Products:  Lip Balm.  Primer.  Tinted Moisturizer.  Concealer.  BeautyBlender.  Loose Powder.  Powder Brush.  Blush.  Blush Brush.  Bronzer.  Bronzer Brush.  Highlighter.  Brow Pencil.  Brow Tint.  Cream Eyeshadow.  Eye Liner.  Lash Primer.  Mascara.  Lip Liner.  Lip Crayon.

Decor:  Flowers.  Tray.  Sheepskin Rug.

While living and working in Europe, I collected quite the library of mental notes on the beauty and fashion secrets of European women. I wondered what makes them so alluring, sophisticated, and mysterious?! Many Americans have attempted to discover the mysterious art of the European woman’s je nais se quoi and I was no exception. Although I left Europe with several books on skincare, beauty, and style but no real answer to my question, I did notice a few subtleties that may contribute to that special something women across the pond seem to possess.

One of the first things I noticed was the light-handed makeup application; little-to-none was used (especially on workdays) and yet these women managed to look fresh, glowing, and beautiful. Whereas we American women are often told to cover the tell-tale signs of our sleep-deprived, stressed lives with ever more makeup, these women seemed to illuminate from within using barely-there products. While a major aspect of this is the dedication to skincare most European women maintain, it can’t be argued that their makeup application techniques also play a part.

Staring at my dark circles and blotchy skin in the mirror one morning after a long night at the computer, I decided to recreate the fresh look I wish I had naturally. Many beauty products and years later, I finally figured out a formula that gives this American woman the coverage I feel I need, while feeling light and airy on the skin. Even better, my husband continually compliments me each time I wear this look; telling me I “look so beautiful without makeup”.

So I’m sharing my secrets with you; in the video below, I walk you step-by-step through my “No-Makeup Makeup Look” – sometimes I call it “French Girl Makeup”. I filmed this right after a bachelorette weekend with my friend… So please excuse the results of too much sugar and champagne on my skin! Either way, these products work wonders and I hope you try them… If you do, please let me know how it goes or tag me in a selfie!

As I mention in the video below, this isn’t a “No Makeup Look”… If you’re wanting something with fast application time, take a look at my 5-Minute Daytime Makeup Tutorial. This tutorial isn’t designed to fit within a certain time frame, but is focused on perfecting the skin for an effortless look.

Lip Balm

Find It Here. I love this lip balm because it’s soft and creamy, never greasy. I find it to be a little plumping, and let’s be honest, the packaging looks incredibly chic.

Face Primer

Find It Here. I used to think face primer was an unnecessary extra step in my makeup routine, but now I can’t live without it. This primer smooths over my skin, blurring imperfections, masking pores, and setting the stage to keep my makeup look all day long.

Tinted Moisturizer

Find It Here. A good friend recommended this tinted moisturizer to me and I’m on my second tube. It provides significant sun protection with an SPF of 43. It glides on the skin, giving the skin a smooth canvas and a light dose of color. I rub this product all over my face and down onto my neck. I’m in the color “2”.

Concealer

Find It Here. If you’ve seen my Instagram video with this product, you know how obsessed I am. This concealer is creamy, but not cakey. It provides coverage and highlights at the same time, creating this beautiful, glowy effect. I highlight the middle of my forehead, cheekbones, center of my nose, smile lines, and cupid’s bow. I’m in the color “Ivory”… Go one to two shades lighter than your skin tone to highlight.

Beauty Blender

Find It Here. I’m addicted to this little pink sponge. I wet it under running water, squeeze it out with a towel, and then use it to dab and blend product into my skin. It gives the most dreamy, airbrushed look and blurs imperfections.

Loose Powder

Find It Here.  After primer, tinted moisturizer, and concealer, I like dusting my skin with a light layer of loose powder to set the look and give a mattified appearance. This powder doesn’t look cakey or dry; it’s more of a satin finish on the skin. I’m in the color “Desert” and I like applying it with this brush.

Shimmery Blush

Find It Here.  A Chanel makeup artist used this beautiful blush shade on me before the Chanel Gala Dinner and I absolutely fell in love. “Golden Sun” is a beautiful, sun kissed shade with just the right amount of delicate shimmer that makes your skin glow. I like using it just under the apples of my cheeks for a tiny bit of contouring and glow-from-within look. I like applying it with this brush.

Bronzing Powder

Find It Here. A cult favorite, “Laguna” is the perfect natural-looking bronzing powder. I like to apply mine as contour powder using the blush brush I mentioned above and carving out my temples, cheeks, and jawline. If you’re looking for a softer, more overall bronzed look you can try slightly bigger, fluffier brush.

Highlighter Stick

Find It Here. I use this creamy highlighter stick by dabbing it lightly onto the tip of my nose, cheekbones, and cupid’s bow to give a soft, pretty glow. I love it because the shade “Luxor” has just a hint of iridescent pink to it, which gives a warmth to my skin.

Cream Eyeshadow

Find it here. This is the best cream eyeshadow… I dab this on every time I want a quick, easy look with just a touch of coverage and sheen. I’m using the color “Bare Study” above but if you’re looking to cover discoloration and veins as well, I’d recommend another one of my favorites “Soft Ochre” which is matte with a more pigmented yellow tone.

Brow Pencil + Brow Gel

Find Pencil + Gel Here. My all-time favorite brow pencil (I wear the color “Taupe”) is creamy, smooth, and fills in sparse brows like none other. I top my brows with the tinted gel in “Medium” to volumize, slightly darken, and keep brow hairs in place.

Eye Liner

Find it here. I’ve been obsessed with this eye liner for years now. It’s so creamy and soft, never irritates my eyes, comes in the prettiest colors, and has a smudger on the end to create blended, smoky looks. I’m using the shade “Intense Ivy” above.

Lash Primer + Mascara

Find Primer + Mascara Here. In the video above, I skip my usual lash primer and volumizing mascara because I currently have lash extensions. Mine are done by Glamour Bar in Denver… If you’re local, mention me/my blog for $50 off. And if you’re interested in lash extensions, keep an eye on my Instagram account… A giveaway and Q+A are coming soon!

Nude Lip Liner

Find It Here. This lip liner in “Pillowtalk” is the creamiest nude-pink lip liner that gives a plump look to lips. I slightly over-line mine and it creates natural-looking fullness and volume.

Lip Crayon

Find It Here. I love this lip crayon in “Rikugien” because it’s such a versatile shade; it looks great on lips any time of the year. I love the natural-looking color and the satin texture. Be sure to apply on top of the lip liner for a more seamless look.

Sunnies.  Ring.  Similar Jacket.  Bow Blouse.  Jeans.  Booties.

Miranda L. Sober Photographer

As soon as I bought this darling bow blouse, I pictured this exact outfit in my head. I love incorporating lots of feminine and romantic elements into my looks, but for this one I wanted to add a little edge. In my opinion, a moto jacket is one of the essential investment pieces every woman should own; I wear mine all the time. (You can see how I recently paired it with a summer dress in my Date Night blog post.) I’ve had mine for years, but the moto jacket I linked is a gorgeous style at a nice price point.

Fit details… I wanted to discuss them briefly with you because I found this blouse to run a bit big. The sizing on the website says that it runs true to size, which it does for the most part… But if you’re in between sizes definitely go with the size down; you can see in the photos above that it’s a bit blousy around my arms and waist.

Also, if you’re looking for a perfect-fit, flattering pair of jeans you must order these. I adore these jeans so much I ordered a second pair last week. They’re slightly high-waisted, they are the perfect length, and the ripped details give them a cool feel without looking sloppy. Best of all, they fit true to size and they are so flattering.

I’ve been busy working on my plans for NYFW. I’ve been receiving show invites, looking into flights and hotels (seriously, I’m the worst procrastinator every single time), and planning photography sessions. My usual bedtime has been 2 AM lately, but I can’t wait to share my time in NYC with all of you!  Will I see any of you there?

Small Arrowhead Necklace.  Red Arrowhead Necklace.  Dangling Red Arrowhead Earrings.  Large Arrowhead Earrings.  Gold Collar Necklace.  Silver Collar Necklace.  Rose Gold Prism Necklace.  Small Multicolored Pendant Necklace.  Tassel Necklace.  Gold Cuff Bracelet.  Arrowhead Ring.  Large Jewelry Case.  Small Jewelry Case.

Jewelry + Nail Polish Linked Below.

See Also:  Tucson Kendra Scott Tour

I’ve adored Kendra Scott‘s bright colors and easy-to-wear styles ever since I first started posting photos online with my iPhone in law school. That passion for the brand only increased after I visited my first Kendra Scott store and realized how positive, kind, and creative the stylists working there were. The Denver store is no different; the stylists are happy to help you mix and match the designs or create your own custom look with the Kendra Scott Color Bar.

Glowing in soft shades of pink, lilac, and teal and accented with gold and antique mirror pieces, the store is also visually stunning. Whenever I’m in a Kendra Scott shop, I don’t want to leave!

Above, I capture some of the beautiful Fall 2016 jewelry collection, as well as the brand’s new nail polish collection. I got to take a peek at all the colors in my local Denver store and I’m especially partial to the neutrals and metallics, but the creamy solid colors are just as beautiful. The formulas are 5-Free and ultra creamy. And the stunning packaging lends itself to decorative placement on your vanity or dresser. Which shade is your favorite?

Tweed Coat.  Midi Dress.  Handbag.  Booties.  Earrings.  Stacked Rings.

Lashes by Glamour Bar (Mention Me/My Blog For $50 Off)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Have I mentioned I love fall? The weather, the colors, the fabrics… I can’t get enough. Luckily, the past few days here in Denver have been a bit on the chilly side with temps in the 50’s and 60’s. I’ve been enjoying wearing all my new fall pieces! Many of my transitional items incorporate something sleeveless like the dress I’m wearing in the photos above or the bow blouse in my previous fall fashion post; sleeveless tops/dresses provide the perfect base to layer for tricky fall temps.

Styling Tips: 

• A Great Base – As I mentioned above, a base piece with flexibility is key for creating transitional looks and for styling layered outfits. This dress is super flattering, runs true to their size guide, and is the perfect layering piece for fall. I love the length because it’s long enough to be paired with either tights or tall boots for warmth!
• Add Texture – This long tweed coat is not only beautiful, it adds a richness to any outfit because of its textured tweed fabric. And it’s also a great layering piece… I’ve worn it with everything from dresses to skinnies and flares. Sophisticated and reminiscent of British countryside style, you’ll want to wear it every day as the leaves change!
• Go Monochrome – One of my best tips for creating a truly flattering silhouette is to dress in all one color, and as I’m showing here, it doesn’t have to be black! Monochromatic looks are slimming, but they also look incredibly chic and polished. If you’re having trouble matching colors, try dressing in the same color family… Burgundy, rose pink, and soft blush. Or black, charcoal, and soft grey.

Will any of you be at the Urban Nights tonight in Denver?! Say hello if you’re there!!

Decor:  Confetti.  Water Bottle Labels.  Paper Straws.  Framed Quote.  Snapchat Art.

Gifts:  Champagne Tanks.  Favor Bags.  “Cashmere Gypsy” Fragrance Rollerballs by Scented Studio. (Order yours by calling 303-333-3315 and mentioning our blogger party for 25% off!)

Photos:  Miranda L. Sober Photography

Cupcakes:  Yours Truly Cupcake.

Get the details on our weekend schedule of events, activities, and suggestions in my previous post: Denver Girls’ Weekend Itinerary. (Perfect for if you’re planning a girls’ weekend in Denver!) Coming Soon… Bachelorette Gift Bag Essentials.

• Listen to what the bride wants.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in weddings and helping to plan bridal showers and bachelorette parties, it’s the importance of really listening to what the bride wants. These are festivities to celebrate her and above all, her wishes need to be respected.

If she doesn’t want to be embarrassed in front of everyone or doesn’t want to see a plastic penis within 20 yards, be sure to let all the girls know so they can plan accordingly. And… if your bride prefers a more wild celebration, you may want to convey that to guests so they can choose whether they feel comfortable in that situation. I’ve been at events where issues arise because of this kind of miscommunication, and simply being upfront during the planning stage will save a lot of problems later on.

My friend wanted a Great Gatsby themed event, so I made sure I had plenty of Art Deco-inspired decor and details. I also reminded guests to find a flapper dress for Saturday night and encouraged them to get creative with their 1920’s accessories. Each step of the way, I checked in with the bride to ensure she was okay with the plans I was making; the last thing I wanted was for her to be disappointed!

• Help everyone stay organized.

As I mentioned above, communication is important when planning a bridal shower or bachelorette party. I started by emailing guests back and forth, but it quickly became too confusing and repetitive. I then created a Facebook event and invited guests to ask questions there so that others could also read the answers. I found this to be much more accessible and functional.

I also used the Facebook event group to send bits of information to guests… Reminding them to download the Uber app, sharing activity options, and posting the schedule of events. I sent the weekend itinerary to everyone ahead of time so they could print it off and have it in their bags with addresses/info handy, even if their phone died or was misplaced (seriously, does this ever not happen to at least one person while on a group vacation?!) Sending this information prior to the weekend made everything flow smoothly since guests were aware of the timing and details, even before traveling.

• A hangry guest isn’t a happy guest.

You know how it goes… You’re doing activities in a large group and there’s nothing to eat; it’s inevitable someone gets hungry and cranky. Be sure to plan little munchies throughout the event! Especially with regard to bachelorette parties, remembering to eat before sipping cocktails can prevent guests from getting sick and the entire weekend being ruined.

I had light snacks for guests when they arrived, and appetizers and cupcakes at the lingerie shower kickoff. I even included some snacks in the girls’ goodie bags – (post with details on these coming soon!) When booking brunch/lunch/dinner reservations, I planned for people to be hungry about once every four hours. And just a tip… Be sure to check guests’ dietary restrictions prior to booking!

• Add a custom Snapchat filter.

The first time the bride teared up last weekend was when I surprised her with her custom Snapchat filter… She was so excited! You can search Etsy for custom Snapchat designs (I used Red Line Studio) and order one for your own event. Then head over to Snapchat On-Demand Geofilters and purchase the time/area you’d like your filter to cover; the greater the time and distance covered, the greater the cost will be.

Remind your guests to save their geo-filtered photos and videos so they can send them to the bride later; Snapchat content expires 24 hours after it’s posted. You can also save each one of your photos and videos from Snapchat (be sure your settings have content saving to both Snapchat Memories and Camera Roll) and post to Instagram Stories by swiping down on the Instagram Stories camera screen and choosing photos/videos in your Camera Roll from the past 24 hours to post.

• Shower her with lacy, pretty things.

Every bride-friend I’ve known has loved receiving pretty lingerie to start her marriage. This is one of those things you should listen to the bride on; does she feel comfortable with guests knowing her bra and panty sizes? Does she prefer scandalous, sexy lingerie or more wearable underwear and silky pajamas? Maybe a bit of both? Be sure to tell your guests this and give them time to shop! I got my gifts for the bride here.

If you have a shy bride, be aware of the surroundings in which she’ll unwrap her lingerie gifts. Will it be a busy restaurant or back at the hotel room? At a recent bridal shower I attended the bride received anonymous gifts and tried to guess the giver based on the style of lingerie, which made for a fun game.

• Capture special moments.

Since I’m a photography lover and photo hoarder, I knew I wanted my photographer to help capture photos of the bride’s lingerie shower and kickoff party. When you’re the hostess, it can be a bit difficult to organize games, ensure food is served on time, and hand the bride gifts while also taking photos. If you delegate one task, let it be the photography.

If you’re concerned about the cost of hiring a photographer, check out local art schools for a photography major or ask a friend who’s great at taking photos. During my girls’ weekend, I paid a friend’s brother to snap some photos of us with my camera and was so thankful I could have fun and relax while knowing our memories were being documented. Printing the photos or saving them to a USB can also be a great gift for the bride after her event.

If you don’t spring for a photographer, set up a little photo area in your hotel room. On Saturday night, we had a little gold and black photo backdrop made from paper fan rosettes. The other MOH even got 1920’s themed photo booth props and the girls really got into snapping and taking selfies in front of the decor.

• Give the bride a heartfelt gift.

One of the best things my friends gave me at my girls’ weekend was a handmade scrapbook; my MOH made it and each bridesmaid contributed a sweet scrapbook page of memories and photos. I cherish it so much, often pulling it out to browse through when I’m having a rough day or am feeling a bit down. It’s the best reminder of our friendship.

I sent a private message to the girls, inviting them to make a scrapbook page for the bride. I didn’t give them any guidelines except for the 12×12 paper size so that each page would be from the heart and unique to each bridesmaid. Then I set to work on creating a big scrapbook with a 1920’s vibe. Take a look at this gold album or this burlap option for a vintage feel.

If you’re out of ideas, try dividing the scrapbook into sections. Start with an intro with a cute quote, the weekend plans, and a sweet letter from the bridesmaids. Then include a section of photos documenting the couple’s relationship; it’s the reason you’re celebrating, after all! Next, compile all the pages of friendship memories. And lastly, include a section with all the photos from the weekend for her to look back on over and over again.

If you’re nervous about your scrapbooking skills or the time it takes, try buying clear photo inserts that clip into the scrapbook album and simply insert a mixture of photos and cut pieces of decorative paper (gold paper pack, gold+black paper pack)… It goes much more quickly!

• Don’t forget the sweet treats.

Everyone loves sweets… And these cute treats make for adorable photos. Going with the Great Gatsby theme, Yours Truly Cupcake made us these adorable mini cupcakes accented with sparkling gold glitter and tiny pearls. They were as delicious as they are beautiful!

If you’re in the Denver area, I highly recommend Yours Truly Cupcake because it’s the only bakery I’ve found that is able to make the most creative, visually stunning treats that still taste incredible. You might remember her work from the cotton candy puffs and mini cupcakes at the Fluff Bar Valentine’s Day Event I co-hosted. I suggest macarons, a creative little cake, mini cupcakes, or little bags of cotton candy for bridal showers or bachelorette parties. Yours Truly Cupcake can even come and spin cotton candy at your event for a memorable and special touch!

• Get a little cheesy.

These events are supposed to be fun, so don’t make them too serious! Think of ways to be a group and wear similar things, carry fun props, or dress in theme. It lets everyone know you’re the bachelorette group and sets a celebratory tone for the day/evening. A little tip… Limit the matching to only one day so people don’t find it annoying. Once you know what color the bride is wearing you can always ask the other girls to stick to something else; girls in all-white or all-black let the bride shine in a bright color or metallic sequins.

I gifted the girls with these darling “Champagne Campaign” tees and we all wore them on Saturday for crafting, lunch, and shopping/activities (see our full itinerary here). They were an easy way to incorporate the Gatsby theme and they’re something the guests can wear again if they want. I also gave these gold foil temporary tattoos to the girls to wear on their wrists Saturday night; they’re almost like jewelry and they looked great with our flapper outfits.

Sunnies.  Blouse.  Skirt.  Similar Skirt.  Similar Handbag.  Stacked Rings.  Similar Shoes.

Miranda L. Sober Photography

And so it begins… Fall clothing is here on TheCashmereGypsy.com! My absolute favorite season for fashion has arrived. Cozy scarves and cognac-colored accessories and leather and warm sweaters and layers of tweed… You can’t beat fall style. I’m so ready to share some fall looks and inspiration with you!

You know I love classic looks like this… Bows and silk and leather skirts just send my vintage-loving heart aflutter. This is a great transitional outfit because the sleeveless blouse is light and airy, but the leather skirt gives the look a touch of warmth and richness. It’s really easy to layer up with jackets, scarves, tights, and boots.

I always receive lots of questions when I post photos of Chanel bags. The one I’m swinging around in these photos is the Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag in the Maxi size (13.4 inches wide). For comparison, you can see the slightly smaller (11 inches wide) Jumbo version in my post here. The Jumbo and Maxi sizes can be a bit difficult to find, as most people go for the Small and Medium sizes. I like the Small and Medium sizes for evening wear, but you can’t beat the practicality of the Jumbo and Maxi sizes for everyday use. The one I’m carrying is in the grainy or “caviar” leather which I prefer as it doesn’t get scratched or stained as easily as the lambskin, although the silky-soft lambskin is undoubtedly beautiful. I keep picturing a small lambskin flap bag in a cognac-tan color with gold hardware to carry in the evening. I’ve found lambskin Classic Flap bags in Medium with both silver and gold hardware.

I also wanted to mention (in case you noticed a particular sparkle missing) I left my wedding ring at home when my photographer and I met to shoot my latest looks. I lost two stones out of my wedding band and I was nervous to wear my rings as I was unsure if I had knocked the settings loose or something. A few of you saw my snaps and responded, telling me it has happened to you on occasion and I instantly felt better. You all are so sweet and I always appreciate your feedback and advice!

Happy Almost-Fall!

I hosted my friend’s bachelorette party here in Denver last week and I’ve been friends with her my whole life, so the pressure was on for the weekend to be perfect! I spent so much time planning this event and the timing and activities went off without a hitch, so I thought I’d share the itinerary in case any of you were thinking of a girls’ weekend here in Denver.

I’ve included everything from where to go and when to what to order once you’re there. Stay tuned for more bachelorette posts going over the decor + details and guest gift bags!

Friday

5:00 – 8:00  Appetizers + Drinks at Second Home

Second Home – 150 Clayton Lane, Denver – 303.253-3000 – website

Yours Truly Cupcake – 3047 Larimer Street, Denver – 303.638.3528 – website

We started the weekend at one of my favorite places in Cherry Creek; Second Home in the J.W. Marriott hotel. It’s a bar + restaurant with a gorgeous little courtyard hung with twinkling lights and a glowing stone fire pit. It’s worth getting there early to snag a table in the courtyard.

We kicked off the weekend with bridal games and a lingerie shower, so you could probably cut the three hour time allowance down a bit if you’re not doing anything like that. However, the courtyard is a great spot for photos with its natural lighting and pretty lights… It’s not hard to spend extra time there!

Everyone was a bit hungry from traveling and getting ready, so I had pre-ordered some of Second Home’s delicious comfort-food-style hors d’oeuvres for us to share. Order the Sweet Potato Fries, Hummus Plate, Colorado Meatballs, Tator Tots, and the Couch Potatoes (sweet potato chips with the most incredible dip)… They’re delicious!

We ended our time at Second Home with a pink champagne toast complete with gold, glittery cupcakes from Yours Truly Cupcake, my favorite bakery in Denver. The cupcakes were even adorned with tiny, edible pearls and perfectly coordinated with our 1920’s themed party.

Glitter Cupcakes c/o Yours Truly Cupcake

8:30 – 1:00  Dinner + Drag Show at M’s Uptown

M’s Uptown – 700 East 17th Avenue, Denver – 303.832-1833 – website

We hopped in an Uber and headed to another part of Denver for dinner and the drag show at quirky M’s Uptown. Be sure to reserve a table weeks in advance… The place fills up incredibly fast. Get there a bit early (the show starts at 10 PM) and you may even be able to talk the host into switching tables for a better view.

Another perk of an early arrival at M’s is the ability to place your food + drink order before the place gets packed. The American-style dining is surprisingly delicious for a place that looks more like a bar than a restaurant… Our table raved about both the mixed salads and the burgers.

Equal parts comedy show, lip syncing sing-along, and costume contest, the drag show at M’s Uptown is not one to disappoint. I’ve been to drag shows in bigger cities and I have to say, this one in Denver was the best I’ve been to. It’s a fun way to sing and laugh to the girliest music with your girlfriends (while cheering on men that can dance in heels far better than I do).

Saturday

9:00 – 10:30  Breakfast at Snooze

Snooze – 1701 Wynkoop Street, Denver – 303.825.3536 – website

Depending on the early risers in your group, you may want to plan on breakfast in the morning. Snooze is a Colorado favorite and there is a location in Denver’s newly renovated Union Station, just down the street from the next stop on the itinerary. Union Station is worth a walk-through, either before or after the DIY activity.

I would suggest ordering the Pancake of the Day to share with the table if you’re really hungry. And if you’re just in the mood for coffee, Snooze has a great Caramel Latte. Pig Train Coffee (also in Union Station) is a nice alternative.

11:00 – 1:30  Mimosas + Crafting at Upstairs Circus

Upstairs Circus – 1500 Wynkoop Street, Denver – 720.722.2105 – website

This is an activity that pleases everyone in the group – the artsy girls will love making the creative Pinterest-style crafts Upstairs Circus provides. And the others will enjoy making one of the easier crafts, then watching everyone else finish up while they sit back and enjoy complimentary popcorn and bottomless mimosas. I made a stamped gold necklace and the bride-to-be painted a vintage-looking Audrey Hepburn canvas.

A couple words of wisdom? Reserve your spots ahead of time, as the place fills up quickly with bridal showers and bachelorette parties. And pay attention to each project’s suggested skill level and time allowance; projects can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

1:30 – 3:00  Lunch at Marg’s Taco Bistro

Marg’s Taco Bistro – 1519 Wynkoop Street, Denver – 303.534.6274 – website

Right across the street from Upstairs Circus, this little taco spot is my favorite in Denver. The chips and queso are addictive, and I always order the Caprese and Calle tacos. Sometimes the restaurant is packed and other times it’s quiet, but make a reservation just to be safe.

“Cashmere Gypsy” Fragrance Rollerballs c/o Scented Studio

3:30 – 6:30  Free Time in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North

I adore the Cherry Creek area of Denver; it’s so charming and easy to walk around. Cherry Creek has plenty of shopping, entertainment, salons and spas, restaurants, and coffee shops. The girls staggered going back to the hotel and getting ready so it wouldn’t be too chaotic in the hotel room and everyone could have their time to spend shopping or doing activities.

Scented Studio – 215 Detroit Street, Denver – 303.333.3315 – website

**Updated Address – 3437 S. Broadway, Englewood – 303.333.3315

Scented Studio is a beautiful little fragrance shop where you can shop for high-quality fragrance products or create your very own custom fragrance with the One-On-One Custom Fragrance/Cologne Experience. You can also book the venue out for the Scented Journey Workshop or the Scented Studio Oil Table Experience, both of which allow your guests a professionally-guided experience to create their own custom fragrance or bath/body/home products. Remember my Insta Story/Snapchat when my fellow Denver bloggers and I were  learning about fragrances and designing our own? We did the Scented Journey Workshop and Oil Table Experience.

It’s such a fun experience and the women at Scented Studio will guide you through the whole process until you’re thrilled with your custom fragrance. Mention our blogger party to get 25% off your own custom fragrance. And if you want, you can even call them (they ship!) and purchase my signature fragrance Cashmere Gypsy – a sexy floral, or Cashmere Gypsy 2 – a lighter floral that complements it. I’m so obsessed with mine, I’ve worn them both every single day since I created them.

DryBar – 3290 East 1st Avenue, Denver – 303.242.3515 – website

Finish off the afternoon with a fresh blowout at DryBar, a style-only salon in Cherry Creek. Be sure to book your appointment through an app on your phone in advance. A few tips?? Ask for a double shampoo… It gives extra volume and makes your style last extra long. My favorite styles are the Southern Comfort and the Cosmo. And I sleep with my hair on top of my head and touch it up with dry shampoo each morning to extend my blowout as long as possible.

Matching Champagne Tanks

7:15 – 9:15  Dinner at Del Frisco’s Grille

Del Frisco’s Grille – 100 St. Paul Street, Denver – 303.320.8529 – website

Del Frisco’s is a modern steakhouse with delicious cocktails and scrumptious desserts. When you reserve your table, request to be seated on the rooftop upstairs… It has the prettiest views of the Cherry Creek area and the large tables have long, glowing fire pits in them. My favorite things to order? The white sangria, ahi tuna tacos, and kale salad. It’s a great place to start the evening, snap some photos, and maybe even play a bridal game or two.

9:45 – 12:00  Dancing at Tracks Nightclub

Tracks – 3500 Walnut Street, Denver – 303.863.7326 – website

My favorite spot in Denver for dancing, Tracks always has fun themed events and the best music in Denver. There’s a main room that plays everything from Britney and Whitney mixes to Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. A smaller room plays older music and is heavy on the disco tunes. It’s definitely a fun spot and it’s worth bottle service just to have a spot to sit down, rest your feet, and relax as the club can be quite crowded on weekends.

Sunday

10:00 – 12:00  Brunch at Linger

Linger – 2030 West 30th Avenue, Denver – 303.993-2130 – website

A restaurant operating out of a renovated funeral home sounds a bit morbid, but taste the food and check out the 1970’s-chic decor before you judge Linger. Nestled in LoHi, Linger offers rooftop dining with incredible views. The food is unique and eclectic; my favorites are the chorizo tacos and hot donut holes. It’s the perfect spot to rest your dance-weary feet and refresh from a long night out. Be sure to make your reservation early… It’s a popular spot on the weekends.

Photography by Miranda L. Sober and Myself

Lashes by Glamour Bar Denver (Mention TCG for $50 Off Lashes)

Miranda L. Sober Photography

Dress.  Bracelet.  Ring.  Boots.

I believe in warm summer days, crisp mountain air, and running through fields in wellies. I believe in endless swaths of flowing fabric and feeling like a princess with just a touch of pink lace. I believe every woman should have a piece of luxe jewelry so wearable it becomes a part of her; a statement about who she is.

I fell in love with this airy, effortless blush pink dress… It’s perfect for a bridesmaid or wedding guest dress. The lace on the bodice gives it a feminine feel and the flowing skirt is incredibly romantic and dreamy. I felt like such a princess in it, I sincerely can’t wait until I get to wear it again.

The gold mesh jewelry I’m wearing is the perfect accent to this dreamy dress. The pieces are by designer Idalia Baudo and handmade in Tuscany. I love the way they lay on my skin; they feel effortless, but they add such statement and texture to my outfit. I’m especially fond of the bracelet because its braided design is reversible. I currently have my eye on this bracelet… I think it would layer beautifully with my current Idalia Baudo pieces.

Do you have a dress or piece of jewelry that makes you feel confident? Do you feel most beautiful in a flowing dress or cozied up in pajamas?

Sponsored by Idalia Baudo Jewelry

Top.  (Currently Eyeing This One.)  Denim.  Bag.  Wedges.

In this intense August heat, I find myself craving light fabrics in shades of crisp blue and white and this look fits the bill. You know how much I adore the off-shoulder trend; off-shoulder tops are flattering on every body type and they showcase necklaces and earrings beautifully. My only complaint is that I can’t wear a regular bra with them.

The tops I’m featuring today solve that problem with their darling little straps that give a sort of cold-shoulder effect to this look. These are the perfect tops to wear out shopping, running errands, and to outdoor events because their straps (and therefore undergarment versatility) give you more range of movement and flexibility.

Here’s to ruffles, stripes, and hot summer days…

Southlands Shopping Center

Some of my favorite reader questions and requests are the ones that challenge me to find a “look for less” or to style an entire outfit under a certain spend amount. I love pretty things, but I also know the importance of balance… And we all have to budget if we want this season’s It Bag, right?!

Last week, some fellow Colorado bloggers and I had a fun day exploring Southlands beautiful outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment options. In between iced blueberry-pomegranate tea at Legends and sweets at Fuzziwig’s, I planned a date night and even added a few new pieces to my existing basics to create a fun date night look… And all for around $100.

If you’re in the Denver area, Southlands Shopping Center is a great place to find lots of affordable options from clothes and accessories to beauty and books. They have a nice selection of restaurants, as well as outdoor activities, a large movie theater, and nighttime entertainment, so it’s the perfect place for date night.

1.  Pedego Electric Bikes

Southlands is the largest shopping center in Colorado. And if you like heels as much as I do, a girl can get tired while shopping! I grabbed one of these darling Pedego bicycles to help me carry all my goodies while I shopped. Pedego has bicycles and electric bicycles for both sale and rent; but the electric one is the serious game changer, albeit dangerous for the budget. (Just think of the damage we can do if we’re cruising from shop to shop at 20 mph with a large basket to hold all our shopping bags… Pretty much endless shopping stamina!)

Pedego Website

2.  H&M

H&M is an essential stop if you’re looking to stay within a budget; I can always find cute pieces here at affordable prices and it’s one of the first shops I mention when readers ask me where to find inexpensive options to work into their wardrobe. I found the sweetest cream-colored dress for our date night and styled it with some black leather accessories to add a little edge.

H&M Website

3.  Francesca’s Collections

Francesca’s is always a favorite of mine when I need a specific jewelry piece and can’t seem to find it anywhere. They have a huge selection and a variety of styles, so it’s easy to find a piece that works with my outfit. This time, I found these dainty gold earrings with suspended ivory drusy stones… They complemented my dress perfectly.

Francesca’s Website

4.  Nothing Bundt Cakes

These little bundt cakes come in the most delicious flavors (chocolate and lemon are my favorites) and they have the perfect amount of icing on top. The “bundtlet” cakes are portioned well for two people, so I snagged one of these to share with my husband for our date night dessert.

Nothing Bundt Cakes Website

5.  Farmers Market

On the weekends, Southlands has a farmers market set up around the Town Square area and I bought the ingredients for one of my favorite picnic meals; freshly baked bread topped with creamy goat cheese and sliced peaches. The texture is lovely and the flavors work well in warm summer weather.

6.  Outdoor Picnic

That evening, my husband and I enjoyed my farmers market finds and the sweet little bundt cake outdoors at a little patio table overlooking Southlands’ Town Square. It’s such a charming little spot, especially at night… The string lights twinkle overhead and live music echoes across the square.

7.  AMC Southlands 16

We ended our night with a movie at AMC Southlands. When we walked in, I was pleasantly surprised to see that moviegoers could order healthier in-theater dining options like crispy brussels sprouts, quinoa bowls, and sushi rolls. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen theater seats so huge and cozy in my life; my husband usually despises sitting through movies and he didn’t complain once.

**Tip… Matinee tickets are always less expensive and are often offered until 5 PM.

Sunnies.  Earrings.  Similar Jacket.  Goyard Bellechasse Bag.  Similar Booties.  Gold Bracelet.  Gold Ring.

Similar Dresses:  Here.  Here.  Here.

This dress has such sweet, feminine details with its fluttery sleeves and tiny buttons down the front of the bodice. It’s also really flattering on the body because of the deep ‘v’ neckline and the curve-creating tie waist. It runs a bit small; get one size up. I like it toughened a little with black leather accessories like my jacket and booties.

I wasn’t able to find this dress online, but I’ll keep checking and will link it for you if it ever goes up on HM.com. I found three similar styles for you: this similar tie-waist dress, one with butterfly sleeves, and one with open detail on the neckline.

** Tip… Dresses are a great option if you’re on a budget… You only have to purchase one item and you’re able to get an entire new look. They’re also versatile because they can be layered with your existing accessories like hats, jewelry, jackets, and scarves.  Add a slouchy sweater for a top-and-skirt look.