Modest Bathing Suits @ Creations by Savannah! {review}

 Can you believe it's summer already?! Depending on where you live, this could mean the time for swimming, pools and beach vacays has come.

What do you wear for all this? It's genuinely hard to find adequate swimwear these days. Last year, I did a swimwear post about some of the modest suits I've found. For the most part, if you want to find a modest, feminine-looking suit you have to custom-order it online, and the options can be limited sometimes. Especially when the number of companies is few.

 

But then, I discovered a new modest-swimwear business I wasn't aware of, to add to the list!

 

 Creations by Savannah!

 

 

Creations by Savannah is a small home-based business that provides different swimwear styles which are both adorable and modest. The swimsuits come in both ready-made and custom options, for girls, juniors and women. The prices are reasonable, considering the quality and amount of time (plus the fabric) that goes into making the suits.

 

Savannah generously sent me this suit to review which she'd already made. I was so excited because it just happened to fit my measurements. Took care of my needing-a-new-swimsuit-but-have-no-money-whatsoever issue! Booyah! Doesn't get much more awesome than that!

 

 

(Okay, so I posses zero modeling skills. And my farmer's tan is just plain ridiculous. Half the time if you put me in front of a camera I'll just make a weird face or do something awkward. I mean, I'm not against getting my picture taken, but I'm pretty sure I'm lacking photogenic-ness....)

 

 

The suit's construction is durable and the quality is evident. It's a two piece which makes it easy to put on and take off. The top has ruching up the sides and ends with strings you can tie. I think this is a cute effect. Reminds me of a surf top.

 

I love the fabric choice! It's really quite adorable. The fabric itself is that stretchy spandex-like swimwear fabric that dries really quick.

(One note, you have to wear a bra/bikini top underneath, because it's basically just like any other top only in swimwear fabric.)

 

I used to not like this length for swim leggings, but I've loosened up a little since then. I wouldn't go any shorter than this, and it took a little getting used to, but I like it. The skirt of course draws it all together. I really like the contrast it offers.

 

Overall, it's comfortable, classy and chic. Functionality is good except that you'd have to be careful not letting the shirt come up when doing a flip into the pool or other daring stunts. :P

 

 

Oh yeah, and I like that the top is sleeveless. Sleeves are all I've ever had on my suits. You end up getting the most predominant farmers' tans - and sunburns too, when you fail to use enough sunscreen....*cough* Okay so it's not the end of the world if you get a weird tan line, but to me it's kind of a random pet peeve thing. Anyhoo, I like sleeveless when I'm in the sun, so this is perf.

 

"That's right, this girl don't know how to pose."

 

"She does know how to be goofy, however..."

 

 

It's hard to have long hair during a typical Floridian summer. I can't leave it down or it turns into a sweat mop.

 

*is trying to conceal the fact that she's actually sweating pretty profusely - ah, a lake or pool would be nice right about now!*

 

Not sure what I was doing here. ^ Maybe it was the 105% humidity...

 

 

And then of course you have the unstrung recurve bow and arrows in the corner...yeah 'mon. *cue Caribbean/Bahamas voice*

 

The Dramatic Conclusion:

 

I absolutely love this suit! It fits perfect, looks adorable and isn't lacking on comfort or practicality. Best of all, it covers everything that I feel needs to be covered! I can see myself even purchasing another one in a different print/style, at some point. Definitely recommend this business and give it a double thumbs up! I have no complaints at all. Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

 

Final words? Go check it out for yourself. 

 

Visit the Etsy store, and "like" the Facebook page!

 

 Who said modest bathing suits had to be ugly, plain and boring?

 

Note: I was provided this item from Creations by Savannah in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed remain mine and mine alone.

Beautifly Natural Jewelry {review}

 

 

"I saw a chance to reuse butterflies that had naturally expired at a local conservatory and I approached the manager with my proposition of making jewelry out of the wings. I made a few sample products and then was asked to begin a business selling the newly made butterfly jewelry within the conservatory's gift shop. The natural jewelry was very well received and I was able to set up a studio.
I am very excited about the business that unexpectedly became a reality in my life. I am thankful for all the opportunities that have allowed me to come this far. But most importantly I am delighted to be able to share these beautiful creatures in a creative way that can be admired and enjoyed for years to come." -Bethany, shop owner, maker & designer

 

 

We have a very unique review today from Beautifly Natural Jewelry - a shop on Etsy that offers laminated butterfly wing earrings and nature-themed accessories!

 

I don't know about y'all, but I'm an avid lover of the great outdoors, fresh air and all the beautiful creatures which God has placed on this earth for us to enjoy and protect. Butterflies have always been fascinating insects to me, with their dainty, frail forms and intricate wing designs.

 

So the concept of getting to actually wear earrings made from real butterfly wings really intrigued me.

 

 

I was sent two different pairs to review. This first one is from a Sulphur butterfly. You can find/purchase them here.

 

The wings are about an inch or so long.

 

I love the bright yellows in this pair. So lovely and full of sunshine!

 

 

This second pair is my favorite. They're Paper Kite wings and roughly double the size of the Sulphurs above. I love this length, and translucent colors. Find these earrings here.

 

 

What I love about these earrings is how, when you run your fingers over the laminated material, you can actually feel the veins of the wings - this is the real deal.

Both pairs are so unique and original - naturally.

 

 

They're very, very lightweight so they won't drag your earlobes down at all. In fact, you almost forget you're wearing them.

 

 Overall, I think this shop - and the products it offers - is awesome. I love how different and original the jewelry is. These are definitely earrings I will wear! I give both pairs a double thumbs-up, and that goes for the rest of Beautifly Natural Jewelry, too. Working with Bethany was a pleasure!

 

You should definitely check out her work. And like her Facebook page!

 

What do y'all think? Which is your favorite pair?

 

 

Note: I was provided these items from Beautifly Natural Jewelry in exchange for my honest opinion.

 

The Last Rose of Summer {ClassyGarb & reviews}

 

Hello ladies!

Sorry I am so late to bring you a post.

My day Tuesday went a bit differently than I planned, (life tends to do that doesn't it?) and I ended up spending the afternoon at my best friend's planning music for upcoming events and hanging out gabbing about the Shindig.

 

And I didn't get to work on this post until the evening...eesh. I do apologize!

So what I do have here for y'all is a collaboration of sorts. It's partially a makeshift outfit post, and partially a bunch of product reviews! Fun stuff!

 

I'll give you fair warning though. I took all these photos last minute and it was very wet and rainy outside. So. They're not the best quality...plus, I forgot and got the pictures totally barefoot...which is how I am 99% of my life anyway so I guess it's inevitable that one of these posts a barefoot picture should sneak in...but anyhoo. *le sigh*

 

 

 

 

 

Top: Coldwater Creek

Skirt: "Venus" c/o of Apostalic Clothing

Scarf: c/co of S & A Scarves

Hair flower: c/o of  Fantasy Garden

 

Soo. Now for the reviews!

First we'll start with the lovely chevron skirt.

 

 

I really like this skirt. The tag says it was made in the USA, it's a very comfy, semi-stretchy material and of course the print is super fun!

 

I've always been a fan of the chevron print fad. Most trends that come and go I won't bat an eye at, but this trend? I actually like it quite a bit.

 

 

Love the color scheme of this skirt. Overall, it's a favorite in my wardrobe. I can pair it with dressier things and wear it to church, or I can throw a t-shirt on and make it a semi-casual look. Gotta love variability!

 

The skirt's fabric is very soft and comfortable. The length is perfect on me. (I'm 5'8".)  The waistband can be rolled/folded over to make the skirt shorter, or it can be extended. I prefer it folded, personally.

 

My final say on this skirt is that's it's a fabulous find! I would definitely recommend AC as a store to find modest, classy clothing items.

 

Next up, the feminine hair flower.

 

 

This flower was handcrafted, and I always love handcrafted things!

 

The flower features a spray of light, delicate silk pieces and mesh paired with several small crystals and beads to highlight the piece.

 

The pearl and crystal beads really add a nice feminine, princess-y touch.

 

The back consists of a soft felt piece affixed to a metal clasp which is slightly difficult to use initially, due to the large size of the flower, but over time it becomes easier.

 

The felt piece is extremely soft to the touch.

 

Overall, I think this is a beautiful hair piece! You should check out the Fantasy Garden shop for yourself  if you liked it as well as I do - there are many other lovely flowers to be found therein!

 

And while we're on the topic of hair flowers....

I wanted to give a special reference to this one.

 

I was sent an incredibly darling little hair flower from the shop Florentes on Etsy.

It is handmade as well, and so gorgeous! The silk like petals have been pieced together very intricately and professionally, and the backing lace piece is equally chic.

 

It's considerably smaller than the other flower. I like this size for tucking into a bun or more formal updo.

 

The only complaint I have about this lovely little piece is the means for a clasp. It is basically a pin with a fixture on the end to cover the sharp part of the pin.

Seeing that it's a hair piece, I wonder at the effectiveness of this design. Maybe it was created this way so that it could also be used as a brooch or something?

Anyway, not too big of a deal, but it was something that struck me right away when I tried to use it.

 

I still think it's a delightful accessory, and did you know it came all the way from Lithuania? Isn't that so neat? (Florentes definitely has some very elegant accessories.)

 

Now. Last but not least, one of my favorite parts of this post!

 

The scarf.

 

Can I just say that I love scarves? Whether they serve as functional or just simply a fashion accessory, I really enjoy using them. They add instant class to just about any outfit!

 

To be honest, one of the big things I'm looking forward to this winter is getting to use my scarves more.

 

The nice thing about this scarf I'm featuring today? It's not one of those real heavy winter scarves. You could wear it in the summer even, if you wanted, it's that lightweight and delicate!

 

I absolutely love the lacy, frilly vintage look this scarf has. It's white, so it matches with anything!

 

Another really neat thing about it is where it came from.

 

Turkey!!

 I saved this piece of the envelope just because I thought it was so neat to see such an address.

 

Overall, I would definitely recommend S & A Scarves. They make beautiful work and I am thrilled with the lovely scarf they sent me!

 

I hope y'all enjoyed this post, and make sure to check out each of these fabulous shops for yourself!

 

On a side note: if you're curious as to the title, "The Last Rose of Summer"? I know it's kinda corny. But I had no idea what to call this, as I was writing it up hastily, and I thought, hey, I'm featuring two hair flowers here, and summer is coming to an end, so....yeah. There ya go! Title problem solved!

 

Blessings!

A Fun Chevron Infinity Scarf! {review}

 

Good evening, ladies! (and gents - but mainly the ladies since I don't think you guys would be too interested in this kind of scarf. xD)

 

Today I have something really cool and different for y'all. An infinity scarf review!

 

 

I was sent a homemade chevron infinity scarf from Susan at Southern Pursenality .

 

Firstly, I've never owned an infinity scarf before! The concept always fascinated me. And infinity scarves are SO easy to use and wear! All you do is take the scarf and loop it twice and there you go! A fabulously simple drape.

 

The packaging was very cute and professional. I even saved the wrapping paper because it was so cute and I like to recycle things.

 

This scarf is made from a very comfy jersey knit fabric, and the sewing is professional and neat.

 

Let me tell you, I absolutely love the color scheme here. The mustard/white is nice and catchy, and can liven up many a more droll-looking shirt/outfit. Moi approves!

 

As I said before, the fabric is soft and extremely wearable. It's lightweight so I wouldn't mind wearing it on a warmer day. (Although I'll admit it's very hard to wear scarves of any sort in FL during the summer!) And of course, it's so easy to work with, being an infinity scarf.

 

 

 

My overall opinion on this scarf?

It's definitely a winner! The price isn't unreasonable for a high quality, handmade item. The shop is owned by a professing Christian mom, and it's obvious she doesn't cut corners on her work! I would totally recommend her shop.

Beyond scarves, Susan has an array of other neat things available as well. Purses, aprons, fabric bins and even iPod cases and diaper clutches to name a few!

 

Be sure to check out Southern Pursenality here! And go "like" the Facebook page!

 

ALSO. Something exciting for y'all!

 

Susan has generously offered to give a 20% discount on any order placed within the next week!

Just use the coupon code BLOG20 when you place your order! (hurry - this is only available for one week!)

 

Hope everyone is having a blessed summer so far! I certainly am. (looking forward to the cooler months though I'll admit!)

 

In His love,

Note: I was provided this item from Southern Pursenality in exchange for my honest review. All opinions stated remain mine and mine alone.