Stand Up To Beauty Standards

Author: Alexandra K Dz

  • My Winter Picks: With rue21

    Winter can be tough because it’s cold and dark and wet. Huge bummer! Something that carries me through the bummer of winter are the cute clothes and accessories! Summer is so hot I don’t wanna layer or even wear shoes lol. So when it gets cold outside I get excited to pull out the boots and jackets! My favorite place to find super affordable and trendy fashion and accessories is rue21! 

    I partnered with my friends at rue21 to show you my top two winter looks, one cozy and one trendy! My cozy look is perfect for being comfy and cute at home, or on your work or family holiday zoom party! My trendy look is a sexier, 90’s throwback which is perfect for a facetime date, or filming TikToks. Don’t lie, you know you wanna! The accessories for both for both of these looks also make awesome gifts if you’re looking for a last minute, or belated holiday gift! 

    My cozy look starts with this Oatmeal Heather Corset Waist Hacci Knit Dress ($21.99- almost sold out). I cannot praise this dress enough. I’ve literally worn it three times already because it’s sooo comfortable. This dress is super soft (it almost feels like cashmere) and the cut and stretch make it insanely comfy, even for lounging! I love pieces like this because I can be snug but look cute and instantly put together! I paired it with a pair of Taupe Faux Fur Fold Over Short Cozy Boots ($12.99). These boots are lightweight and an affordable alternative to pricier brands. The insides are plush and I could wear them all day! I added Gold Hoops which come in a 7-pack of different styles ($7.99) and these White Faux Fur Over Sized Hair Clips ($5.99) to add a feminine touch and make the look a little dressier! The total for this whole outfit was under $50, which is unbeatable!

    For this 90’s throwback I went with all black pieces but mixed up the textures for a fun look! This Faux Fur Trim Bungee Tank Top ($19.99) is such a fun addition to my wardrobe and I can’t wait to match it with so many other things! This Black Ruched Side Slit Midi Skirt ($22.99) is stretchy so you get that body con silhouette while also being able to sit easily! I love the ruching on the sides for a sexy vibe! I topped it with this Faux Leather Shirt Jacket ($16.49) and i’m totally obsessed with it! This is basically a faux leather button down shirt and is the perfect solution for when you want to add a leather jacket for the aesthetic but don’t want to burn up wearing leather indoors. Its lightweight and even has a bit of stretch! I’d love to try tying it up to Britney Spears style next time! For accessories I went bananas lol! I just can’t help myself because rue21 has such low prices I can have it all! These Butterfly Wing Lense Sunglasses ($7.99) are so fun and I feel like a TikTok star (joking!…sorta..)! I’m wearing Gold Hoops again because they are classic, and I paired them with this Gold “Hot Girl” Necklace ($4.99) because who doesn’t love Megan Thee Stallion? I put these Scrunchies ($6.99 for a pack of 3) on my wrists because not only are they great to have when I need to throw my hair up but they make a cute accessory! The total for this look, accessories and all, was less than $89!

    If any of these pieces jumped out at you, you should jump on it because rue21 changes their collections up pretty often to keep things fresh, and I don’t want you to miss out! Not exactly what you’re looking for? No worries! rue21 has TONS more to choose from on their website. You can also find more inspo on their blog! Happy holidays, stay safe and stay warm! 

  • Holiday Gifts Under $50: Something For Everyone!

    Woah it’s already December? How the heck did that even happen, lol!? 2020 has been the longest year of my life but somehow this holiday season has already whizzing by! I guess because I’m finally feel a spark of hope and cheer…oy vey! 

    Well if you’re anything like me you’re super into the holidays this year because you’re clinging to anything bright and shiny as a well deserved distraction from the chaos of America… just me? Jokes aside, I’m super pumped about the holidays! Gift giving is my love language and shopping is my hobby so this is basically like, my Super Bowl! But I understand that not every is super into shopping and it can be difficult to find gifts for everyone on your list. Not to mention, most of us are on a pretty tight budget! So I partnered with some super awesome brands to give you some ideas that’ll make everyone on your list happy…for under $50!

    Smart watches are a hot item this year and would be the perfect gift for basically anyone! iTouch Wearables is a great quality and budget friendly option for smart watches! The iTouch watches are compatible with Android and iOS but cost waaaay less than their competitors…I’m talking under $50! I think these smart watches are perfect for younger kids and teens who want a smart watch but you want to ease them into the responsibility of owning expensive electronics! It’s also a great option for anyone who thinks they might be interested in owning a smart watch but is on the fence. And its a fabulous gift to completely surprise someone with because its impressive, functional, and doesn’t break the bank! I’m giving the iTouch Air Special Edition to my husband so he can do all kinds of things hands free while he’s at work delivering mail (he’s so cute in the mail man uniform!). 

    I’ve been using 7th Heaven face masks since I was a teenager! I usually get mine at Walmart or Ulta and they are super affordable and so much fun! I love doing a face mask with my sister while we watch movies or just before my shower after a long day. The price is so good (most are $1!) you won’t feel like you have to save these masks for a special occasion, so any day can feel special! These make fantastic stocking stuffers for the whole family (yes, even your dad should do a face mask!) or group a bunch together for a gift! For my birthday last year my friend gave me a cute mug full of face masks and candy and it was such a great gift! So if you’re looking for the perfect little touch to add to a gift set, or tape a gift card to, 7th Heaven products would be just the thing! 

    Okay so this one is hilarious to me but maybe I just have an immature sense of humor lol! Ballsy is a company that makes grooming gifts for bodies with balls (and obviously anyone else who want to use Ballsy!) and their stuff is super nice! I don’t know about y’all but my husband is the type of typical dude who use a 5 in one shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, tooth paste…okay I made that last part up but that’s how it feels! I think its super cool that Ballsy makes high quality products that are sensitive enough for men’s privates and targets their specific needs!The best part is these high end products don’t have a high price tag! I’m giving my husband the Jolly Jewels Sack Pack for Christmas, which smells amazing btw, and it includes the Nutts Butts and Body Wash, Nut Run Solid Cologne, and the Sack Spray Odor Neutralizer for only $45! Their gift sets start at $35 and are all under $100! Ballsy offers a variety of products starting at only $15 as well as a subscription service starting as low as $6 a month! This would be a great gift for your significant other, friends, siblings, and maybe even your dad if he has a good sense of humor lol! 

    We all know that person who is hard to shop for because they already have EVERYTHING. Instead of buying them another candle (calling myself out!) get them Formé, the worlds first high heel shaper! This gift is perfect for a shoe lover or organizing fanatic because it helps you break in your new heels and also keep their shape in storage while they’re not being worn. I love useful tools and gadgets like this because although it’s use is practical, it’s so clever it feels like a novelty. Formé would also be a great add on gift to a beautiful pair of heels or a gift card to go shoe shopping! 

    I have a lot of book lovers on my list and I love supporting Nashville creatives so this next one is my personal fave! Squeeze The Lime, written by local Nashville native Courtnie R. Dunn, is a novel about a young southern belle heroine who is determined to find her purpose, but along the way a new guy enters her life. Her world is flipped upside down and she must overcome harsh obstacles such as betrayal, stalking, and ever murder. She will also discover the power of love. I love reading books with female characters written by female authors! I also love that this book combines a story of self disocvery with a love story AND adds thriller elements! If you love stories where you can escape into someone else’s world (and drama) you will love Squeeze The Lime!  You can find Squeeze The Lime many places online, but I highly recommend purchasing it from Nashville’s independent book store Parnassus Books! Support a local author AND a local book store, and now you’re Santa! Don’t forget, it’s totally okay to get a gift for yourself too! 

    I hope this list was helpful! Head over to instagram story highlight for more pics and videos of these gifts and more! Stay tuned for more gift guides coming your way all next week! Ho ho ho! 

  • My Holiday Wish List: With rue21

    My Holiday Wish List: With rue21

    I think it’s safe to say, a lot of us are ballin’ on a budget this holiday season, especially after the wild year we’ve had! I’m sure many of you, like me, still want to spread some holiday cheer and spoil your loved ones (and yourself!). Well we are in luck because rue21 is offering amazing Black Friday deals with 40% off of their already affordable prices! I’m a Black Friday super fan, so I’m giving you an early look at my rue21 wish list!

    Who doesn’t love cozy gifts? Blankets, slippers and socks make perfect gifts for everyone on your list and rue21 is the perfect one-stop-shop for all things cozy! In my family we always open one gift on Christmas Eve and it’s always pajamas. I love this tradition because you can never have too many jammies! There is a wide selection available at rue21 but for my wish list I chose this comfy maroon sherpa jacket and matching sherpa shorts. They are insanely soft! I also got some festive Christmas pajamas for my dogs Hans and Mandi Moore! If your dog or cat is a good sport like mine are, I highly recommend dressing them in adorable rue21 pajamas for a boost of serotonin! Like I said, you can never have enough pajamas, so I also had to have these penguin pj’s. I paired them with this fuzzy blue sweater that I plan to wear as lounge wear and street wear! If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I have a huge obsession with penguins (I have a whole IG highlight dedicated to penguins) so I also chose this penguin blanket and socks! I love winter holiday season because it’s the time of year when there is an abundance of penguin swag!

    While rue21 has plenty gifts for the guys in your life, they really pop off when it comes to their girly and glam gifts! To make gift giving even easier, rue21 has the perfect gifts sets! It was so hard to choose but I decided on lipgloss and lashes gift sets! I love the shiny packaging and the price point is pretty great perk as well! The only thing I love more that beauty products is accessories, and rue21 definitely has us covered there. You can always find classic, everyday pieces like a black headband or CZ stud earrings but I love that rue21 always has the latest trends too! Whenever I see trendy statement pieces online I go straight rue21 because I know they’ll have it. For my wish list I was on the hunt for three different styles of earrings that I’ve seen everyone wearing on TikTok and rue21 had a set of earrings with all three! If there is a teenager in your life you find hard to shop for, I doubt you can wrong with accessories from rue21. I’m 28 but my sister is 16 and keeps me young, lol!

    Okay so this is less fun and exciting, but everyone needs the basics. The holidays are a great time to receive goodies but it’s also super helpful to recite practical gifts like masks, socks, t shirts, jeans, and leggings. If you want to keep things festive but also functional, rue21 has a great selection of hats, gloves, and scarves that will certainly come in handy durning these winter months. These are also great gift ideas for the people on your list who are tricky to shop for. If you’re like me, you might even want to stock up for yourself and buy extras to donate to your local shelters!more gift ideas

    For more gift and stocking stuffer ideas, check out the rue21 blog! Don’t miss out on the Black Friday 40% off deals but do stay tuned for an update on Cyber Monday deals!

  • Fall Farmers Market Style: With rue21

    Is there anything better than Fall? Yes! A Fall farmers market! One of my favorite autumnal activities is picking out pumpkins and produce from my local market. Obviously the perfect outing requires the perfect outfit and rue21 has the latest budget friendly, fall trends! The most classic fall fit is a plaid skirt with a sweater, I mean, just ask Rachel Green from Friends! So I put together two effortless festive looks that with make you want to drink apple cider and carve pumpkins!

    This first look is a major 90’s throw back for me personally because my mom and I wore matching outfits just like this one for our family Christmas card when I was 7! If you ask me, it’s timeless! This oversized black sweater makes for a great fall and winter wardrobe staple. I paired it with a red plaid skirt which is actually soft and stretchy as opposed to the the usually structured fit. This makes for a comfier fit which is nice for a casual day shopping for seasonal fruits and veggies! A simple black, knotted headband gives this look a preppy vibe and I think different accessories, like beanie or floppy hat, could easily change the tone of the whole fit!

    In my second look I’ve styled the same skirt but in black and white. I almost went with another black top but then I realized it’d be much more fun and interesting to opt for some color! So, I choose this orange chenille sweater that feels like butter! I’m such a sucker for chenille and it, too, gives me that 90’s feel. I kept the black headband for this outfit, and honestly I’ll probably be wearing it all season! I added these boots to keep things casual and I have to say, I think this might be my new favorite ensemble! It’s definitely making it into my rotation of regulars! Something I love about rue21 is that they offer affordable clothing and accessories in both straight and plus sizes. It can be tough finding trendy plus size styles and I love that there’s always something for me at rue21! They currently have some amazing deals you won’t want to miss, so check ’em out! For more autumnal outfit inspo, head over to the rue21 blog!

  • My Coming Out Story 🏳️‍🌈

    My Coming Out Story 🏳️‍🌈

    Happy #nationalcomingoutday to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, whether you’re publicly out, have only told a few trusted people, or haven’t told anyone at all. Your journey is unique and valid, take all the time you need!

    I’m pansexual and proud but it took me a while to get here. I first knew I liked both boys and girls when I was about 7 or 8. I cried to my mom a few times because I was “afraid I’m a lesbian”. She told me I was just comparing my body to other bodies, totally normal. I buried those feelings inside all through middle school and high school, but every now and then it would hit me like a giant wave.

    I was friends with gay, bi, non-binary, and gender fluid kids at my arts high school. I accepted them for exactly as they were but never myself. I didn’t tell anyone I thought I was bisexual until I was 19. By the time I was in my early 20’s I had told a handful of friends but didn’t speak about it freely and hadn’t told my family. I started seeing a new therapist and asked her for advice on coming out to my family. She told me I shouldn’t. She said that it could potentially upset them or change they way they think of me, and unless I was dating a girl, what’s the point? I was totally shocked and hurt. I told her that I felt like that was bad advice, that people should be able to be their honest selves with there closest loved ones. She replied “if telling the truth makes you feel better but hurts the other person, then it’s selfish and you should keep it to yourself.”. For the record, to anyone reading this, she’s wrong!

    I told a few family members when I was 24 and they reacted poorly but not in a dangerous or irreparable way. Just the classic “if your not with a girl then your not no though right? If you’ve never dated a girl how do you even know?”. So frustrating! When you know you know! By that logic, how does a virgin know they’re straight? We seems perfectly comfortable assuming small children are straight, calling them “lady killer” and “flirt” before they even go to kindergarten! I struggled then and still sometimes now believing that my sexuality is, in fact, valid no matter my dating or sexual histories.

    After I came out to those select family members and had to witness their initial reactions on their faces and answer frustrating and offensive questions they could’ve easily googled, I didn’t feel comfortable coming out in private settings or to individual people. I thought that’s how coming out had to be. In movies and TV, coming out is always face to face and dramatic, either positively or negatively. It doesn’t have to be that way! Here’s the thing: this is your personal business and you don’t OWE anyone an explanation. So if posting it on social media is easier for you, do it! If texting is easier, do it! If you do prefer to be one on one face to face, great! If you want to come out to someone in person but you’re nervous, invite a trusted friend who you’ve already come out to to join you. This is your truth and you make the rules. I declared my pansexuality on Facebook and never looked back! I’m sure there were a few people who thought “why didn’t she tell me?” But I had to do what was most comfortable for me.

    A close loved one asked me “why come out if you’re married to a man? What’s the point?”. Great question! Representation matters. Visibility matters. Normalizing being out and proud matters. Every person I know in my personal and professional life is influenced by me in some small way and vice versa. For instance, I don’t know of any queer people in my family and if I had, I would have felt infinitely more secure and safe growing up and coming out. I came out because I don’t want to deny any family member or friend that sense of security I so desperately needed. Also, there’s something to be said for living in your truth. You feel lighter and stronger at the same time. It’s liberating! For resources and support I recommend The Trevor Project , It Gets Better , and Human Rights Campaign.

    Sexuality is a spectrum and labels aren’t the most important thing in the world by far. But being your true authentic self is what national coming out day is all about! As we all head to the polls this November, please consider your queer loved ones. Vote blue to keep them safe and free to be themselves. Get voting information here.

  • 90’s Fall Vibes with rue21

    90’s Fall Vibes with rue21

    Where my 90’s babies at!? 

    I’m so happy 90’s fashion is back because I can finally dress the way I wished I could when I was a kid! I was born in ’92 so by the time I was old enough to dress like Cher from Clueless or Rachel from Friends, the 90’s were out and the early 00’s were in (dear god I hope low rise jeans never come back!). I partnered with rue21 to style some plus size looks for Fall featuring the latest trends! rue21 has the cutest 90’s throwback pieces! Their styles are subtlety retro for an everyday look!

    This first look is perfect for transitioning from Summer to Fall! I’m totally obsessed with this distressed denim jacket and I love the oversized fit. I’ll definitely wear it all Fall! This floral dress is super stretchy for comfort and the ruching is such a nice touch! I think it would look so pretty dressed up for date night too! I paired this outfit with tan boots and a delicate gold tone necklace which will absolutely be staple accessories for me this season!

    For this next look I traded floral for plaid and I’m “totally buggin”! I love this outfit so much and I can’t wait to style this dress a dozen different ways! Though this dress has the look of overalls, its actually super soft and stretchy which makes it extra comfortable. I kept the gold necklace for this fit, but swapped the tan boots out for black! These boots are perfect for Fall and Winter and though the heel is a bit on the higher side, they are really comfy! The chunky heel offers ankle support and also makes for the perfect 90’s vibe!

    Right now rue21 is having an awesome sale up to 50% off! What I love about rue21 is that they offer straight sizes and plus sizes XS-4X at affordable prices! You don’t have to break the bank to keep up with the latest trends! I’d love to hear your thoughts on this season’s 90’s trend, and which of these two looks is your favorite. Head over to my instagram and cast your vote in the comments of my latest rue21 post or check out the poll in my insta stories! For more style inspo checkout the rue21 blog!

     

  • Beach Days With Full Beauty Brands

    Now that it’s safer to spend time outdoors at beaches and lakes It feels like summer is really here! I recently hopped one state over to spend some time by the sea and it was so therapeutic! I packed my favorite pieces from Ellos, Romans, and Jessica London Style to create summery looks that kept me cool in the Florida heat while also looking hot!

    These three Full Beauty Brands are all having awesome sales right now and very item in the post is on sale! Now I the perfect time to stock up on all your summer time must-haves!

    Ellos is currently offering 40% off your oder with select items plus extra 30% off clearance! I can’t recommend this Smocked Bodice Tank Dress enough! Its comes in five different colors and sizes 10-40. This Dress makes for the perfect bathing suit cover up and can easily to take you from the ocean to dinner! CD775E4A-C0FE-4926-9FC4-266E93026096

    Another great piece for transitioning from beach to happy hour is this Printed Hanky Hem Dress! I chose the lemon pattern but it also comes in paisley and is available in sizes 10-32. This one is light weight and perfect to pop on over your swim suit!

     

    Jessica London is having a flash sale with select items up to 60% off! They are also having their semi annual intimates sale with buy 2 get 2 free bras and panties and if you use code JLEFRTOTE you get a free tote valued at $49.99 when you spend $75 or more! I love this bright and flirty Halter Maxi Dress! It comes in sizes 14-28 and also is available in blue and white stripes. I paired this dress with The Marley Mule By Comfortview which coms in 3 different patters and sizes 7-12, widths M, W, and, WW. These comfy little slides are perfect to slip on with any summer outfit!2D6C0D2D-96EB-4A2B-AED2-A43C7608782C

    Roamans is also having a flash sale with select items up to 60% off and their semi annual intimates sale with buy 2 get 2 free bras and panties! I can’t even explain how obsessed I am with this gorgeous Tiered Metallic Crinkle Maxi Dress With Embellished Neckline! I felt like a beach goddess in this flowing boho piece! This one is a bit of a splurge but is currently on sale, available in sizes 14-36, and makes for beautiful sunset photos with family! Off the beach I will pair this with a tank or bralette underneath with either leggings or bike shorts. I think a short fitted tank dress or body suit would also work really nicely under this!

    Happy shopping and don’t forget to tag me in your photos of your Full Beauty Brands finds!

  • The Porch Chronicles: With Full Beauty Brands

    The Porch Chronicles: With Full Beauty Brands

    Before quarantine I never thought much of my porch. Now it’s one of my favorite places to sit and feel connected to the outside world! Here are some of my fave porch looks this month!

    This sleeveless eyelet dress from Jessica London is the perfect spring and summer staple! It’s available in sizes 12-28 and also comes in soft geranium. The best part: IT HAS POCKETS! Eyelet is timeless and angelic. This dress is a definite keeper.

    This stripped linen faux wrapped dress from Ellos is easy, breezy, and comfy! It comes in sizes 10-28 and goes with anything! It is a little low cut, so if you’re a busty babe like myself, I suggest wearing a bralette or cami underneath. Layering a t-shirt with a sundress is also a look and I plan on trying that!

    I’m obsessed with the knit surplice maxi dress from Ellos! It’s super soft and flowy which is just what I need for these warmer days. It comes in 6 different colors and is available in sizes S-5X. Ellos sizing is a little different, so be aware that for this dress a small is size 10-12 and 5X is 38-40. I’m wearing a 1X (22-24) because I like to size up for comfort, but the sizing is so generous I could have just stuck to my usual 18/20.


    Another winner with pockets!!! Boy, do I love dresses with pockets. This ruffled off the shoulder dress particularly! This is probably my favorite dress right now because it’s festive, comfortable, and…did I mention the pockets? It’s from Roamans and is available in size 10-32 and the fit is forgiving and flattering! This dress definitely gets me excited about future brunch plans and patio parties but it’s also comfy enough to wear while I water my plants and sip iced coffee on my porch!

    Even though my fun summer plans are on hold for the foreseeable future, I do love dressing cute for myself. It’s nice to put on a pretty dress and some hoops, sit outside with a whipped coffee (if you haven’t tried it, recipe here!) and chat on FaceTime with my mom. My neighbors walk past and wave hello and I feel human. Right now it’s all about the little things!

    You can checkout these looks and more on my Instagram!

  • My Dream Engagement Ring Designed By The Goldsmiths Bench

    My Dream Engagement Ring Designed By The Goldsmiths Bench

    I get a lot of questions about my rings so I’m gonna spill all the tea!

    Will and I decided to shop for my engagement ring together because I had a specific vision and he wanted me to have exactly what I dreamed of! I had a few ideas floating around my head but I knew I wanted the center stone to be pink, the metal to be white gold and I was interested in pear shaped stones. We went to a few chain jewelry stores…I won’t name names but think of the first 3 or 4 that come to mind and it’s probably them! Everywhere we went we had the same issues: we felt super rushed while trying rings on, the prices were astronomical, and we were pressured to make a payment or purchase that day. One place we went to, the sales person handed me ring number three after we had been in the building only 20 mins and said “is this your ring? I can draw up the paper work!” And I laughed at her! I spent another 20 minutes browsing and then we announced we would think about it and come back next weekend to which she replied “what’s there to think about?”. I candidly told her that we are taking this slowly and want to explore all of our options before we commit to such a big purchase and a piece that I will wear everyday for the rest of my life. She said, “well what exactly do you expect to find out there that you can’t find here?”. At this point she was just asking to have her feelings hurt so I told her, “a lower price and better customer service.” And we left!

    We went to a nearby mall for dinner and the restaurant had a 30 minute wait time so we decided to browse the mall while we waited. That’s when we accidentally came upon a jewelry store we’d never heard of before. We went it to look around and we met their goldsmith Todd Michael! He was so kind, patient and explained things simply and clearly. I was instantly at ease. It felt like chatting with an old friend after a long day of talking to car salesmen! I wasn’t immediately drawn to anything on display so Todd suggested we custom design my engagement ring. He asked me what my dream ring would be and I told him, a pear shaped, pink center stone with a diamond halo and white gold band. He fit my finger for size and said he’d call his gemstone distributor and see what pink sapphires he has and give us a call when he has a plastic mold for us to try. We left feeling excited and relieved!

    We went in for our next appointment and I got to try on the plastic mold to get an idea of what the setting would look and feel like! This helped me decide if I wanted space between the center stone and the halo or not and if I liked the width of band. I loved the dainty band and chose not to have space between. Next we chose my center stone from a selection of natural pink sapphires shipped there especially for us to choose from! It was a tough choice but I ultimately fell in love with the shade and shape of my current stone! I really appreciated working closely together for each step and having the opportunity to see our collective vision come to life! After this step I was excluded from the conversation so that Will could officially propose to me with the finished product! When he proposed and I saw the real thing for the first time it took my breath away! It was even more beautiful than I could have imagined! Once he popped the question I was able to see all the behind the scenes steps I missed out on, like the animated mock up, and the stages of crafting the ring! ( watch the video below!)

    Months later, when it came time to choose my wedding band, we obviously needed to work with Todd again! He was no longer at the jewelry store from before so we tracked him down because there was no way we would trust anyone else! His work is so beautiful, the quality is superb, and the prices reflect that quality without the insane retail mark-ups that chain jewelry stores charge (for lesser quality stones!). Todd is our guy now and forever!

    I wasn’t sure what I wanted in a wedding band so I just let Todd get creative and come up with some ideas! He sent me some animated mock ups with a picture of my engagement ring so I could get an idea of what they’d look like together! I loved them all but the tiara band with the pear shaped top was a no-brainer for me! It had “Lexi” written all over it! He made a plastic mold for me to try on with my engagement ring to be sure I liked the scale of it and then he worked his magic to make my dreams come true!

    Seeing the rings together gave me butterflies (and still does!) and I couldn’t be happier! Todd got the sapphires for my band from the same contact as my center stone so the color and quality would be as close as possible. These rings sparkle in the dark they are so perfect! Every detail is immaculate and the process was stress free and fun! We paid half of what we would have been charged at a big chain jewelry store and we felt good knowing we were supporting an independent goldsmith. From now on Todd is our go-to guy for every anniversary, birthday, Mother’s Day, graduation, and someday push present! I can’t recommend him enough! Contact Todd at the Goldsmiths Bench here

  • Dressing Up With FullBeauty Brands

    Dressing Up With FullBeauty Brands

    Okay first things first, how y’all doing? Girl, same! Bleh! I feel like I’m bouncing from panic to naps, to delirious laughter all day. Nothing about this COVID-19 “new normal” is normal. So I’ve been trying to encourage myself to do some “normal” things every so often to keep me grounded.

    I try to dress up once a week! Lately I just want to wear sweats on the couch and eat Doritos (yum) but after a while I feel icky. It’s good for me to switch it up and cute cute even even it’s just for the gram…or my newest obsession, TikTok! Full Beauty Brands sent me some lovely pieces from Jessica London, Roamans, and Ellos and they are perfect for a stylish spring look that’s still comfy to wear in my apartment or on my porch, the only places I ever go now!

    Another thing I do to keep my head straight is FaceTime with friends and family! I try to look cute(ish) for this too because it helps me feel like I’m getting ready to go socialize! A fun outfit and a bit of makeup always elevates my mood at least a little and that sets the tone for a more enjoyable phone call! I’ve also been doing therapy over Zoom which I highly recommend! So even if it’s just a cute top and some lipstick, I feel like myself when a put a bit of effort into getting ready for video chats!

    I occasionally need to go to the grocery store or pharmacy for essentials and while this is indeed a stressful scenario, I try to make the most of it. I’m making an effort to practice gratitude so I see grocery shopping as a privilege! I’m so grateful to essential employees who make shopping for my meals possible. Selecting my favorite snacks and small comforts have become a sacred part of my week so I look forward to my rare grocery trip and enjoy dressing up for the occasion! Obviously whatever you wear is perfect as long as you feel comfortable. Clothes can mean so much to us as a way to express ourselves and soothe ourselves. So what’s best for you and stay safe! We are in this together and I’m here for you if you need to talk!