This & That | Swimsuits, Self Tan Tips & Home Decor
Hi friend! Yay for Friday and making it to the weekend! We’re looking at a cold few days and only a basketball game and church on the agenda, so I’m sure we’ll be bundled up at home the rest of the time.
I know the world seems uncertain lately and I hope my blog brings a brief respite from the worry and fear out there. I’m sending y’all a big hug and extra love today.
On a much lighter note, if you missed any of my posts this week, you can catch up here:
New Nordstrom Styles & President’s Day Sales
YOUR FAVES THIS WEEK
I love seeing what y’all are loving and here’s what topped your list this week!
FASHION: High Waist Crop Jeans, White Straight Leg Jeans, Performance Joggers
AMAZON FASHION: Pink Smocked Maxi Dress, One Shoulder Maxi Dress, Stud Earrings
BEAUTY: Lip Kit, Self Tanner, Makeup Brushes
HOME: Cork Liner, Olive Branches, Pantry Baskets
SWIMSUITS
I’ve got Spring Break on the brain and ordered several new swimsuits to share with you. As always, there were MANY that I don’t even dare share, but there were several that made the recommendations list! Let’s start with one pieces.
Swimsuit • Hat • Gold Bangles
Becca swimsuits are tried and true and always fit and flatter in the best way. I love her designs as well as the quality and style of her suits. This one piece is a stunning blue with gorgeous crochet detail plunge neckline. It ties in the back and provides moderate rear coverage. The cup pads are removable.
Swimsuit Fit: I’m wearing a Small. I noticed one reviewer mentioned she was 5’8 so she was concerned it would be too short. She sized up and it fit her perfectly.
Swimsuit • Hat • Gold Bangles
The straw Panama hat is equal parts cute and functional. It’s adjustable, packable and has a 3-inch brim. It’s a great deal at under $30 and also comes in grey/
I have this criss cross suit in two other colors (orange/white & blue/navy) and I like it so much that I added the black/white/gingham to my collection. I always feel cute and confident in this one and I’m also able to easily play in the pool with my kids without fear of a wardrobe malfunction.
It has padded removable cups and nearly 10,000 positive reviews.
Swimsuit Fit: I’m wearing an XS
This is a new style by Becca and I was drawn to the fun colors and sheen. I think it would be a cool vacation swimsuit, but it does have more of a retro vibe and I was expecting more bright colors.
Swimsuit Fit: I’m wearing a Small
Swimsuit Top • Bottom • Gold Bangles
As for two pieces, I really like the coverage that the top on this one provides. You can also remove the shoulder strap if you want to wear it on one shoulder. The bottoms are more cheeky with flattering ruching on the rear. The color is really vibrant in person.
Top Fit: I’m wearing a Large
Bottoms Fit: I’m wearing a Small
Swimsuit • Hat • Gold Bangles
For those that like a classic triangle top, this one is a fun sherbet color and the bottoms tie on the sides.
Swimsuit Fit: I’m wearing a Large
Bikini Top • Bottoms • Bag • Stretchy Bracelets
I really liked this bikini for the thicker, ribbed material and bright yellow color. But, it’s cool because the suit is reversible with a smooth side also. It comes in a pretty coral and also green.
Top Fit: I’m wearing a Large
Bottoms Fit: I’m wearing a Small
Bikini • Hat • Stretchy Bracelets
I liked this two piece too! The top is smocked with a flirty trim and removeable straps. I felt good and secure in this top. The bottoms are high waist with fuller coverage.
Bikini Fit: I’m wearing a Small
I really liked the top of this suit with the ruffles that would also look good with shorts or a maxi skirt while you’re chillin’ by the pool. The bottoms were a bit too much coverage for my taste, but maybe they’d look better on my tall friends.
Bikini Fit: I’m wearing a Medium
Swim Cover Up • Hat • Bag
This coverup is a winner for sure! It’s easy breezy with the perfect relaxed neckline, adjustable shoulders and pockets. The only bummer was it was too long on me. I’d need to get it hemmed to walk without tripping.
CoverUp Fit: I’m wearing an XXS
MORE SWIMSUITS
I had hoped to be able to share even more swimsuits with you, but let’s be honest, swimsuit shopping is hard! About half of what I ordered was an “oh, hell no!”
There are lots of good ones in the posts below though!
Flattering One Piece Swimsuits
Affordable Swimsuits, CoverUps, and Accessories
Dressing Room | Swimsuit Edition
TIPS FOR A NATURAL SELF TAN AT HOME
After trying several self tanners, I’ve been hooked on the St. Tropez mousse for the best and most natural looking tan. It’s super easy to apply because it comes in a mousse formula and you can see where it’s going when you apply it.
STEP 1 • EXFOLIATE
Make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying self tanner. Any exfoliator that doesn’t leave a greasy film on your skin will work. The color will adhere to your skin best when you have clean, dry, well-exfoliated skin.
STEP 2 • TO MOISTURIZE OR NOT
Most tutorials recommend that you apply moisturizer/lotion to the dry parts of your skin (hands, heels, elbows, knees) before self tanner. This is because if those areas of your skin are drier than the rest of your skin, the product will tend to collect there.
I moisturize on a daily basis, but skip it before applying self tanner. I’m just careful to go extra lightly on those parts and buff well with the mitt. More on that below! I just make sure that I am completely dry before I apply self tanner. I usually shower, towel dry, then wait a few minutes to ensure there are no damp parts of my skin.
STEP 3 • APPLY THE TANNER TO YOUR BODY IN SECTIONS
Once your skin is prepped, you are ready to apply the mousse. Be sure to use a mitt so you don’t end up with stained palms.
This self tanner comes in a mousse and is tinted so you can see where you’re applying it, which helps in getting a streak-free tan.
I start with the upper part of my leg (knees to booty), then knees down to feet. I do the front part, then the back. Right after you spray, use the mitt to lightly smooth the product all over that part of your body.
After my legs are done, I move onto the booty, then stomach, chest, arms.
I’ll switch which hand I’m wearing the mitt on, depending what side of my body I’m working with.
TIP FOR HANDS, ELBOWS, KNEES :
For body parts that tend to be more dry, apply the mousse sparingly and use the mitt to buff over areas like your heels, elbows, hands and arm pits.
QUICK DRY
It takes about 10-20 minutes to dry completely, but if you’re in a hurry, you can lightly blast your skin with the cool setting of your blow-dryer to speed up the drying process.
WHEN WILL YOU SEE THE TAN?
You will immediately notice the tan, but it will deepen and develop into a darker tan over the next three hours. If you feel like you’re too dark, simply rinse off in the shower before the three hour mark.
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TAN
If I want an even deeper tan, I’ll apply self tanner at night, go to bed without rinsing, then apply it again in the morning. I love those results, especially in the summer if I’m wearing a swimsuit.
Avoid super hot showers and moisturize daily with a non oil-based moisturizer. Oil-based moisturizers tend to rub your tan off faster.
If you’re shaving your legs, don’t press super hard. Each shave takes a bit of the tan off with it. You can go swimming, but your tan will fade more the longer you stay in the water.
Pottery Barn Finds
Switching gears to home decor, I’m also loving seeing what’s new in places like Pottery Barn and Target. I love white and bright spaces, but also enjoy the contrast that some darker pieces add.
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11
Shop the Post
If you’re reading via email, click here for shoppable images
Shop LTK here
TARGET HOME DECOR
If you like neutrals as much as I do, you’ll be smitten with these Target finds!
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12
Shop the Post
If you are reading via email, click here for shoppable images
Shop LTK here
AMAZON FINDS
There’s more goodness for you at Amazon!
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11
Shop the Post
If you are reading via email, click here for shoppable images
Shop LTK here
SPRING KITCHEN FINDS
Crock • Utensils • Sponge Holder • Measuring Spoons • Bowl • Dish Towels • Pot Holders • Measuring Cups • Wooden Paddle • Cutting Board
Shop the Post
If you’RE reading via email, click here for shoppable images
Shop LTK here
PLAYROOM ON AMAZON
Artwork • Table and Chairs • Pen Holder • Bookshelves • Bookcase • Kitchen • Rug
Shop the Post
If you are reading via email, click here for shoppable images
Shop LTK here
LOVES GIVEAWAY
As a THANK YOU for reading and subscribing to my blog, I’m giving away EVERYTHING in my February Loves to one of my subscribers!
If you’re not subscribed, you can sign up here, and I will pick a winner at random and announce on Tuesday!!
Hoop Earrings • Linen Tray • Nike Sneakers • Chloe Bag (and here, more styles here) • Nail Polish
WEEKEND STEALS
Below is a list of sales (and discount codes) for the weekend!
Nordstrom • Shop all new markdowns HERE
Abercrombie • Up to 30% off select styles. FREE ship on orders over $75
Amazon • Shop my Amazon store HERE
Anthropologie • up to 30% off Bedding, Pillows, and Throws
Athleta • shop sale items HERE
Banana Republic • Extra 50% off sale styles
BackCountry • 50% off items HERE
Colleen Rothschild • 50% off select items
Evereve • Shop all sale items HERE + FREE ship on orders $50+
Express • free shipping on orders over $50
Hespera • 30% off everything, code MEGAN30 *one-time use
GAP • Extra 50% off sale styles with code MORE
Gibson • Use code HONEY15 for 15% off sitewide
JCrew • end of season coats and jackets starting at $64.50
Kendra Scott • grow your collection with 20% off
LOFT • Tops starting at $29 and pants now $49 use code STOCKUP
Madewell • 20% off when you spend $150, use code SPREETIME
Nordstrom Rack • free shipping on orders of $89
Old Navy • 50% off sweatshirts and hoodies
Target • Shop Target top deals HERE
Victoria Emerson • shop all sale items HERE, Free shipping on orders over $75, $20 apple watch straps
Have a fantastic weekend friend!
Thank you for this post! I’m shopping for swim suits and coverups right now.
PS. I miss your “hell no” posts!?
Could you tell me the paint color in your bedroom? I love the rug as well. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the self tanner, it looks like a wonderful product!
Love the dress! Where can I get it?