Ikat Maxi

Dress c/o// Sandals// Sunglasses// Clutch (old, Similar)

I had been eyeing this maxi for a while and when it arrived, I couldn't have been more pleased. What I look for in a maxi is mostly stylish comfort and this is just that! It's flattering and brushes the body in all the right spots, making it effortless and not frumpy. 

If you can't tell, I'm a blue fan. Navy is my favorite color, but I tend to go for any and all shades of blue. This is one shade I don't think I have in my closet at all. It's almost a periwinkle or dusty royal shade. I love it and the ikat print makes it perfect for the last few weeks of summer! 

I wore this while at the lake last week and it was wonderful. I actually ended up wearing it a few times because it was so comfortable and just the right amount of dressy for anything we might have done. It was also really great to throw on over my bathing suit and run to Ingles, Starbucks or the spa!  If you are wondering about fit, it runs true to size. I am wearing a size small. Have a fabulous day! 

YSL Blur Perfector and Primer and Stila Liquid Lipstick

Blur Perfector// Primer

I don't wear much makeup on a daily basis, but I love trying out new products and getting all dolled up. Pulling out all the stops is sometimes tons of fun. I was sent the new YSL Blur Perfector and Blur Primer and was happy to test them out. 

I tried out the primer first. I only use primer when I'm putting on 'full' makeup. So I don't use it day-to-day because primer is not good for your skin. It contains silicone (look for 'dimethicone' in the ingredients), which is what helps to give you that super smooth feeling and acts as a great canvas for makeup; but silicone is also what is responsible for clogging pores. There are a lot of silicone free primers on the market, but I feel they really don't work. So therefore, I reserve my primer use for special occasions. 

You only need a tiny bit of this primer and it goes a long way! It goes on easy, smooth and offers a really nice way to start off your makeup. It's not tinted, so you really can't mess this up! 

Next, I tried out the Blur Perfector. I have to be honest, I had no idea what to do with this! It comes in gorgeous packaging, and when you open it up, it almost looks like balm. I watched a few YouTube videos and you can use it as an all over light foundation to blur out skin's perfections, or you can stow it in your handbag for touchups. I tried it out as a foundation with the application pad that it comes with and while it worked, I felt that it didn't provide much coverage, but did offer a really nice matte finish. So, I stowed it away in my handbag and have been pulling it out during the workday for touchups and it's really great. It mattifies my skin and really does cover up some of my skin's imperfections. 

Bottom line: These are not everyday products for me, but they will definitely be welcomed into my makeup repertoire when I'm wearing 'all the makeup'. 

I also got to try these Stila liquid lipsticks that Birchbox sent me. You might have seen these on Snapchat already (SummerWind41490) as I showed the cutest little case that they came in. They sent me three shades, but I really like Beso the best. It's is BRIGHT red...it's the kind of red where bravery to wear it out in public is necessary. But it really does stay on and does not budge for hours and hours. I was especially interested in the beso shade because one of my favorite bloggers, who I always visit for inspiration, Blair of Atlantic Pacific is always rocking Stila's Beso and looks fantastic! Have you tried any new products recently? Have a fabulous day! 

Black and White Striped Gown

Does anyone else remember this stunning dress from Oscar De La Renta's collection several years ago? I remember seeing the images online and my jaw dropped. The silhouette and clean lines are pure perfection to me. The silhouette and the way the fabric drapes is exactly what I would want in a wedding gown. 

Well, if you have a black tie event coming up, you're in luck, because I came across a similar dress for under $250! I wish I had somewhere to wear this, because I'd scoop it up in an instant. The black and white color palette and simple silhouette make it simple and classic, but the lines on the skirt make it an updated classic. Do you have a fun event coming up that you could wear this frock to? Have a fabulous day! 

Fresh Squeezed John Daly Recipe

{shirt, old, this year's version)

Tip: Men's shirts make the best coverups and are usually more fun than the options available to women! 

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make cocktail, look no further than the John Daly. If you are not familiar, it's Arnold Palmer's boozy counterpart. We've made these all week here at the lake because it's the perfect refreshing cocktail to cool off in the mid-day Georgia heat. 

We make a different cocktail each year.. some are more extravagant than others (like last year's Georgia Peach Bellini), but this year's is simple and quick! 

I don't drink vodka (I'm a gin girl) because I don't like the taste, but I do make some exceptions such as Moscow Mules and John Daly's where you can't really taste the vodka. This would also be a great drink for someone that just turned 21 and hasn't decided what they like because it's mild and refreshing. 

The recipe is super simple. You can make it easiest by buying lemonade and just adding in sweet tea vodka such as Sweet Carolina or Firefly, and voila! However, we like to spice it up a bit. 

We followed Paula Deen's recipe for fresh squeezed lemonade which you can find here. It's delicious on its own. For a nonalcoholic drink, try adding club soda and mint or basil. It's super refreshing! 

Anyway, after you make the lemonade, pour two ounces (shots) of sweet tea vodka in a shaker with ice, also add a piece of lemon and some lemonade and then shake vigorously. Pour over ice in a fun glass, garnish with a lemon slice and you're all set!