#TBT: Shorts in a Skirt?

2013-06-17-17.43.46.jpg
TBT: Part Two

Alrighty ladies, last week we had a "throwback" to snapbacks. So this week it is no surprise that we keep our #tbt in the same fashion era! What two-in-one garment is stealing the spotlight you might ask?! SKORTS!!

2013-06-17 17.42.33

Yes the idea of skorts nowadays is "short" lived, but oh how we love them! Skorts are a classic and will always bring us found memories...especially if you thrived in the 80's. Bring this old school look to life by tossing on your traditional high-tops and trendy arm party!

2013-06-17 17.42.57

Although skorts can be found at department stores and online ( J.CREW & Lilly Pulitzer ), thrift stores are the best place to finding a unique skort!

2013-06-17 17.44.05

So for #tbt go with whatever your heart desires... a feminine floral skort or a ready to wear snapback. Just always remember that fashion has it's throwback Thursdays too!

-Jenna O.

Photo credit: Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Rebekah's OOTD: Casual Chic

sweatshirt2.jpg

Oh, how I love a good pair of boyfriend jeans, a casual top, and heels! It is always fun to add an element of surprise to an outfit, such as a shiny statement necklace paired with a plain t-shirt or heels worn with torn jeans. Casual chic is definitely my cup of tea these days!

I am curious to know what your style is. Leave a comment below and let me know what looks you are loving this season!

 

 Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Links to outfit pictured above:

Sweatshirt (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Purse (similar) | Necklace | Watch | Bracelet (similar) | Sunglasses

#TBT: Snapbacks

6-17-17.37.14-WEB.jpg
TBT: Part One

Hashtag Throwback Thursday (#tbt) is flooding the internet and social media today! So we decided to join in the fun and share a throwback of our own: snapbacks.

6-17 17.37.50 WEB

For decades, snapbacks have made a name for themselves, ranging from quirky colors and fan favorite teams. They have been worn by athletes, music artists, and celebrities alike. I am even positive that you too have worn a snapback, whether it was yours, or a friend's that you snagged for a photo opt in the hallways at school!

6-17 17.38.04 WEB

6-17 17.38.21 WEB

Fun Fact: These caps became popular because of the ability to be fitted [the adjustable strap].

6-17 17.39.03  WEB

Don't forget to #tbt your snapback swag today, especially if you rock a cap the "Fresh Prince" way!

-Jenna O.

 

Snapback | Vest | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

*Same brands, similar outfit*

Photo credit: Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

The Perfect Summer Hat

hats.jpg

Fedora hats are all the rage this summer and for good reason! They have the ability to make the simplest of outfits instantly chic. You can wear them with just about any of your summer wardrobe staples: dresses, skirts, shorts, and pants. They also look great with a number of hairstyles, leave your hair down, put it in a side braid, or wear it in a low side bun. Fedoras are a no-fuss accessory that can be worn with so many different looks. For more style inspiration check out our Pinterest board here. If you have a favorite way to wear your fedora, let us know in the comments below!

Happy Styling

Rebekah

*Links to above images left to right.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

 

Six Steps to the Perfect Summer Look + Glitter Eyeliner

danielle7.jpg

by  Make-up Artist Ashley Carrel 

Step one: Use skin type appropriate toner and moisturizer. It's great for oil control, and helps makeup go on smooth and evens texture. A good skin care routine helps enhance and create a great canvas for your everyday makeover. Used on this lovely model, Danielle: BC Spa Facial PHA Regenerating Tonic and BC Spa Facial Moisture Lotion with SPF link

danielle1

Step two: Choose correct formula of concealer and primer.  Usually for teens an oil free non-comedogenic formula is best. I used a very light and smooth formula in yellow to cover up dark circles under the eyes. I used a bit thicker formula for coverage of breakouts. There are three basic color primers choices:  1) yellow for dark and sallow skin, 2) green to cover pink and red, 3) and mauve (pink) to cover yellow tones common in Asian skin types. Used on Danielle: Secret Agent yellow primer for dark circles and Extra Help concealer in light for breakouts

Step three: Choose skin appropriate foundation. For FL summers I always recommend BC Wet/Dry Perfecting Foundation. It has a perfect balance of powder to the formula, and it blends and soaks up your natural oils throughout the day. Also it has great natural coverage for all skin types and is available in a huge variety of shades. Used on Danielle: Y-2 BC Perfecting Wet/Dry Finish

Step four: Use a good matte bronzer for contouring blush application and a good “pop” color for apple of cheeks. Bronzer is for areas you want to shadow and for the apple of your cheeks. Color may vary for skin types. Used on Danielle: Tuscan Sun Bronzer for mid cheekbone and out to ear applied in circular motions/ Pink Mineral blush for apple of cheek to create that sun kissed, fresh face look.

danielle2

Step five: Eye primer, eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara. It is especially important for summer to use a good eye primer.  With oils of the day, your shadow can crease and smear. A good primer will keep that from happening. I recommend urban decays primer potion and for a more affordable option, BC control crème.  A good shadow should come with a full palette to work with like BC Color Shadow Trio’s. It provides three colors to accent the different parts of the eye. For a summer fun flare and a fun pop of color I chose a hot pink glitter eye liner! Used on Danielle: BC Control Crème in Taupe /BC color eye shadow trio in Au Natural /Perfecting Eye liner in black /Glitz Hot Pink Glitter /and Glitz Eye Glue to adhere glitter (water based, it's a one of a kind formula)/ for Glitter Eye Liner use angle tip duo shadow brush to apply (press on, not rub on)

danielle4

Step six: Finish with a nice natural Lip Liner, Lip-gloss and Hydrating spray to set foundation. You can't go wrong with a nude lip for everyday wear! Bright lips are all the rage this summer, but may work best with a softer eye look. Used on Danielle: Nude Lip Perfecting Pencil /Bare BC Color Lip Gloss / and BC Herbal Hydrating Mist to set foundation.  It's also great for a cool down mist for a Hot Summer day. Keep it in your purse and on hand; it’s a hot day life saver!

danielle5

danielle6

Article and Makeup by: Ashley Carrel

Photo credit: Elizabeth Garrard

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

The Color Block Wedge

Sample-3.jpg

Fierce & Bold OR flat & boring? It is a simple question that I refer to as "WEDGE you Rather"?!

Deciding on a shoe that adds vavoom to any summer look is no game. Wedges have been, and will always be a summer favorite, but we urge you to spice things up with a color block style wedge!

sample 1

Color blocking as shown below, ranges from two-toned straps to patterned wedges (the options are limitless).

 946603_10151561954026267_1734769846_n

Top row (left to right):  1 | 2 | 3

Bottom row (left to right):  4 | 5 | 6

sample 2

 So "would you rather" stick to the mundane sandal, or try a few pops of color with a vibrant color block wedge? The choice is all yours...

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Jewelry Crush

c950x1024-1.jpg

Who doesn't love a statement necklace?! They can take an ordinary outfit and make it extra-ordinary. I have searched high and low for necklaces like the 6 above and I was always left disappointed when I saw the price tag. That is until I met BaubleBar , a jewelry store based out of New York City, with an an on-line store that sells gorgeous, on-trend jewelry that happens to be reasonably priced too! The company offers advice on how to wear the latest jewelry trends, has a team of on-call stylists to assist customers with picking out the perfect accessories, and their site offers a gallery of pictures from people who have purchased the items showing how they styled them...genius! With free shipping and free returns BaubleBar is at the top of my list for on-line jewelry shopping!  

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

*Links to above necklaces.

1 | 2 |  3 | 4 | 5 | 6

 

Get This Look: Jenna's Bold Eye Makeup

jenna7.jpg

The colors of this season are soo exciting for a makeup artist like myself.  Bright and bold, just like me! LOL!  Pops of color have always been a great way to play up your makeup. However, pairing a bold lip and bold eye without looking like a clown, can be tricky.  To recreate Jenna’s fun Bold Eye Look, follow these easy steps: When using bright and pigmented colors, it essential that you prime your skin properly to ensure the makeup stays put!  On Jenna we used the Glo Conditioning cream to hydrate, then immediately primed her skin with the Glo Face Primer, and more importantly, the Glo Lid Primer.  The lid primer ensures that eye shadow stays put.  It also removes any discoloration and mattifies the eye area.  Other popular brands for priming the eye before shadow include  Urban Decay’s Primer Potion and Two Faced Cosmetic’s Shadow Insurance  which can be picked up from Sephora.

jenna1

I wanted Jenna’s skin to have that “airbrushed” look so I applied Glo Minerals Satin II Liquid Foundation with a dampened foundation brush and lightly dusted her face with Glo Minerals Perfecting Powder to set.

jenna2

To give her a soft glow I applied Glo Liquid Highlighter to her cheek bones and down the center of her nose with a taklon fiber fan brush, such a pretty sheen!  I then applied a soft rose pink blush to the apples of her cheeks.

On to the star of the show..the eyes!  Any bright richly pigmented color will work for this look.  I chose a jeweled green.  Apply a pale highlight color (white or cream works best) to the brow bone and inner corner of the eye.  Next apply the color of your choice to the eyelid and just above the crease.  Pat on a little extra color to make sure the color is deep!  Use a clean crease brush to blend the crease and soften edges.  Use this same color and a smudge (or pencil) brush to smudge just underneath the lower lash line.

jenna3

Next, line the upper and lower lash line. I used Stilla’s smudge pot in black and dragged the upper lash line out a bit to create a little wing.  Then smudge a little black shimmering eyeshadow directly onto the upper and lower lash lines directly over the cream, gel eyeliner.  And finally, add lots of black mascara!

jenna6

For her lips I tried two different Lip Colors and both looked great with her bold eye.  First I tried Glo Minerals Lip Stick in Socialite, a pale soft pastel pink.  Second, my favorite, I applied Glo Minerals Lip Color in Treasure, a bright intense hot pink - loved it!!

jenna5

Jenna said she loved her look so much she was going to have to plan something to do that night!!!

jenna8

 

 

Article and Makeup by: Melissa Kinsey

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Garrard

Images Edited by:  Jen Duarte

 

 

Must Have Closet Item: The Shirtdress

IMG_7680-web.jpg

 Every girl has a t-shirt & jean kind of day (whether we'd like to admit it or not). But having days that freshen up your look and don't require much effort, are not as far fetched as they seem.

The solution to an effortless yet chic look: the Shirtdress. And boy are we all smiles over this "easy going" apparel choice.

Chunky accessories such as this coral necklace are just as effortless as  shirtdresses AND complete the outfit.

Chain Link | Charms | Mint Tear-Drop | Two-Tone Beaded

IMG_7669 web

Here are a few of our favorite picks:

Sleeveless Floral | Gold Button Down | Long-Sleeve Sateen | Rugby Stripes 

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Summer Sequins

header.jpg

This summer, sequins are making their debut. This trend is proving that glamour isn't just reserved for the Holidays or red carpet events, it can be incorporated into the everyday outfit.  

accessories2

1 | 2 | 3 (similar)

There are numerous ways to style sequin accessories and clothing. You can pair them with everything from distressed denim to leather! Sequin accessories can be worn day or night. They are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.

 

jackets

1 | 2 |

Sequin jackets look great dressed up or down. A popular way to style them is by pairing them with a graphic tee or striped shirt.

 

pants

1| 2 | 3

Sequin pants add unexpected sparkle to an outfit. They really shine when they are paired with a blazer and heels.

Sequins are a trend that can carry us through summer right into the cooler months. No matter what season they are in, they always makes a statement.

What statement will you be making this summer? Will it include sequins? Let us know in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

*The following are links to the top picture in this post.

jean shirt  (similar)| skirt | shoes | necklace

Sustainable Fashion: It’s a state of mind

DSCN1595.jpg

Lately there’s been lot of discussion around Eco fashion and sustainable consumption. The latter topic doesn't merely focus on the fashion industry, but is also referred to when considering other industries like the food industry, for example. Previously we discussed on Top Buttons about up cycling trends, a phenomenon that has become a trend in itself. It is both fun and helps to extend the life-cycle of garments. Another important aspect to consider is our patterns of behavior when it comes to consuming clothes. Do we buy for the thrill or do we buy to meet a need?

To start with, I think that in one or several stages of life, many of us have fallen victim to buying or acquiring stuff as a product of social pressure and the desire to conform and be a part of the “in crowd”.  Also perhaps we purchased for therapeutic reasons of getting something new to feel better about one’s self. It seems as though the western consumer mentality leans towards the famous adage: He who has the most toys wins. This mentality has given rise to the predominant culture of mass consumption which in turn has a great impact on endangering our environment and the lives of garment producers working to meet our unending desire for MORE. You can read about the conditions which garments are often produced under by reading this article, Sweatshops still make your clothes.

Foto0468b

So what can we take from this? Well, how about thinking about what motivates you to buy in the first place. There’s nothing wrong with loving fashion and following new trends. But in the end, making use of what you already have and being the best steward of it, can have a big impact in shaping consumer culture in a positive way. It’s all about our state of mind. If you can be happy and content with the things that you already have and maximize the benefit of their use, you may find yourself loosing the need to acquire slightly varying replicas of what you already have.

Clearly, sustainable fashion is a wide and vast topic that can and should be covered in greater depth. With this being said, I hope to write more on this is the future. Till then I leave you with this passage:

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we (have the basics of) food and clothing, we will (and should) be content with that. (1 Timothy 6:7- 8)

- Sandra

A Natural Look for Summer with Cream Based Makeup

We live in Florida... hot, humid, sticky Florida.  Make-up during the summer in this kind of climate is tricky, very tricky.  Here are a few tips to make your look stay all day without looking like you are melting: Crème based makeup during the summer is a great way to keep the skin looking fresh, hydrated and glowing and has staying power even in hot + humid weather.  When applying a cream, liquid or gel based makeup it's best to apply with a synthetic brush. Not only will it be much easier to clean, but you will get a much softer and even application. I started by prepping the skin with a light oil free moisturizer (Glo Emulsion).  Rather than using a heavy foundation, I used Glo Minerals Sheer Tint in Golden to even out her skin tone. Brow Powder in Taupe was added with an angle liner brush just to lightly fill them and define the brow.

natural

Following the brows, I applied Glo Mineral’s crème bronzer to warm up her skin and crème blush in plumeria to the apples of her cheeks (soo pretty!).  To give that gorgeous glow we often see on celebrities, I applied Glo Minerals crème highlighter (a pretty sheer shimmery pink) to the tops of her cheek bones and down the center of her nose.  To do this I used a synthetic fan brush.

feature

After using a lid primer, I applied Maybelline’s Color Tattoo, these little magic pots of crème eyeshadow are smudge + crease proof +very water resistant. Trust me when I tell you, they will last all day!!!  The color options in this line are awesome!  I used a brush, but you could use your finger as well.

color tattoo2

To finish her eyes, we applied Glo Minerals Crème eyeliner in ebony to the upper and lower lash line.

upclose

Since we love love love the bright pink trend of this season and wanted to give her look some “pop”, we used Maybelline’s Lipstick from their “Vivids” line in Brazen Berry! (You can purchase Maybelline's products from any drugstore.) I love this line soo much that I purchased several of the colors and love them all!

lips

To finish her look I lightly dusted Glo Mineral’s Perfecting Powder in her TZone to prevent shine and set her makeup.

bronzer

You could tell Emily felt very comfortable in this look and she commented that she didn't even feel the makeup!

final

 

Written by Melissa Kinsey 

Melissa is a licensed skin care specialist who offers facials and complete skin care, waxing services, makeup consultations and bridal/formal makeup applications (using airbrush or Glo Mineral Makeup). To purchase Glo Mineral Makeup, you may visit the Glo Mineral website or connect directly with Melissa through her facebook page.

Photo Credit:  Elizabeth Garrard

Images Edited By: Jen Duarte

Get the Best Look for July 4th with Overalls

feature-4th-image.jpg

Today we salute to the red white and blue! We count our blessings and celebrate our freedoms even though our fingers may be dripping with watermelon juice.

Amidst the fireworks, BBQ, and picnics stands a tradition that deserves a little dusting off, the true blue, DENIM. But to stand proud this holiday, we say "Redefine your Independence", and go for the overalls!

far away

upclose

Even when the celebration ends, you will surely have other opportunities to showcase your patriotic side in these scarves: plaid stripes floral American flag

peace

The best part about overalls is that they are a top find at local thrift shops!

*Don't forget! Being able to adjust the length of the straps can solve length issues*

final

If you still are on the fence about overalls, go for an alternative such as a jumpsuit.

Denim Jumpsuit | Sleeveless Denim

raney1

raney2

Effortless hairdos are made easy with head-wraps (can be found in an array of different colors)!

raney3

So what will it be? The Grand Ole Overalls or a Jumpsuit we all Salute to! The choice is ultimately yours!

Happy Fourth of July!

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Rebekah's Top 4 Self-Tanners

bronzer1.jpg

Want a beautiful tan, but don't want to lay out for a gazillion hours or roast in a tanning bed? Self-tanners are a great way to get the look of being bronze without damaging your skin. The four following self-tanners are tried and true and will not leave you orange or streaky. Instead, you will be wishing you would have started sunless tanning a long time ago. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is my go-to self-tanner. It is a lightweight velvety mousse with a built in color guide that makes tan application easy and virtually goof proof. It is one of the few self-tanners that does not have a strong after smell. It gives a beautiful, rich, bronze tan. As with all self-tanners make sure you apply it using gloves! St. Tropez has a mitt that you can buy in addition to the self-tanner that works great.

Fake Bake Sunless Tanning Mousse is another favorite of mine. Like St. Tropez, it has a built in color guide so you can see exactly where you are applying your self-tanner. It is streak free and easy to apply. It also, boasts special organic ingredients which is always a plus!

I recommend a self-tanner that is made specifically for the face. Lancome Flash Bronzer is excellent. It gives your skin a radiant, sun-kissed glow.

Loreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes are a budget friendly, cheaper alternative to the above self-tanners. They are extremely easy to use and are great for travel.

Self-tanners are a quick and easy way to look like you just came back from a luxurious vacay in the Virgin Islands. They give you a beautiful bronze tan without exposing your skin to the sun's harmful rays. Be a bronzed beauty instantly with these all star self-tanners.

 

Happy Tanning!

Rebekah

Style Guide: The Perfect Pair of Sunglasses for Your Face Shape

sunglasses1.jpg

Sunnies!! They are both a summer favorite to ward off rays and accessorize! When it comes to finding the perfect fit, style, and shape the options are boundless. But let's 'face' it, with such a variety to choose from, how ever is a girl to find the perfect pair? Lucky for you, we have a style guide to finding the right pair of sunglasses that best suits your face shape.

Aviator

sunglasses5

This easy going Aviator is the perfect fit for a square face shape. The angular lines of an Aviator style soften the face and balance sharp facial lines.

Retro/ Wayfarer

sunglasses6

sunglasses7

Going with classic Retro or Wayfarer sunnies is a match made in heaven for a round face shape. The rectangular frames help keep your cheekbones in proportion with the rest of your face.

Round

sunglasses4

Okay ladies with an oval face shape. The verdict is your face shape works with pretty much every style. With that being the case, switch things up and go for a funky pair of round sunglasses.

Oversize

sunglasses2

For those embracing a sweet heart shaped face, prepare to fall in love with oversize sunglasses. Always keep an eye out for fuller/larger frames that balance your facial features. Round sunglasses are also a great option for a heart face shape.

Shield

sunglasses3

A shield frame is a striking number that requires the defined oblong face shape. Avoid narrow shaped frames and choose a wrap around style (such as the shield) or oversize.

-Now that you have the perfect pair, the summer's rays will be the least of your worries-

Featured sunglasses: Olsenboye | Steve Madden

Photo Credit: Jen Duarte Make-up by: Melissa Kinsey

Go Glam With Metallics

c950x936.jpg

Metallics are a simple way to incorporate a little glitz into your everyday outfit. It can be as simple as adding a metallic clutch to your ensemble or going bold with a metallic pencil skirt.  

c950x895

Shirt (similar) | Jeans (similar) | Necklace | Shoes (similar) | Purse

The key to wearing metallics is to think of them as neutrals. You can swap out your tan accessories for gold, silver, or even rose gold. They add depth and texture to an outfit and are the perfect way to turn a drab outfit into fab.

Will you go glam with Metallics this Summer? Let us know in the comments below, we look forward to hearing from you!

 

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

*Metallic accessories above:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Donate Your Jewelry and Help Prevent Human Trafficking

naomi-for-post.gif

With your BROKEN, unused, or unwanted jewelry, YOU can help prevent human trafficking in the Dominican Republic. Top Buttons is working with an organization called FIGHT Ministries (Freeing Individuals from the Grasp of Human Trafficking) based in Jarabacoa, which is in the center of the D.R.

Their purpose is to restore hope, healing, security and safety to the children of the Dominican Republic who live in an oppressed society where human slavery is rampant. As they move towards gaining the means to rescue and rehabilitate young women, they are currently working diligently on prevention.

TRAFFICKING IN THE D.R.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC1

In a 2009 report from the U.S. State Dept for Trafficking in Persons, the D.R. is ranked 4th in the world as a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children trafficked for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. Also noted was the fact that parents often push their children into prostitution to help support the family. You can read more about the difficulties in assessing the actual number of Haitian and Dominican children being trafficked by going to this link at the UNICEF website.

THE CULTURE

naomi streets2

Naomi Ostberg, one of the FIGHT Ministry's Team Members, described the people of the Dominican by saying, "They are loving, generous, and don't seem to meet a stranger. Unfortunately, they have a very strict history of religion which doesn't include a relationship with Jesus. Church is seen as a place one goes weekly to hear a set of rules, not a place for worship and personal growth. Religion can't save or fill the void within us all, only Christ can. We see young women reaching out for attention seeking to fill that void. Along with the challenges of Human Trafficking, sex is accepted here for even the very young. Sexiness with clothing and in attitude is commonly a dictator of who is considered beautiful and is encouraged in order to attract a possible rich spouse. Teaching young women to understand the importance of dressing with proper fitting clothes in order to protect themselves from traffickers, is a part of the FIGHT Ministries prevention plan along with teaching other life skills. These girls are lovely. We want them to know who they are on the inside is what makes them beautiful." She continued by saying, "We are working to show young girls the love of one man, Jesus, is more than enough. He is our Savior. He is our hope. Helping young girls understand this principle will be a stepping stone to encourage change and will help them overcome the challenges they face."

NEW CREATIONS JEWELRY

naomi streets

"New Creations" was started as a part of their fight against human traffickers in this country. As they teach young girls in the community how to make and sell jewelry, they are less likely to believe the lies of the traffickers who try to lure them into slavery with promises of financial security.

FIGHT ministries has partnered with a local church in Jarabacoa. It is through this church that they have found some solid women in the community who their organization has taught the skill of making jewelry. Soon these women will be teaching this trade to their daughters and other children (mostly female) in their neighborhoods.

They want to "re-make" old and broken jewelry into "new creations". Just like Christ has done with us. Of course making money to feed one's family is a must! But the benefits of starting this project are so much bigger than simply putting change in their pockets. They want to equip these women to fight off their intruders with knowledge, a solid community, with an activity that will keep kids off the streets, and see God's provision at work in their lives as they strive to honor Him!

FIGHT jewelry 1

Did you ever imagine that your UNWANTED jewelry whether old or new could be upcycled to prevent Human Trafficking?! We all debate what to do with our tarnished, broken, or unworn jewelry pieces. Please don't throw them away! They have requested:

*buttons, gems, or beads

*broken, new, unwanted, or unworn jewelry

*jewelry making supplies (like clasps)

*any other small items that could be used for jewelry making

 

We will be collecting jewelry pieces during July and August! Please send items to our office

256 North Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, Florida, 33801, Suite #105

Soon Top Buttons will take a few team members to the Dominican and deliver all the jewelry pieces we have collected. If you have any questions or would like to read more about FIGHT ministries. Please check out their website at fightministries.org.

The images are of Naomi Ostberg and some children of Jarabacoa. Naomi is one of the 5 team members who founded FIGHT Ministries. She was an ESE teacher in central Florida before she and her husband (who had his own construction business) felt called to leave it all one year ago and move to the Dominican Republic to help fight against human trafficking.

naomi edited2

One Piece Bathing Suits: Summer 2013

header2.jpg

One piece bathing suits are taking center stage this year. They are the “it” suits of the season. From classic to modern styles, you are sure to find a suit that fits your taste. Peplum is a style that is fun, flattering, and can suit many body shapes.

 

pep

 1 | 2 | 3

Prints and patterns add a modern and playful twist.

 

print

 1 | 2 | 3

Florals add a soft and feminine flair that is fun for the summer.

 

Floral

1 |

Classic suits never go out of style.

 

classic2

 1 | 2 3

Whatever statement you want to make poolside or beachside, you are are sure to make a splash in this year's endless array of bathing suit prints and styles. Whether you go bold with a geometric print or classic with a black halter, you are bound to hit a home run this Summer!

Summer 2013 Trend: Bright Matte Lips

final.jpg

Bright lips are a huge fashion statement this Summer. Fashionistas everywhere are trading in their standard nude lipsticks for bold fuchsias, pinks, and oranges. Celebrities are rocking this look on and off the red carpet. Emma Stone is a trendsetter who is regularly inspiring us with her bold lipstick choices. She is not afraid to take risks and she looks great! c950x805

The key to pulling off this fresh and modern look is to keep the eye makeup minimal. A neutral eye shadow with a slight winged liner, mascara, and a subtle cheek color, make  your lips the main attraction. If you want to branch out and try these celebrity looks, the below lipsticks are a great place to start.

c950x1024-1

 

Whether you are sporting a casual or dressy look, a bright lip is the perfect accessory this season. The next time you are looking to add a certain "je ne sais quoi" to an outfit, it can be as simple as applying the right shade of lipstick. Have fun rocking this bold and colorful trend!

 

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Pinks/Fuchsias:

MAC Candy Yum Yum, Nars Carthage, MAC Girl About Town, Maybelline Fuchsia Flash

Oranges:

Revlon Siren, Nars Heat Wave, MAC Morange, Maybelline Electric Orange

 

 

Target Finds: Under $30

c950x859.jpg

Who doesn't love Target? I often call it my "happy place." It is where I can grab my Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce latte and head off to browse aisle after aisle of beauty, fashion and home decor. Target is trendy and affordable, a match made in heaven. Their slogan "Expect more. Pay less." is right on the money. It is a store that is constantly partnering with high end designers to  bring us cutting edge design on a budget. Here are 6 summer finds under $30 that can currently be found at Target.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Hat | Purse | Necklace |Eyeshadow | Dress | Shoes