L.A. Baby | Life Lately

Hey there!

I wanted to do an impromptu mini life update for you all.
There are 2 reasons that I'm doing this:

1. I am too excited to sleep.
2. I'm not sure how much posting I'll be able to do this week - and I want you to know why!

Tomorrow morning I am flying out to Los Angeles! While I really wish I could say it was to hang out with all of my favorite YouTubers at VidCon - I'm going for a work convention (that honestly will be just as fun as VidCon would be - and that's not even sarcasm).

For those of you that don't know, I am embarking on a crazy cool adventure.  I will be working as a Traveling Leadership Consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha - and I couldn't be more excited.  So for the week I will be attending and working at our National Convention in Los Angeles!

If you want to see what I'm up to while I'm there - be sure to follow my social media.

Twitter @bowsforustine
Facebook www.facebook.com/bowsforjustine
Instagram bowsforjustine

XO,

Traci J

The Summer Tag | Tagalicious

We all know that I love a good tag post.

I discovered this tag over on Makeup Savvy - and she got it from Georgina at Makeup Pixi3. It's been a while since I did my last tag - so I figured I'd give this one a go. Enjoy!

1. What's your favorite thing about Summer?
My favorite thing about summer has to be the long days.  There is so much more daylight!  It's nice to come home after work and be able to sit outside, have a few drinks, and hang out with your friends without needing a flashlight.  I cannot get enough of it.


2. Do you have a favorite Summer drink?
I'm partial to a good mojito - any kind.  There is something so refreshing about the mint in there. Yum. Now I'm craving one.


3. Is there a location you like to go to each Summer?
I absolutely love going to the beach in Lake Geneva with my friends.  Nothing says "summer" quite like a day at the beach.


4. Favorite makeup look for Summer?
In the summer months I start breaking out my hot pink and orange lip colors.  I also like to experiment with colored eyeliner - either on the upper or lower lash line.  Another summer makeup must is switching to a bb cream or tinted moisturizer.  Nothing is worse than wearing a heavy foundation that melts off your face in the summer. Yuck!


5. Dresses or skirts?
Both! Dresses are so effortless and classic - but lately I've loved pairing a high waisted skirt with a crop top. Definitely both.

6. Sandals or ballet pumps?
Sandals.  Even though Wisconsin has like 3 months of warm weather - I am a sucker for sandals.  There are just so many cute ones!  My favorite pair this summer are from Target.  They are turquoise with gold detail - and I am in love.


7. Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for Summer?
I prefer to wear it down - however, I most often wear it up.  It always seems like a good idea to style my hair down - but eventually the humidity gets the best of me and my hair ends up in a ponytail, bun, or side braid.


8. Deep smoky eyes or bold lips?
If you've been paying attention at all you'd know the answer to this... Bold lip! I am all about bright pinks and oranges in the summer.  Not that I don't like a good smoky eye.


9. Favorite perfume for Summer?
Anything fruity.  My go to perfume during the rest of the year is rather complex and heavy - so I enjoy switching it up to a fruity or floral scent in the summer.


10. Last but not least, favorite music for Summer?

Okay, I admit it - I do enjoy listening to country in the summer.  It has a good vibe!  My favorite country song right now is "Play it Again" by Luke Bryan.  If you aren't a country fan - my other top song right now is "Wasted" by Tiesto.

I hope you all enjoyed this tag!  What are your favorite things about summer?

With Love,

Traci J

Summer Skincare

Happy Friday!

Today I wanted to share with you my summer skincare essentials.  I have quite finicky skin.  Somedays I swear I am still 16 - with the amount of spots and redness that I have.  Other days, the area on my chin and in between my eyebrows is unbelievably dry.  To be honest, it's a mess.  As you can imagine, I change my skincare around quite frequently to try and balance out the nonsense on my face.  

In the summer I go for really purifying cleansers - followed by a good moisturizer and sunscreen.  I find that I get quite oily during the day - and that can cause some super annoying blemishes.  However, using a purifying (plus acne medicated) cleanser can irritate my skin and leave it dry - so a good moisturizer is in order.  Over the moisturizer I follow up with sunscreen - always.

So let's get into the products I've been using.

St. Ives Green Tea Scrub

This scrub combats redness like no other cleanser I have ever used.  Not only does the salicylic acid help prevent and heal blemishes - but the natural exfoliants smooth out any imperfections in my skin and really prep my face for makeup. 

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

I use this cleanser primarily at night.  My skin does not respond well to salicylic acid alone - so I purchased this cleanser solely because it has benzoyl peroxide.  The texture of this is super creamy, and it leaves my skin feeling totally clean.  Plus, the cooling sensation it has is very relaxing.  It is a bit drying - so I only use it once a day - or every other day, making sure to follow up with a good moisturizer.  

Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream

After a day out in the sun this moisturizer feels AMAZING.  The gel consistency is a bit different than I've ever tried in a moisturizer before - but I love it.  This is another product I use primarily at night - as I'm not too sure that this is the best for prepping your face for makeup.  After cleansing with my Clear Pore Cleanser, I follow up with this moisturizer and it prevents any dry spots or irritation.  Plus it truly is refreshing!

Supergoop! Save Face Serum

After moisturizing I apply this as sunscreen.  It helps smooth out my complexion, as well as protect me with SPF 30.  It also doesn't break me out - which is a plus. 

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

My all time FAVORITE eye cream is It's Potent.  I use this both morning and night.  It brightens up my eye area and leaves it extremely moisturized.  I don't need to say anymore because this product just speaks for itself. Go. Go buy it. You have to.

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Spray

I'll admit it.  I have super annoying body acne.  It accumulates both on my chest and my upper back, and as someone who is a fan of both v-necks and crop tops - body acne just isn't going to cut it.  In the summer, we all sweat a lot more and that does not help the whole acne situation. Recently I found this body spray from Neutrogena that you can spray wherever the acne is and go.  It dries quick and YOU CAN SPRAY IT UPSIDE DOWN.  Seriously - this makes it so easy to reach your back and shoulder blades.  If you have body acne - you need this spray.

What products do you add into your skin care routine in the summer?  ?  Let me know in the comments!

With Love,

Traci J

A New Look at an Old Brand | Lands' End

Hello Loves,

Today I wanted to introduce you to the wonderful world of Lands' End swimwear (and accessories).

Lands' End has been around since the early 60's and tends to be seen as a "mom's brand."  Now hear me out - there is nothing wrong with being a mom! However, in the world of style "mom jeans" and "mom clothes" are often used as stand ins for the terms "dowdy" and "drab."  I am here to let you all know that honey, Lands' End is back - and they are HERE. FOR. THIS.

Seriously, whether you are 16 or 76, this brand has the right swimwear for you.  As part of their #getawaytour to promote their swimwear collection, Lands' End visited six cities across the United States showcasing their swimwear and accessories, as well as providing professional swimwear fittings.  One of the best parts? An exclusive chance to talk fashion with Kendall Farr from Glamour Magazine!

I was lucky enough to attend this event as a VIP - thanks Lands' End - in Madison.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous - and the event was entirely outside, right along the lake.  Check out that view!

I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical before I arrived to the event.  I didn't know a lot about Lands' End, nor did I think much of it as a brand.  However, after a few minutes of being there and chatting with their PR person - Michelle - I was sold.  

Each of the collections targets something different.  They have swimsuits to help with tummy control. They have hollywood glam suits.  They LITERALLY have a swimsuit for everyone.  Tankinis, string bikinis, high waisted... they have it all.

After talking about the various swimwear collections with Michelle, I got my professional swimsuit fitting.  Shocker - I'm child sized...  My awesome stylist was able to bring me two great bikinis that not only fit me well, but were totally my style! Shout out to her because she also let me text off her phone when my phone died later in the day!

The high-waisted, hand-ruched, old hollywood suit is the one that I picked.  It is so flattering and has so much color.  I couldn't resist!

Once I picked my suit I had the chance to chat with Kendall Farr.  She and I discussed how to make your beach outfit last all day.  Let's face it, no one likes to pack a change of clothes for the beach!  We paired a lightweight fuchsia sarong with my Bella Flora suit and she went over the most AMAZING way to tie it! We did it 5 times just to make sure I could master it on my own.  

We also checked out all of the super chic and super trendy accessories that they had to offer.

I had a wonderful day attending the #getawaytour with Lands' End.  If you've counted them out as a stylish place to shop - I highly suggest that you think again.  Lands' End is here to play and here to stay.  Head on over to Landsend.com and tell me what hot picks you find!  What do you think about Lands' End? Let me know below in the comments!

With Love,

Traci J

Summer LookBook

Hello Loves,

I have finally edited and put together my Summer LookBook all the way back from when I was on vacation in Missouri!

This is a mini look book with 3 outfits - and it is the first thing I have ever edited and put together.  I hope you like it - I'm trying to find ways to do what I want to do with limited equipment and experience.

Check it out - and give it a thumbs up to boost my confidence ;)

Hopefully more things will come to the Bows for Justine YouTube channel.  What kinds of videos would you like to see? Let me know in the comments!

With Love,

Traci J

Classic Meets Contemporary | Reflect Your Style

Hello Loves,

I am finally on summer vacation after a semester of student teaching. That means that a lot more posts will be coming your way. YASSS!  

A little over a week ago I was asked to participate in the Reflect Your Style campaign that One Kings Lane is hosting.  One Kings Lane is your one stop shop for home decor.  They have everything from couches and beds to lamps and candles.  Seriously guys, this place has it all.  

As part of the campaign they sent me pictures of six different vanity mirrors.  By now we all know that I find putting on makeup extremely therapeutic - so the space where I sit and do my makeup has to have the right vibe, and it all starts with the mirror.

Immediately I was drawn to the clean lines of the Lenoir Mirror.  My style is eclectic - I enjoy mixing different textures, colors, and patterns.  The common thread is that I always like to have a few classic pieces tying everything together.

Based off of the Lenoir Mirror - I put together an inspiration board for my ideal vanity station.

Lenoir Mirror

Desk...Similar

Chair...Similar

8 Inch Scalloped Tray

Festive Votives

The desk and the mirror are the truly classic pieces that anchor this vanity station.  Pairing the desk with the sleek, clear chair adds a textural element that I just love!  As an organizational freak - I prefer a clutter free station - so the tray is perfect to organize the few products and pieces of jewelry that sit out all of the time.  Last but not least, I found these fun-colored votives.  Not only do they add a pop of color, but they add a cozy ambiance that I find so vital to have in a vanity station.

What mirror would you pick as the centerpiece of your vanity?  How will you Reflect Your Style?  Go check out One Kings Lane for even more adorable finds for your home!  

With Love,

Traci J

Summer Style for the Man in Your Life

Hello Loves!

It is no secret that I have a place in my  heart for well dressed men.  Nothing can beat a guy who has his own personal style - and shows it off with confidence.  So today, with the help of Bonobos, I decided to try my hand at putting together three looks for the men out there.  

Each of these looks is inspired by the carefree months of summer, as well as the new Garment Dyed Chinos line from Bonobos.  These relaxed and richly colored pants are perfect for summer - whether you're chilling at the beach, rocking out at a music festival, on a date with your special lady, or just hanging with the guys.  

Look #1

Sea Green Slim Chinos...Bonobos

Navy & White Bold Stripe Tank...Bonobos

Pork Pie Hat with Navy Trim...Topman

Beige Leisure Shoes...Bonobos

Look #2

Nantucket Red Slim Chinos...Bonobos

Short Sleeve Chambray Shirt...Bonobos

White Sunglasses...H&M

Merrimac 1955 Boat Shoes...Bonobos

Look #3

(My favorite)

Wheat Chinos...Bonobos

Short Sleeve Surf Photo Shirt...Bonobos

Young and Reckless Snapback...Tilly's

Black Canvas Sabados...Toms

What pieces will you be rocking this summer with your garment dyed chinos?  I definitely suggest heading over to the Bonobos website to check out not only these pants - but the rest of the clothing they have to offer. 

I'd love to hear what look was your favorite - as well as what stores you enjoy shopping at for summer clothing essentials.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

XO,

Traci J