I don’t know about you, but I hate the feeling of heavy makeup as soon as it gets hot out. Lately we have been lucky enough to have weather that really feels like summer, but with that comes sticky humidity! These are just a few of my summer beauty essentials that I can’t seem to live without.
1. Essie’s Peach Daquiri: I am a huge Essie fan, and their color “Peach Daquiri” really feels great for spring and summer. It’s such a pretty color, and I always feel so femine and just happy whenever I look at it!
Buy it here .
2. Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer: I got a small version of this bronzer in a Tarte sample set. It has quickly become my favorite bronzer, even beating out my faux tan by Bare Minerals! It works equally as good as a contour color, and just feels amazing on the skin. Even better? Because it’s by Tarte, there are no parabans, sulphates, or other gross chemicals.
Buy it here.
3. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray: It’s a tried and true cult classic of the beauty world. We have all seen it in magazines, and passed it in the store, but how does it hold up? I love this product (and am about to repurchase my next bottle) because it leaves locks with a matte, slept in finish. I think it looks fantastic paired with a messy and wavy textured do (as I often sport on a daily basis). If you are a fan of messy, effortless surfer girl hair, this spray is for you.
Buy it here.
4.Revlon’s Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain: When the temperature rises, there is nothing prettier than a fresh face, paired with a bright pop of color on the lips. A few months ago I purchased several of the Just Bitten stains, that are in a marker form. They look great, but at the end of my work day (or even 4 hours in), they were wearing off funny. I wasn’t completely satisfied with them, and have been searching for an alternative. The shade I had been wanting in the Tarte stains is currently sold out, so I thought I would give these a go. I love it! I chose the color Lovesick, and I am quite happy with it. They are soft and buttery to go on, but leave a great color impact.
Buy it here.
5. Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume: This perfume is the epitomy of summer for me. When I was a young girl, I would spray it every time I passed the Bobbi Brown counter at my local Nordstrom. I would spend the rest of the day lingering in the scent. If I had to describe it, I would say it smells of sunscreen and gardenias, but I am no expert on perfumes and notes! It feels luxurious and sophosticated, while still staying light. ‘Nuff said.
Buy it here.
I’ll be honest. I am a pinterest fiend! I can’t get enough of the site. As the weather is taking a sharp turn, and it’s feeling more like spring, I am looking to pinterest for sartorial inspiration. I am generally more of a fall and winter lover, but this year, I am getting seriously excited for some bohemian summer style! If you follow me on pinterest, (pinterest.com/ilyssabrickman) you have definitely seen my insane love for all things effortless. Here I have gathered a few of my recent favs to share with you lovelies. I don’t know about you, but for me, spring will be filled with maxi skirts and arm parties galore!
Hello to those of you who are nice enough to read this thing! It was my goal to be posting regularly on here, starting at the beginning of the year. Well guess what? Life happened! The boyfriend and I moved into a house- and as everyone knows that is a whole challenge in itself. We are just getting everything situated, and things are getting busy all over the place. As soon as the house is set up, I should be able to post more regularly, and have a space for taking ootd pictures.
Please bear with me momentarily, and I hope you will join me on here very soon!
It’s the beginning of a new year, and it’s time for all of us to make resolutions! Unfortunately, I usually don’t stick to all of my resolutions, but I am trying to keep things realistic this year. Here they are for all to see:
Resolutions 2012:
Get healthy: I was able to lose a little weight in 2011, but 2012 is more about actual health and wellness. I want to get on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for my Crohns, and get sick less. I would like to heal my body through nutrition.
Go on date nights with the boyfriend: With such busy schedules, and working odd hours, we sometimes forget to put ‘us time’ before anything else. Whether it’s going out, or just staying in for a movie night, I want to make sure we make each other a priority.
Become a domestic goddess: Well…that may be taking it a little far! I want to get better at cleaning up after myself, and cook more for the boyfriend and I. We will be moving in February to a new place, so I am hoping that a new start will be just the thing I need to get a fire under my butt.
Those are the big ones for me. What are your resolutions for the new year?
For the past week, we have been settling back into life, after a lovely vacation to the Caribbean. We had a great time, but it was a little shocking going from 80 degrees to 30! Oy! One highlight of my trip was trying to explain iphones and ipods (not even ipads) to my Mom. Her response? “Oh….it’s like a magnadoodle!” Yes. It’s like a magnadooodle Mom.
On to the outfit: Today was Thanksgiving, and this is my turkey day ensemble. Impressed with my fancy words? Although I slightly regretted wearing both a belt and tights to a feast, the restriction certainly helped me from gorging myself on turkey and stuffing!
Hoping your holiday was filled with family and love.
Dress: Michael Stars, Vest: Nordstrom, Boots: Madewell, Belt: Anthropologie, Necklace: Anthropologie
Gobble! Gobble!
I’m finally doing it. For several years I have been spending hours looking at style blogs, and finally- I am starting my own. I used to have a blog called The Edge, which was more focused on products and purchases, rather than style or my life. I am hoping that by keeping track of outfits on here, I can push myself to take more risks, and will help my personal style evolve. Wish me luck!
Shirt: Gap, Sweater: Target, AG Jeggings: Anthropologie, Boots: Madewell, Purse: Shopbop, Scarf: Urban Outfitters










