What? May already? Geez, where did the school year go? Right about now is when many of us suffer from year-end burnout…so close to the finish line, yet starting to fry. If this is you, I invite you to pop on over to my dear friend and blogger sister Kanesha Baynard’s website Bold Living Today and read the post, MAY-hem | Surviving the End of the Year School Year. An archived post from May 18, 2017, this post got me through the end of the school year, last year. What do you have to lose? Go check it out!
April was a crazy Mr. Toads wild ride. I came into the month on the heels of a nasty cold that carried on into mid-April. In addition to a very busy month at work and juggling the usual day-to-day schedules of 2 teenagers, I was fortunate to co-host 2 big events and squeeze some fun in. We did spend a week on the gorgeous California Coast for spring break – which kept me sane during a very busy month. Despite the fact it blew right by, I want to take a look back at April 2018 and revisit your favorite posts, outfits and beauty!
Favorite Posts
#1 California to Illinois, Let’s Shop Dresses
If you missed this fun collaboration with my blogger sister Julie Augustyn I encourage you to take a look. We covered 5 retailers and reviewed 18 dresses from California to Illinois.
#2 Finding the Most Flattering Sweater for Your Body Type
Featuring women of all shapes and sizes, this post is ranked in the top, month-to-month here on AskSuzanneBell.com
#3 Jumpsuits Over 40? You Betcha!
An archived post from years back, my first jumpsuit post still is going strong. Though I have posted “prettier” posts since, readers continue to pull this jumpsuit post out of the archives!
#4 Jumpsuit Love and Romper Musings
You ladies love your jumpsuit posts! This one features ideas on how to style both jumpsuits and rompers for us gals over 40.
Best of Beauty
Here and there I will post my current beauty obsessions on AskSuzanneBell.com. A look at my 5 favorite beauty products from April.
Lip Slip | Wear it alone, overnight or over lipstick…THE BEST!
Prestige Masque d’Escargot | Put your feet up, apply the sheet mask and relax for 20-30 min before you get ready to go out for the evening – your skin will glow and feel fabulous! | Available on Amazon
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Cushion Compact | How I lived without this I’m not sure! Natural look and feel | Read my review HERE
Essie Gel Couture Polish | Hands down the longest lasting over the counter polish out there! Every time I try something different I ask myself why? Read my review and 10 day manicure challenge HERE.
Rodan and Fields Active Hydration Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin | This super serum claims to raise the skin’s hydration level 200% for younger-looking, younger-acting skin. My dry skin looks forward to drinking in this super serum every morning. To purchase, link (HERE) to take you to the R+F website of independent consultant and best buddy of mine, SuzyLester.myrandf.
Favorite Outfits
A month of fickle weather, the sun did peek out here and there. And when it did, I shed my winter sweaters, boots and brought out a few early spring looks!
Double Kimono
It can get chilly on our California Coast making layers key. This particular morning I tied one kimono at the waist and layered a second piece over it. The large bag is essential because as soon as the sun peeks out, the top layer goes in the bag. A tank, kimono (or 2), hat, hair ties, flip flops, sunnies, swim suit, straw tote and sunscreen is really all you need for your next coastal vacation.
Hello Sunshine!
When that sun peeks out, I grab something colorful! Toting the same straw bag as above (Target), and jean jacket to ward off the morning chill. I switched out my go-to black sunnies for a nude pair which I thought allowed this fun dress to really shine!
Dress Over Jeans
I got all kinds of feedback on this look, most either love it with a big YES, others a NOT FOR ME. Personally I love this look, especially on cooler spring days when I don’t want to bare my legs. For more photos and tips on how to pull this look off on your own, click HERE.
Trina Love
I had a blast co-hosting my first Trina Turk shopping morning with blogger pal Kim Wheeler of Northern California Style earlier this month. For the event, I wore the bohemian chic Anissa Dress. Now on sale, you can catch my dressing room reviews with Kim in Trina Turk Spring 2018 (HERE). And a BIG thank you to all the ladies who came to our event, Kim and I had a blast helping to style you and loved all your fab looks!
Thrift Deals of the Month!
My shoes and dress were 2 of my favorite thrift finds this month. The platform of these Stuart Weitzman pumps allowed me to stand for hours at an open house last weekend. The dress, Trina Turk. Both were found on ThredUp. For more tips on shopping second hand, pop on over to Make Everyday Earth Day (HERE)
Feeling it for Purple
So this dress cost me a big zero when I swapped it out at a clothing swap last week. Trina Turk, I love how this gorgeous purple color is a switch up from my usual black go-to. Paired with a pair of thrifted Prada retro mary janes pumps, the faux hair piece completes the look! A clothing swap is loads of fun and you never know what treasures you will find. Have you ever hosted one of your own? Read up on how to host a swap of your own (HERE).
What were YOUR April favorites?
Have a wonderful first week of May!!
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