:

"Southern girls are God's gift to the entire male population. There is absolutely no woman finer than one raised below the Mason-Dixon line and once you go Southern, may the good Lord help you-you never go back."

-Kenny Chesney

Disturbing Female Fashion Trends From the Minds of G & C

OK, so today I was having one of my sporadic and very ADD conversations with a friend of mine who lives in Germany. For the time being, I will name him "G" (mostly because I'm pretty sure he has no idea he's being featured in my blog, and because I don't want to embarrass him). G has been a friend of mine since middle school and has seen me through my awkward years and now into my slightly-less-awkward-because-I-actually-know-sort-of-what-I'm-doing years. He has become indispensable when it comes to advice about boys, clothes, careers, etc; all of this made one-hundred percent inconvenient due to the fact that we live an ocean (literally) apart (it is also regrettable that his girlfriend looks like Miranda Kerr with blond hair...kill me).Today we started talking about different fashion trends that irritate both of us; his perspective being one of what he finds attractive on girls and mine being what I find truly horrifying on girls. G himself, is a very, VERY fashionable man (I think this comes from being European) and has always had a good eye when it comes to trends in both the male and female spectrum (he is the boy that asked me for advice in which belt to choose and when I picked this beautiful Hermès Idem belt, he 100% agreed). Take that, American boys. Anyway, while we were talking about fashion trends or fashion "do nots" we found that we agreed on a few of them. Here they are and what I propose as suitable alternatives (hopefully).

Disturbing Fashion Trend #1: UGGs

As comfortable as they are...please keep these boots for around the house.
And DO NOT wear them with anything other than pants.

Disturbing Fashion Trend #2: Too-High Heels

Believe me, I know how beautiful high heels are.
And the higher they get, the more I like them.
BUT LADIES, if you cannot walk in heels without stumbling or having the spike of your stiletto wobble every time you take a step, DO NOT WEAR THEM.
It makes you look 1) uncoordinated and 2) bad. Just plain bad.
I will be the girl making fun of you for not knowing how to walk in heels.
I'm sorry, but it is 100% true.

Disturbing Fashion Trend #3: Ill-Fitting Pants

I feel like this is self-explanatory. If your pants give you a muffin top, love handles and a camel toe...they are too tight.
If you are unsure, ask a friend who will tell the truth...or get a bigger size.
I understand that we are ALL hoping that size "0" will fit, but if it doesn't don't be ashamed.
I would much rather wear a 2 than have a muffin top trying to squeeze into a 0.

Disturbing Fashion Trend #4: Bras That Cause Back-Fat

This disturbing fashion trend follows up on this post. Pay attention to #9.

A good bra is an investment every woman should make.
It should lift and separate, while still being loose enough not to cause unattractive "back fat."
Even the skinniest girls get back fat if their bras are ill-fitted.
You can always ask a sales associate at Victoria's Secret or wherever else you shop for undies to help fit you properly!

Disturbing Fashion Trend #5: Sunglasses That Are Too Big

Sunglasses that are too big for your face can make you look downright silly.
I know how cool they look on some people (because they definitely do..Kim Kardashian-like) but oversize sunglasses aren't right for everyone.
Aviators are a style that flatter most facial shapes and are very "in" right now. Just make sure they don't sit too far off your face and that they cover your eyebrows.
When shopping for sunglasses, just be sure that you buy a style that is face-flattering (not overwhelming) and that you feel comfortable in.
Not everyone needs to look like Jackie O!

10 Items EVERY Girl Should Own...

I know I said in my last post that this blog was going to focus on Southern style, however as I contemplated my next post earlier today, I realized that there are style basics that literally every woman should have in her possession. I am always one to be overly prepared and I think it is important that every girl should have the appropriate outfit or accessory for any occasion.

The basics:

1) Little Black Dress: The LBD is a staple in womens' closets around the world. Pioneered by Chanel herself, the LBD is literally something no girl should live without. Casual or dressed up, the LBD is essential to any complete wardrobe. There are many variations of the LBD, you just need to find one that you are comfortable in, that suits your personal style and that looks incredible.


J. Crew embossed Lottie dress in black, $148

2) Classic White Shirt: The classic white button-down is a staple in the wardrobes of both men and women. Elegant, simple and tailored, a crisp, white shirt is a priceless item of clothing that is both practical and flattering. A good, well-fitting white shirt can be worn with anything and is appropriate for both the grocery store and the boardroom.


J. Crew Stretch Slim Shirt in white, $59.50

3) A Flirty Sundress: A sundress is a perfect item of clothing in my opinion. They are so fun, flirty and adorable and ALWAYS appropriate (OK, maybe not always)...Sundresses are flattering on almost every body type and can be suited to all different styles. Cuts and tailoring vary greatly depending on the brand so just be sure you find a dress that is flattering and weather and occasion appropriate. (For example, Lilly Pulitzer may be perfect for Carolina Cup but a solid sundress may be more appropriate for an outdoor wedding.)


Lilly Pulitzer Worth Shift in Grandstand Patch, $168

4) The Perfect Pair of Jeans: Jeans are a staple in my closet. I am one-hundred percent addicted to well-fitting jeans that flatter my figure (who wouldn't be honestly?). I am petite so I understand the frustration that comes with finding pants that fit and flatter your shape but that are also fashionable and comfortable. I prefer a darker wash jean, but that really depends on your personal style (though I do find dark jeans to be more appropriate in all situations).


Citizens of Humanity Ingrid Jeans in New Pacific, $149

5) Comfortable, Casual Flats: A casual pair of good, well-made ballerina flats are a must-have for every girl. They can be pair with jeans, a skirt or a dress depending on the occasion, not to mention they are just so stinking cute! However, as many girls know, pretty, comfortable ballerina flats are hard to come by. Not only are many of them ugly or unflattering on your feet, but a lot of the time they can be very uncomfortable! As impossible as finding a good pair may be, look no further!


Tory Burch Reva Flats in black, $195

6) "Everything" Bag: Every girl needs an "everything" bag. The bag that she carries with her at all times and that can carry everything she needs at a moments notice. An "everything" bag should be mildly appropriate for all occasions and should be practical but attractive.


Longchamp Le Pliage Medium Tote in gold, $125

7) An Appropriate Power Suit: I think that every woman should have a suit that can command the attention of anyone in the office, or the coffee shop for that matter. A beautiful, well-tailored suit is a MUST for every working woman. No girl should be without a complete suit if she has a "big girl" job. Be it a skirt suit or a pantsuit, a good suit is necessary.


J. Crew Super 120s Peplum Jacket in black, $188

J. Crew City-Fit Super 120s Classic Trouser in heather flannel, $130

J. Crew Stretch Wool Skirt in black, $120

8) Everyday Cardigan: A cardigan is part of my everyday uniform. I wear one almost every single day; over jeans, tees, dresses-you name it, I'll wear it with a cardigan. I love them. They are hands-down my favorite clothing item. I think that every girl should have multiple cardigans because they are cute, practical and can shield against the cold (who doesn't love that?!).


J. Crew Jackie Cardigan in black, $62

9) A GOOD Bra: OK, we all know what it's like when a girl doesn't wear a good, supportive bra with the end result being very, very upsetting. Every woman, regardless of size needs a supportive, smoothing, full coverage bra that looks good under most tops. Every now and then different dresses and tops need a special bra, but an everyday bra is a must-have.


Victoria's Secret The Perfect One Full Coverage Bra in teal, $45-48

10) Simple, Appropriate Jewelry: Pearls. End of story. Pearls are the best earrings to wear with anything and they are always timeless and elegant. I have two pairs of pearl earrings, a medium pair and a small pair. I find that anything bigger than a medium size pearl start to look like something out of the Little Mermaid, so be careful when purchasing them!


Mikimoto Medium Pearl Earrings, price varies

What is the point of all this?

When you look up the word "Southern" in the dictionary (or in my case, dictionary.com) this is what pops up:

South-ern [suth-ern]: adjective- 1)lying toward, situated in, or directed to the south. 2) coming from the south, as in a wind. 3) of or pertaining to the South of the United States

Now, as flattering as associating the word southern with the wind is, I do not feel like this definition in any way truly reflects the nature of the word southern. This cold, unfriendly definition takes no interest in the roots, the traditions and the culture of this region of the United States that so many people call home. I intend to explore the time-honored traditions of the South in this blog, specifically those pertaining to women. Debutantes, socialites, Southern belles, call us what you may. But whatever you call us, don't even try to deny the natural style that almost all Southern girls possess.

(Smithfield, North Carolina's very own, Ava Gardner)
I'm not saying that other women don't have style or flair, but nobody does elegance or sophistication the way women of the South do. Hands down, nobody. Sure, every part of the world has it's beauties - Southhampton had Jackie O., Philadelphia had Grace Kelly and Paris had Brigitte Bardot - however, these classic beauties are few and far between in places other than the American South. Not a day goes by that I don't see a beautiful woman in the South, and I feel like most of that has to do with the long-standing traditions of excellence and beauty that have taken hold throughout this beautiful place. My goal, is to explore these traditions, take them for what they are today and update them for where they need to be in the ever-changing modern world. Are you still with me?

(One of my idols and unfortunately, a Philadelphia native, Grace Kelly.)
I hope that others get out of this blog what I hope to put into it; a little bit (OK, a LOT) of Southern wisdom, some updated fashion and life advice and pure, deep-down entertainment. This blog truly isn't mean to criticize or to demean anyone from anywhere, it is honestly just a way for me to honor the women and traditions I love so much while being able to express my own not-so "demure Southern debutante" attitudes towards clothing and other very important life issues (because let's be honest, what could possibly be more important than your clothes?) I hope you enjoy!