Monday, June 6, 2016

Street Style: Lily Aldridge

I've mentioned before that models often have the best street style because of their knowledge of fashion and Lily Aldridge is no exception.  She always looks fabulous whether she is walking the runway or running errands.  With her personal style Lily strikes the perfect balance between classic, edgy, and boho.  Although her fashion choices seem eclectic she does have a signature style that oozes "cool girl" attitude.  There's something about her looks that make you think she's always running out to a low key rock concert or to some hush hush fashion event.  While she will rock pops of color from time to time she does favor a more neutral palette, especially black and white.  Aldridge isn't afraid to try new looks, experimenting with everything from overalls to leather pants to funky accessories.  My favorite part of Lily's style though is her affinity for monochromatic looks as they are the epitome of chic.  No matter where Lily is actually heading she always looks fashionable and on trend, and her outfits are the perfect source of fashion inspiration.

Lily also happens to have a posse of incredibly chic friends as well that only increase her fashion cred.  You'll find pictures of Lily with her friends everywhere from the red carpet, to special events, to going out, to running errands.  If you follow her on Instagram you can even get a more intimate look at these friendships.  Her friends include everyone from singer Taylor Swift to models Gigi Hadid and Miranda Kerr and they always look super fashionable when hanging out.  Here I have for you my favorite looks that Lily Aldridge has worn.

Which of Lily's looks are your favorites?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Today I'm linking up with #HowISpringHello Monday, Let It ShineWeekending, and MIMM.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

June Rocksbox

Use the code THEBLUSHBLONDEXOXO at checkout to get one month of Rocksbox for FREE!
Since I got my first Rocksbox I've been sharing my other boxes on Instagram (@theblushblonde) and Snapchat (kthomp22).  However this is my first Rocksbox since they rebranded so I had to share it on here with all of you!  Their new packaging and branding is absolutely gorgeous.  The new box pairs navy blue, pale pink, and rose gold together - all colors that I love.  Rocksbox's new style is definitely more feminine and chic and I much prefer it to their old packaging!

For those of you that don't know, Rocksbox is a jewelry rental service that "gives you unlimited access to rent from an ever-rotating closet of designer jewelry."  They stock brands such as Kendra Scott, Loren Hope, House of Harlow 1960, Gorjana, Trina Turk, Perry Street, and more!  To learn more about how Rocksbox works read my post on it here.

This month I asked for all clear/white jewels for my set and my stylist did not disappoint.  I have to say that I have loved most pieces that the stylists at Rocksbox have picked out for me and have only gotten one or two misses.  They're great at listening to your feedback and always accommodate any requests.  I've also purchased two pieces from my Rocksbox sets because I loved them so much and their Insiders' Prices cannot be beat!  I even have my eye on one of the pieces from this month to purchase, too.

Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings
Regular Price $60  |  Insiders' Price: $48

Loren Hope Carson Bracelet
Regular Price $68  |  Insiders' Price: $51

Kendra Scott Eleanor Necklace
Regular Price $65  |  Insiders' Price $51

While I love all of the pieces this month the Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings in Ivory Pearl are my favorite!  I think I am going to land up purchasing them because they are so pretty and will go with so much.  I can't wait to wear each of these pieces though and pair them with jewelry I already own as well.  I have to say that even after four boxes the hard part of a membership is deciding when to send the box back because I want to wear the pieces, but I also want try out even more of the fun pieces Rocksbox has to offer!

Do you want to try Rocksbox yourself?!  Use the code THEBLUSHBLONDEXOXO at checkout to get one month for FREE!  Trust me you will love it!

*I recieved three months of Rocksbox as a part of a partnership.  All words and opinions are my own.

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Friday, June 3, 2016

Friday Favorites

Favorite Announcement Lauren Conrad Returns to MTV
Did you hear Lauren Conrad's announcement this week?!  On Tuesday she posted on her website (here) that to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the first episode of The Hills she "will be partnering with MTV on a special project that will air on August 2nd at 10PM."  I was a huge fan of The Hills and absolutely love Lauren Conrad so needless to say I was very excited to hear this news and I cannot wait to see the special!

Favorite Bathing Suit Marysia Swim Antibes Scallop Bikini (Top & Bottom)
I love scalloped edges on just about any piece of clothing; they are so sweet and add a pretty, feminine touch to any outfit.  For summer scalloped bathing suits are my absolute favorite and this one from Marysia Swim is too cute!  By wearing this bathing suit you will be very on trend and sure to get a million compliments.


Favorite Drink Recipe Champagne Punch
I have crazy food allergies and typically cannot have many cocktails or mixed drinks. I was so happy to come across this Champagne Punch recipe from Glitter & Spice that I can actually have!  I think that this recipe sounds delicious and would be perfect for a girls night or a cocktail party.

Favorite Celebrity Look Kate Beckinsale in Dior the Christian Dior S/S17 Cruise Collection show in Woodstock, England
This look that Kate Beckinsale wore to Dior's S/S17 Cruise Collection show is absolutely gorgeous.  The silhouette of the dress is classic, but the small cutouts make it modern and sexy.  Kate is always spot on with her outfits and looks fabulous here!

Favorite Summer Decor Hanging Rattan Chair
I've seen these hanging chairs a few different places and think that they are perfect for summer.  If I had a big porch I would have to have a few of these hanging around.  I think it would be so much fun to curl up in these with a glass of wine and a good friend or by yourself with a book.  These would be especially dreamy if you have a house the water!

What are your favorites this week?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Sephora Buys for Under $20

Sephora can get a bad rap for being kind of pricey, but did you know that you can actually find a lot of things there for $20 or under?!  In addition, there are also smaller and travel size products that are perfect for trying out products, products you use sparingly, or for travel.  Read below to see my ten picks for skincare products from Sephora that will cost you $20 or less!

I am a huge fan of using micellar water to clean my face and actually use it every morning.  I haven't tried this one by Caudalíe yet, but it is on my list of products to try.  This high end micellar water will help you to make sure your face is free of makeup, dirt, and oil.  It also has a yummy scent of orange and lemon blossom, watermelon, and mint leaves.

This past winter I became obsessed with sleeping masks because of my super dry skin.  This was actually the first sleeping mask that I tried and the one that sparked my obsession.  I've tried both the Honey and Lotus masks and loved both of them.  The Honey one was my absolute favorite though because I felt like it truly helped my dry skin and made it feel nourished.  These are a must try, especially because you cannot beat the price.

This makeup removing cloth has been getting rave reviews all over the blogosphere because of its ability to remove makeup with only warm water.  It will remove even the most stubborn of makeup without using chemicals and lasts for one thousand washes (which if you were to use and wash it once everyday is almost three years of use).  For just $20.00 you will be able to stop purchasing makeup removing wipes, makeup remover, or whatever else you use to take off your makeup for almost three years, which will save you a lot of money.

I talked about these little miracle workers a few weeks back because they are my newest skincare love.  Like I said in that post they are one of the best skincare products I have ever used and I don't say this lightly.  They use lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate skin and are safe for everyday use.  After a only a few days of using these my skin has looked the best it ever has - my pores are smaller, blackheads are gone, and my skin literally glows.

5. tarte Maracuja Oil 0.5 oz - $15.00
I've recently been looking around for a new facial oil and plan on trying this one.  Maracuja oil is known to moisturize and replenish skin, without leaving it looking or feeling greasy.  My favorite part of it though is the added vitamin C, which helps to brighten skin, even tone, and provide antioxidants to the skin.  In addition to all of these great benefits one of my favorite beauty bloggers called this a "Holy Grail" product in this post.

Mists like this one from Caudalíe are a great way to refresh and hydrate your skin throughout the day.  This mist contains water that is extracted directly from grapes in Bordeaux and will not only moisturize your skin, but reduce sensitivity as well.  Use as a moisturising toner or as a refreshing mist to help soothe and hydrate your skin.

This set includes four single use, peel off masks.  These masks will help to brighten, mattify, and purify skin.  This set is perfect to use in the summer to achieve a flawless complexion.

This cleanser does an amazing job of cleaning skin without drying it out.  It goes from Mud to Foam to gently cleanse skin.  I've been using this (in the 1 oz size) for a few months now and it has really helped with my dry skin and to prevent breakouts.  I especially love using this with my Clarisonic Mia 3 to get a really deep clean.

This mask takes just ten minutes to transform dry and dehydrated skin.  It uses a mix of oats to comfort and repair your skin, which is important for anyone experiencing any dryness.  It works so well that it won an Allure Best of Beauty Award, which says a lot to me.

Lately I've been loving eye sheet masks to brighten and depuff my eyes.  I recently tried boscia Sake Brightening Hydrogel Mask (a full sheet mask) and I loved it because it made my skin glow.  These eye masks are infused with sake, antioxidants, and plant extracts to brighten, firm, hydrate, and reduce fine lines around the eyes.  I had such great results with the sheet mask version of these that I cannot wait to try them!

What do you buy at Sephora for $20 or under?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

May 2016 on Instagram

I feel like May went by in the blink of an eye!  To be honest it didn't quite feel like May to me because the weather was so chilly in the Northeast the entire month.  I'm hoping that the weather this month is true June weather so that it starts to feel like summer.  I think the other reason that May went by so quickly was because it was a jam packed month for me - Senior Week, graduation, moving back home, and more.  As usual I documented everything that went on on Instagram and below I have a recap of my May in pictures.  If you're not following me (@theblushblonde) make sure to do that now!

I kicked off the month with a sweet treat from the Franklin Fountain in Old City Philadelphia.  Their ice cream is homemade and absolutely delicious.  If you're in Old City at all this summer you have to stop there!

This shot was taken before my college Senior Ball.  I landed up ordering this dress from ASOS very last minute because the dress I was originally going to wear didn't work.  It came super quick, fit perfectly, and was a big hit.  I'm really into blush tones and romantic looks so needless to say I absolutely loved this dress!

As I mentioned I graduated from college this past month.  I was super excited to decorate my cap and knew how I was going to do it for over a year!  The quote on my cap is from Legally Blonde, which I thought was perfect since everyone always compares me to Elle Woods.  I loved how it came out and am now trying to figure out how to frame it to save it.

I made this glitter champagne bottle to have for the graduation ceremony.  I love putting glitter on everything and will be doing a tutorial on here for how to recreate this!

My sister was so cute and surprised me with these the morning of my graduation.  They were the most gorgeous hot pink color and brightened the (very rainy) day!

I showed off some of my May Must Haves on Instagram here.  All month long I used Urban Decay Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powder in LuminousClinique Bottom Lash Mascara, and Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion to help me look great.  I have a feeling these three will be used all summer too!

This picture was taken with my sister at my graduation.  I posted this to show off the dress that I wore the first day of graduation.  I actually landed up ordering this dress from ASOS last minute too because the dress I had ordered from Bloomingdales didn't work.  It was perfect though because I actually liked this dress better than my original pick!

At home I live less than five minutes from the beach, which is so nice.  My favorite thing is to take a drive by the beach and this day I decided to get out and snap a picture.  Just driving by the beach is so calming and a great way to break up the day.

Last week I had to stop back at Villanova to do a few things that I didn't get the chance to do before graduation.  Before I left campus I wanted to walk by this fountain because it was always one of my favorite places to sit and grab a quiet moment.

This was from this past weekend.  I couldn't tell if I had a cold or if my allergies were really bad (thankfully it was the latter), but I really wasn't feeling that great so I just hung around the house doing some blog projects and relaxing!

So this was my May in pictures!  Come check me out on Instagram (@theblushblonde) and follow along with me to see more of what's here!  How was your May?

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!

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