Recaping this week's OOTD

Recapping this week's OOTDs.  It was a dress week for sure...I love my new Lilly Pulitzer maxi dress.  Perfect for the summer.  Also loving my Anthropologie dress...which is now on sale for $99.

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What's in my Scout bag?

As we spend our first day at the beach, I wanted to share what's in my favorite Scout bag.  I know I've posted about this before but it seriously is the best beach/pool bag.  So much space, bag itself is lightweight and the material is waterproof and very durable.  

First up are the two life vests for the minis.  A bigger one by Speedo for the five year old and a puddle jumper for the two year old.  

The one downside to the bag is there aren't any interior and exterior pockets so I use gallon size bags to keep things organized.  In this baggie I have an assortment of goggles, iPlay beach hats and beach towel clips to keep it secure on the chair.  

Then I have two separate bags one full of wipes and diapers (hopefully this will be the last summer for that) and one full of sunscreen because you can never have too much...apply and reapply!

I have a smaller bag that holds all their toys...some of their favorites include diving wands, dive toys, and squirt guns.

Lastly, my go-to beach blanket.  I've had this one for 10 years I think...it's the perfect waterproof, foldable blanket by JJ Cole...perfect on the sand or grass.  Highly recommend.  And then not shown are towels and a wet/dry bag for the girls wet suits (and another option from Pottery Barn).

New Favorite Thing - Naked Wines

I've become a huge fan of Naked Wines over the last couple of months.  I was getting these random cards from them to sign up but like most promotional materials, I didn't think anything of it and just threw it away until two of my friends raved about the wines so I decided to give it a try.

It's a simple process...you sign up (see below for link and $100 voucher) and you get an initial case of wine.  After a few months, you will get access to Angel wines and they will deduct a dollar amount each month from your credit card ($20-$40...you pick) and then whenever you want you can place an order and have it delivered to your house or office.  Since joining last year, I've ordered three cases and haven't been disappointed yet.  Some of my favorites include:

• Jacqueline Bahue Albarino 
• Miriam Alexander Chenin Blanc 
• F. Stephen Millier Angels Reserve Rose 
• Ken and Derek Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 
• W. Donaldson Rose (sparkling) 

Sign up here and you will get a $100 voucher and temporary access to Angel wines and prices to make your first order.

DRESSING ROOM DIARIES - LOFT Summer Fun

If you follow Christina's Favorite Things on Facebook then you saw my Dressing Room Diaries from LOFT posted throughout the week.  Recapping everything here for one stop shop.

This dress was a must buy!  Perfect for work or a night out.  Highly recommend. 

 Super cute maxi dress! 

Trying out an off the shoulder look. 

 Love this romper!!!  Waiting for it to go on sale before I pull the trigger. 

I was on the fence with this dress...it was on sale but I just wasn't sure.  Now I'm having regret that I didn't pick it up. 

Love the pattern of this dress.  And the good news is the "lemonade" print is also available as a shirt, shorts and scarf!! 

Got this dress for a steal in-store ($20).

REVIEW: Ricky Alessandro Hair Care

I was so excited when my amazing hair stylist told me he started his own hair care line.  I always trust his opinions when it comes to hair care.  He's never steered me wrong.  I've been trying his line for about a month now and it doesn't disappoint!!

Let's start with the Silk + Protein Shampoo and Silk + Protein Conditioner.  I love this duo because it really helps with my dry scalp.  I struggle with flaking and I've seen a huge difference after using these products.  I even switched out and went back to my old shampoo/conditioner and started flaking again.  You don't need a lot of the conditioner...a little goes a long way.  Both shampoo and conditioner are paraben and sulfate free.

Next up is a must in my hair care and I was blown away by it - Air Spray Dry Shampoo.  I LOVE this product.  One of my pet peeves about dry shampoo is seeing the white powder at my roots.  I have yet to see any residual powder and I don't feel the product when I run my fingers through my hair.  And it smells great!!!

Lastly are the hair sprays...the FLEX Light Styling Spray is perfect for me as I don't use a ton of hair spray but every once and awhile I like a little hold when I curl the ends.  The product offers three application settings so you can decide how much hold you want.  Doesn't feel sticky at all...feels like I don't have anything in my hair.  The FLEX+ Hair Spray is a stronger hold...I don't have a need for for a strong hold hairspray but I did use this a few times on my daughter for her ballet recital.  It worked great for her.  Gave her the hold she needed for her bun but when we were done, I brushed it out and her hair looked back to normal.

And DC area ladies (and your husbands) definitely schedule an appointment with Ricky for your cuts and color.  He's amazing...the whole family goes to see him.  He's at Eric Alexander salon.

Stitch Fix Box #19

It's been more than a year since I've used Stitch Fix and they reached out offering me a free styling free to try it again.  I thought why not, I'll give it shot.  My 19th box arrived and well I wasn't as disappointed as I've been in the past but the was pretty blah.  One of the things I used to like about Stitch Fix is they'd help take me out of my comfort zone.  Here's a recap of my pieces.

Daniel Rainn Jorgensen Crochet Top ($68.00) - Actually really liked this top but it was a bit too big.  Would have probably worked if it came in a petite.  Paired it with my favorite Banana Republic Sloan Pants and new favorite Steve Madden Sandals. 

This one might be a keeper.  It's Q&A Ashley Off the Shoulder Blouse ($54.00).  I love the color...such a vibrant blue.  It fits really well and it's pretty versatile top...works with shorts and jeans both dark wash denim and white.  Paired them for this look with basic white chino J.Crew shorts.   

Gilli Lyla Knti Dress ($68.00) I appreciate that my stylist picked this dress to show off my figure.  It is very flattering.  Again, probably would have worked better if it was a petite.  Also I wasn't a huge fan of the ruffle detail on the side.  It does go nicely with my new Sam Edelman shoes. 

These are my favorite two pieces from the box.  Z Supply Knit Top ($28.00) is really soft and fits great!  I just don't need I really liked the Just Black Lara Distressed Skinny Jean ($88.00) but they were too big.  The whole outfit paired nicely with Converse (currently on sale).

Still on the fence as to whether or not I'm going to been the off-the-shoulder blouse but other than that the rest of items are definitely going back.  I don't know if I'll continue with another Stitch Fix box.  Interested in trying Stitch Fix for yourself...check it out here.

NEED A LOOK: Rehearsal Dinner

If you follow Christina's Favorite Things on Facebook then you know I was on the hunt for a look for a wedding I have this month.  So happy with the look I came up with...thanks in part to you guys!  I completely forgot that I also need a look for the rehearsal dinner because my husband is in the wedding.  For this look I think I want to go with a simple dress (since the wedding look is a fun print) but dress it up with fun jewelry.  Here are some of the dresses that I'm thinking about...what do you think???  

(**Note: I'd get the top Leith dress in navy and the top right dress in teal.**)

So the idea is I'd pair one of the above dresses with one of these pieces of fun jewelry.  I would only do a fun necklace or earrings not both and depends on the dress.  Which are your favorites???

(**Note: I'd get the bottom right earrings in bright purple**)  And to avoid having to also buy a new pair of shoes, I'm trying to finish the look off with my favorite new Steve Madden Ava shoes.  (**Note: I own them in tan**)

Don't like anything here...would love other suggestions.  Just leave a comment or reach out to me!  

Jamberry...Take Two

What a different experience the second time around for Jamberry.  My nails turned out SO MUCH BETTER!!  I'm really happy I stuck with it.  This time I did Haute Pink wraps on all my nails and then on the ring finger I layered over Pink Papaya.  The nails still aren't perfect but really a big difference from the last time.  So what did I do differently?

First thing I did was watch this application video my sister-in-law sent over.

It was so helpful!  Since she really emphasized the importance of prepping the nail, I decided to get the cuticle remover and tool she mentioned (thank you Amazon for getting it here so quickly).

Then I basically followed along as she did her nails with prepping and application.  Definitely found the key to be the three step approach to putting on the wrap to make a huge difference.  I didn't think I was going to be hooked because well I just didn't think I could do them well.  Now that I'm getting the hang of it, I'm really getting into it and can't wait to try the next set of wraps which will likely be these.  Stay tuned to hear about my progress.  Current wraps on my wish list are these, these and these (and since its buy three get one free...these).  And if you want to know more about Jamberry, reach out to April here.  

Jamberry...Take One

My sister-in-law started selling Jamberry nail products so I thought I'd give it a whirl.  I've been spending a fortune getting gel manicures every other week and thought this could be a better and cheaper alternative.  First let's start with...what are nail wraps?  They are thin vinyl sheets that are pressure and heat activated to adhere to your nail for a long lasting look.  Made with durable materials and can last for up to two weeks on fingernails and four weeks on toes.

I was definitely skeptical because I really didn't think I could do it because I've always been REALLY, REALLY bad at doing my own nails.  I actually surprised myself.  Here's how my nails looked after my first solo attempt.  No where near perfect but I don't think I did too bad of a job for my first go round.

The colors are Daydream (nude pink color) and Cosmopolitan (adds a nice design).  There was some bunching of the wrap around the ends but they definitely got better the further along I got.  Some helpful tips for my next try are 1) push my cuticles back more; 2) reheat the wrap again to smooth out the bumps; 3) go a size smaller for smoother finish and 4) BE PATIENT and take my time.  I definitely think I rushed through it.  I'm going to watch a few helpful tips and tricks videoshttps://jamaste.jamberry.com/us/en/help/how-to-apply-nails for next time too to really get it down.  I'm going to try bright pink with a fun pink pattern for my ring fingers next.

If you are interested in trying it out, I recommend getting the Basic Bundle kit which comes with everything you need an application kit, mini heater and you can pick four wraps. Here's a picture of my sister-in-law's nails so you can see what they should look like...I'll get there.

I've NEVER been good about doing my own nails and I know this will take time...practice make perfect.  Interested in learning more about Jamberry, reach out to April, here.

Weekly OOTD Recap

Recapping this week's OOTD.  My favorite outfit would be the Lilly Pulitzer Elsa top and favorite white jeans (currently being price matched by Nordstrom).  I got so many compliments on it at work and just love the print!  My favorite pieces (other than the Elsa top) would be the Ruffle Sleeve shirt and the Steve Madden sandals (and they both happen to be on sale).  Favorite piece of jewelry is a toss up because I love the new Bauble Bar necklace for a pop of color and the House of Harlow necklace is the perfect addition to a black dress.

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Nordstrom...oh how I love thee!

Nordstrom is by far my favorite retail store for so many reasons.  And based on the responses from last week's survey on Facebook so do many of you.  I wanted to share why I love it to share some new insights and possibly convert some of you.

Free Shipping.  As a working mom of two young kiddos, I have minimal time to go to stores let alone the mall so 95% of my shopping is done online.  What I love about Nordstrom is free shipping...ALL THE TIME...NO MATTER WHAT.  You can't beat that.  I don't have to spend a certain amount or need to have a code.  They make it simple...just free shipping!

Free Returns.  This goes along with the free shipping because I usually end up having to return items and I hate having to take money out of my refund just to return it.  The process is easy...simple steps online...put it in the mail and I'll get an email once it's been processed.  Seriously they make it so easy.

Brands They Carry.  They have an amazing selection of brands (Zella, Kut from the Kloth, Gibson, Lush, Tucker &Tate) at reasonable price points.  And of course they carry the higher end brands I love like Tory Burch, Free People, AG.

Sales.  Items are constantly going on sale.  I rarely buy anything full price.  And you can't beat their annual sales - Half Year and of course the legendary Anniversary Sale which will be July 21-August 6 this year).

Rewards Program.  I'm always looking for some type of loyalty program when shopping at various stores and Nordstrom has two options:

• Nordstrom Rewards - No obligation for this one.  You earn one point for every dollar you spend online Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and HauteLook.

• Nordstrom Credit or Debit Cardholder Rewards - More perks with this one including two points per dollar at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club (I'm not familiar with this one...anyone use it?); early access to Anniversary Sale (a must), pick your own Personal Points Day, alterations credit, and more.  

Customer Service.  And lastly their customer service is top notch.  I've only ever had very positive experiences with them...whether it's a wrong item was delivered or something arrived damaged, they've always rectified the situation quickly and with no stress.