Covetable Pieces: Lilly For Target

No, this blog has not been hijacked. No, I am not sick. No, I am not a traitor. Yes, we're about to talk Lilly For Target.

instagram.com/lillyfortarget

It's no secret that I don't really do Lilly Pulitzer. It goes against the very core of my being- that is black and sans patterns. However, I am genuinely impressed with what Lilly Pulitzer and Target have worked together to achieve. There are over 200 pieces to this collection, ranging from housewares to plus sized women's clothing.

When the collaboration was first announced, there was plenty of backlack. Particularly on Twitter. Here are some of my favorites. (Thanks Refinery29 for rounding these up. I particularly love how many of these tweets/accounts have been deleted after being called out for being materialistic morons.)

If Lily starts selling through Target I will stop buying. You are making a high class brand into white trash. @TargetStyle @LillyPulitzer
— Katie Cummings (@kackadooo) January 6, 2015

Bet ya $10 you also have 15+ tweets about how you love Target. Like, calm down.

#LillyforTarget ?? Oh, no! From luxury to mass-market and soon to be bargain bin, there goes of my favorite brands 😔
— Jenna (@JJCaroccia) January 7, 2015

Luxury? Bit of a stretch, no?

The fact that #lillyfortarget is happening is such a shame. It's so degrading for the product and name.
— alex seibert (@itsCYBER_T) January 7, 2015

I think Lilly Pulitzer would feel more degraded by horrible people wearing her clothes... #justsaying

I don't want basics to start wearing Lilly 😭😭😭
— Sydney Moser (@sydney_moser) January 7, 2015

I'll just say that you already wear Lilly so..........


AND the pièce de résistance:

If lilly pulitzer is sold at target it won't be haute couture for sorority girls anymore
— Tipsy Tiger (@SC_Beaux) January 7, 2015

I. just. can't.

You know what cheapens the brand or would make Lilly Pulitzer turn over in her grave? YOU JERKS ACTING LIKE YOU'RE BETTER THAN SOMEONE BECAUSE YOUR SHIFT DRESS THAT LOOKS LIKE A CURTAIN COST A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHIFT DRESS THAT LOOKS LIKE A CURTAIN. So sit down and do less. 

Moving on. 

I have combed through the lookbook and rounded up some pieces that I'm actually genuinely excited about. (Admittedly, it's not a lot of the actual clothes, because obviously, but some of this stuff is fabulous.)

Let's start with the clothing I don't absolutely hate:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129819/

This is fabulous. I have nothing negative to say about it. Perfection for a day at the beach with a big floppy hat and a cocktail in hand.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129812/

This is pretty. And I love a bit of fringe. I'll be interested to actually see it in person/feel the fabric.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129791/

It's official: I don't hate color/patterns when it's a bathing suit. Love his suit/hair thing combo.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129980/

This looks so comfortable and exactly what I'd want to throw on to go grab dinner after a day full of sun and sand. 

Moving on to luggage-type bags:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129959/

This one is completely self-serving, I need a new/bigger makeup bag. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129984/

You can never have too many weekender bags. Especially when they are easy to spot. 

And last but certainly not least, glassware (aka BAR CART):

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129918/

Don't even try to lie to me, you want these fantastic mugs and you ESPECIALLY want the caddy. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129922/

So Gatsby. So fun. AND a gold rim? I'll take five sets. Please and thank you. 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129901/

Breakfast juice (or mimosas) need pretty accessories too.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129895/

 Bottle openers, stirrers, and stoppers that have a fun, safari theme? Sign. Me. Up. 

And random but fun:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/252905335301129936/

Yep. I want them. I want a lot of them. I want them everywhere. 

So, what are you favorite pieces? Will you be lining up at your local Target on April 19th??

Enjoy!

-C. xx. 

Because October isn't just about boobs.

As I wander through the streets of my hometown, I’m overwhelmed by the prominence of one color - pink. Pink is everywhere. I love that local businesses have decided to proudly display their support for the women and men battling breast cancer, as well as remembering those who lost their courageous fight. I am, however, slightly disappointed that we aren’t painting our streets purple at the same time. Why, you ask? Simple. October is also the month in which we should also be supporting Domestic Violence Awareness. 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/363313894910516963/

Did you know? 

• One in every four women will experience a domestic violence situation, while only one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. 
• One in every three women who is a victim of a homicide was killed by her partner. 
• Every NINE SECONDS a woman is battered in the United States. N I N E.

So why is it that we are enthusiastic to educate people about the statistics of breast cancer and encourage mammograms but shy away from educating our family and friends, specifically the women who are most at risk, about domestic violence?

While most states have multiple cancer treatment centers to treat dozens of types of cancers, some states have as few as 10 shelters dedicated to domestic violence victims. In states where the population exceeds millions of people. In states where one in three women will die from a domestic violence situation, there are minimal shelters. Even when there are shelters in place, it's far from enough. A majority of the shelters that are open are run by non-profit organizations- meaning they most likely do not receive state funding to help with operational costs. The shelters that are on their own for funding are sometimes fully reliant on the public’s help to get the necessities to those who need it most. Some shelters have to turn to rejecting women’s requests to seek shelter because of budget cuts or lack of funding.

When I was a senior in high school, I was in a relationship that was unhealthy. I knew it, but was too “in love” to do make a change. While I wasn’t covering bruises or trying to explain why I had injuries, I was injured on the inside. The verbal attacks and constant hurt that I endured from my relationship was breaking me down bit by bit. I was blinded by the (few and far between) romantic gestures that my boyfriend would do, so I assumed that his criticisms of how I looked, or even my Facebook profile picture not being “pretty enough” was just tough love. Tough love. Pretty tough, but no actual love at all. After a few months, and several public embarrassments later, I finally saw the light. But I was lucky. I got out before anything else could have happened to me. I knew from that point on, that I would never let it happen to me again.

Each year, almost $6 billion dollars is committed from different organizations to help fund Breast Cancer research. Thousands of businesses will give part of their profits to organizations such as Susan G Komen, in hopes that they can help aid research and families fighting the good and noble fight. I’m even asked at the end of my purchase at Walgreen’s if I would like to donate money to Susan G Komen during the month of October.  Why are more businesses not offering to donate part of their proceeds to a domestic violence awareness foundation such as the One Love Foundation or the Alpha Chi Omega/Mary Kay Partnership? Why are we so afraid to help these organizations who so desperately need it and raise funds to get them where they need to be? Why are we so quick to raise concern and throw shade to the Ray Rice situation and belittle the women who stay in these violent situations instead of asking what sort of help can be done to BETTER these women’s lives and CHANGE what can happen in the future?

For the remainder of the month of October, I challenge each and every one of you to do something that will positively impact the lives of domestic violence victims and survivors. Use the hashtag #IAmHelpingBecause and spread the positivity in your community. You can even tag @ModernMagnolias on Twitter or Instagram and we will share with our followers what you are doing!

If you aren’t sure what you can do in your community, but you want to help, I am currently taking donations for our local shelters in my hometown of Greenville, SC. You can email me at english.anna@gmail.com if you’d like more information on what you can do!

Remember, paint your town pink AND purple this October!!!

-Anna Catherine

www.ncadv.org

www.notalone.gov

#SouthernSummerMakeUp - Lips

http://funastrology.tumblr.com/post/93143922446/zodiac-with-makeup

I'm obsessed with lipstick. I love bright, saturated colors. If I'm running late, I throw on sunglasses and lipstick. it instantly pulls you together. And nothing fixes a bad day light a bright red lipstick. (Besides wine but that's neither here nor there.) Check out some of my faves:

Lips by rulesforbelles featuring lips makeup

Stila lipstick / Yves Saint Laurent makeup / COVERGIRL lipstick / Maybelline lips makeup / Nars cosmetic, $33 / MAC Cosmetics lipstick / Moisturizing lip stain / Lipstick Queen lips makeup / NARS Cosmetics lip gloss / Revlon pink lipstick / Rimmel eye makeup, $6.78

Day - I absolutely love Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine in Bel-Ami. This is one of the most perfect everyday lip colors I've ever come across. It's subtle and moisturizing. And smells like Chanel No. 5. I love it. A more fun take on the everyday lip is Lipstick Queen's Hello Sailor. It looks blue but goes on a berry color that is a perfect match to your skin tone. Added bonus- it makes your teeth look whiter!! One of my new favorites is Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in 27- Peche Cerra-Cola. I've only had this one for about a week but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. It's the perfect color for summer!

Night - Going out is the perfect time to get a little adventurous with your lip color. Whether it's drinks with the girls or date night, I love love love getting dolled up- my go to look is a cat-eye and crazy lips!

-Because I'm a brunette, I wear a lot of berry tones. My favorites are: MAC's Rebel (drug store dupe- Milani's Sangria), Covergirl's Tempt, Revlon's ColorStay Ultimate Suede in Backstage.

-Every girl need's a go to red lip- mine are Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso and Nars' Semi Matte Lipstick in Red Lizard. The Stila is a true red and the Nars is a bit deeper. Both are great but applying the Stila does take a bit of practice. I definitely suggest applying a lip liner first.

-Crazy, vibrant pink is so fun for girl's night. Nars' Lip Gloss in Priscilla. This shocking pink is the perfect "adult" gloss- it goes on evenly but lasts for hours (but if you're not a big fan of gloss, they have this shade in the semi matte lip stick). A good drug store alternate is Revlon's ColorStay Moisture Stain in Barcelona Nights.

Nude - If I wear a smokey eye or decide against one of the above day lips, I'm alllllllllll about a nude lip. I'm obsessed with MAC's Myth. It's semi matte and long-lasting. I can't stop wearing it. I pair it with MAC's Lip Pencil in Stripdown. Revlon's Colorburst Lip Stick in Soft Nude 070 is a pink-er nude. L'Oreal's Colour Caresse by Colour Riche in Sheer Linen is another one of my absolute favorites. It applies like a lip stick but feels more like a gloss. It's so easy and simple- I never go anywhere without having this in my purse. Maybelline's Color Sensational Lipstick in Nude Lust is a shade or two darker than Myth but is a very similar formula. Good to have options, right? (Tip- Rimmel's Scandaleyes Kohl Liner in Nude is obviously intended to be used to line your eyes but I use it to line my lips after applying a bold color. Not only does it even out the line but it makes your lips look bigger too!)

I'm sure there are literally hundreds of amazing lipsticks, stains and glosses that I've left out but these are all products that I have used/still use and can attest to how much I love them.

What are your "can't leave the house without it" lip colors/sticks/stains/glosses??

Enjoy!
-C. xx.

#SouthernSummerMakeUp - Foundation

So yesterday I told y'all about my favorite Primers & Setters for surviving steamy Southern summers.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/go-home-eyeliner-youre-drunk

Now on to the foundations. I probably experiment the most here. I have very oily skin so I've tried every form of foundation you can imagine. Here are my favorites. Especially for summer.

Summer Foundation Solutions by rulesforbelles featuring Urban Decay

Bare escentuals skin care / Urban Decay beauty product, $46 / Urban decay cosmetic / Tarte foundation / Benefit foundation / Bare Escentuals matte foundation / Benefit makeup primer, $42 / Tarte translucent face powder / Tarte concealer

1. Tarte - I love this because it is a mineral formula but it gives full coverage. It doesn't feel like it, though, which is very important when it's 105 degrees outside. It has Amazonian clay (or something like that) in it to eliminate shine? I don't know. But the powder is amazinggggg.

2. Bare Minerals - This is my tried and true standard. I keep the liquid and the powder on hand, depending on the amount of coverage I'm looking for. These two are my current foundation staples.

3. Naked Skin - Ok y'all. This stuff is amazing. It's not as full coverage as the two above but I absolutely love it. It feels great on. It's super blendable and probably the most buildable of all four. Overall, I loved using this product and will definitely buy it again.

4. Benefit - This is what I want to try next. I've never used it but I've heard SO many good things about this foundation. Lightweight. Blendable. Oil-free. Perfect for summer in the South.

So there you have it. Next week, I'll post the Eyes and Lips selections. Get excited!

-C. xx.

#SouthernSummerMakeUp- Prime & Set

Living in the South is the absolute best. We wouldn't trade it for the world. There are, however, some struggles that go along with living in God's country... like how to keep your face from melting off in the height of the summer.

http://www.thegloss.com/2013/07/26/beauty/makeup-tutorial-heatproof-hair-makeup-techniques/

Now, let's get this out of the way from the get go- I am not a beauty blogger/vlogger/expert/artist/etc. I'm just a girl that has lived in South Carolina her whole life who spends way too much money at Sephora. So while I don't any expert tips to give y'all, I have some advice based on what I use. Use at your own risk :)

Prime & Set by rulesforbelles featuring a smashbox makeup primer

Smashbox makeup primer / Revlon face makeup / ELF Cosmetics loose face powder, $12 / Face powder, $12 / Laura Mercier face powder

Primers- I go through stages with primers. I have used probably a dozen different primers but right now when I put on a "full face," I use the Smashbox. If it's just a regular, simple day, I use the Revlon and go. What primer you use isn't the most important thing, it's just that you USE a primer.

Setting powder- I know a lot of people use Make Up Forever or MAC's finishing powder. I can't tell a difference between these $35 powders and ELF's $6 powder... but that's just me. I have a lot of girlfriends who swear by Laura Mercier but I haven't tried it. I swear by Ben Nye's Luxury Powder. It's something I discovered when I was doing theatre in college. It's what Disney Princesses use in the Florida heat.... just saying.

Setting spray- I do not leave the house without a few sprays of this stuff. I'm serious. It's an absolute necessity. If you take one bit of advice from this post, buy the setting spray.

#FourthOfJuly Fabulous

http://www.buzzfeed.com/dianabruk/times-stephen-colbert-was-the-perfect-man

It's that time of year again- when American pride is literally exploding out of everyone. Southerners are notorious for being exceptionally patriotic so we know y'all have been outfit planning for a while now. And while the Fourth of July is PLENTY enough excuse to buy a new red, white & blue themed outfit, we have the addition of the US's apparent interest in the World Cup now that the #USMNT might advance to the round of 16 teams. (I can't even lie, I'm really starting to enjoy soccer. Though I REFUSE to call it football. Obviously.)

http://www.buzzfeed.com/justinabarca/heres-the-chant-you-need-when-watching-the-us-during-the-wor?b=1

So take a look at some of our favorite Fourth options below!

http://richgirlrags.com/product/monogrammed-tanks/

So last week, Rich Girl Rags (one of my absolute favorite places to shop) released their American Honey lookbook and it's safe to say, all of us at Modern Magnolias kind of fell in love. (Seriously, here's Lanie's post about it.) Like, look at those tanks... a monogram AND a bow?? What could possibly be better? WELL, WE'RE ABOUT TO TELL YOU.

http://buzzfeed.com/giffeed/3208450

Adding these Lauren James shorts. Like, seriously though... have you ever seen a more patriotic pair of running shorts?? Obvi you haven't.

Lucky for you, they have them at Rich Girl Rags, too. Convenient right?

http://richgirlrags.com/product/lauren-james-stars-stripes-shorties/

Now if you're like me and you have a family tradition that requires you to look a little more put together than a tank and shorts combo, we have options for you too. (Thank God for this lookbook because I am too lazy to scour the internet for options.)

pinterest.com/richgirlrags

I seriously died when I saw this on their Pinterest page y'all. Here's a better look at this fabulous maxi dress.

http://richgirlrags.com/product/chevron-maxi-dress/

If a maxi isn't what you were going for, they have a reallyyyy cute alternative that is patriotic but can also be worn for any other event. Everyone needs a little red dress all those country songs seem to talk about, am I right?

http://richgirlrags.com/product/red-tulip-skirt/

Dresses not your thing? No worries. These sailor shorts are literally to DIE for.

http://richgirlrags.com/product/striped-shorts/

Now to accessorize. Personally, my favorite part of the outfit process.

http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/09/82/4c/09824c4fb38f064cc3f9b5da279d65a4.jpg

The majority of y'all will have all the nail polish you'll need for this already. This is much less obnoxious that some other patriotic themed manis we've seen pictures of. (Pro tip: use a toothpick for the star!)

http://www.thatmadonnagirl.com/shop_/patriotic-roses/

I've already worn this That Madonna Girl halo out and about and had people offer to buy it off of my head. Definitely a conversation starter/attention grabber/crowd pleaser.

http://www.jackrogersusa.com/shoes/navajo-classic-palm-beach-flat

As uncomfortable as they are, these Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals really are perfect for the Fourth.

Be sure to add a bold red lip to complete your look! We suggest Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso. This stuff actually does stay put!

http://www.sephora.com/stay-all-day-liquid-lipstick-P374936

So here's to a fabulous Fourth y'all- and GO AMERICA!!

-C. xx.

Beach Bag Essentials

http://25.media.tumblr.com/089476b2aa37a55ceed53fc7c57b0115/tumblr_mkjjouLsPu1s7zxwko1_500.gif

Finallyyyy, it's officially summer (although let's be real, the south has been in summer mode for the past two months) and that means it's finally vacation season! Whether you're jetting off to a fabulous tropical location or just chilling by your community pool, there are a few things you must have with you while soaking up the rays. We've put together a guide to the necessities a Modern Magnolia should always have in her beach bag to have the best summertime lounge-sesh possible.

Cute/functional bag- to hold all your goodies

Sunscreen- it's so important to protect your skin from the harms of UV rays

Sunnies- simultaneously protect your eyes & look fab

Hat- to shield your hair from the wind & keep your face from getting sunburnt

Magazine- pool/beach time is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your favorite mags

Wireless iPhone speaker- laying out is so much better with good music 

Protective lip balm- slather this on to avoid painful sunburnt lips

Rubber flip flops- a comfy, cute, & practical option to save your feet from hot sand/pavement

Water bottle- fill up one of these to avoid dehydration & keep cool 

Beach towel- no explanation necessary

Beach Bag Essentials by classicallycurrent featuring tropical beach towels

What do you keep in your beach bag? Anything we missed? Let us know!

-Lanie W.

#FridayFavorites- Evelyn Henson

After stumbling across some of Evelyn Henson's prints on our Modern Magnolias pinterest, I quickly became obsessed. These prints are perfect for any occasion: graduation, housewarming, birthday gifts, or if you're finally getting around to decorating your new apartment. This Georgia artist's prints are a must have for this summer. check her out on her website, instagram or etsy page! 

http://www.evelynhenson.com/

Here's a few of our favorites:

 

1. Perfect for your study abroad friend

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/best-sellers

You can choose your favorite cities and the color scheme!

2. Perfect for the friend moving to a new city

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

3. Perfect for anyone

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

http://www.evelynhenson.com/collections/map-prints

Seriously, we're obsessed. Go get yours now!!!

Chloe :)