Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

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! 

Friday Date night !

Happy Friday Pretty Ladies!

Today I am doing a quick and easy outfit for date night or even lunch with the Girl’s!

This easy to wear mix pattern jersey dress is $39.99 at Chic Style clothing Boutique!  paired with A kut from the kloth Denim jacket! Fun jewelry Also from Chic Style but only available in shop! Blush lace up booties similar  here Pink bag by Gigi New York. 

I call this easy because its a dress which then you only have to figure out accessories! This makes for a quick & cute outfit you can throw together fast specially if your running late from work!

I hope you have fun plans Tonight! Enjoy your Friday! OX D’Arcy

My Daily Make up Routine Verses My Special Event Make up

A peek into my make up bag! My daily routine takes me about 5 minutes to apply! I am pretty simple on a daily basis…Not that I don’t love make up… I do, I just don’t have a ton of time and I am not really fab at all the New tricks! (I don’t have a lot of Eye space to get creative with eye shadows either!) It might even be I am not very interested… I just have what works for me and I stick with it!   My Basic Routine is as follows foundation, powder,blush, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner and lipstick! Done…

My evening out or party make-up…has a couple more steps…. I add highlighter, and eye shadow to the mix.  I like to do a smoky eye for dress up so I will use a black eye liner verses my Brown (teddy by Mac).

Adding Spring Touches To your Home

After our long Winter I am so Happy to be adding Some touches of  Spring to Our home! I really Used what I had on hand and what I have been collecting over the years! I will be adding more as we get closer to Easter and there is a couple things I have in mind I would like to purchase!  I just wanted to show you a couple Tricks you can do buy moving things around and adding Spring colors to make a fun Spring Vignette & Spring tablescape! 

Here I took down our Black Mirror and changed it to a gold one I had in my bedroom! I think gold helps reflect the light and the shine reminds me of sunshine!(which I desperately need!) Add fresh flowers in a fun pop of color! Tip: See what fun color of accessories you might have lying around or in another room and match your fresh flowers to those! This really helps to tie items together. I knew I had Coral pink Hunter boots & some books and A candle I knew I could Play with!  (I did pick up the gold Home a couple weeks ago from the Target $3-5 bin) Really I didn’t know what I was gonna do with it. I just liked it 🙂 

In our Dinning room I pulled out My Great Nana’s depression glass that my mom gave to me last year knowing I love to entertain and am always playing with tablescapes! I love that there pink and that its a family heirloom!  Again I made sure my fresh flowers went with what I own and was going to be using. Tip: Costco has the BEST flowers at a great price and they last a long time, sometimes you can stretch out some of them for 2 weeks!  I treat myself to Fresh Blooms every week, It’s one of those things that just makes me smile and fills our home with loving touches!  Mixing my collection of Mercury glass votive’s and vases matched this cute bunny I bought a Homegoods a couple years ago! Tip: when your purchasing Seasonal items Don’t just buy it because its cute… purchase items that go with collections you own already (everyday collections) this really helps when you go to decorate for a season you have things that go together with ease. 

I didn’t have Napkins on hand that went with my theme…but I had left over burlap from when I reupholstered our dinning room chairs! So I cut 8 squares and rolled a paper napkin in the center. The bunny ear Napkin Rings Target $5 bin for 4! Score! This silverware We got for our wedding 21 years ago and I love that the gold touch is so” IN “! Sad I have Gold chargers that would be so perfect….but our Main kitchen is under construction and they’re packed up so good that I just couldn’t get to them! I am still looking so when I find…and I will! I’ll share a pic!  When I finished setting the table I did decide I would like egg cups…so I am on a mission! Always a work in progress…..

Lastly….Added some Outdoors indoors… I grabbed a couple of my outdoor planters and planted some spring plants…Ill have them inside until its safe to put outdoors! (if you live where it could snow until Mother’s day you understand!) I love having the color and greenery makes me forget we have snow on the lawn!

My Favorite Spring cleaning tools and products HERE plus some of my favorite home decor for Spring HERE on my Amazon shops!

Hope you enjoyed a peek into our home and grabbed a couple tips to try! OX D’Arcy

Tuesday Tip Day: Weekly Beauty Routine

 

 

Do You Have a Weekly Beauty Routine?  I am sure you have a Daily…. But do You have something YOU just do on a weekly basis to look and feel good? I sure do specially being over 40! I think I started this routine in my late 20’s maybe early 30’s! Somethings I learned form my mom and others I picked up on my own! I thought I would share with you some of my favorite tricks to help me look and feel good! Let’s face it when we take care of ourselves we feel good!OX

Body Scrub:  I do a full body scrub once a week (the brand really doesn’t matter) you can even use the homemade version here I just love how it helps keep my skin soft! Remove’s the dead dry skin and helps give your skin a glow.

Coconut Oil: I use this on my skin every day in the shower! But once a week I use this as a hair mask… I grab a hand full or two, warm it up in my hands and rub on my scalp and all over my hair and wrap it up in a top knot or towel. I normally leave on for quite a long time depending on my schedule! Last week I left it on all day as I was doing DIY projects at home!

Face mask: Who wouldn’t love a professional facial every week!! I sure would but time and most people’s budget won’t allow it. So do a mini one at home. Again brand doesn’t matter I use what I have at Home. I am sure I have tried almost every brand over the years and really don’t have a favorite! I have bought full size of some brands and found I like the little trial ones to get different results! One of the reasons I get Birch Box & Ipsy is to try a new face mask (some month you don’t get a mask) I have built up a little collection though! Tip: If you ask at the Make up counter they’ll normally give you one! I never did this ( I don’t like asking for FREE stuff) and I have a Sister in the industry and a couple of good friends that say If your spending a decent amount of money at a counter or even at  Lush or Sephora, They’ll happily give you samples of anything you’d like to try!

I do my mini facial after I have gotten my hair wrapped up in oil! apply mask, follow its instructions, then I wash off , followed by a light cleanser on my Clarisonic, rinse & dry then add a Layer of serum then a layer of  Moisturizer and finally spritz with Evan or lush’s water mist.

(this serum I swear by and use daily, Its change my skin! Here’s a code to get 10% 0ff LOVEMYSKIN)

This was Sunday Mask….A sample of Fresh that was in one of my Monthly boxes!

Vaseline: This is something I do 1 to 2 times a week before bed… After my face is washed I apply a thin layer all over my face and neck! It’s dry in Utah and it really helps keep you skin in good shape! My mom has been doing it since her 20’s…Boy if you’ve seen my mom you’ll be doing it too!!! OX  (I’ll catch my hubby doing it too!)

Olaplex:  This is something I just started doing as a suggestion from my hair dresser! You use it once a week on wet hair leave in 20 mins and rinse! It helps strengthen hair!  I do this before I do my Coconut oil treatment!  My hair is looking healthier and stronger since I started using!  (I have taken biotin and hair/nail supplements for years which work but this helps even more)

I would love to hear some of your Beauty tips? Leave a comment below!  Hope you try some of the things that work for me! Enjoy your Week! OX D’Arcy

Seeing Dots…Polka dots Spring transition outfit & wardrobe Tip’s

Happy Monday Beautiful’s! Hope your weekend was great and your ready for a great new week! It’s a Beautiful day out Today in Utah and we’re starting to feel a little like Spring! YAY! If your like me your ready because we’ve had one heck of a Winter! 

I wanted to share with you a Fun Spring transition outfit and Some Tips on Why I have these items in my wardrobe! I am using some pieces from Fall (my top and shoes) with some fun New Spring Items (this super skirt & denim jacket) 

Top :Mine is Sold out find one similar here or Here, Shoes: similar here and on SALE,

Polka dot skirt from Chic Style here, Denim Jacket: here, Necklace: similar here & here I Found my Necklace at a street market in NYC (One of My favorite things to collect while on Vacation is a piece of Jewelry made by a local artist) I wanted to give you a Faux and a real option!

 

The transition from Winter to Spring can be hard! 1 because we so badly want the temps to be warmer & We want to wear the Spring/ Summer clothes but the temps don’t always allow us! 2 We don’t always have the budget to go buy all NEW clothes!  Here is a great way to solve Both! By Mixing things you already own with a new Spring item or two you can dress like its  spring but have the choice to layer up when it’s cooler! Here is how and why I choose these items for My wardrobe!

Skirt:I love the classic and playful lines of the fluted pencil Skirt! Who doesn’t love Polka dot’s? This is a great Basic & versatile piece to add to your wardrobe that you can own for years! Steal at $39.99 

Denim jacket:If you’ve been following me over the years on Facebook or My New personal instagram you know how much I swear by owning a good fitting Denim jacket! It’s a Basic staple item every lady should own! If you can afford I suggest owning a darker & regular weight and a lighter & lighter weight one! My Favorite is the Kut from the Kloth  it fit’s well, is a little tapered not to boxy and a good moderate price point.  This essential piece works with ALL most every outfit you could create! From a lace dress or Skirt to dress pants an jeans. It can tone down a outfit or edge one up! It’s a must have for Spring & Summer Chilly nights. I keep one in my car and I always travel with one. A denim Jacket travel’s well because it can be rolled up small or is a  light enough weight to wear on a chilly plane. If you don’t have one make it a priority piece on your shopping list! You’ll thank me later:) 

Faux Leather top: My top I have owned for a couple of years now and it never gets old! I suggest owning a cool Black Leather top!  Long sleeve or short it really doesn’t matter you’ll get a lot of use out of it as you can wear Year round! Tip buy one that is thin and doesn’t have to much fabric so you can wear alone or layered. Leather adds a “Cool” factor or edge but can also be”Classic” depending on what you pair it with!

Open toed Booties: Mine are Vince Camuto I purchased at Nordstrom a couple of years ago! I really feel its worth it to buy good shoes. They last a longer and are truly more comfortable. This Booty style I personally feel is a classic more then trendy plus very versatile.  Can be worn with jeans, skirts and dresses so in my eyes a good investment! The pair I linked you too are even on SALE! 

Hope you enjoyed My Spring Transition outfit and Helpful tips!

Enjoy your week! OX D’Arcy

Mikrose clothing

April 14th, Fox13 The Place, Fashion segment partnering with Mikarose to dress the host’s Brook & Brittney for Spring!