SPRING SUMMER 2021 TREND REPORT

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I know it’s not easy to think of spring while stuck in this current depressing mix of polar vortex and never ending pandemic, but looking forward to the future is really one of the biggest things getting me through life. Thankfully, the future does look bright, not only because a vaccine is on the horizon but because this year’s spring summer 2021 fashion trends are all about flattering silhouettes and bright sorbet colours!

Numerous themes appeared on the runways at Paris, Milan, and New York Fashion Week this season but none were more noteworthy than those of 90’s minimalism, whimsical florals, and a continuation of preppy academia.

To help you get ready for the upcoming season I thought I’d put together another trend report that includes spring summer 2021 fashion color trends to guide you when shopping for your spring/summer wardrobe!

Trending For Spring Summer 2021 Fashion Color Trends: Sorbet Colours like this baby pink suit I wore at the end of last summer!

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SPRING SUMMER 2021 FASHION COLOR TRENDS

Bleached Yellow - An evolution to last fall/winter’s Marigold trend, spring/summer 2021 is all about lighter, fresh, bleached out pastel colours and one of my favorites is this beautiful yellow. I could see myself investing in a beautiful dress in this colour, a swimsuit, or accessories that add a pop of colour to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Vintage Denim Blue - I have been seeing vintage denim blue everywhere on the runway this season as well and I’m totally here for it. I think coming out of this pandemic we are all going to be appreciative of the flattering silhouettes that are currently trending such as wide-leg pants and jumpsuits, both of which we can expect to see a lot of in this colour.

Pistachio - This refreshing earthy green is an extension of last year’s obsession with white and nudes, and I can feel a personal obsession already taking hold. I saw a lot of it in flirty summer dresses covered in playful floral prints, full pistachio outfits paired with metallic accessories, and paired with neutral palettes like khaki and white. Think pistachio dress under a khaki trench coat or a pistachio top with white wide-leg pants.

Sorbet Colours - Remember that neon trend that never seemed to go away? Well, bright sorbet colours have now taken its place and for the better in my personal opinion. Some colours that I have seen on the runway that I can easily see trickling down into my personal spring/summer wardrobe include a light purple, almost lavender colour, and a soft pink like the one I am wearing in the photo above.

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FABRIC TRENDS

Sheer Fabrics - Still going strong, sheer organza overlays continue to be an easy, on-trend way to dress up any outfit except now it has also expanded to include stretchy, jersey-like fabrics with cut out patches. I’ve personally already incorporated this trend into my wardrobe in the past by overlaying a bralette with a sheer blouse, but now you can expect to see more sporty mesh outfits as we ease into spring.

Knits, Crochet, and Tassels - Another repeat offender from last spring, loose knits, crochet garments, and tassel accents continued to be seen all over the runway for this upcoming season. I could not be more excited about it too because it means I can pull out all the items I purchased last year and rotate them once again through my upcoming spring/summer wardrobe. YAY! That was easy!

Cool Khaki - A caramel trench coat may have been all the rage in the spring of 2020, but cool tone Khaki is expected to stealing the spotlight in 2021. Think creams and off whites, nothing too dark, to brighten our mood and appearance as we step out to meet the world again after a cold, isolating winter.

White Floral - Whimsical floral fabrics are going to be everywhere this season but none have caught my eye more than the white delicate floral prints that ooze femininity. Why, you may ask? Well, not only are they beautiful, light, and airy, but they add an element of timeless elegance that I know will continue to be fashionable for years to come. If you are looking for investment pieces that you can feel good about spending money on this spring/summer, this trend is it.

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SPRING SUMMER 2021 FASHION TRENDS

Bra’s, Bandeau’s, Tube-tops, and Corsets - Don’t expect to be putting those bras, bandeaus, and tube tops you’ve been wearing since last spring/summer away because this trend is still going strong. Instead, stay calm and carry on by layering them under sheer jersey or under an oversize boyfriend blazer.

Wide Leg Pants - One of my favorite pant silhouettes is back and I could not be more excited about it. This spring/summer, expect to see oversized denim and wide-leg pants everywhere! Worn well open with a bralette, crop top, or bodysuit, wide-leg pants are not only flattering (just what I need after being in a two-month lockdown ) but they create the illusion of longer, skinnier legs. I have already found a few cute styles online which I am planning to add to my already existing collection, so you can count on seeing this pant silhouette all over my IG this spring.

Cinched Waists - It appears that the cinched waist silhouette of the ’40s is making a comeback this spring season with many runway designers adding belts, drawstrings, and even belt bags to beautiful otherwise billowy garments and suiting. I think much like the wide-leg pant, cinched waists can be very flattering and allow you to show off your feminine silhouette without having to use clingy fabrics to accentuate your every curve.

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CLOTHING DETAILS

Strong Shoulders - Whether padded or accentuated by puffy sleeves, strong shoulders continue to be a trend that holds steady well into spring/summer. Seen often on jackets, sweaters, and tops, strong shoulders are a great way to make a statement with your outfit. Personally, I have always been a big fan of strong shoulders and even sewed a few pairs of shoulder pads into my sweaters last year. I am very happy to see that this trend will continue into spring/summer and I can pull out all my favorite tops from last year and add them to my wardrobe rotation once again.

Sleek Cutouts - An easy way to show some skin this spring/summer is to invest in a few pieces with sleek cutouts. Think tops that show off a single bare shoulder or collarbone or a turtle neck with a horizontal cut out across the upper half of your chest or along one side of your rib. All of these are easy ways to add a touch of sex appeal to your outfit.

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ACCESSORY TRENDS

Soft Clutches - Another trend still going strong in 2021 is easy to style soft clutches, best styled tucked under the arm. I recently invested in a Bottega Vanetta Suede Cassette Bag and not only am I extremely happy with my purchase but I made sure to go with a neutral tan colour knowing it would transition into spring effortlessly. That being said if you aren’t willing to spend the money on investment pieces like the Bottega Cassette Bag, soft clutches in this spring season’s colour trends would also be a great addition to your wardrobe and a great way to add a pop of colour to a summery outfit like a white floral dress.

Belts and Belt Bags - This accessory trend should be of no surprise to anyone considering I just talked about the cinched waist silhouette of the ’40s, but they will be an absolute must this season when it comes to styling outfits. I would suggest considering investing in a few different styles this season as I know they will totally become a useful staple in your wardrobe.

Straw Hats and Bags - Perhaps fueled by our desire to get outside and hit the beach, large straw hats and bags were other items seen all over the runway. Personally, I think we are all just ready for a vacation and no matter where you go, Europe or the Caribbean, you can’t go wrong with packing a straw hat or bag when hitting the road.

Macro and Micro Bags - Although not a new trend, when it comes to bags expect to see both extremes this spring/summer. Jacquemus kicked off this trend a few seasons ago with the ‘Le Chiquito’ micro bag and now Fendi has also jumped on the micro bag trend with small beaded micro bags which are so small I doubt they can truly hold anything except a packet of tic-tacs. On the opposite side of the bag spectrum, gigantic leather and cloth bags are also in, especially ones that look large enough to carry what remains of your post-lock-down sanity.

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Thanks so much for checking out my Spring/Summer 2021 Trend Report. If you have any questions or comments I would love to hear from you so feel free to leave them down below!

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VITAMIN C - THE BRILLIANT BENEFITS AND WHY YOU NEED IT IN YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE!!

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Ever since I turned 30, I have become way more interested in and motivated to take better care of my skin. Past mistakes of falling asleep with all my makeup on or not putting SPF on when I am going outside are behind me and I now understand the importance of investing in nutrient-rich products that preserve my youthful appearance. One such nutrient-rich product (besides blue light product for those who work in front of a computer and SPF for those who work outside) that I highly recommend you add to your current routine are serums with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is one of the most powerful anti-aging ingredients on the market today and has so many amazing benefits including being a potent antioxidant. Unfortunately, digesting it doesn’t guarantee the benefits will go straight to where you need them, but using a topical form of Vitamin C can. Further, it’s a product that is very safe to use no matter your skin type, and only in the rarest situations does it cause minor irritation.

Additional Benefits of Vitamin C Serums

• It is a nutrient-packed antioxidant!

• It is safe to use in conjunction with other active ingredients like Retinol, alpha Hydroxy acids, SPF etc.

• It allows your skin to retain moisture.

• It helps fade skin pigmentation and smooth out skin texture which helps your skin appear brighter and healthier.

• It reduces inflammation and minimizes redness for a more even skin tone.

• It can help fade hyperpigmentation like those sunspots you got when you were in your twenties and never wore sunscreen or Melasma.

• It can help reduce the appearance of under-eye circles and hydrate the area.

• It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and promote collagen production which helps retain your skin’s elasticity longer and keep things looking firm and tight.

• It helps to smooth and replace damaged skin cells caused by the sun, by accelerating cell turnover.

• It helps protect the skin against free radicals and environmental pollution.

When picking your Vitamin C products it is important to know that not all Vitamin C agents are created equal and some oxidize quicker than others, rendering them less potent. When choosing Vitamin C serums make sure to look for products that contain Ascorbic Acid like ‘L-ascorbic acid’ which is one of the most stable derivatives of Vitamin C. Further, make sure to store all your products out of sunlight in a cool, dry place to ensure that they don’t spoil.

When it comes to using Vitamin C products, remember that consistency is key and that they typically can be used twice a day. If you are unsure of where they fit into your current skincare routine, typically the steps in skincare go as followed: Cleanse, Toner, Vitamin C Serums, Moisturizer, SPF.

Lastly, to help you get started I have compiled a shortlist of Vitamin C products below that you can use daily to benefit your skin.

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VITAMIN C SERUMS TO CONSIDER

At the top of every beauty editors list, The C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum By Drunk Elephant is one of the most popular Vitamin C serums on the market today. Packed full of antioxidants, nutrients, and fruit enzymes to visibly firm, brighten, and improve signs of photo-aging, this potent vitamin C day serum doesn’t come cheap! WIth 15% L-Ascorbic Acid not only is this product strong but it also has Pumpkin Ferment and Pomegranate Extract in it that works together with the Vitamin C to dissolve dead surface skin cells and minimize the appearance of pores. Further, this Drunk Elephant vitamin C serum also contains Chronocyclin, a peptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D for more youthful-looking skin. One thing to note about this product though is that a gradual introduction of this product into your skincare routine is advised and after the first use, it is recommended to store this product in your fridge to help maintain its potent antioxidant activity and effectiveness.

Price - $105 CAD

L'Oreal’s Revitalift Triple Power LZR 10% Pure Vitamin C Concentrate is a high end drugstore accessible product that contains 10% Pure Vitamin C, is formulated without water and is protectively sealed in an air-tight tube. This product can be applied every morning and evening to revive the radiance of your skin in just one week.

Price - $30.99 CAD

Last but not least, Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum is a powerful lightweight serum that supports youthful luminosity while delivering antioxidant defense against environmental stressors and free radicals. Not only does this serum contain vitamin C but it also contains collagen to smooth the look of the skin. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, this product leaves all skin types soft, smooth, and glowing.

Price - $60 CAD

One of my all-time-favorite brands, Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 12.5% Vitamin C skincare serum reduces the look of fine lines with a formulated light weight cream. It also helps to improve the skins texture by reducing the appearance of pores and correcting uneven skin tones. Additionally, it is free of parabens, and phthalates, can be used twice a day and contains pure vitamin also known as L-Ascorbic Acid which improves the appearance of skin aging and protects from skin damaging free-radicals.

Price - $109 CAD

For those who are price conscious, The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% could be the perfect product for you. Priced at $5.80 CAD this water and silicone-free formulation suspends a whopping 23% pure l-ascorbic acid stably and is formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without oil, alcohol, silicone, nuts, gluten, and fragrance, and works for all skin types. Not only that but The Ordinary Vitamin C Serum is equivalent to a single grande latte at Starbucks!

Price - $5.80 CAD!!!!

Glow Recipe’s Pineapple Vitamin C Serum is a potent, lightweight Vitamin C and AHA serum concentrated with smoothing pineapple juice and hyaluronic acid to brighten and even out your skin tone. Good for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin, Glow Recipe’s Pineapple C Bright serum’s liquid formulation bright, smooth, and hydrated as well as provides calming effects thanks to its inclusion of Chamomile. A few important things to note, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free, and is a clean product formulated without sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and more

Price - $68.00 CAD

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If you have any questions or comments about the benefits of vitamin C or have a vitamin C serum you want to recommend to me to try, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

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CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S EVE IN LOVERSLAND!

* USE PROMO CODE ‘ISTHATSOH15’ FOR 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE *

If there ever was a year I wanted to put behind me, 2020 takes the cake! Things have been so hard for so many and although it personally has forced me to slow down and appreciate the things I have often taken for granted, I’m excited to bid adieu and say farewell!

This year, Danielle Gulic and Yvonne Reidy of Toronto’s Loversland help me put together three beautiful New Year’s Eve outfits perfect for anyone looking to end the year with a celebratory BANG! I mean, who said intimate parties can’t be glamorous too?

Loversland is a marvellous *not just bridal* women’s boutique on Ossington in Toronto that carries both local and international womenswear designers like Ronny Kobo, Soft Focus, and Birgitte Herskind! I had a chance to take a few of their dresses home last week and I have to say I can’t quite make up my mind as to which outfit I love the most. Care to share which dress tickles your fancy? Share it with me in the comments below!

P.S. Loversland is still serving customers via their online store during the pandemic and is offering curbside pick up if you are worried about not receiving your online orders before the New Year! You can also use my promo code ‘ISTHATSOH15’ for 15% off! your purchase!

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CAN’T GO WRONG WITH A CLASSIC

This polka dot RIO DRESS BY BIRGITTE HERSKIND is an absolute timeless, sweet heart of a dress. If you have a classic style and love dresses that are both playful and puffy, this dress was made for you! With it’s high neck and beautiful frill details this dress exudes iconic glamour in every way.

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FEELING FANCY IN MY PJ’S

If staying in your Pajamas on New Years Eve is wrong, I don’t want to be right. This PJ JUMPSUIT BY SOFT FOCUS bring luxury to lounge wear with a silky take on your classic sleep set. Worn either loose or cinched at the waist with the matching belt, this PJ jumpsuit is a great way to stay comfortable while ringing in the New Year at home.

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IN THE MOOD TO PARTY!

Bound to make heads turn this JADE DRESS BY RONNY KOBO not only hugs the body in all the right places but brings the ‘i’m in the mood to party’ energy to the party. Made from a printed leopard jacquard and featuring a high revealing slit, this dress balances sophistication with sex appeal perfectly.

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IS BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR PHONE/COMPUTER DAMAGING YOUR SKIN? YES! HERE'S WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!

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Since I relying heavily on both my computer and phone for work as well as for entertainment (Thanks COVID!), I am spending so much time in front of a screen these days! I was shocked to learn after a recent visit to my dermatologist, that the dark spots (hyperpigmentation) I recently noticed that had appeared on my face (especially around my eye area) were due to the blue light that emits from my computer and phone screen! I knew it was a culprit for eye strain, cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye diseases, but was completely unaware of the damage it was causing to my skin!

WHAT IS BLUE LIGHT AND WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF BLUE LIGHT?

In a nutshell, blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light that emits from the sun, indoor lights, and our screens. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue but now, since most of us spend over 50% of our day in front of a screen, the damage it is causing to our skin has become even more apparent!

Currently, there is evidence showing that blue light contributes to the development of brown spots and skin hyperpigmentation around the mouth, eyes, and face such as melasma. Currently, research is being done to see if it could also be the possible cause of premature photoaging and the breakdown of collagen known to cause wrinkles and impact skin laxity. Further, Dr. Shari Marchbein, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine says, "There's also evidence that as blue light penetrates the skin, reactive oxygen species are generated, which leads to DNA damage, thereby causing inflammation and the breakdown of healthy collagen and elastin, as well as hyperpigmentation."

WHAT INGREDIENTS PROTECT AGAINST BLUE LIGHT?

Both my dermatologist and Marchbein recommend finding a product that you can use daily that contains iron oxide and antioxidants in the ingredient list. Both of these ingredients help create a protective barrier from blue light rays that emit from our phones and computers as we continue to work from home. In addition, my dermatologist also always tells me to wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 even in the winter or on cloudy days as skin damage from the sun’s rays is still an issue even if the weather gives you a different impression.

In addition to adding products to protect your skin from blue light, lowering the brightness level on your screens to 50 percent or switching on the darker "Night Shift" setting (as long as you don’t dim it so much that you're straining your eyes) are two additional suggestions to helping prevent skin damage from blue light along with going hands-free as much as possible and ironically social distancing from your devices. LOL!!

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To help you combat this new skincare issue, I have compiled a shortlist of products below that contain the recommended ingredients you need to combat blue light that you can use daily to protect your skin.

If you have any questions or comments about blue light skincare products or the effects of blue light on the skin, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below!

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SKINCARE PRODUCTS FOR BLUE LIGHT

Since its launch, Vivier Skincare’s ‘Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Moisturizing Lotion with Antioxidants’ has been part of my daily skincare line up. Its ChromaTint™ technology gives my skin an instant natural looking glow while also providing protection from damaging blue light rays emitting from the sun and computer. Further, it also features a light weight formula with anti aging benefits thanks to the added antioxidants!

Great for all skin types, Vivier’ Skincare’s Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion can be used daily on the face, neck and chest area.

On days that I don’t feel like wearing makeup I always reach for my Vivier Sheer SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Lotion. I find that it smooths out any imperfections I may be experiencing while also evening out my uneven skin tone. The fact that it give me a nice glow, protects me from damaging blue rays, and moisturizers my skin while also providing anti aging benefits, is just an extra bonus!  

Price - $48.00

One of the first tinted moisturizers I ever owned was the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It has a lightweight, oil free formula great for combination and oily skin, and it acts almost like a lightweight foundation. Although this product doesn’t have SPF it does give a boost of moisture to your skin and helps with oil control on acne prone or sensitive skin. It also comes in a range of light skin tones.

Price - $59 CAD

The NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight tinted moisturizer great for people with normal, dry and combination skin. Like a translucent veil, this tinted moisturizer offers blue light protection while also evening your skin tone. Infused with naturally derived ingredients, NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer helps keep thirsty skin hydrated. Oil-free and luxurious, it obscures the appearance of lines, wrinkles, pores, and other imperfections. It is also paraben, sulfate, synthetic fragrance, synthetic dye, petrochemical and GMO free, and comes in a range of light to medium skin tones.

Price - $58 CAD

A new product to pop up on my radar, bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Defense Radiant Protective Vail is bareMinerals answer to the effects of blue light. I was recently sent a sample of this product to try and found it to be to my satisfaction. I noticed some reviews online that mentioned it had a ‘funny smell’ but personally I thought it to both smelled and look just like an unscented sunscreen. With that being said bareMinerals is a clean beauty company that doesn’t add artificial fragrances to their products and considering it has a 30 SPF in it, I found no reason to be put off by its smell. One thing I would note about this product is that when applied, the cream does leave a sheer white layer which makes me believe it would be better suited for fair to light skin tones. Additionally, I do think this would make a great product for men who are concerned about blue light but do not want to wear a tinted product.

Price - $39.00

One of my all-time-favorites, the Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a light weight, oil free tinted moisturizer that is good for all skin types. Not only will it help you fight off the negative effects of blue light but it also hydrates, helps cover up uneven skin tone and brightens and smooths out your skin texture. Additionally, it comes with great SPF protection, is great for guys that don’t want to look like they are wearing makeup and is made with the high quality ingredients. Origins GinZing™ SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer is a clean skincare product which means it’s also free of any parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, paraffin or formaldehyde. In all honesty, mine doesn’t leave my desk!

Price - $52 CAD

A ‘Best of Beauty’ Award Winner, bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE™ Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream SPF 30 come in a large range of shades from light to dark skin tones. Great for both dry and combination skin, it offered a medium foundation coverage and a natural radiant finish - almost like it combines the benefits of a BB cream with a CC cream. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue™ is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, oil-free, silicone-free, and fragrance-free product that is also free from parabens, sulfates and phthalates. It offers 30 SPF protection, is formulated with mineral electrolytes and has heart-leaf globe daisy antioxidants, all of which protect you skin from environmental stressors and pollution.

Price - $40 CAD

tarte Maracuja Hydrating Tinted Moisturizer is a vegan, lightweight tinted moisturizer that delivers a beautiful sheer coverage that hydrate, soothe and brighten your skin’s appearance. Infused with Maracuja Oil super fruits, Hyluronic acid, and Turmeric root extract this product provides coverage and hydration for up to 12 hours. Further, it is also cruelty-free and gluten-free as well as parabens, formaldehydes, phthalates, mineral oil, and triclosan free. I am also happy to share that out of all the above products recommended, this one comes in the largest range of skin tone shades from light to dark!

Price - $38.00

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HOW TO ACHIEVE A STACKED EARRING LOOK WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PIERCING #GIFTED

USE CODE ‘ISTHATSOH10’ FOR 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE

Having always been a fan of a ‘stacked earring’ look, I had considered prior to the COVID shutdown, to get additional piercings to achieve the look. Obviously since business were instructed to close I was unable to go ahead with my plan but about a month ago, I actually found a jewelry brand called The Hexad that offers versatile earring designs you can mix and match to essentially create a stacked earring look without having to get additional piercings! Cool right!

Long story short, I reached out to them and they sent me a few of their designs to play with. I had so much fun switching them up and creating looks but in all honesty, the three looks I am showing you below are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of combinations I can create.

They have a few other earrings and cuffs I have my eye on and but for now i’m really happy with how many different looks I can create with what I have and even my mom has asked me to get her some so I thought I’d create a blog post so you too can take advantage of my discount code too!

I am curious to know which is your favorite combination? 1,2, or 3? Leave your answer in the comments below!

THE HEXAD IS CURRENTLY OFFERING FREE EXPRESS SHIPPING TO
US AND CANADA ON ORDERS OVER $100 USD

LOOK # 1

Moonshine Ear Cuffs in Gold
Cult Ear Cuff in Gold
Double Bar Pavé Stud in Gold

LOOK # 2

Moonshine Ear Cuffs in Gold
Cult Ear Cuff in Gold
Retractable Hoops in Size Medium and Large

LOOK # 3

Moonshine Ear Cuffs in Gold
Cult Ear Cuff in Gold
Four Claw Earring

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