Summer Beauty Essentials

Ok beautiful girls...SUMMER is officially here!! Wooohooo!! I know many of us are filling up the calendar with beach trips, backyard BBQs, and a host of other hot summer events, so looking our best and staying bright, beautiful and breezy is the first order of business!!  So here are some tips and products to keep you looking and feeling muy caliente!!!

First up, gotta get the skin aglow for those strapless dresses and back out tops!!  Run don't walk and snatch up a nice, warm body scrub to get your skin right, I love the Ginger Body Scrub from Origins!!  My "beautiful skin inspiration" is Gabrielle Union, her skin and beauty is just flawless!

Hair is Huge for summer, because you don't want to look overdone at the beach!  The whole point to summer is laid back, carefree effortless beauty! Natural is the key word for summer hair, so if you have long hair shoot for tousled, loose waves.  Short hair, a little leave-in conditioner, light gel for curl enhancement or pomade if your hair is straight and go!

Gorgeous tousled waves!

Beautiful twist out!!! Love this!!

Eva Pigford.  Stunning!

For more hair style ideas, check out my Pinterest board "Hair It From Me" for inspiration, it's a real treat!!:)

So what would summer be without a sick mani/pedi to compliment your look!!

Teddy Girl

I am in love with this gorgeous pastel pink called Teddy Girl by butter LONDON!!!  And the great thing about their nail lacquers is they're eco-friendly, they don't contain the toulene, resin, formaldehyde and other harmful ingredients that's been linked to cancer and birth defects!!

Achieving that flawless skin for some may include makeup and summer time will definitely test the durability of your foundation.  Most of you already know that I'm a MAC addict so of course that's my recommendation for your summer foundation!

I prefer MAC Studio Sculpt and a Blot Powder to ward off shine!  However, make sure you visit a counter and see what works best for your skin!

Long, flirty lashes really sets the tone for fun in the sun, don't you think?  But how can you really play up those lashes without getting ring around the eye after a sweaty game of beach volleyball or heaven forbid splashing around the water?

Yikes...NO!NO!

This...YES! YES!!

Every gal needs a great waterproof mascara!! I love Maybelline at a great price!!

Some other last minute items to always keep in the beach bag:

butter LONDON Trout Pout

I was so excited to hear that butter LONDON just introduced their new lip gloss line Lippy to match with their already awesome nail lacquers!! When I received my samples to test and review, I seriously fell in love, my fave is Trout Pout!! The glosses literally go on like chapstick, not sticky or annoyingly tacky at all and have just the right amount of shine and color to offset any summer look!!  This is a staple girlies!!

Invisible Solid, keeps the stains away!!

Vitamin E Face Mist, The Body Shop!

Ok ladies let's get ready to hit the beach in style and beauty!! Share some of your fave summer staples, would love to hear from you!!

Happy Summer Beauties~

My Playlist

I hope all my girls had a great weekend!! It's been a long time since I've done a music post, you know the songs I've been listening to for inspiration, reflection, or songs that are just plain awesome!!  So here are my Top 5 favorites right now!

This song by Ezria called "Happiness Feels A Lot Like Sorrow", I discovered watching an episode of one of my fave shows, The Game-all the Melanie & Derwin drama, I know my Game fans feel me!:)  It's so pretty, a bit sad, but very mellow and I actually Youtube it at night sometimes to fall asleep! Very peaceful!

This one is just Crazy, crazy hot!! Two of my favorite artists on the same track and it's ridiculous!!! Loves it and rolls everywhere to this one!!

Never paid much attention to the teen musicians much, but heard this song on the radio one day and was sooo shocked it was Miley Cyrus.  I love, love it! It's pretty and definitely pulls at the heart strings.  Warning: may cause a few tears if you're in a sad mood while listening to this one.  But hey, crying is like laughter, everyone has to do it, takes that stress away! So let go!

A Chris Brown fan probably forever, yea really in my eyes musically he can do no wrong and then throwing Nas in the mix...A+ Nicki!! Song is fiya!

And let's close this out with a sick Usher hit, "Climax!" If you haven't heard it, listen and you will see why I lovey so much!

Before I say sayonara, want to give BIG shouts out to the late MCA (Beastie Boys), Donna Summers, and Chuck Brown who all recently passed away.  They were all musical geniuses that left legacies that will no doubt keep their memories alive forever!! Rock out beauties!

luri & wilma gal

Omg, so I am SUPER excited to show you guys my latest project!! It's awesome, so you may remember awhile ago I mentioned an interview for a contributing writing position for luri & wilma, an up and coming eco-friendly magazine for the smart, fashion savvy chica, right!?  Well the May/June issue just went live and it includes my piece called "Travelin' Essentials."  Check it out and let me know what you beauties think of the magazine, it is totally green and just really fashionably awesome-there's a little something for everyone!!

Sneak Peek!!

Tanks: Gap Jeans: Gap Shoes: Urban Outfitters Bag: Vintage Coach

This was a cool day, because I attended the luri & wilma meet and greet BBQ and got a chance to meet the awesome team that makes up this crew!  It was a fantastic day and I'm so looking forward to working with this group of lovely gals and guys!!

On another note, I'm totally in love with the new addition to my closet, these colorful slip-on comfy shoes.  They have a TOMS style and feel to them, but they aren't TOMS.  The pattern is very tribal and colorful, right up my alley for summer cuteness!!

Stay tuned for more fashion greatness with luri & wilma and please subscribe to the magazine, we are new and growing and could use all of your wonderful energy and support!!

Flowers Are In Bloom

Flowers Are In Bloom by b3llacara featuring skinny ankle jeans

Ralph Lauren Collection georgette blouse
$1,330 - stylebop.com

Current/Elliott skinny ankle jeans
£230 - julesb.co.uk

Lanvin pink ballet flat
$555 - ssense.com

Miu miu handbag
$380 - miumiu.com

Getting Fit The Cute Way

This whole week I've had random convos with different girlies and somehow the topic of durable, yet cute workout gear has come up, so it's time I dedicate a little post to all my super active beauties who want to look cute while sweating it out!!

The topic of reliable, durable, sports bra has definitely been the hot topic! I speak personally when I say keeping "the girls" contained during a high impact workout is no easy feat especially with an ill fitted sports bra.  Here are my two top picks for this:

For my top heavy girls! The Ta Ta Tamer 2 by Lululemon is the best!! $58

Just Do It!! Yes hands down Nike is it when it comes to...well all things Nike really! $55

Many of us make the mistake of going cheap when buying sports bras and that's a no-no, especially if you plan to be active and stay active, you gotta protect your womanly assets *wink* the right way.  And that's making an investment in a bra that will provide extra support when you are going hard on that workout grind and keep those lovelies in place and perky!!

My friend and workout partner, Courtney and I were just talking about how we used to throw together old clothes to make workout gear, but now that we are serious about getting and staying fit, we want Real workout clothes that last and go the distance and look adorably fashionable.  So here are some of my workout gear crushes right now.

My new love is Solow! They have everything from everyday fashion, like that hot maxi dress to super cute sports wear!  Check it:

How cute is this ruffled tank?! Solow $58

Cute shorts! Lululemon $54

 

Omg, how cute is this Lululemon cinch dress!! $88

Sweet!! Nike $58

As for the shoes, I love drama on my feet and when I'm in my dance class, you know the one that feels more like the club I was telling yall about, I want to look fresh not like I'm at the gym, so I look for shoes at a store called Journeys!!

Love color!!! DG Journeys $74.99

Ok, so there you have it, some of my fashionista workout picks!! Getting fit doesn't have to be dark and dreary girls! I feel especially motivated and pumped when I look cute in my workout gear, it makes me want to go the extra mile to make that gear look sick on my newly toned body!!

Happy workouts!!:)

NOVA Fashion Week: Behind The Scenes

This past weekend was Fantastic!! I haven't done that much running around in awhile but it was sooo well worth it!  Friday night kicked off the weekend with the Luxe Lifestyle "Behind The Scenes" event hosted by NOVA Fashion Week.  It was a blast! I was a part of the discussion panel and me and four other bloggers talked about the Amazing fashion scene in DC, emerging fashion trends and how to tie it altogether in one fabulous fashionista package!  Check it out!

Dress: Vintage Shoes: Nordstrom Purse: Victoria Secret

Discussion Panel time!! We were all nervous, but quickly got comfortable!!

Me, Nakia (Vogue & Vintage), Jennifer (Comme Coco), Ashley, (LPM Ashely), & Schuntel (msstyleandgrace.com)

BraveNoise was spinning live music all night!! Their sound is awesome!!

Super Delightful Treats from Perfect Pink Cupcakes was just what I needed!!  First time ever having a cake pop!! Awesome!!

It was really cool getting to see firsthand all the preparation and frenzy that goes on behind the scenes of a fashion show!!

The fashion show kicked off with the models coming down the elevator onto the catwalk!! Freaking Epic!!

Loved this capri jumper from designer Dayanne Danier-Bien Abye

 

I found this dress at a local thrift shop a few days before the event and it was such a sweet find, because it has all of the latest trends packaged in one little outfit! You have the bold bright colors, the tribal, aztec style print, the gold buttons down the front, and the 80's throwback shoulder pads!!  Yes the 1980's have made a comeback and I think that should be evident in all the neon and bold patterns we are seeing all over the place!  In keeping with the bold theme, I decided to have fun and throw my zebra print purse all over it!!

The point I'm trying to make is, fashion should be fun and fabulous! There are no rules to this game, wear what feels right, comfortable and most of all wear what that defines you!!

Stay Beautiful Beauties!!!

Neon is the New BLACK!!!

Neon is the New BLACK!!! by b3llacara featuring Damsel in a Dress shoes

Jenny Packham Pink Star Sequined Cocktail Dress
€1.789 - jades24.com

Juicy Couture top
$46 - juicycouture.com

YMI shorts
zumiez.com

Damsel in a Dress shoes
170 AUD - sirenshoes.com.au

Rebecca Minkoff clutch
$195 - stefanibags.com

Week In Review: Kazaxe Recap & Luxe Lifestyle Event

Sunday was an absolutely gorgeous day and perfect for MEGAXE on the mall at the Washington Monument for the Make A Wish Foundation.  The turn out was huge and we danced like crazy for two hours straight!!  We raised $6,000+ with this event alone and the donations are still coming in!! My hubby came with the boys and they had a blast running, playing and helping mommy dance!!  Check out the video footage!!

In other news, I am super excited about this upcoming event! It's the Luxe Lifestyle Event "Behind The Scenes of NOVA Fashion Week" presented by NOVA (Northern Virginia) Fashion Week and guess what?  I will be a panelist along with other area bloggers discussing fashion, social media, technology and more!  Yay!!  The event is a sneak peek into all of the hard work that goes into putting on a fashion show, from building the stage to getting the models makeup, fashion, and hair Ready Set Walk!!  A fantastic fashion show will wrap this event complete with top fashion designers, makeup artists, hair stylists and music!

So if any of my local beauties are around, drop-in and see this fabulous event in action.  Check out the juicy details here and come out, would love to meet you!!

That's all for now, stay tuned for my recap of the Luxe Lifestyle Event and of course photos of my fab outfit!!:)

Stay Beautiful!

Bold Bright Color, Prints & Florals

Prints, bold bright colors and florals have been burning up the fashion scene this spring and will continue to be a mainstay through summer.  So to get into the spirit I decided to mix up a little bit of everything into one cool prepped out look! I threw in a little polka dot meets red and mustard meets my lovely little flower hair piece!

Blazer: Gap Skirt: J. Crew Tank Top: Target Wedges: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Vintage Coach

Hair: Two strand twist Eyes: Pretty Twisted MAC Eyeshadow

What is Kazaxe?

I recently got back on my mission to get and Stay active, no excuses.  So twice a week, I've been hitting my kazaxe (KAH-ZAH-SHAY) class really hard.  When I say "kazaxe" many people are like "what is that?"  Axe- means "positive vibes"  and "Casa de Axe" means House of Positive Vibes.  Asuka, the gorgeous gal teaching us how to move, spins a mix of dancehall, reggae, hip-hop, salsa, meringue, soca, samba, and brazilian and we dance, dance, dance!!  This class is a total body workout from the hip gyrations to the dropping it low every chance we get this class feels more like a night out at the club with your girls instead of a run of the mill gym workout.  The one hour wait in line just to get your spot in the room really plays into that club vibe too!  Check it out!

You can see from the video we have a blast and going to this very high impact class has helped me almost totally shed my post, post pregnancy weight:), while picking up some crazy dance moves at the same time!!  And at $5 a class it's much cheaper than my gym membership, which I paid for but never really used anyway.

So for all of my beauties living in the DMV area looking to break the boring gym routine, definitely feel free to drop in on this class!!  This Sunday we will be performing our super hot dance moves on the mall right in front of the Sylvan Theatre in Washington, DC for the Make A Wish Foundation, it's free and open to the public.

For other fun and Free exercise options check out these cool spots in DC recently highlighted on Refinery 29!  As the weather warms up, I will def be hitting up more outdoor adventures.  Summer dresses and bikini season is right around the corner, let's get it ladies!! Whooohoooooo!!!

Stay Beautiful Beauties~

DIY Home Beauty Treatments

Hi Lovers!! Ok I've been hitting you pretty hard with all the fashion fun, now it's time for some beauty knowledge to get you gorgeous ladies and gents, ready for these warm, sexy months up ahead!!  So being that I am the queen of beauty on a budget, I wanted to bring y'all some easy DIY beauty treatments you can pull off at home with some olive oil,  good ol' jar of mayo, and honey to name a few items!!  Here we go!

HAIR

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

If you're just using olive oil in your culinary adventures you're missing out on one of it's great purposes and that's to keep those locs shiny, moisturized and healthy!

• Make sure you use pure organic, virgin first cold pressed olive oil.  My mom who is a natural skin and hair care genius recommends Vidas Olivia from Spain, you can find this bottle at any Whole Foods or if you live in San Francisco Rainbow Grocery stores.

• Pour the oil into a small bowl and microwave to heat it up.  But be careful as not to make the oil too hot or you can burn your scalp.

•  Saturate your scalp from root to ends with the oil.  Use a wide tooth comb to distribute the oil all over. 

• Wrap your hair in a plastic shower cap or you can heat up a towel in the microwave and wrap it around your hair, I call this the extra hot oil treatment. 

• The time varies on how long to leave it in.  I say in order to see real results you need to leave it for at least 30 minutes.  However, if your hair is super dry like mine, I do this little routine in the evening right before bed and leave it in overnight and wash in the morning.

• Rinse off and follow your normal shampoo/condition routine.  

 Natural Deep Conditioner

I love this one gals!  Blend 1/4 cup plain yogurt with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and the whites from one egg.  Saturate the hair with the mixture and then run a wide tooth comb through your hair to evenly disperse.  Cover your hair with a shower cap and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.  This hair mask will address and remedy any dryness and damaged areas.

Getting rid of product buildup-mix a small amount of baking soda with your shampoo.  This will make your hair light and manageable.

Natural Highlights

Mix 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice to 1/4 cup water.  Saturate your hair with the concoction and let sit for 30 to 60 minutes.  If the sun is shining, sit outside and allow the sun to work it's magic.  This will instantly highlight those locs.  If you want more reddish tones substitute apple cider vinegar instead of lemon.

See there are ways to cut that salon cost in half!

 FACE

 Honey Anyone?

For acne prone skin-a great quick skin boost is a Honey & Banana Mask!  Take one banana and blend it with one tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon of lemon.  Apply a warm cloth to your face to moisten your skin.  Then smear the mask all over your face and leave for 15 to 30 minutes.  Rinse with warm water and follow with your fave moisturizer.

For dry skin-mix half of a mashed avocado with 1/4 cup honey for a mask that will rejuvenate and replenish much need moisture.  Leave on for 15 minutes and rinse.

Exfoliate-mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey and 1/2 cup of sugar.  This exfoliate is perfect because not only is it getting rid of dead skin cells, but the honey and olive oil ingredients are replenishing moisture often striped when exfoliating.  Use 1 to 3 times a week depending on your skin sensitivity.

Are we starting to notice a pattern of the same products for multiple uses and functions!! So all you have to do is stock up on these key ingredients and have a beauty blast!!

BODY

Milk does a body good, literally!! Grab that milk from your fridge that's ready to expire and pour it into your bath!  Add a few drops of olive oil and Voila a soothing moisturizing bath!  Milk is a natural moisturizer!  You can also combine milk and olive oil in a bowl and soak your hands and feet right before you give yourself a mani/pedi!!

Exfoliate-for the body try a sea salt scrub.  Combine one cup of sea salt rocks with one cup of extra virgin olive oil.  Grab one of your favorite essential oils and add a couple of drops! Boom, a nice refreshing body scrub to get your skin glowing for those summer dresses!

Sunburn Treatment-always, always wear sunscreen before soaking up those sun rays, no matter your skin complexion everyone needs sunscreen, not only does it protect your skin from dangerous UV rays, it also helps fight aging, check out more on the fight against aging here!

However, if you did happen upon a burn, treat it by mixing half aloe vera gel and baking soda and apply to affected area.  This will soothe any pain and reduce redness.  To prevent peeling apply vinegar to the affected area.

Let me know if there are any DIY beauty regimens that you live for, would love to try something new!!

Stay Beautiful Beauties!