July Monthly Favorites

Since July is quickly ending and August is upon us, I figured what better way to end the month then a monthly favorites?

I’ve always viewed July as the purest summer month. I think its because when I was younger school was finishing up in June and it was starting again in August so July was always purely reserved for chilling by the pool and relaxing. As I’ve gotten older July has morphed into a month where I’m comfortable experimenting with different fashion and makeup looks. Since school is out and you’re not seeing all your peers everyday there is a sense of freedom that is lost during the school year. I use this time to develop different daily routines and try new products.

Here’s some things I’ve been enjoying this month in the fashion and beauty realms along with some other gems.

Fashion:

1. Bralettes - I don’t know about you, but in the summer my number one need is to be comfortable all the time. Bralettes are perfect for this. They aren’t as constricting as a normal bra and are super comfortable. Also, they make casual outfits more interesting and can give the illusion that you tried a bit more than you actually did. Sounds like a win to me. This past month I have been wearing the life out of my white one from Aerie. It’s really soft, supportive and there’s even an option to wear it as a racer back.

2. Front Button Up Skirts - Okay so ever since Eleanor Calder posted a picture of her wearing this skirt from Topshop on her blog, The Trend Pear, I’ve been obsessed. There’s something that’s so classic about this piece and I love that it can be dressed up or dressed down. It’s a summer staple for me. Another person who has been rocking this skirt is Florencia from Flo Loves Clothes, so check her out if you’re looking for different ways to style it.

3. Adidas Superstars - THIS IS WITHOUT A DOUBT MY FAVORITE TREND OF THIS SUMMER. Literally, I have been living in my black Adidas Superstars. They are so unbelievably comfortable and they look so classic and just gorgeous. I’m completely obsessed. Tip: You can order kids size superstars and they’ll fit you. Simply subtract two sizes from your shoe size. So example: I’m a women’s 9, I ordered a kid’s size 7. They fit perfectly and they were half the price. You’re welcome.

4. Metallic Oxfords – Do I even need to explain this favorite? I mean just look at them. They’re edgy and classy at the same time. Perfection.

5. Backpacks – Another thing I can’t live without. I’m a big supporter of bags and purses that are hands free making this the greatest thing since microwave popcorn.

Beauty:

6 & 7. Mac Studio-Fix Concealer/Beauty Blender- I hate wearing foundation in the summer. It’s cakey and thick and I feel like my skin is suffocating. This concealer from Mac is great because it’s highly pigmented so you only need a small amount. And with the beauty blender it blends like a dream leaving your skin absolutely flawless.

8. Benefit’s Gimme Brow- I have been obsessed with a strong brow and I blame Cara Delevingne. This brow gel fills in your brows and locks the hairs in place helping you frame your face beautifully. Quick, easy and efficient.

9. Lush’s Cupcake Face Mask – Yes, Lush does sell things other than the Bath Bomb. Who would’ve known? This facemask is an all time favorite of mine. It’s so calming and soothing on your skin. June was a month of breakouts for me due to stress so this facemask was literally a godsend. Also it’s only like seven bucks. So major win.

10. YSL Touche Eclat Highlighter- UGH YES. JUST EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS YES. Yes it’s worth the money. Yes it lives up to the hype. Yes you really do need this in your life.

11. Makeup Forever Smokey Lash Mascara – I change my mascara like every two months so believe me when I say this mascara is fantastic. The brush grips your lashes like a dream and the formula lengthens and thickens your lashes beautifully.

Other Favorites:

12. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi – This book was recommended to me by two of my friends at college. If you’re into futuristic society, science fiction topics you’ll love it. I picked this up on a Monday and was finished by Tuesday night. If you love to read, check it out. You won't regret it.

13.  Walk the Moon- Talking Is Hard Album- This album is the soundtrack of my summer. Literally. Walk the Moon has such a happy, light sound and are such positive, radiant humans, making this album one of the most enjoyable things to listen to. I’d be willing to bet money that you’ve already heard Shut Up and Dance but, honestly, this album has plenty of other hits. My personal favorites are Portugal, Avalanche and Sidekick. I also saw them in Columbus this month and it was a fantastic show. If you ever get the chance to see them live I would 100% recommend it.

14. Paper Towns Movie – THIS MOVIE IS INCREDIBLE ALSO THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS IS INCREDIBLE. Paper Towns is my second favorite John Green novel (behind Looking For Alaska) so I was beyond excited for this movie. Also, the fact CARA FREAKING DELEVINGNE is in it makes it ten times better. (To be honest, she should be a July Favorite within herself.) But really this movie is fantastic. Nat and Cara do an incredible job and I would highly recommend going to see it. Also I had the opportunity to see Cara, Nat, John, and Halston Sage in Columbus a couple weeks ago and I vlogged it on my youtube channel (TheNewRomantics) so if you’re curious as to how that was be sure to check it out!

Well it looks like that’s it for my July Monthly Favorites. I hope you guys had a good month and are looking foreword to August. I know I am!

What were some of the things you loved this month? I would love to hear about them in the comments!

Love,

A. xx