Style
Jewelry Porn: Pieces From The Necklace Whisperer
When I met Lisa George of L George Designs, I tried on every single piece of jewelry in her entire collection (go hard or go home) and was floored by how incredible they all were. She has a gift for making badass, statement pieces that are totally comfortable and lay perfectly on your neck. I was in the presence of…The Necklace Whisperer.
She made this turquoise beauty for me and I basically didn’t take it off for a month (except to work out and shower). Even though it’s so bold, it goes with everything and magically completes every outfit!
Even next to a horse’s ass, its beauty still shines through!
(Just another night on the Atlanta bar scene.)
I loved the necklace so much, Lisa named it after me: The Turquoise Hess (contact them for pricing).
I’m also obsessed with this spiked stunner, which I like to call The Bad Date Necklace. If you have a first and/or blind date and aren’t sure how it’s going to pan out, wear this to ensure he gets nowhere close to making out with you and your neck area. If you do want to play tonsil hockey, just casually remove it and give him a wink (he’ll get the point).
I can’t sing enough praises about L George Designs. She is seriously blowing up in the accessory world and I think every gal should own one of her pieces (celeb secret: Beyonce’s bass player owns a necklace and is obsessed).
Atlanta friends, you can come check out the collection THIS Wednesday with a special trunk show at The Spa at the Four Seasons (we gettin’ fancy, y’all!) from 7-9 p.m. There will be free champagne and snacks (magic words), tunes from DJ Cannonball (read: my good friend Trey and the 187th ranked DJ in the tri-state area), lots of gorgeous, never-before-seen jewels to try on, and you can meet The Necklace Whisperer herself. Check out the Witty + Pretty Facebook page to view the flyer and I hope to see you there getting pretty!
LYLAS,
Ashley
Summer Obsession: Printed Palazzo Pants
I saw these Flying Tomato palazzo pants on South Moon Under’s site months ago (yes, I drooled on my keyboard) and finally got them. They were everything I hoped they’d be and more.
See? They even make babies happy. (Not my child, btw.)
These lovelies are currently on sale for $50 (!!!), but there’s only a large left. If you’re tall (5’8 or above) and wear a size 8 or above, the large will work for you. I got a medium, but would totally sport the large for a baggier look. FYI: Oversized clothing is coming in hot for fall.
Check out some other gems from South Moon:
Tolani chevron print pants ($174) / Ark & Co. Hawaiian print pants ($69) / Flying Tomato tropical tribal print pants ($50) / Flying Tomato neon tribal pants ($64)
Palazzos are perfect with crop tops (this Alternative piece is money), simple tanks (even tuck in and belt like this), or form-fitting tees. Then in the fall, you can transition them with chambray! Depending on the length of the pant, you can do flats OR platforms/wedges. And the best part: They’re loose and airy (read: less risk for a swamp ass situation).
So grow get a pair.
LYLAS,
Ashley
The Comfiest + Cutest Flip-Flops (Also Perfect for Weddings)
I’ve owned (and drunkenly lost) many a pair of flip-flops, specifically Havaianas. They’re cute, they’re stylish, and they say “I’m a cool chick.” But they are NOT the most comfortable shoes on the planet (admit it!), and with a completely flat sole and no give, they’re not the best for your feet either. We have to take care of our soles, sisters. They’re the only ones we got.
Well I have found the most comfortable flip-flops ever: The Reef Stargazer ($27; promo code at the bottom of this post).
Reefs are better for your feet in general because of their structure, especially if you have a high arch as many styles provide the extra support. I used to have and love these Mallory flops, but lost them in a freak vodka accident. But the Stargazer is just incredible. The squishy, supportive sole is BEYOND comfy (read: you can walk all day long in them and not want to die). You don’t have to clench or strain your feet to keep them from slipping–they stay on perfectly so you can walk naturally. And over time, you’ll notice them molding to your feet for even more enjoyable wear. The thin straps are coated for comfort (read: no blistering and/or between-the-toes sores) AND they are sparkly in an understated, classy-not-trashy way.
And brides-to-be: Get a load of the wedding style.
Snag a pair for yourself (or hint to your bridesmaids), then gift the girls with the Stargazer in rose gold so they can dance the night away at your reception in sparkly comfort.
LYLAS,
Ashley
**Use promo code FF30 for 30% off! Also, a tip from a reader to try: Use the code REEFSHIP for free shipping. It calculates the free shipping after you enter your shipping info, so you might have to enter them a couple of times. And if you use PayPal, wait to select PayPal until after you enter all your info instead of selecting it immediately as a shortcut. If you select PayPal right away, you wont be able to enter promo codes.
Talking Beachwear With the 6 Shore Road Creator + the Best Romper Ever
Who better to chat beachwear with than a designer of one of the coolest, most celeb-beloved, flattering lines on the swim scene? Pooja Kharbanda is behind the to-die-for suits, coverups, rompers, dresses, etc. of 6 Shore Road, which means she has major style and expertise on what looks hot in the heat. Get to know her, her drink of choice, must-have beauty products, and more. Plus, she shares which suits look best on your bod…
You’ve lived and traveled all over the world. What is your favorite coastal locale?
Panama–Isla Grande beach. Amazing clear water, underdeveloped beach shacks, and local pineapple mixed drinks.
Um, I’m about to get on a plane right now. Speaking of drinks, what is your cocktail of choice?
Starfruit and coconut margarita on the rocks.
I need to look into those. Tell me what’s always in your beach bag.
Neutrogena sunscreen, lip stain, sketch book, 6 Shore Road bikini, hair turban, Ray-Ban sunglasses.
I’m a Ray-Ban gal myself. So, how do you pull off “resort wear” in a city that’s NOT by the water (ahem, Atlanta) without looking stupid?
I love to pair platforms with the Malay romper or booties with the Isla Verde mini dress. Or throw on a baseball cap and wedge sneakers with the Angelfish pants and a tank. The Monsoon maxi is so easy to wear at the beach and in the city.
Well, what do you know, I happen to own the fab Malay Romper ($115) and was thinking it would pair perfectly with platform wedges.
(PS, I don’t know how you fashion bloggers do it. I could barely keep a straight face long enough to “model” for these pics in Everything But Water.)
What are some of your favorite pieces in this season’s collection? Any you’ve found to be EXTRA flattering on women?
Bocas swimsuit–flattering for gals with boobs or flat-chested. And the high-waist bottom hides the little tummy pouch. Juju bikini–the embroidered band under the bust adds a little something special and accentuates the upper body, and the low rider string bikini elongates your body.
The Bocas is on my lust list. Lastly, standard Witty + Pretty question–what are your five must-have beauty products?
La Mer, Clinique mascara, Nars lipstick, Oil of Olay face wipes, Mac liquid liner.
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Shop 6 Shore Road online or at various stores. I personally love Everything But Water, especially the beautiful, new Westside location. Now who’s ready to hit the sand?
LYLAS,
Ashley
10 Essentials to Wear/Bring to a Music Festival
Since we’re talking music festivals, don’t read any further unless you’ve seen this:
I love The Obesity Epidemic. Such amazing energy. Can’t believe I missed them at Bonnaroo last year.
So I’m en route to the Hangout Music Festival as we speak (#ThankYouHotspot) and am super pumped to wear a hippie headband, some sort of obnoxious fringe getup, and impractical hipster boots whilst waving my hands in the air and swaying to the righteous tunes.
SIKE.
Here are the real items essential for the best fest experience:
1. Flowy/sheer/crocheted top of some sort. You can wear it over a pretty bra or bikini top for a Bohemian look that’s airy and comfortable. The blouse pictured is from Calypso St. Barth, but Free People has my favorite selection of Boho duds.
2. Jorts. Duh. They’re a staple for music festivals. The more worn-in, the better.
3. Comfortable/practical footwear. Girls that wear heels/high wedges for festivals…I can’t even. If it’s sandal weather, choose a pair you’ve already broken in so they won’t give you blisters or pinch pain, and some sort of support is ideal. I love Havaianas, but they suck for being on your feet all day. My Cole Haan Grove sandals (pictured) with cushy, supportive soles are made for walkin’. If it’s raining, consider there might be mud and you’ll need rain boots, which coincidentally, look awesome with distressed denim shorts.
4. Sunglasses. Another no-brainer. I’m currently lusting for these thick cat-eye Wayfarers. Meow.
5. Something to carry your sh*t. For a fest, you gotta’ go crossbody or backpack (or fanny pack, of course). You don’t want a purse slinging around while you’re trying to wave your hands in the air like you just don’t care. This Navajo-print bag from South Moon Under is festival fab.
6. Fouta. Not to be confused with a FUPA, these European throws act as compact and cute blankets to sit on AND you can even find some that work as scarves/wraps like my obsessions at Huff Harrington Home for $42 (seriously, they’re amazing and I keep buying them in different colors–read more HERE).
7. Sunscreen. Do you want gross, painful sunburn? Maybe some skin cancer? How about both? When you’re outside for hours on end, you’ve gotta SPF it up, especially on your face (nose and forehead, especially). Coola organic suncare is my absolute fave (more on sun essentials next week) and this SPF 30 for face with a matte finish prettifies your complexion while protecting it.
8. Freshening towelettes. If it’s hot, you’ll feel gross by day’s end (or middle). Use cleansing wipes on your face, neck, arms, legs, etc. to make yourself feel fresh again. Even baby wipes work wonders.
9. Undercover flask. I’m not suggesting you break the rules. Okay, yes I am. You may as well try to sneak in alcohol in a flask that looks like binoculars, an iPhone, or camera to save yourself a couple $27 drinks. Or you could put vodka in a water bottle, wrap it in your fouta, and hope for the best. It’s worked for me (ssshhhh)….
10. GoGirl. Disclaimer: I’ve never used this. But if you’re weird about urinating in a porta potty and/or outdoors, this hygienic invention could help your situation by letting you pee like you have a D.
Now you’re ready for some good, clean fun.
LYLAS,
Ashley
Let’s party together (on the Internet)!