Bando – Iced Tea and Top Knots

Fireworks, Fashion and Music: All Things 4th of July

Published on June 28, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

“Land That I Love, Stand Beside Her, And Guide Her, Through The Night With The Light From Above.” ~God Bless America

4th of July is all about celebrating our freedoms with family and friends. This is one of my favorite holidays. The reason for that is it is a day that makes me really go all out to celebrate the freedoms I am so grateful for and to celebrate with those I love makes it even more special.

So in honor of 4th of July, here are some of my all time essentials. In terms of skincare I always like give myself a hydrating, relaxing facial due to the fact that I will be out in the sun. It helps keep my skin hydrating and stress free. Before hand make sure your skin is nice and clean (I use Garnier’s Miscellar Water). This go around I used a new mask by Avatara Chill Out Face Mask from Target. It dripped a little bit when I first put it on, but overall I will be using it again and to make it extra relaxing, you can put it in the fridge (defintely works). Next comes moisture and SPF application for that much needed hydration and sun protection. Lately I have been using Yes To Grapefruit Even Skin Moisturizer, ELF Cosmetics Illuminating Eye Cream and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 Sunscreen. Also for all over sun protection, I like to use Honest Company’s Sunscreen Spray (make sure to shake before application).

Let me tell you, I love them all so far and they don’t seem to be upsetting my sensitive skin, which is always a good thing. I am extra dilligent with this routine come 4th of July celebrations since it’s all about the sunshine. Also, water is the final key for hydrating on a sunshine filled day like July 4th. I usually am drinking from my Bando water bottle or SmartWater‘s sparkling water if I am craving some carbonation.

Now on to one of my favorite parts: attire and beauty. I have a tradition every 4th of July to pick up a fun new outfit and this year was no different. I went with camo and khaki from Target, which I am excited to rock on the day (stay tuned). I rock other favorite Patriotic ensembles leading up to Independence Day, here are a few options I have:

Voyage Clothing Tank, Kini Bands HeadWrap, Converse, Gorjana Earrings

Braided Tillys Bandeau

LiveLoveGameday necktie, Perky Pony, Stuart Weitzman Denim Flats

Voyage Clothing Overalls, Merona Tee, Chicago Cubs Hat, Chunky Heels

Sparkle Tee, Gingham Headband, Coco Rose Boutique Sunnies, White Denim Jeans, Steve Madden flats

Sparkle Top, Sidecca Skirt, Sperrys, Attire LA Sunnies, Bow Clip

For makeup I usually add a pop of a red lip, sparkle and if feeling daring, I pop on some blue eyeshadow like this one MAC Cosmetics has to offer. My nails have always been such a fun way to try out new holiday designs. It is is either navy with sparkle, Chicago Cubs theme or like this year it is a fun twist with a set from imPress. This is another reason I love the 4th as well, it brings out my creative side.

Another must is busting out the decorations. I am loving these ones I got from Michael’s and Party City last year.

If y’all are feeling crafty this year, check out these fun DIY decorations on Pinterest!

You can’t have all this fablousness without some fun activities to celebrate. There are so many fun options to celebrate from Disneyland, water sports, BBQ backyard games, the beach and of course checking out fireworks. This year I will be all about the beach by laying out with my cute sunnies and sun hat while eating great food. Some awesome options are corn on the cob to hot dogs to delicious cocktails, so be sure to check out Pinterest for some of these awesome recipes and others ! If you are in the mood for eating out, check out the local cities’ website for help navigating the great restaurants they have to offer. I will definitely be ending the celebration with an awesome fireworks show or two 🙂 I love them and they make me smile!

Everything is in order except for one thing, the soundtrack for this year’s Independence Day extravaganza. There are so many to choose from, how do I choose ? I am picking the ones that get me smiling and dancing all around. Lets kick it off with some classics first, God Bless America and The National Anthem followed by Zac Brown Band’s ‘Chicken Fried’ and ‘Castaway’. I will definitely have to bust out ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ by JT as well as ‘Happy’ by Pharell. Last but not least ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars because everyone likes some funk music to get the party started.

I saved the best for last, thanking all those that have given myself and everyone the freedom to be who we want to be, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Wishing y’all a safe and Happy 4th of July !

~Kerry of KLM Fashion Style

P.S. How do y’all like to celebrate the 4th of July ? I am all about the beach and sunshine 🙂

Fun in the Sun: It’s Festival Season!

Published on April 13, 2017 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” ~Confucious

This Confucious quote is one of truth, music is one I cannot do without and many of you can’t either. Music gives us memories and reminds us of specific moments. Music helps us through the good, the bad and the ugly of life. I know one song that always makes me laugh is “Bump,Bump, Bump” by B2K, it is a reminder of all my high school dancers with my friends. Music is one of fun, hope and joy, which is what makes festival season one of the best times of the year.

With the music of the festivals like Coachella, Stage Coach, FYRE and Bonnaroo (check out Seat Geek for all the festivals happening ) comes the festival fashion, which has sparked new styles continuously including brands creating capsule collections specifically for this season like White Fox, Revolve, Forever 21 and places like Target, Sidecca, Coco Rose Boutique, Attire LA, Puma, Indah and many more have perfect looks for any festival you are attending along with different showrooms that highlight amazing designers for your festival looks.

A survival tip to remember for festival season: don’t forget to hydrate throughout each day and this fun waterbottle from Bando makes for the perfect festival hydration accessory.

I have always loved styling looks with festival season in mind so here are a handful of my favorites with my special twist 🙂

Temporary Jewelry Tattoos

Funky Sunnies, Coachella Tank from Sidecca, Celebrity Pink Jean Shorts, Sam Edelman Sandals , Boho Blanket from Groop Dealz, Bando Waterbottle

Smile for Sunshine

Vintage Hair Wrap , Reflective Sunnies , IL Teatro Kimono, Leopard Turquoise Earrings , Good Vibes Patch Tank from Sidecca, Pom Pom Bracelets from Sidecca, Mossimo Jean Shorts, Cowgirl Boots

Mossimo Tassel Top, Lucky Brand Jeans, Chinese Laundry Booties

Unicorn Braid Pony, Attire LA Sunnies

Malibu Farm Sun Hat, Siddecc Bandana, Coco Rose Boutique Sunnies,Tee and Shorts , Cowgirl Boots,

Floral Crown , Sidecca Choker

Burlesyson & Blaine Unicorn Tee, Wet n Wild Lipstick

Old Navy Floral Leggings, Dolce Vita for Target Espadrilles

Sugarfix by Bauble Bar Earrings

Here’s to having fun and listening to great music !

Fabulous Co Worker Gift Ideas for the Office Christmas Party in Partnership with Cube Appeal

Published on December 3, 2016December 3, 2016 by icedteaandtopknotsLeave a comment

Jingle Bells on full blast must mean holiday cheer is in the air. With songs for the holidays in the air comes shopping for those festive holiday parties that we will all be attending. Before you put on your Christmas best, lets kick off the holidays with a great gift guide.

We all have someone in our lives especially at the office that are obsessed with starting the day with a cup of joe. So what do we get the coffee lover in the office for Christmas ? An amazing mug like this “Eat Sleep Hustle ” by Cube Appeal.

For that inner girl boss whose always jotting down ideas throughout the day is what makes this combo of the Girl Boss Journal from Cube Appeal with Kate Spade Gold Pen set. These will definitely create a twinkle of thoughts underneath the Christmas tree.

Everyone also loves to be pampered around the holidays, I know I do so why not give a gift of relaxation. Need some inspiration on what to get for the one who loves a great spa treatment? Check out this Shea Deluxe Gift Set from The Body Shop and I promise it will make a splash of luxe !

Now sitting by the fire place with a cup of hot coco in my Cube Appeal, Girl Boss mug there are a few items that are a have to have under the office Christmas tree. You think what must those be, they are the gifts always listed on the nice list and here they are.

*Chanel No.5 Office Print from Cube Appeal, which always spices up the office throughout the year for a coworker who loves French Fashion inspired art .

*Reindeer Christmas Sequin Tote from EmmabellasDesigns on Etsy is bound to create a sense of holiday cheer all while carryin g your favorite office essentials.

*Handpainted Round Triangle Watch from Jill Makes on Etsy, which is bound to keep one of your coworkers on time in the new year.

*4 Pack Hair to Go Set by Drybar at Ulta for the closeted hair stylists on the go.

Remember to have fun with holiday gift shopping by grabbing your hot chocolate and holiday tunes while on the hunt for the perfect coworker presents.

With hot chocolate in hand and singing your favorite Christmas song, lets finish up the gift guide with some on trend items this season.

Remember when we put patches on our jeans and pins on our jackets, well I have good news, patches and pins are back in a whole new way just in time for Christmas. Whether your coworker loves to change up their jean jacket, favorite purse or changing it up for casual Friday then this #planneraddict pin set and strawberry patch from Bando are the perfect gift.

A gift that helps kick off the new year on a high note is one of the best types. One of the best gifts that achieves this is a Fab Fit Fun Box membership, a monthly motivation that will kick each month off right with on trend items that get you excited.

Rounding out the holiday gift guide is for the office is shoes beyond shoes. We all have someone in the office that is a shoe collector and gifting them these Mossimo Supply Co Lunea Floral Patterned Canvas Sneakers at Target are a gift that is bound to put a smile on their shoe collector face.

These are some of my favorites for office gift giving, don’t forget to share some of your favorites by tagging myself, @livelaughstyle and Cube Appeal, @cubeappeal on instagram and using the #HolidayGuideCubeAppealxKLM .

Happy Holidays and Ho Ho Ho to everyone !

~Kerry of KLM Fashion Style

(*Find the original post on http://www.cubeappeal.com)