The Prettiest Summer Dress

Late afternoon summer parties. Beautiful outdoor setting with great friends, delicious Texas style bar-b-Que and wonderful bluegrass music. Does it get any better? I think not. This is the most perfect summer chic dress! It is by Catherine Malandrino and I bought it online at Stein Mart a few months ago. So sad they are closing ALL stores and their online shopping site as well.

It is made of a lovely fabric and it is lined. My favorite details are the elegant off shoulder style and the lovely embroidery throughout. So flirty and feminine.

It is truly easy to wear with a gathered elastic waist (perfect for that second helping of peach cobbler!)

I also like that it is not too long. Tripping over a too long maxi is no fun. Trust me.

A pair of white flat sandals and fabulous earrings from my BFF Mila and a few David Yurman bracelets finish off the look. Oh, and my favorite sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Because it was outdoors I chose my favorite powder foundation by Laura Geller. But first let us begin with my daytime beauty potions and lotions.

Everyone should have a potent Vitamin C serum in their arsenal. This one by Dr. Perricone is one of my favorites. And it smell wonderful with a lovely citrus scent.

I start any foundation with a good make-up primer. I love this one because it has a hint of pearl and it feels very cooling on the skin. Plus, it works! It most definitely helps keep your make up from fading or budging. Laura Geller.

I have used this Estee Lauder eye concentrate for years. Fast absorbing and not greasy at all!

This is a terrific daytime moisturizer. It absorbs quickly but your skin (mine is dry-ish) feels moisturized. Hooray! Korres

Don’t forget the sunscreen! This one is very lightweight and no oily feeling at all. Coola.

This is a very reliable and lightweight under eye concealer and all around champ. It offers light to medium coverage and it works beautifully with her powder foundation. I love this baked balance and glow foundation. It is well pigmented and gives your skin a lit from within glow that is beautiful without looking like a disco ball. I mean, who wants to glow THAT much? Laura Geller.

I also used the palette shown above. It has everything I need and it is great for traveling. Although discontinued try looking for similar palettes that work while traveling. Also, when put together in this fashion you can keep the guesswork out of having to decide if colors are complimentary. Laura Geller.

My favorite summer time lipstick in Crystal Baby from Estee Lauder.

The BEST summer bronzer. Period! Bronze and Brighten by Laura Geller.

I cannot believe summer is nearly over! I love the warm temps and all the outdoors get togethers that we have been lucky enough to enjoy.

Wishing you a wonderful Labor Day!

Live Beautiful,

Orange Crush

This darling J. Crew eyelet dress is the perfect summer dress for cocktails with friends. I love a classic shift dress and the bell sleeves are so feminine and on trend. It comes in a few other colors including basic black that is anything BUT basic. I might have to get that one!

I selected a pair of Betsey Johnson slide sandals with small Lucite heels from Nordstrom and the cutest purse from a long ago trip to San Francisco’s Chinatown. I just love it. It is embroidered with colorful flowers and it opens just like a take-out box.

Betsey Johnson sandals at Nordstrom and my China Town bag. Too much cuteness? Nah.

I am still loving the bell sleeve trend and getting plenty of use from my favorite Tom Ford sunglasses at Bloomingdale’s. Oh, and one of my favorite summer lipsticks… Crystal Baby by Estee Lauder.

Stay beautiful,

Derby Style...Off to the Races!

It is the first Saturday in May.  You know what that means?  The Kentucky Derby!  And this year we have a double whammy with Cinco de Mayo on the same day.  Talk about having to pace yourself!  Mint Juleps in the morning, Margaritas in the afternoon and Excedrin at midnight.

But seriously...the FASHIONS!  I mean, ok, the race is absolutely exhilarating. But let's be honest I love the hats and fascinators!!  I have a collection and they are so fun.

Now, although these looks are pure Cinco de Derby approved, these looks could be just as perfect for the  busy bridal season ahead.  The dresses themselves translate beautifuly to a Mother's Day Brunch, First Communion, and graduations just to name a few!

I love pink and I love this hat.  It's a WIN-WIN for me! If you are outdoors and in a warm climate enjoying outdoor festivities you will love it.  It is by Kate Landry and I found it at Dillard's.  The dress is a lovely abstract floral and it is by Katherine Kelly at Dillard's.

I am totally obsessed with this lip color! It is from Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Paint-On liquid lip collection.  The name is Liquid Desire #406.  It feels amazing on, has a "vinyl" finish, but it is not too shiny and the color stays put for hours.  I also have it in Chrome Copper and it too delivers great color pay-off.

You need to try these, you will love them!

Another great hat option is the fascinator a form of hat that may be traced back to the Renaissance era of the 16th century.  

If you don't want or like a big hat then the fascinator is your perfect choice.  This cutie is by Kate Landry at Dillard's.  It will make you feel like a guest off to the upcoming Royal Nuptials! This great looking dress is by Gabby Skye at Nordstrom.  A terrific fit and flare with another take on the floral print.  The woven fabric is very unique and so pretty!

I hope you have enjoyed my Cinco de Derby inspired fashions!  Thanks so much for sharing my passion for fashion.  Whatever you find yourself doing this weekend, hope you have lots of fun and remember,

Stay beautiful!

A Christmas Ball Gown

This formal gown is Beautiful!  I could have REALLY danced ALL NIGHT!  Where is the von Trapp Family when you need them!??  Nevertheless, I still had a wonderful time when I wore this to a black tie holiday party recently. 

The ball gown is by Adrianna Papell and I bought it at Dillard's.  Blue is my favorite color and the top has gorgeous blue and off white embroidered lace.  A bow at the waist makes it so feminine but the BEST PART is that the skirt has POCKETS!!!  #HAPPY DANCE!  My Estee Lauder lipstick in Vengeful Red (wearing here) spent the entire night in my pocket for quick touch-ups.  I also liked that the skirt is designed shorter at the front and longer in the back. It even has an old fashioned crinoline!   And when you walk it just flows with such elegance...pass the champagne, please.

These shoes are perfect for this dress.  A silver sparkle with a slight blue hue.  They have been in my closet for years.  They were designed by Adrienne Maloof of Housewives of Beverly Hills fame.  I have not see her line in ages, so...unfortunately not available.  But, you get the picture.

I wish you a blessed Holiday Season! Be Happy. Be Blessed. Be Glamourous.

Ball Gown:  Adrianna Papell / Lipstick: Estee Lauder Vengeful Red

Photography by Judy Black @ Judy's Photo