Fashion Archives - Page 2 of 19 - Darling Darleen

Summer Trend Floral Ruffle Wrap Dresses

Summer Trend Floral Ruffle Wrap Dresses

Once warm weather hits, I am living in my dresses. Comfort and staying cool in the hot, humid Southern heat is what you’ve got to do to keep going because it can really knock you over. I usually opt for breezy, flowy dresses and skirts to keep any sort of clothing off my skin and let the wind blow through those sweaty areas (and you know what I am talking about!). Even wearing shorts can be a little too much to bare. So, I love that one of the summer trend is floral ruffle wrap dresses. My kind of summer trend! My bohemian self comes out and I embrace any floral ruffle dress that is a wrap dress, muumuus and tunics. I picked up this cute blue floral ruffle dress at a local clothing shop near my house, and I am obsessed with the styling. I wore it for the first time on our recent trip to the 30A/Seaside area in Florida. It was perfect strolling to wear around Alys Beach and catching lunch at George’s after church.

Along with summer trend of floral ruffle wrap dresses, what else is still trending are tall wedges and woven straw bags especially the large round handbags. There are so many great variety and prices, you can really find them anywhere now! I love the available options and how they make an evening summer outfit feel a little more beachy.

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Here are some of the summer trend floral ruffle wrap dresses that I am loving right now. They are all so pretty and femme, and the tie around the waist makes it so sweet. They will keep you staying cool and breezy this summer!

4 One-Piece Swimsuit Styles

4 One-Piece Swimsuit Styles

It’s taken me a while, but I think I have finally embraced one-piece swimsuit. After a lot of trail and error, I found 4 one-piece swimsuit styles that work with my body. The cut of the swim suit is also what makes a one-piece swimsuit flattering. I have a very boyish, athletic figure with a short torso and strong thighs. So you can imagine that one-piece swimsuits have been quite a challenge. Patterns and dark colors work for hiding my mommy tummy, while high cut on the thighs make my legs look longer. My one-piece swimsuit collection is slowly growing so I’m excited to wear a lot of them out on the beach this summer. Below are 4 one-piece swimsuit styles that I am loving this season.

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4 one-piece swimsuit styles

Plunging Neckline–adds a little flirtatious finish to a one-piece swimsuit and makes it a little more sexy and revealing. Some plunging neckline swimsuits are finished with a lace-up front to add some texture and brings a little 70’s retro vibe to the suit.

Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder–perfect for dipping or poolside lounging instead of a water activity suit. This trend is still going strong this year and now are available in stripes, gingham and floral.

Tropical Print–channeling tropical vibes, palm trees and tropical floral prints are going strong this year with one-piece swim suits and makes it an eye-catching style.

Macrame–offers an alluring detail with the straps and back coverage to a simple one-piece style. These embellishments you won’t want to keep hidden away.

Make sure to check out Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale on all the One-Piece Swimsuit Styles that are on sale right now!

Rejuvenating Eyes and Lips with Patchology

Rejuvenating Eyes and Lips with Patchology

Aging skin is sneaking up on me, so recently I have been paying more attention to my skincare routine and trying out skin care products to find the “golden” formula for anti-aging and keeping my skin hydrated and younger looking. I did a whole post on favorite anti-aging skincare tips that I love. Did you by chance have to stay up late one night and get up early the next day? Yup! It happens too often to most of us. Tired and puffy eyes and dry lips can contribute to looking older and accentuating fine wrinkles. So, right now that is my anti-aging problem child. After some research, I discovered Patchology’s products as a source for rejuvenating eyes and lips through their gel products. I must admit, their product is the perfect pick me up for quick results in just a matter of minutes! I’m excited to team up to show how rejuvenating eyes and lips with Patchology products is solution to tired eyes and dry lips.

One of the great things about rejuvenating eyes and lips with Patchology is that it doesn’t take long–only a 5-minute application. You can apply the gel flashpatches on a clean face in the morning or at night or with a full face of makeup as a face refresher. While I had the flashpatches, I was able to continue to put my makeup on or blow-dry my hair. A mom’s got to multi-task to look pretty! The flashpatches have peptides and green tea extract to soothe and deliver protective antioxidants. Caffeine and collagen are other ingredients for brighter skin tone, improve hydration, reduce puffiness and increase elasticity.

Here are some helpful ways when rejuvenating your eyes and lips with Patchology. For underage bags, place the eye gels rounded side in and close to your eye lip. For crow’s feet, place the eye gel skinny side in. I haven’t tried it, but I heard you could even go to sleep with them. When you remove the pads, moisture the residual serum around your face and lips. It really does feel amazing! Trying out the lip flash patch did feel a little weird and you have to be careful not to open you mouth while using them because they don’t taste very good! But it does quickly moisturize and soften your pout. You’re left with perfectly prepped lips, ready to make up and mouth off.

Enjoy rejuvenating eyes and lips with Patchology!

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Mother Daughter Matching Dresses

Mother Daughter Matching Dresses

One of my fondest memories of Mother’s Day is how much effort my dad would put in to making the day so perfect for my Mom. He would always have a beautiful orchid corsage (so IN back then) for her to wear to church. She would always be wearing a beautiful spring dress with a little jewelry piece he would give her. Then he would have flowers for my sister and I to wear, usually in flower crowns to wear to church and we would be wearing a matching dress with our mother. We felt equally as special. Mother’s Day was a big deal in our home growing up! Thanks to a papa who recognized the importance of the mother that ran our home. She is really the best.mom.EVER! So, I like to relive the sweet memories each year with getting mother daughter matching dresses. Now my girls are much older than the tiny toddlers they once were so actually mommy and me matching dresses is a little tricky. Also, I’m not one to complete match. I like variation but complements when matching to my children. And I must say that my oldest daughter is becoming one to have a say in what she wants to wear.

Usually what I do when picking out mother daughter matching dresses, I pick a print and then go with complement solids or another complementing print (like floral and stripes). I also pick out a color scheme first. For Mother’s Day, pastel and spring colors are what I usually lean toward. I am obsessed with all the floral prints this season and the wrap dresses. They are all so beautiful! The ruffle sleeves and details on dresses are still strong this spring/summer season. PS….I’m obsessed with these new wedges I got. They are a good refresh and perfect for spring/summer.

Mother Daughter Matching Dresses Ideas:

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Spring Checklist

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Spring Checklist

Warm weather is right around the corner, and the flowers are blooming. I love seeing all the colors that is popping up all around our beautiful earth. I am ready to pull out all my favorite spring clothes and pastel dresses and tops because you know right after Spring is Summer. Trends are always changing but there are a few trends that were big last year and reappearing this year. These spring/summer staples should be on your spring checklist because they aren’t leaving anytime soon.

Spring Checklist:

Floral Print–floral prints are big this spring and I love you can find them pretty much in just about anything lately. From ruffle, flowy dresses to bathing suits to linens, Floral prints are making a big statement this year and perfect for Spring frolics.

Woven Accessories–the woven straw beach bags were my favorite last year, and I love that they are still strong this year. There are so many great styles and shapes and price points. I would say to definitely pick yourself up a beach bag or straw hat for your Spring checklist.

Hand-held Bags–small enough to tote around with ease yet big enough to carry all your essentials. I love all the hand-held bags in pastel and are so adorable for a spring time look.

Loafers and Mules–these styles were big over the fall and trending into spring, loafers and mules are versatile with pants or dresses. I love how comfortable they are and casual but also a little more formal than a pair of sneakers. The color block espadrilles are also a give style trend this spring.

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Best Drugstore Makeup

Best Drugstore Makeup

I may not be a beauty blogger and don’t claim I am, BUT I do like to wear makeup everyday and have worn makeup for many, many years. So I have had my share of good makeup products and my share of bad makeup products and have tested quite a bit of makeup. I also have a string of women in my life who love makeup as much as I do, and we always share what we are currently wearing, what doesn’t work and new makeup finds. There are many professional makeup lines at Sephora that carry my top favorite makeup items. I’ve listed them in this Makeup post. But I truly believe it’s good to be well rounded and bring into your makeup collection drugstore items. There are some really great drugstore makeup items for a fraction of the price as what you’d see at Sephora or a department store. Shopping for drugstore makeup can be tricky because you can’t sample it prior to buying it, so there is a lot of trial and error. But it’s a convenient buy and easy on the budget. In my opinion here are the best drugstore makeup items that I can’t live without.

L’oreal True Match Super Blended Crayon Concealer–if you’ve got blemishes or circles under your eyes, this crayon concealer cleans that up really well. It has a matte finish with a skin-like glow, so you don’t feel like its too thick or clumpy when you are trying to hide that red spot on your face. Also it lasts a long time on your face
L’oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup Foundation–what can I say? L’oreal’s True Match line is one of the best drugstore makeup line. The makeup is lightweight and gives you medium coverage. I love to wear it for every day foundation. The foundation gives you a natural skin-like finish without caking up. It has an SPF and is available in 33 coverage colors. Seriously one of my favorite drugstore makeups.
Embryolisse Face Cream –Before you put on any concealer or foundation, lather some of Embryolisse face cream to your face. One of my favorites, and I use it as a makeup primer to keep my makeup in place and on my face. It absorbs beautifully on your face and has a featherlike feel, and is great to put on right before you put make up on. You can get Embryolisse at most department grocery stores like Target or Walmart.
L’oreal Voluminous Mascara and Primer –I have been using this mascara since high school! One of the first mascaras I ever tried. Through the years I have tried numerous professional mascara lines and other drugstore mascaras and I just keep coming back to L’oreal Voluminous Original mascara. You really can’t get better than this. My lashes are long and separated when I put the mascara on. No clumping and it’s long lasting. The color is dark and adds depth to my lashes. It also comes in waterproof.
Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen— The Revlon color style liquid eye pen is mess free and the liquid dries quickly and stays on all day. It’s so easy to apply and I like the different ball points so you can add different eye liner techniques. The other thing is the eye pen lasts a really long time and does dry out. Your definitely get your money’s worth.
Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color– If you are like me, I love lip color! And I do tend to go through lipgloss like it’s candy or something because I am always running out of lipgloss. The Revlon lip gloss is thick and stays on the lips but doesn’t dry it out, and you have a choice of matte or shine. One application and you are set. I like to put on a lip liner and then the lip color over it.
Wet ‘n Wild MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Lipstick— Wet ‘n Wild has come a long way! Since I began wearing makeup, Wet ‘n Wild has always been the cheap, bad quality makeup. But I tell you, I am so impressed with this lipgloss. The color is impressive and the staying power is long. I am sold! The lip gloss glides on like butter, feels like a second skin and won’t budge.

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Embroidered Blouse

Embroidered Blouse

Happy March 1st! We are alll..most to spring! Although it is feeling more like winter around here with cold gusts of wind and lots of rain. So to start off this month, I thought I’d do a quick fashion post sharing some of my favorite Embroidered Blouses, which many of them are on sale. I have picked up a few embroidered blouses this winter and love the boho chic style and have easily you can wear them into spring. There are so many cute styles, and the embroidered look adds simple details to a basic blouse. But what I really love is all the other elements of the blouse like mesh top or ruffled sleeves or puffy sleeves, sequins or elastic ruffled cuffs. A lot of details but yet it still goes together so well!

I wore my embroidered blouse with a light long gray wool jacket, which is warm but not too heavy and perfect for this cool temperature.

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Here are a few other embroidered blouses that I have heart eyes all over. They are so cute for spring. Wear with a casual bottom like jeans or simple skirt.

5 Classic Red Lipstick Colors

5 Classic Red Lipstick Colors

I love makeup and rarely leave the house without it on, but I do consider myself a minimalist when it comes to makeup. It takes me less than 10 minutes to put it on in the morning, and I have my basic routine of foundation, mascara, a little blush, eye liner and red lipstick. Red lipstick is an easy, classy approach to boost a basic look. Classic red lipstick has the capability to transform any look, and honestly I haven’t found a red lip color I didn’t like. But through trials and lots of red lipstick, I have found 5 classic red lipstick colors that I love and have on rotation in my purse. Depending on what I am wearing and my mood of the day, I’ll wear a lighter shade of red or a darker shade, or matte or high gloss.

Shop the Double bar earrings in my SHOP!

If you don’t have a favorite signature red lipstick, check out my favorite 5 Classic Red Lipstick Colors and then let me know which ones are your favorite! Of course color is a matter of personal preference and what looks great on your skin tone. Price is also another factor, but I have found that quality and good lip color are hard to find at the grocery store, although I have one favorite L’oreal red lipstick lip color. If you are hesitant, spend some time at Sephora trying on these lip colors or other red lipsticks. You will eventually find your favorite classic red lipstick color that you’ll want to wear everyday. Also, consider lip pencils and stains for longer lasting.

5 Classic Lipstick Colors

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Hi-Lustre Liptick in Drop Dead Red $32 — This red lipstick is sculpted with light, drenched in intense moisture and charged with high-intensity color. From a luminous low-lit finish, to an intensely vibrant reflective stain. It’s the perfect red color. You can receive this lipstick at an exclusive offer of 15% off the purchase of this product please visit http://www.esteelauder.com/octoly and use code “octoly” at check out. Pro: Love the magnetic lipstick top. Con: It lustre but not as quite hi-lustre.

2. Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte in Irrepressible $32 — Rich dark red with purple hues this matte lipstick provides daring mattified color for an undeniable dynamic statement. This color stays on long and I love wearing it during the winter with a thick sweater. Although it feels lightweight, super-rich, highly pigmented color applies with one-stroke. Use the same code above to receive the 15% off of the product. Pro: The matte texture is amazing and long lasting Con: Wish they offered more lip colors

3. Mac Red Satin $17.50 — Color-rich, soft satin with a semi-matte finish that conditions while adding intense color. One of my favorite colors that I probably wear the most. The red colors goes with so much! I’m just about done with mine. Pro: Love the recycling program at Mac. Con: Slightly drying, but use a lip primer

4. L’oreal Paris Colour Lip color in Raspberry Rush $7 — Priced well, this red lipstick has pink under tones and is really fun to wear in the summer time. It is a rich, hydrating lipstick packed with omega 3, Vitamin E and argan oil. I love how it keeps the lips soft and smooth. Pro: priced really well Con: it doesn’t stay on too long.

5. Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil in Red Square $27 — The application of a lipstick combined with the convenience of a pencil in a jumbo crayon design. I love the long lasting, non-drying formula. Red Square is a fun bright orange red color. Pro: Stays on long Con: Make sure you don’t lose the pencil sharpener.

SHOP other Classic Red Lipsticks:

Thank you Octoly for sponsoring this post.

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Best Cold Weather Winter Gear for Kids

Best Cold Weather Winter Gear for Kids

We love Winter, and our kids do too! One of the reasons why we love winter so much is we get outside and enjoy the beauty and all the things winter offers. Yes it is cold…but not too cold because we make sure we have the Winter gear to keep us warm. If we didn’t have the proper gear, our kids (and us) would be miserable and not excited to run around in the cold. So I am sharing the best cold weather winter gear for kids that we have found to be the best investment. We use the same winter gear when we head up to the mountain to go skiing or to the park to go sledding. We have found that proper layering is crucial because it will keep the child warm and comfortable but easy to shed when they become too hot (because that always happens with kids!). Comfort is the key to a happy child and to helping them enjoy winter.

When buying cold weather winter gear for kids, I look at what the item is made out of. For coats/jackets, I make sure the item is wind and water resistant. For coats, I like to get down fill as it is warmer than synthetic. I also consider colors. Since the items are used for just a season, I want to be able to hand down winter gear from my daughter to my son. The base layers are just as important as the outer layers! Here are my picks for the best cold weather winter gear for kids:

Base Layer: This layer should be cozy and keeps the cold air out while working to keep the body’s warm temperature in. This base layer should NOT be cotton, but wool or polyester. The base layer should be light weight and soft. You definitely don’t want an uncomfortable base layer or you’ll be hearing how their body itches.

Mid Layer: This layer gives that extra warm. It’s the layer between the base and the outer, and will be the layer to shed if your child becomes too hot. Any fleece or synthetic pullover works. You just don’t want it too bulky.

Outer layer: This layer is your coat. Look for coats that are water and wind resistant and down fill.

Boots: Make it easy and get boots that your child can just slide their feet in. Throw in a hand warmer on really cold days.

Hands: I like to get a base layer of gloves then cover with mittens.

Faces: Face masks and ski googles to cover up their cheeks and skin.

Head: If you are hitting up the mountain, use caution and rent a helmet or buy one for your child. Safety first!

Cape Scarf Outfit

Cape Scarf Outfit

Just keep me warm in the winter, and I will survive! I love the winter, but I don’t like to be cold. I love wearing winter outfits as long as they keep me warm. This cape scarf outfit is the perfect winter accessory. A big, cozy scarf with armholes that you can also wear as a cape. Love the versatility. Favorite item especially for the Southern winters that are more milder than the North…but still so cold! Capes are a great way to look put together but with little effort. This plaid cape scarf is soft, oversized and perfect for draping. I styled the cape scarf with a fitted cotton dress, which is so comfortable and with the ruched gathering side it is very forgiving. Another perfect cape scarf outfit would with jeans and a t-shirt. A polished look, yet another great way to finish off a simple outfit.

There are many styling of the “cape” outerwear. The cape scarf is quite popular but also the cape coat, which is a 50s inspired and has the front arm holes and poncho look. I linked a few of my favorites below.

Over the knee boots are still strong this season, and I love that I am getting more use out of these favorite boots of mine now that the wear is cold. I was nervous about getting them in white, but I wear them with so many outfit options. To accessorize the cape scarf outfit, I wore tassel earrings from my shop that are chic and brings out the black in the neutral coloring. The circle hand clutch as been a favorite all season and perfect for date nights or lunch with girlfriends.

Outfit Details :

Plaid Cape Scarf, Cotton Long-Sleeve Dress, OTK Boots (cream sold here), Circle Hand Clutch, Earrings

SHOP Cape Scarfs

SHOP Cape Coats

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A New England Christmas

Outdoor Winter Birch Planters

Holiday Gift Guide For Teen Girls

Holiday Gift Guide for Teen Boys

Best of Black Friday Cyber Monday

Summer Trend Floral Ruffle Wrap Dresses

4 One-Piece Swimsuit Styles

Rejuvenating Eyes and Lips with Patchology

Mother Daughter Matching Dresses

Spring Checklist

Best Drugstore Makeup

Embroidered Blouse

5 Classic Red Lipstick Colors

Best Cold Weather Winter Gear for Kids

Cape Scarf Outfit

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