FANTASY CLOSET: Black and Gold

This is the first in my New Series entitled: "My Fantasy Closet". In this series I will share fashion pieces I've found that I would love to have in my personal closet but realistically can't at the moment (or perhaps ever). A girl can dream though can't she? :) This Black and Gold theme is my modern day Audrey Hepburn inspired look. Classic and classy.

Item Descriptions:

1. Kate Spade 'Pearl Street' Torsade Statement Necklace
2. ASOS Reiss Leah Frill Skirt Dress
3. Christian Louboutin Lace Up Patent Peep Toe Pumps
4. Tiffany&Co. Gold Somerset Knot Earrings
5. Michael Kors Glitz Chain Golden Watch
6. J.Crew Ice Cube Bracelet
7. Juicy Couture Riviera Wristlet

What's in YOUR Fantasy Closet?

Faux-Shopping and NEW Series...My Fantasy Closet

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I enjoy what I liked to call "Faux Shopping" which is a lot like window shopping for the virtual world. Basically, I go to my favourite online boutiques and find items that I like and put them in the online shopping bag...but I never checkout. So I get my fix of feeling like I went shopping but I'm not spending the money. Which is great for your wallet. Some have said to me "How do you do it? I wouldn't be able to restrain myself from hitting the checkout button and buying things." To this I reply...it's "mind over matter." I enjoy shopping, but I'm not always in a place where I can spend money on luxury or non-essential items. When money is tight...I go Faux Shopping! And truth is...a few weeks after my "faux shopping spree"....I've forgotten about those items I thought were a "must have" at the time. That's why I avoid impulse buying.

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So because of my love for fashion but lack of finances, I decided to start a special series for all of my ladies out there (like myself) who don't have an unlimited budget and begin blogging what I like to call my "Fantasy Closet". I will share beauty and fashion items that I'm loving and that aren't something I own but would love to. It will be mostly items I dream about. These outfits can inspire a search for affordable alternatives as well. I encourage you to start your own Fantasy Closet because there is nothing wrong with dreaming. Just as long as you remember that the things you now have were once among the things you only hoped for. In other words, don't get so caught up in what you DON'T have that you forget to be thankful for what you DO have. Keep a healthy perspective and dreams can be motivators.

Click HERE to see my first post of this New Series and take a peek inside my Fantasy Closet.

5 Hair Product Must Haves

These are the five hair care products that I loyally use. These products have worked so well that I see no reason to stray! :)

1. Garnier Fructis Sleek And Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray - For those days when I want my hair to stay in place but not feel crunchy and stiff this is my go-to product. It gives me the hold I need, leaves my hair feeling soft and has a yummy fruity scent.

2. Lush Big Shampoo - First time users will probably raise their eyebrow at this shampoo. I know I did. I received my first bottle as a gift and wasn't quite sure what to make of it at first. It has a gritty texture because of the sea salt in it but that combined with the seaweed and citrus it contains makes your hair feel extra clean and super shiny! Not to mention it smells AH-mazing! You just have to get past the initial reaction of the sea salt texture. It actually lathers up nice and does wonders for the hair! All of Lush products are fresh and handmade quality products. Their Big shampoo is a definite fav!

3. Tresemmé Heat Tamer Spray - if you use any kind of heat tools on your hair like a hair dryer, curling iron, flat iron, etc. then this is a must have product. Spray it on before using your heat tools and it protects your hair from being damaged. It has a great scent too!

4. Head and Shoulders Smooth and Silky Conditioner - I have a relatively dry scalp but the dandruff conditioners I've tried all smell like a medicine cabinet....except for this one. Not only does it leave my hair feeling soft and smooth, but it smells so incredibly good and the scent stays in my hair ALL day! I'll catch whiffs of my hair throughout the day and night after using this conditioner and I love that clean hair smell!

5. Garnier Fructis Surf Hair Texture Paste - I have naturally wavy/curly hair and this product is perfect for giving me those defined curls and wavy texture without weighing down my hair. I like the fruity scent too. 

What are YOUR hair product must haves? Share them in the comments.

Heart to Heart: Respond Rather Than React

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. —Philippians 1:27

Notice this verse doesn't say when good things happen, but in whatever happens. In other words, no matter what comes about in our lives we need to remember that we are representing Christ and therefor are held to a different set of standards. It's like that old saying "actions speak louder than words." The way we conduct ourselves speaks more about our hearts than the words that come out of our mouths. Scripture also says; As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.    —Proverbs 27:19 When the world looks at us, we should desire for them to see Christ shining through.

So even if we don't "get our way", we should still act like Christ would want us too. Even when the whole world seems to be against us, we will still act like a Christian. Even if our family and friends let us down, we will conduct ourselves in a way that is appropriate for a believer. That's hard! It's so much easier to react emotionally when faced with challenges, but Christ wants us to respond with the same love and grace that He has shown us. When Christ was ridiculed, He looked the other way. When He was faced with animosity, He responded with control and compassion. When He was hanging on the cross, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him. We should strive to mirror Christ's conduct. 

Reflection:

Are you conducting yourself in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ? Does your life positively reflect your heart?

Application:

Today, watch the way you act. Make a mindful effort to respond like Christ rather than react like the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to show me where I need to improve. Thank you for giving me the Bible to help guide me. Please help me to act in a way that would bring honor to you. Keep me from reacting emotionally, and help me to respond as Christ would in every aspect of my life. In Your holy name, Amen.

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What Do Guys Think About Modesty?

I stumbled upon this testimony from a young man that gives us a better understanding about a guy's thoughts on modesty. I think you'll find the following video eye-opening and convicting. I personally did.

Ladies, 1 Corinthians 8:9 says: Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. Dressing immodestly provokes lust within men whether it is our intent or not. We must be aware that the clothing we wear can either help or hurt guys in their own struggle to be pure.


Our desire should be to help men in their walk with Christ...not to be the reason they stumble. We should desire for our relationship with guys to be centered around God and for our fellowship with them to be unhindered. Dressing modestly displays our respect not only for ourselves, but also our respect for the men who are striving to live by God's standards in a world that typically does not make it easy for them to do so. Guys appreciate modesty! They don't expect women to cover every inch of their skin but they are asking for our help in guarding themselves from sexual lust.


Outward modesty proclaims that we know what is on the inside is far more treasured than what is on the outside. Guys ARE attracted to a modest woman. Why? Because the heart is far more attractive than the body can ever be. And if we're honest with ourselves we acknowledge that we would much rather have someone attracted to our heart, than our body. But beyond that, we should desire to honor God above all else. One way we can honor God is by honoring His teachings about modesty and purity in our own life and in turn helping men to honor God without distraction. 


Modesty matters. Do you dress to lure....or to be pure?

Top 5 Perfume Picks

1. Breathless by Victoria's Secret
Notes: Sandalwood, Musk, Tangerine, Neroli Petals


Breathless is my #1 favourite perfume. I was so disappointed when they discontinued it. They did bring it back for awhile but unfortunately I think it has been discontinued again. It has a sensual yet sophisticated scent that isn't overpowering and lasts all day. I love the the hourglass shaped rosey pink bottle also. Very feminine                                                 and chic.

2. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Notes: Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods.


One word: Daisy-licious! Surprisingly it doesn't smell like daisy's at all. It is fresh and feminine with a touch of vintage elegance but it's not too sophisticated. My only complaint is that the scent is not very long-lasting. But the bottle is precious.

3. In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon
Notes: Peach Tea Leaves, Gardenia, Jasmine Petals, Amber Wood


I received this as a gift about a year ago and it quickly became a favourite. It has all the class and elegance you would expect from actress Reese Witherspoon. Even the bottle is stunning with the crystal rose design. It has a very floral, romantic scent.

4. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker
Notes: Lavender, Patchouli, Orchid, White Amber, Sultry Woods, Musk


This is one of those timeless scents that is perfect for women of all ages. Very light, feminine, and whimsical. It's simplicity is what makes it such a fabulous perfume.

5. Love Spell by Victoria's Secret
Notes: Cherry Blossom, Red Apple, Peach, Blondewood


Love Spell is one of their most popular scents so it is very recognizable but guaranteed to get compliments. It has that irresistible blend of cherry blossom and sweet peach that makes it the perfect fruity floral scent.




What are YOUR favourite scents? Share them in the comments below!

Fashion Fix: Summer Tan

Get tan this summer without the sun. Here are a few ideas for how to incorporate sand and tawny shades into your collection. Very neutral and perfect for summer.

1. Basic White Tee  -  Forever21
2. Rosey Pink Scarf  - St8ment Accessories
3. Rose Gold Watch  -  Badgley Mischka
4. Braided Leather Belt - Dorothy Perkins
5. Nail Polish  -  OPI San-Tan-Tonio
6. Bronzer - Physician's Formula Bronze Booster
7. Lipgloss  -  Revlon Peach Petal
8. Khaki Skirt  -  Old Navy
9. Sandals - TopShop
10. Leather Handbag  -  Forever21