bows + trains + cowgirls

as summer nears, i become more and more OCD about sunscreen, umbrellas and HATS! last summer i squashed my favorite wide-brimmed hat from urban outfitters [yes, i accidentally sat on it. lol] ... and have been devastated ever since!

today ross accompanied me to the zoo [that is, the mall] to select this summer's hat. this is no small feat. considering my gigantic proportions [5'10" with an abnormally large head] it's nearly impossible to find hats that fit! after some serious searching and 4,389 hats later... we found this black gem from forever 21! hopefully i won't sit on this one...

the outfit details

forever 21 black buckled floppy hat

zara floral + bow top

zara jean cutoffs

vintage cowboy boots

happy memorial day weekend to all my american readers! anyone going away for the holiday weekend?? 

xoxo, blair. 

tie waist shirt + mint skirts

normally i'm not a mid-drift baring kind of gal, but today called for a tie waist shirt. did any of you have those "midriff tie holders" [or whatever their official title is] back in the 80s/early 90s? they were about as cool as a pair of stirrup pants! ;)

in typically "blair fashion" i'm keeping it simple today! plus, this whole outfit is airy/light... ideal for a relaxed summer evening. and a glass of wine :)

[oh & ross/the husband/photog/BFF says "helloooo"]

outfit

h&m white button-up tunic tank

nine 3 two mint green maxi skirt

miashoes "passage" sandals 

accessories from target

some of you already know but... last week i had the privilege of writing a few beauty posts on the birchbox blog! here are the links for your reading enjoyment...

mix 'n match lips

how to prep your skin for summer

the perfect polka dot mani

undone summer hair

new makeup trend: paper lashes

xoxo, blair. 

neon lacy things.

friends! i'm baaaaack after a 10-day hiatus...

yeesh. work has been a zoo. friends are getting married. my kid sister is graduating from college [congrats mikelle]... does anyone else experience this kind of craziness in may??

if you didn't notice, photo #4 featured my latest nail art diddy. just a simplistic freehanded polka dot manicure for you minimalists out there!

new news: check out the birchbox blog this week too! i'll be sharing some of my [shhhh...] beauty secrets with the birchbox community over the next few days. eek... super excited!

outfit details

forever 21 neon lace tank

forever 21 graphic high-waisted pants

steve madden gladiator wedges

vintage clutch

xoxo, blair.

gladiator lust + MIA shoes promo

michigan never fails to disappoint when it comes to unpredictable weather. i swear this state is bipolar! [heh] but in all seriousness... yesterday was quite chilly, even though i was wearing my signature snood... and today i broke out my sundresses! i'm crossing my fingers, hoping this weather is here to stay. it's gorgeous!

yesterday ross & i wandered down to reeds lake to snap these photos and for a change of scenery! we've both been "under the weather", so it was nice to get out for a quick gaunt/fresh air. aannndd... i just realized that as of yesterday we've been married 8 months! [babe - hot date this weekend please??]

outfit details

h&m chambray shirt

urban outfitters color block dress

MIA shoes "passage" gladiator sandals

thanks to MIA shoes for these ah-mazing sandals. just so you know: MIA shoes is offering my lovely readers 10% off their purchase [expires 6/3/12] with free shipping/handling on orders $50 or more (standard shipping only/continental US)... just enter "LOVEBLAIR1" at checkout! :) happy shopping loves!

xoxo, blair. 

nail art: DIY undone manicure.

another week, another manicure. the secret to a fresh DIY manicure is the combination of the following ingredients:

- glass of wine [if you're of age, of course]

- indie music [try this playlist on for size]

- after 10pm at night

just start painting, experimenting with colors, and be okay with making mistakes! this "undone manicure" is a deviation from my typical geometric manis... and a lot easier because you don't have to worry about straight lines!

steps:

- paint a light base color [2 coats]

- choose a complimenting darker shade. place the brush on the outer edge of the nail and quickly sweep inward. 

- repeat these brush strokes as you move up the entire side of the nail.

- switch sides and repeat the motion from the previous side!

colors:

OPI's "baby it's 'coal' outside" and "fiercely fiona"

giddy up girls! get painting!

xoxo, blair.