Summer Swag

Honesty hour time! One glorious, hot as hell day in New York City, Lydia and I had a shoot. We figure it'd be the same old, same old but instead we were greeted with a thunderous monsoon. Granted it lasted a mere ten minutes but the damage was done. It became insanely hot AND humid. The sweat could not roll off my skin any faster which meant my white shirt was basically sheer after our very quick shoot.

You guys, even her camera lens could not stop sweating, just like my back which explains the lack of back-angle shots. It was definitely one of those unglamorous blogger moments which made me realize just how much I really love blogging.

Of course, that doesn't mean I didn't dress appropriately for the weather. I completely did but after waiting it out in the sauna, wait, I mean subway platform, I was burning up. It happens and there's no way to avoid it.

On the typical summer scorcher day, you can usually find in a loose, light-weight top and ripped denim that allows for a gentle breeze in all the right places. And of course some fresh kicks to seamlessly get me from point A to point B.

As of late I've been two-stepping all over town in these Rocket Dog kicks. They come in such gorgeous pastel colors and have a distressed element to them that are perfect for casual affairs. The padded ankles are a nice touch for those looking for extra comfort. If you're not much a sneakers girl, they do have some on-point sandals and booties.

Shirt: Aritzia  Shorts: Zara (similar here)  Sneakers: Rocket Dog  Necklace: Athra Luxe  Rings: Assorted  Bracelet: Folli Follie  Lip Stain: Dahlia via Skinn  Hair Transformation: Chereen from Fox & Jane

Even after all the sweat, rain, and humidity that we both endured - I'm so excited about this set of photos. It's like the perfect formula that I hope to never repeat in the future.

Well it's time for me to finish packing since the girls and I are headed to Mad Decent's Block Party (in Philly!!) for some Diplo fun. I'm expecting debauchery that will only be documented on Snapchat, so make sure you're following me. Find me by searching "thestyleboro" and remember that snapchat is a no judgement zone.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Inside My Relaxing Rituals

Normally, when everything is so out of funk for me the best ritual that keeps me sane is putting pen to paper and just free-writing. The next best thing would be going out for a run. All I would need is a few minutes or a few hours to start feeling like my best self again.

via thesweetlight.com

Now imagine being told to not write or run, amongst other things. I honestly felt so lost for a few long weeks. And trust me, I tried writing (it looked like shit and hurt like hell) and then I tried running (but couldn't fit a sports bra over my head let alone tie my shoes). Feeling like a fish out of water I started researching a few ways or things to feel more at ease when everything was feeling uneasy. That's when I read up on rituals and started implementing the below things into my everyday life:

1. Starting My Day with Warm Lemon Water
As soon as I'm awake, I make myself a warm cup of lemon water. It's the first thing that enters my system and detoxifies my body. On days I'm feeling under the weather, the next magical ingredient is honey. I swear this healthy habit has helped me feel hydrated and tends to set the tone on what I eat. I'm also pretty positive it's one of the main reasons I've haven't gotten sick (yet). Here are 7 more reasons to add this to your daily routine.

2. Read (AM + PM)
While I'm waiting for my hot lemon water to cool off, I take a seat on my couch and read a couple of pages of whatever I'm reading. (The last few months I've been reading this great book called We Are Not Ourselves by Matthew Thomas). Knowing myself and my profession - I'll be on my phone and laptop all day so this really gives me a chance to have a no-screens moment. At night, it's sort of the same deal. No screens forty-five minutes before bed so I'll usually dive into my book before falling asleep.

3. Set an Intention
This might sound super cheesy, but it really does help set the mood for the day and add clarity to the clutter of our lives. If you're not sure of how to think of an intention, consider it to be the seed you sow for the day, week, month... You get the picture. My intentions tend to revolve around happiness or allowing myself to be open to success or change. It feels weird at first but you'll get over that quick.

4. No Devices at Night
THIS. We all need to do this. At least 45 minutes before bed - put the device or anything with a screen away. Not only will it help you sleep a shit-ton better, you'll slowly find yourself drifting off to sleep quicker. I'm definitely guilty of those late night Instagram scrolls but keeping the screens out of my bedroom made it feel more zen which I love.

5. Declutter & Prep
I've always been a planner and a neat freak so this comes naturally to me, but on those chaotic nights when I can barely breathe let alone declutter or prep -- those nights always haunt my following morning. For me, it simply feels great to spend a half hour tidying up, washing dishes, and getting rid of any crap I brought back with me or needs to get out of the apartment. Then I spend the next twenty minutes looking at my calendar and planning ahead. As in, prepping my lunch, coordinating my outfit, and making sure I have all the things I need for the next day. There's nothing better than waking up ready to take on the day or coming home to a clean + zen space. If you don't know where to start I totally recommend giving Marie Kondo's book a read.

I'll be honest, I've gotten so used to my new rituals, that missing one from my day kind of throws me off. Those days are few and far between, but generally, I'm a happier and saner person once I get through the shebang.

Are there any rituals you do that keeps you sane and motivated? Let me know in the comments down below.

Who's That Girl?

Told ya guys I am still very blond. And very much loving every second of it. I'm still getting adjusted to seeing myself in the mirror (who's that girl?) but at the end of the day, I'm really happy about going lighter.

A month ago, my hair stylist warned me about a feeling that wouldn't be so fleeting. As she applied the first brush stroke of bleach she mentioned how it would change everything - I'd possibly start opting for red glosses, feel more confident in bolder colors, and stand a little taller when waiting for the train. Or I would hate the drastic change and cry my eyes out.

My mood latched onto the former. I feel a billion times more confident with my new 'do and find myself wanting to explore the uncharted when it comes to beauty and accessories. And heels that never saw the light of day finally got a chance to go outside and play. (By the way, these from Harley-Davidson make my heart pitter-patter and they're comfy AF). I honestly wake up excited every day to get dressed and done up.

It's definitely good timing too -- because as I say it's better to be the better looking one when running into a failed (read: horrible) Tinder date on the E train.

Dress: c/o W by Worth  Boots: Harley-Davidson  Backpack: LANY  Rings: Assorted  Watch: Q&Q SmileSolar  Lipgloss: 22 via Kylie Cosmetics  Hair Transformation: Chereen from Fox & Jane

A few of the accessories, I've discovered (pre-ATV accident and really latched onto) is this brand called Q&Q SmileSolar. The quirky watch brand boasts a colorful array of bands and faces to match every mood imaginable. Unless, you're not into smiling or good times. To be honest, I really love watches but once the battery dies then so does the act of wearing it out. Luckily for my wrists (yes, even the broken one), Q&Q watches are all powered by sunlight. They're also water-resistant and the band is uber comfortable.

As how I accessorize my face, I've fallen very deep into Kylie's Lip Kit #22 and may actually finish it before the summer's end.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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