Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Walking towards your dreams…. Monday Motivation

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Gingham Top sold out similar here, Wedges sold out Similar here, Kut from the kloth shark bite hem sold out similar here distressed jeans, Louis Vuitton Never full large bag, Rayban  sunglasses

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Monday Motivation, Gingham, wedges and distressed denim outfit

Happy May day Beautiful’s! 

A New Month can mean a fresh start or for me a look at my progress on my goals. I take joy in looking back on my list’s to see my little victories.  I love list to keep me motivated. I am always writing… goals, prayers, dreams, thoughts and Ideas. Starting at the First of the Year I write a Big list for the Year…. Then I break it down into Months,weeks and even day’s. This helps me stay organized and also  keeps the BIG picture attainable… Taking little steps along the way allows you to see your making progress and helps keep you motivated.  I truly believe if you don’t see process you become frustrated and can let your dreams and goals slip away.  

Another way I stay motivated is reading these few quotes daily… 

” I can do all this through him who gives me strength. “Philippians 4:13

“Don’t fear failure! Fear being in the same place next year as you are today!” unknown

“Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do.” Oprah

“Stay Positive, work hard, and make it happen.”

“Everything you do now is your future.  Think about that.” Unknown

It’s never to late to start Your list and Make you dreams a reality! OX, D’Arcy

 

Knowing your body type…and Dressing for it!

Knowing your body type...Shirt dress & Bauble bar Jewelry

Knowing your body type...Shirt dress & Bauble bar Jewelry

Knowing your body type...Shirt dress & Bauble bar Jewelry

Knowing your body type...Shirt dress & Bauble bar Jewelry

Denim Shirt dress sold out, similar here , wedge here, jewelry Bauble bar sold out this would work  here & here,  clutch with Tassel BCBG sold out, similar here or here

 

 

Hello Beautiful’s! 

Today I am chatting about knowing your body and what works on it!  All of our bodies have a strengths and weakness. For instance My strength is my long legs and my weakness is I am square, no waist and I hold any extra weight in my middle area. I am a Ruler= Straight up & down! With this type of a build I am going to play up my legs and draw attention away from my middle. This is why Shirt dresses work great for me (above) It flatters my figure. While Shirt/shift dresses work on Almost every figure, Its shorter style and no waist line make’s it’s my go to in a dress choice.  I don’t wear Dresses that draw attention to the waist, have a  belt at the waist or the Popular wrap dresses because it isn’t flattering on me.  Now for a person that has a little waist It’s a perfect.  (some would say wearing a belted dress gives my square shape a shape!!! It does not…it just make me look square) This is one of the reasons to know what works on YOUR body! You need to feel comfortable and confident!

When you know what works on your body it makes shopping easier and you know what styles you can eliminate.  Now this doesn’t mean you have to purchase the same styles time after time! It just means you have a better sense of the styles you are looking for. Boy does this help in the try on rooms!! 🙂

I have found with my body type I look better in pencil skirts verses A line skirts because A line skirts draw attention to waist and have flowy fabric around the leg area, where a pencil skirt draws attention to my legs and is structured for a more tailored look that suits my shape. 

Knowing what works helps you to look and feel your best everyday! Why try to wear something just because it’s in Fashion if it doesn’t look good on your body, you won’t feel Fabulous!  Dressing for your body type will change how you look and purchase clothes!  Most of all, You will Always feel great!  For more about dressing for YOUR body TYPE, I found a great article for you over at Who Whore What .

If you have any questions or want some tips from me on what I think would look great on you.  Please leave a comment below and I will have you send me some photo’s of you via email, and I’ll be happy to send YOU your personal styling tips:)

Thank you for reading Dear D’Arcy, OX D’Arcy

 

Spring is in Bloom

flower print dress

flower print dress

flower print dress

 

flower print dress

flower print dress

 

 

Spring tulips

Daffodils photo of flowers

spring flowers

Hello Beautiful’s,  I hope you had a wonderful Easter and are enjoying the Spring blooms popping up. I love this time of year when flowers are are springing up, the trees have beautiful blooms and the smell of fresh cut grass fills the air.  I wanted to share with you the floral dress I wore for Easter that was under $40.00! A cute shirt dress with pockets and a puffy sleeve. I got so many compliments at church and it’s perfect for Spring! I paired it with my favorite wedge’s  and a cute statement earring . 

Do you love floral’s as much as I do?  I would love to know if you love wearing floral’s in the Spring!

Here’s a peek at the Spring blooms popping up around our neck of the woods…

I hope you have a lovely week & great weather. 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

 

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

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

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).

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!