Ultimate in Summer Sexy

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For years now, my favorite makeup combination has been a smokey eye and a nude lip.  It's fresh and sexy, and something about it is perfect for summer.  Not much is needed to achieve this classic look - apply nude lipstick, bronzer, and a good kohl eyeliner and off you go, looking pretty as can be.  

Pretty lil' Ponies

With warm, muggy weather finally here (I'm not complaining, simply stating facts) I've found that there is nothing more refreshing than a polished looking ponytail.  Ponies are a hair trend I tend to overlook - probably because it's just something I automatically do at some point during the day (it's a running joke that at noon in my office, my hair will have gone from down to up.)  But with a little styling, I think ponytails can be one of the prettiest ways to wear hair.  Below are some trends that are perfect for summertime.

Low side pony, with side part and soft waves...

Preppy, high pony made extra sweet with a bow...

Extra messy & sexy, with a hidden hair tie...

Loose and simple pony, with chunky braids for contrast...

A Brigitte Bardot-esqe pony with lots of volume....

Weekend's Hurr.

 I'm so happy the weekend is here.  My friends are here, the sun is out, wine is flowing, and life is good.  Enjoy your weekend, dears.  

Rose Gardens at Dusk

I have found that my new favorite way to unwind, is to go for a walk in the rose garden a few blocks from my house.  I've been waiting patiently for the roses to bloom, and on last night's walk I was delighted to find that many had blossomed.  Evening walks have easily become a favorite way to de-stress after a long day of work.  What are the ways your relax in the evening?  

Beauty Crush Monday: Onesta Lavender Body Lotion

Discovering the Onesta line was a fortuitous find - and one that I'm quite thankful for.  In a world where parabens are bad, and sulfate free is the only way to buy beauty products, the whole thing can be a bit overwhelming.  How do you know what you're buying?  Onesta takes the guess work out of it and makes the whole process quite simple.   All of their ingredients are naturally derived - so you can feel great about what you're using.  Also, 10% of the company's profits are donated to cancer research each year.

My BFF happens to work for the company, and she's the one who turned me on to their great products.   I have come to realize I can't live without the Lavender Body Lotion.  It's rich, without being greasy, and the natural lavender smell is intoxicatingly fresh.  It has become my favorite thing to put on before I  go to bed.    Their hair products are equally wonderful, and I'll plan on sharing more about those in a future Beauty Crush Monday.

As of Late

Well, hello there, friends.  It's been a few minutes.  I've been busy though.  Truly.  May was a beautiful blur of a month that started with the Kentucky Derby, included a trip to Mexico, and ended with me running my 1st 1/2 marathon.  I have been busy with work (it's a good thing!) but have missed good ol' Hush n Wonder.  So here's hoping the dear blog gets a bit more attention in the coming months.

I haven't gotten to do much shopping lately.  Everything I have bought in the past month has had some sort of purpose - like I need that dress for the Kentucky Derby.  Or I need that good facial sunscreen for Mexico.  Or that sports bra is the perfect pink to match my running shoes.  You get the picture.  Below are some little gems I'd like to be buying regardless of trips and simply in honor of summer.  Which is here.  Finally!

The Wantables.

Bath & Shower Oil:  I am needing this.  This oil is perfect to lather on before a shower or add a little to your bath to create a relaxing little haven all your own.  By Aromatherapy Associates, find it here.  

A Printed Tee:   Nothing beats a good printed t-shirt.  This one by Zoe Karssen is perfection.  Fun fact - I ordered it from here.  

Retro Sunnies:  Acetate sunglasses are the thing right now - but something about this pair seems perfectly classic.  Cutler and Gross nailed it with this pair.  

A Wild Necklace:  I'm quite certain shark teeth have replaced snakes as the most exotic form of jewelry.  This necklace by Heather Hawkins is the ultimate summer accessory.  

A Vintage Scarf:   Finishing off an outfit with a colorful scarf is trick that can take outfits from blah to beautiful.  This Dolce & Gabbana printed scarf is great, but find that flea markets and vintage stores have a great selection as well.  

Printed Shorts:  A fun pair of printed shorts are must have for summer.  I love this aztec version from Topshop.  Paired with a peasant top or simple tank, these would/will get a lot of wear.  

Back to the Glamour

Most red carpet events hold an element of glamour all on their own.    But this year at Cannes, it seems as though celebrities are taking steps to ensure their attire might be something that came straight out of an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.  This extravagance isn't coincidental (this Gatsby fever is downright congtagious!) and I'm loving it.

Cara Delavigne in Burberry Gown

Georgia Jagger in Roberto Cavalli

Frieda Pinto in Gucci

Images via.