4 Ways to Pamper Yourself in Charleston

I post a lot about my travels to other cities how great it is to travel, but sometimes it’s necessary to brag on your own home base. Charleston has my whole heart and i’m finding new and exciting things to do here almost every single day.

When I come home from traveling, I’m always ready for some Holy City R&R. The best way to do that, in my opinion, is by doing something calming for myself (and by myself). Here are my top five picks for beauty-based self care in Charleston, SC:

1. DryBar (Hair)

   Oh, DryBar. I can almost smell the mixture of candle-scented air and signature hair products now. Here, you can get your hair washed and blown out for $45 (with a glass of bubbly) and come out feeling brand new. They use only their own line of products and everything smells like heaven. Try the Floater, an extra and completely necessary scalp massage to renew your noggin.

2. Allure Nails

As a busy gal, I don’t have time to spend hours getting a pedi and gel manicure. It can be tedious to sit & wait with foil-wrapped fingers as your polish soaks off, only to wait even longer for your nail tech to actually get the job done. At Allure, this is far from the case. Conveniently located next to the Whole Foods in West Ashley (for the perfect post-nails lunch) Allure is clean, quick, & chic. The extremely kind & efficient staff works hard to get you in & out so you can get on with your life. They’ll put you up in a comfy pedicure chair and, most of the time, two nail techs will be working on your nails at once. You’ll feel pampered & fresh without losing an entire afternoon. Sip on a free mimosa & watch one of the many TVs with content ranging from CBS to The Kardashians.

3. The Woodhouse Day Spa

Speaking of an efficient beauty routine, The Woodhouse has got you covered. It’s located just across the bridge from Downtown in Mount Pleasant. The best part? Each of the Woodhouse services is thoughtfully priced, so it won’t break the bank if you’re in need of a massage/facial combo. The relaxation room is a place of cozy serenity where you can read a fashion mag & sip on some herbal tea or a glass of prosecco, in case you’re sensing a theme here with the bubbles. This place is great for a Saturday well spent or a post-work treat.

4. Charleston Glow (Tanning)

Feeling a little less than bronzed after Summer? Charleston Glow has got you covered. This place is my go-to for any Fall/Winter event. It’s a cute little place tucked away in the Belle Hall shopping center, conveniently located across from one of my favorite boutiques, II Brunettes. The staff is always sweet & I LOVE how my tan looks afterwards. I’m a generally fair person, so the light option is my jam. Get the Blushtan and thank me later.

Get out there & get pampered, y’all!

XX,

C&C

Dress To Kill Code

Happy Thursday! 

As the weekend approaches, I've begun to envision my outfits for Friday/Saturday night fun.  This NYC heat wave, although thankfully dying down, has left little room for anything other than shorts, tanks, & portable fans.  I'm itching to create an ensemble hotter than the temperature gauge outside, which got me thinking: What makes a great outfit?

Breaking it down, here are my top 5 guidelines for making a killer look.  I hesitate to call them rules because to me, fashion has none! 

1. Monochromatic is always an option

You knew this one was coming.  I am the reigning queen of black-on-black and I have no intention of changing.  However, blacking out isn't the only way to rock this look.  I love an all white outfit for the summer (or winter whites!) 

Head to toe denim can be tricky, but it's another classic, all-American trend I have grown to love.  Do it right and you won't end up looking like a 90's teen or a rodeo attendee. Try pairing like colored denim pieces together, like light wash skinny jeans and a chambray button down.  Another classic look I love is dark wash jeans with a bleached denim jacket. so easy!

2. Choose a focal point

& by that I mean NOT your feet.  The most common examples are sparkly or drop earrings.  They draw attention to the face.  Another great way to center & balance your look is to set your outfit around a statement necklace.  Printed blouses or fun pants create a more vibrant look, just be mindful and keep that balance going on.  Think of it like makeup... long lashes bring attention to the eyes, & a bold lip draws the eye to the mouth and away from any other imperfections on the face.  

3. Make or break it with hair & makeup

Speaking of makeup, it's a part of your outfit, too.  Be mindful of your outfit choice when glamming up & choose a color palette either neutral or complimentary to the colors of your chosen clothing.  The same translates to hair.  A french twist & sweatpants is comparable to orange juice & toothpaste.  Boyfriend jeans & T-shirt? Beach waves and sea salt spray. you get the idea. 

4. Accessorize with caution

But not too much.  Accessorizing is a chance to show your personality.  Find the perfect bag and carry it until it's worn out.  Stack bracelets to the high heavens.  Go for a look YOU love, but don't put a bunch of jewelry together just because you love all of it.  Smaller earrings leave more space for a bolder necklace.  Hoops and a thin choker make for a balanced and proportionate look.  Bonus points for mixing metals and hues. 

5. Feelin' good=lookin' good

& don't you forget it.  Don't get me wrong, I've spent countless hours scouring magazines & style blogs to find the trendiest looks out there.  What I love even more, however, is creating a look that is totally original to my personality.

 Fashion is art. Wear something that makes you feel artistic, not what you think will gain approval or attention from others.  My point is, dress for you.  Feel confident & beautiful & make statements.  

XX, 

C&C