Insta Lately

Hey y'all!

I haven't shared what I've been putting on my insta with y'all lately, so that's what we're going to do today!

I like to share behind the scenes stories or details that sometimes you can't share on the quick platform of Instagram...so let's see the other side!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 18, 2016 at 9:43am PDT

Alex & Ani U/Alex & Ani Auburn/Maybelline Mascara

I love posting flat-lays of the products or items that I've absolutely been loving lately, so you'll see that from time to time.

This summer in Alabama has been a rough one, so I've sworn by Tula's products for keeping my skin looking great, but not only that-I've needed a lippie with staying power; enter Too Faced Melted lipstick (mine is in the color berry!)

Another all time fave in this post is the Bamboo perfume that I've been wearing.

You know what people say about scent association?

As in, I have a scent that I wore on our wedding day & now every time I wear it, that scent takes me right back.

This Bamboo scent is so fresh & clean, I absolutely have loved it for my first summer being a real, true adult. I know that when I wear it, I'll remember our trip to Nashville, decorating my first classroom, adopting our pup, and the many other memories that we've created these past few months.

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 16, 2016 at 9:21am PDT

Estee Lauder/EOS Lip Balm

This is an oldie, but I still wanted to post it because I loved the pink tones in this picture (especially since I do love all of these products so much!)

Funny backstory behind this photo; my husband and I were in Montgomery, AL at the Renaissance Hotel (which is on the Riverfront in Montgomery).

I had a plan all in my head to take a gorgeous photo of my bags on the bed looking out over the Riverfront...and then they placed us in a room overlooking the parking garage instead.

So I proceeded to take this photo (the only "blogger" photo of the trip), but it has my most favorite scent ever from Bath & Body Works in it-B&BW, bring back Magnolia & Mimosas!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 14, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

BB Cream/Blush & Bronzer Duo/Jewelry Box

True life, the background of most of my flat-lay's are towels!

I was using my "It's Summertime, Let's Get Ready Quick!" makeup routine when I decided that I needed to feature it on insta at least.

It consists of a BB cream, a bronzer/blush duo that also doubles for eyeshadow, and then I thought that my turquoise bracelets would make a nice match with the BB cream...and then in true Lilly-lover fashion I pulled over the small box that I keep my earrings in to make a cameo!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

Primer/Gloss

I was perusing my local Target the other day and I knew I needed a new primer (I'm SO ready for our Ulta to be built!) so I headed over to NYX.

I picked up this Angel Veil primer and Butter Gloss on a whim, but I actually have ended up loving them both!

The primer goes on so smoothly, not sticky and it doesn't feel like it leaves a residue.

The gloss is really sticky and unfortunately doesn't have a lot of staying power, but I've actually learned to love it.

The color "Dulche de Leche" is gorgeous!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 23, 2016 at 8:50am PD

I purchased these flats for less than $20 when I saw the Halogen ones from the #NSale.

I think they're an amazing dupe and so comfortable! 

If you're a teacher looking for something your feet can last in all day & not break the bank, I highly recommend these.

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jun 28, 2016 at 12:45pm PDT

Dress (sold out, similar linked)

I used this photo to announce my new blog name, but it's also the dress that I bought at the Lilly Pulitzer store in Green Hills for my birthday.

It's a Sophie in the print Southern Charm and I'm so excited to have another Lilly dress that I can wear to teach in!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 29, 2016 at 6:23am PDT

This summer I have began taking my skincare very seriously, partially because I have lots of amazing skincare products and I just need to give them a chance and try them out.

Right now, my nightly ritual includes the Aquation Gentle Moisturizing Cleanser because it cleans my face so well and takes off any remaining makeup and leaves a blank canvas for my other skincare.

Did I mention that it's less than $10 for this giant bottle? Since stumbling upon this brand, which you can find at Wal-Mart, I swear by their cleanser and moisturizers!

  Then I move onto the Exuviance Non-Acid Peel (I use this about once a week to exfoliate and firm my skin.

I follow that with my Valentia Rose Hydrating Serum which smells absolutely amazing and keeps my skin so smooth and hydrated.

And lastly I smooth on my DMAE Moisturizer which is supposed to help with preventing wrinkles, etc. and then top it with my EOS lip balm!

A photo posted by Southern Stylista (@southernandstyle) on Jul 26, 2016 at 7:11am PDT

Lilly Pulitzer Maxi (Similar)

This is one of my favorite pictures because it reminds me of relaxing summer mornings which are now gone :(

I loved looking through a magazine (especially Lilly!) and sipping from my Biscuit Love mug while Chris eats breakfast, but after today I'll be back to the school grind.

I thank you all for sticking around & hope you enjoyed this Insta Round-Up!

If you want to see more images like these, then please follow along at @SouthernAndStyle!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

A big thank you to Fragrance Outlet & Aquation  for providing me with product in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.  Thank you for supporting brands who support Southern & Style.

Empties {July 2016}

Hey y'all!

I know it seems like I've been doing a lot of "Empties" posts here lately, but I can promise they're usually collective! Like for June's that was products used right at the beginning of June and before then. This month's Empties started in the middle of June really-& I have been trying to use up and clean out a lot of my products!

I've linked the products below that I would recommend, so you can shop the post directly!

Banana Boat Sport SPF 30

My husband and I have been spending a lot of time on the water this summer (canoeing and boating on the lake) so we've gone through this bottle fairly quickly.

It does a great job going on (just make sure you rub it in well and spray it all over!)

I'll definitely be buying another one of these!

Nature Made Adult Biotin Gummies (3000 mug of Biotin)

I live by my Biotin, I take it every day.

I know that it helps my nails and hair grow, but I'll be looking for a different kind of Biotin after I finish up my other bottle of these. The gummies just taste rubbery.

Nature Made Adult Gummies: Multi for Her + Omega-3s

I bought these because I had run out of my last multi-vitamin and these were on sale at Target, I was skeptical at first but I ended up loving them!

I would definitely buy them again if I can ever find them at the store!

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Primer with SPF 15

I have had this one for a while in my stash and just decided to finally use it up.

I wasn't a big fan of it really, it was kind of watery and I don't really feel like it extended the wear of my makeup. I won't repurchase this.

L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Curls Nourishing Shampoo

I received this from Influenster to test out along with the conditioner (that I'm still using).

It worked okay, it wasn't great.

It was very, very hydrating so if you have very dry hair I think it would be good for you.

My hair is somewhat dry, but I think the hydrating shampoo+conditioner was just too much and weighted it down.

I probably won't repurchase, simply because I have a lot of other products to use up-but I would recommend it for girls with dry curly hair!

Billion Dollar Brows Universal Brow Pencil

This is probably the product that I'm most sad to see go out of this whole post!

It's seriously a game-changer in the brow world, I love love love it.

I've got a few more brow products that I need to use up (including a few others from the same company) but when I'm done, I'm going back to this one!

As you can see-I've been working my way through a lot of samples!

A lot of people don't use foil packs, but I think they're a great way to find out what products you want full sized.

Maybelline Fit Me Set+Smooth Powder in Natural Beige

When I first got this pressed powder I really liked it, but the more I used it, it just seemed as though there was a lot of build up on the product and it became difficult to use.

I won't be repurchasing, so if you have any recommendations for a good pressed powder to help you stay matte all day let me know!

L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation in Nude Beige

I received this in one of my Target Beauty Boxes and I was eager to test this out because I've heard so much hype about the cushion foundations.

However, I was really disappointed in how sheer the product was and how much work it took to use the little sponge.

I'll be sticking to my liquid foundation and beauty blender.

Epice Purifying Exfoliant

I got this in an Ipsy bag a long, long time ago and just now finished using it up.

I guess it's an okay product, I just didn't like the scent-too chemically for my liking.

I won't repurchase this.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum (Foil Packs)

I was so glad I had two of these because I loved this product so much!

It was so hydrating, it almost felt like putting water directly onto your skin except my skin just drank it up.

If it wasn't $100 for 1 FL. OZ. of this product, I would totally buy it & I highly recommend it if you have the money to spend.

Carmex Soothing Lip Balm in Cherry

This was kind of shared between my husband and I because we both love it so much.

During the winter, the air is so harsh on his lips because he works outside so he uses it religiously.

I on the other hand, love to use it every night before I go to bed as like an over night lip treatment.

It's tingly and is a thick formula so it feels really good!

Highly recommend!

Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment

I was kind of glad to see this go, because although it does it's job at clearing breakouts-I just don't like the cream formula (I prefer a gel).

If you don't mind the formula then go for it and pick it up, I'll be trying something new next time!

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream

This was another foil packet from my Target Beauty Box and I really was excited to try it...until I opened it.

It's not really a cream, more like a thick pasty gel (think like Vaseline).

The smell was really bad and weird, and I hated the consistency of the product.

I will definitely never purchase this!

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter 

On the other end of the spectrum, this was also a foil pack from Target's Beauty Box and I adored it so much!

The scent was great, it was an awesome creamy, thick, luxurious body product.

When I head back to Target, I'll be picking this one up for sure.

NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe

This is a pretty good drugstore alternative to the BDB pencil I showed above.

I had this in my stash and was just going to use it up, but it had dried out on me.

Like I said, it's good-I just prefer that the other pencil is a little thinner and has a spoolie on the end versus the brush on this one.

Victoria's Secret Night Perfume Sample

I was getting really tired of having these samples rolling around on my counter so I just decided to use them up.

Night by VS is actually really good, I like that it is warm but has some sweet notes in it as well.

It would be perfect for date nights!

BCBG Maxazria

This perfume is SO sweet, but I also love that about it.

I think it would be a great summertime perfume.

I was pretty sad to see it go & I would definitely consider purchasing if I didn't already have too many to go through.

Bath & Body Works Candles

Cinnamon Sugared Doughnut

If you love rich, sweet, bakery type scents from B&BW then you will LOVE this candle.

It was a little sweet for my taste so I didn't repurchase it, but it was good while it lasted.

Citron Cedarwood

I don't know if you can see in the picture, but I have had this one since 2014-that's insane.

That's why I'm trying to burn through my stash and not hoard candles.

This one smells so good, it's one of my favorite scents.

It's more of a warm cologne scent, but it has that light note of citrus that keeps it from getting too heavy. It's a definite keeper & I already repurchased it in the semi-annual sale.

Nantucket Sail

I was really sad when they didn't bring back these nautical type scents this year for summer because I had two or three that I really enjoyed.

This is another rich, cologne type scent with a hint of light citrus.

Sandalwood Citrus

This is very, very similar to the Citron Cedarwood that I talked about above.

It smells so good though!

I love the cologne scents (if you can't tell!)

Fresh Water & Sea Salt

To me, this one smells just like fresh laundry.

After it burned out, I used it on my candle melter in our bathroom & I loved how it always smelled like clean, fresh towels in there!

I highly recommend picking this one up because I think it's still available!

Also, you can't really tell in the picture but this one is in a beautiful light blue jar that I'll be repurposing.

I hope y'all enjoyed this little mini review/empties post!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

{July} Target Beauty Box Battle

Hey y'all! 

I'm back with you today sharing what was in my latest Target Beauty Box(es) for the month of July!

What is the Target Beauty Box?

I'm glad you asked! Target's Beauty Box isn't like your regular monthly beauty subscription like BirchBox or Ipsy, instead it's more of a "surprise" because Target never advertises when it's going to be released.

How much does it cost?

Another great question, the boxes range from $5-$10 from what I've seen, obviously the higher dollar price the more/larger products are included in the box.

This month there were 2 boxes (some months there are only one, some months there is one for men & one for women, etc.) and both were $7.

How can I find out when they're released?

You can try to check back to Target's website daily at the beginning of each new month & see if you can catch it, but your foolproof way is to "like" my page Southern & Style on Facebook because I always post the link as soon as the boxes are up!

You can also follow me on Twitter, my handle is @SouthAndStyle, I tweet the link to the boxes out as well. 

Now that all those details are worked out-let's get into the two boxes!

I'll share all of the products with you, let you know what I think, and then I'll pick a winning box!

Simply Radiant

L'Oreal Color Vibrancy Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner

Although these shampoo and conditioner smell really nice, I don't color my hair (fun fact, I've never colored my hair!) so I'll be passing these on to my mom or sister. 

Dessange Paris Purifying Clay Balancing Shampoo (for oily roots & dry ends)

So normally I would be irritated, really irritated to get two shampoos in one box-but I really am excited to try this one, because I suffer from oily roots and dry ends so badly.

Wet n Wild Max Fanatic Cat Eye Mascara

Of course I haven't tried this one yet, but I can say that I'm happy to see some actual makeup/beauty in this box!

I love trying out new mascaras and the packaging on this one is really nice.

Aquaphor

I love getting little pots like these!

Aquaphor is such a great product, here are just a couple of things you can use it for:

Moisturizing chapped skin

Relief from blisters

Ease pain from dry, cracked lips

Smooth dry cuticles or heels

Soothe a painful runny nose

Protect cuts and burns for faster healing

Basically it's great for everything!

I'll either be tossing this in my bag or keeping it in my emergency bag at my desk just in case.

Acure Facial Cleansing Gel

I'm so excited to try out this product because I love skincare (even though these boxes are usually skincare heavy, which is annoying!)

I'm almost out of my Exuviance Cream Cleanser, so I'll be trying this one out after that's done.

It has a really nice, fresh scent that I'm excited about.

Derma-E Firming DMAE Eye Lift

I'm also looking forward to using this, after I finish up my Tula eye cream.

I love pampering my skin and notice a true difference when I use products that take care of it, I'll have to let y'all know how this stands up to my Tula one!

Fresh & Fabulous

Umberto Beverly Hills Lifting Powder

I have never, ever heard of a product like this one, but I'm excited to try it!

I'm always looking for a quick way to add some lift and body to my roots so I'm more than willing to try it.

Tom's of Maine Anti-plaque and Whitening Fluoride Free Peppermint Natural Toothpaste

I have actually heard several people mention this brand so I'm going to hope that it's a good one!

We've got a couple of trips coming up, so I'll be glad to have a travel toothpaste for my toiletry bag.

NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night

This lipstick is so, so creamy.

I love the color but unfortunately it isn't really a summer shade, so I'll hold on to it until Fall.

Garnier Skin Active Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

I love using a daily moisturizer with SPF in it, and I'm slowly working my way through my stash since I've been better about moisturizing twice daily.

I can't wait to try this one out!

Sweet Spot On-the-Go Wipes

I love the idea of having these on hand, they're so small so they can be tucked into a purse or gym bag, even a backpack if you're going to school.

I'm thinking they would be great for spills, sticky hands, sweat, or even if you get stuck in a stall with no TP!

Dove Advanced Hair Series Regenerative Nourishment Shampoo & Conditioner

These smell really nice, and once again I love having travel sized shampoos/conditioners on hand (even if I just use them because I'm too lazy to go to the store and pick up a full size new shampoo).

But I'm so sick of shampoo being in every single box, let's get some more makeup!

What's the verdict?

Well, normally people would assume the bigger box would win, but not in this case!

I am going to have to choose the smaller box because I really like the idea of those individually wrapped wipes, the NYX lipstick, and the root lifter.

I think they're both pretty nice boxes as far as value goes though, & I'm trying things that I normally would not try.

If you could pick a winning box (or a winning product) which would it be?

Let me know below!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

The #NSale {My Picks!}

Hey y'all!

I'm going to keep it short and sweet today, especially since I feel like every other blogger in the universe has basically covered everything that everyone needs to know and more about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. 

For your ease, everything I mentioned (& a few more things I just loved) are included in the widget below my graphic, they'll take you straight to the sale & that item!

I just wanted to share with y'all what my picks are and what I would purchase if I had unlimited funds!

I only made one purchase from the sale (so far!), but it is on recommendation from specifically the blogger Sheaffer Told Me To (formerly known as Pinterest Told Me To!) and that what she calls the "Baby Blardigan" because it's half blanket/half cardigan! I cannot wait to wear this to teach in this fall.

The jewelry that I'm including are all from two brands that I love-the necklace is from Kendra Scott and I think at just over $30 it would be a great birthday present (or even stock up for Christmas!) and the watch and earrings are both from Kate Spade and are staple pieces that could be worn daily and would match anything.

As far as shoes go, I adore these Halogen flats that lace up, especially in this fun print! And those booties from Steve Madden are just killer for Fall-the cut out part is SO fun!

You know I had to pick out a few items for the home and candles are my big thing-we have at least three out in our living area/kitchen right now that we alternate burning.

The taller one is Himalayan Trading Post & I'm in love with the hurricane design-I would reuse that! And everyone talks about the Nest candles so now is the perfect time to buy them on sale :)

Lastly, I tossed in some random favorites like these Butter London polishes-it's a great value & my personal favorite out of the six is Oxfords Not Brogues (it's the bottom right!) because it's the perfect nude with slight shimmer.

I didn't buy those polishes & now I'm wishing that I had! They're gorgeous!

And my last featured product is the beautiful wine colored cross body by Sole Society!

I'm just imagining that it is going to be the perfect color for Fall & it's a great price at $32-such a steal!

I hope y'all enjoyed my little roundup & I'm hoping it was shorter & sweeter than so many of the posts that I've read about this sale!

Use the widget below to shop all of the items that I'm loving (even more than just the ones I posted in the graphic!) and let me know what you love or that you bought from the #NSale!

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

I Say I Do, But I Will Forever

The same day that I took my graduation photos, my sweet friend Amy (also our amazing photographer!) took some one-year anniversary photos for us!

Looking back now, it probably wasn't my best look-the Lilly dress I chose to wear under my gown (because it was short enough & kept me cool!) showed every little bump and curve of my body.

But guys, let's get real-we're all human and we all have imperfections.

It's important to love ourselves along the journey and appreciate how wonderfully made we are!

My campus is so beautiful!

Favorite from the entire shoot!

I fell in love with Chris several years ago and I have only grown in my love for him.

Our first year was a rollercoaster of adventures, ups, downs, and everything in between.

We not only survived, but we thrived!

I'm hoping for at least 100 more ;)

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

Summer Swimwear

Hey y'all!

Today I'm talking about something that most of us dread buying...swimsuits.

They're a necessary evil of summertime and when I was at the lake over Memorial Day weekend & the Fourth of July, it occurred to me that I need to move up from my standard Target bathing suit that I've had for the past three or four summers.

What's becoming really on trend lately are one-piece bathing suits, they aren't just for your mama anymore!

What occurred to me as I was scouring the internet when creating this post is the outrageous price for pretty, high quality swimwear, so I'm thinking I'll put together a dupes post for these bathing suits in just a week or two.

My favorite right now is the Navy Tommy Bahama one above, I'm thinking I'm going to have to break down and buy it soon.

But the pretty floral Mara Hoffman is absolutely stunning, I love the cut out!

The off the shoulder one in the center is also from Mara Hoffman and I think that detailing would be so flattering.

If you aren't a one piece kinda girl, check out the widget below for bikini options, and also some other one piece options!

I hope y'all enjoyed this round-up!

Let me know down below-are you a one piece maven or a bikini beauty?

Until next time. . .

xoxo, 

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Happy Fourth of July (Steals & Deals!)

Happy Fourth, y'all!

I hope you're already having the best time celebrating our nations birthday today!

The weather here in Alabama is beautiful and I cannot wait to spend our evening watching fireworks over the lake!

I just wanted to drop by and let y'all know of a bunch of sales that are going on for today-if you're taking a minute to rest from the festivities, grab your phone or laptop and shop around!

BaubleBar- 20% off everything, no discount code needed

Gap- 40% off with the code JULY4

J.Crew Factory- 50% off everything + 15% off with the code HAPPYSALE

Old Navy- Up to 60% off everything + an extra 25% off your order with the code SUN

Kate Spade- Extra 30% sale styles with code SUNSHINE

Lilly Pulitzer-Free gifts with every purchase + free shipping

Tory Burch-Extra 30% off sale styles with code EXTRA30

Bath & Body Works-$10 off $30 purchase with code MORESALE or $20 off $50 purchase with code YES2MORE

Red Dress Boutique- 15% off everything + free shipping with code AMERICA15

Macy's- 20% off with code FOURTH 

  

I hope y'all enjoyed this little roundup and that you find a couple of things that you love this holiday season!

Most of all-stay safe!

Until next time. . .

xoxo,