Couple Trend Updates:)

Currently updating from out of country @ the beautiful Caribbean island Grenada :)

How is everyone's day going? I know I haven't been posting lately but with work and school, and now on this much deserved vacation I've been a little busy. But I am here now!

Now on to the good stuff!
As always I'm checking up on the new trends and outfits; all things affordable and stylish. I love clothes and putting together outfits, but what is even more rewarding is helping someone look and feel better than they did when they first saw me, read my blog, or even came into where I work. That is the best feeling to inform someone on what I love and get them to see how I know they could look. Clothes can set the tone for my day, and I've been into fashion ever since I can remember and the excitement still hasn't ceased. Here are some outfits I found and it was love at first sight!

Lemme just tell y'all about how long skirts have been killing it this season. Forrealllll, I could go on and on with the possibilities of this look. Because long skirts are not only extremely versatile, they are also comfortable and fit all shapes. If you are like me and all women, you won't spend money on a trend unless it gets you enough wears. Let me tell you, it is possible to mix and match for days with a long skirt. Kudos to this trend, it really goes a long way.

I'm not sure if any one else has been seeing these shorts online… but I sure have; everywhere! I do know thought that Lauren Conrad is the designer of the pineapple shorts:) But I have yet to see these cute little pom pom shorts in stores. What I can say is that I can 100% guarantee they are in boutiques. I think the buy would be worth it because I love shorts like these. It my be too racy to say, but yolo, I am not a fan of jean shorts. They are uncomfortable and it's easy for some one like me to grow out of them. The loose shorts are always a much better fit and cool for when it's hot. I'd rather be cute and comfy than have to peel off my shorts because of the lack of elasticity. There are also a couple DIY videos on that wonderful source named the YouTube:) Link here, my lovelies!

Rompers are starting to get so classy. They're not like those old school cheap looking jumpsuits anymore. They definitely have come a long way. As a fair warning I will say that short rompers ride up ALOT if you have big thighs like myself. Always get a size up or pants:)

Now aside from the fact that I envy Nazinin and all her beauty, this first look she is sporting is so street and beautiful! This trend isn't used to often but I think it should, it's very cute and covers your bum if you aren't too comfortable in booty shorts:)

I am so wishy washy. I particularly hate lace. But these lace tops have been catching my eye for a while! They are so elegant and light I just love 'em!

Well, that'll be all for now my lovelies. You're all beautiful and I hope to God you'll come back or tell a friend about my blog! If I gave you some ideas or have any comments, questions or suggestions drop a comment below or just show some love :)

My Pinterest that I'm on 24/7

IG: _lillcardine

Hope I helped some,

Stay beautiful,

xo.

Best Department Stores to Shop

Hello everyone!

Summer has began and I'm sure all of you are foaming out the mouths ready to shop for this season (weird analogy?). Anyway, every time a new season starts, I find myself broke and homeless because I can't help but spend all my money on everything I see. The start to a new season will always be the time when all your favorite stores stock up on the latest trends; all of which us girls can't help but purchase. Window shopping quickly turns to: buy everything. But have no fear, you can stop crying now, because what's better than being broke, is saving a couple bucks at the less expensive stores i.e. department stores.

Yes, yes, I know. Department stores are for your weird aunt and grandma. But everyone and a while (especially during a season change) department stores pick up a couple of trends. I've gone to Wet Seal and Forever 21 a couple times this summer, and realized that a lot of those dresses you can purchase at these mainstream stores are knocked off at department stores like T.J. Max.

Also, I don't know if you guys ever have this problem… but there is a limited size selection on all the popular items in the teen stores because girls frequently buy the same dress in your neighborhood. And I cannot stand when I see another girl wearing what I have on! I digress a little… but the point is that at department stores things are purchased in bulk to last longer.

I know a lot of department stores are messy, (aka Ross) but taking the time to look can soooo be worth it as opposed to getting one 20 dollar top or two or three tops for the same price.

Checking the material from certain department stores can also be a good idea. You don't want to wash your fringe blouse and take it out to see it has all fallen apart! Don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing on these teen stores, I shop at them all the time! But when I am looking to splurge, I think the way to save money is to go for department stores, the clearance rack there will always be cheaper than at stores like Rue 21. You can buy so much more with just spending a little more time looking! When I shop, I want to come home with outfits for dayssss and it just doesn't seem logical to me to spend too much money at  a Wet Seal when I know I could buy buying more for less elsewhere.

Caution/Tips

This place is visually an appealing department store, (on the occasions I have gone) but let me tell you, you have to look soooo hard in this store. Nothing is really organized by dress, blouse, shorts, etc. The sizes are separated but a lot of the same blouses are spread out into different sections. Another thing that is a little difficult about TJ Maxx is there sizes are soooooo small. I'm usually around a small, sometimes a medium for length, but at this store I only try on larges. I'm not sure why their sizes are so small, but they definitely do have some very cute clothes! Taking time to look is worth it, just try everything on before you make the purchase! Also, their shoe sales are very good! And their size go up to 11, which is great because it is so hard to find cute shoes for my size because I'm so tall. So if you are a 9-10 this is a place to go! They also have half sizes which is comforting:)

Ross is for sure superrrr cheap. Although it is literally the most organized department store, their prices are super cheap. With some time put aside to search through the racks, I wouldn't knock out this department store as a place to shop. 

JCP isn't a commonly shopped at store in my town. So I like that I can go there because there will be a smaller chance I'll see someone else in the same outfit. JCp's sizes also have reasonable sizing. I like to buy shoes from here because it isn't a common place to shop for shoes!

Beginner Art Techniques

Hello Everyone.

Lately art has been a great outlet to get my mind off things. I encourage artists to devote some time to their passion at least three times in a week. I know your schedule is busy but art is a skill that so many people admire and/or wish they could obtain. So please don't lose your gift, further it! Try new techniques! The more you learn the better, because that keeps the passion going.

Just thought I'd share that with my fellow artists. I try and be a little deep sometimes:)

Now on to the good stuff!

Mixed media is my favorite form of art. A lot of the time I unintentionally mutate my work to mixed media. One medium can't do all the work! Mixed media usually draws the attention of other artists, we are always learning. Trying some new medias is risky, but if you don't try it you'll never know! What I like to do is make an extra copy. That way, if I mess up I have my copy to fall back on.  I find it pretty difficult to find mixed media techniques online. They're all very repetitive. So the best thing I can recommend is discovering your techniques through experience.

Zentanglesssss
This is a time consuming project. But it is simple to do because of how intricate the designs are. This technique makes for an attractive background. It draws the attention of others because of how detailed it is.

A couple pattern choices:

Drawings in Silhouettes.

This is so creative, I have to try this. I would think a bigger canvas is necessary because the silhouette is reducing the area space. I personally prefer the background clear because it makes the silhouette pop. Of course creating a background is an alternate option.

An Interesting Texture for Portraits

Portraits will always be my fav. Although I want to draw portraits for the rest of my life, art is about furthering skills and trying something difficult. The larger circles are fill the high points of the face, while the smaller circles are further back for the low points of the face. The pop of color in the second photo is also a nice touch, because I think that without it, this artwork wouldn't stand to as much as it does. I also enjoy the mutation drawing of Elvis.

Hope I have inspired some of you. xo

Fashion Do or Fashion Don't?

Hello everyone! So I was flipping through some old magazines the other day, and came across a couple "trends" that never caught on! Some pretty absorb trends get promoted sometimes. I don't know how those fashion sketches got approved! Tell me what you guys think about these unique trends I've seen for this upcoming season.

How about wearing 2 patterns? Hot or not? I think the first look is cute. But difficult for some to put together. I think a lot of people will try this trend with polka dots and zebra print. So I fear for this trends success a little bit! For example, this second look is no go. This is where I see this trend going horribly wrong!

No, no, no, no. I know the high low style is in. I know the print isn't helping too much, but I think this is look is a no go and I have nothing else to say! #speechless

Knee length skirts/dresses? This is a negative for me. My opinion is that the length is too awk. And the shape is not too flattering for all figures. It looks so librarian to me, this one is a no go in my book!

Hope you all have a lovely day!

xo

Great Curling Tutorials

Here are a couple curling tutorials I found on YouTube! I spend a lot of time searching for hairstyles because it never seems like I can do much with my hair. I don't buy many hair products because I see that money going towards clothes! I know curling wands are in, but personally I don't like my curls that tight, more so, I don't want to spend the money for anything other than a straightener. Soooo, I happen to have some curling methods with straighteners yayyyy.

Hope I helpedddd:)

"Fashion Your Seat Belts"

I'm so excited for summer this year, the looks are so cute and not like most summer trends where it is just a whole bunch of the same print, same look, blahhh. But thankfully I am actually seeing some new trends pulled from something further than last year!

 I've seen this new shape of skirt a lot online. Unfortunately have not seen it in any stores. But I've seen it mostly reasonably priced on Sheinside. So cute. BUTTTT, for real though isn't this second skirt too fabulous?! I've never seen the jean skirt anywhere but on Pinterest. But I so love this.

Basically, this season will be about wither short pieces, or a long skirt/dress. There is no in between. Although it is sooooo hard to shop for something short when you are tall, because it ends up TOO short. Or too short if it is made to be long. So I suggest if you are tall to always try the item of clothing on. No matter the size, it fit different because of the length. In the third photo, these long dresses with detailed backs are the bestesttt. It's kind of subtle and not to raunchy because of the length.

Here are a couple random trends I found as well. I saw a top like this first one on Victoria Secret. It seems as though this top would be hard to style and may not be figuring for all figures…. But it looks great for the summer and I bet it is really cool for hot weather! This second look is that fringe technique that has been all over the place in swimwear. But fringe on a cover up is wayyy more unique than the fringe on bikinis! In the third image, is a ruffle crop top, I love this look so much, toooo freaking cute. Two trends in one for look numbers 4 and 5! Floppy hats are in this summer (big shock), I might actually pick one up this summer I'm starting to fall for the trend! Also on outfit number 5 the thin fabric, wide bottomed pants are in and super cute! I suggest wearing these with a crop top or thin blouse. In the 6th look color blocking is featured. I think it is still in and I'm happy to know I don't have to stock my closet for that :)

Detailed backs have always been a prominent theme during this time of year. But more recently have I been seeing some new looks that I've never seen before. Super exciting and cute! 

Lace has also been a pretty big deal in these upcoming trends. Which I think is brilliant because it is thin and light for those hot summer days. And I am not too big on lace, but it is pretty cute as a cover up, not gonna lie! As far as the life expectancy of these trendy pieces seems short. Thin materials like this tear up in the machine easily, or wear away and begin to look aged. So it may be best to hand wash and let it air dry.

Transparent looks are literally all over the blogs. I think this summer is about cute and comfortable. And I'm all for that!!

These are all the trends I have for now! Hope I gave you guys some inspiration and Have a lovely day!

~Stay Beautiful!

xo