What to Wear: Fourth of July Style

With 4th of July only a few days away (can you believe that today is the last day of June already?!) it's time to start thinking about what you will be wearing this weekend to celebrate.  I love patriotic style as much as the next American girl, but I like a more fashiony approach to it then an in your face patriotic look.  I have three outfits here that will make you feel festive without looking kitschy and have you covered for everything from dinner and drinks out to a family bbq.  For more inspiration you can also check out my DIY approach to American flag tops from last year and see how I styled it too!

This look is great for heading out with friends or to an adult bbq.  This dress will be easy and comfortable to wear, which makes it perfect to celebrate in.  If you're not in the mood to wear wedges switch them out for a pair of nude flats or sandals.  The blue accessories make the look more patriotic and very appropriate for the holiday.

I love this look because the white jeans are the best if the temperatures where you are dip a little bit this weekend and if you need to you can even add a light cardigan to up the warmth factor.  I am completely obsessed with this top, stripes are the perfect way to be patriotic without taking it too far; a bonus is that you can wear it all summer long.  If you want to make the look a bit dressier you can swap the flats for heels or wedges to give you some height.  This look works really well for a family bbq, brunch with friends, or watching fireworks at a party.

This look is super cozy, but the jewelry and metallic sandal help to make it less casual.  I think that this is the best look for if you're plans are super relaxed, you can ditch the jewels and switch the sandals for flip flops if that works better for you.  I feel like this is the outfit that works the best for those lazy summer nights that we all love so much, so if you're just hanging out this weekend then this is definitely the look for you.

Have you started thinking about what you're wearing this weekend?  Do you love to look patriotic for the Fourth?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

P.S. Don't forget to enter my Blogiversary Giveaway, there's only a few days left!
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Today I'm linking up with Confident Twosday and Style Sessions.

2 Year Blogiversary & a Giveaway

Today marks my second Blogiversary!  I started this little space two years ago when I was bored out of my mind recovering from surgery and I never could have imagined what it would grow to become and how much I would grow to love blogging.  To celebrate I have decided to rebrand and rename my blog The Blush Blonde.  However, I think that I'm most excited that I finally purchased my own domain, www.theblushblonde.com.  My blog has evolved so much over these last two years and I have been thinking about changing the name for a while so that it was more representative of what this has become, I figured there was no better day then my Blogiversary to do my relaunch!

There are so many people that I need to thank for helping me on this crazy journey these last two years.  Thank you to my friends and family for always being up to help me with anything I need (and not just when it comes to blogging!).  Thank you to all of the people I have met through blogging for your friendship, kindness and help.  Thank you to the bloggers who I look up to and admire for helping to constantly keep me inspired.  Lastly, thank you to everyone who has ever come to visit this space, the fact that you've taken the time out of your day to come here and read what I have to say means the world to me.

Top: Nordstrom  |  Skirt: Eight Sixty (old, similar here)  |  Shoes: Mixx (old, similar here)  |  Sunglasses: Free People (old, similar here)  |  Earrings: c/o East & Linbrooke

Of course I had to put something fun together for all of you to celebrate two years!  I have an amazing giveaway with some of my lovely blogger friends that I am so excited to be bringing you! 

To celebrate The Blush Blonde’s (formerly Crumbs & Curls) 2nd Blogiversary we are bringing you a giveaway made for the summertime.  This giveaway includes beauty products specially picked for the warm weather and a gift card to Nordstrom!  Here are all of the goodies that you have a chance to win:

Supergoop! Day to Day Value Set- A limited edition set filled with all of the SPF essentials necessary to stay sun safe this summer from Supergoop!, a leading brand in sun care at Sephora that is co-owned by tennis player Maria Sharapova.  This set includes City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30, Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50, Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 37, Forever Young Hand Cream SPF 40,and AcaiFusion Lip Balm SPF 30, all of which are packaged in a cheeky little travel bag.

Tarte Play It Safe Essentials Set- This limited edition set is filled with everything you need to get a gorgeous bronze glow without the damaging effects of the sun; it includes Tarteguard sunscreen lotion broad spectrum SPF 30, Maracuja bronzing serum gradual self tanner, Brazilliance skin rejuvenating maracuja self tanner, Amazonian clay waterproof bronzer in park ave princess™, and Brazilliance skin rejuvenating maracuja self-tanning face towelette. 

Benefit Cosmetics Lip Lovin' Tinted Balms- Three super moisturizing tinted lip balms packaged together in a limited edition set.

Essie Summer 2015 Mini Four Pack- This set includes four mini polishes in Chillato, Peach Side Babe, Sunset Sneaks, and Prêt-a-Surfer, all from Essie’s Summer 2015 line. 

$40.00 Nordstrom Gift Card- This is included to buy any other summer essentials you might need! 

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Fine Print:

This is open internationally, pending shipping laws/restrictions. You must be 18 or older, or have a parents permission to enter. This giveaway is open for exactly one week and the winner will be announced July 6, 2015. Winner must respond within 48-hours or a new winner will be chosen. Your form of entry will be double-checked.

Good luck!

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Casual Friday, Fab Favorites, That Friday Blog Hop, Oh Hey Friday!, Friday Favorites, Friday Favorites, and The Pick.

Street Style: Gigi Hadid

So my obsession with Gigi Hadid has only grown since I wrote about her here.  There's just something about Gigi that makes her come off as so cool and effortless, she's definitely the girl everyone wants to be friends with (including me!).  A big part of Gigi's cool girl persona is thanks to her great sense of style, specifically her model off duty looks.  Her wide variety of looks are a combination of laid back trendy and classic pieces with a bohemian or sophisticated twist depending on the day.  She has an affinity for taking a white t-shirt or jeans and making a very chic outfit by pairing them with different shoes, boots, jackets and accessories.  Hadid is never afraid to experiment when building her personal style, whether it be bright pink pants or a black cape with white details she rocks every piece she wears.  Hadid's street style looks are a great source of inspiration for everyday outfits.  

Another important part of Gigi's cool girl air are her many famous friendships that she often gives us a glimpse of on her social media accounts.  Gigi seems like "real girl" not just a supermodel when we see her hanging out with her fashionable friends such as Lily Aldridge, Kendall Jenner, and Karlie Kloss; of course her outfits are always on point when she's out with her girls. Here I have for you my favorite looks that Gigi Hadid has worn.

Which of Gigi's looks are your favorites?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Random Wednesday, WIWW, I Feel Pretty, WIWW, MidWeek Musings, Jersey Girl Texan Heart, Oh Hey Girl!, Style Me Weekly, and Trendy Wednesday.

Tuesday Ten: Summer Beauty

With the change of seasons and the rising temperatures it's definitely time to switch up your beauty routine a bit.  These are the items that I think every girl should have in their beauty arsenal for summer. 

1. Sunscreen 

While sunscreen is important all year round and should always be a part of your beauty routine it's even more important in the summer.  During the summer the sun is much stronger and there is lot more skin that is exposed and has the potential to burn.  I have the fairest skin out there so I take my sun protection very seriously, for my body (and face for days on the beach) I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen in SPF 100+.  I've been using this for years and religiously apply it every 2 hours when I'm in the sun and it always prevents me from getting burnt.  For under makeup I love Clinique Super City Block Oil Free Daily Face Daily Sunscreen because it never feels heavy or greasy.  In my book sunscreen is definitely the most important beauty item for summer. 

2. Sunless Tanning Moisturizer and Bronzer 

Sunless tanner and bronzer are the safest way to get your summer glow.  Since I am so fair I can't do something that is too dark which is why a I love a good gradual tanning moisturizer like NKD SKN Gradual Glow Daily Tan Moisturizer.  By using a product like this you can make your tan as dark or as light as you like, making it look much more natural (I do recommend getting a tanning mitt to help you apply it!).  For your face I love a nice subtle bronzer to help create a glow, NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna is a cult favorite and sure to make you look great.

3. Smoothing Styling Treatment

With the humidity that most of us experience during the summer something to fight frizz and help smooth your locks is an absolute must have.  I have been using Living Proof Perfect Hair Day 5 in 1 Styling Treatment for a while now and absolutely love what it does to my hair.  It definitely keeps the frizz away and it also volumizes, conditions, strengthens, and polishes my hair.  My favorite part about it though is the fact that it is formulated without silicone. 

4. Pore Clearing Face Mask 

The hot weather makes you sweat and increases oil production on your face, this combined with makeup creates the perfect environment for pimples and breakouts to form.  I am really loving Lush Cosmetics Brazened Honey Fresh Face Mask to give your face a really deep clean.  I first read about about it on Refinery 29 where the author of the article raved that it gave her the deepest clean of her life and I knew I had to try it.  I finally picked a jar up the other day and when I use it my usually large pores seem to disappear.  This mask will definitely help to keep your skin clear all season long. 

5. Body Cream

Summer is the season of skin and you want to make sure that yours always looks great, a good body cream is the way to ensure that your skin always looks its best.  I love to put on lotion when I get out of the shower and at night before bed, Bath & Body Works Ultra Shea Body Cream in Waikiki Beach Coconut is my absolute favorite for the summer.  The Waikiki Beach Coconut scent smells absolutely amazing, it reminds me of a piña colada and I always get compliments when I wear it.  My favorite thing about this cream though is that it is super moisturizing, but never feels heavy on your skin.

6. Razor

With your legs, armpits, and bikini line constantly on display during the summer a good razor is very important.  I have been using Gillette Venus Original Women's Razor since I began shaving and it always gives a close shave without irritating my very sensitive skin.  I highly recommend using EOS Shave Cream in Vanilla Bliss with your razor.

8. Dry Shampoo

I cannot wash my hair every day because it gets too dried out, but having something to clean it on days when I don't wash it in the summer is a necessity.  I recently started using Batiste Dry Shampoo in Coconut & Exotic Tropical and have been loving the results.  This dry shampoo works wonders on absorbing grease and makes your hair smell amazing.

8. Pedicure 

Since summer is sandal season and your toes are always out it's important to have your nails painted. I literally cannot wear sandals without having my toes done because it just feels weird to me!  Essie's summer collection of polishes is too pretty and my favorite colors from it  are Peach Side Babe and Saltwater Happy.

9. Hair Ties

With the rising temperatures having your hair off your face is always important.  I love this style of hair ties because they are super gentle on your hair and look really cute. 

10. Water

I'm a huge believer that water helps to keep your skin looking great and in addition to that it is also very important for you body.  With the super hot temperatures that come with the summertime it is so easy to get dehydrated so drinking lots of water is more important than ever.

What are your summer beauty essentials?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Summer Style: Dresses

Next to rompers dresses are my favorite thing to wear during the summer.  I have always been a 'dress girl' and never went through a stage where I didn't love wearing them.  Dresses are so big right now and perfect for the rising temperatures.  Below are a few dresses I am loving for summer that all cost under $70!

The best part about dresses is that they make for such an easy look - you can throw one on, add shoes and jewelry, and you're good to go!  A dress can easily be transitioned from a hot day to a cooler night just by adding a cardigan, jean jacket, or leather jacket.  For summer try dresses in a bright color, a pretty pastel, or a fun floral print; check out a neon option here.  Pair a statement dress with a nude wedge or metallic sandal to allow the dress to be the center of your outfit.  A favorite look of mine is a dress, wedges, and minimalistic jewelry, which makes for an effortlessly chic look.  While you can wear dresses all year long, it's definitely more fun to wear them in the summer sans tights and all the extra layers you need in the colder months!  Enjoy the warm weather and wear different dresses all summer long to keep you both cool and stylish.

Do you prefer dresses over rompers or rompers over dresses?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowISummer, Manic Monday, Let it Shine, Mingle Monday, Weekending, and MIMM.

What's In My: Handbag

If you follow me on Instagram (@crumbsandcurls) then you might know that Monday's J'adore June Instagram Challenge theme of the day was 'In My Bag'.  In my post I said that I would be sharing all the details on here about what exactly is in my bag, keep reading on to find out!

Kleenex Tissue Pocket Packet: It seems like my allergies are always crazy bad & the spring & summer are the worst time for them!  Due to this I always have to have tissues on me because I never stop sneezing.  I usually get these at the school convenience store with the 'points' from my meal plan & I buy like 10 at a time, I am all stocked up for summer.

Vera Bradley Travel Pill Case: You may or may not know that I have a lot of health problems, & because of that I have to take a lot of medication, this pill case is so great to keep in my bag because it has little spots to organize your pills.  If you have to take any type of medicine (even something like Benadryl) this is the perfect way to keep it in your bag.

Free People Sunglasses (last year, similar here): I was obsessed with the cat eye sunglass trend last year & am very happy that it continued right through to this year.  I picked these up at Free People before I went to Greece last year because I didn't want to bring my Chanel sunglasses with me & now I wear them all the time.

Lilly Pulitzer Coin Purse: I got this adorable little coin purse last year at the racetrack near my house when they hosted a ladies day before their biggest race of the season.  I thought it was too cute & it fits my business cards perfectly!

Bath & Body Works PocketBac Sanitizing Hand Gel: I have to be super careful about getting sick so I always have at least one of these in my bag & a few individual packets of Wet Ones.  I've tried a few different sanitizers, but these are my absolute favorite because they smell delicious & don't dry out your hands.

Nivea Skin Creme: This works great for any dry spots I might experience during the day.

Lilly Pulitzer Carded ID Smartphone Wristlet: This wallet is the best for me right now because I have to tap my ID at school to get into where I live & its design makes it so easy to do this.  It also holds all of my cards, ids, & money on the inside, which is so convenient.

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Transparent Lip Liner: I always line my lips with this before putting on lipstick, it has a waxy consistency so it really helps to prevent the lipstick from bleeding.

Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Black Cherry: I am still loving a really dark lip (remember my post about oxblood lips?) & read the other day that a deep berry pout is going to be huge this summer, I love how unexpected it is & you will definitely find me rocking it.

Neosporin & Band-Aid: I like to keep these for any cuts or blisters that might pop up when I'm out. The Neosporin also works really well when around my nose starts to get dry from always blowing it.

Nail File: My nails are super brittle & break a lot so I find it helpful to keep a nail file in my bag to smooth out any problems.

Conair Mini Hairbrush: I like to make little touchups throughout the day if my hair needs it & this is especially helpful if it happens to be a windy day.

Scünci No Slip Hair Tie in Blonde: I only have one of this kind of hair tie left & they're so difficult to find in stores, but I really like them because they're the only hair ties that blend in with my hair.

Kiss My Face Organic Coconut Pineapple Lip Balm: This is my go to lip balm for day time & I use it a few times throughout the day.  I've talked about my love of this balm on here before & you can read more about it here.

*Not pictured: Epi Pens (that I keep in this!), Mini Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, & Pinch Provisions Mini Emergency Kit. 

The Bag: Louis Vuitton Speedy 30.  This bag is a classic & holds everything you need.

What do you keep in your handbag?

  

                

Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with Summer Style, Thursday Favorites, Happiness at Mid Life, and Fashion Files.