Summer Hairstylin'...

Good Morning, Lovelies! Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend. It was a gorgeous one here at the beach, it was also a really hot one... so needless to say I spent most of my weekend with sunbeams on my face and my toes in the sand. With summer just around the corner and temperatures getting warmer I thought I'd share a few of my favorite summertime hairstyles with you.



What better way to dress up a bouncy blowout than this easy look?

Just take a small section of hair from your part and twist it back away from your face.

 If you have time, add a few curls with a curling iron to really add that va-va-voom factor.

Backcomb the crown just a touch, pull hair back into a twist, and let long bangs

 drape wantonly. Here's another version of this light and fresh tousled pull back...

Backcomb at the roots just enough for volume and hold.

 Fasten it up and pull a few strands out to frame the face.

Tie off your plait with a thin elastic that matches your hair color,

that way the attention stays on the style, not on a clunky rubber band. 

Allow a single tendril to slip out on the opposite side of the braid.

 The spiral adds a playful balance!

If you'd like a more playful, relaxed look try this version of the side braid instead.

Use a product like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray to acheive this "next day hair" style.

Texturizing Spray also adds extra bulk and thickness,

without the powdery residue of dry shampoo.

 

Spritz texturizer onto your hair before pulling it into a messy bun and adding

a loose twist at the hairline. Don't over-think the style...the more imperfections,

the better! Let a few of the pieces fall out and frame the face.

 A simply gorgeous and easy look with style and class....

Sometimes just a few turns of the curling iron is enough to perk up a limp style.

 A lively blowout, diagonal part, and a slight wave around the face.

STYLE TIP: Try using a salt spray (like the one below) in wet hair

 and let it dry naturally. This will give you fresh lookin'

day at the beach  hair. Gorgeous!!

Of couse, if all else fails and you just don't have the time to spend on your lovely locks

do what I do, throw on a super cute floppy sun hat and viola...

you're ready for your close-up! {MUAH}

This Juicy Couture Floppy Straw Hat has to be one of my new faves for summer!!

So there they are, my summer picks. They're light, fresh and super cute...oh, and so easy to pull off!  Whataya think...Which summer hairstyle best suits you this summer? 

(All photos in this post were courtesy of InStyle).

What I'm Loving Now... Beach Cover-Ups

Happy Friday Everyone!! It's been a long week and I'm looking so forward to the weekend. The weather here has been near 100 degrees and I'm thinking it's a beach weekend! So with that said here's what I'm loving now....

Coconut Pearl from Anthropologie

This has to be my absolute favorite pick! It's no secret how much I love me

 some Anthropologie.  (Brace yourself...you'll see alot of them in my posts)

 I love girly details with ruffles and it has such a lovely

vintage inspired look, don't you think?  IT'S SO ME!!

Terry Convertible Tube Dress

Bright, Bold and Strapless

This would look gorgeous on the beach with a wide brim sunhat!

Pair it up with a single long gold necklace and a couple of thin gold bangles

 and head out to lunch or a day of shopping with your girlfriends!

Embellished Tunic

I know, I know....we all pose like this when we're out on the beach, right?

But I couldn't resist...it's such a cute cover up...I had to add it!

Have a beautiful day everyone!!

It's Pinkalicious Thursday...

What does that mean you say? Head over to where The Cool Girls Party and say hi to Tasha! She's hosting a fun little link party where you can post anything inspiring, creative and beautiful. You'll see a couple of my new jewelry designs while your there.



See you there!!

Too Cute....Tuesdays!!

So it's no secret I LOVE TO SHOP! Whether it's for the home or for me I can always find something cute for... "Too Cute Tuesdays"! Whataya think of these lovely finds?

Corset Top from Anthropologie

Vintage Inspired Handbag from Ruche.com

STYLE TIP: Just because it comes with a strap doesn't mean you have to be 

commited to the look. Remove the straps and use this gorgeous handbag

as a clutch for a much sleeker look 

Vintage Inspired T-Strap Pumps - ModCloth.com

Mint To Be Scarf - Modcloth.com

Upcycled Vintage Inspired Earrings - WhimSea Designs

Well, I'm off to Rehoboth Beach now to do some much needed summer wardrobe shopping on "The Avenue"!! If you've never been you have to check it out. It's the cutest collection of some the hottest little boutiques right in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. I'll let you know what I find!!



Organize your Lovelies - A Jewelry Goddess' Dream!

Okay so I'm a little bit of a jewelry snob I admit it! I LOVE me some jewelry. I have so much of it I need creative ways to store it. Let's face it...if you stuff it all in a jewelry box, most of the time you'll forget all the beautiful pieces you have. Why not display them in a way that's exciting and beautiful! You don't have to spend a fortune in display items either. You can usually find lovely little glass and vintage items at flea markets and antique stores, even Marshall's or Homegoods has great little finds. When it comes to jewelry, it doesn't matter what it is...vintage and classic, modern and new or plastic and whimsical I have it all in my collection! From high end blingy to everyday fabulous finds at Target...I'm Obsessed!! My obsession became so great I decided I had to create my own line of jewelry, WhimSea Designs to help share my addiction with the world. My favorite thing in the entire world is to hunt for really unique inexpensive jewelry, take it apart and upcycle the pieces, mix them with strands of semi-precious gemstones to create new one of a kind looks! Here's one of my favorite pieces that I've designed:

Triple Strand Red Sea Coral with Upcycled Turquoise Flower

This limited design look was designed with three strands of natural sea coral beads

 and accented with a large faux turquise flower focal. (the flower was a boutique find....

it had a previous life as a statement ring! I removed the ring base and

 attached the flower focal to the strands of sea coral)



So with lovely bold pieces like this, how do even begin to display all your pieces of jewelry? Here's a few ideas I found to be really helpful.

Jewelry Tray Organizer - (Blue Bird Heaven)

Blue Bird Heaven is this great little Etsy online boutique that sells fabulous

jewelry displays. DESIGN TIP: Purchase two or three, hang them together to create

 a collage in your bathroom or walk-in closet!

It's like having your own personal artwork on display!

Hang your necklaces from a mannequin or jersey form. You can find some really

cute ones at  Corset Laced Mannequin, an Etsy online boutique. Drap your favorite piece

 of clothing from it to create a more personal touch!

Vintage Plate Jewelry Display

One of my favorite ways of displaying my lovelies is using vintage plates and cups.

Check out this wonderful how-to from Blackbirds and Bumblebees on designing

 your own one of a kind display!

Courtesy of: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia 

This is a great blog about inspired living on a budget!

This photo actually comes from her closet redesign. Head over there and

show her some Blog Luvin'...She's absolutely amazing!!

These wall displays are so chic and the best part is she even shares her own

 how-to tutorial on creating the same look for your space.

Smart and Sassy with Sprinkles

Head over there and show her some Blog Luvin'. She has the cutest little blog and her and I definately share the same life mantras regarding jewelry! Ehem....

"Pretty things should be shown off.

Ordinary things should be stored in pretty things.

You’ll use things more if you can see them.

Home organization should not cost a fortune!"

With that in mind you'll be well on your way to have chic new ways of displaying your jewelry lovelies! If you have any chic ways of how you display your jewelry, please share. I'm always looking for new stylish fashionistas to adore!

Have a wonderful day!!

Lazy Day Sundays...

It's a quiet lazy day Sunday here at the beach and all I wanna do is curl up in a hammock and relax. I came across this amazing blog this morning, A Country Farmhouse and got inspired to lighten up my home decor a little for summer. Check out their beautiful home renovations:

A cozy and quiet living room sets the mood...

Elegant yet simplistic! I love how they paired a darker wood dining table with the bright

white linens on the chairs. This really creates a light and fresh feel for the dining room. 

Hardwood floors in the kitchen accented with wood countertops....can you say, GORGEOUS!! They really make the white cabinets pop. The stainless steel appliances are the perfect touch!

Be still my beating heart....this is a kitchen dream for me!

Seriously, I would LOVE a kitchen like this!

 (Hubby, I  hope you're reading this...*wink*) The open shelves with their dishes

and collectables are simply divine. What a beautiful way to showcase things that you love!

A few personal touches here and there like fresh cut roses in

 antique and vintage vases create a personal touch for summer.

 (mmmm, I can just imagine the beautiful scents that fill their kitchen)

Yes please! Just light me some candles and fill the tub up with bubble bath

....I could spend all night in here!

...And after a quiet bath, relax with a nice dinner and wine on the back dining patio!

How cozy and cuddley is this little area? This is definately where you

would find me on my "Lazy Day Sundays"

If you have some free time...stop by their blog and see some of the extraordinary before and after photos! Maybe you'll be inspired to lighten up your decor this summer.

Have a beautiful Sunday, Everyone!!

Throw a Fun Summer Party

Happy Saturday Everyone! It's another busy weekend here at the beach...hope you're finding some much needed time to relax and unwind. What better way to enjoy those warm sunny days than with a fun Summer party!! Here's a few tips on being the "Hostest with the Mostest" at your next get together:

1. CUTE INVITES...A MUST! I'm really diggin' these...

2.  KEEP IT SIMPLE! No one likes a stressed out host. Go store bought and stay out of the kitchen. Modern classics are the way to go: Grilled pizzas, pigs in a blanket, chicken wings, popsicles, etc. Here's a whimsical and colorful way to display your popsicles courtesy of I Heart Nap Time:

3.  GIVE PARTY FAVORS! Everyone loves them, they're easy and food makes a great favor. Try setting a nice display up on a side table for a Candy Buffet:

You can display them in glass jars with lids (ones like these you can find in Walmart for as little as $6.00)

Or you can display your delicious treats in open glass vases  for a more elegent touch. Vases like these can be found at Marshall's for as little as $8.00. Add little scoops for a more personal touch, this way your guests can scoop out what they need. Another hostess tip...bags are a great addition! This way your guests can have some now, and take some for later!

4.  KEEP IT COOL!  A summer party can get hot so think about placing a basket out with a few paper fans in it. This way guests can just help themselves. They look great and they're really cheap and easy to find. Any party supply store in your area will have them!

5. CREATE A PICNIC!  Find some oversized lightweight coverlets and pillows to create a summery and relaxed feel outside. Scatter them around the yard with picnic baskets at each one filled with wonderful suprises like fresh fruit, cheeses and breads. Don't forget to throw in a few little spritzers to drink!

You can even throw in a few bright colored plates. They're functional and they add so much character. Your guest will love having their own little picnic areas to enjoy.

6. SET AN INVITING BAR AREA!  Offer guests one specialty drink option. Punch in a bowl is always a guest fave! Add some slices of fresh fruit to your bowl for a sweet surprise! Another drink favorite for summer is fruit infused water. For this you will need to fill the desired container with half to two-thirds of water. Then add the fruit of your choice. Strawberries, kiwi, pineapple and lemon are always among the faves. If you do this the day before or the morning of it'll be perfect by party time!

You can find some really great decorative pitchers at.....(yep,  you guessed it....Marshall's) for next to nothing. I found one recently for $14.99. It's a great investment for summer parties as well as family dinners and get togethers on the back deck! If you don't have a Marshall's, TJ-Maxx or HomeGoods in your area...no worries, Walmart and Target should also carry them in their Home Section.

Bottled drinks such a beer, wine, sodas and water can be displayed in large metal tubs filled with ice and placed around the yard for easy access at all times.

8. ENTERTAINMENT PLEASE! Music is a great backdrop for an outdoor shindig! Download a party themed playlist on your ipod and hook it up to outdoor speakers for everyone to enjoy. Ipod docking stations are available anywhere electronics are sold. Need some added fun and perhaps a little entertainment? Try setting up a volley ball net to get some good interaction between your guests....here's a twist....instead of usually the actual volleyball use water balloons. Yep, you heard right...water balloons!

Here's  how it works: Teams will be set up on opposite sides of the net (like usual) and will be given a blanket to hold onto, collectively. The object of the game is to launch the balloon over the net with the blanket and the other team has to catch it in their blanket without it busting. It creates quite the hilarious scene, I must say! Be sure to have an entire cooler filled with extra water ballons off to theside....you'll need them!!

Most important rule of all....HAVE A BLAST! With these simple self serve party ideas you have more free time to enjoy yourself and time with your friends and family!!