Author Archives: BAC

03.13.14

spring beauty products

The official start of Spring is still a week away (March 20th to be exact), however, I thought I would share some of my latest and greatest beauty products this season.

I’ve been on the search for the perfect new “day” scent for a few months. Throughout the years, I’ve probably worn every type of Chanel perfume there is and more recently, I’ve been drawn to the strong and undoubtedly distinct scent of Viktor & Rolf’s Flowerbomb.

I love Flowerblomb – everything about it, but I also wanted to add to my daily fragrance collection and have been testing out multiple Jo Malone scents each week.

Many samples later, I have found the beloved Wild Bluebell. Most people prefer to mix and match their Jo Malone colognes and I am playing around with that concept still (love Peony & Blush Suede too). BUT I must say that Wild Bluebell on its own is absolutely delightful. It’s light, clean, fresh and yet still floral, girly – basically, “me”.

Another spring beauty product that I am loving is Sara Happ’s Sparkling Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub. It has kept my lips from becoming chapped in the winter and it tastes delish too (not sure that you’re supposed to “eat” it but you can’t help but taste it when scrubbing..duh).

Last but certainly not least, I would recommend Chanel’s new Rouge Double Ultra Wear Lip Color (longest name EVER). I first saw this while shopping in NYC earlier this year. I’ve always been fond of Chanel’s make-up line but this two sided lipstick/gloss sincerely lasts. My friends and I tried on ridiculous way-too-bright-for-daytime shades and they stayed on for hours. In fact, so much so that I had to wipe it off with make-up remover later that afternoon before napping (whoops!).

What are your favorite spring products?

I’m thinking of doing a skincare post next! What do you use on a daily basis? Let me know!

03.10.14

make.my.monday: tuckernuck spring arrivals

Whether it’s online or in the Georgetown Pop-Up Shop, Tuckernuck is one of my favorite retailers for both ladies and gents apparel and accessories.

Today’s “Make.My.Monday” features my picks from Tuckernuck’s Spring arrivals and also, my roomate, Courtney (that’s her above)!

How gorgeous does she look and how amazing is that flamingo top?

Happy #Tuckernucking!

03.06.14

crushing on: spring blooms

So I must confess, I’m having a major crush lately…

I don’t want to cheat on Summer because it has a special place in my heart (white pants + cold cocktails + sun-kissed skin = a Florida girl’s heaven)..but I’m crushing on Spring. I celebrate my birthday this season and it’s also a gentle reminder that Summer is on its way, right?

Or perhaps it’s because it’s something I can’t seem to have.. (isn’t that how it always goes?) With this cold, snow-filled winter almost behind us, there is nothing I crave more than warmer weather, the sight of spring blooms and Jack Rogers on freshly pedicured pink toes (cue: eye roll now).

It’s also not a secret that I adore fresh flowers – from my newfound obsession with UrbanStems to the fact that I can’t walk by a flower stand or go in grocery store for that matter, without leaving with bright blooms in hand. Now, I’ve said before that I don’t really fancy red roses – I think they’re kind of cheesy (sorry). But PINK ones? Sure! Peonies? Tulips? Hydrangeas? Gerber Daisies? (list goes on…) ABSOLUTELY!

I am also loving blue mason jars filled with blooms in shades of pink. Whether you DIY or purchase them – nothing screams SPRING more.

{SIDE NOTE: I will also be the first to say that the whole mason jar craze is on its way out or already is (unless they’re for purely drinking, sorry). I’m just a guilty as the next hostess but chevron, burlap, mason lights – they all have their season. Now this doesn’t mean I think they’re bad taste or dislike them at weddings and events, they just have been done time and time (and time) again…}

Back to BLUE ones though – I bought my large ones at World Market and have used them as vases and in Spring tablescapes. Last Spring, I hosted Easter Sunday brunch at my house for all my friends who didn’t travel for the holiday. I used blue mason jars and colorful tulips to brighten up the table (as seen below).

I am also crushing on all these simple blue mason arrangements!

{Image via}

P.S. I am taking a floral design class in early April so be sure to check back as I will share what I learn for beginners (i.e. do’s and don’ts)!

Spring – please come soon!

03.03.14

Recap: H&T with The College Prepster

First and foremost, apologies for the lack of posts this past week – I was super busy getting everything ready for The College Prepster event and time got the best of me!

Today’s post is a recap of the Meet & Greet that I hosted this past weekend for my friend, Carly. I kept the theme simple and well, preppy…with lots of navy and pink along the way. I also had “Live Your Dreams” pencils made for party favors (TCP motto).

We had over 200+ girls and 2 guys (ha!) join us to meet Carly. Everyone sipped on illy coffee (in pink cups), hot chocolate and smoothies while waiting in line for insta-pics. They also indulged in the most adorable silhouette & bow sugar cookies I’ve ever seen (#coffeeandcookies). It was so nice to meet everyone!

It was also so fun to have Carly back in town from NYC. We started our day with a blogger blowout date at Drybar Georgetown (thank you again to the lovely team there for the beautiful blowouts and curls! – see my instagram for some “behind the blogger scenes”). Afterward, we frolicked down the street to the adorable Patisserie Poupon to set up for the event.

Thank you again to Nico and Lala for all the fun party swag, Monumental Sweets for the cookies, Patisserie Poupon for hosting us at the coffee bar and UrbanStems for providing the gorgeous custom florals for the afternoon (see instagram for more photos of those beauties!).

Oh and I must say, Carly has some of the best-dressed readers around!

P.S. – If you don’t live in DC and are a fan of The College Prepster too – rumor has it that Carly and I might just be taking this show on the road (coming to a city near you soon!) so stay tuned for more updates this Spring!

02.24.14

make.my.monday: oxford exchange gift guide

Today’s post is about one of my favorite places to visit when home in Tampa – the Oxford Exchange.

It’s hard to put into words a place like the Oxford Exchange because I’ve never been been anywhere else like it – it’s a commerce club, shop, bookstore, restaurant, coffeehouse, special event space and just about everything in between.

OE opened in 2012 and I was lucky enough to get a tour of the space pre-opening. I was beyond impressed. I have enjoyed an amazing brunch there, shopped in their adorable store and attended a gorgeous wedding reception – all under the same roof.

The history of OE is inspiring too. After a trip to London, the founder was inspired to design a space in his hometown where people “could meet, mingle, work in solitude, or simply pass a few moments outside of their hectic lives.” It attempts to showcase the best of the contemporary and the classic – which matches my taste perfectly. Some call it a large house – some say it’s a small town. Each area of the building is unique and it was built with materials from over a dozen countries including Italian marble, reclaimed white oak and leather panels on walls and ceilings.

OE also recently launched its new online store – which means even if you can’t visit Tampa and put this on your must-see list – you can still shop their fabulous collection!

I mean, how beautiful is this place?