Style Lush

Bachelorette Gifts...For Your Sister

By Tara

My sister is getting married in March, and to celebrate the big occasion, some friends of hers are hosting a bachelorette party for her in February. Because the party is being held in Indiana, and I am stuck down here in Georgia, I had no part in planning the event. Which is really too bad, because if I had helped plan it at all?

I would have definitely tried to veto the lingerie party theme they decided to use.

Because, really, who wants to wear lingerie that their big sister picked out for them? And even if there are some people out there that wouldn't mind it, I know for a fact that my sister definitely isn't one of those people.

Plus, my mom is going to the party. So that just adds an entire other level of weirdness, I think.

However, in the spirit of playing along, I think I've found a few options that might work:

{Honeydew Lace Trim Pajamas - photo credit: nordstrom.com}

{La Fee Short Pajama Set - photo credit: nordstrom.com}

{Betsey Johnson - photo credit: dillards.com}

{Satin Boxer Pajama Set - photo credit: victoriassecret.com}

{Henley Boxer Pajama - photo credit: victoriassecret.com}

{Betsey Johnson Terry Wrap Robe - photo credit: dillards.com}

I can totally get away with going the cute route, instead, right?

Now, if I can just find a way to get my mom to skip this part of the evening entirely, everything should be fine...

How Would You Wear It? Gap Skirt

By Jessica

 

I recently purchased this skirt

in an effort to break out of my knee length skirt comfort zone. It's about mid-thigh length and has pockets, which means I pretty much automatically love it (because of the pockets, not the length, short=scary!), but I can't decide what to wear with it. I initially purchased it thinking I would wear it with the boots my husband bought me for my birthday

and bright/pattered or navy tights? But I also bought some adorable navy blue satin flats that are an option as well. I just have no idea what to put on top.

What would you pair with this skirt?

House Plant Help?

By Jessica

 

Growing up, my living room was filled with house plants. And I do mean FILLED. At one point, there was even a full greenhouse attached to the house through the window in our living room. We built the greenhouse from scratch and I spent days reading my books or practicing my cello surrounded by nature. My current house has not one plant inside and every time I have to pull an outdoor plant in, when threatened by a freeze, I'm reminded of my childhood living room and how much I loved having all those plants.

The thing is, I have no idea where to start or what grows best indoors, do you? I have a lot of windows but usually the blinds that cover them are shut tight. For the love of plants, I suppose I could break out of my cave like existance...unless you know of some plants that thrive in a dark environment? I usually keep the blinds closed because my windows are not the best and it helps with energy conservation, also to shut out the nosiest of neighbors.

 

{Photo: me in my childhood living room, practicing my cello}

Surprising Wardrobe Staple: Gold Flats

by Megan

On a whim, I bought a pair of gold ballet flats a few months ago. I had no idea they would end up being such a staple in my wardrobe. I have since worn them to death, and they are quite literally falling apart. Now that flip-flop season is rapidly coming to a close, I need to replace them. 

Here are some contenders.

Mossimo Glitter Ballet Flats

Gia Ruffle Peep-Toe flat from Payless

Steve Madden Gold Bowed flats via Overstock

Gilded Herringbone Toms

Do you have a favorite of the bunch? The Target ones have the most appealing price point, and I won't feel guilty when I ruin them on the park playground, but the Toms have the feel-good effect in every box.

{Photo credit: target.com, payless.com, overstock.com, toms.com}

Reader Help: De Bridesmaidify This Dress

by Elizabeth

So, I am planning my outfit for an event that's coming up and while in an ideal world I'd buy a new dress for every partay that's on my social calendar, budgets are what they are and I'd really like to wear a dress I already have, this J. Crew cotton cady Lyndsey dress. Apparently it's no longer on sale on the J. Crew web site, but trust me when I tell you that, at least on my body type, it is insanely flattering and I couldn't be more crazy about it.  

Except for the fact that something about the color and the big old silk sash make it look a little too bridesmaidy for the event I am attending. Do you think a skinny gold belt, in place of the sash, would help it look a little more "fun evening event" and a little less "I once wore this in someone's wedding"?  Maybe some kind of flower situation? Maybe a knotted length of twine? Maybe I should just wear it on it's own with nothing else added?  

I am very hopeful at least one of our brilliant readers out there knows just the thing this dress needs because I am only partially joking about that twine thing and I obviously could use some assistance. 

{Photo credit:  polyvore.com}

Smashbox Photo Finish Light

By Jessica

 

This past weekend, my husband and I spent an inordinate amount of time stuck at the mall. I mean that sincerly. I have absolutely no idea how my teenager (or my past teenaged self) spends upwards of 6 hours wandering the mall, it was utter torture. And clearly I don't even know who I am anymore because equating unending shopping with torture? Crazypants. I will admit to loving every moment I spent in Anthropologie but that's a post for another time, for now we need to talk about something I actually bought and sadly that doesn't mean anything at Anthropologie.

I had to run into Sephora for a refill on my Laura Mercier foundation and while rummaging through the travel sizes bins by the register (please tell me I am not the only one that does this) I stumbled across Smashbox Photo Finish Light and decided to give it a go.

I've long heard people sing the praises of using primers under foundation to minimize pores, smooth fine lines and stave off shiny skin but I honestly hate wearing foundation in the first place and the thought of adding another layer of gunk (yeah I said it) to my skin has always made me avoid it. I already wear a moisturizer AND SPF 40 every single day, in addition to my foundation and powder and I'd like to not feel like my face is suffocating.

Anyway, I bought it, brought it home and then saw a bunch of mixed reviews via YouTube videos for make-up tutorials, even though the reviews on sites like Amazon are 4 star. I've only left the house one day since I made my purchase which means I've only tried it the one time and I'm not sure how smoothed my fine lines were or how minimized my pores were but a heck of a lot of foundation came off on my cleansing wipes at the end of the day which doesn't always happen in our lovely Texas heat. I could also tell a distinct difference in shiny vs matte where the product was applied and where it wasn't so it does have at least some oil-controling effects. I also didn't immediately turn red and blotchy or break out the next day which is prone to happen with my sensitive skin, so I will definitely give it another go.

Do you use a primer? What is your favorite?

{Photo via Sephora}

What NOT to wear: Suede City Flats

By Manda

I have been searching for the perfect pair of red flats to replace a pair of red leather Nine West flats that I wore for three years with EVERYTHING and finally had to get rid of because they were embarrassingly trashed. So a few weeks ago I was thrilled when Gap had a pair of red suede City Flats in my size! I've heard tons about City Flats and have been jonesing to try them as an alternative to my constant uniform of flip flops or TOMS. And the moment I tried on these ballet flats I thought - after years of searching - I'd finally found a new pair of "perfect" red leather flats. 

{photo via Gap.com}

Unfortunately? I was wrong. SIGH.

After only a few weeks of normal wear, I looked down to discover that these suede flats appeared to be rotting right off my feet! At first I blamed myself. It was probably that one time I tripped up the stairs! My kids probably chewed on them when I wasn't looking! But then I started thinking ... these suckers cost me forty bucks! They should have made it through the fall AT LEAST! And as one does in a situation like this, I took to Twitter to rant and many replied that they'd had the same problem (or heard of other women having the same problem) and encouraged me to return them. Since I didn't have a receipt I was a little nervous about it, but Gap now has receipt lookup for debit and credit cards ...

Long story short, the girl behind the counter took one look at the shoes and told me to go pick out whatever I wanted in exchange (shoes, clothes ANYTHING!). I chose these faux snakeskin City Flats to replace them and am hoping since they are a different material that they'll wear a little better (also they didn't have the plain black leather or metallic gold lizards in my size BOO).

 

{photo via Gap.com}

I DO, however, have a plan of attack when it comes to my ongoing search for red flats. I recently spied these beauties at Payless.com and as soon as naptime's over I plan on sneaking over there to see if they have any in my size.

{photo via Payless.com}

And for $16.99? I'm also snagging these:

{photo via Payless.com}

So tell me, have you had issues with City Flats? (And? If you've found the perfect red leather flats PLEASE send me to the right website kthanksbye!)

Results Show: How I've Liked Recent Purchases

By Jessica

 

Back in June, I posted about a bonus of having a teenaged skater for a son being the stores that I shop in now, which other people might not regularly check out. One of the items on my list was this bag

which I ended up receiving from my husband shortly after that post in the desired champagne color. I took this bag as my "personal item" carry-on bag during our recent vacation and it was a champ! I was able to shove my purse, quart-sized ziploc with liquids, my make-up, all charger cords and assorted cables, a hardback book, prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses, sweater, point and shoot camera and my phone in there. Even carrying all of that it still fit under the seat in front of me with no issue and with the long strap was easy to carry. Love this bag!

I'm not sure if I actually mentioned this here or not, but I've wanted a pair of TOMS for a long time. There is a specific pair I've been trying to get my grubby paws on but it doesn't seem like it's going to actually happen so instead I decided to try some on at Zumiez (school shopping with my son) and I ended up going home with these

which I then proceeded to wear every single day of our vacation. We walked, many miles, all over the place and I had nary a blister which is amazing for brand new shoes never having been broken in.

I would link to a sweater that I bought from Forever 21 right before I left but their website is being completely uncooperative (as in crashing every three seconds AND not even having the color combination that I bought as an option) so instead, you get a picture of me wearing said sweater on vacation.

It's orange and gray stripe and I call it my Freddie Krueger sweater. I had a gift card which is largely why I made the purchase in the first place, but I also wanted something that I could just toss on if it got chilly at any point (man, I MISS CHILLY) but that wouldn't add a lot of bulk to my packing. It met all the goals I had and I love the orange and gray together, so win! I'm sure it won't last past a couple of washings but I'm not super worried about that, YMMV.

What have you bought recently?

Product Review: Goody Bun Spiral

By Jessica

As a fan of the Goody Spin Pins, I'm always willing to give their other, similar products a try, so when I spotted the Goody Simple Styles Bun Spiral at my local Target, I tossed it into my basket. I also debated the Goody Simple Styles Modern Updo at the same time but decided one new hair toy was enough to be messing with at a time. Unfortunately, I think maybe I should've switched and put the Bun Spiral back instead. No matter how often I try, I just can't get it to stay in my hair, the weight always seems to pull it right down after walking around for a bit. I find that surprising given the fact that my hair has been no match for the little spin pins.

It doesn't have a high rating on Amazon (might have been good to check that first, Miss Impulse Shopper) but I did find a few tutorials on the web showing how to use this properly, so maybe it's my own inexperience. Of course, a lot of the pictures also show these women with buns on the tops of their heads instead of at the napes of their necks and a topknot isn't really a look I am interested in copying.

Have you tried the Goody Simple Styles Bun Spiral or Modern Updo? What are your thoughts?

{image via Real Simple}

What I Would Buy If... (aka Rebecca's Wishlist)

By Rebecca

As I may have mentioned last week, my husband and I are in the process of buying a new house and selling our current place. In a few weeks, I will have a lot more space. What I won't have is any money. So instead of doing any actual shopping, I am compiling a giant mental wishlist and hoping that if I can't have these pretty things, someone else can! 

Let's start small, like this Old Navy sundress. The perfect thing to throw on for cocktails by the beach! Or, the more realistic option: chasing two kids around the park. 

And the Deco Adoration Blouse from Anthropologie, want want WANT. I envision myself donning this with some turquoise earrings and hopping a flight to Rome. Do I have plans to go to Rome? No. But if I WAS going to Rome, I'd make damn sure to have this in my suitcase.

The Millie Rug from Pottery Barn. I clearly need this in my new living room. With a big, comfy brown sectional.

And these darling melamine appetizer plates. I want to use these in my new glorious backyard! For serving grilled kabobs from our barbecue!

Last but not least, these rattan vase baskets. I don't exactly know what I'd do with these just yet, but I know I love them. 

So there you have it. I feel better just looking at these lovely things. What's on your wishlist now?

{Photo credits: oldnavy.com, anthropologie.com, potterybarn.com, pier1.com}