Summer Sunsets

 {Club Monaco Skirt} {Sanctuary Blouse} {Cynthia Vincent Shoes} {Anthropologie Monogram Necklace} {JCrew Crystal Link Bracelet} {Vintage Watch, American Apparel} {Madewell Gold Leaf Bracelet} {Madewell Mint Crystal Bracelet} {Henri Bendel Gold and Silver Cuff}

Crazy for Cap Toes

| Dsquared Leopard Pony-Hair Pumps | Yves Saint Laurent Cap Toe Platforms |
| Proenza Schouler Pumps | Loeffler Randall Nanette Bootie |

| Michael Antonio Louie Pumps | Carvela Janet Leather Pump |

| Elizabeth and James Cap Toe Pump | Valentino Studded Suede Pumps |

The preview of fall clothing in stores always makes me sigh because I'm a summer girl at heart.  I will, however, get excited for shoes because I know I will find a way to wear them year round, no matter the season. I am obsessed with all of the cap toe heels being shown for fall. There are so many options... metal, spike, suede and even cap toes with zippers. I am lusting after a few pairs from Valentino, Loeffler Randall and Proenza Schouler. Good thing there are plenty of more affordable options that are just as amazing (ok maybe not, but close!).

Have a great weekend! Xx

Minted

{Zara Mint Shorts} {Trouve Blouse, Nordstrom} {Chloe Sunnies} {Hobo Clutch}

{Rock&Republic Spike Heels} 

My favorite color of the season is a slight variation of this minty, sea foam green. I have come across a few items that I adore in this color, including these textured Zara shorts. The zipper front pockets give a little extra edge and pair perfectly with these Rock&Republic spike heels that are from a few seasons ago.

I will be testing a few more DIY projects over the weekend. Looking forward to sharing them with you next week! Xx

Banjo Eyes Featured on Links A La Mode

This week I was ecstatic to find out my blog was chosen to be featured on Independent Fashion Bloggers. I was literally doing the happy dance when I found out! Each week, fashion bloggers submit their favorite post for the chance to be featured as one of IFB's top 20. If you haven't checked out the site already, now's the time! Maybe you'll even discover a few more fashion blogs:)

Edited by: Taylor Davies

Despite the new look and slight changes to our forums on the new IFB site, there was no shortage of selections for this week’s Links a la Mode round up! From easy summer style to bridal trends and even some chatter over the latest Olympic drama with Ralph Lauren as well as teens and photoshopping in magazines, we had a lot to cover! Check out this week’s links and if yours has been chosen, be sure to check back later today for the code so you can post the links on your blog. Happy clicking!

LINKS À LA MODE: THE IFB WEEKLY ROUND UP: JULY 19TH

• A Brit Greek: Leather – 50 Shades for Maximum Impact


• April & Black: We Love Love Love Manish Arora


• Banjo Eyes: The Long and Short of It


• Can You Come Home: What Should I Wear To Work With The Bougainvilla Flower Trend?


• Dress Code: High Fashion: Altelier Swarovski Diana Vreeland Legacy Collection


• Elle Yeah: Haute Couture Week Highlights


• Emma Louque: Richard Nicoll for Topshop Bridal Love


• Fashionopolis: Fashion Blogging 101


• Fashion is Evolution: DIY Ombre Rhinestone Necklace


• Fresh Squeezed: Ralph Lauren’s Olympic-size Controversy


• Girl Loves Color: Walking on Sunshine (Color Spotlight: Yellow)


• Les Finer Things: Crazy Yin Love


• Moments With Meera: Prints, Prints, Prints!


• Oranges & Apples: Some Thought on Clothing Challenges


• Soychild: In Defense of Outdated Trends


• Tickle Me Chic: Real Girls Making A Real Difference


• The New Lady Times: Bride, Borrow or Steal


• The Curvy Elle: Fashion Trends Adapted for Plus-Size


• The Penny Rose: Moonrise Kingdom


• Zsasa and Everything Else: The OMG Necklace

Neon Desert

{Linen Sweater, JCrew} {Neon Yellow Shorts, JCrew} {Ash Wedges} {Hobo Purse} {Forever 21 Sunnies} {Bracelets-Madewell and JCrew} {Necklace, Ben Thanh Market, Vietnam}

To get in the spirit of a desert road trip this weekend, I decided to wear the brightest colors in my closet, perfect for this Palm Springs inspired pool. My favorite piece is this gold necklace I bought while in Vietnam last year at the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City. Neons definitely brighten the mood-and make me a little nostalgic of childhood:)

Xx

Lindbergh and His Muses

The 90's was the era of the "Supermodel". The iconic photographers, Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort and Steven Meisel, helped launch the girls into superstardom. They were the models rumored to not get out of bed for less then $10,000 a day. They became more popular, and in result more important, then the designers and clothes they were modeling. Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Naomi Campbell. They were all stunningly gorgeous but most of all I love how they ALL had curves and un-waiflike bodies. In her heyday, Cindy Crawford was said to be a size 4/6. Unheard of for a modern day runway/print model. These women wore normal sizes, much like fit models. Fit models are mainly size 4/6, size 27/28 denim and 5'8". It is reassuring to see the fashion industry take a stance against scarily thin models. Vogue has tried to ban the use of models that are too skinny and underage as well as popular TV shows like Tyra Banks' Americas Next Top Model. While most fit models may not have the runway height, at least they (we) are healthy, attainable sizes. And yes, I understand I am probably biased:)

Here are my favorite Peter Lindbergh editorials.

Photos via Peter Lindbergh Photography

Vogue US, Vogue UK, Vogue FR and Harpers Bazaar

Rainy Summer Days

| 7 For All Mankind Josefina Slim Boyfriend Jeans | Naked Zebra Lace Tank | ArdenB Leather Jacket | Schuler & Sons Booties, Anthropologie | Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse | Anthropologie Monogram Necklace | Pacific Trading Co Long Layering Necklace | J Crew Crystal Bracelet | Madewell Goldleaf Bracelet | Rebecca Taylor Chain Bracelet |

A rainy, humid week called for layers and loose fitting clothes. I love the combination of leather and lace, an edgier look paired with something more delicate and feminine. Boyfriend jeans always add that extra bit of comfort especially when it's humid. No matter how much my husband dislikes them, I'm not ditching them anytime soon:)

DIY Vibrant Crystal Necklace

These vibrant necklaces are majorly trending at the moment and I can't get enough of the bright color combos. I decided to give it a go and try making my own, thanks to Miss B at AgirlAstyle. All you need is a crystal necklace, nail polish and a clear top coat. I found this crystal necklace at Forever 21 for $10! Choose any nail polish color combination you'd like and paint each crystal as if you were painting your own nails. I did two coats for a more opaque finish. Let dry overnight and then apply the clear top coat. Voila!

$10 at Forever 21! J Crew's bubble necklaces sell for $150!

I opted for two shades of hot pink and added the second shade of yellow after the first shade did not turn out as I had intended.

Drying nicely on a vase near my workspace:) I am looking forward to testing a few more color combinations and I'm sure I will be doing an outfit post wearing them soon! Send me pics of your designs as well~Xx

The Long and Short of it

I was hesitant to wear the high-low skirt hem  when the trend resurfaced about a year ago. But after three trips to Asia (yes three!), I came to appreciate the ease and simplicity of long skirts. While traveling East, I was told to dress respectfully, which meant covering my arms and legs. It was so hot and humid in this region that there was no point in wearing skinny jeans (or doing my hair or make-up) as I would become a sweaty mess as soon as I stepped outside! I quickly welcomed these flowy, breathable long skirts and have adopted them into my wardrobe ever since.  The high-low hem breaks up the monotony of the maxi skirt and is slightly more edgy. I particularly love this skirt because it is not literally a high-low hem, but instead has an asymmetrical cut out. Very cool.

Xx

Forever 21 Skirt, Madewell Tank, Report Booties, Forever 21 Necklace, H&M Bracelets

Billabong Design For Humanity Event

Going into it's 6th year, this event is sure to be a good time for all fashion, music and art lovers. Concerts, fashion shows, art galleries, DJ's, food trucks (I've been dying to try some!) and cool people, get your tickets soon because it's going to sell-out fast.

Summer Essentials

Indah Anjeli Silk Cotton Maxi Dress | Madewell Mini Festival Necklace | Roxy Beach Blanket/towel | Brixton Delila Floppy Hat | Alexander Wang Tank | Color Science Powder/Sun Block | St. Tropez Tanning, Firming, Moisturizing Cream | J Crew Nautical Striped Shorts | Sigerson Morrison Gaugain Sandal | Oliver Peoples Sunnies

To me, the 4th of July always symbolizes the beginning of summer. In addition to a cute bathing suit that fits WELL...these are a few more summer essentials I love or am currently lusting for. Indah has become one of my favorite brands for their unique cuts and soft fabrics. I always get annoyed trying to stuff my towel into my packed beach bag at the end of the day so I was excited to find this Roxy roll up beach blanket. How cute! My fave basic tank that I now have in almost every color is T by Alexander Wang. Pair with J Crew's adorable striped shorts, Sigerson Morrison sandals, sunnies and a floppy hat for an effortless, chic summer look. For the face and skin, Colore Science Mineral Powder Sunscreen works incredibly well and gives coverage!  It prevents greasy skin unlike a lot of face sunblocks. I discovered it in my mom's make-up bag and now I am hooked. Leave it in your car, purse or beach bag so you'll always be prepared when spending time in the sun. St. Tropez's 4 in 1 tanning lotion is FAB. Tans and moisturizes, and doesn't smell like most self tanners.

I hope everyone had a safe, FUN 4th of July. Now let summer begin!

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

Super easy, fast and convenient for a 4th of July BBQ. Everyone be safe and have a wonderful holiday!

Ingredients:

1 Bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips (I used Nestle, white chocolate would also be delish!)

1 Bag Marshmallows

Skewer Sticks

sprinkles (In this case, red & blue)

Mason Jar

First, melt chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Stir and reheat until you get a smooth consistency. Dip marshmallows about half way into melted chocolate. I used a spoon to smooth out edges. If easier, you can dip marshmallows into chocolate with a skewer. I found it easier to use my hands.

Set dipped marshmallows onto a baking sheet. Top with sprinkles, and put in freezer for 30 minutes to harden chocolate.

After chocolate has hardened, insert skewer sticks into the bare side of marshmallow. Arrange like a bouquet in a Mason Jar.

Americana

I love bright colored jeans for summer. Luckily, it's cooler living by the beach so I get to wear my jeans year round! These red jeans are from Rich&Skinny. With 4th of July just a few days away, why not show some patriotism with a little Red, White and Blue .



Rich&Skinny Jeans, Patterson Kincaid Striped Tank, Ett Twa Denim Jacket (Gifted from Tinsel Town) Anthropologie, Mark&James by Badgley Mischka Heels, Madewell Necklace, H&M Gold Cuff, Red and Gold Topshop Ring