Perfect Polish: Watermelon by Essie

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I just bought my fourth bottle of Watermelon by Essie. Never in my life have I finished a bottle of nail polish – now four! Watermelon is the polish I always come back to, year after year. Best for warmer weather, Watermelon is cheerful, youthful and flattering on the skin. It can appear many different colors – bright pink, red and almost neon, depending on the light.

Watermelon applies opaque in one coat. I always use two coats for both manicure and pedicure. I find Essie nail polishes super easy to apply. The thin brush promotes control and ease.

If you are looking for a great spring/summer shade that is refreshing and juicy, try Watermelon by Essie.

Currently Coveting: Sass & Bide

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Currently coveting…obsessing…longing for Sass & Bide High & Higher Shift Dress.

Australian brand, Sass & Bide give the classic black cocktail dress a bold and modern update. The flattering shift silhouette is punctuated by fluorescent-orange and silver panels and sparkling sequins. Finished off with metallic party shoes…

NYE option???

Have a wonderful weekend!

~ Ashling

Bewitching Baubles: Bib Necklace

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Make a statement this season with a bright bib. A bib necklace combines layers of intricate beads and jewels strung across the collar bone, high on the neck. Bibs can incorporate many materials and textures to create a bold, multi-layered, eye-catching piece.

These colorful, chunky necklaces easily enhance any outfit while still remaining elegant. Pair with simple tees or tanks to effortlessly renew a tired outfit. Or wear with your favorite, “worn a million times” dress for a new and fresh look.

Available in all shapes, colors and sizes, a bib necklace is a great piece to have on-hand when an outfit feels a bit dull. Here are a few of my favorite bewitching baubles:

BaubleBar ~ Summer Princesse: $38.00

Adia Kibur ~ Short Neon Stone Necklace: $54.00

Zara ~ Strand Necklace in Shiny Golden Colors: $25.90

J.Crew ~ Cabochon Fan Necklace: $150.00

Ann Taylor ~ Sunburst Necklace: $59.99

Kate Spade ~ Painted Jewels Necklace: $198.00

Sailor Style: Boat Shoes

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Set sail this summer with a new pair of boat shoes. A modern-day take on an American classic have been given a fresh dose of color and style. Whether you like pastel, neon, or neutral shades, there’s bound to be a boat shoe out there for you.

Discover your inner prepster by pairing these shoes with colored denim and crisp button-down or polo. Or play it casual with a simple pair of cut-offs and tee. These comfortable slip-ons must be worn sans socks, making them perfect for summer style.

The boat shoe is a timeless classic made for fun-in-the-sun. Here are a few fresh styles:

Sperry Top-Siders ~ Women’s Cloud Logo Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe: $75.00

Steve Madden ~ Yachtt: $49.95

Croft & Barrow ~ Boat Shoes: $35.99

Splendid ~ Mandarin: $79.00

Bed Stu ~ Auntie Bettie Tan Greenland Shoes: $75.00

Roxy ~ Ahoy Shoes: $39.00

Tangy Trend: Orange Nails

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This summer change up your lacquer collection with unexpected vibrant hues. Accessorize your fingers and toes with zesty shades of orange. This attention-getting hue comes in many energetic forms; bright coral, firey red, neon, tangerine – a hint of orange is a hot shade for summer.

Summer is synonymous with vibrant color and tanned skin. Express your personal style with loud, fun nail shades. Orange will work on every skin tone and looks incredible on bronzed, sun-kissed skin. These four zesty hues will set tanned skin on fire.

Illamasqua ~ Whack: $21.43

RGB ~ Coral: $16.00

Chanel ~ Holiday: $26.00

Dior ~ Psychedelic Orange: $23.00

5 under $50: Electric Belts

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Add some color to an outfit with a brightly-hued belt. From pastel to neon, a solid-colored belt will add dimension to an outfit as well as a pop of color. A simple belt accentuates not only the ensemble but the figure. Cinched at the waist, these belts provide figure-friendly curves. Pick your favorite color pattern, then pick up one (or a couple) of these electric belts, all under $50.00.

J.Crew ~ Patent Leather Skinny Belt: $36.50

Asos ~ FLURO Skinny Belt: $10.74

Mango ~ TOUCH Two Buckle Belt: $34.99

Banana Republic ~ Skinny Lizard Belt: $34.50

Old Navy ~ Skinny Faux-Patent Belt: $15.00

To The Max: Pleated Maxi Skirts

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Add a bit of spring to your wardrobe… and step with a brightly-colored pleated maxi skirt. These pieces are popping up everywhere and are available in the most beautiful colors.

Wear these vibrant spring colors now by coordinating with bulky sweaters and cardigans. When the weather permits – transition effortlessly into spring with a simple tee or tank, sandal or espadrille. Wear a statement piece – necklace/earrings/bag/shoe – that plays with color scheme. Example – turquoise and red, royal blue and yellow, purple and lilac… 

The shape of these skirts can often camoflauge the waistline, to avoid this, wear a belt or find a maxi skirt with a different color waist band (yellow skirt pictured).

Topshop ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $40.00

Piperlime ~ Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt: $59.00

Bloomingdales ~ Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Maxi Skirt: $396.00

Shopbop ~ Tibi Maxi Pleated Skirt: $330.00

Forever 21 ~ Pleated Maxi Skirt: $24.80

5 under $50: Summer Sandals

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Available in an assortment of styles and colors, a fun pair of sandals can perk-up any ensemble. Like an accessory, this item can enrich a look, simply and affordably. Sandals can take the place of a flip-flop to refine a casual outfit or beautify a more polished look. On trend for this summer, choose bright colors, from neon to pastels. Or adopt a pair of sandals with quirky and flirty embellishments like beading, studs, tassels or rope. With so many options, a lovely pair of flat sandals can define your style personality. Here are a couple choices all $50 and under:

Topshop Hatty2 Tellow Bow Sandals – $50.00

Rip Curl Gladiatress 3 Sandal – $38.00

Forever 21 Mosaic Leatherette Sandals – $19.80

Mia Plaka Braided Sandal – $44.50

Alloy Bella Sandal – $29.90