Most of the time, it’s about the shoes for me. A great pair of pumps in a store window can haunt me for months, tempting me until the perfect sale + coupon code email offer come through and push me to pull the fashion trigger.
That’s exactly what happened with these JCrew pumps. Tie-dye, printed block heel, and on sale? Yes, yes, and yes. (PS sizes are limited at JCrew, but find ’em full price and in more sizes here.) Cuffed denim and a peek-a-boo lace white tank were all I needed to put together a look for brunch with the blogger girls.
I’m going to be rocking these pumps until fall, at least. The print combo is just too good!
The Vanity: VersaSpa Giveaway.
Confession: I’m a cheater.
A few of you have emailed/commented on my tan in previous posts; perhaps you think I’m just naturally a bit darker complected. Nope. I’m a tan fraud; a faker. I’m actually pretty pale. And freckled, even.
I used to tan in UV beds back in the day (the days of homecomings, proms, and the like), but now get a spray tan twice a week. It’s a win/win: I get the tan I want, without the UV exposure.
Spray tans work like this: a chemical called dihydroxyacentone (or DHA) is misted onto the skin. This is the solution that delivers the tan, and is usually a 4-pass process: front, back, left side, and right side. I tan in a VersaSpa booth, which mists a PH-balancing chemical onto the skin first and readies the skin for the bronzing solution, the DHA spray that delivers the tan, and then a hydrating solution post-DHA to moisturize.
In a few hours (usually 6-8), the tan is fully developed and it’s time to rinse off the over spray. When you step out of the shower, you’re left with a healthy glow that typically lasts 3-4 days on most people.
DHA has been labeled safe by the FDA as a topical treatment. This means it’s safe when applied to the skin. However, you want to minimize inhaling/ingesting DHA as it’s sprayed. Spray booths have gotten much better in recent years about reducing the amount of product sprayed in order to achieve results, which means less DHA in the air to inhale/ingest. But feel free to use protective measures to eliminate ingestion such as: protective eyewear, nose filters, lip balm, and the use of disposable undergarments.
This has been my go-to regime for several years now, and during that time I’ve picked up some key spray tanning tips:
- Take a shower right before your spray tanning session. Exfoliate, especially on rougher areas like elbows, hands, feet, and knees. No lotion post-shower! You want a clean canvas so the spray tan adheres evenly.
- Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing. Post-tan, you’re going to be a bit tacky/sticky for an hour or so. Loose clothing is more comfortable. (The thought of wearing jeans after a spray tan sesh makes me cringe.) The DHA will transfer a bit onto your clothes, so darker pieces work better. (However, the DHA is water soluble, so it will wash out.) I keep a stack of old, black gym clothes at the ready for spray tan purposes.
- The barrier/blending cream is your friend. This is lotion you apply to your nail beds (fingers and toes!), bottoms of your feet, palms, and any other area you want to keep from soaking up that DHA. DHA will turn your palms and cuticles brown, so don’t be afraid to go heavy on the barrier/blending cream.
- Close your eyes + hold your breath during the spray. Obviously you can’t hold your breath from start to finish, but holding it during the active spray periods (usually only a few seconds) will help minimize inhalation.
- Baby wipes for the win! Most salons provide baby wipes to wipe the lotion off after you tan. Use these! Go slow and be careful as you do this; you don’t want to end up with weird white patches where you’ve accidentally wiped off the DHA. Areas you also want to hit with the baby wipe: in the webs of the fingers and toes, over the lips, and inside the ears.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. In the days following your spray tan, apply moisturizer often to extend the life of your tan.
- Exfoliate when things go awry. If you have a weird patch or you notice your tan is starting to flake (this naturally occurs as the tan fades), a little light exfoliation can buff things out + blur the edges.
Now that you’ve got the download on spray tanning, how about you enter for a chance to win a spray tan experience of your own? I’ve teamed up with the kids at VersaSpa to offer the chance to win a free spray tanning session at a VersaSpa salon in your area (US residents only). Enter now: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Linking up with More Pieces of Me + On the Daily Express, Join The Gossip + I Have A Degree In This, Pink Sole + Cha Cha The Fashion Genius, Style Elixir, The Glossy Blonde, Rhea Et Cetera + Eat, Drink and Be Mary, I Do DeClaire + Laugh Anyway, Sew Crafty Angel, Walking in Memphis in High Heels, Lifeâs a Party Dress Like It, Get Your Pretty On, and The Pleated Poppy.
 *VersaSpa sponsored the spray tan giveaway; thoughts and opinions are my own.
You’re such a babe please tell me you wear 7h so that I can steal your shoes.
xo
PinkSole
You are so cute! Your hair looks incredible and I LOVE THOSE SHOES!
Love this! You are so gorgeous!
I love this outfit!
So, so gorgeous, Ashley!
Amazing outfit!
The new site looks great, too!
Oh my gosh I love this whole outfit!! That zara top is fabulous, but I am dying over those J.Crew pumps. I think those might need to make their way into my closet 😉
xo Nan
Simply Elegant Blog
Ashley, you are simply stunning! Great outfit and what a cool giveaway! I hope I win! 🙂
I didn’t realize you spray tanned! I actually thought your glow was natural- this must be an awesome product! (Or you’re a really advanced spray tanner, LOL!)
Love the zara top Ashley!! Beautiful outfit as a whole as well..and like you, I am totally a shoe girl as well..those block heels as tdf!!
Awesome giveaway, Ashley!
Those shoes are gorgeous! And so are you! Love the hair!
Great post and cool giveaway! I hope I win!
Love this girly top on you! And the tanning tips are helpful, too. I’ve yet to venture into a spray tanning booth, but it’s something I’ve been interested in during the winter
Definitely a new fan of those killer pumps!!!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Gorgeous, Ashley! Great giveaway, I’ve got my fingers crossed because I could definitely use a spray tan!
Those heels are amazing! Such a pretty top too!
Jill
dousedinpink.blogspot.com
Love the top and heels!
Come by soon!
xx
Beautiful!
I love this look! It’s still relaxed but those shoes are AMAZING and your hair and makeup here is so, so gorgeous!
Slightly obsessed with that top. It’s so perfect! I loved seeing you on Saturday, but I say we get together again soon so we can talk and catch up!
26 and Not Counting
I just got a giftcard to use for a spray tan! I am scared to use it though, because I don’t want to screw everything up haha! These tips are really helpful!!
http://www.amemoryofus.com
love your lace top and those pumps. so chic!
Looking good, girlfriend! I love that top and those heels are incredible!
Your tan always looks so great and natural! Thank you for sharing your secrets and for this awesome giveaway!
Those heels are everything! Love the contrasting prints!
-e
So gorgeous!
Hope you have a great week!
Love the giveaway- I’m a total spray tanner, too! 😀
This is a great look, girl. I love the top- so lacy and pretty, and those J.crew heels are seriously something. What a fun shoe!
I did NOT realize you got spray tanned! How cool! I got one years ago but it turned out REALLY bad. I wonder if if would be better now? Because if that’s what you do, WOW I’m sold! Your skin always looks great! Tan, but never orange or streaky. Amazing! Awesome post, Ash!
Awesome!
Too pretty! Your hair is seriously amazing! I wish mine was full and wavy like that!
Love the giveaway! I used to tan in UV beds, too! Such a bad habit- but I loved being tan. This is a great alternative that’s much safer!
Great giveaway! Thanks!
You look great, lady!
Ashley, you look so pretty here!
I love getting a spray tan now and then, so I love this giveaway!
I really want to win this giveaway! 😀
possibly favorite outfit ever!!
i have been obsessed with those shoes ever since i first saw them, i am so jealous you were able to snag them on sale, lucky you!!
and that top is so gorgeous, i LOVE the little peekaboo feature!
xo mk
http://www.goldhattedlover.com
Great look! Have a great week!
I love, love, love this! So pretty and great for brunch with the girls! 😀
_K
those heels are seriously perfection. all of these jcrew sales lately have gotten me SO tempted to shop like crazy. you look totally gorgeous in these shots!
xo,
gabby
http://www.likealittlefox.blogspot.com
ahhhh those pumps are all too awesome!! i love how you kept the rest of the outfit simple by stylish so you could let those pumps shine!
Those shoes are amazing! It’s so great you were able to get them on sale, I love when things work out like that.
prosecco in the park
So, so gorgeous! You look like a dream!
You look stunning. In love with your shoes and top. Great makeup too and I could swear your tan was real. Loved reading your tips, babe. =)
Come join my link up today if you like. Would love to have you Ashley. Thanks. =))
Ohhhhh I love that top!!! Those shoes are just fabulous as well! Gorg!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Gosh I love this whole look, but those pumps WOW!! Heading to J Crew now…
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
How did I miss these at J Crew?! SO good!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
I love love love that shirt and those shoes! An unlikely combo, but you totally pull it off well!
xx
You look amazing Lady! Love those shoes. I think I need them. And that top is gorgeous!!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
Those heels are stunning!! Great find.
Kristina does the Internets
Hi there! I love your top, i am a big fan of Zara and saw this and really liked it from the start. Your shoes are awesome! Love the color and the print, and they look so good with dark jeans.
from the link up, jess
please stop by
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I love this outfit! That top is super cute and I am loving your shoes!!!
Xo,
Rachel Ashley
http://fashionablyliving.com