getting ready for date night at home

August 13, 2015
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
My friends know that I’m definitely a fan of staying in. While I love getting all dolled up, going out on the town, and trying new restaurants, there’s something so nice about staying home. I know some people think that’s boring, but I totally prefer it. Matthew and I are especially fans of the Friday night date night at home. We make dinner together and it’s really nice to just relax after a busy week. Then, we can maybe think about going out on Saturday night! Last weekend Matthew and I stayed in every night and it was so nice. I realized, though, that by staying in I’m missing my favorite part of going out..getting dressed up! Whether you’re staying in, or going out, here are some of my favorite elements of getting ready.
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
After picking my outfit, I always pick jewelry to compliment it. Lately, I’ve been loving wearing one statement piece, instead of a bunch of different pieces. I guess it depends on what the outfit is like, but for this all black outfit I chose a beautiful ring from Barbela Design to accentuate the look. This piece is stunning and one I know I will have forever so I like to show it off just on it’s own. The design is very unique so it’s a perfect statement piece, don’t you think?
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
Lipcolor is always an important part of my outfit and for date nights I tend to lean towards a bold red. It’s a romantic shade and I always loved that my mom would wear it on date nights with my Dad. I remember being little and sitting with her in the bathroom, watching her get ready. I was always so enamored with her ease of applying lipstick. She did it so effortlessly and always chose the perfect colors…she still does!
curling hair for date night M Loves M @marmar
fixing hair for date night M Loves M @marmar
Matthew prefers my hair wavy to straight, which is a good thing because so do I! For date nights, loose, romantic waves are the way to go.
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
When I wear a mostly all-black outfit I like to add a pop of color with my shoes. These red heels seemed to play up the red lipstick and the heel height is perfect!
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
Whether we are staying in or going out, the date night prep also includes a cocktail! Sometimes with Ginger as my trusty helper! Matthew loves martinis, and usually you’ll find me with a mojito in hand, or a lemon cucucmber cocktail!
getting ready for date night M Loves M @marmar
ring c/o Barbela Designromper Greylin, shoes Sole Society, lipstick Dolce&Gabbana Scarlett

 

This ring from Barbela Design is such a perfect accessory, and I love that I can wear it any day of the week for a little glam factor. I loved learning that Barbela Design was created by a family owned jewelry company that found it’s origin in Belgium dating back to the 1930s. They truly have a passion and talent for what they do! Now, the company is based in the heart of New York City, one of my favorite places to visit! Michelle created Barbela Design because she felt like there was a need for stylish, yet not outrageously priced pieces of jewelry for the young professional woman. Isn’t that so true? She wanted to create jewelry pieces that could be staples in a woman’s jewelry box from day to night. The thing I love about this diamond zig zag ring is that it’s classic, yet modern, and it’s one of those items that could easily become your signature piece.
If you’re interested in getting anything from Barbela Design, or want to pass it along as a hint hint to your special someone, you can use code MLOVESM15 for 15% off! They also have some pieces for under $350 so there’s a good variety of prices but the quality is still there!
When you look towards jewelry, how do you like to make a statement? For awhile I was such a necklace girl, but now it’s all about the cuff bracelet and the rings!
xox
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Barbela Design but, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I so appreciate you supporting my sponsors who help keep this blog going! Thank you!
photos by Kimber Brown

making outfits work for late summer

August 12, 2015
making outfits work for late summer M Loves M @marmar
When thinking about ways to transition into fall {I know…I know…let’s not talk about it!}, I look to colors and textures. Navys and burgundies make me think of fall weather, but this dress is still a piece that’s perfect for late summer heat. The material is soft, slightly flowy, but as a plus for fall, it looks great paired with a denim jacket or a loose cardigan. Also, these woven espadrille wedges keep the outfit working for the current month of August. The taupey/beige color isn’t too bright and doesn’t scream summer, so I know I’ll be able to wear them for at least another couple of months/as long as possible!
making outfits work for late summer printed dress with denim jacket on M Loves M @marmar
styling fall pieces during the late summer M Loves M @marmar
woven espadrille wedges with pretty dress M Loves M @marmar
fall dress with mint satchel bag from sole society M Loves M @marmar
lena bernard necklace from Anthropologie on M Loves M @marmar
karen walker number one sunglasses in tortoise on M Loves M @marmar
making outfits work for late summer M Loves M @marmar
dress LOFT, jacket Nordstrom {under $100!}, belt vintage {similar}, shoes Eight Fifteen {unfortunately unavailable online but you can get this similar style on a crazy sale}, bag Sole Society, sunglasses Karen Walker Number One, necklace Lena Bernardlipstick Urban Decay Bang
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This mint bag is a little unexpected color choice but I’m kind of loving it. What do you think? It’s not something I’d think would match, but it still compliments the rest of the outfit. At least I think so! Let me know in the comments below!

I hope you all are having a great week so far! I went to a really beautiful dinner with Mary Kay last night so that has been a highlight for sure! The event was held at the most beautiful location, the food was incredible, and the company was even better! Seeing my Mary Kay friends made me miss my trip to Dallas in spring {remember that ACM hair?!}. Hard to believe that trip was almost 4 months ago…yikes! Time flies!
xox
photos by Valorie Darling

Lipstick Picks

August 11, 2015
M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Tory Burch Pas Du Tout, Jouer Meredith and Stila Amalfi @marmar
Apart from the date night red, I tend to wear a lot of pinks during the summertime. Light pinks are flattering and easy to wear with a lot of summer outfits, especially since pink is such a complimentary color. I’ve been rotating with the above three pretty regularly so I thought I’d share on the blog! All three colors can be worn for a variety of occasions, such as to work, a summer party, an outdoor dinner, etc. I’m actually thinking about wearing the third lip color for a wedding this weekend. I think the color is so beautiful and the fact that it lasts so long is a major selling point! 
M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Tory Burch Pas Du Tout @marmar
Tory Burch’s lipsticks are beautiful, not just for the colors but also for the packaging {seriously, check it out!}. I love how light and sheer the shades are, too. When I don’t want to worry about getting lipstick on my teeth, but I’m feeling like I still need a hint of color, I usually reach for this Pas Du Tout shade. It’s a closematch to my lips and sometimes people can’t even tell I have lipstick on but I like that it gives a little color and shine.
M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Tory Burch Pas Du Tout @marmar
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M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Jouer Meredith @marmar

I love all of Jouer’s lipsticks so much because of how incredibly moisturizing they are. The lipsticks never dry out my lips and I love how they make them feel..so soft! This Meredith shade is a light, mod pink which I’ve loved recently, especially as my skin as gotten a little bit of color. Yay for summer tans! If only they would last just a little bit longer!
M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Jouer Meredith @marmar

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M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Stila Amalfi Liquid LIpstick @marmar

I have heard rave reviews about the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick so was so excited to finally check it out. This Amalfi shade is a bold rosey pink and it glides on easily with the wand. Within minutes the shade becomes matte and guess what? It actually lasts all day! The color stays put, but I would recommend a little touch up after meals… just in case!
M Loves M Lipstick Picks August 2015 with Stila Amalfi Liquid LIpstick @marmar
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Have you tried any new lipsticks lately that you love? Please share with me below! You know what a sucker I am for lipstick! 
xox

see more Lipstick Picks. Photos by Kimber Brown