Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Tuesday’s Tip: Keeping White’s White!

keeping White's White

Mrs. Stewart's Liquid bluing, keeping Whites white

Mrs. Stewart's Liquid bluing, keeping Whites white

Mrs. Stewart's Liquid bluing, keeping Whites white

Mrs. Stewart's Liquid bluing, keeping Whites white

Keeping White’s white! It’s that time of year again we’re digging out our white clothes and it never fail’s they get yellow/Gray and dingy after a couple wears! Here’s how I keep my Whites White! Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing! Bluing restores the sparkling Whiteness.

One of the BEST secret’s my mom told me about years ago! Super easy to use, Just mix a few drops into your water until it’s light blue, then add your white load and add again to your final rinse. (directions are on the bottle) I have a top loading Washing Machine ( I am not a fan of front loaders so I am not sure how you add to water before clothes.)  My bottle is so old, because it last forever! I would think NEW bottles have directions for front loading machines. The Bottle does have directions for hand wash, white haired dogs and swimming pools!

Above I showed you a photo of my White jeans that are 6 years old, a New Tee shirt and A white towel that is 8 years old! You can’t tell the difference! ( I did not edit photo or use any filters so you could get the true effect)

I love white, It’s Fresh, Pure and So summery! Being a mom of BOY’S it’s not easy to stay clean!  A bleach Stick, baking soda and Liquid Bluing have been my tricks for years!  

Bleach Stick helps with a quick stain, run under cold water, add stick to stain let set for seconds (as soon as stain disappear’s rinse under cold water to remove bleach.) Then wash. I wash my Whites in baking soda about 1 cup for a full load! when my whites start to yellow I then use good old Mrs. Stewart’s!

Even ALL of our bath towels are white! Shown above they stay in perfect condition using these simple to use products….See Whites don’t have to be scary!

Hope My Tuesday’s tip helps you keep your White’s Clean! OX, D’Arcy

Subscription Box Craze!

Monthly Subscription boxes: March deliveries…

Ipsy= A $10 a month subscription box with Make up/cosmetic sample’s and a cute little Bag…. Check it out Here …. I loved this month’s bag and loved everything in it! Normally I like 1 or 2 things and most of the bags I save for little gifts, along with the samples I don’t want. This Months Bag will make it into my purse or use as a little clutch. This box is more Make up driven normally! check it out Here & GET A FREE MAC LIP Stick .Ipsy Coupon – Free MAC Lipstick Sampler With Your First Month of Ipsy!

BirchBox= $10 a month Cosmetic and make up sample box…This Box gives you more samples and no bag, but honestly they give you popular items I was wanting to try and more skin & hair driven! I personal like getting more Skin and Hair sample’s verses make-up. Check it out here.. BirchBox 

Rocksbox $25 a month, this is a BARROW for as long as you want monthly Jewelry box… So basically they send 3 pieces off your WISH list and you wear until your tired of them or if YOU must have forever you purchase them…You send back in a prepaid envelope and then they send you another set!  This Box is great if you get bored with your jewelry, want to try out the latest trends or simply don’t buy a lot of jewelry. You can try out without being committed! I have really enjoyed getting this monthly box…and you can FREEZE it, if your needing a break.  Try it here For FREE for 1 month   www.rocksbox.com  referral Code darcybff18 I think you’ll really love it!

Honest co. This was a Free not FREE trial kit for $5.95 shipping to try there product…Then you get auto signed up for a Honest essential bundle for $35.95 a month that comes with 5 FULL sized products. Unless you cancelled in 7 days from time received….The products were travel sized and smelled good, it’s great there’s no harmful chemicals …But really nothing Wowed me..I cancelled! can check it out here Honest.com

BootayBag=$12 a month for two pairs of pretty lace panties. You pick what kind cheeky or thong or mix, your size (and true size) They surprise you with the style and colors! I love pretty panties and I am picky about comfort and fabric! I have loved every pair, great value $5 a pair if you think $1 each for shipping and I love they give $1 to Melanoma foundation if you post a picture.  Check it out Here Bootay Bag

chic Style box Monthly Subscription www.chicstylebox.com

Chic StyleBox= $21.99 a month for $30-45 worth of fashion accessories & Beauty & lifestyle treats…This box changes with the season and it’s a fun surprise to see what the theme is. You can keep items you like or give as gifts. I love having Items on hand I can make a great gift up for a quick (oh…It’s your Birthday let’s go to lunch!) I think this box is a great value, shipping is included! check it out Here Chic Stylebox 

 Boxes I get but not on a Monthly basis are as follows:

Hello Fresh…Meals to prepare shipped right to your door! I get the Family 3 meals every other month or so and is super yummy, healthy and easy to prepare (My boys can do it) Try it Here for 50% off your first month Hello Fresh

Grove Collaborative…This is a Great natural Home cleaning supply company has wonderful products I love and healthy to use for our home! I love the smells! I get this every couple of months just as I am running out of cleaning supplies! Easy 1 less thing I have to remember at the store!!  check it out Here Grove

Just Fab….This is a monthly shoe club $39.99 but you can skip whenever you want, so I get maybe 2 times a year! check it out here Just Fab right Now there having 20% 0ff first month!

Fabletics…. A monthly workout outfit from $49-69 for 2-3 pieces in a fun selection just for you! You can also skip any month, so I get about 3-4 outfits  a year! Great Quality and fit! Check out here Fabletics

Fun fit Fab...This is a 4 Times a year seasonal Box  for $49.99 each and you get $200 worth of product! It is full size product and and assortment of Hot products, Trendy gifts, a touch of fashion or life style really fun surprise box! Check it out here FUNFITFAB get 10% off right Now and its shipping this month!

I guess you could Call me A subscription box Junkie! I love Happy mail, I love to try new things, it’s easy shopping and I alway’s have a gift on hand! It’s a great way to see what’s NEW and what’s on trend without always having to research or head to a ton of stores. Most Subscription boxes are a great value for what your getting. What I really love is Most All of these business where started as a small business and built up! Most have a great cause behind them or wonderful charity! I love supporting companies that give back or are a small Family business. If you haven’t tried a monthly Subscription or a Home delivery you really should it’s quite delightful! OX, D’Arcy

 I am in NO way sponsored by any of these companies and these are my personal opinions! 

Tuesday’s Tip…Items every closet should have!!

Keeping your clothes Fresh, spot & Wrinkle FREE FAST …Items every closet should have!!

keeping your clothes spotless, static & Wrinkle free

 

clothing steamer

clothing wrinkle release

static gaurd

lint roller

olay face wipes to remove stains,

Hello Ladies, for this Tuesday’s Tip…I wanted to share with you some must have closet HELPERS…To keeping your clothes Spot, static, lint and wrinkle FREE!   These little helpers don’t cost a lot and are super helpful for a FAST fix! I don’t know about you but I am Always needing Fast fixes…These Items help me to keep my clothes Wrinkle, spot and Static FREE!

Downy’s Wrinkle release is My Go to for Quick wrinkled item’s!  So easy you just spray on, hang item before you hop in shower and when you get out it’s wrinkle free….This DOES NOT work on deep folded in wrinkles! It great on items that got wrinkled hanging in closet, got left in dryer to long or items you wore but didn’t launder! Here to purchase

Mini Steamer…Now this is a great handy little item (I hate to IRON) so this little guy can handle the Deep folded in wrinkles the Spray above cannot. Also perfect for those hard to iron/delicate fabrics! Here to purchase

Lint brush…is a must to keep fabric clean that like to collect lint or hair …I even use on my fabric/velvet hangers! (great for getting animal hair off throw pillows too) Here to purchase

Static Guard...A must for living in a DRY climate! Spray on clothes and presto NO cling…I have even used on my brush before for my hair!! Here to purchase

Face wipes or Baby wipes… these are Magic for removing a little stain quickly! I keep in my closet, bag, car etc….Here to purchase

A couple items not pictured,

1. I really suggest every fashionista has in her closet. 1 is a  great little mending kit! ( You can pick up at dollar store or at a craft store!) Needles, mixed threads, mini scissors,and some buttons! This really helps to do small repairs to your clothes. (PLEASE learn how to sew a button on or fix a small snag!) Here to purchase

2. Cloth shaver for Fuzz pill ball lint remover! Removes all those nasty balls from your sweaters and fabric that balls up! most are battery operated and easy to use. Here to purchase

3. Tide stick, just in case you stain is do deep for a wipe! Here to purchase

I hope you found my Tuesday’s tips to be helpful! I would love for you to leave a comment or question below!  Have a great day! OX, D’Arcy

Monday’s Muse

Street Style…

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham topOutfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top

Outfit =Kut from the kloth leather jacket & jeans, gingham top, Marc Fisher similar here wedge sandal, Necklace found on our Idaho trip similar here , Gingham top similar here and Sun glasses Chic StyleBox, Nail polish here

Marc Fisher wedge

Street Style… Whether you need Monday’s Muse or Friday’s Date night… I have a effortless, Comfortable and Chic outfit you can grab inspiration from! White jeans, edgy leather jacket and Country gingham paired with this seasons hottest wedge sandal and cool pendant necklace.

Have a question on a outfit inspiration? Just leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help!    Happy Monday Beautiful’s! OX, D’Arcy

Spring Trend’s ( series 5) Pendant necklaces & Oversized Bag’s

Happy Saturday Pretty ladies!

I am Happy to share with you the last of my Spring Trend series!  (15 Top Spring Trend’s)  So today I bring you Pendant necklace’s and Oversize Bag’s….

I Love these two trends!

Pendant Necklaces are great because they elongate your neck and can be worn at any age. I love all the looks you can find in this style of necklace. From simple and plain to layers with tassel’s, crystal,s rocks and charms! You have a ton of options and it really dresses up a plain tee or tank. I have shown just a few of my favorite’s and in different price points for your budget. (Also worn through the pictures in my prior series.)

The Oversize Bag perfect for travel and even work! I love a large bag to tote ALL my work gear in… Ipad, organizer, wallet, make-up bag, notepad, lunch and….having a bag I can keep a little clutch in (to use when running in a shop or errand is handy) I feel like an oversize bag keeps my car organized as well! It’s my catch ALL!   This is another reason it’s great for Travel you can use for all of the above plus add magazines a small blanket scarf etc.  Oversize bag’s can get heavy so if using for a fashion statement or outfit accessory keep your content to a minimum! Here I showed some of my favorite’s for work, Travel and even the beach again in all price points for every budget. 

I hope you had a chance to read All of my Series on This Springs top 15 trends! If not Here is 1st  Here 2nd  Here 3rd  here is 4th 

Have a Beautiful weekend! OX D’Arcy

 

Spring Transition pieces

This Thursday I thought I would share some of my Favorite pieces that Transition into Spring well! I love the pretty color’s, and the romantic look this pallet has. Spring is tricky in Utah…You bounce from Winter to Summer in the Same week, so it’s nice to have pieces that look lighter then Winter colors but can be layered up or worn alone. Most of these items can easily be used in the Summer as well.

Today it snowed! Last week was beautiful and in the high 60’s which get’s ALL of our hopes up for Summer!  With pretty layer’s like these you can dress in Summer colors but be warm for a day’s like today! 

I hope you enjoyed my quick little post! Check back tomorrow for My Spring Ski Trip backing, OX D’Arcy

 

$58 ABERCROMBIE.COM ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CARDIGANS

$58 ABERCROMBIE.COM ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CARDIGANS

$34 YESSTYLE.COM CARDIGANS

$59 CHICWISH.COM CHICWISH SWEATERS

$60 NORDSTROM.COM TOPSHOP BLOUSES

$125 NORDSTROM.COM CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE JACKETS»

$25 HOLLISTERCO.COM HOLLISTER CO. JEANS

$248 DONALDJPLINER.COM DONALD J PLINER ANKLE BOOTIES

$118 HEELS.COM STEVE MADDEN ANKLE BOOTIES 

 $85 ZAPPOS.COMATHENA ALEXANDER SANDALS 

$25 ZULILY.COMBAMBOO SHOES

$39 ACCESSORIZE.COMACCESSORIZE CLUTCHES

$300 LANECRAWFORD.COMMIGNONNE GAVIGAN EARRINGS 

$70 DOMINO.COM BING BANG RINGS

 $12 AVENUE.COMAVENUE SUNGLASSES

$16 THEHUT.COM OPI NAIL POLISH

MARIECLAIRE.CO.UK INSTYLE.COM

 CABIONLINE.COM

Way to Wear…Flared Trouser jean

Happy Wednesday! 

I love sharing a way to wear something, with Skinny jeans being ALL the rage for the last couple of years it’s fun to add a different style of jeans into the mix. The trouser jean is a great jean for a dresser look. Perfect to wear with heel’s and a fun top. I love how they elongate the leg and the slight flare looks chic. This is a denim you could definitely pull of in a office setting or business meeting! 

Tip: This type of pant needs to be worn with a top that tucks in, otherwise its just to much fabric and doesn’t give the long sleek look you want with these pants.

 

Sts trouser sold out, similar here and here   Top Chic Style, leopard heels Sold out, Similar here, bracelet Michael Kors, suede clutch sold out, similar here 

Will you try the trouser flared jean? OX D’Arcy

Unmentionables (Undergarments Ever Woman should Own!) Tuesday Tip Day

 

Unmentionables….SHHH…What’s under the clothes! My picks I believe every woman should own to look and feel her best in clothes. Not every piece you will use all the time but is a must if you have that special dress, beautiful strapless top, a skirt that’s to sheer, a dress that’s a little short,a fabric that isn’t forgiving!

Back in the day’s when I did a little modeling you need to be prepared for anything because you never knew what you we’re showing up to do! So it was a must to have Nude and seamless undergarments they looked skin color and worked under everything with out showing lines. This is one reason I believe everyone should own a nude seamless thong!  Panty lines under slacks, pencils skirts a tight dress or formal wear is just unattractive! Shorter shirts and dresses call for a Shorty Panty that way Your unmentionables wont be hanging out:) Spanx Seamless panty is also great for this and a perfect alternative for those who need a little slimming or don’t feel comfortable in a thong! Strapless body suit works great for trousers and sheer tops or even strapless dress. Miraclesuit (or the same version from spanx) is great for dresses,evening gowns and fabrics that are not forgiving..this miracle worker hold and smooths everything out!  Now a day’s a lot of our dresses and skirts even tunic are sheer or see- through, it good to have a slip to protect people from seeing you unmentionable’s (nobody wants to see your pretty lace underwear but your honey:)…really!  I have shown 2 slips 1 for skirts 1 for dresses and long tunic’s!

Let’s chat Bra’s….Everyone has their favorite’s and I am a lover of lace and pretty lace bra’s and matching underwear.. But for Staple piece undergarments you need to Have these basics for specific reason’s….The seamless nude bra-perfect for tight tops and tee’s (no lines or lace pressing through!) The Strapless for any top that has cut outs, off the shoulder or even off the shoulder dresses ( avoid the ugly bra strap showing), The racer back for Tops, tanks or cut out tops that you need support but straps won’t show. Lace Racer back bralette is cute with oversize 1 sided off the shoulder tops and sweaters or under tank tops to give a sexy  pop of lace. Plus its fun to have lace pretties!

Breast helpers help fill in bra if your needing a lift or some padding and pedals cover nipple if you can’t wear a bra, due to the design of the top or dress!   

What you wear underneath is as important if not more important then what your wearing! It finishes the look of your outfit!  Say GOODBYE to seams, panty line, wrong bra’s and see through clothes! Trust me you look and feel amazing! 

I hope you enjoyed my Unmentionable’s tip’s! OX D’Arcy

  • Aerie underwire bra
  • $39AE.COM
  • Miraclesuit Shapewear Rear Lift Thigh Control High Waist Slimmer…
  • $60ZAPPOS.COM

 

1pant 4 looks

Look 1 = I would wear this for a fun day date with the Hubs ,Gold metallic tee Jcrew (now on sale), Blush faux leather jacket this one sold out similar here, sandals Jack Rodgers, Gold watch Michael Kors, Necklace Bauble bar, Pant by Kut from the Kloth Chic Style

Look two= Same tee and pant Added My Favorite Denim Jacket gold bracelets Zenzii, Wedges Dsw shoes, watch Michael Kors On SALE, Horn necklace Sold out Similar here

Look 3 this would be great for Lunch with the girls… Simply removing denim jacket! Gives it a totally different feel and you could add a black leather jacket or even change shoe to a converse!

Outfit 4 is a easy and carefree look! Run errands, grab lunch,work at the school! A great basic denim, this ones old similar one here, Micheal Kors old similar here sandals and bag, Horn necklace sold out Similar here watch Michael Kors Above, layering bracelet Free people sold out similar here, earrings My FAVORITE I have in every color!

Happy Monday’s Ladies! I wanted to share with you 4 ways you could style a pair of these fun Printed olive cargo skinny jeans! These Cargo skinnies are a fresh new look for Spring and a fun pattern, but sometimes pattern even ever so very slightly throw some peeps off on how to style them! It actually easy…You just treat them like solid olive pants and pick colors that pair well with olive… Some of my favorites= Denim,blush or pink, coral, grey, wine, white. I even like adding a pop of Orange like I did in the last grouping! I hope this helps to give you Idea’s how to pair Olive or your favorite printed jeans!

What ones your favorite? I would love to know!  Have a great week, OX D’Arcy

Saturday Style Spring trends (series part 4)

It’s Saturday! I hope you have fun plans for the weekend!  

If you’ve been following along….You know a couple Saturdays back I did a Post about My top 15 Spring trends and that I was going to break them down for the month of March.  Here is My part 3….. Statement earrings and Slogan/saying tee’s (boyfriend jeans are a big trend but I focused on those already!)  Enjoy OX

I have been collecting statement earring since High school so I am always happy when they make they’re way back in style…. Some of these are vintage and some from Zenzii or Jcrew and Anthropologie but no longer available… Here is the link to All 3 which have great selections!

Zenzii   Jcrew  Anthropologie

 

I love this earring it came in my Monthly Rocksbox, Have you heard of Rocksbox? It’s a fun Jewelry box that comes every month for $25 and you get 3 different pieces to Barrow until you want to send it back for another set in a pre-paid envelope! I like it because you can try out different style and trends without the commitment! Want to try it? Here is a FREE complimentary month code DARCYBFF18

 

 

I love Slogan/saying tee’s! Super fun and perfect for the weekend with boyfriend jeans or shorts in the summer! Relaxed and fun you have such a wide rang to choose from as almost every company has a cute slogan or fun saying to choose from! Mine is from my favorite Dry bar blow out salon my girlfriend gave me knowing I am addicted!  That’s another thing about Slogan/saying tee’s… It show the personality of the person wearing it! Most are affordable so if you don’t have any add some to your wardrobe!  You can even dress these tee’s up with a blazer, slacks or pencil skirt!  they’re made to have fun with your outfit’s!