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Shopping Tips

Lani and Kyle’s Summer Favorites

What gets the girls at Real Life Style through the summer? We thought you’d want to know. Shoes, makeup, and clothes, we’ve got all the important categories covered. Enjoy.

Happy Shopping!

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Lani’s Favorites

Block Printed Cotton Dresses

I’ve been obsessed with Indian block prints for years. I have a collection of Indian block print bedding from John Robshaw I’ve been amassing for years and even went so far as to have one of our State Department clients bring me back some fabric from her posting in Chennai, which I had made into one of my favorite casual summer dresses. Most sane people would not go to such lengths so Kyle discovered a few sellers on Etsy that sell block printed clothing, sheets, and pillow cases. Have I told you lately how much I love that girl?  The website Toast also has a great selection of modern block printed dresses and tops.

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Shivalaya Jaipur Block Printed Dress, $64

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Toast Ikat Belted Dress, $355

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Toast Anokhi Block Print Shirt Dress, $245

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Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner

I’ve been raving about this Ilia lip tint for a few years (thank you @Rosalovesdc!), and my love has only grown stronger. I recently purchased the shade Forever, which is a mauve-y toned nude, for my everyday summer makeup look. Even though I typically go cheap and chic with a lot of my makeup (I’m constantly dropping and breaking my compacts!) this is one product that I will always splurge on.

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Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner, $28

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Yellow Sandals

I spoke in my recent jumpsuit blog (which is obviously a major summer favorite) about my Joe’s yellow sandals that were gifted to me by my best friend Erin when they didn’t fit her. I also recently had a client get a pair of yellow croc-embossed Sam Edelman sandals that ended up being a total workhorse in her wardrobe. It’s amazing how much yellow can match, or not match and just act as a super fun contrast in an outfit. It is also amazing how just adding one new element to your wardrobe, such as a bright pair of sandals, can change all of your outfits. Yellow is a pretty trendy color so a pair of sandals is an easy way to get it in the wardrobe if you don’t want to over commit.

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Joe’s sandals, unfortunately no longer available for purchase

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Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal, $89.95

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Loreal Waterproof Mascara

Kyle, who keeps up-to-date with all the latest Youtube reviews, recommended this mascara to me last year for a good waterproof option. And she was right! I can put it on in the morning and it will hold up through the gym, the pool with the kids, and two showers.  I buy it in both waterproof and non-waterproof versions over and over.

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Loreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara, $10.99

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Kyle’s Favorites

Big Buckle Birkenstocks

A year or two ago, I got my first pair of Birkenstocks: the Arizona Big Buckle. I loved them because they felt a little funkier than the typical Birkenstocks. This summer I bought the rose gold pair (because I thought I had lost my black pair, but that’s another story). These are basically the only shoes I wear all summer! If you like the style, check out the collection on the Birkenstock page. The Zinfandel pair has my heart.

PS. These unfortunately don’t come in the soft footbed option, so these may not work if you need extra cushioning like Lani.

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Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle, $150

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Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle, $130

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Glossier Cloud Paint and Milk Makeup Bronzer

I don’t know if I’m the only one, but I completely switch up my makeup routine in the summer vs. in the winter. During summer months, I strive to have healthy looking skin with an easy and quick routine. Concealer, brow gel, and mascara are always must-haves, but then for the finishing touches, I paint on this blush/bronzer combo with a blush brush for a sun-kissed glow. These are products I’ve bought multiple times and have been using for years!

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Glossier Cloud Paint, $18

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Milk Makeup Matte Bronzer, $24

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Anything from Uniqlo’s Drape Collection

These are really all year favorites, but they’re especially great in the summer because of the fabric. I will buy anything Uniqlo makes in this fabric because it is basically indestructible (and I already have about 10 pieces, including tops and dresses). You throw it in the washing machine, hang dry, and never need to ever iron. They’re the work-horse pieces of my wardrobe!

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Uniqlo Drape V-Neck Short-Sleeve Blouse, $29.90

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Uniqlo Drape Sleeveless Blouse, $19.90 $9.90

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COS Printed Cotton Dress

This is my new favorite summer dress. It’s 100% cotton and machine washable, but looks like an avant-garde designer dress. It’s light as air and stands away from the body, so it’s great for those 105 degree days when you still want to look cute. It also looks amazing with sneakers, wedges, Birkenstocks, Tevas and everything in between.

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COS Printed Round-Neck Dress, $115

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Lani Inlander is a personal stylist who has been working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day for over 15 years. You can find her in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. Learn how you can train with Lani to become a personal stylist at The Stylist Studio

You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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