I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
This shirt (because #bluesandstripesforever), my favorite pair of denim cutoffs, my Birks, a pair of aviators and my summer bag…is truly my everyday summer uniform. And they call it a uniform for good reason because I literally live in variations of this outfit (outside business hours of course).
First things first: I’m honestly always in the market for a blue (or any color) stripe shirt since I know I’ll wear them nonstop. I was quick to snatch up this one by Saint James, my color is sold out, but this variation is so good too. If you’re not familiar with Saint James, they’re a French company that is king of classic stripes, and oh do they know how to make a great stripe shirt (exhibit A found above and exhibit B found here). I easily own over a dozen Saint James shirts because they are such high quality; ones that will truly transcend seasons and never go out of style (p.s. they run pretty true to size, I’m wearing a medium).
My summer style also means I don’t want to think much about the rest of the outfit. So usually I throw on my favorite pair of denim cutoffs. I’ve had my denim cutoffs since last year (the team has stumbled upon a similar cheaper option and Kat just bought a made-to-order vintage Levi’s pair which she’s excited about). This probably goes without saying, but these shorts are my go-to when I can’t stand having lots of fabric on my legs in this Georgia summer heat. And because they are on the shorter side I always order them a size larger, wear appropriate under garments for those “just in case” moments, and almost always balance them out with a looser shirt.
Lastly, I really can’t tell you enough how much I live in my Birkenstock sandals. They’re my flashback-from-high-school shoes (especially in the natural suede), but I couldn’t be happier about it since they are literally the most comfortable shoes around (get the soft footbed). Find the rest of the outfit details below to get the look, and tell me friends, what’s your everyday summer outfit? Truly, MKR
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I always feel good in black. It’s just one of those colors that I know I can wear and feel 100% in. And while I’ve always known the importance of an LBD, the truth of the matter is that a lot of LBDs can’t be considered everyday staples (wah wah).
But alas, enter this easy little black everyday dress I just scored from Hampden Clothing‘s pop-up shop here in the A last week. The second I saw the classic shirt-dress with its crisp pleats, I knew it had to be mine. It’s just SO me. I’m a firm believer that when you find something that fits your forever style, it’s worth the investment. It’s those pieces that you’ll end up wearing a countless different ways over years to come. I already know I’ll be dressing this look up with heels, and down with my favorite the-leather-is-like-butter flats).
Recently I’ve been asked several times about my beauty routine, (last week I even shared a peek on Snapchat during my weekly Snapchat (username Waiting On Martha Q&A). And like any (realistic) routine, my “beauty” routine will always involve a series of trials and errors, and constantly be evolving and changing. But there are a few things that will never change; I prefer to stick to all natural beauty products whenever possible and I love using the Think Dirty App when in doubt about products’ toxicity and ingredients. I have super-sensitive, acne prone, combination skin so when I do find something that works you’ll be hard pressed to get me to switch. A few examples of my tried and true favorites; BareMinerals foundation, bronzer, and mineral veil. One Love Organics Easy Does It foaming cleanser and of course my Tropical Pink YSL Lipstick.
Today though, I’m sharing a few other noteworthy front-runners of the moment, all products that I feel great about wearing regularly, and all worthy of the space on my bathroom countertop. Read all about them below, but after you do, I’d love to hear about your own beauty must-haves! Truly, MKR
No. 1…The Super Elixir. I take a helping of this superfood supplement every day with 5 oz. of water. Yes, it’s a little grainy that way, but it saves me time in the morning when I’m on the go. It can also be added to a smoothie. In my opinion, the Elixir tastes like mint and “green” but it’s all the good superfood ingredients that I need in my day. I’ve read in the reviews that it’s helped many people with stomach issues, and I’d have to agree. And as Elle McPherson says, “It is an investment but it’s cheaper than a good face cream.”
No. 2…Mario Bedescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex. I think of this miracle cream as my spot cream for breakouts and scarring as it seems to turns over skin quickly. While it’s too strong to use every night, I use when needed, sleeping with it on. And more times than not, I’ll go to bed with a glaring breakout, only to wake with little to no trace of it left.
No. 4…Smith & Cult Nail Color. These gorgeous hues in the chicest of bottles are free of formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl (no thank you!) and I wear them all year round. (But hey S&C, I just want to say that you’ve discontinued my absolute favorite color, Feathers & Flesh, so if you could bring that back I’d be so happy!) And for the record, I love the lipgloss too; it’s one of the best all natural beauty products I’ve foundand lasts for months.
No. 5…NARS ‘Monoi’ Body Glow II. I like to use this rich, silky body oil in the bathtub and on freshly shaved legs. With a few simple drops I always have the silkiest, smoothest skin. And double BONUS, I recently read an article that said it acts at one of the best natural bug repellents around.
No. 6…Artis Oval 8 Brush. To say that I’m obsessed with this makeup brush is major, major understatement. I’m sure you’ve seen Artis brushes all over by now, and they really do work as well as they say. I use the brush to put on my bb cream, brushing away every line and crease. This size is best for all-over face and neck, and it blends sooo well. If you’re interested, there’s a full-set available as well.
No. 7…Brand New Day Microderma Scrub + Masque. An easy favorite by One Love Organics (I know, I’m a cult follower) that I use several times a week to slough off dead skin and keep my face and neck feeling new and fresh. This multi-use exfoliant can be used as a scrub or easy masque (simply add water or greek yogurt!).
No. 8…Olaplex No. 3 3.3-Oz. Hair Perfector. My hair was never really damaged in the past, but since I begun using a wand and straightener whenever I rock my waves, it’s starting to show signs of distress. But this once-a-week conditioning treatment that I can sleep in has restored shine and body back into my locks.
No. 9…Herbivore Lapis Oil Balancing Facial Oil. Most facial oils break me out, but this one doesn’t. I can use this instead of a moisturizer, and I feel good using it because it has absolutely no artificial ingredients, fillers, alcohol, animal ingredients, fragrances, artificial colors, or unnatural preservatives.
No. 10…WeledaSkin Food & Weleda Sea Buckthorne Cream. These two (incredibly affordable) hand creams are my absolute favorites. Talk about one of the best natural beauty products out their, Weleda score sa 0 out of 10 on the toxicity scale via ThinkDirty app, and they both smell amazing. You can find this thick, decadent hand cream in my nightstand, kitchen drawer, purse…everywhere. And since it’s very rich, you don’t need to use a lot, plus it smells divine.
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