Off The Shoulder Trend

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DRESS // SHOES {similar} // NECKLACE {similar} // c/o EARRINGS {similar} // c/o CLUTCH // NAIL POLISH // WATCH

Summer is here and I am sporting the off the shoulder trend AGAIN….{check my last  Fourth of July Holiday Fashion post for another off the shoulder idea!}

While you are reading this post, I am unwinding with my kids and parents in the sunny land of Florida. This new chambray dress from J.Crew came in tow with me on my vacation that I was dying to share with y’all! I adore this fuss free and versatile dress this is perfect not only for the beach while sipping a pina colada, but also for brunch with your girlfriends or a date night out.

I chose to pair this dress with some chunky floral heels from JustFab which a lot of people might pass up if they see in stores because they would have no idea how to wear them. Unfortunately, the shoes sold out online in like 2 days, but I found a few other shoe options listed below that are very similar! To draw the eye up and down, I chose to a long, colorful pendent necklace which I found at one of my favorite stores, fab’rik. My accessories also include custom made gold earrings care of Five Star Jewelry Brokers and a clutch gifted to me from my good friend and talented designer of Chesley Mae designs.

Investing in a wardrobe staple like this denim frock is a good idea. While it is considered a more trendy item, it will stay in rotation for several years given there are many different ways you can bring out your own personality as you style this adorable off the shoulder gem.

Check out some more options to create the look I’m wearing:

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale #Nsale

Vince Camuto Abril Should Bag // Rebecca Minkoff Bryn Double Zip Hobo // BP Tasse Faux Leather Crossbody // Kendra Scott Jake Lariat Necklace // Diamond Stud Earrings // Bony Levy Crossover Three Row Diamond Ring // Lana Jewelry Nude Remix Y-Necklace // Frieda Rothman Two Tone Baguette Crystal Bracelet // Rebecca Minkoff Vanity Saddle Bag // Sole Society ‘Ravin’ Tote

Jo Malone Cologne Set // Nest Candle Duo // MAC Advanced Brush Kit // Smashbox Photo Bombshell Color Palette // T3 Featherweight Dryer // CLARISONIC Mia Sonic Skin Care System // Kiehl’s Jumbo Creme De Corps // Bobby Brown Sutlry Eye Set

Hi everyone!

It’s finally here. The sale of the summer we all have been waiting for– The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale of 2016! Early access for cardholders began yesterday, July 14th and opens to the public July 21st. If you’re not a cardholder, you can still preview the sale HERE and then continue your shopping through August 8th!

In today’s post, I’ve gathered some of favorite items Nordstrom is offering from the beauty bar and accessories so you can shop more easily. Take a look at some of these gorgeous handbags I’ve picked out from Vince Camuto and Rebecca Minkoff. And I cannot get enough of the jewelry from Bony Levy, Frieda Rothman, and Kendra Scott.

But the fun doesn’t stop there as I found more beauty products that have caught my attention like the Jo Malone Colone Set, Smashbox Photo Bombshell Color Palette, also the Nest Candle Set.

Intern Hanna’s #Nsale Picks:

So please go check out the purses, beauty items, and home goods that are great quality products for a bargain!! I promise it will be worth the shopping spree. Stay tuned for next week’s clothing picks!

Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

The Top 5 Must Have Hats

MUST HAVE-2Baseball Cap // Floppy Felt // Panama // Woven Straw // Cowboy

Hey Beautiful Friend!

I hope you are having a great hair day this glorious Monday, but if not…this is the right post for you! I always say–the key to rectify a bad “do” is the perfect hat. Perhaps you prefer dry shampoo or another solution to tame your wild mane, but a stylish hat really is a smart alternative.

I created my “Top 5” must have hats list every woman should considering adding to her closet. If you are a first timer when it comes to hat wearing, I recommend starting with the classic baseball cap from Urban Outfitters that easily forms to your head for a comfortable fit.  For fun in the sun options, I prefer a woven straw hat, or the too chic look with the black banded Panama hat from J. Crew. The floppy felt hat is super cute for music festivals or getting lunch with your girl friends, but I will say it’s not as breathable in 110 degree heat. Of course, if you live in Texas–a non-negotiable is a cowboy hat so you can get your YEE HAW on!

OUTFIT INSIPRATION: 

Your Truly..Wink!

Yours Truly..Wink!

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr

Little Miss Modest

Little Miss Modest

 

Chic Darling

Chic Darling

 

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Tag Hats

Here are some other fabulous options to consider as you round out your hat collection:

Stylishly yours,

Jen Young

Fourth of July Holiday Fashion

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BLOUSE // SHORTS // SHOES (similar) // PURSE // NECKLACE // EARRINGS // SUNGLASSES // WATCH// NAIL COLOR

Happy Fourth of July!!

OMG I can’t believe June is already gone. What the heck?

Today is the day we Americans celebrate our freedom whether at a backyard BBQ party or shooting off fireworks, all the while sporting our red, white, and blue. Many of us might just resort to our simple blue jeans and a graphic flag t-shirt on this day, but try a fun patterned  option with our American colors instead!

I have been loving the summer trend featuring off the shoulder dresses and blouses. For my holiday look,  my detailed lace blouse from BB Dakota pairs nicely with these sailor striped shorts from GAP. I keep my accessories simple so as to not compete with the lace shirt including my favorite bar initial necklace and tassel earrings from Stella & Dot. What I’ve noticed about this effortless outfit is that there are many shoe options that go with this style. I’m wearing my striped wedges, but even a colored flip flop or lace up sandal would work!

Here is some more great pieces for this red, white, and blue weekend:

Tell us what you are wearing for the fourth in the comments section below! Have a fun and safe holiday weekend everyone.

 Stylishly Yours,

Jen Young

What’s in my Pool Bag?!

 

 

BAG // SUNSCREEN // TOWEL // FLIP FLOPS // FLAMINGO // WATER BOTTLE // EVIAN // HAIR SPRAY // LIP BALM // FACE SUNSCREEN // SUNGLASSES // BANGLES // HAT // TUMBLER // COVERUP

Hey Y’all!

Summer has officially arrived and given the Texas heat I have been lounging by the pool just about everyday to cool off. There is nothing better than bagging some rays {Did I just say that–I am totally dating myself?} with a good read to relax and unwind.

My “fun in the sun” tote always includes a colorful towel, stylish shades, and my favorite sunscreen. My go-to spots for the best swimwear can be found at Nordstroms and Everything But Water. Don’t forget your woven hat that provides a stylish way to protect you from harmful sun rays but also to perfectly disguise a bad hair day from sweat and being wet!

For all the stylish moms out there, I know going to the pool or beach can be such a hassle especially if you have kids so hopefully my list of pool bag essentials will inspire you to plan ahead and feel more equipped for your next outing.

What is in your pool bag? We would love to hear from you.

Check out even more great poolside grabs down below!

 

Styled and Smiling,

jen young

 

Must Try Summer Foundations

TGIS {Thank God It’s Summer!} 

I’ve been running around town the last week taking care of the kids with their end of school activities, getting prepped for summer camps and also my son’s upcoming trip to Omaha with his baseball team. Let’s just say that I’ve forgotten about prioritizing some “me time” with all the hustle and bustle…  as most other working moms would agree.

Luckily, my favorite shorts and sandals are in full rotation, but lately I have been trying out some new foundations to boost my summer mood.  If you have those dreaded sun spots like me{sigh…..}, I am always on mission to conceal those age-revealing stinkers with appropriate coverage and a bronzed glow so I don’t cause additional damage to my skin.

I know everyone has different personal tastes when it comes to how much makeup they wear whether an individual prefers no makeup to just mascara with a pale gloss or even the full done up look everyday. A non-negotiable for me until I get my face lasered one day {Hall Plastic Surgery Center here I come!} is a proper foundation.

Especially in this June heat, I don’t like to mix my foundation with powder AND additional sunscreen. It just makes my face feel gross. So I’ve been making it a priority to get a foundation with sunscreen built in! This is a great way to keep wearing the makeup you love but still be protected…although my friend and beauty expert stylist, Shirley Cox, {Shirley.E.Cox2@nordstrom.com}of Nordstrom at Austin’s Barton Creek Mall, does recommend adding additional sunscreen like Kiel’s to fully protect your skin as built in sunscreens aren’t entirely effective.  Follow her lead! Her face is flawless {brat!}

Here are my top picks for summer foundations including diverse price points and overall benefits.

 

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I will start with my personal favorite, Nars All Day Luminous Foundation. A little goes a long way with this small bottle. There are over 20 colors to pick from and easy enough to match to your skin tone. I prefer a more natural looking coverage and something I never have to reapply {this works for 16 hours of wear}. Sometimes I dust it with my favorite Chanel Powder, to achieve a more matte look but still leaving my skin feeling light and airy.

 

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.00.06 AMYou can never go wrong with Clinique! This dermatologist-developed liquid foundation immediately brightens and evens out the skintone with luminous minerals. It goes with many different skin tones and contains an SPF 15.

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.05.54 AMAlmay True Lasting Color foundation is a great drugstore find. It has a SPF 15 and delivers up to 16 hours of flawless coverage {much like the NARS brand} that won’t rub off-even with high heat and sticky humidity.

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Tarte has launched a summer makeup line to get you ready for the heat and glowing summer looks. This product includes a lightweight yet full-coverage, hydrating foundation infused with Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea complex and non-chemical SPF 15 sunscreen.

Screen Shot 2016-06-17 at 12.02.04 AMRevlon Colorstay foundation goes on evenly for an unblemished look. It features SoftFlex technology that will not rub off with normal wear and also includes an SPF 15.

Screen Shot 2016-06-16 at 11.56.58 PMFinally, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Touche Éclat sits at a much higher price point but includes an SPF 22.  This is definitely a more robust product that not only offers perfect coverage but also reduces the look of fatigue and aids with brown spots. Worth the splurge!

Remember not every foundation works for every skin type. Especially for foundation first timers….go to a local department store like Nordstrom and consult with a beauty expert for their advice on what brand best matches your skin.

Here are some other amazing options to consider:

What other beauty tips or favorites would you like to read about? Leave your comments below!

Stylishly Yours,

jen young

 

Father’s Day Gift Guide

WATCH // SUNGLASSES // SHOES // GRAPHIC TEE // SOCKS // SHAVING KIT // MUG // HAMMOCK // BBQ KIT // HEADPHONES

 

Happy Monday Y’all!

Father’s Day is just around the corner {June 19th}. and I wanted to share some cool and unique gifts I found for that special man in your life. Instead of going for the common ties or gift cards you might have given him in the past, checkout Nordstroms for their huge selection of sports wear, dress clothes, and even accessories; or my new favorite: Urban Outfitters with their awesome graphic tees and swanky socks –even handy gadgets. Even some fun outdoor toys for the grill or to go camping with will be a great way to start off his summer.

Hope this helps with your shopping and let me know what else you found!

Here are a few more ideas to shop before you go:

Stylishly Yours,

jen young

How Best to Dress a Carrot Shaped Body

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Get excited! The last body type we will be discussing in our body type series is the Carrot Shape. Check out the previous tips for styling a Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

GENERAL STYLING TIPS FOR A CARROT BODY TYPE: A carrot body type is also referred to as an inverted triangle. You have a proportionally larger upper body including broad shoulders, an ample bust, and a wide back. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have a tendency towards the flat side. Your waist is subtle and you have a tendency to gain weight in your belly and upper body. Your beautiful, shapely legs are your best asset.

Thinking this frame isn’t yours? Explore each of the other body types here: Pear, Apple, String Bean, and Peanut.

Carrot Body Type-4

 

 

ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE // TEN // ELEVEN // TWLEVE // THIRTEEN

WHAT TO WEAR:

  1. SHORTS AND PANTS: You are one of the lucky ones because you have a really wide choice of pants and jeans that look absolutely great on you! Go for any style that will accentuate your hips and bottom such as pockets and embellishments. The best styles for you are baggy pants, combat, wide leg and palazzo! Colorful and bright pants and jeans will look great, as will patterns and bold prints. Choose pants that will enhance your lower body and help balance your upper body. Boot cut or slightly flared trousers cut jeans are most attractive. Whiskering at the hips and flap packets will add curves to your lower half. AVOID: Skinny jeans and fitted pants that will accentuate the disproportion of the bottom part with the upper body. If you really like to wear tight pants, prefer instead straight legs or cigarette styles.
  2. SKIRTS AND DRESSES: A-line, tulip style and full circle skirts and dresses fill out your slight hips while balancing your upper body. Look for details around the hips {such as panels, ruffles, & pleats} or bright bold colors and prints to further enhance the effect. Pencil skirts are best if they drop straight from the waist instead of coming in towards the knee. You have great legs so feel free to play with length.
  3. TOPS: Flowey, drapey and light fabrics. Go for halter necks that will look absolutely great also to show off your gorgeous cleavage. If on the other hand your chest is quite small and you have a longer neck, choose higher necklines such as turtle, polo and mandarin necks.  The trick is to not button it up to the top but leave a couple of buttons open. Look for tops that accentuate your waist and help balance your bust with your hips. Narrow V-necks that nip in the waist and slightly flare at the hip are flattering for you. Wrap style tops with a deep V-neck and that are also flared slightly will add curves to your hips. Wear deep shawl collared or lightly coweled tops, especially in dark colors with a light shell underneath. Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. AVOID: Stay away from stiff materials that will hide your silhouette unless they are super tailored and have a bit of a stretch. Avoid necklines that will make your shoulders look broader such as boat necks. Steer away from small spaghetti strapped tops that will tend to make your shoulders look wider and other details such as puffy sleeves, shoulder pads and anything oversized and shapeless.
  4. JACKETS/ OUTERWEAR: Jackets with deep V-necklines that cinch the waist and flare at the bottom {peplum.} Go for those that are quite constructed and shaped with angular lines as well and look for details such as pockets and embellishments in the lower part.
  5. FOOTWEAR: Opt for curvier and rounded options like ballerina flats and pumps. Your choices are varied for your shape, but if you are really thin, stay away from really high heels as you will look like a “bean” pole and a bit awkward. You can wear ankle straps and also over the knee boots as well and ankle booties especially if they are larger that your ankle adding movement to your figure.
  6. ACCESSORIES: Opt instead for long pendant necklaces that will create a focus in the center of the body. Go for colorful, big, bulky and detailed handbags and avoid clutches. AVOID: Colorful scarves, statement necklaces and chokers that will attract the attention on your upper part and the shoulders’ area. Or choose daintier statement necklaces as an alternative.
  7. SWIMWEAR: Simple, solid color, halter style tops are a good choice for you. Dark, triangle tops can be good as well as long as you choose one with adequate coverage and support. Look for styles with wider straps. Bottoms that cut straight across your hips with side ties with look great with simple tops. Look for one piece suits with cut-out sides, hip details and deep V-necks. AVOID: Patterned tops with solid bottoms.

Hope you enjoyed learning all the body types; have a fun and stylish Monday!

jen young

How to Dress From Day to Night

Hey Beautiful Friends,

As busy humans living in this chaotic world we are constantly moving from place to place throughout the day. Sometimes (like most if you are me…) it’s difficult to go home and conduct a full outfit change before going out with friends or on a date after a long day. Here are some ideas of how to look cute during the day and easily transition to a night-time look with a few changes in your wardrobe!

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Day: Keep your day outfit causal and cute while running out and about.  Integrate a classic white button down with your favorite pair of denim shorts and strappy sandals {I adore espadrilles.} Roll the sleeve to accentuate your waist and then add accessories to finish the concept with your trusty tote and stylish fedora.

Night: Take your casual look to glam by trading out your sandals with a pair of colorful strappy heels, add a striped graphic wristlet and fun statement necklace worn like a collar around the nape of the shirt.

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Day: Professional attire for any women should always include a black blazer paired with an essential white, silk blouse underneath. In addition, add a knee length {or just above the knee if you have great legs} and a well tailored pencil skirt. A suede nude heal is all the rage which partners well with your “pop of color necklace” of choice. Make sure you have your fashion forward work tote.

Night: Take your hard working butt out for the night! With a simple switch into dark wash jeans and a fun metallic clutch, no one will ever know you just got off work. Then to make things more fun, coat your lips with a versatile gloss to adorn your unforgettable pout.

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ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN // EIGHT // NINE

Day: When styling your knee-length or tea-length skirt pair it up with your favorite graphic tee. Next, step into a playful  pair of patterned heels coupled with dramatic sunglasses to grab every one’s attention for the day.

Night: Your skirt and shoes are your statement pieces for tonight. With a dressy blouse and cute accessories, you’ll look like a celeb at your dinner party. Don’t forget a royal blue statement clutch for that extra punch to your look!

Hope these fun and simple ideas help your day wardrobe stay easy but still stylish when going out! How do you transition your wardrobe from day to night ? We would love to hear about your tricks.

Thanks for reading today!

Hanna S.

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Hey y’all!

My name is Hanna, and I am Jen’s new intern. I was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and I am currently attending school at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas as a Fashion Merchandising major. I have always had a passion for fashion {with a slight shopping addiction} since I was little. I have found my style inspirations from fashion magazines, celebrities, and social media. Even though my style includes trying the new trends, I always tend to fall back on my preppy and timeless American look.

Facts about me: My favorite color is pink. My favorite movie when I’m sick or sad is Legally Blonde. I love to travel anywhere and everywhere, and I can never say no to coffee or brunch.

5 Best Mascaras of Spring 2016

I have been hunting for the best mascara over the last few months since I am basically obsessed with having beautiful lashes. Yes, I have tried the extensions and the glue on types, but nothing replaces a simple tube of lengthening, black magic to do the trick.

Let’s face it, extensions require a HUGE investment of time and money and the glue in’s are just messy unless the pros aid in the application. Interestingly enough, during my search for the best of the best–the same award winners seem to rise to the top. Here are my top 5 best mascaras of Spring 2016 from highest to lowest price points.

Inimitable Intense Macara by CHANEL

Inimitable Intense Mascara by CHANEL

Chanel’s Inimitable Intense Mascara is my absolute all time favorite. Although it is the highest price point, it is well worth the investment. The unique brush creates dramatic effects with the finest eye lash separation.

MIrenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Mirenesse Cosmetics Secret 24 Hour Weapon

Winner of 13 International Beauty Awards, this amazing mascara has been called the ‘Holy Grail!’ Known for its smooth finish and non clumping formula, it certainly holds up its reputation.

Benefit Roller Lash

Roller Lash by Benefit

Benefit’s Roller Lash Mascara scored highest for its perfect combination of lengthening, defining, volumizing and curling properties. Its thicker finish also has long term staying power.

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes

Hypnose Doll Lashes by Lancome

Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Lashes is the perfect solution to create that “wide-eye” look. The cone shaped brush effectively curls, sculpts, and thickens each lash without flaking.

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash Big Washable Mascara

Great Lash’s Big Washable Mascara is the most cost efficient of my picks but really packs a full eye punch. With this supple new applicator, it is even more robust than when I used this as my “go-to” as a teenager.

What are your favorite mascaras this season ? We’d love to hear from you.

Cheers to a stylish You!

jen young