Dear D'Arcy

By D'Arcy Vandenberg

Easter Basket’s for the Men in your life!

This Tuesday’s Tip is how to Create Fun Easter Basket’s for The MEN in your Life! Creative and Fun items your Men will love! Your Hubby, College age Boy and Teen age Boy will love all these yummy and useful treats! ( Not to mention I have a Giveaway In this post) I’ve created an easy shopping board Here

Easter basket for men

Easter baskets for men

Easter basket for teenage boys

easter baskets for teenage boys

easter basket for college boy

old navy tee shirt and underware

old navy tee and boxers

starbucks gift certifacts easter basket filler

jord watch the frankie

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A FREE WATCH IS NOT PART OF THE CONTEST! Contest ends at 11:59 CST 4/16/17 and both gift codes expire 06/18/17

easter basket stuffers jord watch

easter basket stuffers jord watch

boys easter basket jord watche

Do you have A hard time trying to figure out what to put in your Hubby’s and Boy’s Easter basket’s as they get older? When they were little (the kids) it’s easier to find fun treats to fill up the baskets that’s NOT ALL candy!  As they have gotten older it get’s harder…and I found way’s that have made it easier.

I like to go with a theme..In years past I have done Spring break items, bathing suit,towel,sun screen, and a couple of treats they love. I have done sports theme, gaming theme etc. I found a theme helps keep me organized and not to go totally over board! (those baskets are only so big!)  This year I decided to go with a small color theme and their FAVORITE snacks!  My Boy’s really don’t love candy but they love chocolate and they really like snack foods…Heres for easy shopping…all your needs in one place. HERE

Here’s how I started….I went to Old Navy and picked each Boy out a tee shirt and matching boxers, then I went to Target, world market & TJ Maxx to looked for some gum and little treats that matched their tee’s. ( I didn’t go crazy on the Matching color theme, Although it would be really cute to do All 1 color!) I really wanted to concentrate on getting some of their favorite snacks. As each one likes different snack foods I thought this would be fun and practical! My boy’s will appreciate all their favorite snacks and a couple of new one’s to try! 

The Hubby…Do you do a basket for your hubby? It’s been a tradition of mine since we dated! My hubby doesn’t buy much for himself and He loves treats plus he snacks all day long so it was always really easy to buy him his favorite treats and put in a basket! This was my inspiration for my boy’s Basket’s this year! FAVORITE snacks…    This year My hubby is getting a extra Treat’s a JORD’S watch  Shop All Men’s watch’s =https://www.jordwatches.com/shop/men/#deardarcy    To shop my Hubby’s watch= https://www.jordwatches.com/series/frankie/dark-sandalwood-and-emerald/#deardarcy    

Some of the Fun snack’s my Boys and Hubby enjoy:

Starbucks drinks and Gift card, Kind bars, trail mix, sea salt dark chocolate bars, Reese’s peanut butter bar, Billy goat BBq chips, edamame, dried Mango’s, Organic peanut butter cups, whoppers, goldfish, Joe’s coffee, Amsterdam cookies, gum!

Non Food Items, Bath balms, Vaseline, tee shirt, boxers, Shower gel, deodorant,Starbucks card!   (you could do any Gift card mine would love In & out) 

For those of you without a lot of time a created a very easy shopping board on Amazon, everything you need to create a fab basket for the men in your life. HERE 

 Hope I helped you figure out some fun Easter Basket Ideas for the Men in your life!  OX D’Arcy

 

 

 

Watches Made From Woo

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! 

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