Pale Is the New White

Hiya', chickadees! Are you keeping cool in the light summer frocks that are finally popping up in stores en masse?

With more of your skin exposed in strappy dresses and sleeveless knit tops -- and in light of May being National Skin Cancer Awareness month (umm, let's ignore the fact that May is nearly over) -- I want to share a few of the products I use to trick people into thinking I can actually spend time in the sun with burning. Hey, I'm not complaining. If we have learned anything from Twilight (and the Olsen twins), it's that pale is IN.

Cheek Stain

From March through October, I use cheek stain in lieu of blush 100 percent of the time. It creates that natural-looking flush that you get an hour after sun exposure -- without you actually having to go outside. I use Benetint, a dual lip and cheek stain from Benefit, and the price per wear is insanely good. Even using this everyday, a bottle will last several months.

Photo source: benefitcosmetics.com

Lip Gloss
So if you're female and breathing, chances are you've made a trip into Sephora at least once in your lifetime. Not only am I a huge fan of Sephora, I actually really love their collection lip gloss, specifically the Super Shimmer Lip Gloss in Bronzed Beauty. Even being as fair as I am, this rusty red color complements my skin because it goes on so lightly, so it looks very natural.

Photo source: sephora.com

Bright Nail Polish
This summer, light pinks and peaches are definitely colors to look for in clothing (blog post on all of that soon to come!). But, for your manicure, I recommend punchy-hued colors, such as orangey-reds, deep melons, and bright pinks and purples. It sounds silly, but it will actually make your skin look brighter! My personal fave for nail polish is OPI, and something like the summery red below looks fabulous on. (The color is called Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It.)

Photo source: opi.com

Obviously, never forget to apply sunscreen or a daily facial moisturizer with SPF if you are out in the sun. And always smear on some lip balm with SPF before applying any color to your lips. Get ready for some summer fun, ladies! Blog ya later!   

Heat Up Your Office Attire

Hola, chickadees! I know it's only mid-May, but as the temperatures rise above 90 degrees in Austin, all my blog ideas seem to be centered around the summer season.The bad news is that grown-ups don't get summer vacations, but the good news is that summer is by far the least expensive season to purchase clothes!

However, if you're like me, you probably haven't taken the opportunity to create and/or purchase your summer wardrobe for the office yet. With that in mind, I've come up with a few ideas on how to transition your work attire without breaking the bank. (All of the items I mention below cost 30 dollars or less!)

You Own ... A black/grey/navy wrap dress (with or without a collar), which serves as your go-to presentation day outfit.

You Need ... A lightweight, colorful scarf. Not only will you stay warmer within the frigid office thermostat settings, you'll add a much needed pop of summer color to your ensemble ... for as little as 10 dollars. 

Photo source: oldnavy.gap.com (for both)

You Own ... An oxford shirt and black/grey dress pants. Any mix-and-match combination of colors serves as your everyday ensemble.

You Need ... A skinny leather belt in a punchy hue. And no, this doesn't mean you need to wear shoes in the same shade.

Photo source: jcrew.com

You Own ... A dark pencil skirt and thin sweater or cardigan thrown over a white camisole.

You Need ... A ton of chain necklaces. The metallic color brightens up the outfit -- and it's something you'll be able to wear throughout the year (as I talked about recently in a post on metallic shoes). You can also substitute the chains for multiple strands of pearls, as long as your sweater or cardigan isn't white.

 

Photo source: forever21.com

You Own ... A T-shirt and jeans, because you work in an ultracasual office or from home.

You Need ... A white or light-colored blazer to throw on when you do have meetings. The light shade will make your outfit crisp without creating the stodgy effect you have come to avoid. Don't forget to roll up the sleeves!

Photo source: walmart.com

As temperatures continue to rise, stay tuned for some summer-related Style Diary posts! Blog ya' later!