Happy Halloween || LUSH Haul

Happy Halloween!!!

For the past few years I have always been too late to the game to get the holiday products from LUSH. By the time I remember that there are special holiday goodies I bop into the store only to be disappointed by the empty boxes where the bath bombs and bubble bars used to be stacked. 
This year I made sure I did not miss out on the goodies and as soon as I saw the announcement that the Fall products were released I headed to the mall to pick up a little collection. I knew for sure that I had to get Boo the bath melt because he was way too cute. I also had to get the Monster's Ball bath bomb because of it's bright colors and the Pumpkin bath bomb because it smelled so delicious. Wrapping up my mini haul was the Sparkly Pumpkin bubble bar because everyone deserves a bit of sparkle in the bath. I definitely regret not getting the Lord of Misrule bath bomb because all of the pictures I have seen of it look incredible!

Boo || Luxury Bath Melt

Pumpkin || Bath Bomb

Monster's Ball || Bath Bomb

Sparkly Pumpkin || Bubble Bar

I decided that Sunday night would be the perfect time to use one of my bath bombs in order to recover from the long weekend that was full of Halloween celebrations. I went for the Monster's Ball because the citrusy smell was bright and fresh and I knew the color would be amazing. I ran my bath and set up my laptop to watch an episode of Penny Dreadful on Netflix (perfect for a Halloween mood) and set in for a nice relaxing end to my weekend. 

What is your favorite Fall LUSH product?

threesome || black and white striped dress

Wahoo! I finally managed to organize and get photos for my first fashion post. I've had this idea of taking an item from my closet and styling it three different ways for awhile and it feels great to see it actually happen. I had so much fun doing this shoot. I have never had photos taken of me like this and I felt pretty awkward at first. I needed to warm up, but having my friends as the photographer and assistant certainly helped. Major shout out to Jason (Hattery Images) for taking the photos and to Madi for assisting.

The centerpiece for this shoot was my black and white striped dress that I purchased 

from Old Navy 2 or 3 years ago [similar here, here and here]. 

The first style is ultra casual, zero fuss. This is something I can quickly throw on and still look like I put effort into my outfit on the weekends when I'm shopping around or meeting friends for lunch. 

Shoes || Perforated Vans slip-ons
Bag || Canvas tote [No Fotos Por Favor]
Bracelet || gift from a friend [etsy]

All business! It is so easy to throw on a blazer and heels to make this dress work for work. I've worn this exact outfit while going on interviews and it helps my confidence go through the roof. 

Shoes || Calvin Klein black Kasey mid pump
Blazer || Old Navy [similar]
Bracelet || Gold bangle from Nordstrom Rack [similar]
Necklace || Gold from Nordstrom Rack [similar]

Party time. For the final look I dug down and found my inner rockstar for a night out on the town. If I decide to wear a dress out to the bars this is a pretty typical way for me to style it.

Shoes || Izaac Mizrahi New York Shandy Chelsea Boot [similar]
Jacket || Faux leather moto jacket from Macy's [similar]
Necklace || Gold Natasha statement from Nordstrom Rack [similar]
Clutch || Hobo brand cut out handle clutch [similar]

What is your favorite way to wear a striped dress?

Best Products for Sun Protection

I have always been a sun worshipper. I love having a tan and I love laying out on a hot day next to a body of water. However, now that I am getting older I am beginning to realize that all that sun is just going to cause more skin damage than I would like to deal with. I figure that it is time for me to start taking sun protection seriously. With that being said, I do not like all of the crazy chemicals that can be found in most sunscreens so I gravitate towards items that seem healthier (ie. more expensive). This Summer I stumbled upon some new faves that I never left home without. 

Sun Bum

I first tried Sun Bum when I had to buy sunscreen in Hawaii a few years ago. The product is gluten free and vegan, but best of all it smells amazing, just like coconut. I am obsessed with the smell which is helpful in reminding me to reapply throughout the day. It is paraben free, oil/PABA free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, retinyl palmitate free, propylene glycol free, and cruelty free. I typically don't like to use the spray sunscreen because it can be bad to inhale, but I purchased this one so that I can spray it on my back when I am home alone working in my yard (that seems to be the time I burn my back the most).  I purchased all of these products from Target and have seen them at Ulta as well. 

Bare Republic

Next up is my favorite for my face. This is what I would put on under my moisturizer when I knew I would be in direct sun all day. This product was perfect for my face. It is a cream texture, but it felt like putting on a dry oil. It was thin and absorbed quickly. It has a nice smell and does not clog pores. I actually ended up liking this better than my daily moisturizer with SPF. This product is free of chemical actives, paraben free, retinyl palmitate free, has no synthetic fragrances and is cruelty free. A major plus is that it has 40 minutes of water resistance for those days you are floating in the pool. I purchased this product at Target.

Coola

I stumbled upon this product while browsing through Ulta one day. I was familiar with the brand because I had received a sample of their SPF moisturizer in one of my Birchboxes. What I liked about this product was that it was a makeup setting spray that you could put on after you did your makeup and you could add throughout the day. I used this while at an all day concert in 99 degree heat and direct sunlight and I did not burn one bit, not even a pink nose. The product is 70% certified organic and cruelty free. It has green tea, cucumber and aloe extracts that cool and sooth your skin. I have fairly sensitive skin and this product did not irritate it or cause any breakouts. 

Peter Thomas Roth

There is something magical about a powder that can also provide SPF. This all in one product is the perfect for on the go protection. Just pop the lid off and give it a little shake to release some powder and brush all over your face. I loved using this product when I wanted to make sure I didn't look oily or sweaty. It is compact enough to throw in your purse or clutch and therefore works great when attending an outdoor event. I found this product at Ulta but have also seen it at Sephora. 

All of these products can help keep your skin safe, but it is important to remember some other staples of sun protection. Don't forget to wear your sun hat, sunglasses and stay hydrated!