June 2015Duchess of Denver: June 2015

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

June Favorites!

It's finally starting to feel like summer here in Colorado and I hate it. Don't get me wrong -- I love warmer weather but what I don't love is sweating and having my hair and makeup ruined in just a short 15 minute walk. Comes with the season I suppose! All that being said, June really flew by. I got my first job after graduation and I'm excited to see what's in store for the rest of the year! The end of the month can only mean one thing...monthly favorites! And trust me this month I have some good ones.

June Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($23) -- This mascara is God sent. It makes my lashes look long, thick, and luscious without clumping or smearing all over my eye. The brush is unique in that it is thick on the ends and slimmer in the middle, almost an hourglass shape. This gives it the ability to hit your lashes at all the right angles and make them pop. The name says it all and I will definitely repurchase this once I'm all out! Purchase here.

butter LONDON Nail Polish in Cotton Buds ($15) -- White nails are all the rage this summer and this nail polish is perfect! Since I was in middle school I have been looking for a nice opaque white but I felt like everything I bought was too sheer. Low and behold I find this one at Sephora and fell in love! You only need two coats to make your nails white and chic. Buy yours here.

Food Favorites

Yoplait Light Watermelon Yogurt -- Honestly, this yogurt takes like summer. Watermelon is my favorite flavor for anything (ironically I hate the actual fruit) and this yogurt holds up to all my standards. It's only 100 calories and is the perfect cool treat on a hot day. Be on the look out, though, because it's only for a limited time!

Gyros -- There is a wonderful Polish woman who owns a street cart right outside my job downtown and I swear to God she makes the best gyro of your life. It's so simple -- gyro meat, feta, tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce -- but it's so FREAKING GOOD! And the kicker? She only charges $5 a sandwich. I want her to adopt me.

Shopping Favorites

Etsy -- I have been on an Etsy-kick lately and I'm just falling in love with all the little shops. I bought a gorgeous bewitched crystal necklace in May and loved how sweet and personal the owner was. Then my mother ordered an American flag sweater and the owner of that shop was also so sweet and included a personalized thank you note and free pair of earrings (shout-out to thehartcollection)! If you're in the market for a thoughtful gift for someone close to you, I suggest you browse Etsy first (and you will most likely be on there for hours).

Music Favorites

Feeling Myself by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé -- Could Nicki and Bey ever do wrong? I've been playing this song on repeat ever since the music video came out. These women are so badass that you can't help but feel like a tough bitch while listening. If I was ever a professional MLB player this would HANDS DOWN be my walk-out song...aside from N*Sync. Listen here.





What are your favorite things this month? Anything I should try? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Happy Hour Spot of the Week!


I recently started working downtown (yay!) which means my happy hour options have increased exponentially.  There is nothing more exciting to me than trying new restaurants! My favorite part about happy hour is that you can enjoy a good drink and appetizer for a price that doesn't make you want to cry. Each time I try a new happy hour (which, let's be honest, will be frequent) I will show you some drink options, tell you where to find it, and give it a rating! Cheers!


16Mix Downtown Denver

Located at 16th and Court inside the Sheraton Hotel
Happy Hour: 4:00-6:00PM Mon-Fri
Website

Everyday I pass this bar on the way to work and decided to finally stop in for a drink! There is a gorgeous outdoor patio that is perfect for sipping and people-watching. Their happy hour specials include $5 wells, $4 drafts, $6 specialty cocktails, and a few food options (get the flatbread OMG). 

Cocktails

Naughty N' Nice

Um, this was delicious? I've been all about the jalapeno lately and couldn't resist this unique drink. Inside is raspberry vodka, raspberries, sour mix, and a squeeze of jalapeno with garnish. This reminds me of those spicy jams you find at Farmer's Markets.  The sweet hits you first but then when you swallow that jalapeno gives you a little kick. Just don't eat the garnish!

Blue Monday Cooler

I only wish this drink was actually blue! Blueberry vodka, sprite, lemonade, and fresh blueberries make this drink and it was so refreshing I couldn't taste the alcohol (dangerous)! This complemented the flatbread my mama and I shared (yes, I do happy hour with my mom GOT A PROBLEM?!) and was the perfect cool down for the warming weather. I feel like a splash of blue curacao would just send this over the edge!

Rating: 8/10

16Mix was a super good happy hour, I just wish there was more. More cocktail options, food choices...I'm not quite sure what but something was missing for me. That being said, the drinks were amazing, the food delicious, and the location itself is awesome (right off the mall COME ON). I'll definitely be coming back here!


What are your favorite happy hour spots? Any places I need to try? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time my loves x.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Summer 2015 Essentials


Can you believe summer is just around the corner?! I am so pumped! While most of my summer will be spent working, that doesn't mean I can't relax and have fun on the weekends! There is nothing better than sitting poolside while reading through the latest Cosmopolitan. Oh and before I forget, please be sure to wear sunscreen this summer! As much fun as it is to have a tan, try and get one while still wearing SPF. Skin cancer is a serious matter and I want you to be happy and healthy!

Summer 2015 Essentials


1. Kate Spade Flamingo Bikini ($94) -- Flamingos and pineapples are EVERYWHERE this season. But come on, how cute is this bikini?! The cut and style are very Tay Swift-esque which means you will look cute and classy! Kate Spade is really going crazy with the pink birds so be sure to look at her other stuff if you want to accessorize. Pink flamingo is the new black.

2. Wildfox Malibu Sunglasses ($189) -- I feel like I need these sunglasses in my life. They are classic and retro while still very modern. The pink-tinted shades are super in for summer and they go so well with the gold tortoise frames! They're the perfect sunglasses for the beach, shopping, or traveling! No matter where you are you will look chic.

3. Black Floppy Hat ($15) -- I bought this hat before going to Napa and it was the perfect accessory to hide my face from the sun. A floppy hat will keep you cool and cute while you lay by the pool. I think black goes with everything, but a nice straw hat would do the trick as well! Whenever I think of hats like this I am reminded of Samantha in the Sex and the City movie eating guacamole with the world's largest floppy hat on her head. Come on, everyone has a little Samantha in her!

4. Juicy Couture Metallic Baseball Cap ($48) -- A baseball cap will not only give you cool points with the guys (like we care), but it's a must when your hair is not cooperating. I stumbled across this Juicy one and fell in love. The metallic is gorgeous and it's so much better than my plain ol' Phillies cap (watch your tongue). Finally a hat that is functional and cute!

5. H&M Twill Skirt ($13) -- The hot  weather means showing off those newly tanned legs, and what better option that a mini skirt? This cute pattern matches the season and can be worn with any basic colored top.  Imagine this with a white cami and hot pink sandals...adorable! Plus you can't beat those H&M prices!

6. tarte Tarteguard Suncreen Lotion ($32) -- This new tarte product is a must to keep your skin safe for now and wrinkle-free in the future. I am a huge fan of tarte (I mean, have you tried their eyeshadows!?) and according to Sephora, this is one of the most anticipated products on the market. The brand is a name you can trust and the size is perfect to throw in your bag before the beach!

7. Pineapple Crop Top ($10) -- Besides flamingos, pineapples are the other hot pattern of summer. I love how the pineapples are placed right at your boobs to add a little humor to your wardrobe! You can pair this with high-waisted sailor shorts for a cute, summer-fresh look. Also, it makes me want a pina colada...mmm. ;)


What are your summer essentials? Any must-have products? Let me know in the comments below! Stay safe this summer!


Until next time my loves x.