TSO Loves: Summer Beauty Must-Haves

Summer is in full effect and I couldn’t be happier because it’s my favorite time of year! Sure, I could do without the extreme heat waves but I love the warm sunshine and trips to the beach. Heading to the ocean is by far my favorite thing ever. I recently took my daughter for her first beach day and it was amazing. She loved the water and dipping her toes in the little waves that came up to the shore. We sang Moana (or I sang and she stared at me like I was crazy) and had the time of our lives. And you best bet I bought that huge 4 person blue tent from Amazon and shamelessly popped that bad boy up for my baby girl!

I love the smell of the ocean and the salt water on my skin. I wish I could bottle it up and keep it with me — that and a permanent tan. But, since I can’t, I’ve found some great summer beauty products to give me that healthy glow even when I’m far from the beach at the office or on the go with our little one.

Some of these are my ride or dies (like Laura Mercier’s tinted illuminating moisturizer, Glossier’s cloud paint, and Nars Radiant Creamy concealer) and some are new favorites that I’m totally in love with like the eye brightening balm from Tula, the R+R mask from Summer Fridays, and the Function of Beauty customizable shampoo and conditioner. Throughout the year I always use the Boy Brow from Glossier in black but during the summer I like clear because I tend to wear less (if any) makeup and it gives such a natural look. For a really natural yet juicy lip, I love the Tarte Lip Quenchers in Rose and Opal. They are beautiful and aren’t sticky at all.

If I want to go with a bit more of a full makeup look (and by full makeup I mean more than tinted moisturizer), I opt for the waterproof version of the Better Than Sex mascara from Too Faced to help me avoid smudges under my eyes. I also love the Tarte In Bloom eyeshadow palette and the Milk makeup sticks — the holographic blush and the highlighter in “Lit” are my go-to choices. To set everything, I really like the “Chill” setting spray from Urban Decay.

I also make sure to take care of my skin as best I can. I love the tinted moisturizer from Laura Mercier because it has SPF in it. I also love the primer from Tula because it also has a shimmery tint and makes your skin look flawless. To keep my skin feeling soft and fresh, I love the Summer Fridays R+R exfoliating mask with rose. It leaves behind a light oil on the skin that is just enough without being overwhelming. I also like to mist the “way to Glow” spray from Mama Mio on my face whenever I need a pick-me-up throughout the day or to start my morning off right.

And, what’s summer without a fun frozen treat? I’m a big fro-yo fan but I also love the organic fruit pops from Solero — especially the piña colada, raspberry, and banana cinnamon! Seltzers with lime from Spindrift is always refreshing and I do my best to drink as much water as I can throughout the day. With cute tumblers like the watermelon one I found from Sunny Life, why wouldn’t you?

With a baby and a full-time job, makeup has certainly slipped off my radar a bit here and there. But I love beauty so much and really enjoy sharing my favorite beauty products with you so it’s inspired me to get my head back in the game and find just a minute or two each day to make myself look more like a cool mom and less like a regular mom — wink wink.

To find any of the items I mentioned in this post, just scroll through the gallery below and click on the image. PS. You get a special discount off of the Tula and Foundation of Beauty products which is always a plus! How are you enjoying your summer? Any beauty must-haves you’d like to share? Comment on my latest Instagram post! I’d love to hear from you.

Xoxo
Jules

TSO Loves: Baby Must-Haves

From technology and toys to fashion and accessories it can be overwhelming when it comes time to shop for your new little one! Whether you are are mama-to-be in search of some great baby products or you are looking to buy for the holidays or an upcoming baby shower, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite items!

I personally have every one of these items and cannot wait to try them with baby girl. Many of these were either recommended by friends and family who love them already or through hours and hours of online research.

The first on the list (featured in the image above) was gifted to me by my friends at Dock-A-Tot, and let me just say, it’s gorgeous. The Dock-A-Tot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper, and playtime lounger that comes in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 months and Grand for 9-36). This blogger favorite is a favorite for a reason — they are all natural and 100% cotton! PLUS Dock-A-Tot has been generous enough to offer my followers 10% off their order with the code STYLISH10! The quality of their products and the numerous designs they offer is incredible. Check out their site and use the code for your first purchase.

It’s so hard to decide which items I want to chat about so be sure to click through the gallery below for direct links to all of my favorite finds — but, I’m super excited about the wipeable changing pad from Skip Hop (super easy to clean and it’s cute) and the cute/easy-to-use reverse zip footies from Old Navy!

I also read a great tip from several moms out there regarding burp cloths — try Gerber’s 10 pack of cloth diapers. I know myself and I won’t be using the cloth diapers (props to the mamas out there who do) but I do think they’re going to make for some affordable yet quality burp cloths so that’s a plus! I’ve also fallen in love with the Ciala Co. bows for baby girl. They come in a ton of colors and a variety of styles and sizes, too.

I could go on and on about each of these items (the Artifact Uprising baby book, the adorable unicorn donut teether from Loulou Lollipop, the Ergo Baby 360 carrier, and the Pure Aqua diapers and wipes from Pampers) but I’ll let you take a scroll through and see for yourself!

PS. To all of my baby boy mamas out there, sorry for all of the pink but know that 99% of the pink items below do come in other colors. Happy browsing!

Maternity Style Tips and Tricks

Let me start with the fact that wearing anything but sweats in your third trimester is not ideal but you do have to wear grown up clothes from time to time. So, I have a few tips to share for the occasions when your “quick trip to Target” attire just won’t do.

Stay True To Your Style

While finding stylish, affordable maternity clothes is no easy task, there are options available to you that don’t need to make you feel like a toddler, a frilly Peter Pan, or a walking version of your grandmother’s floral drapes. Most are only available online so check their return policies and get familiar with your local USPS, FedEx, and UPS locations!

I’ve found, with a few exceptions, that sticking with solid colors and simple patterns can help keep your maternity outfits chic. I usually avoid ornate details like big ruffles, bows, or too much texture up top which helps maintain clean lines and a modern feel. Brands like PinkBlush offer a variety of styles in a range of sizes. I’ve fallen in love with their dresses and sweaters. I actually wore one of their dresses for my baby shower and one for my cousin’s wedding (pictured here). I chose them because their dresses are stylish, flattering, and super comfortable. Remember, you don’t want to wear something that is bothersome just because it looks good at this point... but more on that later.

Flatter Your New Figure​

Styles that used to be your go-to just may not cut it anymore so it’s helpful to try new things in order to figure out what works for you. I was never one for super fitted pieces before but I learned that if you go too baggy when it comes to maternity styles, they can actually make you look bigger. Wrap tops, v-necks, belly-skimming tunics, and midi length dresses have been must-haves for me. 

​Things to avoid? Oversized tent-like outfits (unless you’re hanging in and just want to be comfortable), thin fabrics that don’t support your new curves, and anything that is too short... unless you’re Carrie Underwood or Kendall Jenner. I find short pieces to be awkward and uncomfortable the farther along you are but you do you, girlfriend!

Opt for Staples

I can’t tell you how much a quality tee or a great pair of maternity jeans can truly be. It’s tempting to splurge on super trendy pieces but stocking up on basics that will also come in handy post-baby is the key to having multiple new outfits to wear without breaking the bank. 

In the warmer months I purchased a few solid midi tank dresses that I could wear at work and out on the weekends. Now that the weather is a bit chillier, I’m opting for tunic sweaters and some solid long sleeves that are loose enough for the months just after bubby girl arrives. I won’t get into nursing here but if you’re going that route, I suggest you grab a few tops and some stylish loungewear that you can rock pre- and post-pregnancy.

PS. If you have a stylish friend, who is a similar size, offering you maternity clothes you should check them out. Why spend money if you can share pieces you love?

Comfort is Key

Let’s be real, pregnancy can already make you feel pretty uncomfortable so opting for outfits that are made from fabrics you like that fit you right can make a huge difference. Whether you’re at the office or a special event, you want to choose styles that you can feel relaxed and confident in. The better you feel, the better you’ll look.

I always try to find pieces that are soft, have a bit of stretch, and help downplay the things that I’m not the biggest fan of (cough... upper arms). And when it comes to athleisure ensembles (AKA the inevitable third trimester uniform), keep it cool with a stylish zip up and maybe treat yourself to a pair of sleek black kicks. 

Never Underestimate a Good LBD

When you do have a special occasion like a wedding or holiday party there is nothing better than a great black dress. The one featured in this post (from PinkBlush) looks formal but feels like I’m wearing pajamas... it’s amazing. If you can find a flattering dress you like, don’t be afraid to wear it on multiple occasions! Reinvent the dress with different jewelry, shoes, hairstyles, and more. After all, if Kate Middleton does it, so can we!

Give Yourself a Break

If I start getting down about my additional curves, or I start mourning the shoes I know may never fit again, I have to remind myself that I’m growing a human! I’m going to get to be someone’s mom and there’s nothing more exciting or special than that to me. Yes, my body is going to be changed by this experience (not that it was anything near perfect before) but she will be so worth it.

I also realize that we are so much more than our appearances. Being a good mom, wife, friend, family member, and working hard to support my family and accomplish my professional goals is more important than what I wear. And I want my daughter to know that the inside matters so much more than the outside. But I’m not going to lie, feeling confident in what you’re wearing can help motivate you and make you feel good, too.

So, just because your body is changing, or it might take a while to bounce back post-bub, taking time to find clothes that make you feel good, and to take care of you when you can, will help you be the best version of yourself.

Happy shopping, mamas! Leave any questions below or over on Instagram.

This post is sponsored by PinkBlush. All opinions are my own.

TSO Loves: Ali + Oli

Okay mamas and mamas-to-be, I have a fun brand to share with you today! My new friends at Ali and Oli were kind enough to send me some goodies for baby girl and I couldn’t wait to share them with you. Not only are their items cute and modern, but they are made from safe materials, which is a huge plus!

Their pacifier clips, teethers, and the adorable placemat you see in the gallery below are made from 100% food-grade silicone that is BPA free! This definitely puts my mind at ease and makes each item that much better. The color options and patterns for bibs are so fun and they even have some great decor items like the wooden eyelashes that can be mounted to the wall for a little flair in your nursery.

The best part… you can get 20% off now when you use the code 20STYLISH on their site (aliandoli.com)! The offer is limited so definitely go check them out now if you’re looking for some great baby gear or gifts for a new little one in your life!

This is a sponsored partnership post. Items have been received and viewed in person. Julie Saldarriaga does not claim any liability for the products or service.