Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

May 10, 2016

RAIDING MY SISTER'S CLOSET: SUMMER WARDROBE WORKHORSES








SIMILAR TEE  ||  SIMILAR JACKET  ||  JEANS  ||  SNEAKERS  ||  HAT  ||  BAG  

One of my biggest tips for creating a great closet is to have wardrobe workhorses -- pieces that you cannot live without, go with everything, and make you feel amazing every time you wear them. Today my sisters and I are talking about our summer wardrobe workhorses, since warmer weather is finally coming! 

It was hard for me to choose just one, so I chose three of my wardrobe workhorses. And these aren't all specific to summer -- these pieces can work just as hard during the cooler months. 

1. Striped tee. This is an absolute must for every girl's closet, and absolutely one of my most worn pieces. It goes with everything, is easy to dress up or dress down, is such a classic piece, and every time I wear it I feel put together. During the summer I love wearing it with shorts and sandals, with a casual denim skirt or a dressy pleated skirt, or with jeans, a jacket, and a statement necklace for date night. 

I own several styles of striped tees -- long sleeved, short sleeve, half sleeve, fitted, swing, loose, etc, but when you're looking for one, try to find one that is really versatile, good quality and will last you a long time, and flatters your figure. I rounded up a few great options below at varying price points. 

Click the images to shop



2. Sneakers. Sandals are obviously a staple for the warmer months, but sneakers are just as much of a workhorse in my closet. Both lace up and slip on sneakers are easy to wear with shorts and jeans during the summer, but also look so cute with skirts and dresses.

I've rounded up some favorite sneakers below!

Click the images to shop





4. Hats. On those warm summer days, every girl needs a hat. Not only are they great for keeping the sun out of your face, they're also great for covering up dirty hair (which I have a lot of during the summer).  I usually opt for a baseball cap since they match my casual style, but straw boater hats are huge this season and I'm kind of loving them. I'm considering picking this one up for some of our summer vacations. Check out some more of my favorites in the widget below!

Click the images to shop




Now go check out my sister's, Janssen and Landen's, wardrobe workhorses!


   


photos by jylare smith

June 1, 2015

4 HAIRSTYLES FOR COMBATING DIRTY AND FRIZZY HAIR

Merrick's Art | Smooth, sleek curls with Living Proof

A few months ago, I posted a tutorial for my loose curls and mentioned how I almost always go about a week in between hair washing. I had several people ask about how I do this with exercising, and the truth was that up until about two months ago I almost never exercised. But I was definitely starting to see and feel the affects it was having on my body, so I joined a gym and have been going three times a week for the last few months.

And while I love how exercising makes me feel, I suddenly understood the questions I got, and realized that I needed to put in a little more effort to still make my hair wash last a full week (and not look terrible). 

Plus, with the start of summer break only a week away, hitting the gym won't be the only thing contributing to wild hair days -- we'll be at the park, the beach, and outside constantly for the next three months. But I still don't want to wash my hair more than once a week! 

So of course, using dry shampoo is my go-to, as always, but dirty hair makes my hair bigger and frizzier, and dry shampoo adds even more volume to that, making it a little harder to manage and make it look good. Enter Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield. I've started using this spray during and after styling my hair, and it makes it sleek and smooth without making it greasy at all. Much better than the lotion I'm often guilty of using to smooth my frizzy ends...yikes. Combined with dry shampoo, it combats dirty and frizzy hair to make it totally fresh and smooth for another day!

In the picture below, I curled my dirty hair, and then used the No Frizz Humidity Shield on one side, sectioning my hair and spraying each large chunk of hair, then running my fingers through it and adding a final finishing spray. See the difference? Look especially at those ends. I should also mention that I have a fresh haircut in these photos, so my ends are as healthy as they can be -- but on the left side they look dead and frizzy. On the right, they look healthy and fresh (like they really are). 

Merrick's Art | Combating Dirty and Frizzy Hair with Living Proof

Here's what it looks like before using the Humidity Shield....
Merrick's Art | Combating Dirty, Frizzy Hair with Living Proof

And here's after using the humidity shield...
Merrick's Art | Smooth, Sleek Curls with Living Proof

But since I took these pictures on only day three of no washing, and we still have four more days to go until washing day, here's three easy but super cute hairstyles to easily combat your dirty and frizzy hair, and keep it looking great all week long. Plus, each style is great for keeping your hair out your face during the summer while you play! 

Merrick's Art | 4 Hairstyle for Dirty, Frizzy Hair

1. Fishtail Pony

My fishtail braids always fell out until I discovered the top elastic trick. Now they stay in place all day! Pull your hair in a low ponytail and secure with a small hair tie. Do a regular fishtail down the ponytail, and secure with another small hair tie. Pull some of the pieces along the braid to make it look a little loose and messy. Then spray with the No Frizz Humidity Shield to keep those frizzies away all day. 

2. High Pony with Loose Curls

I love doing this hairstyle for days I just need all my hair out of my face and have leftover curls. Pull your hair high on your head and before securing with an elastic, loosen the hair on the top so it doesn't look glued to your head. Secure tightly with an elastic and then pull out those baby hairs around your ears and temples to create a loose, more effortless look. Spray the Humidity Shield on the curls and run your fingers through them. 

3. Braided Low Pony

This one is so fast and is prettier than just a regular low ponytail. Part your hair on the side, grab about three inches of hair next to the part, and make a braid. Secure with a small hair tie, then loosen each piece down the braid to make it look wide and thick. Then pull all the hair into the into a low pony tail, spray the braid and ponytail with Humidity Spray, and you're ready for the day. 

4. Braided Bun. 

A high messy bun is typically my go-to for super dirty and wild hair days, but this is a good alternative that looks so much prettier. Pull your into a low, loose ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Make the ponytail into a regular braid, secure with a small hair tie, and then spray with No Frizz Humidity Spray. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and wrap a hair tie around the entire bun to hold it in place. Finish with a final coat of Humidity Spray to keep the bun from getting frizzy through out the day.

You'll see my rocking all four of these hairstyles all summer, and no one will ever know just how dirty and frizzy my hair is (except you...but you won't tell, right??) Which hairstyle is your favorite, and which ones will you be trying this summer with me? 



this post was created in partnership with Living Proof. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog, and my non-frizzy hair.

April 30, 2015

IF YOU BUY ONE THING THIS SUMMER, IT SHOULD BE THIS

Merrick's Art White Wiggle Dress

Merrick's Art Leopard Clutch and White Bodycon Dress

Merrick's Art White Dress Denim Jacket

Merrick's Art Leopard Clutch

Merrick's Art White Wiggle Dress

Merrick's Art White Wiggle Dress Leopard Clutch
OUTFIT DETAILS: lulu*s dress (wearing size small) | gap denim jacket (old, similar here) | rack room heels, c/o | bag made by me (tutorial here, purchase similar here) | karen walker sunglasses | similar necklace | michael kors watch | stella and dot bracelet

*photos by jana laurene

I can't get enough of the little white dress trend this spring. I'm finding every excuse to wear them, and love how summery and fresh they feel. Plus, they're so versatile! I like to dress mine up with a pair of statement heels and a clutch, or dress down with a simple pair of flat sandals and a crossbody bag.

If you don't have a little white dress in your closet already, now is the time to pick one up, because you'll find about fifty excuses to wear it this summer. I've rounded up a few of my favorites in different styles and shapes, but no matter what the style, they all are so appropriate for summer BBQ's, date nights, or parties. Have I convinced you that you need one yet??

Little White Dresses Roundup

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven 


And shop even more of my favorites in the widget below!



September 8, 2014

FAMILY STYLE: SUMMER WEAR







 

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA WALK

on me:
diy denim cut-offs

on B:
old navy jeans (diy cut-offs)
x
on F: 
gap shorts (girls section)

With the start of school last week, I'm kind of mourning the loss of summer. We had such a fun summer filled with activities and vacations, so although I'm thrilled to be back on a schedule, I am sad to see the constant fun come to an end. 

Out of all the trips we had during the summer, our family trip to Scottsdale with my in-laws was probably my very favorite. We stayed at the gorgeous Westin Kierland resort, and between the amazing pool (that was only 3 1/2 feet deep at the deepest part so our kids felt super safe), the lazy river and water slide, the Friday Food Trucks, and the amazing breakfast buffet, we were in heaven for two days. 

The only downside was the killer heat, so when we weren't in the pool we made sure to drink lots and lots of water, and also wear lightweight clothes so none of us got heat stroke. These tees for my boys from Old Navy were perfect because they are well made and durable so they hold their shape well and look nice, but they're also so comfortable and lightweight. And of course their Old Navy flip flops are my very favorite. So inexpensive, comfy, and durable -- they're a staple for my kids!

And as for me, I found this pretty printed Old Navy blouse and paired it with some cool denim cut-offs and a pair of wedges. Perfect for a casual dinner in the 100+ degree heat, but also easy to wear as we head into Fall!


A few more shots from our vacation, most of them from my instagram


Goodbye, summer -- we'll miss you!!

Also! I mentioned on Friday that some changes were coming, and another one (besides DIY Friday's) is that I'll be sharing a little bit of kid style a couple times a month, including a few sewing tutorials for kids clothes -- I can't wait to share them with you!

August 28, 2014

FLOWER POWER (AND A GIVEAWAY!)






PHOTOGRAPHY BY JYLARE SMITH

dv wedges via nordstrom rack (on sale here!)


During the summer, tops that speak for themselves are such an essential in my closet. I love layers, but I need no fuss, non-bulky pieces. This super lightweight tunic blouse from Trend Addictions is such a perfect piece -- a statement blouse that's easy and fun to wear, and doesn't require anything other than a pair of jeans.  

Today I've teamed up with Trend Addictions for a fantastic $75 gift card giveaway to their shop! It's a gorgeous little Anthropologie-esque shop with items for your home, baby, and of course, yourself! I'm totally in love with this wooden condiment tray, this fringe cardigan, and these darling stacking animal blocks.

To Enter (mandatory):


Additional Entries (optional):

the giveaway will be open for one week, after which the winner will be announced and contacted! Good luck!

August 5, 2014

BLUE DREAMSICLE







photos by sara walk

Here's a happy story for your Tuesday morning. Embroidered dresses are flooding the internet like crazy, right? Well, I'm completely obsessed with every one of them. I can't get enough. So a few months ago I pinned this image of a gorgeous embroidered blue dress, and since I couldn't find a dress source, I decided to just make one. There was basically zero chance that I ever would find a fabric similar to it, but I'm a crazy optimist. So, you know...I held out hope. And then, not two weeks later, I walked into Old Navy and this blue embroidered beauty was hanging on the rack -- the dress gods were clearly on my side. It was a little short for me, so I sized up three sizes to make it knee length, and then used this tutorial to resize the sleeves and shoulders to fit. And now my embroidered dress dreams have come true. 

Sadly this dress is out of stock at Old Navy, but I've rounded up a couple of my favorite sort of similar embroidered dresses below! Click the images below to shop them!





_________________________

old navy dress (sold out, similar here and here) (refashioned using this tutorial)
kate spade watch (similar)
old navy sunglasses (similar)
necklace c/o lisa leonard 

July 14, 2014

TWO WAYS TO WEAR A GRAPHIC TEE














______________________
outfit 1:
j.crew tee (sold out, similar here, also loving this one, this one, and this one)

outfit 2:
j.crew tee

Graphic tee's are definitely one of my favorite summer staples. They're the best for dressing up and dressing down, and better yet they can be worn in all seasons. These are two ways that I wear them in the summer,  dressed up and down -- with boyfriend jeans and sandals for a day of errands or playing with my kids, or dressed up with a patterned pencil skirt and heels for date night. Pairing it with a gingham midi skirt like I did here is also so summery and chic. But during the fall and winter, they're also a great piece to just throw on and go. I'll be pairing mine with my leather leggings (or coated denim), under a jacket or vest, or with boots and leggings. The options are endless! 

click the images below to shop some of my favorite graphic tees around the web!



Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...