A Sparkle Factor

Friday Favorites Vol. 10

Happy Friday! It’s been awhile since I’ve shared a Friday Favorites, so I’m kind of excited to share one today. We are headed to Tallahassee to move Megan into her new apartment today, so make sure you’re following along on Snapchat (username: stephaniepernas) for all of the fun and games that usually follow an 8-hour drive lol. I always love going back, it really just feels like home. I…

Barcelona Travel Diary + Tips

Bon dia! Barcelona was the second stop on our trip and it was probably my favorite. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list. As a city, it has everything; the beach, the city, lush greenery, mountains, amazing food, wonderful people. We found the people to be the friendliest, by far, in Barcelona.

You may remember that I said our first stop was Madrid, but…

Travel Essentials: What To Pack In Your Carry On Bag

Happy Monday, girls! Did you miss me?? Taking a few weeks off to refresh, recharge, and refocus my content was MUCH needed, and I hope you gals will forgive me for being so silent. I had an AMAZING trip with my family, we had SUCH a great time in Spain and Italy, and I am so excited to share my trip with you here on the blog over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be sharing my travel diary and tips…

Festival Inspired Flat Iron Waves

If you didn’t know, festival style is officially a full-blown THING. It’s become a whole category of fashion and beauty in and of itself, which I think is amazing and cool. The fun thing about festival style is how easy, free, and effortless it comes off as. While I’m not necessarily the head-to-toe quintessential boho chic festival gal, I have definitely taken some cues from festival style in…

What I Wear to Work

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When you work from home, the whole… “what to…

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Favorites

Happy Anniversary Sale! Today is the day we’ve been waiting for, girl. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens today for Early Access! I’ve been perusing the catalogue for weeks, but seriously set my alarm for 4am so I could be the first to peek at the sale. (And round up all the very best for you, of course!) I’ve picked out my very favorite pieces and let me tell you– there are some AMAZING…

Outfit Details

Dress: c/o Mint Julep Boutique || Shoes: Chinese Laundry || Bag: Kate Spade from the Kate Spade Outlet at Sawgrass Mills Mall, similar here and here || Necklace: Baublebar || Ring: Baublebar || Earrings: c/o Taudrey

It. Is. HOT. No kidding, I shot this look with my makeup melting off my face and sweat dripping down my back… TMI? In the dead of summer, I find myself gravitating…

Friday Favorites: Vol. 9

Happy Friday! This short week, for some reason, felt long and weird to me! Honestly, planning our trip to Spain and Italy has been totally stressing me out, but I’m so excited! It’s definitely no easy feat trying to find hotels and Airbnb’s for 5 people in Europe! We finally have all of our hotels booked, so that’s kind of a huge relief. Working on itineraries now, restaurants, etc. If you have…

My entire beauty routine has completely changed, for the better, and it’s all because of my newest “discovery”. A discovery which… to be honest… I sort of think other people have already discovered and been keeping to themselves! But you know I’d never do that to you! Now that I’m more aware of them, I’m aware of other people who apparently do it, and it’s a LOT more people than I thought! That gorgeous girl you think always has flawless makeup? Eyelash extensions. Kylie Jenner? Eyelash extensions. Your fave blogger? Eyelash extensions.

They look so natural and pretty, I look instantly awake and gorgeous… I’ve never in my life gotten so many compliments! I literally sat next to a lady on a bench at the mall yesterday who complimented me on them and asked me all about them. (She then also asked me in 5 minutes : 1) if I was married 2) but, why not? 3) how old am I? 4) did I have a boyfriend? 5) don’t worry I will soon, with those lashes! 6) what do I do? 7) what’s blogging?)  But I digress– you had to have noticed how bomb my lashes look lately. I haven’t even been wearing any eye makeup in my  last, like 10 outfits posts, which is truly life-changing. You may have also noticed that I’ve become quite the fan of the makeup-free selfie and Snap. (Something I would NEVER have done before!) Let’s be honest– if there’s a product that makes me look pretty enough to feel comfortable Snapchatting without makeup… I’m sold.

Speaking of, If you follow along on Snapchat, you’ve already heard me rave about how amazing I think they are and how much I love Amazing Lash Studio. When they reached out to me and invited me to come out and try a set, I was actually REALLY excited. I get emails all the time inviting me to try stuff out, and to be honest, 9 out of 10 times, I pass. When you’re invited to try something out as a blogger, there’s that expectation that you’re going to share about it, and I always tell people that, for me, I’m ONLY posting about something if 1) I really loved it and 2) I think it’s something you guys would want to know about. My blog is about the things I love and the things that I think YOU’D love, and I’m not interested in just posting something just to post. That said… lash extensions… YES. I have no qualms shouting from the rooftops about how much I love my new lash extensions and how much I love my new lash gal, Beatrice, at Amazing Lash Studio in Coral Gables. In fact, I was going to just include a little blurb in an outfit or beauty post about the lashes, but loved them so much, I decided to dedicate a full post to them, answering all your questions. (Because you guys have already asked questions!) 

  How long do they last? 

A full set of lash extensions lasts 2-4 weeks, depending on how well you take care of them and your activity level. Keep them clean, try not to sleep on your side or stomach, and stay away from oil free products around your eyes for best results!

How much do they cost?

Lash extensions can get pricey, but that’s what I really loved about Amazing Lash Studio, they were super affordable. Your first full set of lashes is $79.99. They offer a membership package that costs $59.99 per month and with it you get one eyelash refill and any additional services 25% off. (You can also shop their exclusive products at a 10% off discount!) If you choose not to become a member, refills are $79.99. Refer a friend and you get a $10 credit! (So if you go, tell everyone that I sent you ;) ) Really, the $80 is a small price to pay for fab lashes all month long, and YOU DON’T HAVE TO BUY MASCARA EVER AGAIN.

What kind do I get?

It depends on your eye shape as well as what you’re going for. Amazing Lash studio offers 4 different styles that enhance different eyes. I did the Gorgeous lashes, which is an all-over thicker, fuller lash that’s major drama. (Granted, they still look really natural!) If you want something super subtle, you can go for the Natural, which follows your natural lash line. If you have smaller eyes, opt for the Cute style, which has longer lashes in the middle, making your eyes look larger. If you want to elongate the eye, you can do the Sexy style, which is longer on the outer corners.

There are also different lengths, I got the 13s. (You can do 15s! I definitely didn’t need the 15s, even with the 13s, I can’t really wear my glasses at night lol!)

What can I expect from my appointment?

Schedule an appointment ahead of time. You’ll get a reminder text confirming, which I love, because if you forget to make a note of the time or date, they’ll remind you! When you arrive, you’ll fill out your paperwork (nothing too serious!) and then be taken by your lash tech into a quiet, private room. They’ll turn off the lights, you’ll lay on what looks like a massage table and they’ll ask you to close your eyes. They’ll apply some soothing gel pad under your eyes during the process and they do put some tape down so you don’t open your eyes. (Don’t worry, it’s not weird!) Application takes approx 90 minutes.

By the way– my cousin was actually allergic to the gel pads, so make sure that if you have weird allergies, you let them know ahead of time! 

If you have allergies or any sensitivities, let them know. They have both a regular glue and a sensitive glue, so if you need the sensitive, make sure you ask for it! 

How do I take care of them?

Clean them every day with a gentle cleanser (I use Cetaphil!) and keep them brushed out with a soft bristle spoolie. Stay away from any products containing oil, as well as waterproof mascara or eyeliner. Honestly, you don’t even need eyeliner. If you absolutely want to do a dramatic eye look, though, go for something oil free. I’m using Maybelline’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel liner.) Try to sleep on your back, which I’ve totally gotten used to btw. (Also, sleeping on your back is better for you, no wrinkles when you’re old.)

Where can I get them?

As I’ve said, Amazing Lash Studio is THE place. I love it, it’s pink and pretty, super girly, and it’s just a relaxing place. I got to the Coral Gables location, but if you’re not in Miami, there are locations all over the country! If you DO go to Coral Gables, ask for my gal Beatrice. I’ve heard wonderful things about Danielle and Roxy as well. Ask for one of them and you’ll be good to go!

Tell me in the comments: have you ever gotten lash extensions?? What do you think?

Thanks for reading!

By the way– I received a full set of eyelash extensions from Amazing Lash Studio in exchange for this post… all opinions and my enthusiasm are, as always, my own.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2016 Strategy

If you’re an avid Nordstrom shopper like I am, you are no doubt aware of the fact that the BEST sale of the year is almost here! The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is merely WEEKS away, so we need so talk strategy. Oh, yes. SALE STRATEGY, girlfriend. With a sale this good, you need to be ready or else you’re going to miss out, big-time. (Learned that one the hard way.) 

What is the Nordstrom…

Friday Favorites: Best of June

Happy Friday and Happy JULY! The beginning of July feels like the halfway point of summer, which is really a) insane and b) not even, because summer doesn’t even technically start until June 21. But it does, right? Especially here in Florida, where you always sort of judge the beginning of fall by when school starts. Here in Florida? August. So basically, in my head, July = middle of summer.

June…

Weekend Getaway Essentials: Easy Sundress

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I really love the chic, casual ease of a babydoll dress. I just feel like the shape is really fresh and cool, plus crazy-comfortable, which you know I love. When I spotted this $78 Aqua embroidered babydoll dress at the Aventura Mall Bloomingdale’s before my trip, I knew it was perfect for my beach vacay. I love the pop of blue and the fun…

Weekend Getaway Essential: Jungle Print Midi Dress

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It’s totally a fact– no beach vacay is complete without the perfect jungle print midi dress. I picked up this Mara Hoffman dress at Bloomingdale’s before our getaway to Bonita Springslast week; it was perfect for my little sister’s 25th birthday dinner! I couldn’t resist the super-sexy cutouts and the halter style… I am OBSESSED with the…

Weekend Getaway Essential : Embroidered Dress

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Last week, my fam and I headed to Bonita Beach for a little getaway to celebrate my sister Kristen’s 25th birthday. (You may have already peeked at our trip via Snapchat or Instagram!) We stayed at the Hyatt Coconut Plantationand had the BEST time, lounging poolside, floating around the lazy river and basically just relaxing in the sun and…

Bell Sleeve Blouse + My Favorite Jean Skirt

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HOW is it already Wednesday? This week has totally been flying by, I’ve had so much to do. Today’s my little sister’s birthday! (Her 25th, so maybe she’s not so little, yeah? LOL!) We’re headed off on a little last minute beach getaway for a few days to celebrate. I’m totally looking forward to a few days of sun, sand and a lazy river or…

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I love a good romper. Lately, I’m especially attracted to rompers that look like dresses. I’m calling it– a little black romperis the new little black dress! Summer is allll about the romper for me… they’re just perfect for the season, don’t you think? I think I’ve said it before, but the only thing I don’t like about rompers is the whole……

Friday Favorites: Vol. 7

Happy Friday!! Hope you gals had a great week. This week kind of… flew by, or was it just me? I’m glad the weekend is here, I need a sec to recharge! My sister’s 25th birthday is on Tuesday, so we’re trying to plan a little last minute excursion somewhere beach-ish. Any suggestion in the South Florida area?? Let me know in the comments.

Father’s Day is this weekend, and to be honest… I’m trying…