Let's Make Style #3

Time for a new 1 item X 3 trendy looks. My last "Let's Make Style" post is on my old blog which you can view here. The fashion piece for this post is: The Black Jumpsuit. Jumpsuits are super popular in the fashion influencers world and a huge trend for every season. But the Jumpsuits trend is a purchase that is only worn once… maybe twice. The reason is we struggle with changing up the look where it’s not “thaaaatttt Jumpsuit *eyeroll*”. I hope today I give some inspiration on how to revamp the jumpsuit we all have hidden in the back of our closets. From day to evening and everywhere in between!
- like mentioned in my previous "Let's Make Style" posts, I’m all about affordability! The jumpsuit I own was off the clearance rack at Altar'd State. Originally $89.00 ensemble I snagged (with additional 40% off clearance) for an amazing $29.80! Also I'm only using items I already own in my closet. I'll mention other style ideas and link similar pieces too. 



If you’re on the hunt for a super affordable jumpsuit I found similar ones at H&M (#1),  Forever21 (#2) and Nordstrom (#3).






Look One: 
My first look is keeping it simple and adding fun accessories. It's still summer time so this look is all about style and keeping cool in the hot summer sunshine. I'm rocking this suit with a fun sunhat, sandals, and bamboo bag.
                                     




Links to shop the look: exact bamboo bag (similar here ), exact brand of stone necklace just different style  , exact sun hat (similar here ) exact pineapple sandal

Look Two:
My second look is perfect for transitioning into the Autumn months. I also love this for a college campus look. A classic denim jacket with some fun jewelry and these booties with chunky heel. If the denim jacket isn't your thing a trench coat with this jumpsuit will give the 'Autumn vibes' too!



Links to shop the look: exact woven mules (similar here ), exact denim jacket, exact bag here (similar here), similar bracelet here


Look Three:
Dressing this look up for a night out is always fun. I have this fun sequin jacket, bold sunglasses, and these laser cut booties. If you don't have a sequin jacket (or not a fan of sequins) I think a bright bold blazer in the color red, pink or white will make this look perfect for a night out! 



Links to shop the look: exact sequin jacket (similar here), exact sunglasses  (similar here), exact quilted purse (similar here), exact brand but similar style booties.

Shopping for Affordable Wedding Decor


My opinion, wedding decor is the icing on a cake. The decor helps shape your wedding theme into a reality. The decor is a valuable tool to use in transitioning from the ceremony to the reception. Have you ever been to a wedding and the ceremony theme was polar opposite of the reception? But you could tell they DID try to blend the two? This is a fear many brides have. Attempting to make two match but it just doesn't pan out.

For my wedding I want the reception to compliment the beautiful ceremony. I don't want one to over power the other and I don't want the two to look sloppy.. Oh! And I CAN NOT break the bank on decor. Therefore my decor has to be spot on in price and style for this to be successful. Today's post I'm going to give you my secrets on how to shop for affordable decor pieces.

Ask if the wedding venue has decor pieces or your florist. Many wedding venues have a closet full of random decor pieces. Make sure its not an additional charge (most just request the item replaced if it breaks). Florist that are big on weddings sometimes have a collection of rental decor pieces as well. The florist I'm using has lanterns, signage, candles, and more.

Shop for unique pieces at off price retailers.  TJMaxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, Ross, Stein Mart, and Burlington Coat Factory are all "off- price" retailers. I LOVE these stores for finding unique and name brand decor pieces. I wouldn't recommend trying to purchase every artificial floral arrangement from one of these stores cause the drop shipment varies. But unique pieces or pieces that you want 1-3 of you can find here!




Shop for DIY, Artificial arrangements, and favor accessories at crafting stores. Hobby Lobby, Michael's, AC Moore Crafts, and Old Time Pottery are perfect for finding those 'do it yourself' pieces.  I love scouting these stores for things I need many units of. Don't forget to log onto their websites to see if they have coupons available! 


Perfect DIY crafts. For this I would add some shells or Spanish moss as well.
Super simple craft. Grab some Sugar Starfish, straw, and hot glue!

For rare pieces, custom pieces, or something you rather have shipped; hop on the internet! A good google search will help you find some of those rare items, fun custom favors, and well things that you may not want to purchase in store. Example:  Purchasing artificial palm fronds in bulk from a online retailer instead of in-store. Hobby Lobby was charging $5.99 per 6 pack but online you can get the same fronds in a dozen for $8.99.  *Tip: read reviews before purchasing items online. I'm big on finding reviews that have images of the product to make sure it's legitimate!*


Palm Leaves
Hobby Lobby $5.99 for 6pack
Oriental Trading Post $8.99 for dozen

Friends, Family, and Facebook. If you recently seen a friend or family member have a wedding/party with some decor you really liked.. Ask! 98% of the decor gets thrown in a closet or pitched. Most people I've seen gladly donate it but I've seen some sell the items for a very fair price too! If its a piece they're actually keeping see if you could borrow it for the day.


I will do a post on Wedding DIY decor pieces I make (So far I'm making my own cake topper, table center pieces, gift favors)! After my wedding I will do a thorough post on where I purchased ALL of my decor (for any of my ladies who want to have a simple beach-costal- seaside wedding!)

Have a sunshine kind of day!
-pomp and palms

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale August 2018

Lilly Pulitzer After Party Sale, one of my most favorite 24 hours of non-stop shopping. I'm the gal that visits both store and the website. I'm also that gal that buys a chunk of my new wardrobe during this sale. The big question is "When is it?". Lilly HQ has all the dets of the sale on major lockdown. 

But as a true Lilly fan I did some research and noticed it ALWAYS starts on a MondayAnd in past years its fallen on the last 2 weeks of August. 2016 it was on August 22nd. Last year it was on August 28th. 

Now don't go marking the calendar for August 20th or the 27th! The brand is all about throwing some confetti and they may do some major changes. But if you're like me, you're trying to decide how much money to save up. I highly suggest start saving now cause the prices are amazing and creating a "ideal wish list" is perfect pre-workout for the Lilly Sale!


I plan to do another Lilly post REALLY soon on other tips for shopping the sale but wanted to get this out there in the blog world to answer the "When is it?question.

As always, have a sunny day!
- Pomp and Palms 

Product Review: Kate Somerville Cold Cream

I really enjoy doing product reviews. As a girl who seeks reviews before purchasing (especially makeup & skincare), I enjoy the opportunity to be the tester! With my product reviews I’m trying to step away from what ‘every other blogger’ reviews. Everyone has reviewed Glam Glow Mask (sooo amazing), Dry Bar products, FabFitFun boxes, SK-II skincare, etc. My goal is to review something that isn’t over sold. I feel this gives the readers something fresh to read about (and possibly consider purchasing) and gets my creative juices flowing because I’m reviewing something that hasn't been over sold on the blog sites. 




Kate Somerville Review.
While vacationing at Daytona Beach I decided to try a new product. Kate Somerville Cold Cream is a skincare cleanser I see all the time at Nordstrom and Sephora, but never felt the need to purchase. From recent beauty purchases, I collected 2 deluxe samples. I also went to Sephora for an extra sample (I felt to give the best review I should use this product for a few days to see the quality, how it works, results, etc) I ended up using it during my entire trip, 4 days in total!

Overview:
Kate Somerville Cold Cream is described as a whipped cleansing cream that moisturizes skin. This product is to remove dirt, oil, impurities, and makeup—even stubborn waterproof mascara. It’s labeled for all skin types. How the website states to use this product: Use AM or PM, and always for makeup removal. Massage onto dry or damp skin then wipe off with a wet washcloth. Currently on Sephora’s website it has 4 out of 5 stars. 37 reviews were marked under 5 stars, 51 were marked at 5 star. The low star reviews state the product ended up causing major breakouts and didn’t remove makeup any.


Zoomed in detail image of the Cold Cream. 
Cold Cream. The product is very creamy and has a soft clean perfume scent.
My review:
Honestly, I’m a bit let down by this product. I will give this cleanser credit on great texture and smell wise, it's really pleasant! The packaging is really great too. BUT, the most frustrating part is the fact it’s labeled “Moisturizing Cleanser + Makeup Remover” but the makeup removal is something this product deeply lacked. The basic soap bar from the Resort removed more makeup. I used this cold cream 2x in a row and it removed only about 25% of my makeup in total (definitely didn’t remove any of my mascara). The makeup I wore was my MAKEUP FOREVER foundation and 2 coats of Benefit They’re Real mascara (not waterproof), so not a lot of makeup that needed to be removed. I definitely wouldn’t spend $48.00 on this simply because it couldn’t remove any of my makeup. I see why the poor reviews stated the lack of makeup removal. I haven't seen any skin acne (and fingers crossed I won't!)

I hope this review helps. If you’re in need of a good cleaner that also removes makeup I enjoy Philosophy’s Purity Cleanser! I have a small bottle from the beauty bins near Sephora’s check out and it’s last me 3 months. A good drug store cleanser + makeup remover is Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Cleanser set.



You can find this at Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, and wherever big name skincare is sold.
This is the perfect Drugstore cleanser + Makeup remover.
Have a sunny day!
- Pomp and Palms

My Clos-Office! (Closet Office!)

Today I thought I would give a little peek of my corner of the bedroom! Bryce would claim I rule the entire house except for his office (so, not true!). Right now we’re temporarily living in a Condo near his work while we're currently house shopping.

Inside of our home it's nice. We live a minimalistic lifestyle when it comes to kitchen, dinning area, and bathrooms. The most stuff we have is in our bedrooms and office. When we get our new home I plan to have my own little office area. A desk for blogging/setting up appointments/working on personal projects, beautiful area with a mirror next to my rolling rack, and a shelving unit for inspiration and trinkets.


But currently, my special corner works. Honestly, this little corner reminds me of college dorms! This is where I create stylish and affordable outfits, I have my makeup organized and my fur rug for detailed product shots. This is also where a lot of my outfit shots take place at (it has the best lighting). 



My temporary dresser is very Ikea. The top area is where I display my jewelry and makeup. The top 3 open cubbies holds my perfume, additional jewelry (organized in tackle boxes), and random items. The cubby drawers hold everything from undergarments, socks, swimwear, PJ's, and workout clothes. My favorite thing about this area is this canvas of pink flamingos (see image below)! It really brightens the area. I also love my makeup organizer. 



This rolling rack was a Bed, Bath, & Beyond find. I really find it useful for hanging outfits I plan to blog but its also super handy for when we're packing and doing laundry. Lastly, the fur rug in the middle is so soft to walk on in the morning but great for a backdrop on detailed product shots. 


Links to some of the products shown:
Click here for Rolling Rack , Click here for cubby shelf , Click Here for white fur rug ,  Click Here for Makeup Organizer  Click Here for Bamboo Bag
if there's any other products you see and would like to know where to purchase please drop a comment below, email me (you can find in my about me), or DM me on my instagram (you can click this link or click the Instagram tab!)
Have a sunny day!
- Pomp and Palms                                        

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Purchases

I've been getting asked quite a bit on what I purchased from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Sadly, I live in an area where there's no Nordstrom. I had to purchase everything online and now waiting patiently for Fedex! A lot of fellow fashion bloggers have said a lot of their purchases were canceled because of selling out. Hopefully none of my orders get canceled!
I'm checking the site often in hopes that some of the Sold Out items get back in stock (There's a purse and sweater I really hope to get!)

I'll include links below!


1. BP. Balloon Sleeve Sweater I was super excited for this top. So far the reviews state this sweater is super soft and cozy. I'm planning to wear this as a fall staple piece!
2. Halogen Cheetah Print Flats Cheetah is going to be a huge trend this Fall! These shoes are supposed to be at my doorstep by Friday (Hooooorayyy!). I plan to use these as a great statement shoe for black, dark blue, white and plum jeans and even with some of my tee shirt dresses. I highly recommend everyone grabbing some Cheetah for Fall!
3. Articles of Society Sarah Skinny Jeans My post-baby size is officially a size 2 and I must start getting some jeans for Fall (I currently only own 3 pairs that fit!). This purchase was a bit last minute and I'm hoping the sizing works. I was told by other Fashion bloggers these are super stretchy so you can size down.
4. Socialite Lace Romper This romper is perfect for any brides out there or to dress down with a leather jacket and some flats. Its a very versatile piece and the lace detailing is very eye-catching. I personally purchased this to wear next year on my Honeymoon. 

Packing Tips




Packing for a trip can be a struggle. I always seem to over pack the things I don’t need and unpack the items I needed more of. My challenge now is packing for Bryce and I + a baby who needs extra items like toys, a pack and play, and special items to help the her sleep. Here’s some tips on packing that I use on keeping weight of luggage low and enough space for souvenirs. 

1.Travel size it all!
I’m big on travel size items. These items you’ll use up during your trip so you can recycle them as you leave. Items I get in travel size is: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shower wash, facial wash/wipes, lotion, hair spray, sunscreen, baby care products. PS: You can always contact the Hotel/Resort to see what items they have for guests! Many carry complimentary high quality products for guest to use during their stay and have a shop within the resort with items you may have forgotten to bring!



2. Items you can buy at a drug store just wait till you get to the destination.
When it comes to Holly’s items I figure out what I could get at a Walgreens or CVS. Diapers, wipes, and formula. For Bryce and I, its the items we need more of or items we’re concerned will leak in our suitcases. EXTRA TIP: don't visit the Walgreens or CVS next door to the hotel. Most likely the prices will be high. Go to one in a more residential area to get the travel size items at an affordable price.

3. Pack clothing, shoes and jewelry that is versatile.
Bryce is HUGE on packing basics (most men are right?) And I’m learning that versatile items can be trendy (with accessories or small alterations). Pack items that you can make more than one look and stick to neutral colors cause those can layer and mix well with one another. Below is an example of a clothing piece with multiple uses: White V-neck tee can be dressed down, dressed up, and even worn as a cover up top at the pool. 



4. Try on your looks before packing.
This tip is good to see how the outfit fits, feels, etc. This can also help you see what pieces you can wear multiple times so you’re not over packing.

5. Check the weather channel to make sure the weather is going to be suitable for what you pack. And have a game plan on if you need to bring a simple layering jacket.

6. Keep shoes to a minimum.
I try to only pack 3 pairs in all. A good pair of walking shoes, a pair of dress shoes, and then a fun pair. If I have to pack a 4th it’s a super light weight (like a pair of sandals for the pool).

7. Scan Pinterest for some folding hacks on getting the most in your luggage. I always roll my clothes. This helps tops keep from wrinkles and takes less space!

8. If traveling on a plane weigh your stuff and see what items can be placed in a carry on bag. I always put extra things in my carry on or things that can’t get lost/damaged.

9. If traveling by car, use tote bags instead of big bulky suitcases. This will make the trip up to your hotel room easy too. I use my Lilly Pulitzer tote bags as a beach bag too.

10. Items I recommend packing extra of: underwear, (if you have a baby) baby outfits, socks, earring backs, extra pair of contacts/glasses, medicines, and tech chargers. These items are used a lot (plus no one wants to pay room service to wash socks!) OR items that if lost will be more costly to replace. 

Wedding Series: Beach Wedding Venue Field Guide


If you’re having a beach wedding like me there’s many affordable options. At first I thought my only choice is paying a high price for a resort wedding or selecting a glitzy area with Homeowner Association rules I must follow. But once I started doing my research I found out I can have it all (wedding & reception) without pulling a loan from the bank!

First things first, deciding what beach. Living in the Fort Walton/Destin area it wasn’t a hard choice. But for anyone who’s not near the ocean I highly recommend doing some homework. A simple Google search isn’t going to cut it. 
Example: If you Google “Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Beach views” you’ll get beautiful beach pictures. But being a North Carolinian (I vacationed most of my childhood in the NC/SC beaches) I know Myrtle Beach has a bad reputation for being a dirty beach. Instead, go the extra step and check social media sites like Instagram and search the hashtag “Myrtle Beach” (or search with terms that concern you "Myrtle Beach dirty?" "Shells on Myrtle Beach" "Beach Trash" etc). Also go to websites of news stations that are local to the beach area you want. News websites always have current images of the beaches and you can see how the weather was in that area last year too. [Below I have pictures of Myrtle Beach]

Just searching "Myrtle Beach" on Google


Searching "Myrtle Beach In Real Life"


Next is seeing if the State your beach location is in allows public beach weddings. Most do! Just double check. Some require a permit if the event is attracting a large crowd. I know in Florida ANY public beach you ARE allowed to do weddings, parties, photo shoots, etc. But if it’s over 50 attendants you must get a permit from the county and fire department. Some states require a ‘request’ that has to be approved as well. Some request a detailed itinerary of what you plan to do.

After you look into a general location + requirements, your next step is deciding a more specific spot for your special day.

Options for beach front wedding views:

  • Resorts. Resorts LOVE doing weddings. They can get a bit pricy but it’s always an option. Pros of a resort: they will make sure no one is on the beach when you’re having the wedding ceremony. The beaches is ALWAYS clean! Cons: some Resorts have strict contracts with vendors and require you have to follow their list of catering services, decorators, Dj’s, etc. Some resorts also require you to rent rooms there within your wedding package. Resorts sometimes have noise regulations (so at a certain time of day you can't have specific music or partying).
  • Renting a large beach house for the wedding. This is a good choice for having the entire wedding party under one roof! Here in the Destin, the houses were a bit too expensive for my price point & many affordable houses stated in the contract “No weddings or reception celebrations”. This is because the owners don’t want any property damage. BUT there is houses you can rent for events! You just need to request a copy of the rental agreement before payment or request the rental agency to send you options that meets your specific needs. Pros of a large beach house: rooming the entire wedding party. You can host both ceremony and reception at the house. In case of bad weather you can quickly get to shelter. Cons: some houses have extremely strict rules on what you can have on the property. Some houses request no inside photos. Some houses only allow a certain number of people and cars on the premises. Some require Homeowner Association regulations. 
  • State Park Pavilions or State Beach Pavilions. Park Pavilions are SUPER affordable and you can locate pavilions that have bathrooms, electricity, and well, ones that are literally on the beach! Some park agreements state you can not have glass bottles, no smoking, no fireworks, etc but this is stuff you can work out. Instead of glass wine bottles do plastic or boxed wine (simple right?). Pros of Pavilions: the cost to rent goes back to that community unit. Many pavilions are at great location/views. If rain, you will have a shelter to stay under. Cons: its a public place so there will be some people still using the adjacent pavilions, majority won't allow glass or heating trays (fire reasons), most request the event to be over by dusk. 

And there you have it! The first major steps on planning an affordable beach wedding location!
After you figure this out you can start the next step which is finding a florist/vendor that has beach wedding arches, rental chairs/tables, and floral arrangements. My next post will go into more depth about this topic.

What wedding venue route did I choose? I went with the state park pavilions. My wedding will be at the end of September at Navarre Beach Marine Park. I rented two beach pavilions for the entire day (sun rise - sunset) for $100.00. I rented two in case of rain. I could do the ceremony under one and reception under the other one. If sunny, I'll have two pavilions for reception space! The price being only $100.00 has given me extra money for decor and food! I’m excited for my pavilions because it’s near the Navarre Coral Reefs which I think is a beautiful touch to my wedding. I love marine life and protecting the oceans.

Navarre Beach Marine Park Pavilions. Mine are the two on the right!

This is what Navarre Beach looks like. Its a very peaceful beach with very few houses! If anyone ever wants to travel to a calm beach this one is nicknamed "most relaxing beach" because its super peaceful and quiet.

This is an image of Navarre Beach Coral Reef which is right next to my pavilions! Navarre Beach has a huge sea turtle conservation center that educates how to help protect turtles and their nests (they even have a sea turtle you can meet in person!). Each year thousands of baby turtles are born and make their way into the ocean from Navarre Beach! 



Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks!

Good morning, Good morning!
I've been up since 6am central time collecting all my favorites in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and creating these adorable product collages. I numbered each item and below you will see the links to the corresponding number. There is a total of 3 collages (Clothing, Accessories, and Beauty). I didn't want to overwhelm everyone so I narrowed the selections down to what I felt was the best deals and most on-trend for Autumn (BTW, the Sale is pretty amazing this year).
Of course right now the Nordstrom Sale is set on Early Access. AKA: The sale is open ONLY for Card Members (but I wanted to give everyone a sneak peek on what to expect when it's open to the public). If anyone has any questions about any of the items please ask away!



 1. J Brand High Waist Jeans $100 off!
2. Vince Camuto Dress Perfect For Autumn!
3. 1901 Ruffle Top (Only $39)
4. Calson Cotton Blazer perfect for fall and comes in tons of colors! ONLY $39!
5. Leith Cardi. This color is to die for, so pretty for Autumn and would wear with a grey dress or leggings
6. J Crew Coat. So so SO pretty. Sale price is $184 vs $278.

1. Blondo Boots are waterproof and such a rich leather color!
2. Cole Haan Loafer. These are perfect for running errands.
3. KENDRA SCOTT. Enough said, Diane Drop. (And these come in Rose Gold!)
4. Nordstrom Brand. This color is SO Autumn.
5. Bauble Bar tassels upgraded to Autumn style, gotta love em.
6. BP. These are super affordable and on trend at only $49.

1. T3. This Dryer is so gorgeous. Rose Gold accents and at a perfect Access Price
2. Beach Waver Co. At $66 dollar off!?
3. Supergoop! Bundle. Its only $38 and such a good deal especially if you're taking any Autumn trips or live in a Coastal area.
4. Makeup Tower?! Perfect for the beauty guru. Highly recommend as a Christmas gift purchase!
5. DryBar set. Both full size and travel sizes. $52 vs the $75+ price tag.

I Sold My Car - Now What?!

Yes, you read the title correctly… I sold my Jeep Patriot. I loved that car so much and wow it was my first big purchase on my own. I drove ...