Bridesmaid Dresses - Our experience with Revelry!

When looking for Bridesmaid dresses, there were a lot of concerns I had when I got started. Are we going to find a style everyone feels comfortable in? Am I going to be able to find a dress they don't all hate? What about sizing and colors? Then, I was worried about where to go..I didn't want my bridesmaids to have to make an extra trip.

After searching and digging through the hundreds of options for dresses, my sister sent me a link to Revelry. It was exactly the styles I wanted. I was so excited to also see they had multiple colors and shades available for all of their dresses. I looking into the process a little more with the information on the website and knew it was exactly the experience I wanted my girls to have. I knew exactly how I wanted to do it - a Bridesmaid Brunch. I think back of all the times I've been a bridesmaid, and nice it would have been to have a more private experience where you don't feel awkward or there being another 30 girls in the dressing rooms.

I reached out to my girls and set a date that worked for them and from there it was easy!

I reached out to a stylist and heard back within a day or so - super quick for an online store! I asked about the process and she mentioned she would send me a few samples for the girls. The order process was so easy. You go online, choose the style of the dress(es) you want to try, choose the size and add to cart. It's $10 per sample, but for 6 bridesmaid I chose a variety of sizes for three samples. They let me know when my samples shipped and within 2-3 days, I had them on my doorstep.

The packing it so pretty. Once you open the pretty pink box, the dresses are tucked into tissue paper with an information folder on top, a personalized note and a tape measure with a size guide. It was what I imagined, and when I saw the dresses it was better. The dresses are gorgeous. They came with everything needed to be sure the girls had a great experience.

My sister came over the night before and we started to get things ready! I cooked some good, she put up some decorations and I got the dresses ready. The morning of, we tidied up, set the food out and the girls came over. We just sipped on mimosas, snacked, and when the girls were ready they tried on the dress. It was on their own time, no pressure and lots of laughs were had!

The girls commented that the dresses were flattering, they felt comfortable and they loved that the design I chose comes with a number of ways you can wear the dress. Not to mention, my sister was pumped about the petite length option! After we measured the girls I showed them the size guide and the know what to order. The girls will order their dress size and it will ship to their house. All dresses are made-to-order in as little as 12 weeks!

I cannot thank Revelry enough for the amazing experience I was able to provide the women closest to me and the memories made Saturday will last a lifetime. We all cannot wait for the big day, but Revelry made this part of the planning process such a breeze. Check out their website below for all additional information, and please feel free to message me or comment below with any questions you have about the process! I also cannot thank Paige, my sister and MOH for setting up, the decorations and the help throughout the afternoon. I have the best group of gals standing by my side - thank you to my  bridesmaids (don't think I'm forgetting you, Chels) and Lauren for an amazing Saturday afternoon, taking care of wedding stuff while also getting in some good ol' girl talk!

Here are a few photos of the brunch set up and decor - my sister and I both forgot to take photos of the dresses, but I included a few from real weddings that are on their website!

(Photo: https://shoprevelry.com/real-weddings-1/ )

(Photo: https://shoprevelry.com/real-weddings-1/ )

Photos from brunch!

Shout out to Trader's Joes for helping this gal put together some good food in good time.

If you have any questions about my experience with Revelry comment below or reach out. It was the best day I could possibly think of when I thought of my bridesmaids dress experience! 

Valentines Day - What does he want?

SO TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, WHAT YOU REALLY WANT?

HA....I had to. 

Anyways, I was asked to post a guide for what to give your man for Valentine's Day. Do I love Valentines Day? Um, yes, it is my favorite Hallmark holiday. I'm like Buddy the Elf. Fun Fact: I always placed 1st for my Valentine's boxes in grade school. I'm a weirdo, but hey who doesn't love love?

Men are hard to buy for, am I right? If they want it, chances are they will buy it themselves. I don't stick to material items for V-day because of this. This holiday is all about being thoughtful and romantic. I'm going to name a few ideas I've done in the past and some ideas that would be great for guys into different things! 

1. A dozen of donuts -- sound weird, but everyone loves donuts. When we lived in Cincinnati, Holtman's Donuts was one of our favorite places to get a sweet treat. One year, I bought a dozen of donuts and decorated the inside of the box with a cute saying. It's an easy thoughtful gesture that would also keep your whole family fed for the sweet day. Here's a photo of my idea below:

2. Food is the way to man's heart - honestly, it's the way to my heart too. Thomas did this for me a couple of years ago and it was the cutest thing to come home to after a long day. This works for everyone, just get his favorite food if he isn't a big fan of Chik-fil-a.

3. A massage - sounds so cliche, but Thomas was never into the idea of getting a massage until recently. A couple's massage would be a great treat for you both to unwind from your stressful day-to-day. Groupon typically has deals for local salons if you aren't wanting to spend a ton of money and a lot of salons run specials for them too. The Woodhouse Spa in Dayton offers a Duet massage that sounds super luxurious and romantic.  One year, back when I was single, I bought a massage for myself and I have no regrets or shame. 

4. Clean the entire house, make him dinner and have his beer stocked in the fridge. Does this sound like a total 1940's Good Housekeeping move? Yes. Does it truly make him less stressed when he gets home? Also, yes. I mean, if you can afford to pay someone to clean the house then do it and worry about the dinner and beer. If there is a way for your man to feel relaxed and loved, it's by proving you care about his mental health. A bonus: offer to watch his favorite movie of choice.  Thomas notices a clean house and having dinner ready above all else. If you do this every single night already, then God love ya. 

5. Get him carwash coins and his favorite candy and/or beer. I get that a lot of my ideas revolve around food and beer, but it's an effortless way to make him happy. Thomas is obsessed with keeping his car clean and with the salt this time of year, it drives him nuts. Mike's Carwash offers carwash books and your local carwash should offer coins. 

6. If you are looking for a romantic thing to do together, see if he has "liked" any events on Facebook coming up - this could be anything from a Monster Truck show to a concert or even a flea market-- sky is the limit. Surprise him with tickets and join him on the fun! It might not be what you want to do, but it will make him really happy that you went out of your way to do something that makes him happy. 

7. If you're as sappy as I am, write him a really long love letter or note about why you love him and be sure to include all your favorite things about him. Set it by his stuff he grabs for work every morning so you can start his day off right. This is a small gesture, but it goes a long way! 

8. Put together a gift basket of all of his favorite things - candy, snacks, a movie, iTunes gift card - whatever those little things are that make him happy. 

9. Make it local holiday - get him a snarky Valentine's Day card from Heart Mercantile (located in the Oregon District). They have the funniest cards with the coolest illustrations. Honestly, I would buy myself one too.  Maybe while you're there you can pick him up a cool t-shirt -- check out what they have by clicking here! For the date? Dorothy Lane Market offer's a couple's cooking class on the 10th (link here). Spend some QT with your lover while you make a mess with gnocchi.

10. Are you looking to get your blood-pumping and heart pounding? Scene 75 is a blast! Not what you thought? Ew. Well, for the past few years we have all chipped in for gift cards to take our nieces and nephews there for Christmas, but it always ends up being a blast for all of us. They have a bar that offers fantastic food and service! Seriously, what better way to fall back in love then smacking into your man in a fast-speed go-kart and then grabbing a beer and pizza after?

If you are a real champ, then you can probably combine at least a few of these things, but the point is that it doesn't take much to make your man happy. Steer clear of buying him any material things like a wallet or a tie, because chances are he might like it, but doesn't need it or it will get lost and/or forgotten. Make this a thoughtful and fun gift.

What is your favorite thing to do for your guy for Valentine's Day? I would love to hear from you guys! 

Amazon Fashion Finds!

There is nothing I love more than a good deal -- I cannot buy clothing or accessories unless it's on sale. I mean it might have to do with my TJ Maxx obsession, but paying full price for something gives me the eebie-jeebies. I KNOW if I do, it will go on sale within a few days and I'll end up mad LOL!

Speaking of obsessions, I have an obvious Amazon obsession. It's because of the good deals. My fiance on numerous occasions has been less than subtle when he sees another Amazon box by our front door HA.

I like Amazon for everything, but especially for finding clothing at such great prices. Most of the items in boutiques come from a manufacturer and I swear it's like Amazon gets the items direct without the middleman, because if I can't find something with another boutique, I can find it on Amazon with a few clicks.

I wrote a post about my favorite athletic wear from Amazon, but I wanted to let you guys know of a few other things I've found that I'm loving lately. I also read through all of the reviews, so everything I am including comes with great reviews and photos from other customers who have bought the items--they are legit. Sooo let's get started!


1. Tassle earrings - these are a perfect Baublebar dupe, and dare I say a Kendra Scott dupe? They are gorgeous and so affordable. These would be so cute with a chunky sweater or even dressed up for weddings this spring/summer. They have a stone stud with the satin dangle and they come in tons of colors too, so you might wanna buy 2 ;)

Price: $15

2. Speaking of earrings, I might as well mention this find too. These are again, so cute. These are fringe rather than dangle, but almost have a chandelier shape to them with the rose gold details. These come in a bunch of colors too. They are the perfect size to dress-up a cute t-shirt with a cardigan and pair of jeans! 

Price: $15

3. Can a girl have too many cardigans? The answer is absolutely not. You can wear them all year long with shorts or jeans and the more colors, the more fun, right? This color-block cardigan would be so cute to transition into spring. The photos of the reviews do it justice and the length is perfect, but I would size up if you are between sizes-- read the reviews to be sure. Wear this over a cute T-shirt or a front-tucked loose tank  with jeans and come cut-out booties for spring (...or actually as the photo shows LOL). 

Price: $30

4. This year, I am a sucker for a good chunky sweater. We moved from Cincinnati to Dayton last year, but you would have thought I moved here from Florida. I cannot get warm enough. This sweater comes in 3 neutral colors (my favorite) and the photos do it justice too. It;s boxy, so I would size-up if you are unsure, plus sizing up would make this the perfect size to wear with leggings and some heeled booties and a top knot.

Price: Around $30 depending on size

5. Have I mentioned I love chunky sweaters? Here is another I found without a turtleneck, because some are weird about things touching their neck LOL. This again would be so cute dressed up or down with leggings and sneakers or distressed cropped skinny jeans. It fits over-sized, so if you are between sizes pick the size for the look you are wanting.

Price: $40

 

6. This adorable LV look-a-like clutch is so cute. My favorite blogger, Katy Roach (Living My Best Style) has an Amazon store-front. Daisy Rose, and sells this along with a few other great quality dupes and... I want all of them. The cream color in this wallet/clutch is my favorite, but they sell out really fast. If you want to follow her to see when she updates anything currently out of stock, then follow her IG and watch for her notifications. She would have the large "never-full" dupe restocked in a couple of weeks. Also, I cannot afford to go buy an authentic LV wallet, so don't even start with the "but it's not real" judgement - just buy it and love it and stay married LOL!

Price: $17 ( A STEAL)

7. Amazon is a great place to find affordable shoes too. At first, I was hesitant, but with companies selling cheap shoes for a monthly subscription fee, I figured I would give Amazon a try. These boots are so cute. I love my UGGs, but they don't go with everything. These on the other hand have a heel and can be worn rolled up or down. I will say if you have a wider foot, they are difficult to put on because there isn't a zipper, so I would size up if that's the case. The reviews for these are still overall great. They come in gray or black too which is always a plus. 

Price: $35

8. These sneakers are the perfect sneakers to wear with jeans or wear with your favorite leggings. I wouldn't recommend them for a full-blown run, because I don't want you to break your ankle, but style wise - they are great! They come in 6 colors - even pink - but the black is my favorite. I had the hardest time wrapping my head around spending $100 on Nike shoes, just to look good for when I'm out and about and I'm so glad I came across these. They fit true-to-size!

Price: About $20

Again, if you want to purchase, just use click the photo and it will direct you to the product on Amazon. If  you have any questions on anything mentioned, just ask! This is all for now, but what are you guys loving from Amazon right now? I would love to hear from you guys! 

Affordable workout clothes!

January -- the time of year where everyone gets up off their booty to make a change! I am loving all of the positivity around me. Women are coming together to root each other on, I am getting all sorts of ideas or organization and healthy food is flooding my feeds on social media. Health thoughts = healthy actions.

With all of this new year, new you happening, one thing I started thinking about was leisurewear. Now, typically if I find a great pair of leggings, they are more so used for lounging, but as of July I have been working out for this wedding and turns out some of the expensive leggings I've bought don't pair well with the gym.

First-of-all did you know people "squat-proof" leggings? It's genius. In most of the reviews I've seen for true athletic leggings, people are squatting to be sure the leggings don't roll down or show ya butt. It would have saved me time of the years finding the right brand. Nothing if more annoying than giving your workout your all and then having to stop to re-situate your pants.

For this post, I wanted to focus on workout bottoms. To be honest, I can throw on any old t-shirt/hoodie combo and feel find, but finding the right leggings are difficult. I am going to break-down my top favorites as well as the worst so you hopefully can navigate all of the brands out there with a little more ease.

FAVORITES

1. American Eagle - Move High Waisted 7/8 Legging

Run - don't walk - and buy these. I have these in the olive green color, and on AE's website there are a few different color options - I would buy these in every color possible. They don't slip down, they stretch, yet stay in place in all the right places and the compression is amazing. The fabric is buttery soft, but with more spandex. They have a mesh insert on the thigh, which is little revealing, but with the mesh panel, it's not too bad. The length is perfect - mine hit right on the lower calf so I don't have to worry about them looking funny with sneakers. They are the best leggings I've ever bought. Right now they are 60% off - a steal - for around $20. They have limited sizes still available in black, but most are in stock for the navy color.

2.  Reebok - High Rise Performance Compression Leggings

When I first started to really get into lifting, like 5 years ago (I took a long 5 years break after that LOL), is when I realized my cotton leggings were not going to last during an hour long workout. Sweat marks, camel-toe, pulling the leggings up -- all not good when you're trying to focus on a good workout. I went to Dick's, looked at a few brands and ultimately the Reebok's fit me best. I think it's because I have a big butt/thighs, but nonetheless they fit amazing. They are comfortable, don't ride up or fall down and the quality of the legging is great. I have washed the 2 pairs I have multiple times and they still fit like they did the first time I wore them. I found them on Amazon for around $24 on Prime -- amazing. I think I still paid around $50 at Dicks at the time for each pair.

3. Queenie Ke Tummy Control Legging

I found these on Amazon after a Buzzfeed article recommended them. I ordered these and 1 other pair, which didn't fit great. I was worried these would be the same, but turns out they just truly fit. They are true-to-size, which is difficult sometimes with brands on Amazon. They aren't the compression material, but more so cotton-like. They stay exactly where they should when you workout and they are great for wearing to work or with a tunic and then head straight to the gym. The only drawback is because of the cotton-like material, they do draw lint, but nothing a lint roller can't fix. I found these on Amazon as well for around $22.

WORST

1. Dragon Fit - Workout Leggings. 

I went on a whim and bought them off Amazon. The fit did not actually fit. It was like the same leg size from the calf all the way up. B. The fabric was SO thin. If I did fit into them I would have to wear a long sleeve shirt or over-sized T-shirt to even get a good workout in. B. TOO MUCH compression. Once around my stomach, the band was so tight. I don't know if it was the hem at the top that was worse, but either way, it almost cuts into your stomach. There were super cheap, so I guess I got what I paid for.

2. Bayleaf - Workout Leggings

This was another Amazon fail. I get that the price is so low and "don't expect to get quality for that cheap" -- yada yada yada. I get it, but these were pretty bad too. It could very well be that I sized down, which is my fault, but the fabric seemed just as thin as the Dragon Fit pair. If I do like them once they fit better, I will have to see how they wash. The stitching doesn't seem to be all that great.


BOTTOM LINE - Compression type materials are best for when lifting, because they don't move around. If leggings are too comfortable, I would save them for lounging. Let's be real - no one buys leggings to let it all hang out, so if you find your leggings are stretching out or not supporting you where they should, again, save them for the couch. 

There are so many brands out there these days that it's almost over-whelming. I am really wanting to try Fabletics, so after a few months of taking this workout things super-seriously, I am going to try them out and let you know what I think. 

What are your go-to leggings? 

Beauty items that have never let me down!

It's safe to say that if you know what Ulta or Sephora are, then you have wayy too many beauty items.Well...I do anyways.  I have at least one drawer in the bathroom filled and 2 make-up bags. I used to be an impulse-beauty shopper. If I saw a tutorial and liked the look of what the vlogger/blogger used, I felt I had to have it. Over the years, I have calmed down and luckily Thomas still loves me. 

I have been able to narrow down the items I've been using because I've learned to stick to the ones I love. Although my routine changes, I know I have an arsenal ready of my all-time favorites, just in case.

Let's start with primers -- I cannot tell you how many primers I have used and hated. Some have caused my foundation to separate, made my face an oily mess, or just didn't work at all. My all time favorite primer is Becca First Light Primer. It's a lavender tinted primer with a little bit of shimmer. This does two things - 1 helps with discoloration and 2 it really helps your skin appear to be hydrated or "awake." My makeup goes on smooth and it doesn't break me out.

My 2nd favorite Primer is the Laura Mercier primer. I love this because it works well with mineral foundation (powder) or liquid. This also doesn't cause breakouts and LM has different primers for different skin needs, which is always a plus!

My favorite drugstore foundation would have to be L'Oreal Lumi Liquid Foundation. This foundation not only gives you the effect of looking dewy, but it doesn't cause breakouts and is build-able to allow for full-coverage. I love applying this foundation with a brush, rather than a sponge. I find my beauty blender will soak up a lot of the product. I use this brush below!
                                                    

My all-time favorite luxury foundation - IT Cosmetics CC Cream. The formula is full-coverage, but completely weightless. This is my favorite foundation in the summer. I do find the formula will cling to my dry patches if I wear this in the colder months. While a brush will work for applying, I prefer to use a beauty blender-- little goes a long way. They make a luminous and matte version of this as well, which is wonderful, again, to cover all skin types!
                                                  

Now on to concealers -- I have yet to use a drugstore concealer that I really love. I do like the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, but if I use it as an under eye concealer, my eyes water. It does offer great coverage and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.

 

For luxury brands - I love IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under-eye. You only a little dot for both eyes -- just rub it between two fingers to let the product warm up and then dot along the undereye area. It's full coverage, works with any foundation and leaves the prettiest glow around your eyes. I love that it doesn't dry out my skin and it stays put ALL DAY. Not to mention, a travel-size tube lasts over a year. A concealer I love for blemishes would be Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer. This is great to wear over foundation, it blends well and doesn't feel greasy on your breakouts. I've found both of these concealers at Sephora!

                 

           

Bronzer -- LAWD do I have issues finding great bronzers. Most of the time, the color is too "warm" or red and makes me look orange. I did get lucky this summer though by finding my OG drugstore bronzer - Physician's Formula Butter Bronzer. It seriously blends like butter and the color is perfect. I use the darker shade and it's perfect for contouring without leaving my face looking muddy or too tan.

For blush - I'm not too picky about my blush as long as the color is great and lasts. My all time favorite blush is from BareMinerals - Golden Gate. It's the prettiest rose/apricot color. I have found a dupe by Wet N Wild, but it's no longer sold. Another solid dupe is L'Oreal True Match Mineral Blush in Soft Rose!

I ALWAYS try to set my makeup using a finishing powder. I'm not all into the "baking" process because it takes too much time. I just want to dust my face and go. One thing I hate about most setting powders is how dusty or caked the makeup can look. I don't want to look like you could scrape my makeup off with a putty knife. My favorite setting powder is by NARS. It's the Crystal Light Reflecting Powder and it is UH-MAZING. It sets your makeup without going on too powdery. You can't even tell you have any on, but it works so good. I never have dry patches throughout the day and it doesn't take any of the hydration out of my skin. I'ts revolutionary. I have yet to find a more affordable dupe, and the pan I have has lasted me like 2 years so it is well worth the money.

My final product that is a MUST - my two favorite mascaras! My favorite drugstore mascara is L'Oreal Lash Paradise. It is exactly like the Too Face Better Than Sex in my opinion, because it's not as messy. Sometimes the BTS can be a little too wet, like it takes too long to dry my lashed in place. The Lash Paradise is also super affordable and you get grab it on your grocery run - WIN. My favorite luxury brand mascara is, and always will be, Dior's Diorshow in Black. It's amazing. I've used it for nearly 10 years - it doesn't flake and offers such great volume.

For lips and eye shadow - I am always changing it up. I haven't found a go-to palette yet, but I'll do a whole post on eye shadow and lip products I love soon!

What are your go-to beauty products?