Statement Necklaces for Spring and Summer

We all know southern ladies enjoy making a statement. We are mighty women and we get what we want when we feel right about it.

It's what we do.

Think Reese Witherspoon at any given moment in "Sweet Home Alabama". That lady was turning heads left and right and knocked a rather disagreeable New York mayor out of her Manolos.

Scarlett O'Hara took her mama's green velvet curtains for a charade to save her beloved Tara.

When we do things, we do things big and out of love. So why shouldn't that hold true when it comes to our baubles?

Now, I'm not one who wears a great deal of "costume" jewelry - I'm remarkably sentimental and tend to wear the same items daily since they mean so much.

But sometimes you need to step out of character to seize the day and conquer.

And during the spring and summer, it's fun to branch out a little and wrap the bright and warm feel of the ocean around you. I love necklaces that reflect that vibrant yet calm beachy feeling and hearken memories to vacations.

Here are my picks for this spring and summer:

Statement Necklaces for Spring and Fall by aslongasitssouthern featuring statement necklaces

Nest cultured pearl necklace / J.Crew white pearl necklace / Long necklace / Kate Spade statement necklace / Stella & Dot chain necklace / KENNETH JAY LANE coral jewelry, $135


One: J. Crew Pearl Twist strand. I love this piece because it is timeless. It's a graduation from a classic single pearl strand, adding a little drama to a spring dress or an oxford shirt.

Two: Stella and Dot Campari necklace. This necklace reminds me of Italy. I adore it. I think of bright blood oranges that are so delicious and the Italian shores that are so undeniably gorgeous. Bellinis in Venice at Cafe Florian are this color. The red/coral color looks gorgeous against tanned skin, too.

Three: Nest Pearl necklace. Here is the ocean's answer to the country club pearl. This strand stood out to me because the pearls are mirrored and reflective, the catch light like the ocean's ripples at night. It remind me of Seaside and I love it there.

Four: Kate Spade multi-color strand necklace. This necklace is beautiful in its construction because of the glassy-layered effect and the color choices match everything. I like that it can dress up a "city life" outfit while echoing the familiar colors of the beach.

Five: Turquoise Pearl Strand Necklace. I'm of the mind that every woman needs a turquoise beaded necklace for hot months. They are an absolute summer wardrobe classic. Recalling the vibrance of a destination like Cabo San Lucas, the turquoise color is strong and stands next to bright colors like coral or blue beautifully. When paired next to white or cream, you actually look like the sea. Such a versatile piece.

Six: Starfish Coral necklace. This necklace can be worn several ways and I LOVE that about it. Crafted by Kenneth Jay Lane, you know it'll be a piece that will last no matter how much wear. I would love to get this and pair it with white or black for a stark contrast or maxi dresses for a little fun. The starfish is adorable, of course!


Cheers darlings, to warm weather, tanned skin and fond memories!
B

Lululemon Love: How Lululemon Takes Your Workout to the Next Level

I'm going to put my law school hat on for a second and state something plainly. 
(Ironically, lawyers aren't actually able to do this).

Looking good while working on your fitness means you will really look good outside of the gym.

Statistical studies, pie graphs, dot chart things, TI-83's aside, I really think there are one of those correlation things going on when it comes to fitness fashion and results.

If you like what you're wearing and how you look when you're running, posing, spinning, hauling tires around or whatever you're doing that makes you sweat - your confidence soars and your overall performance is better.

Lululemon gear totally provides that sort of appeal and motivation. It's just plain adorable and I wish I could wear it everyday, everywhere, every way. 

When I'm wearing Lululemon, I don't worry about adjusting my clothes, or worrying about comfort because that's all taken care of. I can really really hone in on my routine.

A Canadian company, Lululemon manufactures and designs products that are amazingly comfortable, perform magnificently and are quite versatile. 

No matter your exercise: cross fit, yoga, running, tennis, swim, cycle etc. Lululemon has gear to get you going.

Here are some of my favorites, but it's all too cute for words.

Lululemon Love by aslongasitssouthern featuring lululemon

Activewear / lululemon / Flow And Go Tank II / Skirt / Hair accessory / Yoga On The Run Duffel *Canvas / Run

1. Flow and Go Tank: This tank top has a sexy back strap thing going on, plus it becomes more fitted towards the bottom, assuring you that your top won't flip up when you're in your favorite barre class. I'm also just going to throw this out there - it would look cute with shorts or white jeans or something for a causal spring/summer look.

2. Pace Setter Skirt: I don't own this, but I've tried it on and it's among one of my next purchases. You can wear this skirt to tennis or for running/walking.

I also have plans to wear it while I play caddy for my man while he's golfing. It's so important to be the cutest caddy at the club.

3. In The Flow Shorts: These things are awesome. The cut is flattering and hits you at the right places. The shorts stay in place while being active and I've never had problems with them riding up. Boys love them. They are fun to lounge in. They are fun to buy. :)

Also, In The Flow items are seamless and they are my FAVORITE. These things feel like butter on your skin. They are the most comfortable, most flattering fabric ever. I promise.

4. Run Stash and Dash Pullover: This pullover is light and easily packable for on-the-go situations. It is great for runs early morning or later in the evening when it's chilly. I like to pack it when I think it may rain. If you get the neon color, you're pollen proof.

5. Headband: I've tried all kinds of Lulu headbands and they are not one in the same. I have a TON of hair. The little skinny ones tend to slip off of my hair for two reasons: The grippies can't stand up to all the product (hairspray, root lifter) in my hair and I am partially Italian and sweat too much. Yeah, I know.

This one is awesome, however. It's wider and has more grippies and stays in place. The patterns that are available are cute (I love my polka dot one) and the colors are bright and cheery and adorable.

6. In the Flow Crops: Like the shorts, these crops are made with seamless fabric. It's so brilliant. The good Lulu people know what's up, y'all.

The crops are the most flattering crops I own (I've tried what seems like every pair ever made) and they scrunch up on the sides of the calves adding an extra little bit of darling.

When Lulu gets a new shipment, they sell like the same day or soon after the first. I'm serious they are that awesome. I'm wearing them right now.

7.Yoga On The Run Duffle: Am I a yogi? No. But I need this bag because it will help me carry everything I need, including the mat I use to practice barre stuff and to stretching and weights, etc. The print and color combo is chic and feels like spring and I love it.

*I also adore the Astro pant because you can get the most amazing patterns and colors at the waist to contrast the black pant. They make your backside look fabulous and because they are perfect for so many occasions. Every lady needs a yoga pant.

So check out Lululemon and join me and the legions of buckhead betties who sport Lulu when working out in the Peach State. 

Plus, the brand is so well regarded for a reason. The products are quality and does what it's supposed to do - which is to accentuate your performance.

Go visit my close friends at Lululemon (Betsy and Alyssa) at the Howell Mill Location or stop by the location at The Shops Around Lenox in Buckhead.

Cheers to looking good while getting hot,

B

My Beauty Hot List Right Now: Top 10

I don't know about you ladies, but it's always kind of a big deal when a beauty product is worth buying again. Let's put it this way, if I think about how sad I'd be if the beauty devil cancelled production on one of my products and I realize I'd cry or need therapy then I know it's a keeper.

Here are some products that have been there for me lately. They are really something to talk about.

My Beauty Hot List Right Now by aslongasitssouthern featuring a shiseido eyelash curler

(From Left to Right, Top Row then Bottom):

1. Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara:
     Um, this mascara formula REALLY (like really) makes my lashes look like I have fake lashes on. I absolutely love the wand on the mascara, too. It helps get in there and separate those bad boys to make your eyes look oh so pretty.

I got a sample of this for my birthday from Sephora. Best sample ever.

2. YSL Touche Eclat Concealer:
     There's no mistaking the gold color of the container - it's expensive. But I have to tell you, it's worth every penny. This stuff hides it ALL! I love love love it. I just bit the bullet and bought it a while ago and this thing has lasted at least 5 months. It's the most perfect concealer/highlighter/magical potion known to me.

3. Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Anti-Fatigue Cream:
     My SA at Woo Cosmetics introduced me to this product a week ago and I have been just amazed with what it can do - and how well it does it. It's a moisturizer, hydrating facial mask and makeup primer all in one, depending on how you use it.

     Daily, I apply this (dime-sized) amount as a primer prior to application of foundation. It really helps foundation in place and allows your skin to radiate and stay moisturized. For nights when your skin is fatigued from makeup wear, or allergies, or perhaps a weekend spent in the sun, apply a concentrated amount as a mask for 15 minutes, or apply a more liberal amount as a moisturizer to wear overnight. Your pick. It's amazing and I've honestly noticed a difference in a skin within the week I've been using this product.

4. Simple Makeup Cleansing Wipes:
     I love that these wipes are cheap, unscented and safe to use on sensitive skin. I also love that you can get them at Publix or Kroger. These are fabulous little things that help clean your makeup without having to use a hand cloth to get all of it off. Much more gentle.

5. Shiseido Eyelash Curler:
     This eyelash curler does wonders. I use it everyday before I apply mascara. I love it.

6. Dermalogica Ultra Calming Concentrate:
     My SA at Woo Cosmetics also introduced me to this product and it's a powerhouse of a serum. A little goes a long way, it truly calms skin and restores brightness. I have had the driest skin recently and this stuff has completely reversed the damage.

     I like to apply it in a very concentrated manner around the eyes. It is my favorite thing to use to moisturize and restore the delicate skin around the eye. This product has helped my skin so much, and it's made by dermatologists, assuring you that it's friendly to sensitive skin.

7. Ardell Eyelashes:
     I love that eyelashes can instantly make your look glamorous. These are just the ticket for feeling a bit more fierce before you head out for a date, or a cocktail soiree, or whatever it may be.

     Duo eyelash glue works great with these lashes, just a little bit goes a long way. I like to steady the strip of lashes with a tweezer and voila! These lashes blend in effortlessly with your actual lashes, and guarantee a pep in your step when you go out. I love them.

8. Bond No. 5 New York "Scent of Peace" Bon Bon:
     Bond fragrances are ubiquitous with the chic, crisp feeling of New York. Their fragrances are very fine, very beautifully created and smell absolutely amazing. A bit pricey, ($200-300/bottle) Bond fragrances are the creme de la creme of the fragrance world.

     The bon bons are more reasonable ($95ish), and fit in your bag. Perfect for any occasion. Scent of Peace smells divine.

9. Trish McEvoy Bronzer:
     This product requires little explanation. It's just the best bronzer I've ever used. Guerlain is a closed second in my book. I just love Trish products.

10. MAC Eyeliner in Coffee:
     Coffee is the PERFECT color eyeliner (well, for brown haired people). It really makes my eyes pop and isn't so harsh. This eyeliner applies very easily and stays put.

Cheers, darlings!

Hope your day is beautiful!
B

Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend

Is it just me or have y'all noticed the abundance of tie-front blouses on the racks lately? They seem to be everywhere these days and, you know what?  I kinda like it.

I'm an old soul at heart and that part of me absolutely LOVES the 50's-inspired look that the tie-front blouse provides.

 I mean, who doesn't want to channel their inner Marilyn or Audrey and tie their favorite gingham for that classy, yet unabashedly southern look?

Southern belles for years have tied up a denim (today, it would be chambray) shirt and thrown on a pair of Daisy Dukes or their favorite cropped jeans and they look just darling.

Tie it Up: Spring's Tie Blouse Trend by aslongasitssouthern featuring joie

So why don't y'all try it out with me? I'm not suggesting a Britney look a la "Oh Baby, Baby" (time and place, ladies) but I think it's a fun and fresh look that ties classiness and youth together (see what I did there?)

 Here are a few I've found in store and online. :)

Cheers, darlings, in hopes that Spring will start playing for keeps about bringing on that sunshine.

Equipment top
shopbop.com

Joie
$335 - harveynichols.com

Theory blouse
bergdorfgoodman.com

Olive oak
$53 - bloomingdales.com

Catherine malandrino
shopbop.com