Dressin.com: Product Review

About a month ago, I was contacted by a website called Dressin.com, asking me to promote their products via my Polyvore account. I looked through their website and instantly thought all of the clothes looked so cute and stylish. I was a bit weary though, because the site originates in China and many of the items they had to offer were fairly cheap. I decided to agree to collaborate with them and they were nice enough to let me pick out clothing items of my choice. 
I picked out 3 different pieces and I am going to give you a completely honest review.

Price: $7.71

Rating: 7.5/10

This first one is a sailor type of shirt. I fell in love with it when I saw how lightweight and doll-like it looked. When I took it out of the packaging, I saw how it wasn't exactly a light chiffon as stated on the website. The material definitely wasn't my favorite and the threads were coming undone only after a couple hours after wear. It was also slightly small but that's very common, as it is from an Asian clothing website and their clothes tend to run small.

     

Price: $6.10

Rating: 5/10

The next things I got were these adorable sleeveless peter pan collar tops with a sheer swiss dotted fabric. I ordered one in black and another one in white. I didn't like this one as much as the first one and was fairly disappointed in this purchase. First off, the material is incredibly see-through and thin, you would have to wear a camisole underneath to prevent flashing anyone.The arm holes were also extremely tight. It runs very small so I would suggest buying 2 sizes bigger than you normally would wear. I am usually a US size 4, so I ordered an Asian size medium. I felt like this would've fit a 5 year old. The silhouette also wasn't very figure flattering at all and just kind of looked frumpy and sad. 

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Overall, I would say you get what you pay for. The clothes were really pretty but it's definitely not a boutique kind of shop. I would say, don't expect anything too over the top. But if you like cute, cheap clothing I think you would enjoy shopping here. Also, customer service is amazing and super helpful. So, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, contact them.

All opinions stated here are my own. I was not paid by Dressin.com to make this blogpost.

Dressin.com

3 Ways to Wear Dungarees this Summer

It's the nostalgic trend EVERYONE is catching on to: dungarees. Dungarees and playsuits in general, really brings that 90s vibe to any outfit. It is so casual and can make any outfit look a bit more playful and quirky. I've created 3 outfits that include this tricky trend so hopefully you will get an inspiration by these because I know it might be hard to wear dungarees without looking like a toddler.

Diana by bellacharlie

This first outfit is very "90s kid" inspired. It features a Topshop bleach washed pair of dungarees, matched with an off the shoulder Monki striped top (which is sold out), and simple white Superga trainers. I completed the look with a colorful pair of Miu Miu sunglasses. I really like this because it is the perfect outfit for a picnic with friends, a day by the lake, or a walk in the park. It is extremely casual and youthful, which is perfect for summer. 

Moment by bellacharlie

This next outfit features black dungarees and a gingham bardot crop top, which are both from Topshop. I included a pair of Ray-Ban light brown sunglasses and all white dainty Converse sneakers. I am obsessed with monochrome at the moment; its simple and sleek style is just perfect any time of the year. Although it is summer and black and white outfits might not be everybody's cup of tea, you could always add some color by replacing the white converse for a pale pink pair, or paint your nails a more vibrant and summery shade. In my previous blogpost, I explained my dislike for bright nails and my love for more muted shades, but in an all black and white outfit, colorful nails are a wonderful alternative to my usual subtlety. 

My Everything by bellacharlie 

This last outfit is definitely more of an occasional outfit. This could be worn for a night out with friends or a fancy dinner. This look still has the casualness the dungarees portrays though which I love. I used the same black dungarees as the one I used in my previous outfit and a silk button-down crop top from Topshop Unique. I used a stunning pair of sparkly loafers by Chiara Ferrangi. All of the shoes she designs are so quirky and eccentric but in the most wonderful way possible. I made a whole collection dedicated to my favorite statement shoes created by her. Anyways back to the topic, I used really pretty Thierry Lasry sunglasses that matches the color theme of this outfit. Lastly I opted for a simple white crossbody bag from CHLOE, which is sold out everywhere unfortunately. I went for white because this outfit might seem quite dark and heavy and a white bag adds a bit of lightness and airiness to the outfit.

How will you style dungarees? Xx

Topshop Candy Colored Nails

Well first off, Happy Fourth of July! I hope you are having a wonderful Independence Day if you live in America, and if not I hope you are having a nice day wherever you live.

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On with the blogpost 

 Personally, I tend to like pastel shades rather than bright ones on nails. I know that since it's July, most people are using bright summery shades, but some people like me don't really care for intense and vibrant nails. I decided to make an inspirational set for those who don't usually go for bright shades this time of year and like more of the muted or subtle nail colors. This set is inspired by the color tones of marshmallows, and the lightweight airiness marshmallows portray. I chose to stick with three main shades.

From left to right

• Topshop Nails in Keep Me Sweet
• Topshop Nails in Au Naturel
• Topshop Nails in Caught Your Eye

Topshop Candy Colored Nails by bellacharlie 

The first two shades I mentioned are unfortunately sold out at the time of writing which makes me really sad. But you can still buy similar shades like this basically anywhere.

My dad

This is sort of a late Father's day post but I needed to write this because it needs to be said. 
My father is amazing and it kills me that I don't show enough of my appreciation and love towards him. He's always there for me when I need him, and he's always good for advice and company. He's not always home; he has work in another state and comes home every 2 months or so. I miss him everyday and sometimes I will admit, I feel like I get used to being alone without him. It's awful that I'm so comfortable with that but I know that there is always a missing piece to our family when he's not around. He's not the perfect father; he has his flaws, he knows when he's done something wrong, or when he makes a huge mistake and won't own up to it, but he tries his hardest. He tries to be the best dad a daughter could ask for. If you ask me, my sister, and my half siblings, we would all tell you that our dad is the most caring and determined father we could ever ask for. He's always there even during the rants I have, and when I stress him out and be quite the handful, but he never gives up. It's easy for him to just walk away and say "I can't do it anymore" but he doesn't because he's strong. I admire him for that. 
This past year, he's become sick and has been hospitalized a few times. He's getting surgery and I pray that everything will be alright and soon he'll be healthy again. I love him to the moon and back.

A quick note: To all of you who have their father with them, I suggest you go and hug him and tell him how much he means to you. Even if he's not living with you, pull out your phone right away and spend just a few minutes, or even hours, talking to him and cherishing every moment you have with him.

-Bella Xx

Beach Bag Essentials

I know in most places across America, summer break has already started and what better way to celebrate than a summer getaway to the beach? I love the beach; the waves, the crisp fresh air, the sand between my toes, it's all very relaxing and comforting. I've made a fashion/beauty set on what I would pack in my beach bag.

Sacrifice by bellacharlie featuring VIPP

Well first you'll need a beach bag, I picked one from Jack Wills which is sold out, but their site has a variety of different beach totes you could choose from (I recommend the Lesterton Bag, Billington Tote, and Honlington Totes as wonderful beach bags).

Next a lightweight coverup is always a must just in case it gets chilly while you are in your bikini or swimsuit. You could use lightweight dresses too as an alternative but I went for a cute ruffled playsuit that I am in love with.

Sandals to compliment your cool and fresh attire always do the job. 

A white towel for after your swims in the ocean.You could always opt for the colorful beach towels instead, but I went for classy and simple.

Now for the little accessories that are needed on your long and romantic beach walks:

• Bobby pins to pull your hair back during breezy beach days, the ones I chose are sold out but you can always purchase some from literally any fashion or beauty store.
• A brush (or brush set) and neutral muted blush so you could touch up by doing fresh and simple makeup after the day is over and it's time for a night out. 
• A texture hairspray so you could do your hair in gorgeous and bouncy beach waves with the surfer girl appeal.
• Facial sunscreen and sunscreen in general so you won't end up looking like a fish stick at the end of the day.
• A lip balm with spf because who wants chappy, burnt lips on the perfect summer day.
• Breath mints for after the delicious fish tacos you ate for lunch (and trust me you will want to eat fish tacos by the seaside, I guarantee it)
• And of course if you are going on summer holiday/vacation you're going to need to update your phone case and change it into an adorable summery one with the cutest sayings. Here are some other options: this blueish case from Nordstrom Rack with the saying "You are my sunshine my only sunshine" , this Kate Spade case with the saying "The world is your oyster", this ridiculously adorable Juicy Couture case with the saying, "Beach don't kill my vibe", this case from Society 6 with the saying, "Hope anchors the soul"

Spring/Summer Collection with Fevrie

Bella's Fevrie Sets by bellacharlie on polyvore.com

I keep on forgetting to blog about this, so here it is. While working with Fevrie on a collaboration, I created 16 sets for them that revolve around different spring styles. I've put them in a collection that you can look through for inspiration. This blog post is really long so bare with me.

• The first one that you see definitely has an edgy feel to it with a "let loose" kind of vibe, I'd like to think. I absolutely love love love the fringed camisole top that you can get at H&M.
• Next, you have a spring outfit that can be used for more of a chilly day, which is why I included this lovely neutral colored pea coat you can get by Moschino Cheap & Chic. 
• This next set is also a very edgy party outfit, as you can tell by the leather pants and fringe crop top. 
• My next set is very casual chic and I love it so much, especially the fringed tassel bralette from Free People. (Yes more fringe)
• This next set is kind of a baby doll kind of look, with the cute nude flats and the simple blue dress.
• Next, this set can be used for a cold spring day where it is still sunny, which is why I included a cropped cashmere sweater but I still incorporated cute sandals.
• The next set is definitely one of my favorite Fevrie sets I've made. I love the bold colors and those loafers are ridiculously cute.
• I love this next set, it has an edgy vibe like the ones you saw earlier. This is a menswear inspired outfit, with a feminine twist. (Cue the gorgeous brogues and denim shirt)
• The next set is a pretty and girly set that includes all your must-have spring staples; espadrilles, destroyed denim jeans, lightweight flowy camisole, and a delicate fragrance that completes the look (I used a lovely Jack Wills perfume but it is unfortunately unavailable at the moment).
• I really adore this next set because of its nostalgic simplicity and femininity it displays. Remember, always opt for your go-to destroyed denim boyfriend jeans for a casual spring outfit. 
• This next set is more of an occasional outfit that can be worn to a spring or summer wedding, and it really goes well with this year's trend as a two-piece dress.
• The next set is so adorable and reminds me of elementary school, with its t-bar flats and warm stockings, paired with a sweatshirt featuring the lovely Lucy Van Pelt.
• My next set is also an adorable child-like set which features a very cute Topshop ice cream graphic jumper (which is unavailable at the moment, but I'm sure you can find other graphic sweatshirts similar tot his one).
• This is really edgy (I think I am really into edgy outfits now...) and features a casual Topshop bomber jacket that is a spring staple. 
• I am really proud of this next set as it can be dressed up with a pair of glamorous pointed toe flats and a blazer, or dressed down with jelly sandals. 
• My last set is very edgy and rocker chic and I just had to include these amazing and stylish brogues. 

Fevrie products I used in this collection:

Heart necklace, pink bangle, mood ring, gold crossed ring, chunky heart necklace, pearl headband, gold linked bracelet, silver bracelet (that is unfortunately sold out), pearl ring, poison ivy ring, daisy skirt, silver bangle (that is also unfortunately sold out), floral short shorts, plaid bralette crop top    

www.fevrie.com

Mother's Day Breakfast: French Toast

Since my mom is the best mother I could ever have (and I mean that 110%), I made her a Pre-Mother's Day breakfast today. I surprised her with sweet french toast, warm maple syrup, hash browns, bacon, juice, and green tea. She loved it and was so surprised.
This is the recipe I used for the french toast I made her, just saying this will be the best french toast you will ever try. EVER.

Indgredients you'll need to buy (or borrow from your neighbor)---better yet, you can just invite all of the neighborhood mothers for a delicious brunch. Oops got a bit off topic...
So anyways you will need:

• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg 
• 2 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup or honey, depends on what you fancy)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 c milk (whole milk will taste a lot richer)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 8 slices stale white bread (tastes a whole lot better than soft bread that will turn out soggy)
• toppings: warm maple syrup, fruit, nutella, berries, powdered sugar, cream cheese, etc.

Recipe adopted from Robert Irvine

Steps:

1. In a small bowl (I used a ramekin), combine cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg
2. Melt butter over medium heat on a skillet (use a nonstick cooking spray before buttering the skillet to prevent the butter burning)
3. Whisk together the cinnamon mixture with eggs, milk, and vanilla (make sure ingredients are at room temperature for a richer flavor) and pour into shallow pie dish
4. Dip bread into egg mixture (whisk the mixture very well so it has a smooth consistency and prevents any excess bits of fried eggs hanging out)
5. Fry until golden and flip 

This recipe serves 4 people

Also, this recipe tastes delicious with a quick and easy berry compote I created:

1. Preheat a small saucepan over a stovetop on medium heat
2. Add 3/4 c of mixed berries
3. Add ice cubes and 2 teaspoons of sugar (optional)
4. Stir with wooden spoon and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch 
5. Let cool for 10 minutes and serve

This recipe serves 2 people

I am also making another Mother's Day surprise for my mom tomorrow, so expect a blog post on another delicious recipe soon. 

Have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend! Xx