vhighfashion

Quarantine But Make It Cute (& Comfy)

Quarantine or not, I’ve always loved a good sweatsuit, baggy tee, and anything that’s comfy + cute. I told myself a few months back that I had enough sweatshirts, and if I bought a new one, I would have to get rid of an old one that I don’t wear. HOWEVURRRR, that was then and this is now.

Quarantine has me switching from sweatshirt to sweatshirt 3 times a day. You’ve got your sleeping sweatshirt, your WFH sweatshirt, your go to the store, or go on a walk sweatshirt, the list goes on.

Moral of the story – I bought new sweatshirts. And it was worth it, ok? I’ve listed a few of my favorite new sets that I have been loving during this time and some other picks that I think you’ll love too!

First up, Missguided. I’ve made a few orders to Missguided since this whole quarantine debacle began. I was pleasantly surprised when I received my order. The quality was much better than I expected and everything fit great.

The only downside is that it’s pretty tough to find picks that aren’t sold out – as of right now the ones I listed are a few I ordered myself and some other sweatshirts that are in stock and super cute.

Thanks to my cute tie-dye Playboy set from PacSun I got to feel my 30 seconds of fame, that was fun. PacSun has some really cute sets that you’ll love if you’re really into pastels like moi. Also, I’ve included a golden retriever t-shirt because that is a necessity.

I couldn’t do a blog post on comfy + cute without including NastyGal. I spend a greater part of my days scrolling through the site, seeing what’s new, and adding hundreds of styles to my cart – for no reason.

Buying off NastyGal can be a hit or miss, but there are a few pieces that I have ordered time and time again and they have not disappointed – crewnecks and shoes (just size down). But honestly, with the NastyGal price tag, it’s hard to be mad at anything you buy from there.. plus they extended their return window with the given circumstances 😉 #sponsorme.

YOU GUYS, Marissa Bruno has the cutest sweatsuits money can buy – don’t @ me. She has made sets for all my fav bloggers like – @sabotage queens, Keaton Milburn, Delaney Childs, Viviane Audi, and of course Marissa herself.

She also just released a new beige short set that is actually the cutest and I will be ordering ASAP.

Urban Outfitters-3.png — 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Last but not least, Urban Outfitters has some firing picks that I have been seeing a lot of on Insta. Obviously, Urban isn’t the cheapest for t-shirts w/ holes and acid crewnecks but what can ya do, it’s fashun. I’m obsessed w/ my Van Halen Tee – and yeah before you ask, I don’t listen to Van Halen – and it’s been worth every penny to me!

I hope there are a few things in here you’re eyeing – I know I am. LMK if you decide to order some new quarantine loungewear so I can live vicariously through you; I don’t know if I can justify one more sweatshirt after this.

xx, Phil

Bondi Sands, The Australian Tan: Review

Heyyyyyyy! Recognize me? No? Oh, that’s because I’m super tan now. No hard feelings though – you can be tan too.

I need to tell you about one of my FAVORITE products that I have been using for almost a year now, so listen good.

Bondi Sands is an Australian brand inspired by Bondi Beach, that we all know and love (even though most of us.. aka me.. haven’t been, but thanks to Tash and Dev I can say that I feel like I have). According to their website, Bondi Sands makes “the ultimate tan accessible to everyone, our salon quality formulas work to give you an even, naturally golden tan that hydrates and nourishes your skin meaning you stay bronzed for longer.”

They have a ton of products, including the new Aero Self-Tanning Foam that I need to try, but for now, I’ll be reviewing the Dark Self Tanning Foam. Months back I made an order on the website where I bought the foam ($24) and a mit ($6) with 20% off my first order because I joined Club Bondi (stunning, we love a discount).

After a short 2-day wait, I got the box in the mail, tore it open, took a boomerang (if you don’t, did you even get @bondisands??), and tried it on. I applied the foam, with the mit, and already saw a tint of color right away; making it easy to see where you applied the tanner and what spots you missed.

I apply the foam over my body, including the remainder of what is left on my mit and applying it to my face. I do have to wait up to 8 hours for the tan to fully develop, but that’s not a problem if you do it right before bed. Honestly, if I am lazy (which I am, most of the time) and don’t want to apply it before bed I will still put it on before I put my clothes on in the morning – it works just as well and whatever transfers onto my clothes washes right off (don’t do it before you wear a swimsuit though, I learned that the hard way RIP to my brand new Frankie’s bikini)! Not to mention when I do wait till the day of to apply it, I get countless “you smell so good” comments (which would never happen with another self-tanner). This foam smells just like coconuts and not at all like self-tanner. If you don’t feel like waiting 8 hours for your tan to develop, pick up the 1 Hour Express Foam it works great too and you’re tan AF after 2-3 hours!

~Disclaimer~ Once you apply your tan, I recommend that you DO NOT lie on top of your furniture, sheets, or anything else of light color without a towel. It will transfer onto your things – but it does come off completely in the wash if it does happen (98% of the time.. once again RIP to my bikini).

After the 8 hours are up, it’s time to shower and you’ll look like you just spent the last month roasting in the Australian sun… in a good way. This tan can last up to two weeks with the proper moisturizing. I promise you will never want to go back to being pale because now you know being tan can be so easy (and cancer-free).

The only downside I have about the Dark Self-Tanning Foam is when it starts to come off. If you don’t have the proper exfoliator or some magic recipe to remove self-tanner it can start to look patchy on your skin. I usually scrub with a loofah and exfoliator but I just purchased the Self Tan Eraser. According to my sources.. on YouTube.. it removes your tan in 5 minutes without aggressively scrubbing, so I am looking forward to trying it. This product would be great for reapplying your tanner to clean, tanner-free skin – stay tuned maybe I’ll tell you how I like it!

I hope you enjoyed my review on the Bondi Sands, Dark Self-Tanning Foam. I paid for all the products myself & don’t worry Bondi Sands doesn’t know who I am, it’s my honest opinion!

Be back soon.

xx,

Philippine B

I’m Back Baby

Hello, beautiful ppl of the internet… we are back & better than ever. I was long overdue for a new blog post and update but that is okay because I’m here now.

While I was gone, the one year ~anniversary~ since starting my blog passed and I don’t understand where the time has gone. Somewhere in the past few months, I became so busy I lost track of time and forgot to do the things that mattered to me the most. Since I’ve been gone, however, a lot of exciting things have been happening!

I graduated from UC Santa Barbara (yasss), I signed the lease for my brand new apartment with my two best friends in Santa Monica (double yasss), I’ve landed amazing collabs with companies I adore, I celebrated my 24th birthday (holy shit), and time has been FLYING. It hasn’t been all rainbows & butterflies – shit has been stressful – but, I am back & I can’t wait to bring you all along in the next chapter of my crazy life.

Not only have I been going through changes but hello so has my blog. Shoutout to my big sister (@pboudes) for helping me make my #pfg banner a reality. Let me know what you think in the comments below + be sure to follow!

Shirt ⋆ Pants ⋆ Necklace

Stay tuned for new posts coming soon!

xx,

Philippine B

Valentine’s Day Gifts That Won’t Break The Bank

Valentine’s Day is coming in hot – dinner reservations are being booked, jewelry is being shined, and chocolate is being wrapped. But what happens if you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend this year? I’ll help you think of the perfect things to do and gift this Valentine’s Day, that are both unique AF and under $100.

What To Do:

Chick Fil A Heart Tray $17.96

Honestly, Chick-fil-a might be the closest thing we have to heaven on Earth. Let’s face it, we all love a good Chick-fil-a moment. This year, instead of dropping hundreds on dinner, order a Chick-fil-a heart tray filled with your favorite mini chicken sandwiches and have a picnic on the beach or set up some blankets to build a fort and watch a movie! Hopefully, it’ll be as cute as this Mini Cooper set up Suzy Shattuck and her husband created in Malibu #majorinspo. Either way, it’ll end up being much more romantic (and probably taste better) than a fancy dinner and it’ll only cost you $17.

Escape Room $35

Take your date to an escape room where you’ll be putting your minds together to get out of a room by solving riddles and completing challenges before time runs out. This will be a fun and different activity to do that will be something you’ll both remember forever!

Note for the record – they aren’t all scary so if you guys scare easy there are fun and chill options at escape rooms!

IHOP Unlimited Pancakes $4.99

Um, need I say more?

Ok, I will.. IHOP is offering UNLIMITED pancakes. You can go with your date, order a stack of pancakes, and stay until you physically can no longer eat pancakes.

What To Gift:

Custom Couple Portrait $54.09

Um hello is this not the most original and cutest idea ever? This is such a heartfelt gift that anyone would be lucky to receive! You can either order a print and frame it yourself or have it printed onto a canvas to put on display.

Not only is it adorable – but this gift works as a gift for your BFF, family, significant other, and anyone that is special to you! Who says Valentine’s Day is just for couples??

Gold Dipped Rose $74

So – we know about the box of roses that lasts 365 days but we also know those cost around $200. Did we know that instead, we can get a REAL ROSE DIPPED IN GOLD FOR LESS THAN HALF THAT PRICE? Well now we do, and we are very intrigued.

Have you ever gotten a golden rose? No really, pls let me know.

Weighted Blanket $79.90

Weighted blankets are known to help with anxiety, and being someone that experiences anxiety on the reg – I think this would make the perfect for anyone (even someone without anxiety). Not only that, but weighted blankets help you sleep better, reduce insomnia, helps with ADHD, relieves stress, and has a ton of other benefits that could help your partner. Not to mention – you’ll probably be sleeping next to them and you can benefit from it too ;))

For Her:

Jewelry (C&C Luxury) $15 – $35

Okay, so maybe jewelry isn’t the most unique but honestly, you can never go wrong with a little sparkle. Also, there’s no need to gift jewelry that is hundreds of dollars – there are a ton of choices out there that can be unique & very affordable.

One of my favorite jewelry companies is C&C Luxury, made by my favorite Youtuber Toni Sevdalis and her sister Allie! This talented sister duo design and hand make every piece. They just dropped the CUTEST new pieces just in time for Valentine’s Day like the sweetheart eternity bands that would make her MELT. Since Allie & Toni are the best, you can use the code ‘SWEETHEART’ for 10% off on top of their already amazing prices. #notanad #ijustreallyloveit

Here are a few of my favorite picks that make for the perfect Vday gift:

Sweetheart Eternity Band $28 or add a little color, Royal Necklace $35, Queen of Hearts Bracelet $15, The Signature Necklace – Double $26

Kiehls Hello Hydration Set $49

Skincare is a girl’s best friend. And chances are if it isn’t her best friend yet this set will make her fall in love with taking care of her skin. This Kiehl’s Hello Hydration set is packed with great products that will clear her skin of dirt and dryness and leave her feeling refreshed and dewy.

Glam Glow Mask Set $44

This Glam Glow set has all of their best selling masks that she will love. These masks are perfect for everyday use and will give her the self-care she deserves.

Mugler, Alien $84

If you want her to smell amazing this would be a great scent to pick up. If Alien isn’t your favorite, go to Sephora and test out the different scents. Pick a perfume that you enjoy and you’ll think she will like – she can always exchange it if you pick horribly wrong. Just kidding that won’t happen..

Kate Spade Card Case $68

This card case is definitely my favorite pick (CJ are you reading this??). Not only do the hearts make it perfect for the occasion but she can store her cards conveniently and in style. A wallet or card case is always a great gift that you know she will use!

For Him:

Record Player $44.09

Pair this affordable record player with a few records of your guy’s favorite band and you have a thoughtful and awesome gift that he probably wouldn’t expect. Unless he asked for one then, in that case, he probably will expect it…

Mixology Bartender Kit $47.87

Hello Mr. Bartendeuur. This aesthetically pleasing mixology kit comes with everything he will need to feel like a bartender, impress his friends, and mix up the perfect drink.

Scratch Off Map $26

This map will allow your traveler boyfriend to scratch off the countries as he goes. This is a cute idea that can also be motivating to travel more and satisfying to see where he’s already been!

Charging Picture Frame $57.34

Hello, cute Valentine’s Day gift of a sentimental picture of you and bae. Except it’s so much better than just that – it will also charge. his. phone. And what is more important than you and his phone? Probably not much.

Golf Potty Putter $11.99

Gag gift but it’s likely he will actually use this puppy. Make sure he’s entertained at all times by buying him this golf putty putter – it’s both fun and improves his put. I really don’t know if I’m kidding anymore…

Alrighty, kids, I hope this gift guide has helped to give you some ideas on what to do this Valentine’s Day without dropping mad cash. I’d love to hear what you do end up doing and getting – so don’t forget to let me know in the comments!

Happy V Day ladies and gents ❤

As always, see you next time.

XX, Phil

Guide To Styling Your Mini Bar

Hello beautiful people who look even better after a few sips of tequila.

Today we are going to talk about the tips & tricks to styling your mini bar making sure it’s stocked, cute, and happy hour ready. We’ve recently just added a mini bar to our new apartment because we’ve been loving the idea of having a cute designated area to entertain yet still be practical. Having such a small space, it’s crucial that every corner is still useful and storage friendly.

My boyfriend, CJ, just turned 23 this past week and to celebrate I gifted him a mini bar (that we’re both loving)! I wanted to incorporate some personalized touches that would make it his own and perfect for entertaining.

I’ll show you how his mini bar came together and the steps you should take to creating your own.

One

Looking through my Pinterest I wanted to find some inspiration because most of the ideas I had were pretty girly and I wanted to make sure it was gender neutral. Here are a few of the pictures I saved and looked back on when I needed some inspiration:

Two

The most important part to styling a mini bar – is buying the bar itself. The cart is going to be the biggest piece and the first thing people notice when they come in. It’s important you pick one that matches your space and that you really enjoy. You’ll have to decide between glass or wood, industrial or modern, two shelves or three, gold or silver, the list goes on.. trust me.

It’s also important to realize that bar carts are not cheap. It’s almost impossible to find one under $100. Target has some on the lower end of $100 and I really recommend them because they’re super cute, but I always suggest checking thrift stores, Facebook marketplace, or Craigslist first! I ended up getting CJ’s bar cart from Facebook marketplace for $60 instead of $160 and it was brand new from Target – scooorrreee.

Three

After you purchase your mini bar, you’re going to want to decide what type of bar you’re going to make. The two types of bars that I think are the most practical would be either a Nespresso/Coffee bar or the classic ~alcohol~ bar. Since I decided to make it a bar with alcohol, that’s what I’ll be talking about but it can be easily transformed into a barista corner with a Nespresso maker and capsule bowl instead of a martini set and shot glasses!

@gyspytan

Once you decide – you’ll have to buy the main pieces to make it a bar. The first things I decided to buy was a cocktail shaker set. I chose to get one from Etsy; I wanted to make sure it was great quality and personalized so he could keep it forever. I ended up getting a monogrammed set that also came with an engraved wooden storage box.

Four

Next step, glass! This step you’ll need to buy the kind of cups you’ll be needing like martini and shot glasses or even champagne flutes. I wanted to have a variety of choices and since we already had most of the glasses, I decided to slip a few types into the bar and decided to buy some shot glasses to finish it off. I also found some extra pieces like our crystal decanter and vase to tie it all together. I mostly made use of what we already had in our place but I always recommend checking out Goodwill or even the dollar store for glasses – they’re cheap and super cute (that’s where I bought the vase I used to store the limes)!

Five

Alcohol. Buying bottles of alcohol is pretty much a necessity to any bar – I splurged and got CJ some Grey Goose and Patron (bc it’s his birthday duh) but any alcohol that you drink will do! Also, if you want sparkling water, juice, or soda – this could be a good addition to the bar that would add some color and make it look even prettier!

Six

My favorite step that I always love taking my time on – as with everything else – is accessories. These are the final touches that will take your mini bar from a mini bar to a – Pinterest, picture perfect, look at my new mini bar – mini bar. Adding different textures, layers, and knick knacks here and there will make your mini bar different from everyone else’s and also more personal.

I decided to add things like bartending books filled with different mixology recipes (1) (2), a bark wood tray that I picked up at Ross, stainless steel straws, some coasters, and limes. I also purchased a Sonos speaker to add into the mini bar (that we later decided to put somewhere else) that is always a great addition if you wanted to include a music player in your bar.

Once again, this step doesn’t need to be expensive. Home Goods, Ross, and Target all have amazing pieces to choose from, at affordable prices.

SEVEN

Last step (it’s a hard one), it’s time to sit back and make yourself a well-deserving drink! As your sipping on that chilled Cosmopolitan or a hot cup of Nespresso – don’t forget to send me your pictures (@pboudey) or comment down below, I’d love to see what you come up with!