Beach Bag Bliss: The Essentials

Hit the beach in style with these ten summer must-haves.

1. Opt for a  beach bag that is both durable and fashionable.

2. Escape the suns harmful UV rays with sunscreen.

3. Keep your pout protected and moisturized with lip balm.

4. Seal in moisture and protect your locks with “sunscreen” for your hair.

5. Make a statement with a colorful beach towel.

6. Pack a lightweight beach cover up for a casual stroll on the beach.

7. Rock out to your summer play list with these portable speakers.

8. Add a stylish element to your beach attire with a hat.

9. Don’t forget to pack a good read .

10. Sunglasses are a must to shield your eyes and keep you looking chic.

What are your beach bag essentials that you can’t live without?

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Take It Easy: Effortless Summer Style

Don't sweat it this summer when it comes to your wardrobe! This summer's style is easy, relaxed, and comfortable. With the cool and classic "boyfriend jean" making it's headway this summer,  making a style statement has never been easier!

Wear them distressed, light washed, slim, long, short, cuffed, cropped- however you wear them, they are sure to add an element of effortless edge to your outfit. Not to mention, they are wonderfully comfortable and breathable for those hot summer days. Pair them with your favorite white or message tee for an extra dash of boyish charm. And of course, complete the look with some eclectic accessories to express your personality and add a feminine touch.

This look says confidence and one-of-a-kind style! The top is a bold and fun muscle tank from H&M for only $7! Paired with AG relaxed skinny boyfriend style jeans from Nordstrom for $205. A cute tan bootie heel is another summer essential, found at Nordstrom Rack for $25! The finishing touches to the look are a studded hat from Charlotte Russe for $10 and a multi-chain necklace found at a consignment shop for $7.

This next look features another way to wear boyfriend jeans: boyfriend shorts! These were found at Nordstrom on sale for $25! The message tee is from Aritzia for $15, and the hat is $10 at Charlotte Russe.

This look includes a loose-fitted white tee with sheer panel details from Nordstrom for $25 with a baggy-fit, light-washed boyfriend jean from H&M for $30. Finish this effortless outfit with a chunky statement necklace and a fun printed oxford. The statement necklace is one of the hottest trends in accessories and can be found just about anywhere. The printed oxfords were found at Nordstrom Rack for $15!

So, this summer, keep it simple. Be relaxed. Be yourself.

PHOTOGRAPHER: HANNAH DOBSON

Dare To Wear: The Gladiator Sandal

The gladiator sandal is kicking it up a notch by going knee high. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian have been spotted wearing this trend with skirts, shorts and summer dresses. This daring shoe is definitely for the fashion risk taker! It is a bold statement piece that is sure to turn heads.

So we ask… would YOU dare to wear the knee high gladiator sandal? Let us know what you think about this trend and how you would style it in the comments below.

Links to the above sandals:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5  / 6

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Lauren Conrad Beauty Tutorial

Lauren Conrad is a beauty and style icon best known for her classic fresh faced makeup. Her trademark cat eye with full lashes, pink cheeks, and a light lip is a look that is not only chic, but perfect for summer. To achieve Lauren's timeless makeup we've rounded up beauty products that will get you the perfect summer look in no time.  

Let's start with Lauren's eyes. Bobbi Brown's gel liner glides on like a dream and is a great way to get Lauren's famous "flick". Ardell lashes in 301 complement this look causing the fullness of the lashes to be on the outside of the eye making the eyes look bigger. Benefit's Their Real  mascara lives up to its name and delivers thick, beautiful lashes that complete this look. Keep the eyeshadow simple and minimal. Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette has a good range of shades that are great for achieving a lightly contoured eye.

Lauren's skin is flawless yet natural. Makeup Forever's HD foundation covers, without looking cakey. It gives a nice luminous, healthy look to the skin. Set with Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural powder to stay in line with a fresh natural finish. To keep the look fresh, use cream blush such as Flower's cheek color in Primrose and Proper. Highlight with Benefit's Watt's Up for a soft glow. Dust on Nar's bronzer on your temples and cheeks for a subtle sun-kissed look.

For the lips choose a pink liner and lipstick such as NYX Nude Pink lip liner paired with Mac's Lovelorn to keep the look fresh and natural.

Lauren's makeup is soft and feminine, with a nod to the sixties. It's a look that is perfect for the day time and can easily transition into a night-time look by simply darkening the outer corners of the eye, adding a little more bronzer and changing the lip to a deeper pink or red.

What's your ideal summer look?

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

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Statement Earrings Under $10

Spring has arrived in all of its glory. What better way to celebrate than with some bright colored earrings! With statement earrings being a major trend for spring, these beauties from Forever 21 are a perfect way to add a pop of color to your outfits.

These pink drop earrings are sophisticated, feminine, and glamorous. If $8.80 wasn't already a steal they have  recently been marked down to $5.99 for Forever 21' s spring sale.

These teal drop earrings are trendy, fresh, and fun. They are inexpensive and in my book a great way to spend $5.99.

Ushering in the season with colorful accessories is a great way to start transitioning your wardrobe to happier,  vibrant colors.

Trendy Tuesday: Mesh Details

Though for many of you it's still snowy and cold out, we're all anticipating a warm, breezy summer. You'll need something light enough to not weigh you down, but substantial enough to keep you modest and to keep away the chill on summer nights! What could be more perfect than some mesh accenting? We've found a few cute pieces that are perfect for layering, and will look totally fab this summer as you're out and about!

This mesh hoodie from Forever 21 is perfect cover to keep the chill off on breezy summer nights! How cute would it be over a colorful tank? $25

This dainty top from Forever 21 has a fun lacey front, and how cute are the buttons down the back? Thrown on a plain tank underneath, and you're in business! $25

This adorable mesh overlay dress from Forever 21 incorporates floral embroidery... who said mesh was only for workout clothes? $28

Speaking of workout attire... This simple t-shirt from American Eagle has cooling mesh sleeves - but who says it has to be a work out shirt? Throw on your favorite jeans, heels, and a statement necklace and you've got a modern & fun outfit! Bonus points, this tee is on sale for $12

There's so many ways to wear this cute trend to stay  cool for summer - just don't forget to stay covered too!

Loving this trend? Check out a few others you'll love too! Summer Scarves, Stark Black & White, Love 21, and Neat-o Neoprene!

Trendy Tuesday: The "New" Neoprene

When you think of neoprene, you've probably got a less-than-fashionable picture in your head: scuba gear. But fresh off the runway, and seen on celebrities everywhere, this stretchy fun fabric is taking on a new role in the fashion industry. We've found a few new ways to incorporate this trend to your everyday life.  

This neoprene sleeveless peplum top is perfect for spring and summer with its cool toned print. Find it at BlueFly on sale for $25

Again through BlueFly, we found this beautiful coral v-neck dress. The classic cut is enhanced with neoprene that hugs without being too much! $60

This simple neoprene sweatshirt is accented with a fun design, and is easy to pair with just about anything. Since neoprene is still cooling and breezy, it's good to go for all your spring and summer adventures! $27 on sale at ASOS!

Neoprene is also awesome for your gadgets too! Not only is the outside still fresh and fun, but neoprene cases are padded for protection and the fabric will resist letting water in! These can be found all over the web, but we love this print from Vera Bradley, for $38!

Loving these trends? Check out some of our others: Swanky Sweatshirts, Holographic Accessories, Smile-Worthy Shoes, and Love 21!

Trendy Tuesday: Summer Scarves

This summer, you don't need to put away all your scarves and wait for winter to come again. Wearing a scarf in summer is totally acceptable, as long as you pick a season appropriate material and color - wouldn't want any wool plaid, now would we? Check out this helpful video from Nordstrom's about fun ways to use your scarves this summer:

Now that you've got the skills, you need the perfect scarf for summer! Luckily, we've found a few to choose from -

This light and pretty watercolor scarf from Old Navy is only $12, and looks perfect for the "Cowgirl" style!

This oblong scarf has a subtle nautical feel to it, and the stripes are so versatile for summer! Try out some fun knots with this beauty from Forever 21, a steal at $11!

This beautiful - although pricey - sarong from Vera Bradley is the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. $43 buys you this fun and colorful beach cover-up that you can use summer after summer.

Loved this trend? Find more from Top Buttons - from Contrast Button Downs, to Fun Shoes; from Bomber Jackets to Spunky Sweatshirts; from Holographic Details to Modern Black & White to a Close-up on Love 21 !