Spring Break Essentials

If you're a lucky gal like me, you've got some trips coming up! For spring break I will be visiting my brother, his wife and my friend Kati in California. Sunshine and warmth- finalmente! I will also be going on my yearly Cabo trip with my parents in May. Sadly, this might be my last Mexico trip for a while since I'll be in the big, grown up working world!

Vacations to warm places often propose a dilemma for those of us who live up North. We get two months of sunshine a year if we're lucky, and even then, we're lucky if it gets above 75, so it shouldn't come to much of a surprise that we lack real summer clothes! Well, honeys, don't you worry, Brit has got you covered. 

Spring Break 2013 

I'm loving this Nike suit. I'm a big fan of mixing and matching bikini tops and bottoms, it just creates such a unique and interesting look that you'll never get bored of. This one is (kind of) reasonably priced here.

For you one-piecers out there, I might have to join you. This is just too cute, it's like the pictures I set as my computer background when I want to feel happy! This one is also reasonably priced-- it's totally worth it!! You can find it here.

Shorts are a staple, printed shorts are more of a staple. I love these black and white chevron shorts from Charlotte Russe. Sadly, I was not able to obtain the picture from the website, soooo you'll just have to visit the website here and resist the temptation to buy everything. 

This tank is GORGEOUS!! Find it here it comes in a few different colors and is perfect to be paired with shorts, jeans or a skirt. The neckline and cut offer the perfect canvas for a statement necklace or a scarf. The side slit offers a unique twist to an otherwise very basic piece.

These puppies are the DV by Dolce Vita Archer sandal. I'm in love. They're so thin and simple and come in TONS of different colors and textures. What's amazing about these sandals, is that they would look perfect with skinny jeans, colored jeans in a contrasting color, a maxi/midi/mini skirt, dress or shorts. If you'll be walking around town, they have enough of a heel that you won't kill your feet. I want them in the acid yellow with metal detail, too bad I don't have the money. HERE!

Another one I couldn't get the picture for. It's a cute evening dress that is right for any time of year. Classy polka dots in in a timeless silhouette and cute keyhole back, perfect for a nice dinner on the beach or on the town. 

A beautiful statement necklace for your mixing and matching pleasure. I need to buy this. I love the teal color and simple shape. I would suggest pairing this with 1. white tshirt and cut off shorts with some nude sandals, 2. sheer red tank, black mini skirt and some nude mesh booties, which I bought, and love, a ridiculous amount. 

I hope this helps your spring break packing blues! Even if you are not traveling anywhere, you need new summer clothes to improve your mental health... am I right? yes. always. 

Happy shopping! 

Monday Inspiration

As I draw nearer to my looming college graduation, I've gained a lot of motivation to find inspiration in everything. I'm trying to dress up for class more, I'm running again, yoga feels more rewarding, and the green tea just warms so much more than before. 

In light of this, I wanted to share a few tads that I hope will inspire you in this coming week. 

Simple silhouette and some bright yellow

Some fun neutrals

The mantra I'm choosing to live by this week, if only some other people would follow this. 

I'm keeping an eye out for the right pair of patterned skinnies.

love.

shorts, slouchy sweater and head scarf.

Zara.

I'm in love with these shorts. 

An almost perfect color combo, I would trade the purple shoes for orange or yellow. 

Perfect on every level. 

All photos from my pinterest board and the pinterest universe. 

I'm clearly dreaming of shorts weather!! Summer, come quick!!

Jewelry Storage

If you're into fashion like I am, you have probably accumulated more jewelry than you know what to do with, like I have. I have necklaces and bracelets that I completely forget even exist. It's ridiculous. 

I've been going through this constant dilemma of trying to figure out the best way to store jewelry. They're pieces that you want to show off, but hanging necklaces on a blank wall can look cluttered and not at all organized.  You would think that a jewelry box is a good idea, but those are just a wilderness for your stuff, you're just ASKING for a tangled mess every time you try to find the one necklace you want. 

While searching through the internet, I came across a few cool DIYs for tiered cupcake platters, and I finally exclaimed "This is it!!!"

Behold. 

A perfectly organized, eye-appealing, tangle preventing jewelry holder. It can go on your dresser, nightstand, in your bathroom. You can paint it any color you wish with any texture you wish. You can use whatever type of plates you can find. The possibilities are endless. 

I told you I was super glue happy. 

If you're not daring enough to make one of these yourself, allow me to help. With a small-ish fee, I will make one for you and ship it to you. I am considering setting up an Etsy store for these and some other crafty things, but for now I'll settle for email orders and praying to God that people will actually send me checks. 

If you're interested in buying one, please email me at bdarnell1990@gmail.com 

Please specify how many tiers you want (ex: picture above has 3 tiers. If you want 2 tiers, specify large/medium or small/medium or small/large--- for the size plates you want.) Also, specify what color you want, if any at all. 

<3 b

Crafty Chick

A few DIYs for your crafting pleasure. 

I stumbled upon some amazing fiery red feathers at my local TriState. It's sort of a hunting/fishing/outdoors/sporting goods/ hardware store. I love buying colorful feathers from fly fishing shops-- the employees rarely see women. With these feathers, I intended to decorate a patent black clutch that I have. However, in my indecisiveness, I realized I would rather paint one side of this clutch rather than feather it. So off to the store to find another cheap black clutch. 

I immediately headed to Rue 21 (Forever 21 for the Jersey Shore, basically) they normally have some decent bags on sale for super cheap. There, I found a basic black envelope clutch, with attached studded wrist cuff, so you'll never lose your bag in your drunkenness. Believe it or not, this bag was only $1... score! I picked up another one too, a bronze fold-over number that I plan on adding some pale orange glitter to.

The first thing I did was take off that awful cuff. The second thing consisted of getting in touch with my inner feathery friend. With the help of some super glue and a trip to the craft store, I came up with this. 

I added some tiny mirrors to highlight the envelope shape, and a simple jewelry chain as a strap. All I did with the chain was knot the ends to a length of my liking, slide it through an existing loop and under the flap. I plan to secure it with some super glue in the future. 

My second DIY is way easier than the first. Cell phone case + glass tiles = beautiful. All you need is super glue. 

It's not hard, or expensive to add a little bit of color and texture to your otherwise boringly black accessories .

Happy crafting! 

<3 b 

Now Trending: Classy Backs

Ladies: Never miss an opportunity to do up-dog when the sequence calls for crocodile, or child's pose when you could do downward dog, because all trendy tops these days seem to be 

backless

And you need to work those muscles to get them looking good for this summer's biggest trend. 

This trend may raise the question 'what do I do for a bra?' 

well, all of these lucky girls can get away sans bra (jealous) 

For those of us 'gifted' with D cups on a tiny frame, we can use: bandeau tops, bandeau bikini tops, backless/strapless stickies, athletic tape, duct tape. Sounds like fun right? 

Or we can invest in one of those bras with the fancy lace or crochet back for this very occasion. 

Happy hopping! 

<3 b

Now Trending: So Clutch

A woman's biggest secret is what she keeps in her bag. Sometimes though, it's really not so much a secret as an extra storage unit. I despise giant, overloaded bags. They look frumpy, they look nothing like they're supposed to. 

A girls REAL secret should be a light, versatile bag with money, phone, lipstick and hand sanitizer in it. These are really your only essential items. 

Secret's out. 

all pictures via pinterest

Monday Inspiration

A few pretty things on a cold Monday. 

All images via the pinterest universe.

This week I want to focus on pretty  things. Creams, soft pinks, lace, flowery patterns, soft tulle, girly pieces. All thrown together with a thick sweater or scarf to keep warm in this frigid weather. Try pairing these items with a green anorak and some faux fur, 

<3 b