11 Things With Andrea #4

Oh man. I can’t believe I haven’t done one of these update posts since July. It’s time friends. It’s time. Here are 11 Things that are currently going on with ME…Andrea!

1. I recently had to transition into running indoors because it’s too dark out when I need to run early in the morning and I’m just sick of getting scared of my own shadow…haha anyone else? I love running outside so much more than on a treadmill, but have just accepted that it’s time.

2. I LAUNCHED MY OWN TEE SHIRT LINE! Click here to go check it out and order your very own! There two designs, but many color options and I am just so grateful for all of you who have already ordered one! Remember, my goal with these shirts is to help us redefine the way we view the word beauty and I want you to help me with this project!

3. I have been thrifting a good amount of clothing in the last few months but have been slacking when it comes to accessories, so in the near future I am going to be doing some challenges trying to get out of my comfort zone and find some new stuff!

4. I recently switched up my WHOLE planning system and I’m really excited to share it with you guys once I use it a little longer and make sure I really do love it. If you have been following me for a while you might know that for the last couple of years I have bought MayDesigns books and created my own planners because I can never find what I’m looking for already printed. However, my search may be over! Updates soon!

5. Cookbook recipe testing is back in full swing as bridal season is starting to wind down a little? haha October is my last full month of weddings and I’m excited to have some more weekend time in the near future to devote to fine tuning things.

6. Speaking of bridal season, I am booking for all of the 2020 season and things are filling up quickly! If you or someone you know is getting married and still needs a makeup artist, PLEASE contact me asap!

7. I’m so happy it’s finally fall because I have thrifted some amazing fall layers recently and I’m excited to style them all for you guys! I love layering pieces and wearing oversized items, so fall is the perfect time to play with these trends! It’s also finally chilly enough some days for a blazer moment and you all know how much I love that!

8. I’m headed to Traverse City the first weekend of November with my best friend Margaret for her to show me around her hometown! I am so excited! We are heading to the grand opening event for Poppy Things and I’m so jazzed to meet Chelsey and check out her new space! This will be my first weekend off from weddings in like 3 months, so I couldn’t be more excited to have some run relaxation girl time. I also love visiting new places because I always leave feeling inspired.

9. I have become fully OBSESSED with Beth from B. Jones Style. While her style can be a little more bold than what I typically wear, I am always SO inspired to create and try new styles when I watch her videos and look at her Instagram! If you are curious about thrifting and want more inspiration, I highly recommend checking her out!

10. Fall makes me want to get cozy on the couch, read books and watch movies. What are your current recommendations for both? I’m not much of a TV show watcher but I am obviously excited ‘This is Us’ is back on! I just went to the library and picked up some good reads that I’m excited to get into. This also reminds me that I am due for a Books I’ve Recently Been Reading post, so expect that soon.

11. My Hydroflask has changed my life. There is nothing quite like waking up in the morning super thirsty, picking up a water bottle and hearing the sound of ice still frozen inside. I bring this thing with me EVERYWHERE and even got Mikey hooked on it. This is the one I have and I highly recommend it!

There you have it! 11 Things are done! What is up with you lately? Comment below and let me know!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

My New Favorite Makeup Brushes (MODA PRO)

Boy am I excited to write this post. You guys know I love to review and test out new beauty related products. When my good friend Jodi asked if I wanted to test out and review the MODA PRO Brushes from Royal & Langnickel Professional Makeup Brushes, I was so excited! (The kit I received is no longer available on the website but my coupon code ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY is good for anything on the site)

I will only use high quality products on my clients, and tools are no exception. The only thing better than discovering new products that I love, is finding ones that I love that are also at a really reasonable price point. Insert Royal & Langnickel.

While I initially noticed three awesome things about the MODA Pro Brushes, I wanted to add them to my kit and come back here to review them for you after I had tested them out for a few weeks at weddings!

The first three things I initially loved about the brushes were:

1. I loved the look. As a working makeup artist, I prefer black on black synthetic brushes because they look the sleekest and cleanest in my kit.

2. I loved the texture on the handle of the brushes because they are comfortable to grip when applying makeup for hours.

3. I love how light they feel. When you’re doing makeup for 7 hours straight, little things like this matter!

After using them for multiple weddings, I can confidently tell you that I reach for these brushes over the other ones in my kit time and time again. They do everything I need them to when I’m working with clients. I need tools that I can rely on and use hundreds of times and these brushes are awesome! I’ve had clients also comment about how soft they feel as well, which makes me really happy.

I’m definitely going to be purchasing more for my kit for the 2020 bridal season and also picking up a set to replace my personal makeup brushes.

If you’d like to try out the MODA Pro brushes from Royal & Langnickel, or any of the other makeup brushes that Royal & Langnickel have created, visit ROYAL & LANGNICKEL PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP BRUSHES and be sure to use the code ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY at checkout to get 10% off your purchase!

Coupon Code for 10% off: ANDREAFONTANABEAUTY

Be sure to share with me if you try any of the brushes out!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Disclaimer: These brushes were gifted to me but all opinions are my own and I am not being paid to post. If you purchase using my code, I do earn a small commission and I appreciate you supporting Andrea Fontana Beauty so I can bring you more content! Thank you!

Mini Windy City Capsule

I have seen capsule closet’s talked about a lot recently and while I have never been tempted to actually convert my closet into one, I wanted to challenge myself with creating a ‘Mini Capsule Wardrobe’ for my trip to Chicago last week. When you take the train to Chicago, you can only bring what you can carry, so I knew I wanted to pack as light as possible, and figured now was the chance to try this.

In case you are unfamiliar with a Capsule closet or wardrobe, it’s essentially a minimalist approach to setting up your closet. There are no set rules, so you are able to customize as it choose, but you basically choose a set number of items (say 30) and only have that many in your closet to choose from when styling yourself every day. Most people change out their capsules every season because of the weather changes.

So here were the rules I determined for myself with this mini capsule challenge:

1. Only pack 5 items to create my outfits with for 3 days, 2 nights.

2. Pajamas don’t count since they are for sleeping (and grabbing donuts in my case haha).

3. Shoes and accessories also don’t count because 5 is a very small number!

4. I allowed myself one light jacket to keep in my suitcase only in case of emergency. I knew that the weather in Chicago this time of year could be very temperamental so the last thing I wanted to do was get too cold and have to buy a jacket. That felt like it was defeating the purpose of the challenge.

Items I chose:

1. Black Levis

2. Black Slip Dress

3. Graphic Tee (bought from my artist friend Jilly Makes

4. Red Blazer

5. Leopard Short-Sleeved Button Down Top

The really cool thing about the items I chose was that 4 out 5 of them were thrifted! I wasn’t planning to do mostly thrifted items, but I ended up loving that I was able to show you how versatile thrifted clothing can really be!

2 Daytime Outfits:

2 Nighttime Outfits:

What I loved about this challenge:

I loved how easy it was to pack for this trip! Since I wanted to make sure that I loved the outfit potential of the pieces together, it forced me to think about it ahead of time. I normally wait until the last second to pack for a trip, so this helped me plan ahead and sped up the process a little. Am I the only one who throws a bunch of stuff in a suitcase when they travel, hoping that they can create an outfit out of it when they get to their destination?

I also loved how easy it was to get dressed during my stay in Chicago. It forced me to be more creative with my outfits overall, but I loved how it took me no longer than a couple of minutes to get dressed every time I wanted to change.

Lastly, I loved how this challenge forced me to play with accessories more. Since I wanted to make each outfit unique, I loved how I was able to transform my vibe with hair clips, scarves, shoes, earrings, etc.

What I hated about this challenge:

The hardest thing for me about this challenge was that I wanted to break free of it the first day! It probably didn’t help that I bought some fun new pieces as soon as I got to Chicago, so I wanted to wear them, but I found myself not being as excited about my outfits. It was fun the first day, but after that, I was wishing I had just one more item to choose from!

I didn’t love that I chose to do the challenge during the unpredictable fall weather. It ended up being really hot the first day and I wish I had had a tank or something to swap out or my tee.

What I learned:

I learned exactly what I thought I would. Capsule closets are not for me. I love getting dressed in the mornings. It’s fun to pair different things together, especially now that I’m doing a lot of thrifting. The challenge was fun in the beginning but as soon as I knew what outfits I could wear, it lost the excitement that I normally have when creating an outfit.

Would I do it again and what would I do differently?

I would totally do this challenge again, but only if it was for another trip or a short period of time at home. I know that I would not enjoy turning my entire closet into a capsule, but I think it’s a fun way to get a little creative on a trip. I just love having options and as long as I’m not buying everything new and contributing too much to fast fashion, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a bigger closet.

If I were to do it again though, I would do it during a season with more consistent weather and I would try 7 or 8 items instead of 5, which is still really good!

Have you ever tried a capsule closet, big or small? What are your thoughts on the matter? Tell me below in the comments.

Have a great day!

Andrea

The One Where We Met Antoni

If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you might not know that last week I traveled to Chicago with one of my very best friends to attend a book signing for Antoni from Queer Eye and….MEET HIM.

YES! I got to meet him, hug him, say hello, sit front row for the event, receive an amazing goodie bag from Williams Sonoma, and got a signed copy of his new cookbook “Antoni In the Kitchen'“. It was an amazing experience and he was exactly as I hoped he’d be in person; funny, passionate, excited, and kind.

I created a little IGTV video that summed up the whole trip here but if you’d like to read a quick summary of our trip, keep on reading!

Day One:

• Took the Amtrak to Union Station. Finished up reading Middlesex, ate yummy banana bread, did my makeup and made friends with a cute little 8 month old and her momma.

• First stop, the Chicago French Market, where we shared a yummy proscuitto sandwich, and then we headed to the Doughnut Vault, where I ate a chocolate glazed doughnut as big as my face.

• Next, up we dropped off our bags at our hotel (Inn of Chicago) and headed out for a little bit of shopping. (Inn of Chicago was a great location, super comfy bed, but that’s about it. The actual room was kind of dirty and I doubt I’d stay there again unless I got a stupidly cheap deal).

• At Gap, Margaret and I both scored some awesome clearance finds, including a leopard print skirt, stripped button-down dress, and tank for me!

• Headed to Eataly to show Margaret my little slice of heaven. Picked up some items for a pre-Antoni charcuterie in bed!

• The ‘Antoni In the Kitchen’ event was next. Amazing. Speechless. I’d do it again in a heartbeat for his next cookbook so GET WRITING Antoni!

• We then headed to the rooftop terrace for a little moment to slow down before bed. We were tired and knew the next day would be busy so we chose to head to bed at 10:30 instead of going out like we had planned.

Day Two:

• We both woke up early at 6 am so we decided to stay in our PJ’s and head to get some donuts and coffee at Stan’s Donuts (one of my faves in Chi).

• Headed back to bed for some reading which was nice.

• Slowly got ready for a day of shopping in Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village.

• Visited Credo Beauty, Aesop, Deciem, Buffalo Exchange, Paperish Mess, Dark Matter Coffee, Peach Fuzz, and Humboldt House. I may have missed a shop or two that we stopped at, but we sure crammed a lot into a short amount of time!

• Next we headed back to the hotel for a quick nap and then I got ready to meet one of my college bestie’s Nick for a yummy dinner at Luxbar to celebrate his 30th birthday.

• After dinner, Margaret and I headed to The Darling, an old Speak Easy, for a drink with her friend Olivia, and then we headed over to the Sparrow which felt like we time traveled back to Havana in the past.

• What better way to finish off the day then to spend the night dancing away until 2 in the morning.

• Our alarms woke us at 6 am promptly the next morning to head back on the Amtrack to Michigan, but it was worth the few hours of sleep!

Overall our trip was amazing! We packed so many amazing memories into such a short amount of time! I put together a mini capsule closet for the trip with only 5 clothing items and I’ll be sharing that post soon so stay on the lookout.

Where do you like to visit when you go to Chicago? Tell me below.

Have a beautiful day!

Update: New Studio Reveal

I am so excited to finally be sharing my new studio with you. After almost three years in my apartment, it was time to move out and create a new space. I am so grateful that my boyfriend Mikey welcomed me into this space in his home. I am so in love with it and I can’t wait to welcome my clients into this new space for makeup and consultations. It will also serve as an office for me. This means I will be filming more blog content in this space as well. If you’re interested in seeing how I created the DIY clothing rack to use for my thrifting content, be sure to comment below.

I am so in love with this doormat that I had custom made by a sweet soul named Meredith from Tiny Bits of Happiness. This is one of the few things I purchased for the new space.

I know you might be thinking, did Andrea move in with Mikey? The answer is no. Haha I am excited to share that I will be moving in with one of my favorite families ever. I was the nanny for an amazing family for the past 5 years and now that the boys will both be in school full time, I am no longer going to be watching the boys day to day. However, I will moving into their basement guest room. They have some amazing travel plans of their own for the next school year and needed someone to watch over their home when they are away. This lead to the perfect opportunity for me to move in with them for the next school year and still see the boys.

This gallery wall was really important for me to nail because I wanted to have inspiration to look at while working at my desk. It’s also what clients face when I’m doing their makeup, so I wanted them to have fun things to look at. It includes an old photo of my favorite Italian singer Louis Prima, a vintage postcard of the hospital I was born at, a map of Brazil, an homage to my favorite foods bagels and pasta, the only framed picture I have of Mikey and I (lol), and so much more.

Having a cozy seating area was really important for me because I wanted my clients to feel welcome to sit for a moment and chat with me. This studio will be used mostly for makeup consultations so I wanted my brides and their entourage to feel comfortable. Since I no longer need all of my furniture to complete an entire home, I was excited to just bring my favorite pieces into this studio space. I feel so productive in the two weeks I’ve been here because I’m just happy to be surrounded by so many pieces that bring me such joy.

The most important part about this studio is that it has reminded me how much I love my business and my clients. The support I receive on a daily basis never goes unnoticed and I am grateful to welcome you all to this new space.

What is your favorite part of the new studio? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Advice for My Pre-Entrepreneurship Self:

I love supporting other small businesses, but especially those that are women owned. I wanted to write a post to encourage those of you who either own their own or are thinking of starting their own business. It can be a challenging and lonely area to navigate, but I do know one thing. We are all better off supporting one another.

I reached out to a few of my favorite women entrepreneurs and asked them to give me a piece of advice that they would give themselves if they could go back in time before their entrepreneurship journey began. I’ve linked their businesses so please do me a favor and support as many as you can. Check out their websites, follow them on social media, and send them love.

Amanda - Leader of Michigan Tribe

If you’re starting a business because you want more freedom, go get a job instead.

Meredith - Owner of Tiny Bits Of Happiness

Embrace being a beginner. Everything will feel new. A lot of stuff is going to feel hard or difficult and you will most likely question yourself at least a million times. You may feel like you are not enough of something, and friend, you are so so enough. Have so much grace with your heart and remember grit makes us tougher. Persist and embrace this exciting new beginning of a chapter. You will probably feel like you are lost at sea a few times, and I'm a true believer in that means you are growing. You've swam away from the shore and you are allowing yourself to get lost and you are allowing yourself to grow. Remember, growing doesn't always feel good. Seek out community. Talk about what's on your heart. And reach out and gather insights from people who are farther along. So many people have been turning around giving out advice, insight and help for free. So while this beginning is a whole lot of things, just remember you are beginning and growing and you are made to do this.

Margaret - Owner of Edgewood Place Occasions & Fortress Coffee Co.

You don’t have to have it all together and it’s okay for your business to evolve. When I started out I thought I had to have everything in place before I “officially started” and I think it hindered me in a way, because I kept pushing off just starting. I was very consumed with getting everything right the first time. Since then my business has changed about four different times and I often feel like I have no idea what I’m doing! But it’s evolved naturally and is now something that feels like the perfect fit. It’s okay to learn as you go and to start before you think you’re ready!

Liz - Owner & Creator of The Lemon Bowl

Don’t let subconscious thought loops from your childhood dictate your reality as an adult.

Kherington - Creator & Owner of Currently Kherington

There's power in saying "no" + that being told "no" is a good thing! I feel like saying "no" + being told "no" actually frees you up to focus on what's important and ultimately means you're honing in on your overall mission/vision. I can honestly say anytime I've put myself out there + have been told "no" it wasn't definite. I ended up working with those same businesses down the line or they referred me for other work that I was a better fit for along the way. + when you can confidently say "no" to a project that may come your way, never feel regret - especially if it isn't in harmony with the bottom line and future of your business. While being a busy mom, wife, + business owner - let's just say my time + sanity are valuable + have thanked me wholeheartedly for this!

Julie Wardi - Owner of 325BLVD Boutique & Blog

I started my online boutique a few years ago. I was pretty young and didn't have much knowledge going in. I think my biggest mistake then, was rushing. I was in such a rush to finish everything that I didn't take the time I needed to make sure everything was the quality that I had envisioned. I closed the site for a while and I recently re-opened it. I think that when starting a business, you'll never truly have all the answers and knowledge - those things come with time and experience. But I do think that my advice to myself would be to slow down! Make sure that things are done the correct way. If something goes wrong, that's okay, just make sure to fix it, even if it puts a bump in your timeline. In the end, you'll be way happier that your finished product is exactly how you wanted it - instead of having a half-ass product, that was finished quickly.

Thank you to all of the amazing women entrepreneurs who contributed to this post!

If you own a business and have some advice, please be sure to comment below and leave it for my readers!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

July Thrift Haul & Style

I’m really excited to start sharing monthly thrift hauls with you all. I’ve created the video below to show you how the pieces I’ve thrifted look on and how I would style them. I thrifted so many items in July that I actually decided to go on a ‘No Buy’ for August. Therefore, since I won’t be thrifting this month, I have split my July items into two videos. The first one, you will see below and tailored more towards summer outfits, while the August video will start to look a little more like Fall.

I know that it can be frustrating sometimes to fall in love with a piece that someone has thrifted because they can’t send you a link to purchase the item, but remember… I’m creating these posts and videos to inspire you. I hope they can encourage you to try thrifting if you never have. I also hope to share some ideas on how to style certain pieces that don’t fit quite right.

If you’d like to read more about my tips and tricks for thrifting, click here to read my post on the topic. I hope you feel inspired and enjoy the video!

Welcome to my new monthly series! I'm excited to share 'Thrift Haul & Style' videos, showcasing the treasures I've found that month and how I'd style the different pieces.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ My goal with these videos is to inspire you by sharing how you can take something off the rack so inexpensively and turn it into a fun outfit.

Let me know in the comments below which outfit is your favorite and if you like this style of video!

Have a great day,

Andrea

The Grand Opening of Apricot Lane Jackson!

*All photos in this post were taken by ‘Photography by Sarah Trumble’. You can find her on Instagram (@photosbysarahtrumble) and Facebook (Photography by Sarah Trumble).

I am so excited to share this project because I love all of the women that I met through this opportunity. I originally met Jenny (the owner) at a Michigan Tribe meeting a few months ago. I was thrilled when she reached out and asked me to do makeup for their first big photo shoot to coincide with the Grand Opening of their store in Jackson, Michigan.

Apricot Lane Jackson is a beautifully curated store that offers mostly clothing items, but also some great accessories and gift items too. I picked up some awesome hair accessories and a graphic tee when I went to the Grand Opening sale. I also love that they are supporting local small businesses, such as my friend Alison of a. rose designs! They have some of her mugs and signs for sale too!

I had such a great time and I’m so excited to share some of the photos from the shoot below. To see more, head to their Instagram or Facebook pages. Be sure to like their content and if you’re ever near Jackson, go check out the beautiful store in the Westwood Mall.

I was originally going to share the items I got from the Grand Opening sale within this post, but have decided to use them in a future thrifted style post, because they pair so well with some of the items I’ve thrifted recently. Be on the look out for that!

Congrats to Jenny and her awesome team of ladies on the opening of a really fun and beautiful store that is very welcoming and enjoyable to visit.

*If you are a local small business owner and are looking for a makeup artist for future photo shoots, please email me at andreafontanabeauty@gmail.com for more information.

Have a great day,

Andrea

Current Favorites

Beauty

1. Bobble Hair ties: I have been so curious about the Invisi-bobble hair ties that I have been seeing everywhere. People swear by them, but for some reason I just didn’t understand the hype. This past Sunday I went to the Grand Opening Sale for Apricot Lane Jackson and I noticed that they sold them indiviually for $1 so I knew it was a great time to try them! I am so obsessed now. They even pass the test for when I’m running. I think it’s some kind of sorcery because they hold my hair back so well and tightly, yet you cannot feel them. They are SO comfortable on my head. The only thing that I notice is that they do crease my hair a little, which they claim not to do, but I don’t really care about that because I’m so obsessed with the comfort.

2. Milani Baked Blushes: If you do not own at least one of these baked blushes you are seriously missing out on one of my favorite drugstore makeup products EVER. Luminoso is a cult favorite because it’s a stunning peach glow but I’ve recently fallen in love with Rose D’Oro because of the slightly deeper color and gold shimmer. They are long wearing and have SO many colors. Plus who can go wrong with that price?!

3. Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Highlighters: Another standout find from the drugstore are these butter highlighters. The texture is a cross between a mousse and powder. They blend so easily on the skin, last so long, and are the perfect amount of glow. If you don’t like glittery highlighters, you should definitely check one of these out. I’ve been loving ‘Champagne’ which is a gold shade, but the other shades are pretty too.

Fashion

1. Chiringuitas Sandals: I have been so obsessed with these sandals that my dad bought me back from Brasil for my birthday. They are the most comfortable flats I’ve ever owned. They don’t rub and I don’t get blisters from them if I walk a long distance in them. They feel like one of those shoes that get more comfortable the longer you wear them. I’m not sure if you can get them in the US, but I do know that they are similar to the Pons Shoes and you can get those easier here. You can see the pair I’m obsessed with in the photo above!

2. Acrylic Earrings: I don’t have a link for the pair I have specifically because I bought them in Grand Rapids at Rebel GR. I wanted to share them though because I love how light they are for summer. I have one ripped earlobe, so I can only wear stud earrings that are big enough to cover the hole/rip but light enough to not pull on the rip. Sorry if this is TMI. haha It’s a serious struggle though! If you can get to Grand Rapids check out all of the lovely earrings they sell. If you are not able to get to GR, I highly suggest looking into a pair of acrylic earrings if you like funky statement earrings that are light and comfortable to wear!

3. Levi’s: I can’t get enough of them! I own three pairs now that all have been thrifted for under $7 each! I love the higher waist and relaxed fit. They are so much more comfortable than the jeans I have been wearing. I also love that they aren’t crazy stretchy and tight so I feel like they breathe a little bit better in the summer. I have been obsessed with my black pair especially that I cut to ankle length and frayed because they are slightly wider legged at the bottom. I highly recommend checking out your local thriftstores if you want to score some already broken in, comfortable, yet stylish Levi’s.

4. Sun Jellies bag: I am absolutely obsessed with my large white bag that I got again at Rebel GR. It’s the perfect summer bag. I’ve used it as a pool bag, a produce bag at the grocery store, a regular purse, and more! It’s so versatile. As you can see in the photo above, I jazzed mine up with a little vintage thrifted scarf. I use a Glossier pouch to put all of my small important things like medications, my wallet, etc. This way I have a little privacy if someone were to look into my bag (since it doesn’t close and is see-through haha).

Lifestyle

1. Silk Sleep Eye Mask: I used to sleep with an eye mask every night but that was probably over 10 years ago. In June, with all of the rain and thunderstorms we saw here in Michigan, I was struggling with really bad tension headaches and migraines. I happened to stumble upon this mask and it has changed my sleep at night and helped with headaches. It looks like a simple black silk eye mask, but the insert comes out so you can freeze it. When I get a bad headache or migraine, I need darkness, pressure and something cool over my eyes. I used to use a wet washcloth, but I hated how it always moved around and got stuff wet. Enter this eye mask and it exerts just the right amount of pressure on my orbital bones to help with the headaches. I also have been loving it for warm summer nights, to cool me off so I can get to sleep easier.

2. Welly Bandages: I discovered these on IG and due to an unfortunate finger injury, I picked up a few different ones on a Target trip and I love them for multiple reasons. First the patterns are fun. I don’t know about you, but plain beige band-aids are gross and boring to me. Second, I love the tins that they come in. They are definitely perfect to be reused later to hold small items in your purse. Lastly, I love that you can buy different kinds for different uses. They have a set for fingers and toes, a waterproof set, ones just for blisters, hydro-colloid blemish bandages. Plus they are called Bravery Badges, which I think is a really great name if you’re buying them for your kids.

What have you been loving recently? Have you tried anything that I mentioned above? As always, I look forward to your comments on this post!

Have a great weekend,

Andrea

Disclosure: Amazon links are Amazon Affiliate links meaning that I make a commission off the purchase of the product through my link. I would never recommend a product that I didn't love and all opinions are my own. I am thankful for you choosing to purchase through my links, as it helps me create more content for Andrea Fontana Beauty.

How I Thrift: Tips & Tricks

I told you this post was coming! haha I have truly fallen in love with thrifting and I am so excited to finally talk more about it with you. I know initially I was going to have my friend Margaret (@margaretellenhess) write this post, but she opened a thrifted/antiqued/new shop (@edgewoodplaceoccasions) within an antique store, and her plate became very full. Instead I’m going to have her talk a little bit about her shop on here soon, so those of you who are local to the Jackson/ surrounding areas, can go visit her shop if you’d like!

Majority of my inspiration and love for thrifting has come from Margaret and also my friend Mercedes (@mercedesrichelle). Thank you ladies for bringing this fun hobby into my life that allows me to re-purpose items that are still good (aka reduce my waste) and tap into a whole new way to express my creativity!

Get a cart the second you walk in the door.

The first time I thrifted with my best friend Margaret, she insisted I get a cart when we walked in. I remember thinking like ‘WTF Margs, we’ve been here for 2 seconds, I haven’t even found anything”. BUT GUYS. It makes perfect sense! If you don’t get a cart, you have to carry things in your hands as you find them. This means you don’t have both hands free for searching through racks and that you’re more likely to get tired and overwhelmed because it will feel like a lot of work. If you have a cart, you can throw in whatever you want and don’t have to hold anything! For this reason I also suggest a cross-body purse so that you don’t have to hold that.

If you are drawn to the fabric, fit, whatever, PUT it in the cart.

This is the other MAJOR tip my friend Margaret taught me. If you gravitate towards a piece for a certain reason, just throw it in the cart. It’s impossible to know exactly how it’s going to fit until you try it on and you might be pleasantly surprised by items you never thought would work. Plus sometimes you can figure out a way to style something a certain way that makes it better than what it looks like on the hanger…but more on this in a little bit.

Go with plenty of time to move slowly. It’s not a race.

One of the worst things you can do is go in a rush. I find myself feeling more anxious and overwhelmed when I am rushing myself through racks. Thrifting is not always quick and there’s no guarantee that you will find anything, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to treasure hunt.

Bring a friend.

I love thrifting on my own, but it’s always easier and more fun when I bring a friend. I love weird prints and sometimes it’s hard to tell whether something is cute or too dated. Having a friend to give you a quick yes or no can move the process a long faster. Also it may help you to say yes to certain things and step out of your comfort zone!

Keep a running list of items you are looking for on your phone.

Since you don’t always know what you’re going to find at the thrift store I like to always have a list of the general types of pieces I am looking for, for my wardrobe. This helps me keep ideas in the back of my head so that I’m not trying to search every inch of the store every time I go in. Sometimes I really want graphic tees so I’ll head to that area first. This makes me feel like I have a plan in an environment that can sometimes feel a little unorganized and chaotic.

Don’t expect to find everything in one day. Go often.

Thrifting is definitely a marathon hobby. You cannot expect to walk in every time and find 20 new items for super inexpensive prices. If you have the right mindset and work to appreciate the process. It makes the thrill that much better when you find amazing items. I like to go often but only for about 30-60 minutes so that I’m never reaching the point of getting sick of it, any time I go. Also, depending on your thrift store, they might put new items out frequently. So it’s always in your best interest to go often.

Ignore sizes.

This one is so important because sizing is not a universal thing between clothing lines. The standard of sizing within a brand has also changed over the decades, so it’s impossible to know exactly what your size would be. There will most likely be a mix of vintage and current pieces so don’t only go for racks in your size. Some stores are organized by size and some are by color, so it’s important to make sure that you’re looking at everything! I just found a blouse that I am obsessed with and guess what… it’s a size 22W! While I knew it was going to be too big, I had to try it on because I was obsessed with the pattern of the fabric. Fast forward to the fitting room, and after a tie in the front and slight tuck into my high-waisted, tight Levi’s, it became the most ADORABLE over-sized top for super hot days this summer.

Try things on.

Some people get weirded out by trying things on, but I cannot tell you how crucial it is. There are so many pieces that I probably would have bought had I not tried them on because I thought they’d look great when on the hanger. There’s also so many pieces I would have never bought (i.e. that floral size 22W top) had I not been able to put it on and style or tuck it exactly how I’d want to wear it. I obviously wash everything when I bring it home on a deep wash or sterilize washing machine setting, but I think the trying on process is so key to making sure things fit right and you aren’t wasting money. Remember, just because things are inexpensive DOESN’T mean we want to waste our money. A shirt you never wear is still a waste of money, no matter how much you paid for it.

Some of my favorite pieces to get at the Thrift Store:

1. Blazers

2. Denim

3. Button-Down Blouses

4. Workout Tops

5. Basics

6. Skirts

7. Jackets/Coats

8. Accessories (Belts, bags, scarves, etc.)

I think this is all I’m going to talk about for now because I want to talk about thrifting on a more regular basis on my blog. I have truly fallen in love with every part of it, so I’m excited to share my finds with you all. I asked on Instagram if you’d like to see monthly thrifting hauls and how I style the items with those I already have and got a very postive response. More than half of you wanted to see them as IGTV episodes, but a good amount of you wanted them as blog posts, so I think I’ll still post on here every time I make a video that corresponds for those of you who just want to read!

If you have any additional tricks for thrifting leave them below! Also tell me your favorite thing you’ve EVER thrifted below.

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

11 Things With Andrea #3

I can’t believe it’s been since March that I’ve done one of these posts! It just shows how time gets away from me during the start of wedding season. I’m happy to say that I’m getting back on track and bringing more consistent content to you now! So let’s get to it!

1. I have fallen in love with thrifting. That is no secret if you follow my Instagram and you probably aren’t surprised that I’m talking about it first. I have learned so much from my best friend Margaret. Originally I was going to have her write a post about all of her thrifting tips and tricks, but her plate has gotten a little more full recently due to opening her own shop within a shop in Jackson, MI. Therefore, I am going to be compiling the tips and writing the post about thrifting and have her guest post soon about all the fun stuff shes doing with her new shop, so stay tuned!

2. I keep chopping my hair and I’m obsessed. I feel like I’ve finally found the haircut that feels like the most me. It’s easy for most days when I want to shower and let it air dry, yet can still be pulled back when I need it out of my face (i.e. when I’m doing makeup). If you’re local to me, I go to Jenn Mina at Mirabella Salon in Okemos and she’s AWESOME! I finally have bed head that is voluminous, easy and not crazy flat… so basically Jenn has made me the happiest woman EVER!

3. Cookbook is chugging along. I’m just testing recipes and fine tuning things so there’s not much to announce. I’m not sure if it’ll be out by my original goal of my 30th birthday (May 2020) but I’m telling myself that is perfectly fine. It will be ready when it’s ready.

4. If you’re in the Lansing/Jackson or surrounding areas you should join me and a bunch of my favorite business babes in Jackson on Tues. July 16th from 7-8:30 pm at the Lean Rocket Lab, for a Michigan Tribe event called ‘No Such Thing as Balance: Finding your flow between work & play’. It’s going to be a panel based presentation and I’m really excited to hear about how other women balance all of the many roles we have while running a business. There are only a few tickets left so CLICK HERE ASAP, if you want one! If it’s sold out by the time you click on it, make sure you follow the IG account @michigantribe for information on the next event!

5. Debt-Free update! I only have a little more than 8 grand left, and I feel like I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! I’m so excited to be done with this huge milestone!

6. Am I the only one who feels like they need ice cream every day in the summer? I can’t stop, but that’s ok. I love it.

7. I’m so excited for a new clothing boutique to open in Jackson soon. Apricot Lane is the new store that I did makeup for last month for a photo shoot and I’m so excited to go check it out this weekend. They are having their big grand opening this weekend from Friday to Sunday and I cannot wait to visit. The owner, Jenny, and all the ladies who work there are so kind and friendly so I know it’s going to be one of those places I just love to visit. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date and check out all of their cute items!

8. I am currently booked for the next 16 weeks of bridal season and I couldn’t be happier. I know this means that the rest of summer and fall are probably going to fly by but every weekend I look forward to another special day with YOU; my Andrea Fontana Beauty Brides! I am currently booking for the 2020 bridal season, so be sure to click that ‘About Andrea & Contact’ page in the Menu bar and email me if you want to chat about your special day!

9. I’m doing my best to cross local Michigan businesses off my bucket list this summer and talk about them either on here or my Instagram! Do you have any favorites that I should add to my list? Make sure to comment below and let me know!

10. I spent the fourth of July in the UP in airplane mode for 48 hours and it was HEAVEN! I forgot how nice it is to be away from my phone except to take a million pictures of my niece Lily at her first cottage experience because….duh! The slowing down felt so good for my mental health and I loved getting up and reading on the front porch with the sound of the lake in the background.

11. If you don’t already own at least one of these pairs of block heels from Target, do yourself a favor and get one, or all of the colors! The style is the Michaela Pump by A New Day and they are the perfect shoe! Great height and comfortable enough to wear for long periods or as a wedding guest who won’t leave the dance floor! I started with the nude and loved them so much that I bought the black and red too! I also have the Ema which is really easy to walk in as well, but not good for as long of a period of time as the Michaela. Although this is understandable since it is much taller. So many of you were obsessed when I shared the photo below on my Instagram, so I wanted to be sure to include them in this post!

Those 11 things were really hard to come up with this time. haha I guess I don’t have a lot going on right now, which is fine with me. I love being able to work part time in the summer and relax a little more during the weekdays.

Has anything special or fun been going on with you? Comment below and let me know!

Have a great day,

Andrea

Books I've Read Recently #5

I’m not going to lie. This book post is kind of sad. Not because of the books, I loved the books! More so because I just haven’t been reading like I normally do the past few months. I’ll explain more later as you read because I’m 100% blaming it on a book I was reading… (Click the book titles for links to the books)

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S (By Truman Capote):

I can’t believe I had never read this one yet. I watched the movie years ago, but couldn’t really remember the story. I spotted it at the library one morning and decided now was the time. It’s a quick read and an interesting one. I feel like it’s one of those that everyone just has to read because it’s such a classic. Now I want to watch the movie again.

CALL THE MIDWIFE: A TRUE STORY OF THE EAST END IN THE 1950’S (By Jennifer Worth):

I absolutely adored this book. Apparently the PBS show that is based on these books (this is the first of a few) is really great too, so I’m excited to add that to my list. I loved hearing all the different stories about being a midwife in the Post-War East End of England. I was actually surprised how advanced they were with childbirth and everything they did at people’s homes. I will probably end up reading the rest of the series later on. If you are interested in childbirth, science, or just love this time period (I’m all of the above haha) I would definitely recommend this one.

BIG LITTLE LIES (By Liane Moriarty):

This was another one that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t read yet. I will say it was a little predictable. I totally called what was going to happen, I just didn’t know it was going to go down the way it did. I’m a big believer in reading the book before the movies/tv shows so you bet I haven’t seen the HBO series yet. I am also terrible at watching TV shows unless Mikey is encouraging it, so I want to get to this one eventually too. I really loved the book and it was a quick read. Great if you need a vacation read this summer!

THEN SHE WAS GONE (By Lisa Jewell):

This is another that would make for a great vacation read. I think I read it in two days because I was so sucked into it. This was a book chosen for my book club and I loved it. I don’t know if I would have ever come across it otherwise, because I’d never heard of it. It’s another thriller that will keep you guessing. I love when a book surprises me with a story line and this was definitely one of those!

THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY: MURDER, MAGIC AND MADNESS AT THE FAIR THE CHANGED AMERICA (By Erik Larson):

One of my best friends (Thanks Margie!) recommended I read this one when I met up with her last summer in Chicago and I was happy to finally snag a copy from the library to read. I absolutely LOVED this one. It’s kind of hard to get through at some parts, but keep going. It’s definitely one of those that you have to read frequently so that the names and facts stay fresh in your mind, but I learned so much about the history of Chicago, the Ferris Wheel and the huge fair. It was written really well. I have another Erik Larson book on my shelf that I’m excited to read now because I love his writing. The only thing that made me sad was that I wished that the two main stories (one about the fair and the other about the murderer), intertwined a little more. It felt like a lot of buildup, but then the stories didn’t mix as much as I assumed they would. If you like history and love Chicago, this is a must read.

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING (By Delia Owens):

Another one that I read super quickly because I was so sucked into it. This one reminded me so much of ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’. Not because of the story line, but the way it’s written and some of the characters and such made me think of it. I was so excited to hear that it will be becoming a movie because I think it’s going to be great.

THE SHAPE OF WATER (By Guillermo del Toro):

This is the book that ruined me the last few months. I renewed it from the library three times before finally giving up. I just couldn’t get through it. I HATE not finishing books because I’m always hopeful they will turn around, but I was so uninterested in this one that it made me not want to read. I finally told myself to return it and move on to something I was excited to dive into. It probably didn’t help that I had a lot of people telling me that they hated the movie, so it didn’t give me much hope that things would turn around. I doubt I’ll ever watch the movie or pick the book back up at a later time.

ANIMALS (By Emma Jane Unsworth):

This was another book club book and I have to say it was my least favorite that we’ve read so far. The summary on GoodReads seemed so good, so I’m surprised that I didn’t enjoy it that much. The book wasn’t that long and it took forever for anything to start happening which frustrated me. I will say though, it ended better than I thought it would and I didn’t predict it, which is a huge determining factor in if I love a book. However, I’d say this one is a skip.

What have you been reading so far this summer? Let me know in the comments below and happy summer reading!!

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

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