BEAUTY MUST-HAVES

NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT

How does one follow up the two most real and passionate posts she’s ever written? By writing about more topics she’s passionate about. Like sweat. That’s right, today I’m addressing the fact that women sweat, especially Italian women like me. For years it impacted what I wore. Collared button-down shirts? Forget it. Satin and silk tops of any kind? Nope. I’d sweat right through them in two seconds with giant stains that were impossible to hide. It was one of the most embarrassing and least feminine things ever, and the world around me could see it.

FEELIN’ GROOVY: DENIM ON DENIM + A 70s FLAIR

Friends! I took a hiatus from posting for just over a week, and it felt great! I needed a little time to myself but I’m back and ready for all the style and beauty adventures fall has to offer us. Let’s start with my new favorite outfit that I can’t stop wearing. I put this together for my boyfriend’s birthday dinner, when I wanted to look casual and cute with a touch of the fall trends that I’m loving – like denim on denim + a 70s flair to everything. 

BELLE MEETS WORLD + GAP FACTORY = A DENIM MIRACLE

Sure it’s 90 degrees outside and still officially summer, but I can’t stop daydreaming about fall colors and all the looks I want to try when the weather starts to turn. Among these is the boyfriend jean, a trend that had eluded me (and my hips) until working on this post, and here’s why – I kept trying to actually wear my boyfriend’s jeans. But bulky and loose does not a cute outfit make! Fortunately, I’ve experience a denim miracle thanks to GAP Factory and I need to tell you about it – ASAP.

LEARNING TO BEAT THE BIRTHDAY BLUES

Confession: my birthday has always been a quietly sad occasion for me. Not because I’m getting older – that’s bound to happen – but because it’s always felt indulgent to celebrate myself. I’d rather spend that time criticizing who I’ve become because that is what we do as women. It’s dumb and counterproductive and sad. NO MORE. This year, I wanted to be happy and to have a wonderful day – because I was born, because I’m still alive, and because there is much more to do. It was time to let go of the Birthday Blues, once and for all. Read on to see how I did it!

BELLE MEETS WORLD + GENTLY LOVED JEWELRY = VINTAGE RING GIVEAWAY!!

I am so excited to be partnering today with Gently Loved Jewelry to gush about one of my favorite topics – vintage jewelry! And the best part is that we’re GIVING AWAY A BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE RING to one lucky reader. But first – let’s talk about sparkly things and how to get them for less money.

IN PRAISE OF CULOTTES – AND HOW TO WEAR THEM FOR …

ulottes – a man-repelling piece of clothing that only your grandmother can pull off? Or a stylish trend that YOU can pull off? I’ll go with a combo of the two – a cute item to refresh your closet that men definitely do not understand (they don’t get the short pants thing). But I love them and I think they are quite flattering on women. In fact, I’ve been experimenting all summer with a number of ways to wear them for work, play and a night out. Read on for ideas and inspiration to fulfill your own culotte dreams!