Overcoming a Long Summer


I know, it’s autumn. But where I live, today’s high reached 101 degrees. I thought it was just my valley town trapped in this heat, but alas, there are also towns in Arizona where I've heard people still complaining about this heat! The weather has been making it quite hard to get into the fall spirit. I've been craving the fall fashion. I can’t wait to dig out my scarves, boots, and sweaters. I've long wanted to buy my PSL. But, it’s been impossible. In order to keep my patience, I found a few things to help me.

1. Start crocheting -- maybe by the time the cooler weather comes around, I’ll have a project finished.

crocheting

2. Drink iced tea -- it’s still too hot to drink my warm cups of tea in the mornings and evenings, but iced tea is refreshing for the heat.

Drink iced tea

3. Bake -- because the end results are delicious with Fall flavors.

Baking fall treats

4. Keep calm and relax because cooler weather will come.

Keeping calm

et me know some ideas to get me through this long summer.

Fabulous Fourth Outfits


Fourth of July, a time to celebrate our nation’s independence with barbecues, swimming, delicious food, and spending time with friends and family. And let’s not forget the fireworks display at the end of the night. It’s also a time to show off your red, white and blue pride. I found some outfits where you’re able to show off your fashion forward looks without being stuck with the typical flag-on-a-shirt outfit.

1. Nothing says summer like a cute navy with red, white and blue polka dots dress.

Tick Tock Dress, modcloth.com, $42.99
Tick Tock Dress, modcloth.com, $42.99

2. This outfit is well put together with all the elements to make you stand out at any Fourth of July party.

Cute patriotic fourth of july outfit
Courtesy: unknown

3. Catch everyone’s eye with this bright beauty.

Red Start Dress, modcloth.com, $49.99
Red Start Dress, modcloth.com, $49.99

4. For a more casual look, opt for a tank and some shorts with some Fourth of July flair.

One Sloop or Two? Top, modcloth.com, $32.99
One Sloop or Two? Top, modcloth.com, $32.99

Best Suds Shorts, modcloth.com, $24.99
Best Suds Shorts, modcloth.com, $24.99

What are you planning on wearing for your fourth of July celebration?

Natural Beauty


Given that I’ve been on a healthy kick since the start of the year, I have definitely been making changes to the foods that I consume. I began to think about the makeup and face washes that I use as well. Like the foods I eat, I started to check the ingredients in my cosmetics. There are many options available that don’t contain chemicals such as imidazolidinyl urea, which acts as a formaldehyde releaser but is used and at times labeled as “hypoallergenic,” as most people are not allergic to the chemical. Other chemicals linked to beauty products are methylchloroisothiazolinone, polyethylene, and laureth sulfate, which can be found in mascaras, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers, to name a few. Methylchloroisothiazolinone can also be found in fuel, paints and glues; not exactly what I want to be putting on my face. It becomes overwhelming just trying to pronounce the name of some of the chemicals listed on the products. Not only can they leave irritation or cause allergic reactions but be severely damaging to the immune system, cause skin damage and even cause cancer! In my search, I found some organic and vegan beauty products that are natural and free of synthetic ingredients.

Skinvac Instant Exfoliating Wipes, skinvac.com, $9.75
Skinvac Instant Exfoliating Wipes, skinvac.com, $9.75

Franca Organics Antioxidant Face Crème, francaorganics.com, $45
Franca Organics Antioxidant Face Crème, francaorganics.com, $45

Lipstick in Coral Reef, arbonne.com, $25
Lipstick in Coral Reef, arbonne.com, $25

FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation SPF 15, eccobella.com, $29.95
FlowerColor Natural Liquid Foundation SPF 15, eccobella.com, $29.95

Aqua-Gel Eyeliner, tartecosmetics.com, $18
Aqua-Gel Eyeliner, tartecosmetics.com, $18

Are there any changes in your skin care routine you would make for the sake of your health?

Adapting Healthy Living


I’m one of those people who every time New Years Eve rolls around, my resolution is to lose weight. So cliché, but all of my past attempts at least earn honorable mentions, in my opinion. This year was different. This year I decided to push myself and not let anything stop me. I have been continuously going to the gym, running, and writing down what I eat. I think the latter is what made me realize I needed to adapt a healthier living style. I was starting to notice a lot of the foods I was consuming were terrible for me. I also know that there are no magic pills or quick fixes. I opted for a healthy alternative. I’ve been researching, for what feels like forever, what I can do to improve my overall health. I’ve changed the way I eat, always making sure I incorporate fruits and vegetables into my meals.

Healthy fruits

Exercising is not something I can admit I enjoyed from the start of my healthy journey. Overcoming my inhibitions was especially hard in the beginning. In fact, I didn’t really like it, at all. I had to realize I was doing it for me, and not competing with the stranger on the treadmill next to me. Now that I’ve been routinely working out, I can’t stop. I get such a tremendous feeling of accomplishment after my workouts.

Working out fitness

Exercising and eating healthier do wonders inside and out. According to Self magazine, laughter reduces stress hormones, which can help radiate youthful skin. In my book, working out and laughter will keep me fabulous. Now that we’re in mid-April, I’ve already lost 10 lbs. So far, I’ve learned that being healthy or losing weight is not going to happen easy and quick. It takes time. It’s a lifestyle change.

Dress Like Jess


Many people have already caught on to the “adorkable” character of Jess Day on New Girl since last fall. As the season progresses, we see the different clothing pieces worn by Zooey Deschanel. Her character is easily likeable with a quirky personality and a fashion sense that one cannot deny is chic. Below are a few outfits I think could effortlessly be replicated.

Zooey’s character is wearing a polka dot skirt and ruffle top.

Jess from New Girl show
Courtesy: Fox

I found a similar skirt on etsy.com for only $10.

GAP Cotton Polka Dot Skirt sold by ggvintages, etsy.com, $10
GAP Cotton Polka Dot Skirt sold by ggvintages, etsy.com, $10

And a sheer ruffle top to match for $23, etsy.com. Although sheer, one can easily wear a cami underneath.

Sheer Long Sleeves White Ruffle Blouse Size sold by AllTheMissingPieces, etsy.com, $23
Sheer Long Sleeves White Ruffle Blouse Size sold by AllTheMissingPieces, etsy.com, $23

Jess is wearing a stunning purple one shoulder dress.

Jess from New Girl

I found a similar one on ModCloth.com. The Stellar Performer dress for $47.99

Stellar Performer Dress, modcloth.com, $47.99
Stellar Performer Dress, modcloth.com, $47.99

This is part of the introduction song on New Girl. Jess’ red dress is simple and gorgeous.

Jess from New Girl in red dress
Courtesy: FOX

I found a similar one on Modcloth.com. Ladylike in Red Dress for $59.99.

Ladylike in Red Dress, modcloth.com, $59.99
Ladylike in Red Dress, modcloth.com, $59.99

Another cute and comfortable outfit! A print top and a cardigan make for a casual combo.

Jess from New Girl
Courtesy: FOX

I know, not precise but faithful to the Jess-Day-inspired look. The top is from Old Navy, $24.94.

Printed Bow-Tie Chiffon Tops, oldnavy.com, $24.94
Printed Bow-Tie Chiffon Tops, oldnavy.com, $24.94

Merona V-Neck Artist Cardigan Sweater in Blue, target.com, $24.99
Merona V-Neck Artist Cardigan Sweater in Blue, target.com, $24.99

Paired almost perfectly with a Merona cardigan sweater from Target, $24.99.

Overall, Jess has really got a unique, chic style. I myself would definitely like to try some Jess Day inspired outfits. Are you catching the Jess Day fashion bug?

 
Michelle Lujan
Fashion Babbler
Michelle is a California native. She recently graduated from California State University, Bakersfield and majored in Communications with a minor in Marketing. She loves catching up on fashion trends, drinking coffee, discovering new music, and traveling. She looks forward to sharing fashion finds and inspire new trends. She hopes to pursue a career in the creative field. Follow her on Twitter @itsmeeechelle.
Subscribe to this Babbler