November 23, 2011

Check out this great stocking stuffer we spotted at Abilene Best Store Betty & June.  Chilly, windy days are on their way if they haven’t arrived already, and Smith’s Rosebud Salve is the gold standard for staving off the most dreaded winter side-effect—chapped lips.  It’s bigger than a tube of Chapstick—and it smells better too—so you’re less likely to lose it in the bottom of your purse.

Check out this great stocking stuffer we spotted at Abilene Best Store Betty & June.  Chilly, windy days are on their way if they haven’t arrived already, and Smith’s Rosebud Salve is the gold standard for staving off the most dreaded winter side-effect—chapped lips.  It’s bigger than a tube of Chapstick—and it smells better too—so you’re less likely to lose it in the bottom of your purse.

July 12, 2011

The surest way to beat the Texas heat? Get yourself to a beach, lake or pool. Pronto. But it would be remiss of us to let you leave without giving you a roundup of our top beach essentials.

Clockwise, from left:

Ruffle-Wrapped Halter Suit – Anthropologie: It’s your favorite wrap dress, re-imagined as swimwear.

Moonlight Breeze Tunic – Free People: We love a good coverup that can double as a top when layered over a tank or cami.

Denim Cut-Offs – American Eagle: A summer staple.

Leather Sandals – Zara: These will only get better-looking with wear.

This beach blanket is genius–one side is lined in terrycloth so it’s perfect for drying off and lounging on.

Next up, accessories (clockwise from left):

Beads & Fringe Necklace – Forever21: Cute enough to rock for your post-water activities, but cheap enough that you wouldn’t be too upset if it got lost or damaged. Hello, you’re not going to pack your diamonds in your beach bag.

Rectangular Bead Ring – Forever21: Remember what we said about the necklace? Yeah, same goes.

Ray-Ban “Boyfriend” Sunglasses – Nordstrom: We’re suckers for an oversize shade in a retro shape. These fit the bill perfectly.

Sail Bag – J.Crew: Looking for a bag that can really take a beating? Look no further. This one’s made from an actual sail. Takes nautical to a whole new level, huh?

Trompe-L’oeil Glasses  Case – Urban Outfitters: As far as glasses cases go, this one’s pretty adorbs.

We could hardly leave out the products that will get you all bronze-goddess-y:

ExfoliKate Face (Left) & Body (Right) – Kate Somerville: One of our editors is truly obsessed with this stuff for pre-self-tanning exfoliation. Say that five times fast.

L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes: This drugstore formula rivals any department store brand. It’s pretty much streak- and fool-proof.

Last, but certainly not least: SPF protection.

Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face – CVS: This stuff is so thin and absorbs so effortlessly, you’ll swear it can’t possibly be effective. But it is.

Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen – CVS: This stuff works, even when reapplied to wet skin. Seriously–our resident redhead used it at Lake Travis last weekend and she was the only one that didn’t come back with a sunburn. True story.

Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder – Bumble & Bumble: This stuff will totally revive your hair sans water after a day of sweating fun.

May 26, 2011

We just snagged a new bottle of Fresh Sake Bath Bubbles at Blue Elephant in Austin.  We orignally received this hidden little bath secret as a gift. You’re gonna love how it makes your skin feel oh-so-soft and the bottle last oh-so-long.