PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

Let's talk about culottes for a minute. Culottes are definitely on the adventurous side, but they can be a super chic statement piece for summer. I love how Amy from Fashion Jackson styled a light, breezy neutral ensemble using culottes in this popular pin. The boxy top paired with the pants makes for such a fun silhouette and the colors play very nicely together without being too plain. If culottes intimidate you, think of them like a flouncy midi skirt. Wear culottes with exactly what you'd wear if it was a midi skirt, but then bask in the glory of the fact that you're actually wearing pants... and can dance wildly and do ninja kicks, if you please. Pants are so freeing, are they not? 

See how I recreated this look below for under $150 and follow along with me on Pinterest to see more of my fashion finds. 

Mango Blouse - $25

Amazon Culottes - $21

Forever 21 Purse - $25

Forever 21 Heels - $30

Michael Kors Ring - $46

Total: $147

AN UNBIASED REVIEW OF RODAN + FIELDS

A couple of weeks ago, I turned 32. This is the first birthday where I am starting to feel like getting older is not so fun. I recently touched up my roots for the first time, I've had arthritis for the past four months and I'm starting to really notice signs of aging in my skin. Oy! 

My skin has always been troublesome for me. In my adolescent years and through college I struggled with acne. I did EVERYTHING. They had me on birth control pills, I did two runs of Accuntane (no longer on the market due to the dangers to your body), regularly sought treatments from a dermatologist and even tried that Proactive line. Nothing worked. Finally, it got better when my Hashimotos disease was diagnosed and my thyroid was regulated. It was causing a lot of hormonal imbalance problems, and thus causing my skin to be out of control. 

Now, my skin challenges aren't as much about acne as they are about scars, discoloration and wrinkles. When I saw that everyone and their mom (seriously) was selling Rodan + Fields skincare I was very reluctant to buy into it because it was created by the same people that brought us Proactive. Anything that claims to have one solution for all makes me skeptical, so I ignored the hype. However, recently, a friend of a friend asked if she could send me several full-size products free so that I could share an unbiased review of the line. She believed in it so much that she was willing to risk the cost of the product. I said I would take the challenge and give my HONEST, personal feedback.

Below, you'll find all of the products I have used over the past four months. Before and after pictures and my thoughts on what is worth your money and what's not.

After doing an online consult that asked various questions about my skin I was recommended the Reverse Regimen to help with discoloration and dullness. I was also recommended a a few products from the Redefine regimen: night renewing serum, lip renewing serum, redefine eye cloths, multi-function eye cream. I also tried the micro-dermabrasion paste.

I started the whole skincare line on April 5th. Above are my before pictures, and below are the after.

You can definitely see that there has been an improvement in the brightness and texture of my skin. It looks smoother and more even. However, I wouldn't say you need all of these products to get this result.

Products worth your money:
I would say the 4 Step Reverse line is great, and all of the credit goes to this group right here! My skin is a bit sensitive, so I found that using the face wash every other day is better for my skin. I also enjoyed the redefine lip serum. My lips always felt incredibly moist the next morning.

Not so stellar products:
I could not use the micro-dermabrasion on my skin. It was too harsh even after one application, especially when I was already using the Redefine line. I also didn't care for the eye cloths. They didn't get the makeup off very well. The redefine face serum was hardly enough to apply to my face at night and I never really saw or felt a different the next day. I had similar feelings with the eye cream. 

This is my personal view and my experience after four months, and not a sponsored post. I'll post an update on my skin in another four months to let you know how it's going just because honest reviews of products can be helpful. If you have any questions about Rodan + Fields you can ask Erin Lizotte. She is the one that sent these products to me. 

Product photography by Rennai Hoefer

GUEST ROOM MAKEOVER & CONTEST

One of the best things about our new home is that it has plenty of space to host friends and family. I've always dreamed of creating a hotel-worthy guest room that made our guests feel welcome and rested. Living Spaces helped make my dream a reality with some of the most beautiful and affordable furniture around, and I'm excited to share it with you (P.S. you can win this whole space).

We all know that pineapples are a pin-worthy subject lately, but did you know that the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality that dates back to Christopher Columbus (see more here)? Well, as a woman that loves a good dark wall and one that loves pineapples, when I saw this Hygge & West ebony pineapple wallpaper I knew that this was perfect for my guest room and source of inspiration for the rest of the room.

The color palette was set by this wallpaper, but to avoid it feeling too matchy, matchy I wanted to introduce some natural textures, grays and other patterns. I selected a full sized, gray upholstered bed. It was only $370, and looks like it costs over one thousand. A crisp white duvet is always something you find in hotels these days, but these black and white accent pillows accompanied by a soft black throw made the bed feel even more luxurious.

I then picked an area rug to anchor the space, and I fell in love with this jute rug with black lines. Other elements that added this natural quality were an outdoor rope stool doubled as a side table and a woven basket used as a planter.

When I think about the different elements that make up a comfortable hotel room a cozy reading chair always comes to mind. This black, brass studded, leather chair is so classic in design and the perfect reading chair for my guests. I added a brass reading lamp next to it that could also be turned if someone decided to read in bed. Of course, being able to put your feet up and relax is important and this printed ottoman called my name.

The room is 11 ft wide and 8 ft deep, so I didn't have too much room for side tables. Instead, I opted for the small rope stool on one side and a brass and marble bookshelf for the other. I decorated the shelves with elements that you would often find in a hotel room such as a clock, books, bottled water, wash cloths and flowers (or in this case palm leaves to continue the tropical flair). You'll also always want a mirror for your guests to check their hair and makeup without having to go down the hall to the bathroom. I love this 44 inch gray mirror. It has an island feel to it and the color softens the room.

Last, but not least, I made sure there was a tray of welcome gifts and small design accents to make the space feel homey. A pitcher, a notebook for messages, a good smelling candle, wrapped soaps to enjoy, lavender body lotion and even brass keys to make it really feel like a hotel. I even had my friend Katie Sterbenz design a sign for the room showing wear to go to enter the oasis. On the right, the guest room, and on the left, Elle's room.

I hope you love the room as much as I do. I'm considering inviting all tired moms who need some sleep to come and use it. haha! But seriously, if you love this room you can WIN it. Living Spaces is doing a Pinterest contest where you can win a $2,500 gift card to shop this room or buy other elements that make up your dream space. Click here to enter. Be sure to check out their 4th of July sale to find amazing deals too!

To shop the space be sure to visit my Pinterest board with all of the items. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

RED, WHITE & BLUE STYLE TIPS

Independence Day is just around the corner, and dressing patriotically is definitely a ritual of mine. I'm excited to share on Fox 10 this coming Sunday, July 3rd at 7:20am how to dress for the holiday without looking like a walking flag. I'll be sharing tips for women, kids and men. 

I think men are the ones that always shy away from dressing patriotically. Jeans are a bit too hot, so there goes their blue option, right? Wrong! This year, try a navy and white striped t-shirt (what guy doesn't love a t-shirt) and red chinos. 

Okay, so maybe he won't wear red chinos, but blue chambray shorts could work too. Add some red with a watch or even a handkerchief tucked in a back pocket. It doesn't need to be obvious. More this Sunday!

All clothes from Joules.com, photos by Rennai Hoefer.

A CLASSIC BLAZER WITH A TWIST

The meaning of "work chic" has definitely evolved over the years for me because I no longer work in a traditional office environment. Getting dressed for work doesn't look any different than getting dressed for any other day. However, when I'm giving a presentation, going on television or going to event (all work related) I need look, at the very least, business casual. A blazer, button down shirt, skinny jeans and flats is my go-to uniform. It's figure flattering and sophisticated. But, I always want my outfit to be memorable, so this jade colored blazer by Two Penny Blue is exactly what I needed.

I mean, how many people own a jade green blazer? Exactly! Though classic in it's shape down to the gold buttons and refined in it's construction with impeccable seams and good quality wool, it oozes style that goes beyond the traditional office jacket. And you want to know the BEST part about my blazer? With every blazer purchased a school uniform is donated to a girl in Africa.

This blazer gives a girl the opportunity to get an education. You might think a uniform isn't that big of a deal, but kids can't even attend school without one. I love that my "uniform" gives another girl self-esteem and a future. Be sure to check out Two Penny Blue if you're in the market to pump of the volume of your work wardrobe.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer