When it comes to shopping for the boys in our lives, I always have a difficult time narrowing down the items they may like. From my husband to my dad and to my brother, each person is very different when it comes to style, aesthetic and personality. I curated this gift guide in hopes of helping you ladies out with some fun options at different price points. From outdoorsy tools to a splurge worthy belt for the man you love, there are several options below!
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If you’re looking for a sweater: this henley is great gift for a friend/sibling that's budget friendly as well!
Romel loves my slippers and sometimes jokes about stealing them since it's been really cold lately - you can never go wrong with a cozy slipper.
There is something so chic and nice about a designer belt. It pulls an entire outfit together.
I always like thoughtful gifts. It's not so much about the price point but items that one will appreciate and enjoy - snag a BEANIE that's great in quality!
I can’t live without my Nike's and these are so chic yet perfect for the gym and the outdoors.
This wilderness multi toolis the perfect catch-all that can come in handy for a fishing or camping trip.
I am so excited to start sharing my gift guides with you guys! I have hand selected all of these items for you all based on items I personally own, will be gifting and/or lusting over. I wanted to start off the first one with gift ideas under $50. We all have co-workers, holiday parties and that girlfriend we can’t decide what to buy for. It’s definitely my most-shopped category and I wanted to include ideas for everyone: for the homebody to the beauty addict to the jet setter and/or significant other in your life.
Thank you so much for all of your support over the years and couldn’t be any more grateful for you all.
Happy Holidays MY LOVES!
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If you’re looking for the perfect set of eye brushes - great gifts for a friend/sibling who loves makeup.
For the friend who loves to entertain - you can never go wrong with a cheese board.
The ultimate HOSTESS gift - I use a decorative tray as a catch-all on our counter.
one of the most important parts of your look that pulls it all together. The possibilities are endless and so many different options to consider. From glamorous up-do’s with tiaras as headpieces to classic chignons with hair clips, there are tons to choose from. I know how overwhelming it can be so I have chosen some of my favorite hair accessories from David's Bridal that I think would compliment any dress and veil for the big day. I have also broken down my top 3 tips for finding the perfect hair accessory for your wedding style.
Tip #1: Choose your hairstyle
Choosing your hairstyle is key. It determines the type of hair accessory you choose for the day. If you opt in for a voluminous up-do, you want to make sure the hair accessories you choose are heavier with a comb to be more secure. If you choose to leave it down with loose waves, you can opt in for a more boho-chic accessory that’s flirty and feminine.
Choosing a hairstyle for the wedding has almost been as challenging as choosing my bridal dress BUT - I think I’m sorted now and can’t wait! These two hairstyles I am sharing with you today were two top contenders and I wanted to share how I would style different accessories. I opted in for loose waves and a glam long ponytail for a fun reception look. If you plan to have multiple hairstyles, you want to make sure both are easy to transition into one another. For example, loose beachy waves can be tucked in for a fun ponytail but it would be more difficult to create a clean chignon after loose waves.
LOOSE WAVES:
Something about loose waves is effortless and always looks stunning on any bride. It’s also an easy hairstyle to transition into a second look with. I love this 3D flower crown from David's Bridal we chose for this finished look. The clusters of pearls and flowers add a fun and flirty element to your whole look. You can wear this as a headband or remove the ribbon to wear as a hair vine.
GLAM LONG PONYTAIL:
I love a full glam look and wanted to try pulling my hair back into a voluminous ponytail. It’s elegant with a few strands in the front that frame your face. I accessories this look with flower spray hair pins from David's Bridal but have linked several favorites that will match perfectly your luxurious locks.
Tip #2: When considering your hairstyle, always keep in mind the theme of your wedding.
Is it a beach wedding, is your dress a ballgown - what is your overall style? If your dress is more clean and elegant, adding a glamour accessory and hair do might balance the whole look whereas tons of details in your dress can compliment a dainty headband.
Tip #3: Coordinate your hairstyles for your different looks
Many brides, including myself, can’t decide on ONE look for the BIG DAY. So many girls are getting creative and changing up their looks and hair accessories for different festivities. There are NO rules. I have picked some hair accessories from David’s Bridal that are compatible for any hairstyles!
You can coordinate any hairstyle with a veil. The length and style of it is up to your preference. I have linked a few of my favorites for you guys. I absolutely love a a delicate one but you're going to have to wait and see what my final look will entail!
Thank you to David's Bridal for sponsoring this post! I can't wait to share with you guys this weekend my final look!
I can’t believe I’m inching closer to the BIG DAY and waiting anxiously to share my dress with you all! When I said “YES TO THE DRESS”, I was in tears from excitement and couldn’t be more confident with my decision. Whether you have always known the exact details of what your future dress entails or never thought about it until you got engaged, finding your dream gown can be stressful. It’s probably one of the most expensive pieces you will own and a dress you have never tried on before.
Your dress sets the entire tone and mood for the wedding. For example, a beach destination theme is very different than a ballroom celebration. You want to make sure you find a dress that reflects your personality and style that you will not only love today but when you look back 30 years from now. I’m sharing my experience with you all and my top five tips that I found helpful when shopping for your dream wedding dress.
Since I am located in Los Angeles, I started browsing dresses at local bridal salons to narrow down what styles I liked but I wasn’t finding a dress that I loved. Having a design background made it more challenging when it came to aesthetic because I found myself wanting to alter various design details. I tried on dresses out of my comfort zone and dresses that I thought were the one but didn’t work out. As I received the great news and became one of The Knot magazine’s ambassadors for 2019, I decided to use my next upcoming trip to New York as an opportunity to visit the infamous Kleinfeld store. Kleinfeldis known for its outstanding service, amazing selection of gowns and the infamous “Say Yes to the Dress” TV show, which I love!
When I first walked through their doors, it was magical. I wanted to go to Kleinfeldwith my mom, my maid of honor, and my fiancé’s mom. I knew it was going to be a once in a lifetime experience so I wanted to take the people closest with me to share the memory together. I had already selected a few pieces in mind and fell in love with Tony Ward’s collection the most. We tried on multiple silhouettes and I trusted my consultation to bring out the best choices based on my preferences as we looked around. With over 30,000 sq. ft of magical wedding bliss, having a consultant with great experience is key to help you narrow down options; whether you’re looking for elegant and tulle or lace and bling.
The last dress I tried on was “THE ONE”. Without revealing too much before the big day, my mom and I flew back a month later to meet Tony Ward himself to chat about the dress. I left feeling confident in my decision and anxious to see it months later at my first fitting. Five days of expedited fittings, two weeks of hand sewn materials - it has all come together. I can’t wait to share with you guys!
I have broken down my top five tips below but wanted to share my main one before hand. Have the best time ever - this is a once in a lifetime experience and you want to look back and remember how much fun you had!
1. DO RESEARCH
When I started browsing, I found myself saving dresses that all had a cohesive theme so I made sure to take those ideas to my first appointment. That helps the staff pull out dresses based on your favorites. Start saving photos on your phone, browse through wedding magazines and photographers, and that will lead you to compiling a visual of what kind of dresses you like.
2. BE OPEN MINDED
When my friends and family first told me, I wasn’t quite sure how but being open minded is key - BUT, it’s so important! It’s very common to go in with a set idea of what you like and walk out with something completely different. The bridal consultants will bring options that may be out of your comfort zone but have fun with it and try them out because it may become your dream dress. Tip: Stay true to what you love.
3. SHOP EARLY BUT NOT TOO EARLY
Many wedding gowns take six to eight months to be produced, not including the time needed for alterations. You want to make sure you have enough time to see that current seasons gown as well as ask when their next collection is launching. Tip: When you find a designer you like, do research on when their next trunk show is for you to see the entire line at once.
4. BUDGET
It’s important to talk numbers - even though it’s an uncomfortable situation. If someone else from your family or the groom is purchasing the dress, you want to know what their budget is to stay within it or know how much more you have to pay for. It’s great to know because it helps the bridal consultants bring dresses that are affordable within your budget avoiding heartache.
5. CALL AHEAD & MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Most bridal salons don’t display all of their dresses. When I would show my consultant at Kleinfeld what I liked, she would have to browse through on her own because they have so many options.
Make an appointment and have photos ready to make sure you use your time efficiently when shopping. Call ahead to also check if the store has your designer or style in mind to make sure before making a visit.
AH! - such an exciting time! Please share with me any tips you found helpful and can’t wait to share more on this journey with you all!
Investing in good skincare products, as well as time into my skin, has become a top priority for me over the years. It’s important to educate yourself on exactly which products your skin needs in a market that has so many different options available. Growing up, I always struggled with natural redness and texture on my cheeks due to keratosis pilaris. I’ve always had to be very careful and mindful of the ingredients in all of the products I used.
A couple of weeks ago- I was able to attend a luncheon with SkinCeuticals to celebrate the launch of their new Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight acid cream, as well as create my own Custom D.O.S.E at Cassileth Plastic Surgery. I was introduced to SkinCeuticals a few years ago and it quickly became a staple in my beauty closet. I began to incorporate a handful of their products into my skincare routine, so I was screaming for joy at the opportunity to attend this luncheon and learn more.
With my wedding coming up, a glowy and hydrated complexion was key. I also wanted to target my uneven texture with a light chemical exfoliant. What I love about SkinCeuticals products is that their main goal is to target real results, and they now offer a personalized serum called Custom D.O.S.E. What I have learned over the years is that one product that may work for someone will not work for someone else. The Custom D.O.S.E by SkinCeuticals helps you assess your skin and personalize a formula that is meant to target your personal skin concerns.
At the luncheon, we learned more about their new launch, the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight acid cream. It’s gentle enough to wear overnight and it targets discoloration and texture. As someone with very sensitive skin, I incorporate this product into my routine every other day overnight. It’s helped control my keratosis pilaris on my upper arms as well! My skin feels more radiant and brighter every time I use this product.
Moving on to the exciting part - the Custom D.O.S.E serum! I was so excited to create my own! I had the pleasure of visiting the Cassileth Plastic Surgery offices in Beverly Hills and watch how they use technology and science to personalize a serum within 10 minutes. We first assessed my issues, what I wanted to target, and what my skin needed for results. I have been using this product for over three weeks now and my skin is noticeably brighter and has overall improved the texture of my skin. I wanted to wait on writing this post because I’m a firm believer that it takes about a month for your skin to adjust to new products and to see results and now I am thrilled to continue to use it!
Educating yourself more about the ingredients in the products you use is key. For your nearest location on where to custom make your own D.O.S.E and learn more, visit their website.
Skincare is such an ever-evolving topic and I am always learning more every day. Thank you so much to the amazing SkinCeuticals team for this experience and for partnering with me on this journey!
When I think about all of the weddings I have seen through my own eyes or what has inspired me in magazines or stories, one thing comes to mind: true love. There is nothing more romantic about two souls coming together as one and promising to be there for one another for the rest of their lives. I am a true romantic at heart and always look for romance in all parts of any wedding.
As I continue to plan my own with less than two months to go, I wanted to incorporate romance into all of my wedding decisions. I can’t help but get lost in the details of a venue, invitations, flowers and the overall look of the bride and groom.
With a big celebration on the way, I wanted to share a few tips about how I have been styling my looks and hope it inspires you. As a bride, you have so many events to shop for and sometimes it can be overwhelming and not know where to start. I have handpicked a few of my favorites, from classic to fashionable pieces, and have a handful of tips below to help you prepare for the BIG day and the entire JOURNEY.
DRESSES:
When it comes to dresses, I am a firm believer that it should be personalized to your personality and characteristics. There are a few details in clothing, especially for brides, that scream romance and love. Ruffles, lace, and details, such as bows, are all feminine touches that reflect a very flirty yet romantic feel. Depending on the type of wedding you are having, you can break the celebrations down and wear a different type of outfit every time. For example, when it came to my bridal party announcement, I wanted more of a statement and opted to wear a jumpsuit for a fashionable moment. For my engagement party, I I wanted a dress that was flirty yet romantic, which is why I chose to style this David’s Bridal dress. The options are endless and my best advice is to focus on pieces that define you, your relationship and your style. I had handpicked a few of my favorite pieces below that can be styled from your engagement party to rehearsal dinner and more.
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HAIR & MAKEUP:
Think about your outfit as a full look. It always starts with the dress but is completed with the details, such as your accessories, hair, and makeup. When I find the perfect outfit, I always start to envision how I am going to style my hair and makeup in a way that makes a statement. It sets the entire mood and story of the event! If you’re anything like me, I always opt for classic Hollywood-glam curls, but lately I have loved experimenting with different looks much more. A simple, low updo is always classic and to add some details, you can always add hair accessories. Some accessories that I love are hair clips, bows and pearls for an added touch of romance.
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SHOES:
Last but not least, the shoes! Shoes can’t be forgotten because they are equally as important as the outfit, hair, and makeup. Whether your dress is short or long, you want to feel confident walking in a pair of shoes that make you feel your absolute best. I always strive for balance when it comes to creating outfits. If my entire dress is lace with intricate details, I keep the shoes simple with a strappy heel. If the outfit is more classic and needs a bit more romance, have fun with the shoes and opt in for a style you wouldn’t generally try, like all over crystals or a touch of color.
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David’s Bridal Shoes
I hope this inspires you to create your own looks leading up to the BIG DAY!
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This post was sponsored by David's Bridal but all of my opinions and thoughts are mine Xx, Lillian
It’s officially Spring and with flowers blooming everywhere and the seasons shifting comes a fresh new wardrobe and beauty essentials. If you’ve been following me recently on Instagram, you might recognize that I am obsessed with a “dewy and luminous” look! It’s all about the products you use and the way you apply them. I love being able to create a colorful yet easy look within 10 minutes. With the right skin prep, add some illuminating drops and a lip tint..and YOU ARE SET TO GO!
Mary Kay just launched three pigment-packed drops that are not only universally flattering but can be used in various ways.
First thing’s first, make sure you prep your skin with moisturizer before adding any product. I let the moisturizer soak in for about 5 minutes before I continue with the rest of my routine because It’s important to start out with a hydrated base.
HOW TO USE ILLUMINATING DROPS
1. After you add your moisturizer, you can wear the drops on bare skin. If you are skipping your foundation, you want to highlight the peak points of your face where natural light would enhance your features. I place a drop or two directly onto my fingertips and dab along my cheekbones, above my brow bones and the above the cupid’s bow.
2. The formula of the Mary Kay Limited-Edition Illuminating Drops is lightweight but buildable so you can also mix it with your current foundation. Mixing it will break down your foundation to be more sheer and also finish it off with an overall glow. This will sheer out the drops for a more subtle luminous finish.
3. If you’re looking for a full glam look, place the drops over your foundation for an added glow. The dropper cap allows you to control how much product is dispersed and you can continue to build up until the desired illumination is achieved.
The Silver Sands shade has a moonlit shimmer while the Horizon reflects a natural warmth. The Bronze Light is more for a sun-kissed glow but all can be used as a subtle highlight as well as an added pop of gleam.
If you want to create an overall glow, you apply the drops to your collarbone and the shoulders for an all over highlighted finish.
To finish off the look, I added a lip tint. Mary Kay also released the new Lip Tintin three color ways that are lightweight but very pigmented.
What I truly love about these lip tints is the pen-like application that makes lining and filling the lips very easy with the precision tip.
BEST TIPS FOR HOW TO APPLY LIP TINTS
1. Make sure you start off with clean lips. Since I struggle with overly chapped lips daily, I always use a scrub and a lip cream to moisturize.
2. Use the tapered applicator in the center of your upper lip and work your way outwards. This will allow you to create the shape of your cupid’s bow first then line the rest.
3. Wear the lip tint alone for a pop of subtle color.
4. Use it as a base to boost the color of a lipstick or gloss as an added pop of color to finish the look.
Finish everything off with a face mist and you’re good to go! Are you guys going to try this makeup look? Let me know in the comments below!
