Tag: Beauty

Tommy Hilfiger | Sponsored by Macy’s

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Special thanks to Macy’s for sponsoring this post!

We are officially in the full swing of summer and I, for one, am so happy! I know, I know… I live in Los Angeles where it’s practically always summer weather (I’m talking 90 degree Christmas’s here), but I still long for these summer months because of all the incredible summer clothes! Today, I’m excited to be partnering with Macy’s to share the latest Tommy Hilfiger plus size summer collection, because 1.) the clothes are super cute and 2.) I’m finally tackling my fear of chino pants!

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When I first saw that Tommy Hilfiger had launched plus sizes, I was thrilled to see such an iconic brand cater to us curvy girls! There are so many incredible dresses and polos in their summer collection, but the first thing that really caught my eye were these navy chino pants! I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been afraid to rock the chino look because I was scared they wouldn’t flatter my hips! Clearly, I was wrong! Look how great these look! I tried these babies on and was immediately impressed with the fit, the quality, and just how amazing they made me feel!

 

It may sound silly, but I really do believe there is power in your fashion choices! So often, we are told that we are too big, too small, too femme, to masculine, too extra, too…(you get the idea) to wear something! And that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s YOUR body, so YOU get to decide what kind of styles get to go on it! We are taught from an early age to wear clothes that flatter your body a.k.a. clothes that make you look smaller or more hourglass or closer to whatever beauty standard you are being asked to meet. I challenge you to prioritize wearing clothes that make you feel happy instead of clothes that make feel like you fit in! It’s so rewarding!
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I decided to channel my inner prep girl and style these with this a classic striped button up, a nude pump, and some gold accents. For me, this outfit was all about showing off my new found love for chino’s and I thought the striped shirt was the perfect compliment. I kept it casual with quick front knot and a few unbuttoned buttons, but you could also tuck it in and add a belt and a blazer for a more polished look. What I love about these pants is that they will carry me into fall where I will definitely pair them with a chunky sweater and some booties! There are so many ways to style them and make them your own!

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I am so happy that I was able to tackle my fear and fully embrace these Tommy Hilfiger chino pants! I know I’ll be wearing them over and over again! Okay, now it’s your turn! I want to know, how would you style them?

 

All of the items in this post are available at Macy’s! As always, thank you for reading and I hope you all have an incredible summer!

 

Xoxo,

Alex

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Levi’s | Sponsored by Macy’s & ShopStyle

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Okay, so there’s this general rule of thumb in fashion that if you haven’t worn something in a while, then it’s time to donate! I usually agree with this statement, but this couldn’t be more wrong when it comes to the classics! Today, I am excited to be partnering with Macy’s and Levi’s to share the ultimate classic: denim! I know we are just starting to make our way through summer, but I’m already dreaming of the days ahead and prepping for fall! Levi’s is truly a one stop shop for all kinds of clothing to transition you into the new season!

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Denim was my first fashion love and there’s nothing like the feeling of slipping into a great pair of jeans! When I was shopping this Levi’s look, it felt like I was scrolling my way through a taste of American history! Levi’s is a brand we have seen over and over again; and there’s a reason it has made such a lasting cultural impression! From fit to fashion to feeling, when you slip on a pair of these classics you instantly get that young and carefree vibe!

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The options are pretty limitless when it comes to styling your Levi’s! In order to make sure my look transitions flawlessly into the fall, I opted for these distressed skinnies and the logo tee! Paired with some sneakers and a smile, I’m ready for summer, but I know that I’ll be layering these pieces with blazers, bombers, and of course a jean jacket in the next season! Shop my look below!

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I am always grateful to find great quality clothing in a range of sizes! Levi’s has definitely captured the heart of this plus size girl! 

All of the items in this post are available at Macy’s! As always, thank you for reading!

Xoxo,

Alex

SHOP THIS LOOK HERE:

Levi’s Plus Size 711 Outta Time Distressed Skinny Jeans • Levi’s • $59.50
Levi’s Plus Size Graphic Logo T-Shirt • Levi’s • $24.50
Converse Women’s Chuck Taylor All Star Ox Casual Sneakers from Finish Line • Converse • $49.99

Special thanks to Macy’s and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!

Five Ways to Stay Confident During A Workout | Sponsored by Secret Deodorant

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Hey everyone! Happy May! Does anyone else feel like the months are flying by? I’m 95% sure that Valentine’s Day was last week and we’ve somehow jumped to Cinco De Mayo! *looks around suspiciously while eating chips and guac* I’m happy to be back on the blog and share that I’ve teamed up with Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant to tell you an embarrassing/educational story about how hosting a yoga class in New York City has changed how I prepare for and think about my workouts.

 

The year was 2017… I had just finished holding on for dear life in a crowded, rush hour subway car while on my way to host my first yoga class! It was definitely a big day for me because 1.) I had never hosted anything before and 2.) I had rarely participated in group yoga. I have loved yoga for years, but I’ve always completed my practice alone, so I was so nervous!  There was a group of about 15 of us. We introduced ourselves and I even made it through a quick welcome speech. I took a sign of relief when we started our practice, but was suddenly and rudely interrupted by a growing stench. I realized that I was the culprit and was immediately horrified! It was the end of a hot NYC day; and after that subway ride and now the yoga class, my mediocre deodorant just wasn’t doing the job. I spent the rest of the class trying to my best to keep my movements slow and confined so I wouldn’t assault the rest of the class, but I know that those who went in for a hug after class definitely regretted that decision – ugh!

 

I went home understandably mortified and decided that wasn’t going to happen again. After some crowdsourcing, I learned about Secret Clinical Strength deodorant and now it is my go-to everyday deodorant. Whether I’m walking down a runway, at a client meeting, or hosting a yoga class, this product helps me feel safe and in control! My favorite thing about Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid is that you can use it just once for all-day, strong wetness protection. It is definitely not fun to be caught off guard by sweat, smells, or any mixture of the two! That embarrassing day taught me a lot about how to prepare for a workout and stay confident throughout! Let’s break it down:

 

  1. The first step is to simply show up! Maybe you’re nervous or unmotivated? Maybe you feel too busy to take some time for yourself? Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of today’s beauty standards? You could be hosting a class like I was or maybe you’re working out just for you? There will always be a million reasons to quit before you start, but show up anyway.

 

  1. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. I know, I know! This sounds unnecessarily extreme. A workout usually isn’t a dire situation, but hear me out. It’s important to be in positive mindset and believe that you are 100% capable of what you set out to do (Cause you are!), but it’s wise to also stay prepared in case something goes wrong. You don’t plan on getting in a car crash, but you wear your seat belt just in case, right? That is how I feel about wearing Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid. Maybe your old deodorant has been holding up so far; but honestly, why risk the discomfort of B.O. and unwanted pit stains?

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  1. Work your booty off. Not literally, because butts are incredible. Your butt is incredible! But go the heck off! Put in work! Slay! I choose “D.) All the above;” because going 100% feels so good when you’re finally done!

 

  1. Okay listen up, because this one is important! Shaming yourself is never the right choice! We lose our confidence when we allow self-shaming thoughts to linger in our minds for a little too long. The wild thing about our thoughts is that if we think something for too long, our brain will start to change what we know to be true. Have you ever looked at a word for too long and then all of a sudden it looks unfamiliar or misspelt? It’s kinda like that. If we challenge all of our confident thoughts with judgment and shame, we will begin to question our confidence. So if a negative thought comes in, I suggest countering it with a positive affirmation! I personally like “I am loved, beautiful and strong!”

 

  1. Last, but not least… BE PROUD of yourself! Whether you hit your goal or totally missed the mark, you showed up! You set out to do something that will ultimately benefit you and that intention is important. The great thing about what I learned is that these tips aren’t just about working out! These are  applicable to any big event or moment that is going on in your life! No matter how big of a day it is and no matter how nervous you are, Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid has got your covered. Nothing will ever go completely as planned, but be sure to prep for what you can and make the best out of what you can’t!

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post! I hope you have an incredible rest of your day!

 

With love + gratitude,

 

Alex

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Sponsored by Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

Spring Denim with Macy’s

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Celebrity Pink Denim | Sponsored by Macy’s

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The time has come! It’s time to put our winter coats in storage and slowly transition to our warmer weather wardrobe. It took a bit longer than we all hoped, but Spring has finally sprung and I, for one, am pretty hype about! I love dressing for Spring because it’s a perfect time to update your denim collection and who doesn’t want that?! Denim for spring isn’t necessarily groundbreaking *cue Miranda Presley voice*, but I do have a spring wardrobe go-to that has literally never failed me! I’ve partnered with my friends over at Macy’s to show off these amazing Celebrity Pink jeans and to share my spring favorite: white denim!

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White denim is a spring staple for the versatility alone! You can create any look, vibe, or aesthetic that you want (okay maybe with the exception of a goth girl throwback)! One pair of jeans can take you from the mall to date night to church to the club. It’s all about finding the right pair of jeans!

So what do I look for in a good pair of white jeans? Well first and foremost, fit will always be the biggest factor in any shopping experience! I love that these jeans stretch and hug my curves in all the right places while still keeping shape throughout the day! I like to wear my jeans a little looser than average, but I definitely avoid any pair of jeans that is easily overstretched and made awkwardly baggy. These jeans held their fit for hours, providing stretch without losing their shape! Another thing that is super important when buying white denim is making sure that the fabric is thick enough and won’t turn see through in bright light! Who else has worn a pair of unexpectedly thin clothing only to discover too late that your whole butt is displayed for the world to see? Just me? Well, I didn’t have to worry about these jeans at all!

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I had a blast styling these jeans two different ways! When you have good quality basics, styling is really about accessories. For my first look, I allowed the jeans to speak for themselves and kept my styling sweet and simple. A clean pair of white sneakers, a black and white striped tee, and an ankle cuff allows you to be comfy while still having that put together look! I wear my denim like this most days tbh, but sometimes you need to take it to the next level!

I was all about this pop of lavender for the second look! Lavender is a huge trend this spring and it looks great with the white denim. I decided to keep the black and white tee, switch up the shoes to these lavender slingback mules, add a suede envelope clutch to match; and viola, you’ve got a whole new look!

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Your options really feel limitless once you step into a pair of these Celebrity Pink skinnies! How would you style your pair?

All of the items in this post are available at Macy’s! Thank you for reading!

 

Xoxo,

Alex

 

Special thanks to Macy’s for sponsoring this post!

Black History Month

Alex3 Comments

Ayyyyeeee Happy Black History Month, everybody!

I’ve had a love/hate relationship with this month for most of my life. When I was a young kid, Black History Month didn’t mean all that much to me. The lack of melanin in my teachers and classmates meant that any extra attention to Black history was reserved for what could fit on the glass encased bulletin board that hung somewhere near the administration office. Once I got to high school, I started to hate Black History Month because I knew that meant a super awkward moment was awaiting me. Every February 1st, a teacher or a classmate or once even the principle would decide to point me out as one of the only two black people in the class (shout out Marcus Shelby if you out there) and ask me some kind of unwelcome personal question that would have me speak for all black people.

It wasn’t fun. BUT then I graduated high school, moved to LA, and learned to self educate! Black History Month became a time where I chose to learn more about myself and my black history than I knew existed. I was geeking out over the Moors, Madame C.J. Walker, and so much more. Did you know that ancient Egyptians used afro picks? In college, I decided that Black History Month was insulting. Why would we only get a month when others gets the rest of the year? I would look at what major media decided to cover and be frustrated that they wouldn’t dive deeper into the history of black people globally. I’d hashtag #BLACKHISTORYYEAR every single day in the month of February.

I still believe that discovering more about black history will enrich your life all year round. I also know that it is not everyday that people are looking to educate themselves on any kind of history. So, if black people have an opportunity to share our history, learn our history, and have our history acknowledged; I’ve got to be on board. I celebrate Black History Month because I want to know more about the past to help me prepare and move toward the future. I hope you all have take even a few moments to learn something new today! And you can start here!

Outfit details:

Pearl Embellished Beret: Similar here!

Jumpsuit: Here!

Faux Suede Booties: Similar here!

 

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NYE looks that you can wear again! | Sponsored by Simply Be

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New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and so are the outfits – Ahh! But don’t stress, because honestly this year has been stressful enough on its own! So if you’re looking for some last minute inspiration for the your NYE look, I’ve got you! Whether you’re planning on ringing in 2018 at a fancy event or even a more casual get together, these Simply Be looks are sure to be a hit! And the best part? These looks can be easily re-accessorized for your next event!

Color pop!

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CLICK HERE TO SHOP

An obvious way to stand out this NYE is to wear a bright fun color! Gem tones like purple and turquoise are always a hit! And bright metallics are a welcomed addition to any celebration. My absolute favorite color to wear is red, so I decided to go with this Simply Be LRD, or Little Red Dress! There’s a shade of red out there for everyone. And not only does it make you feel sexy, it comes in handy on so many occasions! I love the crossover halter neckline and the fit of the body. This is the kind of dress that’s totally worth wearing a strapless bra for!

Where to wear it next: Date Night, Girl’s Night Out

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Texture, texture, texture!

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Nothing screams “Too glam to give a damn” like a floor length sequin, tiered tassel dress! I’m not exaggerating at all when I say that I felt like royalty the whole time I was wearing this! The detailed beading, sequins, and layering make this dress so much fun to wear! Pair this dress with some sky high heels and you’ll be ready to twirl and strut your stuff around the whole night!

Where to wear it next: Broadway Show, Gala Event

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Make a statement with fur!

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Bring on the fur! I personally think every girl deserves a (faux) fur coat in her closet. It is a tried and true way to bring instant glam to even your most simple jeans and lace cami top! I’m a big fan of this Simply Be blush pink coat because it’s neutral enough to style several ways, but it’s still a big statement! This coat will definitely keep you warm whether you’re walking to your next NYE party location or just to and from your car any time in the next month. Seriously, stay warm out there! Brrr!

Where to wear it next: All day, everyday this winter!

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CLICK HERE TO SHOP

 

Thank you for spending some time with me! I hope you all have an incredible rest of your 2017! Finish the year strong and have a Happy New Year!

Xoxo,

Alex

Thank you to Simply Be for sponsoring this post!

Top 5 skincare picks from the ASOS Advent Calendar

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Hey everyone!

 

I hope all of you are having an amazing holiday season so far! It’s a couple days after Christmas and for those of you who celebrated… how was your Christmas?! I had an exceptionally fun and easy Christmas this year. I spent the early morning opening gifts (I definitely scored!) and the rest of the day cooking with my mom! Then the whole family got together for dinner and watched our favorite Christmas movie: Diehard lol! I’m not a natural gift giver or receiver. I always feel weird about it and somehow make things awkward or blow the surprise. It’s not my love language, BUT quality time most definitely is and I look forward to Christmas every year for that exact reason! But that is not what this post is about!

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Outfit details in last post!

 

 

 

I want to share my favorite items from the ASOS Beauty Advent Calendar! Y’all know what an advent calendar is all about, right? There’s twenty five little gifts inside and you are supposed to open one each day from Dec 1st to Dec 25th. I obviously don’t have the patience for that; because in true Alex fashion, I opened all 25 on day one. Oops! I already told you that I’m bad with gifts (and pretty much with rules in general). So sorry, not sorry? Do the cool kids still say that? The calendar had a nice mix of skincare, makeup, hair, and body products; and I really appreciated the size of the samples! I’m happy that I opened the whole calendar, because I was able to test the products throughout the month and share my favorites with all of you!  

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Links to shop are listed below!

My Top 5:

If you would’ve asked me beforehand which kind of beauty products I was most excited about, my answer would have definitely been makeup. But my favorite products are the skincare! One thing that stands out right away are the two different cleansers. I personally don’t use cleanser in the morning, because I have super dry skin; so I use these cleansers at night. DHC deep cleansing oil ($$) is perfect for removing makeup and cleansing on a good/dry skin day. But even with my dry skin, I get bad breakouts during my period. That’s when I use the REN T-Zone Control cleansing gel ($$)! I’m so in love with the Alpha-H Liquid Gold ($$$).This glycolic acid treatment goes on every other night after cleanser and works to revitalize and firm your skin. It’s like a mini facial in a bottle and it didn’t dry out my skin – major win! I was surprised by The Ordinary surface hydrating moisturizer ($). To be honest, it doesn’t have that spa/lux feeling when you first apply the product. But the moisture lasts all day and my makeup sat so well on this formula that I had to add it to the top five. The Cowshed lippy cow balm ($$) is my favorite product from the whole calendar! My lips chap like no other! Cracking, peeling, chapped lips are usually an annual shame that I go through every fall and winter, but Chowshed has completely alleviated this problem! I am so hype about it too! I’ve used the balm on my lips, of course, but also on dry patches around my nose and chin. I cannot recommend this product enough! Hello new skincare routine! I will definitely be purchasing all of these items again!

Honorable Mentions:

 

Eyeko London – Liquid Eyeliner in Black: ($$) Goes on smooth and stays put!

Caudalie – Vinosource Creme Sorbet: ($$) Skin feels plump and it smells so good!

Foreo LUNA travel cleansing brush: ($$$) Love to use this after the shower when my pores are still open! Its feels like I’m getting a really deep cleaning that isn’t too harsh or damaging.

Smashbox – Photo Finish Primer: ($$) A classic! This is my go to primer any day!

Rodial – Stem Cell Magic Gel: ($$$) This product felt amazing! Apply more product and you can use it overnight as a sleeping mask! This sample was pretty small, so I was only able to use it twice.

Thank you ASOS Beauty for helping me celebrate the holidays! The calendar was so much fun and the introduction to these amazing products was the perfect gift! And thank you to all of my readers! I appreciate that you spent these last few moments with me! 

XoXo

Alex