Taya Starling

Summer is hands down my favorite time of year.  I’m not built for the cold.  I’m made for tan lines (or the lack there of (; ha), for salty long hair, sandy toes, smiles as wide as the sea, & an endless appreciation for the warmth of sunshine on my skin like a long lost lovers touch.  Yes, I am most definitely a beach girl through and through.  My summer essentials are really my year long essentials- of course it helps that I’m typically found in warmer humid climates- ultimately they get me through the day no matter the season.

Here are a few of my favorites right now…

Samudra bags are perfect for traveling- they fit all your can’t live without goodies inside plus it can double as a clutch on a night out on the town.

They say the bigger the sunglasses the better they hide your sins (; I’d have to say my new Wildfox Bianca sunnies are capable of hiding EVERYTHING.

I never leave home without a camera & when I can, my Fuji Instax polaroid is my camera of choice- there’s something so romantic about polaroid pictures…. that little bit of excitement when you’re waiting for the picture to develop, the slow fade in of something new to fall in love with.

My gold bangles are everything to me- simple & classy they go with everything & the little seashell & pearl charms keep the beach close even when I am far.  My newest addition to the stack is my ALOHA bangle with a gorgeous Tahitian black pearl as the O.  You can snag some bangles of your own from KIRA, Kaipoi or Kokee Designs.

My Prism+Sol shell mala is the perfect layering necklace that doubles as solace on those not so sunny summer days.

Given that my face gets made up every day that I work, when I’m not working I prefer as little make up as possible.  A little blush or bronzer, a swipe of eyeshadow, maybe some mascara, and a good lippy then I’m ready to go.  MAC’s new Alluring Aquatic collection is perfect for Mermaids (; I can’t get enough of their Bronzing Powder in “Golden” and their perfectly shimmering Extra Dimension Eye Shadow in “Lorelei“.  This summer’s lip color of choice is NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in “Sex Machine“- the perfect pinky nude shade that seriously matches just about anything.

Last but not least my always necessary iPhone got an upgrade recently with my custom Casetify case featuring a few of my favorite Instagram photos.  You can make your own by visiting their website (link above) AND since it’s summer and I’m overdue for a treat, you guys can get 10% off your custom order by using my code: “TAYA10” at checkout (Code valid until July 31, 2014).  I created my case using their app which links into your Instagram directly making it all too easy to make your own photo case- I actually ordered a few for friends too (:  Tag me if you order a case! I would love to see what you make!

Happy Summer HomieLoverFriends! STAY GOLD!