top 10 IG boutiques for the fashion forward! (part 1)

I cannot stress enough how much I love Instagram. I feel like it has truly enabled me to keep in touch with friends and family near and far, on a more daily basis. Who also doesn't love a little flash back friday, and throwback thursdays?

However, lately my biggest obsession has become with designers and shop owners on IG. I know I have some personal faces. I wish I could make this list the top 100 because these are not the only ones I love. Just want you to know and explore some amazing IG shops!

I am doing this in two parts. For two reasons
1) I want the post to not be so lengthy you get bored
2) These amazing designers get the chance for you to check them out

---

colorful, vibrant and unique

1. ikavee (@ikavee )

If you are looking for some beautiful jewelry to match a beautiful little black dress, or to go with that one outfit that quite doesn't have the jewelry you need for it - here is your shop. You also cannot beat her prices.

Plus, the person who runs the shop is a total hottie and sweetheart xoxo

--

custom made, for the princess in all of us 

2. LMO (@lmissobsessive )

I am convinced that Irene (of irenesarah.com) knows like the most talented people around. So happy I discovered the Little Miss Obsessive line through her. You can find amazing blingy bracelets and unique headbands. Lili is also another sweetie pie, she is always willing to make sure her customers come first. That sort of experience is very unique and makes you love your custom pieces.

--

hold it right there (in your pretty hands)

3. BelucciCouture ( @beluccicouture )

During my wedding time I really wanted all my details to be in place. As much as I know a bride doesn't really hold onto her clutch it is something she needs at least for her touch up lip pie. I don't even know how but I came across the BC IG page and seriously fell in love. You can see my clutch featured by Saira on her page. She was so fun and easy to work with, she had my payment and then immediately shipped it out. The price was so great. I have already used it a ton. You will not be disappointed!

---

for the badass in us all

4) eklexic ( @eklexic )

I recently discovered this IG. Sometimes I look for unique and badass designs and that is exactly what I thought soon as I saw this site. They are on the pricier end but these are statement pieces You can make it all so versatile. I also love the drop down bullet chain because I feel it would look great even on a backless dress. I feel like its worth the price when something is this unique, chic and versatile!

---

personalized elegance

5) lovekate ( @lovekatejewelry )

I appreciate dainty, simple and cute jewels as much as I appreciate glitzy and bling ones. LoveKate is a perfect example of that. She works really hard and puts a lot of heart and soul into her work. She is currently running a giveaway you should all enter and definitely follow her. Many amazing things to come from her. Plus her pics of her pups are to die for

xoxo stay tuned for part 2 soon

<3

Honeymoon Essentials

I can't believe my last post was during my bachelorette, and now it has already been a month since I've been married. Time flies soo quickly!

I recently just came back from a wonderful honeymoon in Fiji with my love, seriously one of thee best places we have visited. The country and the people are so beautiful, it's unreal. While I was there, I thought I would come back and make a post of the things that I feel are essential for anyones honeymoon, I have lots of friends on their way to their own and figured others out there may like the help :)

Obviously since I went to a more tropical place this may not be helpful for those who may be going to a place full of snow and winter activities, but some of the tips may be helpful to you as well!

1) Pack smart

This seems like such a common sense thing right? However, I know that I always over pack. I have what I call the "what if I wanna wear my whole closet on this trip" syndrome. NO! First of all, do not forget that you probably will shop for yourself on your honeymoon. At the very least you may bring back some gifts and souvenirs. Give your luggage some space for those items to fit. Think about how many days you are going for and lay down what outfits you are prone to wear. Then tuck in a few extras just in case you want to switch up a shirt or a bottom, but not more than 2 each. Also, roll your clothes. You save a TON of space and its so much easier to unpack

( Pic Courtesy of Google Image)

2) Know your hair type

I should have known better that my hair does so well with salt water. I also should have known that I never ever use any of my hot tools when I am at the beach or in a tropical place. I am not saying that you shouldn't take your hot tools, all I am saying is know your hair and what you will use and what you won't. It takes us too much room and even weight for your luggage, especially if they are not used. Also, I would recommend to take some dry shampoo and humidity fighting hairspray, pretty much my go to items during my time in beautiful Fiji

( Small glimpse of my beach hair!)

3) Take lots of pictures

Again, seems like such an obvious one right? I personally drive my husband crazy with how many pictures I love to take. However, he is the one who is thankful afterwards. Of course you should enjoy and live in the moment, but I don't think trying to capture those moments on camera will ruin it. Years down the road these pictures are what will revive your memory of that wonderful honeymoon. The picture below is one of my fave from the trip and I am so glad I kind of forced my husband to just sit there and pose with me for it =)

( Right after our massage, we sat on the helipad and had my phone take this via self timer)

4) Be active

I know honeymoons are meant to be relaxing, and they def should be. Nothing felt better then just laying around the beach and the pool all day and getting massages. However, you should really experience everything your resort or destination has to offer. Zamil and I went kayaking and snorkeling numerous times, took a tour of the Castaway Island (where the film was shot). It really made the honeymoon that much more memorable

( Snorkeling in Fiji!)

( Basket weaving with Seko!)

5) Play dress up!

Seriously, take the time to doll up when you can. I used to get so excited to do my makeup and put my outfit together for dinner. It was a luxury that I knew I didn't always have once I came back, and also I would never be as motivated when I came back. It was great to take pictures and just dine and relax all while feeling pretty. Make your husband/wife do the same as well, makes for some great pics 

( My camera made me look so white here, but you get the idea)

( more casual but look at the beach curls )

6) Fall in love all over again

I hope this just happens to all of you honeymooners, I know I did.

<3 

Aveeno, Miracle Night Cream: Skin Regiments

FIRST POST

So, I have a blog I have been active on back and forth -- however I really wanted to delve into beauty/lifestyle/fashion site. I didn't want to mix the two. I really plan on keeping up with this one. I finally have the energy and time! I also want to use this to talk about all my wedding prep!

What does the name mean?

I am getting married!  If you are on any of my social media then this is not any new news, and if you aren't then now you know! I have been a city girl my whole life. Grew up in NY, even living in college it was pretty Urban in Ann Arbor, then moving to Chicago and back to New York. I enjoy that fast paced life, and the plethora of people my social butterfly personality love.

Then it only makes sense that I would find the man of my dreams all the way down South right? He lives in Alabama. It's no easy decision to move your whole life for someone else, but love has a funny spell it casts over you.

Hence why cityspells to southernbelle. I plan on embracing the south and bringing some of my fabness down there when possible ;)

Product Review

I have been meaning to review this product for SOO LONG! I have been blessed with pretty good skin (KNOCK ON WOOD) I have never needed too much maintenance on it. However, as we get older and use so many different make up products our skin definitely doesn't stay exactly the same. I was sent this as a Klout Perk. I figured its free so let me use this night cream.

I went through my nighttime routine. Which is pretty simple.

I pretty much use this (click here)

A coworker who works at Sephora recommended it to me (Thanks Alex!) It is so soft on my skin and a small amount goes a long way.

Then I use one of these pads to remove any remaining residue 

Super soft and wonderful pads, I use these to remove makeup after a long day.

THEN I use this wonderful cream. A little goes a long way. I literally feel my face feel baby soft in the morning. I think it's one of those that will work for just about ANY skin type

Aveeno Positively Radiant -- Night Cream. It comes with this great mask I wear sometimes.

This is my face the next day after. No foundation or anything, and it was SOO SOFT

What skin regiments work for you?