Amanda Batula’s Pink Short Suit on Summer House

Season 4 Episode 5 Summer House Fashion

According to the previews for tonight’s episode of Summer House (which we are now covering since RHONJ is coming to an end) the gang decides to have some sort of eighties-themed, Miami Vice night where Amanda Batula wears this pink short suit. Which in our expert opinion is super cute and still totally appropriate to be rocked in 2020 unlike Kyle’s mullet.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Pretty Little Thing Blazer in Pink or Beige

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Photo & Info: @AmandaBatula

Originally posted at: Amanda Batula’s Pink Short Suit

I buy hair bonnets as often as I buy those drugstore umbrellas that look promising (and cost close to nothing) but never last. They’re as frustrating as they are helpful and necessary. Though the satin bonnet is a tool in and of itself, getting it to stay on while I slept felt like an uphill battle that would never end; that is until the Glow by Daye satin bonnet, also known as an actual miracle, came into my life.

Understandably so, anytime a beauty product is F.U.B.U. (for us, by us), I’m paying attention because there are enough brands that get our Black women staples wrong or don’t bother to think of us at all. Ranay Daye, the Los Angeles-based mother of two who founded Glow by Daye, has clearly cracked the code with a range of caps that are elevated but still affordable versions of something you’d grab in the drugstore or beauty supply on a whim.

Source: Instagram
Buy: Glow by Daye Satin Bonnet $17.96

There’s the cordless, microwavable heat cap for deep conditioning, oil treatments and other DIY concoctions; a satin-lined shower cap to keep your hair dry dry; a hood dryer attachment with a conveniently long hose design and my current obsession: the premium satin bonnet.

I love it for many reasons. One, the floral design (one of many options) just so happens to match my favorite robe.

Courtesy of Author.

The double-lined, high-density satin material is thick enough to keep my wet hair from completely soaking the pillow before bed. The secure, but gentle edge also doesn’t pull at my edges. But my favorite part is undoubtedly the drawstring that keeps it on top of my head, no matter how tight or loose I pull it.

GIPHY.

And because the cap is huge and made of quality material, I know it will last long, even after I’ve washed it many times and grown out my hair. The drawstring is such a simple and effective add-on; if someone else already did it, it probably didn’t work because I would have definitely remembered.

I can’t think of a better reason to buy a couple of these during Women’s Month or any month for that matter. Everything, whether you buy it on the Glow by Daye site or Amazon, is a naturalista’s dream come true. Plus, knowing that it was created by someone who looks like me is icing on the cake.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Did you or didn’t you make New Year’s resolutions last year? Studies show there are those who go through the process year after year. Inevitably, disappointment follows.

An alternative offered in recent years, is to create intentions. Resolutions equate with promises. Intentions more easily become a part of who we are. They are mindsets. A subtle shift from resolutions is all that’s required to set one on the path to success. But are we all able to make that shift?

Dr. Brené Brown is a renowned research professor at the University of Houston. She holds the Huffington Foundation – Brené Brown Endowed Chair at The Graduate College of Social Work.

Her TedTalk on vulnerability and living wholeheartedly is a good place to find inspiration and encouragement to begin ‘daring greatly.’

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” This quote encapsulates the basic philosophy of the theory set out in her book, Daring Greatly – How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead.

Brown cautions that the process of accepting who you are can be difficult for some and may hurt at first. It requires looking back through your life and breaking down boundaries that may have built up over time.

After you accept yourself, be prepared to ‘show up’ and be in the arena of life, be open to others and take risks. Be grateful for what life offers as well as what you offer to life.

I Am Enough

It takes time to live without judging and to be courageous about loving one another. Part of the process is to stop controlling and predicting, so you may reach the point where you can say “I am enough” and believe it.

To be honest, I stopped making resolutions years ago and simply enjoyed welcoming a new year, eager to see how it would unfold. But when I first heard Dr. Brown speak and began to read her work, I was intrigued. Her ideas appealed to me.

If this type of change calls to you, here are Brown’s 10 guideposts for wholehearted living to help you move forward down this path:

• Authenticity: letting go of what people think
• Self-compassion: letting go of perfectionism
• A resilient spirit: letting go of numbing and powerlessness
• Gratitude and joy: letting go of scarcity and fear
• Intuition and trusting faith: letting go of the need for certainty
• Creativity: letting go of comparison
• Play and rest: letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth
• Calm and stillness: letting go of anxiety as a lifestyle
• Meaningful work: letting go of self-doubt
• Laughter, song and dance: letting go of being cool and “always in control.”

Full disclosure: this is still a work in progress for me – but one that is immensely satisfying and positive. I’m determined to dare greatly to the best of my ability. Are you?

How are you living a wholehearted life? Are you dealing with feelings of not being ‘good enough’? What are you planning for this year that will give you the courage to dare? Please share your thoughts below!

I was going to title this piece, “How to Decorate Like a Millionaire,” but of course, there’s no one way a millionaire decorates! Look through the upscale shelter mags and I bet you’ll comment on the questionable taste in some of the most expensive homes featured.

As you know, you don’t need a lot of money to live a millionaire lifestyle. That’s because – and it’s my mantra! – good taste has nothing to do with money.

Decorating for a Luxe Look

To start, decorating is not a language we all speak. That’s because decorating is not something we do all the time. We buy clothes and shoes, so we have the experience of trial and error. How painful is it to donate an expensive dress that we never wore once? Very.

Making a mistake on a couch? Ouch!

So here’s the story. My house is on the market and I’m downsizing. A new adventure beckons. I want a small but beautifully luxurious space to reflect my new, carefree lifestyle. Easy, “minimal but sensual” living. Having a home I love honors my life.

Meet Style Maven, Jo Tutton

I called my stylish friend, Jo Tutton, for some tips on how to create luxe looks on a budget. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Jo is a renowned design expert. We’ve never met in person, but I’ve been following her style for years. Her homes are comfortable and luxurious. She’s down to earth, unfussy, lots of fun and lives with great panache.

Her advice was so spot on, that I asked her if I could share her words with you. We are lucky she said yes! So… take it away Jo!

Jo Tutton’s Luxe Looks on a Budget

“First of all, take a good look around your house. What do you love? What don’t you love? Next, what’s the look you want? If you don’t know exactly, try starting a Pinterest page to collect images of things and spaces you respond to. You need to develop your eye and define your style.”

She continued… “Use a neutral color palette. Not only will your home look elegant and sophisticated, you’re less likely to tire of your color scheme. When and if you feel you need a change, you can just update accessories.”

Neutrals, Accents and Accessories

“Dark accents are dramatic and soothing. For example, try painting your doors black for a super luxe look. Decorating is in the details. For instance, if you have narrow baseboards, see if you can trim them to wider. This will immediately give your room an upscale look. Additionally, floor to ceiling curtains will instantly give a luxe glam feel.”

I thought this was a great tip. It never occurred to me!

“Spend the most that you can afford on your sofa, dining table, chairs and bed. Again, buy neutrals or classic pieces that are not trendy. Leave the trendy for accessories to mix it up. Have fun with layering textured throws and cushions.”

“Pillows can be the accessory that adds trend or color/pattern accents. Don’t buy ready-made shop pillows. Instead, buy designer remnant fabrics… Fabric or design shops always [have] yardage left over from another client. Luxe fabrics such as velvets, linens, wools. You can have them made up into pillows… no smaller than 22 inches, and overstuff them with a large insert of 24 inches. Plump cushions are more luxurious than thin cushions.”

“Edit your home! Keep only pieces that you truly love. Less is definitely more. I personally love antique brass, glass and mirrors for an uber chic, expensive look. Display beautiful books, candles and a few well-chosen accessories on your coffee/side tables.”

“Fresh flowers are always a luxurious touch. Don’t buy multi blossomed bouquets, rather, single flower bouquets. You don’t need to go to a fancy florist, you can pick wisely from your local supermarket. The big trend today among London’s top florists is side of the road foraging, believe it or not.”

“You have to consider your lighting very carefully. Great lighting can elevate a room and change the mood at night. Use lots of lamps in key areas. Try different combinations and placements.”

“When it comes to floors, use neutral for carpets and/or wood floors. You’ll never tire of them and can just switch up the area rugs for a change.”

The most important tip she gave me? “Have fun! Loving your home is more important now than ever before. If you haven’t made your home a nest that you positively adore, now’s the time!”

Are you happy with the look of your home? Is there a new style you want to evolve to? If you could change one thing, what would it be? Share your design tips, wishes and desires below. Let’s love our lives and our spaces! Please share your thoughts below.

We love a matte liquid lip as much as the next person, but it’s no secret that most formulas aren’t infused with the ingredients that help retain moisture. So while our lips may look good, how they feel is usually the complete opposite. Thankfully, we have the best tinted lip balms to save us from flaking and dryness without sacrificing color. Even if it’s just a hint of red or a barely-there coral, there’s enough tint to make us feel put-together when we have somewhere special to be. Plus, experience has taught us that tinted balms do a much better job than a lipstick when it comes to outlasting a makeout sesh. 

But before you let the kisses fly, remember that not all formulas are created equal. Like other types of lip products, such as liquid lipstick and lip plumpers, there are so many options to choose from. Generally speaking, the best tinted lip balms are made with ingredients that lend themselves to moisture-rich claims—think shea butter, glycerin and some plant or fruit oils. And don’t let price tags completely determine your decision either. Whether you have $5 or $50 to spend, there are quality choices that suit every type of budget.

With that being said, we’ve gathered the best tinted lip balms out there; from organic to drugstore to high end. So pucker up and keep scrolling to see which balm suits your fancy—not only for special moments but for any time you’re craving moisture and color. 

Cle de Peau Beaute.

Cle de Peau Beaute Lip Glorifier

Whether you want a bright coral or more subdued red, this luxe tinted balm delivers moisture and the appearance of plumper lips.

Glow Recipe.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Lip Pop

For that bitten, I-just-finished-eating-a-popsicle tint, grab this multiuse product that is both a scrub and balm for smoother, hydrated lips.

I Dew Care.

I Dew Care Glow Easy Nourishing Vitamin C Lip Oil

If you want your tinted balm with a shinier, high-gloss finish, this lip treatment does just that, thanks to a formula rich in three different oils: raspberry, sunflower seed and jojoba.

Buy: Glow Easy Vitamin C Lip Oil $10.80

Laneige.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

Available in four barely-there shades, this shea butter-infused lip balm is ultra-lightweight, but still coats the lips in enough moisture to last all day.

Physicians Formula.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Tinted Lip Treatment

A creamy lip conditioner infused with organic oils, shea butter and vitamin E.

Clinique.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

This classic balm has 15 shades that slide on sheer with major buildability. It’s best for your “My Lips but Better” kind of day.

Buy: Chubby Stick Lip Colour Balm $18.35

Dior.

Dior Lip Glow 

This balm has 10 shades and three different finishes (matte, satin, and shimmer) to match any kind of occasion. Plus, it includes a special technology that alters the pigment just a little to complement your skin tone perfectly.

Eve Lom.

Eve Lom Kiss Mix Colour Lip Treatment

Made with Chinese menthol for cooling and plumping, this balm soothes while also giving subtle color.

Buy: Kiss Mix Colour Lip Treatment $24

Glossier.

Glossier Balm Dotcom

Although there are six tubes, only two provide a tint: Cherry and Rose. In pink and red hues, the formula has natural emollients to make your lips soft and supple.

Ilia.

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner

More than a tint, these 10 colors go as deep as dark maroon. If you’re looking for something not pink and sheer, with 100 percent natural dyes, this is your product.

Lanolips.

Lanolips Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

If you want something with a little more shine, this balm has a glossier finish. It has four different shades, all with lanolin—a natural oil found in sheep’s wool.

Nars.

Nars Orgasm Afterglow Lip Balm

The signature “orgasm” blush color has made its way to lips. With the Monoï Hydrating Complex, your lips will be smooth all day, while adding the perfect tinted color.

Revlon.

Revlon Kiss Lip Balm

Fruity and flavorful, these balms give a hint of color with major moisture. They also have SPF 20 because your lips can get sun damage, too!

Buy: Kiss Lip Balm $3.49

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.