Lands' End Canvas

I've been in the market for a new bathing suit since the weather started heating up. Something that you may not know about me is I'm a "one-piecer." I've been one my whole life. I've tried bikinis, but I've never felt comfortable in them and I love swimming and the beach too much to always feel uncomfortable.

This week my search for this year's swimsuit came to a close when I received my Lands' End Canvas Summerland red striped swimsuit in the mail. I LOVE IT! It has detachable straps, it fits in all of the right places and it has great coverage and support.

I've been watching Lands' End Canvas for the past year, but had yet to order anything until now. I love their prices, they always have good sales and regular free shipping codes. I also found out that Lands' End is linked to Sears, so if something doesn't fit and you would like to return it, you can actually take it to your local Sears store. Cool, eh?

The BIGGEST reason why I love this company is that their customer service and follow through is fantastic! Two weeks after placing my online order, they mailed me a handwritten thank you note. You guys, even my address and the return address was handwritten. That is SO rare these days, and I really appreciate the extra mile.

Lindsey & Josh Anniversary Shoot

I'd like to introduce you to Lindsey and Josh, a wonderful, intelligent and beautiful couple that recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary!

To help capture the milestone they hired Gina Meola Photography, as well as AVE Styles to help make them look their best.

Lindsey has a very eclectic, earthy style and Josh enjoys clean and simple. So, to please them both, I created two different ensembles for each of them that portrayed both of their tastes.

The photo shoot took place at the Montelucia Restort where they enjoyed a weekend "staycation." Both sets of outfits suited the hotel - one embodied the southwestern color palette of the surrounding mountains and the other the elegance of the architecture.

Congratulations Lindsey and Josh! Cheers to many more years of love!

Photography by Gina Meola.

My Favorite Wedges to Date

This past weekend I headed into my favorite discount clothing store, TJ Maxx, to look for some shoes for my sister in law. I was successful in finding shoes for her AND for me. haha! I scored my FAVORITE wedges to date. They might even in my top 5 of all time...So what are they?

BCBGeneration Tempa Wedges. They are THE most comfortable AND attractive shoe. Seriously, I don't think Born or Soft has anything on these guys. The elastic around the foot keeps me feeling comfortable, as well as the built in arch support.

I bought these shoes in brown, but they also come in beige and black. However, I think dark brown is going to be a beautiful color for fall, so I plan to wear these shoes through October.

What's your most comfortable shoe?

Birthday Goodies

Today is my birthday. WOOOHOOO! Though I don't love the fact that I found a gray hair on my head the other day (sigh), I am definitely celebrating turning the big 2-7 by doing a little sale shoppin'. Actually, I did it on Monday...I just couldn't resist. haha! Want to see what I found???

First stop Banana Republic. I walked into the store because they had a giant sale sign that said take an additional 40% sale items. How could I say no? I ended up finding a denim shirt on sale for $24.99, bringing the total down to $16. WOOHOO! Unfortunately, online they only have it on sale for $49, so check out your local store.

Then I headed over to my all time favorite store, J.Crew. Of course, I had the best luck there. :) I found several fun things on sale with a bonus of an additional 30% off all items.

1. Awesome slim boyfriend jeans on sale for $19.99. For all of the years I worked and shopped at J.Crew, boyfriend jeans have never appealed to me. Recently, the came out with the slim boyfriend pant, and I love them! I'm normally a 6/8 and I had to wear a size 4 in them, so keep that in mind if you order them. I also LOVE the light denim wash. It's going to be pretty popular the rest of this year. Online they are still full price, so head into your local store.

2. I also got the Silk Sophie Blouse in dark slate. It actually has a hint of green in it. It's sooooo pretty, comfortable and a great piece that will transition into fall. In the store this blouse was on sale for $25.99.

3. Wide-rib wool tights in heather gray. They were marked down to $4.99, so I basically got them for $3.00. What a steal?! I can't wait to wear them this winter.

I also found a blush colored leather belt for $6.50. Unfortunatley, you can't find it online.

Great way to start off 27 don't you think? ;)

Pssssst for Curly Hair

I'm a big fan of dry shampoo, especially using my new favorite product Pssssst for Wavy and Curly Hair. I had used the original formula, and had thought it was so-so. I preferred to use Batiste because I thought it smelled better. Well, that was until Psssst came out with one formulated for curly hair.

It smells SOOOO good! It's basically like wearing Clinique Happy in your hair, but better! It also doesn't leave white residue like the original formula does. It only costs $6.99 at Ulta.

Try it! You'll love it!