What kind of Bikini are you??

Yesterday was the HOTTEST day in Manhattan so far this year. I thought I would play it cool & so I wore a blazer while walking 15 blocks. Oh my gosh, that was mistake in a half! I was boiling. I hate sweating. Wanna hear the worst part?!?! It's NOT even Summer yet (technically). That scares me.

Speaking of Summer, have you purchased your beach bikini yet?!? 

It feels odd to buy a bikini now that I'm in living in NYC. The beaches out here on the east coast feel dirty to me. Anyone else feel that way?!?  I guess I was just spoiled with the gorgeous & clean beaches of the west coast.  

Anyhow, back to bikinis. My husband says he likes to see me in a 2 piece, I agree with him.... I put together a few favorite pieces I thought would help you out in telling me what you like to wear at the beach.
 

So, what will you be wearing at the beach this summer?!? A one piece, 2 piece or just your b-day suit? 
 

1. splendid

2. 6. shore road

3. michael kors

4. michael kors

5. marc jacobs 

6. marc jacobs

7. juicy couture

8. by malene birger

9. tory burch

10. basta surf

11. we are handsome

12. we are handsome 

13. cynthia rowley

14.  we are handsome

Fashion: Painting Inspired Outfit

Hello again! Casie Mace this Monday morning bringing some fashion to MBG readers! I think you'll love this one!

Remember last month when I said I think its fun to find outfit inspiration in, somewhat, random ways? Well this month I thought it'd be fun to do the same thing using Cocoa and Hearts small paintings! Colors 81 and Colors 119 are my favorites and I actually LOVE the color combos they inspire!

 

[top bottom left right] Cocoa and Hearts COLORS 81 | RALPH LAUREN BLACK LABEL Vivian silk-habotai top | 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Classic Straight Leg Jeans | Yves Saint Laurent Round-frame acetate sunglasses (image via net-a-porter) | GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI MINT GREEN SUEDE PUMPS (image via ssense)

 

[top bottom left right] Cocoa and Hearts COLORS 119 | T by Alexander Wang Neon knitted stretch cotton-blend skirt | Navy medium pleat clutch | Cream Beige Chiffon Silk Shirt | Gucci Chain Strap Mary Jane Sandal 

   

Cocoa and Hears Colors 3 | DSQUARED2 Pink Skinny Jeans (image via Farfetched) | Equipment Signature Blouse, Rose (image via Shopbop) | Fab. Clutch | Rupert Sanderson High Heel Pumps | Links of love fabric necklace

P.S. I heard NEW Cocoa & Hearts paintings are going to be added reeaaaally soon! Hopefully you're signed up on the mailing list to be the first to know. If not, go here.

 

My Visit to the Succarra Showroom

One question. Do you LOVE jewelry?? 

Ever since the GOLD trend hit, I've been purchasing gold pieces left & right. My jewelry drawer is going to need to be larger, I swear! 

So....the other day I was invited to the SUCCARRA showroom here in NYC to get a peek at all these wonderful hot jewelry designers! They had a ton of jewelry displayed & some delicious mini CUPCAKES to eat! As for the pieces....Well, I added a HEART to each photo pointing to my absolute fave ones from the showroom!  I'll be highlighting those companies in the weeks to come...along with some other pretties that will be joining the MadeByGirl accessories section! Can't wait!

I'm so weak for stylish bracelets & rings - what's your favorite jewelry piece? ring, bracelet, necklace, earrings or???

-images by jen ramos

This Mother's Day....

I'm not a mom, but I have one & I love her. She's the most amazing person. She's kind, generous, considerate, brave, motivated, eats healthy, is full of life, loves me, gives to others she doesn't even know, & she loves God.
 

Actually, the list could go on & on. My mother deserves more than what I could ever give her. She's a HIP mom, always in trend & keeping up with the latest fashions. I love how she notices little things, like when I would stack my bracelets & so she did the same. She's also into COLORFUL denim, who knew?!? I love that about her!!!!!!!
 

So, this Mother's day I've decided to give her a check so she could go shopping. The past few Mother's days I bought her gifts, but this time I wanted her to get herself something. I admit, I don't always hit a home run when it comes to buying gifts, in fact I'm just NOT good at it. Are you???

I've selected a few goodies from some of my favorite online shops (there are many) & thought my mom would enjoy these! Of course, she could go elsewhere, but I saw these & thought of her. 

What are you thinking of getting MOM this mother's day??

All items above via:

Jcrew

Leif Shop

Eduardo Garza

Apartment 48

Fashion: Summertime Must-Haves

It's Casie Mace, bringing you some Summer Must haves! 

I just returned from a girls trip in VEGAS and being poolside totally made me realize how unprepared for summer I am! It totally snuck up. But in many parts of the country, there's still time to summer yourself up before it's too late! Here's a few of my favorite products to get prepped for summer and beachy glam.

1. Silk Elements Olive Oil Wide Tooth Conditioning Comb: A once-through with these olive oil infused combs will cut back on frizz for the day and re-hydrate your hair after too many dips in the pool. (Do I sounds like a commercial?? Ha ha! But I do love them!) 


 2. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: Love Love LOVE the straight-out-of-the-ocean tassels look this stuff gives. Plus, it's a great way to create that "second day" hair look even if you just washed it. 


 3. Orbe Dry Texturing spray: I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I blogger friend introduced me to this. I use it just like I would dry shampoo and after I'm usually tempted to sit in a corner and smell my hair all day--It smells INCREDIBLE! 


 4. Sweet Talk™ Lip Shine philosophy: Perfect gloss. A sheer touch of pink. 


 5. Shimmer Brick - Bronze: This pallet comes in a few variations and when you're fresh off the beach it adds a subtle glow. I also love to use some of the colors for just eye shimmer--and it'll last so long!!!! 


6. Starfish Embroidered Tuinc: I'm obsessed with this cover up. And... 


 7. I LOVE that you can add a cami under it if you'd like, making it double as a chic top that would look AWESOME with cut-off denim shorts!!! 


 8. Sephora, Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist: The best self tanner I've used thus far. 


 9. Eminence Vitamin C Serum: ORGANIC!! This line of organic skin care is hands-down my personal favorite--but this serum in particular has me hooked. It's so refreshing!!!! Plus I love knowing that I'm topically applying a powerful antioxidant before and after sun exposure.






-post by casie mace

Fashion: Spring Dresses

Welcome back from the weekend MBG readers! Lauren here again, sharing one of my most favorite seasons in fashion: Spring. Besides Spring weather being my absolute favorite {minus the allergies!}, nothing is sweeter to me than being able to pull out my dresses again {and go shopping for new ones!}. 

Today, I am showing you some of my current favorites, inspired by this beautiful image of tulips in bloom.

1. Zara Guipure Combination Dress $129 / 2. Patterson J. Kincaid Dora Crochet Dress $298 / 3. Tibi Arizona Print Slip Dress $298 / 4. Juicy Couture Daisy Guipure Dress $298 / 5. Zara Dress With Cut Out Design $69.90 / 6. Sass & Bide Secret Place Sunburst Print Dress $339.50

*image source

Any of these beautiful dresses calling your name?

-post by lauren wickman

Voz Bangles

Do you wear wooden bangles?? 

I thought about that question today & realized I've NEVER... EVER worn wooden bangles, but after coming across VOZ - I'm now thinking twice. The bangles at VOZ are all hand-painted & you can also order custom colors! Neat right?? They're quite on trend too with neons & pastels to accentuate any wardrobe! 


My favorites are the seafoam colored ones & the coral.

Do you wear wooden bangles?? What's your favorite Voz bangle color?

-images via VOZ

Are you killing your feet for fashion??

Ok, I'm guilty. 

Last weekend I decided to walk 12 blocks in my high heel booties & boy, was that a mistake?!? 

My HUSBAND usually warns me before going out with him. He starts by saying, "sweetheart, please wear comfortable shoes." Of course I tell him,  "But I like looking sexy for you."  Well.....sexy ends up turning into, "ugh, my feet are killing me!" & him saying, "Jen, what did I tell you?"  

Ever been in that scenario ladies??


Exhibit A- Here I am with the high heel booties, little did I know I'd need a foot massage when the day was over!

So, on that note.... this SPRING, my wardrobe will include MORE flats. I have to say, since moving back to NYC - I've walked more than EVER!!!! 

In fact, I walk about 6 miles per week just for exercise alone....not counting the days I walk around shopping. Many of you New yorkers know these streets are rough on your feet. With that said, I'm not about to KILL my feet, so looks like flats are the way to go this Spring! I probably won't give up heels completely, but a break every now & then is in order. What do you say ladies??  

Below are some awesome choices I found via Nordstroms.

Do you prefer heels over flats? Are you the fashion over comfort type gal ?

- via nordstroms

Bangles & Bracelets...

Thank God it's Friday right?!? 

Speaking of the weekend, I'll be heading on a D-A-T-E with my guy tonight & I'll be sporting a few of my favorite bracelets. I admit, I own a lot of arm candy & continue to buy more, I can't help it, it's my favorite piece of jewelry to wear!! 

Nordstroms usually has an amazing selection of bangles & bracelets - a ton of gold, silver and colorful pieces. Below are some of my favorites. I LOVE unique bracelets & cuffs, what about you?!? Is your taste more subdued?? Would you ever consider wearing something like (d) below?!?  

Or would you feel as if you had a BIRD on your arm?!? Hmmmm  Come on ladies (who are hesitant), let's be a little daring this weekend. 

Tell me, which of these below could you see yourself wearing?!?

Below is my arm candy for tonight! 

A similar Bfrend Black & gold bracelet can be found via my shop here. As for the other two skull pieces, they can be purchased from Sisco + Berluti.

Enjoy your weekend!

-image below by jen ramos

ShopBop for Spring...

ShopBop has a TON of cool stuff if you're into fashion. 

I L-O-V-E fashion. 

Like most women, accessories, shoes & handbags are my favorites! It looks like COLOR is still ruling the fashion world & I love it. Can you tell?


What do you think of all this COLOR? Or are you still in your little black dress phase?? 

A. marc jacobs

B. books with style

C. marc jacobs

D. 7 for all mankind

E. diane von furstenberg

F.  see by chloe 

G. tom binns

H. dara ettinger

I.  noir jewelry

J. l.a.m.b by Gwen Stefani

K. brian atwood

-images via shopbop