The Brunette & The Beach -

Halloween Time At Disneyland

October 19, 2017

Happy Thursday! I wanted to do a little bit of a different post today all about my favorite place! I share about Disneyland all the time on my Instagram, but I want to start sharing my love of Disney on here as well. There’s a new magic that comes to the park when the seasons change. To me, it’s a feeling of excitement for the holidays to come. This last half of the year is always my favorite half of the year! I live for the holidays. So here’s a snapshot into the world of Halloween time at Disneyland. I hope you love it as much as I do!

City Hall on Main Street

More Main Street Decor

The Ray Bradbury Halloween Tree in Frontierland

Another one of my favorite parts of Halloweentime at Disneyland is the Haunted Mansion Holiday! They decorate the Haunted Mansion ride like The Nightmare Before Christmas (one of my favorite movies). I took some photos, but they are dark, and I don’t think you can really get the true effect of just how awesome it is unless you see it in person.

The other part of the Disneyland Resort that I’m loving this time of year is Cars Land in Disney California Adventure Park! This is the first year they have decorated this part of the park, and I’m obsessed! Here’s a sneak peek below:

Here’s a glimpse of the streets of Radiator Springs!

The seasonal food selections are always the most fun! Above is the Grape Shake from Flo’s V8 Cafe, and Below is the Pot Pie from the same place.

Inside Ramon’s Paint Shop, they have a Dia De Los Muertos shrine up for Doc Hudson. Such a creative idea!

Hope you loved this little change of post for the day! Disney is one of the many things that I love, and I enjoy sharing that with you guys so much!

If you are planning a Disneyland vacation, and you’re not sure how to navigate the park, I have a guide here with all about the most efficient ways to get on the most rides.

Leopard Cardigan For Fall

October 17, 2017

Leopard Cardigan/ Statement Necklace/ White Shirt/ Ripped Jeans old, similar HERE/ Grey Booties (On sale for $60!!) /Lipstick shade: Hipster/

Hey, Everyone!

It has been a HOT one this week here, but I still can’t help but pretend it’s fall in Southern California. This $23 leopard cardigan is becoming a fall staple for me. I love that it’s easy to layer and SO CUTE! Plus, you can’t beat the price. Right now while it’s still hot out, I’ve been bringing it with me to layer for when it gets cooler at night. It just adds that pop of print that brings a whole outfit together. Also, these booties will be on repeat all season and into winter. This won’t be the last time you see them!

Also, I updated the links to this blog post from last year because it is such a classic fall look! I have three of those vests in different colors now, and I’m in love with them!

Photography by Kiley Shai Photography.

Instagram Story Recap + Starbucks Giveaway Winner Announced!

October 13, 2017

Hey, guys! Happy Friday!

I wanted to do a recap on here of all the different products I’ve recently reviewed on my Instagram stories. As I get new items, I love to review them on my stories so that I can let you know if they’re worth it or not. I decided I also wanted them to be in a place on my blog so that they can be looked at after the 24 hours period as well. Here are some of the things I’ve reviewed this month, some that I haven’t posted about yet, and some that I’ve purchased and can’t wait to try!

Products I’ve reviewed on Instagram Stories:

1.Nars Tinted Moisturizer

Okay, after using this product for about a month now, I love it! It is such a perfect way to even out my skin without the heaviness that usually comes with foundation. I save my usual foundation now for more special occasions, and I use this moisturizer every day. It doesn’t clog my pores like a foundation, but it evens my skin out, and its a moisturizer with SPF on top of it all. I use the shade Alaska.

2.Dry Bar Triple Sec 3 in 1

I use this product on my second-day hair to bring back volume! I love the fact that once this stuff is in your hair if it starts to flatten out again, all I need to do is push upward on my hair a little bit, and all the volume comes back! This product also states that it is a dry shampoo, but because I let my hair go 3-7 days without a wash, I also use this dry shampoo to keep it from looking oily.

3. Magnetic False Lashes

To start, I think this was a really good idea in theory. I was so excited to try these out because I had high hopes. In all honesty, they did not work. They were hard to put on, they kept falling off my eyelashes, and they didn’t look natural at all. I hate doing a negative review, but so many of you had asked me how these worked out, and I want to be honest with ya’ll. I’m not going to link them or give a brand name because they were a cheaper pair I just found online. I have heard the good quality, more expensive pairs work well though, and I think it’s just one of those things that you have to spend the money on for it to work.

Other products that I’ve tried this month that I haven’t put on Insta Stories yet:

1.Yves Saint Laurent Primer:

Ya’ll, I found this recommendation on Emily Gemma’s blog, and I am in love. It is so worth the money if you have huge pores and scarring on your face like I do. It really blurs the imperfections, and makes my face feel amazing! I love that it has a little shimmer to it as well. Usually, I wouldn’t splurge on such a high price item, but honestly, I had a gift card and just decided to go for it. It was well worth it. I would definitely buy it again. Although a little goes a long way, so I think it’s going to last me a while!

2.Dior Lip Maximizing Plumping Gloss:

Another find from Emily Gemma’s blog, this plumping lip gloss is awesome. It’s the only plumping gloss I’ve ever owned that I can physically feel my lips get bigger when I wear it. I also love that it’s super moisturizing, and I substitute it for regular chapstick a lot now.

Products I just purchased, and can’t wait to try:

1.Morphe Its Bling Palette:

I am so excited for this one! No, I did not get the Jaclynn Hill palette. I want to start a little smaller (i.e. cheaper), and see how I like it before diving in head first. I’ve heard nothing but awesome things about their eyeshadows, and I can’t wait to try it! I’m still trying to master my eyeshadow skills. I’m watching a lot of Youtube videos lol.

2.Unicorn Makeup Brushes:

Alright, these are more of a novelty item, but I’m also hoping to get some use out of them. I’ve never been picky about my brushes. I think if I started to spend the money on them I probably would get picky, and my wallet just can’t take that kind of abuse lol. They are so cute, though!! The rainbow bristles and the handles are just perfect.

If you’re curious about my day to day makeup routine, I have a post here with all of my favorite products!

Now onto the part, everyone is waiting for… the Starbucks giveaway winner is Alicia Boyde! I will be emailing you today with all the info! Thanks to everyone for entering! I will definitely be doing more of these in the future!

Photo by Kiley Shai Photography.

My Favorite Trends For Fall + Starbucks Giftcard Giveaway

October 10, 2017

Fall is my favorite time of year, and I’m so excited to break out my cold weather gear! I’m just patiently waiting for Southern California to finally get cold. Lol. Until then, I will be here stocking my closet for future weather. These are some of my favorite trends for fall!

1. Quilted Vest

I love this classic look. I honestly don’t think the quilted vest will ever go out of style. The color olive is so hot right now, and I’m loving such a classic piece in this color. Plus, it’s under $40.

2. Leopard Booties

If you haven’t noticed from all of my posts, I am OBSESSED with leopard right now. I love that it’s basically become a neutral in my wardrobe. These are so cute for a night out, or for running errands around town, and you really can’t beat the price!

3. Velvet Bow Back Sweater

When I found this sweater online, I immediately knew I had to have it! I love bow back tops. I have more of them than I’d like to admit, but I’m loving the addition of the velvet trend with it. SO CUTE.

4. Pumpkin Spice Latte

There is nothing that screams fall more than one of these babies. I am that basic girl that goes the day they come back to get one, and I heard the whipped cream is even pumpkin flavored now! I’m giving away a Starbucks gift card below for all you Starbucks lovers!

5. Color Block Sweater

I have been seeing these everywhere, and I love this pink one! It’s the perfect mix of fall, but still bright and pretty. I just got this one in the mail, and I love it. Any excuse I can find to squeeze more pink into my wardrobe I’m all for. It’s also currently 40% off with code FALLFEST.

6. Tan Purse

I recently had a job change, and I’m now currently working from home. I love to hit up Panera or Starbucks to work on things to get out of the house a little, but I really needed a purse that could withstand the weight of my laptop. This one is in my cart right now, and it has such awesome reviews for how sturdy it is. I love that it is also perfect for an everyday purse as well.

I also wanted to link to this blog post because they brought this dress back this year! It’s one of my favorites, and so flattering!

Well, I hope you guys are all now just as excited for fall as I am! Because I’m so excited, I’m giving away a Starbucks gift card to one of my readers! All you have to do is comment what you’re loving for fall right now below, and subscribe to my blog on the right side of the page(On the mobile site, the subscribe feature is on the bottom of the page)! I’ll announce the winner in my Friday blog post. 🙂

Floral Kimono + The End Of Summer

September 29, 2017

Floral Kimono/ Lace Cami/ White Pants , similar HERE/ Jack Rogers/ Monogrammed Bag

Hey, guys! This week, I wanted to do one last warm weather outfit. It’s sort of like my late goodbye to summer. I don’t know about you, but it is definitely not feeling like fall yet in SoCal. I got a few new sweaters in this week, and I started sweating just trying them on. I’m loving this look as a transition into the new season while it’s still warm outside. Kimono’s are my absolute favorite, and I’m definitely getting behind this lace cami trend. Clearly, I’m a little late to the party.. but I love them. Now let’s all hope for some fall weather, so I can break out my sweaters!

Also, my lipstick is linked HERE. I’m obsessed with this shade, Hipster. So perfect for fall!

Photography by Kiley Shai Photography.

What’s In My Bag For Fall

September 19, 2017

Monogram Purse C/O Marley Lilly/ Makeup Bag/ Agenda/ Wallet old, similar HERE/ Sunglasses

With the beginning of any new season, I love to clean out my purse and reorganize my life a little lol. My purse can become a giant disaster when life gets hectic, and I like to do a little regrouping so I can to get myself back on track. Now that I have my things in order, I can share what I keep in my purse on a day to day basis.

My Purse:
Y’all, if you haven’t noticed from my posts these past few months, I have a hard time finding just one purse that I like to use.. I have SO MANY. When I got my new Marley Lilly scalloped bag in the mail, I was so excited because it has been so versatile! It’s sturdy, it fits all of my stuff, and its SO CUTE. Not to mention it’s under $50!

My Makeup Bag:
In case you missed it, I put up a post with my entire makeup routine HERE. Usually, on a day to day basis, I like to only carry my favorite mascara, lipstick, and my favorite, recently discovered, tinted moisturizer. My makeup bag is old, but I found a similar here. The other thing I carry in here religiously is this wrinkle release spray. I’m so weird about wrinkles that I always bring a steamer on vacations with me. Since I can’t carry a steamer everyday (I wish!), this stuff is magic for anything that needs a little touch-up!

My Agenda:

I’ve probably discussed the importance that my agenda has on my life more times than any person even remotely cares to hear, but honestly, I keep my life in that thing. It makes me feel like I have a better grasp on my life throughout my day. I even just bought this To Do list planner to also carry around because clearly I’m not neurotic enough, and need to make things even more organized. LOL. The specific agenda I use is here, but their full range of agendas is also here. I also always carry around a notepad because I get distracted so easily, the second I think of something it has to be transcribed onto paper so I’ll remember it later.. hence the reasoning for testing out the To Do planner. I’ll let you know the verdict.

My Wallet:

This is probably the most obvious pieces that would be in my bag. I wanted to add it because this wallet has weathered basically every phase of my life. I actually got it due to somewhat of a fluke. I bought it for myself for Christmas one year, but I never actually got it in the mail. I called the store and got a refund for the wallet, but was still so sad I didn’t get it. By that time, my buyer’s remorse had kicked in enough for me to tell myself I didn’t need the wallet. Lone and behold, a year later, my mom and I were unpacking the Christmas decorations when I found a mystery box. It was the wallet! I guess it got mixed in with all the Christmas items. It was an excellent Christmas surprise, and I’ve loved that wallet ever since! It’s so old now and it still holds up so well. I love the size, and how it fits literally everything I shove into it. I’m linking a newer version of it HERE.

Off The Shoulder Top + How To Take More Time For Yourself

September 6, 2017

Off The Shoulder Top (Sold Out D:) super similar, HERE/ Similar Pants/ Lace Up Sandals (On Sale!!)/ Kate Spade Bag (On Sale!!)

Hey, guys! So while the rest of the world is preparing for fall, down here in Southern California, it’s still sweltering. I love fall, but it makes it hard to get in the spirit when it’s still a thousand degrees every day. Hense why I’m still in off the shoulder tops, and sandals. I’m SO SAD they stopped selling this top because it’s one of my favorites. I did find THIS top that’s the same cut in a different print that’s more geared toward fall, though, which I love too!

On Another Note… I wanted to follow up with ya’ll on this post that I had put up a few months ago. If you didn’t see it, it was all about doing things for you, and not worrying about how anyone else feels about it. When I made this pact to myself to start doing that, I just noticed things started to fall into place. I take time for myself in every day now. When days come up that I just need some time alone, I don’t ignore those calls, I indulge.

Here are my two favorite ways to take time out of my day for me:

1. My new favorite hobby is taking baths. I lock the door, read and pretend nothing else exists. It is the most therapeutic part of my day. Sometimes, I even indulge in a bath bomb from my favorite store, Lush. Honestly, I’m currently writing this post from my phone in the bath tub. That’s how much I love them.

2. I also love my workouts. I push myself every day to move, and there is nothing like the pride I get from knowing that I gave something my 150%. I love that adrenaline high of just finishing a workout. I’m currently on week 7 of Kayla Itsines’ Sweat app, and I’m loving the 30-minute workouts.

Taking more time for myself has given me the ability to expand upon my blog content. I can’t wait to share all the different things I have in store. It’s not only going to be about outfits anymore, and I’ve finally found my creative voice after a year of blogging and finding myself.

2017 has been a year of self-discovery for me, and I know it’s still early in the year to be reflecting, but I truly feel more confident in myself than I have ever been. I challenge y’all to find things that are just for you. Find those things that you don’t have to share with others like a quiet bath, or a great workout. They have made me into a strong, confident person, and I only wish for each and every one of you to find that in yourselves too.

What do you guys do in your day to take time for yourself?

Photography by Brewed Blonde Photography.

Ultimate Guide To The Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale

August 25, 2017

It’s finally that time of year again! It’s almost time for the Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale! I get so excited every year for this sale that I wanted to go into more detail this year about how to prepare, and the best tips for a successful sale experience!

What: The biggest sale of the year from one of my favorite brands, Lilly Pulitzer! They include all styles from past seasons at an incredibly discounted rate.

When: August 28th 8 am ET to August 30th.

How: The sale starts at 8 am ET, and not a minute later. When the sale opens, they put everyone in a virtual waiting room. Only a certain amount of people are allowed on the site at a time. They started doing this because the site tends to crash when the sale starts, and this helps with that problem. If you’re shopping later in the day or the days after, you should have no problem getting onto the site right away. Last year they still had a lot in stock later on.

Tips: Last year I posted some tips on how I normally shop the sale. I wanted to go into more detail this year because I felt like the sale ran a little different last year.

This sale only happens twice a year, so the demand for some items is high. If you’re looking for anything specific to shop, I highly suggest getting onto the website at least an hour before the sale starts. Some items do sell out very quickly. This will give you enough time to get a good spot in the virtual waiting room.
Make sure you have an account on the website, and all your info is up to date! This ensures a speedy checkout process.
I always start the sale in the waiting room on my computer, the Lilly Pulitzer app on my phone, and on the app on my iPad as well. I watch all three to see which lets me in first, and then I can shop as each opens up for me!
The items that tend to sell out really quick are shift dresses, Popovers, Luxletic items, previous gift with purchases, and their more popular prints.
The newest prints will not be on sale! Those will be in the sale that they have in January.
Make sure to check Amazon, Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores, and 6pm.com for deals as well! Usually, they participate in the sale too. To find the Signature Stores, I usually just Google “Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store”, and a bunch come up!
If you have a Lilly Pulitzer Corporate store nearby, a lot of them are having pre- sale parties on Sunday, August 27th! I’m heading to the one near me this Sunday! I’m so excited because they have never done this pre- sale before. I’ll let yall know how it goes!

Please feel free to comment/email/etc if you have any questions or other tips to add! Happy shopping!

My Top Everyday Beauty Picks

August 24, 2017

Hello, friends! It’s finally here! If you’ve been watching my Instagram stories recently, you know that I love trying out new makeup products! Throughout the years, I have found my top products that I go back to over and over again. These are the products I use religiously! I have a decent mix of drugstore and big brand makeup in here, and I can honestly say I truly love these products. Makeup is a hobbie of mine, and I love being the test dumbie to see what I love and what I don’t.

1. Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers & L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara

I have been using the Super Sizer Fibers mascara for about a year now, and it is so awesome for lengthening your lashes! I just gently hold the wand up to the ends of my lashes and blink repeatedly. It lengthens the lashes with fibers, and makes them look so long! After that, I have been loving Loreal’s newest mascara, Voluminous Lash Paradise, as a second coat. I used Loreal’s Voluminous Carbon Black for the longest time, and I was so excited to try their newest product from this line. I actually love it even more, because it makes my lashes a lot fuller. I get it in the color Blackest Black, so it really makes my lashes pop!

2. L’Oreal Infallible Lacquer Eyeliner

Ever since I can remember, I have used liquid eyeliner. I love how easy it goes on, and once I got the hang of it, I can get it even first try most days. Although, I do still have days that keep me humble LOL. I love this specific eyeliner because it is inexpensive, and doesn’t dry out like some others do so quickly.

3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer

Okay.. before the price scares you away… hear me out. I usually try to find a good deal on most beauty products. Any product I can find a dupe for that works well I usually like to stick with, but this bronzer is magic. It’s worth every penny. I love that it’s shiny like a highlighter, tan like a bronzer, and has pinks like a blush. It’s the perfect mix! I use the color Luminous Bronze Light.

4. Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer

If you’ve ever watched a Makeup tutorial on Youtube before you know this is the holy grail of all concealers. This stuff makes my face look like I’ve never had a pimple in my whole life. I usually just dab a very small amount on my dark spots and a little under my eyes, and it does the trick! A little goes a VERY long way with this stuff! I use the shade, Light Sand.

5. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter

This is another raved about product on Youtube! I use this on my cheeks after I use the bronzer! I use the shade Champagne Pop, and it is such a pretty glow! It gives a pretty chiseled look to the cheek bones. I highly suggest looking up Jaclynn Hill on Youtube if you want some amazing inspiration for looks that include highlight! She is the highlight queen and actually collaborated with Becca Cosmetics for this Highlight shade.

6. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

I have used this lipstick for about 3 years now, and it is my favorite drugstore lipstick without a doubt! It doesn’t dry out and is long lasting. I wear the shades Kissable Pink 805 and Blushed 420 for work because I love that they are more discreet and sheer, but they also have about a thousand other colors as well! I also love THIS lip gloss in shade Eclair for an everyday look if I want to go with a gloss over a lipstick. It’s not as sticky as most lip gloss’ are, and keeps my lips so moisturized!

7. Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation

This foundation. Is. The. Shiz. Combined with the magic concealer, I have never gotten more compliments on my complexion before! This stuff makes skin look so smooth, and lasts ALL DAY. I’m not even exaggerating. This stuff really is makeup forever. I can wear this all day through the heat and sweat and it stays put! It works even better when I put THIS setting spray over it! I use this for concerts, or all day events where I know I am going to be sweating more, or out in the sun. I use shade Y305 Soft Beige.

8. Lorac Pro Palette

This is my absolute favorite eye shadow. The pigment is so pretty, and it goes on with a buttery consistency so it stays put all day. I love the neutral colors in the palette. I used this one for the first time when I was traveling in Ireland, and my friend let me borrow it. It lasted through walking around Dublin in the pouring rain on St. Patty’s Day, and ever since then, I’ve been hooked!

On another note… LILLY PULITZER AFTER PARTY SALE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED!

AUGUST 28th – 30th! 🙂 I will have a special edition post up on Friday that goes into detail on the sale, and what to expect this year, but for now, I’ll leave you with my tips from last year HERE.

Pretty Pink Bell Sleeve Top

August 15, 2017

Pretty Pink Bell Sleeve Top/ White Jeans/ Monogram Necklace/ Nude Purse/ Nude Heels

Hello again! This week I had to show off one of my favorite tops to date. I think I’ve honestly worn this top a thousand times since I got it. The material is almost stretchy, and super breathable while it’s still hot outside! It does run a little on the larger size, so I would definitely suggest sizing down. I still went with my normal size, though, because I am a little larger in the chest, so the fact that it runs larger actually worked in my favor lol (All the other big chested girls out there understand my pain! SO hard to shop for tops that actually fit!!). Anyways, I love this top to transition into fall. It comes in a couple different colors too!