:: new favorite combo: gray and yellow ::

Last fall I was visiting friends in Virginia, and their guest room was all daffodil yellow and light gray. I fell in LOVE. It's the perfect combo because it's gender neutral, but still lends itself to a little femininity with a floral or curvy geometric pattern. And it clashes with NOTHING. Seriously, think about it...brown? Black? Pink? Blue? It's invincible.

Cédric Charlier stripe dress / Charles Jourdan leather handbag / Andrea Fohrman moonstone earrings / Tom Ford sunglasses

:: wedding "underbasics" ::

I'm getting married in September and I'm sorry, but all this planning is NOT a pleasure. The flowers, the table rentals, the save-the-date cards, the DRESS, are all giving me some crazy anxiety. I find it hard to pull the trigger on easy things sometimes (ordering lunch off a menu, choosing between paper or plastic), so this stuff is definitely not in my wheelhouse.

But what I wear UNDER my dress is a no-brainer. As part of the Commando Crew, Commando has generously sent me some of their fabulous items to try out. My favorites are here, and all of them will hold a prime spot on my wedding weekend and beyond.

Commando classic thong / Commando whisper weight layering cami / Commando double take racerback bra
 

Clockwise from top right: 

 

Commando classic thong: I have a number of these, and they've overtaken Hanky Panky as my go-to underwear.  They're made of microfiber and are super simple, so there is ZERO bulging or puckering no matter what I'm wearing. 

Commando Whisper Weight Cami: Crazy thin, and with no seams, it's hard to believe that this cami doesn't unravel and float away. It makes me feel all tucked in and tied together, and the torso is long enough so it doesn't bunch up, whether I'm tucking it into jeans or wearing it with a dress for some extra opaqueness...is that a word?

Commando Double Take Racerback Bra: This one is definitely happening on my wedding day...as I've recently discovered that a strapless dress is not in my future. So delicate and yet also very supportive, it's a great every day bra that transitions well to being a dependable first layer for a formal outfit.

Check out what's new at Commando here. If you're getting married soon or in a wedding soon, or just going to a wedding soon, they have a whole page for you here. If you're a bargain hunter like me, their sales are great too...check them out here.

:: HeartGrownWild skin care: herbal meets affordable! ::

I love natural skincare as is clear here and here. I don't have any real major skin issues but products with fewer ingredients and pronounceable ingredients have to be better than their counterparts, right? So here's another to add to your "to try" list: HeartGrownWild. The packaging is secondary, but this is always a major bonus for me. See below...perfect, right?

Here's what we have. Clockwise from top right:

Green Goddess Face Mask: Mix equal parts water and mask (you can also use a little honey) and massage into wet skin. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.  French green clay helps to pull impurities to the surface, while soft blue cornmeal delicately helps to exfoliate the skin. A blend of Lavender, Rose hips and Geranium soften and restore delicate areas.

Ingredients: French Green Clay, Blue Cornmeal, Lavender, Rose hip, Lemon Balm, Cardamom, Sesame Oil, Almond Oil, Geranium; $6 for one oz. 

Goddess Nectar Belly Butter: For me, this is all over body butter. It includes locally sourced honey and essences of frankincense, lemon, orange, and lavender to help repair and soothe your skin. The consistency to me is almost like a whipped mousse, and it absorbs quickly while still being really moisturizing.

Ingredients: Mango Butter, Almond Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, Vanilla, Lemon, Orange, Lavender, Frankincense; $12 for one oz. 

Facial Serum: I've become a big fan of facial oils because my skin is prone to drying out. At night, it always goes on after my toner. This one starts with jojoba oil, which is most similar to skin's natural quality and also includes repairing essential oils. Literally a pea sized drop is all you need!


Ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Tamanu Oil, Lemongrass, Orange, Ylang Ylang; $20 for two oz.

Among the Flowers Facial Toner: Toners are my new favorite "thing I never used to use and now love". I always thought they were meant to dry out oily skin, but now I now better. I think of them as a vehicle that allows your skin to better take in the moisturizer that comes after it. This one's also great to throw in your purse for a mid-day refresh. 

Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Lemon, Lavender, Rose, Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Tea Tree, Carrot Seed Oil, Hydrosols; $8 for two oz.

They are all handcrafted with love and care in the lovely state of Vermont! Have you tried? Let me know what you think!