April showers bring May Flowers and lots of new shiny, fashionable things for Spring. Am I right? Something about the warm weather makes me want to invest in new pieces for my closet. From baby doll off the shoulder dresses to a new pair of Nikes – here is what I have my eye on this month.
Cathclaire’s Fashion Picks of the Month:
See what else I am up to this month by following @cathclaire + @thecrystalpress on Instagram bbs! XO
This post was sponsored by Not Your Mother’s Haircare. All opinions are our own. Read on to see low maintenance haircare for brunettes and blondes with NYM.
Taking care of your hair in the salon can cost a pretty penny – and not to mention, a lot of your precious time. We know that there are lots of masks, treatments, and time consuming “what nots” that you can use in between salon appointments – but let’s be real, sometimes we need an efficient product that we can use on the fly for our fellow blondes and brunettes.
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Catherine and I have a habit of showing up on days to shoot coordinating, inadvertently twinning! While we definitely have our own personal styles, we tend to gravitate towards the same pieces and trends. In this case, I took a page out of her book when I saw that she has been rocking her J’Adior Kitten Heels. For years I have shied away from this style shoe, thinking that the higher the heel, the better. But lately I have been reaching more for my sneakers and less towards my heels, so I figured I would take a stab at the kitten heel after long last.
We are starting a new series here on The Crystal Press, where Catherine and I will share our current favorites with you guys each month! Sometimes, these will be in the form of a simple outfit post, and sometimes it will be more of a wish list or a round-up. We want the content on here to be something that you continue to check in on, and our hope is that with these consistent series’, that will be the case! So without further ado, here are some trends / pieces that I am loving for spring. (more…)
Spring has finally sprung and if you’re like us, you’re looking to update your spring wardrobe! We’ve rounded up some great basics, most under $200 before the 20% off that would make great additions to your wardrobe. We’ve told you time and time again how important it is to have good quality, classic pieces in your closet so that it’s easier to get dressed in the morning. It’s great to invest in quality pieces that you know will last for years to come, and Shopbop is the place to look for these pieces specifically.
With the smell of Spring in the air and the days getting longer, it is hard NOT to crave a trip to a season-less destination where the Piña Colada’s (with extra coconut for me) are flowing and the chic warm weather fashion is all around. Whether that means the Almafi Coast, Miami, or a local beach for you – a flattering swimsuit is a must. With the beach on your mind, what better way to make room in your life for a vacation than to find the perfect swimmy? After all, the Universe sends you your desires when you hold a space for them.
(more…)This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. This content is intended for readers who are 21 and over. #ShareBoen #BestLifeWithBoen #CollectiveBias
One of the traditions we have loved to incorporate into our busy schedules is a book club. Rebecca has been really good at keeping us on track with picking dates, hosts, and books – and it is always a fabulous time. On top of great company and inspiring conversation, we love to incorporate a delicious vino. Have you guys tried the Böen Chardonnay? It is so tasty and a great bottle for around $20! I found a retailer near me utilizing the Böen store finder tool. Maybe it is the warm weather that has been showing its face here and there amongst our Richmond “winter,” but The Crystal Press has been on a white wine kick as of late. Luckily, this Böen Chardonnay is up to the task with its yummy fruity and crisp notes.
Have you ever had any of the Böen varietals? Böen Chardonnay is the purest expression of the winemaker Joe Wagner’s signature wine style. Joe is a 5th generation winemaker that has made great relationships with California’s top winegrowers over nearly two decades. You can really taste this expertise in the Böen Chardonnay! 
During our book club this time around, we decided it was only fitting to pay homage to one of the greatest creatives of our time, the late Karl Lagerfield. It was such fun to discuss his designs and influence that he has had on the fashion industry that we are so fond of and beyond. Cheers-ing our Böen Chardonnay in his honor was just what the doctor ordered! Who else loves a good girls night with wine pairing? Doesn’t get much better than that. Live your best life, and #ShareBoen
It has been just over four years since The Crystal Press went live and to say that we have learned a few things along the way would be the understatement of the century. We have had our ups and downs, our laughs and luckily not too many tears and we wouldn’t change the experiences that we have had thus far on this adventure for anything. We have learned some valuable lessons over the years and wanted to share some tips with you guys!
These tips don’t only apply to you if you are in a blogging partnership, but can also be used in your personal relationships, work collaborations and beyond. (more…)
Who doesn’t want to take their fashion or lifestyle blog to the next level? Regardless of the amount of followers you have on Instagram or the unique users you have come to your blog ever month, one could argue that their is always room for growth. If you have been following along with me throughout this blogging journey of my own, you know its been years of content creation mixed with procrastination and a whole lot of meditation. What if I told you that no matter where you are in your blogging journey, there was a rule that takes 5 seconds that could take your fashion or lifestyle blog to the next level?
Shop my favorite long sleeve sequin dresses from ASOS:
Part of my obsession with self help and personal transformation is because I am always looking for more effective ways to do things. I work multiple jobs – I work for my dad, I freelance write, I am co-owner here on The Crystal Press, and I curate Cathclaire – so efficiency is my best friend. It doesn’t get more efficient than the 5 second rule developed by Mel Robbins. In fact, this rule helped me not hit the snooze button this morning and do my 4 am Joe Dispenza meditation like I know I should. (Should is a tricky word these days because everyone is all “follow your heart” and believe me, I agree with that – but following my heart is what makes me feel like I should do this 4 am meditation should. So, don’t get it twisted.)
For all of my fellow bloggers out there, we all know what we should be doing at this point or at least we do after a few conversations with google. Consistent blog posts, social media posts, and most of all – creating value for our readers. But what about the times you just don’t feel like it? What about the times you want to share your views on a subject that you fear people will judge your for? An outfit that is a little out of your comfort zone? That is where the 5 second rule comes in.
Mel Robbins, one of the most requested Ted speakers, defines the five second rule as “If you have an instinct to act on a goal, you must physically move within 5 seconds or your brain will kill it.” Because of the way our brain is wired, when what you think you should do and what you feel like doing are out of alignment – your feelings will always win. *Read that statement one more time*
Sure, you could memorize a mantra, mission statement, or affirmation – but if you are as scatter brained as me – this isn’t always the first thing on my mind for moments of weakness. However, counting to 5 is something super easy to remember. Next time you are at a crossroads of an instinct of the heart – count down from 5 and jump into action.
What happens if my mission statement is not the first thing on my mind during a moment of weakness? Well, my possibly brilliant thought loses and my feelings (records of the past according to my man Dr. Joe) win. Raise your hand if you want to keep reliving the past! NOT THIS GIRL. So next time you want to take your lifestyle, your blog, or your business to the next level, count down from 5 with Mel Robbin’s 5 second rule and make moves like a boss!
I am SO, so picky when it comes to scents of any kind. My allergies have been running my life for as long as I can remember and that definitely plays a factor when it comes to perfumes, lotions, etc…. But when Cath introduced me to the Baies candle from diptyque, I was immediately in love. Over the years I have tried out lots of different products, thanks to some gifting and some of my own purchases. I burn my candles sporadically so that I can savor each moment, but honestly, they are so fragrant that just having one sit on my desk is allllmost enough.
