Sneaky Toning

Hello Lovelies!

I'm so very sorry for the delay in this post, but I can assure you that Lipstick & Life will be back on schedule very soon. :)

 {Tumblr ~ I Just Need A Moment}

In the summer it's really easy to slack on usual routines since the time is full of relaxation and good food. :) But that doesn't mean we have to stress about it. These are some of the tricks I've discovered this summer. They're really easy ways to incorporate some exercise into typical summer activities. :)  

Abs In The Pool 

{Soak up the sun}

One really easy thing to do is to engage your abs while swimming. When in a deep end of the pool where you can't touch the bottom, hold your torso straight as you lift your knees towards your chest and curl them in, and then kick your legs out before lowering them once more. It's sort of like doing crunches. Repeat this movement as many times as you can until you start feeling it, then put in a few more, and you've just done a great Ab workout in about 5 minutes. :) 

Walking Your Dog

{Spending time with your dog can have more than one perk}

Dogs are great exercise companions. So, lengthen the time or distance of a daily walk. Just getting out in the sunshine and walking around for a while puts in some good cardio - even when wearing flip flops. :) Most dogs will love it! 

Leg Lifts + TV

{Work those legs}

While you're sitting on the couch watching TV, something really easy to do are leg lifts. Sit up straight, and then lift your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Hold them in place for about ten seconds. You can alternate between raising the left, right or both legs. Again, repeat these until you feel they're becoming tiring, put in a few more, and then stop. It's pretty quick, and turns chill time into a bit of tone time. :) 

Enjoy the rest of your week! 

Talk to you Friday! 

- H xx

~ 1, 2, 3, 4 ~

New Post Friday!

Hi Everyone!

We're so sorry for the delay in posts this week! Emma and I are both traveling at the moment, so we haven't been able to get complete posts up.

Our schedule will be back on track first thing Friday. :)

Until then, enjoy your week!

- H xx

Summer Shopping List

Summer is one of those times where I usually accumulate a list of items that are currently in style, or that I've noticed throughout the year as being some that could prove to be staple items. I haven't done very much shopping so far this summer, however, these are some items that I've got my eye out for. :) Maybe I'll be able to pick up some of them before school starts!

Coloured Shorts 

These are really popular this summer. I noticed that Hollister and Abercrombie seem to have quite a large assortment of colours this year, so those stores could be great places to check out. 

Oversized Leather Bag 

I am in love with these...classic and practical. 

Neon Trainers 

My trainers have become really worn out after a couple of years of P.E. classes and sports, so I'm thinking one of my back-to-school items will be a new pair of running shoes. Loving the neon trainers Nike has come out with recently. :) 


Go-To Pumps

Unfortunately, my fave pair are on their last legs, so I'm beginning the search for my next pair of basic go-to's. 


Maxiskirt

These have been everywhere this year, and I think they've got a really nice look to them. (Emma's also a fan)  This spring, I invested in my first Maxidress. Yet, seeing as this trend has not yet faded, I'm hoping to add a maxiskirt to the mix, as well. :) 


Sheers

The 'sheer top + bandeau' combination has gotten huge this summer. I love the girly touch sheers bring to outfits, and, if purchased in a few key colours, they can be taken into the fall when paired with classic skinnies. Hoping to pick up a few of these, too. 


Coloured Skinnies

These easily add an extra touch to any outfit. I find them super cute!


Have a wonderful weekend!

- H xx

~ 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7 ~

Trending Now: Arm Candy

{ Ethereal }

I am in love with this trend, which is, basically, the act of wearing stacked bracelets. Now it seems like I might be just a tad bit behind on posting about it, but I can explain. I was waiting out to see if the trend would really last. And last it did. Spamming my facebook, instagram and tumblr feeds, the lastest (and one of the most gorgeous) trends to hit worldwide is arm candy. Though I have heard it been called "arm swag" too. ;) Desperate to try my own takes on it I even indulged in buying myself a rose gold watch to spruce things up. Here are a couple styles to rock it.

{ Urban }

{ Girly }

{ Edgy / Colorful }

{ Delicate }

{ Woven / Boho }

And there are loads more to give a go. Lemme know what your favorite style is! 

xx Em

~ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 ~

Hollister and A&F Haul: 7/9

Last week I made my first clothing purchases of the summer from American clothing stores, Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister. Though I did pay full price for a couple of the items, the majority were on major sale - ranging from 30-50%+ off!

Hollister Co. Alcazar Navy Printed Triangle Bikini Top & Swim Bottoms

This is probably my new summer staple. I've been eyeing the Hollister swimsuits with the bird logo on them for a few years now, so I'm super excited to have finally decided on one. This set was about half off its original price! Even better.

Hollister Co. Pebbly Beach Shorts in Dark Turquoise

Brightly coloured shorts seem to be everywhere this summer, so I decided to try and pick up a pair. I love the colour of these, and after wearing them once this week, I've found that they're also super comfortable. Might have to snag another colour in this style before summer ends. :)

Hollister Co. Classic Leather Flip Flops in Dark Brown

{Please note, the colour is quite a bit darker in person}

I love the Hollister and A&F leather sandals. They're super comfortable and are versatile enough to be paired with almost any outfit during the spring/summer/fall seasons. These are my new pair for the year, and I'm super excited to break them in.

Abercrombie & Fitch Ruffled Triangle Bikini Top & Swim Bottoms in Blue

I love the colour (can you tell I have a thing for blue yet?) and I think the style is super sweet. The flower detailing and light ruffles really give this swimsuit a girly touch. This set was also about half off its original price! :)

Abercrombie & Fitch Kaela Cami in White

I saw a few of the store employees sporting similar tops to these last two while I was shopping. The style is really versatile and can be worn with shorts and a cute leather belt (my fave) during the summer, and then carried into the fall with some skinny jeans. 

Abercrombie & Fitch Kaela Cami in Navy

This is the navy version with a slightly different lace pattern than the white one above. I love both of these new additions to my closet, and think they'll be great during the warm summer months. They're girly with their sweet lace touches, but also classic. This one was 30% off - whee!

- H xx

Shenzhen Haul: 7/12

{ Belts: Red, Blue, and Black }

Loving these three stunning belts. The black and red have black buckles while the blue had gold.

For those of you who have been to Shenzhen, I need no explanation for listing the following items below. For those of you who haven't, I recommend completing a short Google search to see what it's most famous for - shopping wise. Listing it outright may have me reported. ;) But here's a look into the my latest finds. 

{ Anna Sui: Two Double Pocketed Change Purses, Jewelry Box }

So much love to this brand recently. The double pocket feature on the change purses is genius to me and the jewelry box is going to be amazing for travelling. The inside has a mirror as well. Bonus! 

{ Le Sport Sac: Matching 3-Piece Set }

I can already see this becoming a packing favorite... shampoo/brush in the large, eyeshadow and perfume in the medium, and eyeliners and brushes in the small. Brilliant. 

{ Audrey Hepburn like Sunglasses }

Definitely a summer essential! 

{ Cath Kidston: Navy Polkadot Case }

This is the perfect size for casing the sunglasses I just showed above. 

{ Rose Gold Rolex Watch }

The newest addition to my arm candy swag! So in love with this, and though I'm not used to having a watch (my wrist is getting claustrophobic!) I have to admit to the aesthetics of this beauty. 

I apologize, by the way, for the lighting in some of the photos. I had to take them all tonight with no natural sunlight, which is the reason behind some of the yellowish tint. It'll be better again monday! Sorry!


Happy Friday the 13th! Anything happen? Lemme know!
xx Em

The Best Accessory: A Smile

It's summer...the sun's shining, we're out of school & stress is at a minimum...is there any reason not to be happy? Regardless of if you're posing in a photo, or simply taking a walk around a shopping district, a smile will not only make you appear more attractive, but brighten up your day and automatically lift your mood.

I just did a bit of research on this, and found a great article in the Longevity portion of About.com.

The article lists the top 10 reasons to smile, and I've made some abridged notes on its findings below:

1. Smiling makes us attractive
Humans are naturally drawn to people who smile. 


2. Smiling changes our mood
It sort of tricks your brain into thinking you're feeling better than you are, and eventually, you'll believe it, too. 


3. Smiling is contagious
When other people see your joy, they'll want a part of it, too. 


4. Smiling relieves stress
Smiling masks our feelings of being overwhelmed, which show on our faces. It will help you reduce your stress, so that you can perform better on whatever tasks you have waiting. 


5. Smiling boosts your immune system
It has the potential to strengthen your immune system, as smiling makes you more relaxed. 


6. Smiling lowers your blood pressure
If you're doing a consistent task, for instance, reading, and you sit with a blank expression versus a smile, you will have a lower blood pressure in comparison whilst smiling. 


7. Smiling reduces endorphins, natural pain killers and serotonin
These three things make us feel good in any circumstance.


8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger
You look younger, and feel better when smiling. A similar effect to hitting up the spa. 


9. Smiling makes you seem successful
It makes you appear more confident, so people's perception of you will be better. 


10. Smiling helps you stay positive
It helps you avoid any type of stress.


Keep smiling, lovelies!


- H
xx