H Boutique giveaway [closed]

H Boutique, an online retailer established in 2011, specializes in offering sophisticated yet trendy pieces for every woman. Created by Kristen Honeycutt, H Boutique believes that style should be attainable, comfortable and functional, and that every woman deserves to have equal opportunity to put her best foot forward. The H Boutique esthetic is classic, flattering and super affordable (I already have one dress and can't wait to order another!).

H Boutique also has a mission that runs deeper than selling pretty pieces at great prices—for every item purchased, H Boutique donates clothing and other items to women and children in need. When I first learned of H Boutique, I was really attracted to this mission of giving back. I think it's wonderful that H Boutique simultaneously offers affordable, on-trend pieces while operating on a "buy one, give one" model.

Also, a round of applause for free shipping on any purchase!

A few of my favorites from the summer collection:

H Boutique by hopevictoria on polyvore.com

[Sophia Beach Dress// Bella Dress// Rosa Top// Elle Dress// A Vianna Dress]

I'm excited to announce that H Boutique will be giving away the Mia Dress (pictured above) from the summer collection to one lucky reader of A Flattering Tale!

To enter:
• Visit H Boutique and leave a comment on this blog post with your favorite item and a way to get in touch with you (preferably email).

Extra entries:
• Follow A Flattering Tale on bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
• Like A Flattering Tale on Facebook.
• Like H Boutique on Facebook.
• Share the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog.

Please let me know if you complete any extra entries by leaving an additional comment for each entry on this post. Since it's a holiday weekend, this giveaway will run a little longer than usual. Be sure to enter before the giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, May 30. Good luck!!

my friend's gorgeous May wedding

Last weekend, my darling friend Maegan got married, and I was so honored to be a part of her beautiful day. Maegan was my sorority little sister, and she has truly become one of the most special people in my life. She was an absolutely gorgeous bride, and I am so happy for her and Rob!

[The wedding was held at the Lee University Chapel in Cleveland, Tennessee.]

[the Polaroid guestbook]

 

[Caitlin Haley at Hair A Go-Go created the most amazing fishtail braid up-do for Maegan. I was absolutely astounded at the detail.]

 [Shoes by Vince Camuto]

Congrats again to the happy couple!

In other news, the winner of the SkinCareRx giveaway is...

Congrats, Katie!! I will be in touch. Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for another giveaway later this week!

must-have Monday: Perf Weave M.A.C. by Rebecca Minkoff

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It seems like everyone has been talking about Rebecca Minkoff lately, and my favorite bag as of late is the Perf Weave Morning After Clutch. I love the summery, match-everything shade of the Perf Weave M.A.C., and the embellished stitched leather makes a subtle statement. The size and adjustable strap are perfect for summer day trips or a night out.

Don't forget to enter the SkinCareRx giveaway! You have until 11:59 tonight to get your entries in!

how to pack for a Tennessee weekend

I'm so excited to be home this weekend to be a bridesmaid at my lovely friend Maegan's wedding! She was a stunning bride, and I had so much fun celebrating with the happy couple (pictures to come). Last week, I dreamed about my ideal packing list for a summer weekend in Tennessee:

trip home to Tennessee by hopevictoria featuring beach sandals

[1. a comfortable henley to wear with everything (L.L. Bean Signature)// 2. a punchy floral bag (Kate Spade)// 3. the perfect diaphanous skirt (Calypso St. Barth)// 4. simple pastel heels (ModCloth) // 5. a refreshing splash of rose water (LUSH)// 6. a dress to go from day to night (Madewell)// 7. tri-colored bangles (Kate Spade)// 8. nautical sandals (Tory Burch)// 9. a gorgeous statement necklace (Andrea Bonelli Jewelry)// 10. a flowing top (Anthropologie)// 11. mustard maxi skirt (Forever 21)// 12. the ideal bangle for airport security (INPINK)]

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Wooden!! I am so honored to have celebrated with them.

[P.S. Have you entered the SkinCareRx giveaway yet?]

SkinCareRx giveaway

I am so excited to announce a giveaway with one of my newest sponsors: SkinCareRx. SkinCareRx and its sister sites Apothica and SkinBotanica offer thousands of beauty products (Clarisonic, Essie, Boscia and Jurlique, to name a few).  SkinCareRx also offers some of the best dry skin lotion on the market.

SkinCareRx has graciously offered a $20 gift card giveaway, redeemable at any of their sites, to the readers of A Flattering Tale!

Here's what I would choose:

SkinCareRx by hopevictoria featuring beauty products

1. Clarisonic Mia Cleansing System// 2. Boscia B.B. Cream// 3. Voluspa Three-Wick Candle in Creme de Peche// 4. 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream// 5. The Bronzed and the Beautiful by Too Faced// 6. Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil// 7. Happy Birthday Nail Lacquer by Deborah Lippman// 8. Jurlique Rose Water Balancing Mist

To enter:
• Leave a comment with your favorite product from SkinCareRx, Apothica or SkinBotanica and a way to get in touch with you (preferably email).

Extra entries:
• Follow A Flattering Tale on bloglovin' or Google Friend Connect.
• Like A Flattering Tale on Facebook.
• Like SkinCareRx, Apothica or SkinBotanica on Facebook.
• Share the giveaway on Facebook, Twitter or your own blog.

Please let me know if you complete any extra entries by leaving additional comments on the post. The giveaway will be open until 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, May 21.

a little dressed up

One of the best things about warmer weather: wearing dresses without tights. I'm all for layering when it's cold, but it's so nice to let your skin breathe and soak up the sun a bit.

Last Saturday, Chad and I headed to Columbia University's Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library to see finished projects from the Historic Preservation program and a lot of other groups from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. I jumped at the chance to get a little dressed up for the occasion.

I love the versatility of this Madewell dress, and I've already been wearing it a lot lately (like to the Poshmark party). I'm so excited to wear more dresses with bare legs now that summer seems to be here.

[dress: Madewell// heels: Nine West// bag: Steve Madden// belt: Forever 21// earrings: gift from my friend Anne]

must-have Monday: NARS Illuminator

As a low-maintenance makeup girl, I rarely wear blush and only really own one shade. After feeling like my face seemed a little dull, I turned to NARS Illuminator, a liquid blush that creates an effect that makes your skin lit from within. NARS has long been heralded as the king of flattering blushes, and using Illuminator provides the benefit of a blush without the brush. I gravitated to the Illuminator shade "Orgasm" (a similar color to NARS' award-winning powder blush), but I would love to try the bronzed "Laguna" next. The shade is a perfect blend of flush and shimmer, with a peachy gold tint.

[source]

Now that warmer weather is upon us, I skip foundation all together and just swipe Illuminator on my cheekbones. The $30 price tag may seem a bit pricey for one product, but you only need a pea-sized amount for the full effect. If you don't like layering on makeup like me (or you want to add something special to your usual foundation), NARS Illuminator does the trick.