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 are gorgeous! Awesome giveaway!
How lovely! Happy Tuesday!
I love getting a spray tan! I’ve had great results with the VersaSpa booths- they’re awesome!
Your hair is SO pretty! I’m so jealous of those waves!
Great giveaway girl! A spray tan always makes me feel about 10 lbs. thinner, haha!
Great post! And what a cool giveaway!
I love this outfit on you!
Wow, you look amazing and what a beautiful top as well. Those shoes are just gorgeous and they can pretty much go with everything. I need to pay J.Crew a visit! 😉
I’m so excited for this giveaway! I was just thinking yesterday how I needed a spray! 🙂
That Zara top and the JCrew heels are KILLER. What a great look. And thanks for sharing your sunless tanning secrets! It’s fun to read how others keep their glow year round.
Gina — On the Daily Express
cool shoes
New post: The most important male accessory
http://www.fashionseducer.com/watches.html
I adore the top with the peek-a-boo stripe in the middle. Very feminine and flattering and don’t get me started on those pumps. Love this look!
Those shoes are to die for-so stunning!! Your lace peek-a-boo top is so pretty and feminine-love it!! Great look on you:)
Marta, xo
http://www.sweatersstripesandsweets.com
I just found your blog through the link up and adore your style! I need that lace shirt in my life asap 🙂
Fishbowl Fashion
Wowww
Love your top
It’s so Beautiful and I love it
Kisses
The Indian Savage Diary Fashion blog
Beautiful!
Gorgeous top Ashley! I love how you’ve upgraded a casual and simple outfit into something a bit more chic.
Cute look, love those pumps!
Such a cute top! Love this look!
http://www.hiteastyle.com
Those heels are to die for! I love them with that lace top!
xo Kylie
http://www.dressinsparkles.com
LOVE those shoes, what a great find! I worked at a tanning salon for 5.5 years so I definitely feel your pain on the skin damage…I’ve always wanted to try spray tan but I am totally afraid it will mess up so I tend to stick with sunless tanning lotion
A faker! You and me both! I am so pale it’s frightening… especially since moving to NorCal from sunny AZ! Your skin looks fab as do those KILLER pumps!
Love those shoes, the print is so chic! I can totally se them casual and fancy
xMM
THE LAME LIP
Your look so gorgeous! And your look is so lovely, love the pumps color and the jeans!
Kisses
Svetlana
http://capemaychic.weebly.com
OMG, i love love love your new pumps!!
Don’t Call Me Fashion Blogger
Facebook
Bloglovin’
I didn’t realized you weren’t naturally tan! How funny! That spray tan you get must be seriously good- I didn’t even know! Awesome, girl! Gorgeous as always. 🙂
Great post!
OH MY GOSH those pumps are insane!! J.Crew makes the cutest shoes, and I totally support you pulling the trigger! Spray tans are the greatest. If you know what you’re doing, they really don’t look orange like people think. It’s a win-win!
Your white lace top is Beautiful, you look perfect in it!
Awesome giveaway, babe!
You’re looking beautiful as always!
ADORABLE pumps! The whole outfit is perfection.
Thanks so much for linking up for MMG 🙂
Oh, my those shoes are fabulous, they would be hunting me as well. You’re so lucky if you can get some coupons and you’re even more luckier if you got them on sale. Love good bargain. You lace top is so adorable, I have soft spot for lace.
♥
xoxo Ra
http://www.ramona-strikeapose.blogspot.ie/
Heheh I seriously just had this problem. I’ve been dying for a pair of denim shorts for summer-3 years-until I finally caved and bought a pair! A little pricey for me but I’ve already worn them since two days ago when I bought them.
xo Olivia
Looking pretty as always! I am in love with those pumps!!! AND they still have my size pretty tempting! Great tips for spray tanning!
Marianne
http://www.goodgirlgoneglam.com
These are the most amazing shoes I have ever seen!!!! I love the fun prints! So gorgeous.
xo,
Angela
I love your gorgeous lace top, and amazing shoes. Those are amazing!!!! I love it by the way. 🙂
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
Such an adorable top and those shoes are just awesome!!! xo
okay… i absolutely ADORE your heels! <3<3<3 and so perfect with your top and jeans! love this look!
thanks for linking up! 🙂
rhea @ rheaetcetera.com
I love your top and your heels! You look divine as always!
Love Nilu Yuleena,
from
BIG hair LOUD mouth BLOG
BIG hair LOUD mouth FACEBOOK page
BLOGLOVIN
You have such an amazing collection of heels! I love the two different prints in this pair! And thanks for all the tips about spray tanning. I’ve never gone because I didn’t know what I would be getting myself into, but your advice helps!
Those heels are amazing and you are rocking them very well with this outfit! Awesome giveaway too 🙂
XoXo
http://www.chiclyyours.com
Can I have those pumps?! Haha! Stop by my blog love http://www.loveolia.com
Oh my gosh, those pumps are gorgeous. Really loving the different patterns.
xo erica
Those heels are so unique:)
xx
http://tealinheels.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/12466559
those pumps!!! I DIE!!! 😀
Animated Confessions
Very nice look! I love this shoes!!!!
Sara
http://www.momeme.it
i love this top!
http://www.mrsnoone.it
kiss
Nice top dear
Kisses
Manasi
http://www.indianfashionandlifestyle.com/
I need this top!! too cute!
Amazing top and your shoes are to’ die for!!!!!!
Ciao bellissima!!!
Kisses
http://expressyourselfbypaolalauretano.blogspot.it
Those J CREW pumps are lovely! I like how you dressed it down with jeans