Goin' In For The Frill

With my swimsuit of choice this week, it's becoming apparent to me that I've got myself a little thing (that's growing bigger and bigger with every passing second) for anything skirted in peplum. And strapless. And pink and cream. And pretty. So it's of no surprise that I'd want to add this dreamy dress to the mix.  

Photo Source: ZARA

Hawaiian Punch

Someone near and dear to me (that just so happens to share the same DNA strands as yours truly) recently announced she'll be returning, for a second time, to the plush and lush island of Hawaii. And try as I might to not be jealous of this news, I can't help but turn a little envy-green with the thought. But. I could try and do the next best thing by showing my support in spirit by donning these sandals instead.  Isn't that what sisters are for?

Photo Source: ASOS via Studded Hearts

Wrap It Up

Did ya see me? Did ya see me? Huh, did ya? I'm the the girl wrapped up all comfy and cozy in my creamy cable knit sweater and turquoise-y green scarf, right next to the darling blondie in the black and white-striped topper. At seconds # 7-8. 

And I'm doin' my part to be connected to and included in the largest social scarf ever. EVER, people. You can too. You know, so you don't feel left out in the cold. Just go here to upload and create your own stylin' scarf and get wrapped up in We Love Wool's world record-setting (and hopefully breaking) scarfness.

Video Source: YouTube

The 'Metric System

I must admit I was pretty darn brokenhearted when first laying eyes on this zig-zaggy Zinke swimmer of a suit just as soon as I peeked down at the beyond-this-little-blogger's-budget price tag. But. Lo and behold, just a few weeks later, and I see it sitting there all purdy-like in Anthropologie's sale section. No joke. PLUS it's got a removable, peplum-y skirt. Could it get any better?!? Yeah. I know. It TOTALLY couldn't. I'm starting to think I could really get used to this new geometric-y suit system.

Photo Source: Anthropologie

Crop It Like It's Hot

These teeny tiny half shirts are cropping up everywhere I look! And given that I'm not yet quite convinced that I could pull off said look as confidently as some others, it doesn't mean I don't think it's a completely cute craze. And it also doesn't mean that I wouldn't totally be willing to try it out, but with a really, really high-waisted something on bottom at first just so a very wee lil' bit of my mid-section would be a-showin', now does it??

Photo Source: Free People

They Say It's Your Birthday

Well it's my birthday too! Yep. I officially turn 32 years young today. Which is pretty darn funny when I think about it since for the past year or so I've thought that I was the 30 + 2 anyway so it shouldn't be too too hard for me to accept that I'm one year older since I thought I already was. Birthdays are always wondrous little things filled with love and surprises and I can't wait to celebrate mine with donuts. Lots and lots of donuts.

Photo Source: ColetteBream via Strawberry Koi

Prints Plus

I was just talking the other day about how I am SO OVER pants. Jeans in particular. They're just so heavy when summertime hits. And I like to show off my legs when the weather turns hotter anyway. So I think I'm a-gonna start exercising my summer sartorial style solution, stat: the tunic dress. These prints plus and sheer-y three, to be exact. That way if it happens to get too breezy-chilly, I can always pair them with my  other  leg staple: the legging.  Just no jeans.  Not now.

Photo Source: People Like Art

Squeeze Play

My shoe size is 9. A true 9. Not a sometimes 9 and 1/2 or even 10 (unless I wanna put on a couple pairs of socks for my very own Tim Gunn-ish 'make it work' moment) so it pains me, literally pains me when I see the perfect shoe and it's a size too small. 'Cause if I have such a hard time getting into one size too big, you can imagine how it goes for one size too small. Maybe I could do a little game of squeeze play to fit into these particular booted beauties? Yeah. And just suffer the consequences later?? 

Photo Source: Saltwater Gypsy

To Infinity And Beyond

I like the tried-and-true tradition of commemorating and/or honoring one's memory with a bit of ink. And having lost someone, the someone, too recently that deserves this form of permanent recognition and more makes me wonder if this is why I've been so wishy-washy waiting to go under the tat needle. I love the placement of the pictured tattoo, but I'd get this quote and these words instead, "I swear we were infinite." Because I did. Still do. And always will. To infinity and beyond.

Photo Source: TATTOOLOGIST

Following Suit

I wanna go there. And look like that. A dolled-up beach babe. When two-pieces fit, flattered and stayed put in all the right places and one pieces covered up just enough for an air of pretty pretty and oh-so-chic mystery. So who else wants to go with me? I know who: Shabby Apple. What with all their ruffled ruching, bright beachy wears and of-the-moment sporty separates that would definitely prove us (oh ok, ok and maybe a swipe of red lipstick too) to be quite  the aforementioned pair. 

Photo Source: The Hummingbird Girls

Top Hat

Motherhugger. I want that hat. In all its stripey black-banded glory. But I fear the shape may sit atop my biggins noggin a little too wee willy wonky, so I'm straight outta luck. And, besides, we can't always get exactly what we want, can we? Pshaw! Says who?!? Not me. YOU? That's why the guy in the sky created things like options and aesthetically pleasing alternatives like this one, this one and this one, dontcha know???

Photo Source: Hello It's Valentine

Quoth The Raven

EVERMORE. None of this nevermore business. Nuh-uh. Not after seeing Sarah Home's raven-clawed pinned pieces over on the baubled Boticca. 'Cause now all I wanna do is wear the bird bejeweled-nesses, all of them, forevermore. You know, one attacking one of my many blazer's lapels one day and then strung around and plunging down my noose-ish neck another. Quoth this soon-to-be raven-brooched beguiler ... EVERMORE. 

Photo Source: Boticca

Gripping At Your Heels

I believe I've mentioned before how much I adore shoes of any kind. Maybe even having called them my "babies" on or two different occasions in my posting past. But I really, REALLY love chunky 70s-esque platform-y shoes. And if they're two-toned, colorblocked and suede? Fuggedaboudit. I'm a goner. Which is precisely why when seeing this bright little pair, I not only death-gripped onto my debit card to purchase them, but right onto the shoes themselves just as soon as they were in my heel-obsessed possession.  And I kinda sorta haven't let go since.

Photo Source: Tar-jay

A Constellation Prize

I'm notoriously hard to shop for when it comes to gift-giving of any kind. Especially my birthday (which is fast-approaching at month's end.) Thinking it's because I do the whole shopping thing for a blogging living, so I already know what I want, when I want it, so I always just get it myself. Making it super duper hard for family and friends to take a stab at the whole gift-getting thing for me because of my inherent impatience. And this year's no exception again since seeing this Gemini pendant. I'm pretty sure it's because it says "Gem" on it. So it's the necklace's fault this time, people, the necklace's.  NOT mine. 

Photo Source: Need Supply

Ruffle Me Up

It's been WAY too long since I've had a proper getting-out-of-the-state summer vacation. I'm talkin' miles and miles of clear blue water and sand-between-your-toes beaches. I mean, I've even got the perfect day-to-night cover-up to nab should I have need for such an occasion: Free People's Ruffle Me Up Mesh Tunic. Worn with a swimsuit in the day and then a little strapless number under it for night.  Kinda totally perfect, right?  

Photo Source: Free People

A Shady Character

"Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, please don't shine on me." That's the little ditty I sing to myself whenever temperatures rise and me and my fair complexion must make our way out of comfy air-conditioned establishments and into the hot sunshine-y outdoors. Luckily for me, this year, I've got a (gifted) secret weapon: Scala's Collezione Ribbon Crusher Style Hat with UPF 50 Sun Protection. And you can too. Now thru 6/10/12 for 20% off (down from $30 to $24) with the code: SunHatSave20.

Photo Source: Shady Lady Me

Chain Of Command

So it's scorching outside. Like it feels like the sun is literally burning from the inside out, hurtling right towards me, and I might melt. It's that hot. And yet, true to form, all I can think about is how badly I wanna wrap of these super warm (and handmade) cozy-looking linked scarf necklaces around my body while it does so. I guess what I'm saying is I'd totally be down with burning all the more if it meant I got to do it in such cool style. That's how much I wish I was part of her chain gang.  

Photo Source: Yokoo

Jane Dough

I try to be an avid proponent of Quality vs. Quantity when it comes to to what essentially and eventually ends up hanging in my closet. So when I see sister dresses six like this that are just a touch above my average bargaining budget (an extra $30 or so, each) but that I feel have the potential to both be and become instant wear-everywhere classics, the added dollars seem to be a small (albeit very necessary) sartorial price to pay.

Photo Source: ASOS 

How 'Bout Them #EclosBeauty Apples?

This post brought to you by éclos Skin Care. All opinions are 100% mine.

Who knew that an apple a day could and would keep the skin doctor away? I certainly didn't until I tried a gifted, apple stem cell technology-packed éclos Skin CareTravel Kit for just seven days. That's all it took for a tighter, brighter, didn't-think-it-could-ever-happen-to now almost pore-less me. Um, yeah. That's right. My big ol' pores seem to have taken their own little trip and traveled what I hope to be far, far away from me and my mug, for good. Thanks to these apple-y slices:

Facial Cleanser Skin Prep - I'm convinced this is the product that shrunk my born this way big pores. Convinced. Because it says it washes all the makeup-y debris from the day while purifying said pores. And it did. And does. I've got the before and after picture proof below.

Cellular Activator Face Serum - This put-on-right-outta-the-shower serum instantly tightens. Like POW! All of the sudden, you're all bright and tight and ready to take on the world. Because it's all that collagen stimulation a-happenin' making you look all young and Benjamin Button-like.

Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream - I'm slather-er by nature. So when I find a moisturizer I like, it's on, on like Donkey Kong. And that's exactly what I did, morning and night, with this cream that is said to help prevent wrinkles and give you a healthy, more youthful glow. And who doesn't want that?

Restorative Eye Cream - A little dab'll do ya. That's all I kept thinking (and maybe even singing to myself) when I'd put this on in the A.M. and P.M. It said it increases moisture to the delicate eye area, and I swear it did by totally lightening my sometimes darker circles. Score. 

  

Instant Radiance Facial Scrub - My FAVORITE. Can't emphasize it enough. There's something about the heat of your hands that activates it while on your wet skin and makes it all the more tingly, which convinces me it's working bigger, better, faster, stronger. Like Kanye. Must be all those dead dry skin cells being exfoliated, huh?

Skin Renewal Clay Mask - This was THE master blaster at unclogging ALLof my bigger-than-most pores. Just a mere ten minutes with this stuff on and I could literally see and feel a change a-comin', not to mention all the cheers from my/the cheeks and chin sections. 

As promised, and as you can see below from just one week's worth of an eclos apple a day, my skin has seen a quite a difference. Mind you, this is BEFORE MAKEUP too. Just the above talked-about products. In the 'before' shot, I'm definitely "seeing spots" upon spots of those porous pores o' mine and by the 'after' shot, you can most definitely see my face has smoothed and tightened and my pores have gone buh bye bye. 

 

So now it's YOUR turn to get the chance to feel and see the results yourself by entering today's apple-a-day GIVEAWAY for one lucky duck-y Bargain Bex reader to win his/her very own Beauty Travel Kit. The rules are simple. All you gotta do is leave a one little comment on this post telling me which product in the kit you are most excited to try. That's it. Nothing more. Nothing less. Easy freakin' peasy.  So lemme hear it in 3, 2, 1  ...

Photo Source(s): éclos Skin Care & Pore No More Me

Swimming Out To See

With the impressively stylish range of swimwear for men at Very this season, the only question is – where to break in your new swimmers? For those of you who love adventure, here’s a round-up of some of the best places on the planet to dip your feet.

1.  The Devil’s Swimming Pool, Victoria Falls, Zambia

Situated at the top of one of the tallest waterfalls on earth, this is probably the most exciting experience you can have in a pair of swimming trunks. The Devil’s Swimming Pool, or Devil’s Armchair, is a naturally formed infinity pool that allows visitors to bathe in perfectly still waters while peeking over the edge of a 420ft drop. Curiously enough, despite the amount of water that goes crashing over the edge into the river below, there’s absolutely no current here whatsoever. Under the water’s surface is a rocky ledge, which creates a back eddy and makes the waters completely calm. The spot has long been open to tourists and has had no history of any injuries or mishaps – still, try telling yourself that when you’re teetering over the edge!

2.  The Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan

Let’s face it; dangling off a waterfall isn’t for everyone. The Dead Sea offers an altogether less terrifying experience that’s still as unique and jaw-dropping. Situated at the lowest land point in the world, high levels of salinity here mean this is also one of the saltiest places on earth. As such, the water’s density is increased, allowing swimmers to literally float across the surface without a care in the world. No need to take an inflatable pool chair, you can quite comfortably read the morning paper on your back without so much as splashing the sports section!

3.  The Yangbajing Hot Spring, Tibet

For anyone looking to unwind, you can’t get more secluded or relaxing than here. Located at 14,000 feet and resembling a huge outdoor sauna, water comes out of a natural crack in the earth’s crust at 84 degrees Fahrenheit, making it hotter than water’s boiling point at this altitude. Not to worry though, the springs are perfectly comfortable by the time they reach your skin. Oh, and the views of the surrounding mountains happen to be amazing as well.

So there you have it – three of the greatest places in the world to cool yourself off. Now all you need is to check out the new mens swimwear line from Very.co.uk and get booking those holidays.

Photo Source: Very

Mum's The Word

My mom isn't a big fan of celebrating herself. Ever. In any capacity. So when there's an entire holiday, like today, dedicated to doing just that ... well ... needless to say, she'd rather be doing anything but. So when I saw this moving video, I knew it would the one present she'd accept. Zipping lips. NOW.

Video Source: dooce

That's What She Said

Feeling like I've already said everything I could possibly say about my utter and complete LOVE for Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy shampoo + conditioner, I thought I'd go ahead and let Miss Heidi Klum (!) take on over from here and convince you all the more why you should enter my weeklong giveaway (the person that says s/he wants and needs it best, wins) for your own Total Care Set.  So start a-commenting now.

Video Source: YouTube

Saving Face

No one would ever mistake beyond pale complexion me as a sun worshipper, and honestly, I'd like to keep it that way. So I do so by wearing (my generously gifted) Epicone's Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50 every day because I like to think it's my very own armored invisible face guard, fighting and warding off all unwanted rays of sunny light with its sword of non-chalky white maximum broad-spectrum protection. And winning Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Line at The Aesthetics Award Show in Las Vegas this year just goes to show it really IS saving face(s). 

Photo Source: BEAUTYEDITOR

Meeting Your Match

Having not attended this year's Met Gala (my invitation must have gotten lost in the mail, obviously) has me considering it a complete crisis averted. Only because everything Kate the Great had on from head-to-toe was exactly what I was planning on wearing. I mean, the paparazzi would have had a gosh darn field day with our matchy-matchy selves, no? But I do feel I must still keep up sartorial appearances in the meantime and plan on wearing only complementary jewels and gems on my ears so as not to get mistaken for Ms. Bosworth 'til meeting my match at next year's bash.  It's the least I can do.

Photo Source: WhoWhatWear

A Stigmatism

There has always been a not-so-subtle social stigma attached to women. You know the one. We all  know the one. Where we all, from wee little girls, must spend/fill our days dreaming of nothing else but the fairy tale of meeting and falling in love with Prince or Princess Charming, starting a family (preferably the younger, the better) and living oh-so happily ever after. 

Except no one told me that at age (almost) 32, I will have done none of those/these things. Oh, I've loved.  I've loved hard.  But I've also lost and weeble-wobbly walked away from that love too. Or that I would be an (oddly happy) economically-struggling, unemployed blogger/writer currently living with her parents. Again. And that's it's okay. Better than okay.  Because it's what I  wanted, want and ultimately what I really need.

And up until now, and before watching Amanda de Cadanet's The Conversation, I haven't felt the acceptance from the outside (and sometimes even the inside) of my world to be confident of who/what I am while trying to figure out how to be the girl who has absolutely no desire to start a family now or for a man to come and scoop me up onto his white steed and certainly not depending on that knighted male for happily ever after me.

But I do now, dammit. And it's about time you hear my ROAR.  

Photo Source: POPtower

Gettin' Twiggy With It

Get your mouse finger ready and click on over to the fabulously terrific Tickle Me Vintage blog for my guest post today where I explain all the many, many fashion-y reasons why me and my Miss Mod twin up there were SO obviously separated at birth.

Photo Source: SCENIC WORLD

Clearing My Head

I was presented with quite the little coif challenge: To see, in just seven days, if Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy shampoo and conditioner could convincingly change not only the look of my hair but also the way I feel about it.  F-o-r-e-v-e-r.  And e-v-e-r.

By day two, I was all, "Whoa. My hair is lookin' pretty darn shiny." Then by, like, day five, I was that girl who couldn't keep her hands out of her own hair. Every few seconds having to check and see if it was still as super soft as the last time.  It was. 

By day seven, I realized that I had gone an ENTIRE WEEK without using one single hair product, people. Not a one. I'm still not. And I'm planning on using nothing else for my tresses but this from now on.  Clearly, I'm a convert.  And you will be too.       

Photo Source: Clean And Clear-Headed Me

Lucky Number Three

Three has been my lucky number for as long as I can remember. There have been WAY too many "happy coincidences" that have happened and/or occurred for and to me with that triple-y digit to ever think otherwise.  And today, May 6th, marks my third year at this bargain blogging thing. So all I can say is THANK YOU for reading me and I can only hope that you continue to do so since I have a feeling there are big things ahead for Bargain B in this here year number 3.

Photo Source: DECOmyplace via Pinterest

Block Party

I'm not a very big party-er.  Never have been and probably never will be.  I'm more of wallflower, opting for one-on-one conversation vs. big ol' noisy crowds every time.  It's just not my scene of choice.  But there is one party that I can definitely see myself bending the rules for and wanting to attend this style season: The Colorblockin' One.  And why not get this (particular) party started with a purdy little purse?  Or two? 

Photo Source: LuLu*s

Boy Meets Girl

Whenever I thought of the Master of Modern Androgyny in the past, Tilda Swinton always came to mind.  Waiting with baited breath every award season just to see how she's reinterpreted the collared shirt  into elegant evening wear once again.  But by watching Fashion Star, I think I've found a brand new muse in Kara Laricks.  Her mix of muted masculine pieces paired with a touch of feminine flair has me wishing I could afford her collared ties and Saks' sophisticated suiting.   One day soon, right?!?

Photo Source: CollarStandTie

Tied Up In Nauts

I remember fondly a weekend vintage-shopping trip with my BFF where she found the perfect pair of button-upon-buttoned-up navy blue sailor pants.  At the time, as she came out of the dressing room, I pretended to profusely congratulate her on such a fantastic find.  One in which she eventually took to the register and purchased.  But inside, I was simply seething, reeling with jealousy that I didn't spot them first. They were extraordinary.  And thus began my enamour with all things nautical.  So as an homage to my savvy-shoppin' friend today, I think I'll nab this rope-y wrap and wear it in hopes of finding my own pair one day while shopping the sartorial seas  ...

Photo Source: ban.do

Don't Push Me 'Cause I'm Close To The (W)edge

No, really.  Don't push me.  'Cause I have a tendency to weeble-wobble, but not fall down when it comes to walking in wedges.  And although comical to see me try, I'd much rather like to master the art of standing still in them (in the comfort of my own home) before attempting to take necessary steps forward. You'd think that'd stop me from buyin' the sky high things,  but I can't be blamed for any bargain-y purchases made when I find minty fresh pairs like the ones above for half their price (over here), now can I?  Didn't think so.  So maybe the wobbling's worth it after all ...   

Photo Source: Nordstrom

It's Hammer Time

I can count how many times I've actually held a hammer in my life on one hand. Mostly using it for hanging pictures onto walls or taking nails out of said walls and that's about it.  'Handy' (in the tool(s) sense) doesn't exactly come to anyone that knows me's mind when thinking of me.  But.  I've found a hammer that I can actually get behind and be a little more sartorially successful with too.  Mimi Hammer's handmade swimsuits.  Especially the high-waisted pairs of bottoms that I think I (and all you other bathing beauties out there) would get along with just swimmingly.

Photo Source: MimiHammer