RETINOL...

Let's talk about it.

A disclaimer: I'm not a certified expert, trained medical professional or anything close. However, I have become increasingly obsessed with skincare and finding a cleaner regiment. As my skin changes with age (hello 30s) my products also need to change to address certain issues. One product everyone believes is a cure-all is retinol/ retin-a/ etc. Before I get into it, I'll just say do your own research before starting a new product.

This is what I've found when it comes to retinol...

What is it? It's also known as Vitamin A (read more here). Yes, I think it will clear your skin right up! It might peel & flake, but that's apparently more from irritation from the product and not a desired side-effect. If you're peeling off in layers, you might be using too high of a dose. They say with anything in the Vitamin A family to start at a low dose and ease your skin into it (to avoid the previously mentioned peeling and irritation). I've also read that most retinol products take up to 12 weeks to notice their effectiveness. Read this article for other myths about retinol. 

Now, is it safe?

As we should be aware of, the EU bans more than 1300 chemicals in their personal care products (see the entire list here). The US currently bans 11. You do the math. We are currently slathering our skin with loads of toxic chemicals on a daily basis. Is retinol one of them? I'm inclined to say yes. This article is my backup. However, upon further research, my final thoughts on it are retinol in a low dosage is considered ok but stay away from products including retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate (article). Thanks to brands like Beautycounter it's easier to find cleaner beauty products. I'm currently using a combination of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel and the Brightening Facial Oil as my retinol-type product. I was interested in the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, but in very small print it says to avoid using while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you can't use it then, why should we use it now? 

 

I'll say it again, READ YOUR LABELS. Most websites list every ingredient in skincare products, so read it carefully before purchasing. I also love the Think Dirty app which is a database where you can search your products to see the list of good and bad ingredients included. 

Are you reading the labels of your products? 

Kicking off a fresh week with a jolt of energy and a to-do list a mile long...

bag: Nordstrom  |  prints available here

New season, new shirts!

This batch of shirts has been a long time coming and I couldn't be more excited to share them with you. With fresh illustrations and uplifting phrases, each shirt is designed to be one-of-a-kind, just like each one of us! I wanted to highlight phrases that I stand behind as a person and that we preach from the BFP voice. The cut is a lightweight muscle tee with an unfinished high-low hem. It's going to become your go-to tee this summer. 

Without further ado, here's the breakdown of the thought process behind the designs...

Whether you're sporting your own unique look at the beach, pool, or lake... be yourself! Wear the heart-shaped glasses. Be authentically you. Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. Oh, and wear your sunscreen!

A pint of ice cream for a friend going through a breakup, a great book you couldn't put down and can't wait for someone else to read, a fresh bunch of flowers to let someone know you're thinking about them, or an over-priced latte that you know is your co-worker's favorite... each of these ladies is carrying a gift that's meant to be shared with someone else. Hopefully this will serve as our daily reminder to think of others first and be the face of love. Love better. Lover harder (and read Love Does if you need inspiration).

Even if you're in a crowd of like-minded people, be original. Think original thoughts. Create original work. Stand up for what you believe in. Don't conform to the ways of the world. Oh, and say hi to a stranger! We've given you five ways to say it in case you get stumped. 

We dedicate the rest of the collection to the real hero of summer: rose´ (appropriately nicknamed "summer water"). When in doubt, pour a glass of wine and call it a day! We have wine tags to adorn a bottle for your bestie, a new notepad to list the summer to-dos that need tackling before happy hour and notecards that are sure to make your correspondence more festive. 

 

 

 

We'll keep this short and simple today...

A lot of you have asked about the dress in this illustration. The honest truth is it's an older illustration that I recently posted and I don't remember the brand of the dress. I don't remember if I made it up, was inspired by a print I saw somewhere, or if this dress actually existed at one point. Have no fear... I spent hours searching the web for some close options. Shop similar dresses below. 

left: Marchesa Notte  |  right: Susana Monaco

left: Yumi Kim  |  right: Ted Baker

Look who's back!

After an extended vacation, I'm finally getting back into the swing of things. While the Met Gala was days ago (and probably old news at this point), I can't stop thinking about this Christian Siriano dress that was worn by Janelle Monae. It couldn't be more on brand with the lashy eye detail. I'm still obsessed days later!

And just like that, it's almost May which means it's almost summer. Where have the past few months gone?? As we mentioned in previous emails and posts, we will be closed from April 29th to May 12th. All orders placed during this time will be shipped when we return Monday, May 13th. Consider this our out of office auto-reply...

While we're away, head to our Amazon shopping lists for quick delivery on some of our favorite (non) BFP products! We put together a College Prep list that includes a quick overview of items any high school grad will need for their next chapter: dorm life! 

Amazon >> 

Let's talk about summer must-haves...

Each season there are new bathing suit trends, new must-have summer handbags, a new shape in beach hats, an updated sandal, etc. While I will dabble in a trend here and there, I like to stick to the basics. A classic straw boater hat will always be in style. A high-waisted bathing suit is both flattering and timeless. A great white coverup is a sure win year after year. And don't forget the sunscreen! If you're looking for your sunscreen from last year, stop while you're ahead. If you can't find it, you probably shouldn't be using it (sunscreen has a short shelf life). 

There has been an emerging trend in cleaner and safer beauty products which includes sunscreen. Thanks to websites with celeb power like Gwyneth's goop and Kourtney Kardashian's new venture, Poosh, there is more information available for us to each do our own research. While I'll save my speech for later, it's becoming increasingly important that we're paying attention to what we're putting both in and on our bodies. Sunscreen is an excellent place to start as we ease into both summer and a cleaner beauty routine. While I would encourage you to do your own research, I'm linking three articles below that are great resources to get started! Not only should we be paying attention to what's in sunscreen for our personal use, we need to also know how it's affecting our oceans and reefs. 

Let's each do our part! And, hey, they say that 90% of signs of aging are caused by sun (source). You're basically saving yourself from trying to reverse sun damage down the road. 

The SPF I won't be living without this summer is from Beautycounter. It comes bottled in three different formulations (a spray, lotion, and sun stick) and each package is smartly designed to be safer and easier on our environment. Grab a bottle and lather up! 

spray SPF (also comes in a travel size) |  lotion SPF  |  sun stick

I love working with repeat clients. I've had the pleasure of celebrating several of Chrystal's moves and career changes over the past few years. Join me in congratulating her on her new venture as the owner of an AR Workshop! We worked together to create custom notecards for this DIY queen.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Paris today...

I know yall look forward to this every year, so you're in luck... 

THE BIRTHDAY SALE IS BACK!!

If you're new here, we have a birthday sale every year centered around (you guessed it) my birthday. While it usually falls closer to the actual date (May 5 - feel free to send flowers or gifts), I'm taking a quick vacation during that time. So, we bumped the sale to this weekend! 

Everything is 50% off with a few exceptions. All the products are priced as marked, so you don't need a discount code. But hurry... quantities are limited!! Go ahead and load up on gifts for the year: Mother's Day, graduation, end of year teacher gifts, Christmas (it's never too early). 

Get to it!! The sale ends Sunday at midnight CST. 

I've long been a fan of Golden Goose sneakers. They're comfortable. They're distressed and cool. Yes, they're expensive, but they are my go-to shoe. When I came across this neon pair, I died a little. Neons are a huge trend for spring and sneakers have gone from a trend to a staple. It's a double-win. 

bag: Marc Jacobs  |  sneakers: Golden Goose

prints available here 

We revealed our Easter baskets yesterday, but what are you going to fill them with? Here are some ideas...

The Home Edit book  |  ellenJay cookies

"Latte" notepad  |  "Hartsfield" luggage tag  |  coral bandana  |  ellenJay cookies

"Bossy" notepad  |  "Carolina" luggage tag  |  ellenJay cookies

Two weeks until Easter! 

Now that your table is set (per yesterday's post), let's chat about baskets...

I love creating one of a kind baskets each year, but each one takes SO long... I only have time to do a couple. Fun fact about me, I hand-painted Easter baskets in college for a store in Tuscaloosa. It was a seasonal thing, but I enjoyed it. I still enjoy doing them, though paint is the preferred medium as opposed to the markers I used for these. Another fun fact: when I ordered these baskets on Amazon, I didn't check the dimensions. When they arrived I was shocked by how small they were. However, I think they're the perfect size for a more mature basket-recipient. 

So, what are you putting in your baskets this year? For the older kiddos, I can attest to the fact that they probably just want money (if the Easter bunny still comes). Throw in a notepad and luggage tag to make it more festive.

If you're really stuck on what to add to your baskets this year, look no further...

Allow me to introduce you to ellenJay sweets. They make the cutest decorated cookies for every season. The best part is they ship anywhere in the US! If your kids can't make it home for the holiday next weekend, send them a box of festive cookies. Done and done! 

table runner: Hester & Cook  |  square plates: World Market  |  coral bandana

Easter is a mere two weeks away and I couldn't help but set a festive table filled with punchy colors, fresh flowers, and of course, candy. Tulips are a great option for this time of year, but don't buy them too far in advance as they don't live long. I love sticking just a few accent colors and incorporating them into every aspect of the decor. 

We used the bandanas as napkins draping them over the side of the table, but also love them rolled in the plate like the first picture. The table runner is a great anchor for the table layered with a palm placemat (from Hester & Cook). We tried the plate several different ways swapping out the yellow DIY chicks with gold eggs, neutral grass and the Easter candy hero: Reese's eggs. 

I was recently in the shoe department of a large department store looking around. I asked one of the associates what their opinion was of pool slides to which he replied, I think they're going away soon. As in, he thought the trend had exceeded its life span. I, on the other hand, think they are here to stay for at least another year. I think it will be the flip flop of summer. Go ahead and grab a pair for the pool or beach. I don't think you'll regret it because, hello, they're the most comfortable thing ever. Shop her fringy slides below... 

hoops: Anthropologie (also loving options on this Amazon list)  |  top: ASOS  |  jeans: Madewell  |  bag: Amazon  |  slides: Loeffler Randall

Lately, I've seen several celebrities dress in wide-leg pants and a cute crop top. While I think the ensemble is chic and summer goals, I'm not sure I'm daring enough to try it. For those that are, kudos! 

Grab your tools... the utility look is huge right now. There are two simple ways to get the look: topstitching + pockets. That's all you need to look for and you'll officially be wearing the utility trend. Head to any major clothing website and type "utility" in the search box... you'll get a quick feel for the look. How killer are these shorts? I love them with an easy white blouse (preferably one with topstitching) and a western boot. For lack of a better word, it's nailing the utility trend. 

shorts: JW Anderson  |  boots: Fendi

Rules for executing the trend:

-Stick to a neutral color palette (denim, tan, ivory, army green)

-Keep the accessories natural (see yesterday's post for tons of ideas in the rattan/ wood/ pearl categories)

-Pair your utility look (preferably a jumpsuit) with mules or western boots

Here are some easy pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe to be on trend:

khaki jumpsuit  |  ivory jumpsuit  |  white jumpsuit  |  tan tank  |  black jumpsuit  |  sandals  |  shorts

denim shirt  |  white shirt  |  black pants  |  black button-down shirt  |  metallic boots  |  khaki skirt  |  white sleeveless blouse  |  black jumpsuit  |  white dress

Happy shopping! 

It's time to bust out the spring accessories. From a fresh pair of white sneakers (make sure they're spring ready with an espadrille sole) to the newest natural accents, it's time to lighten up. The key words to note are raffia, wood, acrylic, and rattan. Shop my picks below and head to my Spring Edit list on Amazon for more! 

dress: Shopbop  |  bag: Net-a-Porter  |  shoes: ASOS

Update your beach (or pool) look with a fresh pair of slides. Again, think about this season's key elements... raffia & rattan. 

If you're more of a sneaker girl, as we mentioned earlier, grab a fresh pair of white sneakers with a springy espadrille sole. It's the best of both worlds! 

top to bottom:  Dolce Vita  |  Marc Fisher  |  Soludos  |  Dolce Vita

Rattan is going to be the hero of spring. Whether you incorporate it with a handbag, shoes, or earrings, grab a piece of rattan. It's a must! 

white Louboutin heels  |  rattan earrings  |  tan rattan slides  |  handbag  |  white rattan heels

To round it out, complete your look with a pair of acrylic hoops, a fun fringy tote, or a fun ring with a coastal-inspired ring (coastal shells and pearls are going to be what we're calling a "micro trend"). Shop my picks below:

acrylic hoops  |  wood hoops  |  white foldover clutch  |  heels  |  pearl ring  |  fringed raffia tote

What are your favorite spring trends?? Whether you're leaning more towards bright neons or something more natural, there truly is something for everybody this season! Happy Spring! 

Roll your eyes if you must, but bright neons are the way for summer. So, how do we execute that now when it's a bit too soon for bathing suits? The good news is fuzzy jackets are still huge for fall 2019, so grab one in a neon color. Wear it now when the temps dip in the morning and at night. I've also put together some spring pieces to snag now that will keep you on trend in the neon department. Don't wear them all at once... maybe one piece at a time? 

Here are some of my picks for spring neons (also, be on the lookout... coastal-inspired jewelry will be everywhere):

skirt  |  sneakers  |  pink blouse  |  green shell bracelet  |  rainbow shell bracelet  |  neon pants  |  orange bag

neon dress  |  earrings  |  neon green bracelet  |  neon pink bracelet  |  shoes

Let's keep talking about spring, shall we? Clear lucite/ PVC/ "stadium" bags have been on the radar for a short while now. Something that started as a need-based design (that I was not a huge fan of initially) has become a must-have this season. Whether you choose a small cross-body version or something with a statement shape handle, go clear! Grab a cute pouch to stick inside to hide all your clutter. 

Here are some of my favorite options for clear bags:

(see more options on my Amazon Spring Edit list here)

ONE  |  TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR  |  FIVE  |  SIX

sweatshirt  |  bag  |  white boots (another version here)

We already sprang forward and the first official day of spring is a week away. It's close, yall! I've been keeping an eye on the emerging trends and one that's huge this season but is also a staple is the return of the classic white dress. Is there anything easier than a simple white cotton dress for the warmer days ahead? Go ahead and grab one now before the selection gets slim. The options I'm loving are listed below (there are also several super cute options on my Spring Edit Amazon list - if you're freaking out because Spring Break is next week... well hello Prime). Other key pieces and textures I'm watching are eyelet and rattan, also classic spring elements. 

Four classic white cotton dresses:

ONE  |  TWO  |  THREE  |  FOUR

headband: H&M  |  dress: Ganni  |  bag: Mehry Mu  |  shoes: Ulla Johnson

jeans: Alice + Olivia  |  bag: Amazon

Today, March 8th, marks International Women's Day, a day we celebrate women instead of trying to compete with them. While I won't get political, let me say you are awesome. You are perfect just the way you are... don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Tell someone else that today! We could all use an extra boost of encouragement, especially from our sisters in this crazy thing called life. 

Let's celebrate each other today with a special coupon code. Treat yourself! You deserve this. You work hard. You try to be everything for everybody. Take a minute to pick something out for yourself. Better yet, why not send a happy to a friend (we can add a note to any order... leave your message in the "special instructions" box during checkout). 

Use code women20 for 20% off your entire order. Code is limited to a one-time use per customer and expires at 11:30pm CST on 3/8/19.

A sweet pink bow is a lovely choice for a cold winter day. Cheers to a second cup of coffee kind of day! 

When Jennifer Lopez's stylist posted a photo of her in this look, it was another reminder that she is in fact aging in reverse. I mean, could she look any better? I'm trying to fight the signs of aging as early as I can, but I still want to know what her secret is. She's flawless in a natural way. Her body is on fire. Basically, she is goals...

This seemed like the perfect illustration to post as I'm packing up and heading to NYC for a few days. Her name is Tribeca and she's sporting the color of the month, green. 

Happy March!