This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that help me to continue running LunaVida!
We've made it to spring, people! The season of very welcomed weather changes, longer days, and beautiful blooms and allergies. It's also the beginning of outdoor patio parties, wedding season, and all the most fun celebrations that we wait all year for -- which is where Basic Invite comes in! Basic Invite offers a variety of paper products ranging from invitations to stationery to custom business cards. What really sets them apart, however, is that with over 180 color options, Basic Invite lets you customize items down to the exact shades you need. They even offer printed samples so you can see exactly what your product will look like before you place the final order. Scroll down to see more of their gorgeous products!

Also photos provided by Basic Invite

Speaking of spring, it is, of course, also a great time for deep cleaning. For me, spring cleaning means an annual overhaul of my life, past just tidying up around the house. The fresh season serves as a perfect time to update our personal and professional lives. And one aspect that Basic Invite can certainly help with is creating stunning, unique, new business cards to up your professional game. Be sure to check out some of their best-looking business cards if you're in the market to upgrade your own!

Basic Invite also offers a variety of invitation designs for your next event, be it a baby or bridal shower, wedding, birthday, or even graduation! As I mentioned previously, they have tons of colors options, as well as foil cards!

You can order custom stationery and stickers too, as well as thank you cards and your annual holiday cards! You can pick one of their available designs, pop in your information, and even add in special photos to make them extra special.

No matter what occasion you may have coming up in life, Basic Invite is there to help make it memorable! And to make it even better, Basic Invite is currently offering 15% off with coupon code "15FF51"! Be sure to get your order in before the sale is over 📬
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Which products are the most appealing to you? Do you have any big events coming up?
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Stay Cool | Top + Cutoffs + Espadrilles

Whew, baby! Who else is still experiencing heatwaves where they live? Here in San Diego, we are definitely still in the midst of summer weather which generally isn't too extreme overall -- buuut when you don't have air conditioning (we don't), it gets a wee bit toasty! That's why I've been living in breezy tops, shorts, and open-toe shoes for pretty much any and all happenings for the past few months. It's getting me through these higher-than-usual Southern California temps! (Kinda sorta)

Olive green and white striped mock turtleneck tank top (also seen here): Anthropologie

[similar - on sale!]

Light wash cutoff jean shorts (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

[similar]

White strappy espadrille wedges (also seen here, here & here): Old Navy

[similar]

Wooden clutch (also seen here, here & here): c/o UncommonGoods

[similar]

Silver cuff bracelets (also seen here, here & here): Souvenir from Greece and gifted

[similar]

Silver "Alta" FitBit band: Via my mom 😊

[similar]

Silver hoop earrings (also seen here): c/o Happiness Boutique

Long silver pendant necklace (also seen here): c/o Happiness Boutique

Oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses (also seen here): Marshalls

[similar - currently 50% off!]

As I'm sure we all know lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must during the summer. That being said, even with the lightest of materials we can't always stop the perspiration from a-comin'. That's when we can depend on sweat-wicking products, such as this Knix shirt, to keep us feeling fresh ta death no matter how high the thermometer (or more likely, our cell phones) reads.
What are your favorite ways to stay cool during the hot, hot, hot months? Do you stick to dresses day in and day out? And/or do you simply stick to the indoors and wait for fall's blissful arrival? 😉 Either way, stay cool!

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Fashionista Feature | How Vegan Footwear is Made

Thanks to Kelsey, we have a special guest post today! She wrote an article all about vegan footwear and how it is made. Read below to learn more!
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How is Vegan Footwear Made

Many people today look for ways to be as eco-conscious as possible. Being eco-friendly requires a conscious choice to commit to a certain lifestyle. People who are aware of the need to use the earth's resources well are those who think carefully about everything they do. They are also those who think carefully about everything they buy. For those who really want to embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle, vegan products are a must. Vegan products are made using no animal products at all in their creation. Many kinds of vegan products can be found on the market. This includes food, housing materials, and home decor items. It also includes things people wear such as jackets, dresses, and even shoes. Vegan footwear has become increasingly popular in recent decades. Vegan footwear includes shoes, boots, and other products worn on the feet that are created in accordance with vegan principles. These principles mean that these shoes are not made from items such as leather that require an animal to be harmed in any way. 

Creating a Design 

The creation of vegan footwear starts with the kind of materials chosen. Traditionally made shoes frequently use materials like leather that are derived from animal products. These types of shoes are also made without using products that have been tested on animals. A vegan shoe buyer can be assured that the footwear they buy are shoes that involve no animal products during the course of production. The creation of a vegan shoe or boot will typically begin by the designer creating a design. This is when the real process begins and when the designer must think carefully about what they are doing. They need to think about how the final design will look on the wearer's feet. 

Using Materials 

For example, if the shoe is intended to be used for winter wear, it will enclose the foot more than a shoe that is designed to be worn at the beach. For many designers, the act of crafting vegan shoes is one that takes some time and thought. In recent years, many new vegan materials have come on the market. Designers today are able to take advantage of these advances to create shoes that are not only elegant but will also last a long time. Materials such as synthetic microfiber look great. The same is true of materials such as PU and EVA that have shown up on runways in recent years. Many companies also use what are known as recycled and virgin rubbers. Other popular choices for vegan footwear include canvas, fabrics, and materials that mimic the look of real leather such as faux leather products. Such products have a very similar look to standard shoe materials. 

The Next Step 

Once a design is in place, the designer will consider which particular materials are best for each part of his line. In some instances, he may decide to keep the shoes to a minimum of design and help the person show off their beautiful feet. In other instances, a designer may realize the need to make sure that the shoes he provides are made to offer protection and support. It's then off to create a prototype. This prototype allows the design team to test the final product and see how it fits. In some cases, the model will not fit well or may not be quite right for the designer's line. In that instance, the designer will need to go back and see if they can tweak it. Changes may be made to the size, the details, and the overall look. New materials may be substituted. After this process is finished, it's time to nail down the final look. Vegan shoe designers want to use materials that are not only cruelty-free but will also last for many years. They also want to create shoes that will please the eyes and provide the kind of support that people need as they move through their daily activities. Setting up a production line lets the designer take the idea they have for the shoe, boot or other footwear and let it come to life. 

Bringing it to Market 

After the shoe has been designed and the process set in motion to create it, it's time to think about how best to bring it to market. Some companies have outlets they use to sell their vegan shoes directly to the client. Shoppers can be assured that all products they purchase are made by those who understand the ideals of vegan footwear. In other cases, company officials may need to find a way to bring their shoes, sandals, and boots to traditional stores. Many traditional retailers will stock a wide variety of shoes. However, they may not understand what is behind vegan footwear and why it is so special. This is why a vegan footwear company will frequently have sales reps available to explain their products to stores and the public. Sales reps can demonstrate why these shoes make an ideal addition to any store and how customers benefit from buying and wearing them.
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Kelsey is the Managing Editor at The Lux Authority and is trying to balance both her budget and her credit card balance. She likes to live lavish and treat herself when the opportunity allows it. She loves the newest tech, old cars, and the smell of rich mahogany! When she isn't working, Kelsey is an avid academic, artist, stargazer, blogger, and yoga enthusiast.
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My Favorite Vegan & Cruelty-Free Beauty Products for Summer [+ Giveaway!]

Breaking news: it's officially summer, people (even though I think most of us have been pretending it has been for weeks now)! That means I've switched up the ol' beauty routine for the new season. Warmer temperatures are always great but, as we know, with them comes some downsides -- such as sunburns, frizzier hair, and melting makeup. That's where specialized summertime beauty products come in 😎 Scroll down to see some of my newest vegan and cruelty-free favorite finds - and to enter the supplement giveaway!

1. Hair Remedie Frizz Eliminating Towels

Made of a jersey knit and cloth combination, these amazing towels help to get rid of frizz while also decreasing drying time and damage. They're perfect for at-home use or to throw in your gym and beach bags.

2. Alba Botanica Sunscreen SPF 50

I thought finding a cruelty-free sunblock would be difficult but then the vegetarian brand Alba came into my life. This sunscreen is so much less sticky (and less stinky) than the typical kinds. Most importantly though, it contains no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances and it's coral reef safe!

3. Sho Energy+ & Sho Balance

I've discussed Sho Balance previously (read more here) and it is still my very favorite probiotic. I've most recently tried Sho Energy+, and it is so helpful for fighting off my midday fatigue. *Luckily for LunaVida readers, you all have a chance to win your very own Sho Nutrition product - and there will be two winners! Enter via the Rafflecopter widget at the end of this post. (One winner will get a free one-month supply of Sho Energy+ and an orange drawstring bag. The other wins a free one-month supply of Sho Balance along with one a green drawstring bag.)*

4. Naturigin All Day Hairspray & Refreshing Dry Shampoo

For all those super sweaty summer days that have our hairstyles falling flat and our roots looking extra greasy, these two products are Godsent. The hairspray helps keep pesky flyaways at bay, and oily roots are made squeaky clean, thanks to the dry shampoo. You can even purchase them at Vitamin Shoppe and VitaCost!

5. Pacifica "Lips Like Sugar" Lip Scrub

I've talked about Pacifica (which you can find in-store and online at Target and Ulta) quite a few times. This lip product is one of my very top picks, though! It smells (and tastes) delicious and leaves your lips super soft.

6. Tanceuticals

Before being introduced to this brand, I had never tried sunless tanning products before due to the fact I was afraid of looking like our current "president". This is not the case whatsoever with Tanceuticals! I've tried both the body lotion and foam formulas. I honestly can't say which is better though, because they are both fantastic - especially when applied with this mitt. (The glove really does make all the difference in making sure it doesn't streak, in my opinion.) I tend to use the foam on my legs and lotion on my upper body.
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May the odds be ever in your favor.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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What are your must-have summer beauty products?


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This post has been partially sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own.

Bow Out | Jacket + Tank Dress + Espadrille Slides

Happy Monday! We had the most beautiful spring weekend here in San Diego! It was pure perfection. Matt and I spent as many hours as we possibly could outdoors, enjoying the weather with the dogs. Yesterday really was my favorite type of day. We walked down to get coffee from one of our favorite local coffee shops and then headed up a hill to get a good view of the ocean. We happened upon a park and had the whole place to ourselves to just post up on a picnic table and take in the sights of our stunning city and coastline. We have lived here for over a year and a half now but we both have to pinch ourselves at least once a month that we actually ended up here. It's our own dream come true, and spring always reminds me even more so!

Tortoiseshell sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): Jeffrey Bay

[similar]

Olive green cropped military jacket (also seen here, here & here): Forever 21

[similar]

Gray tank dress: Old Navy

[similar - on sale!]

Not Rated blue bow slide flat espadrille sandals: Zappos

Gold half-moon necklace (also seen here): c/o Happiness Boutique

Wooden clutch (also seen here, here & here): c/o UncommonGoods

[similar - more than half off!]

Madewell gold circle ring (also seen here): Shopbop

[similar]

Gold cuff bracelets (also seen here, here & here): Shopbop and c/o oNecklace - on sale!

[similar]

14K gold X earrings: c/o AUrate New York These new AUrate gold earrings are my absolute favorite staple accessory! I've been wearing them nearly every day since I got them. Another reason I love this brand aside from all of their gorgeous jewelry? They are ethically sourced, use real gold, made in NYC, and they give back to kids in need. Now that is my kind of company!


This is the first time I've worn a dress in a bit... and oh my gosh, my legs were PASTY. I decided it's officially time to start using sunless tanner for the first time in my life because I am not a fan of sunbathing and the skin damage that comes with it. Since I'm also not liking the translucent look on me, I feel like this is a solid compromise (with myself). I'm just hoping it doesn't come out orange and/or streaky. Wish me luck!

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PS: I also received this AUrate gold stackable ring that you will see in future posts. It's another piece that I can't stop wearing. And since it's so classic and sturdy, I plan to keep it in rotation for many, many years to come 😍

Marooned | Oversized Cardigan + Ripped Jeans + Ankle Boots

Happy Monday to one and all! Last week I did something that I've never done in my 29 years of existence... I got my hair colored for the first time ever! It was something I had been considering for the past few months (this is because, in my 28th year, a spread of white hairs decided to pop up on my head. I suppose maybe it was to act as a constant reminder that I am getting close to 30?) but was way too scared to do. Thankfully Katie at Rinse Salon gave me my dream bayalage - and helped blend those white hairs!

Black and white print oversized cardigan (also seen here & here): The Blue Door Boutique

[similar]

Maroon cold shoulder top (also seen here & here): Marshalls

[similar]

Light-washed ripped skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

Beige ankle boots (also seen here, here & here): Macy's

[similar]

Black "Ruby" oversized sunglasses (also seen here, here & here): DIFF Charitable Eyewear

Black crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

I've previously mentioned my love for cruelty-free brand Kenra before. Most recently I've added the Kenra Platinum Luxe One to my hairstyling repertoire and, guys, it's a gamechanger. It protects from heat damage and leaves my hair SO soft for days. You can buy it at Ulta and try for yourself!

Are you experiencing those springtime feels yet? We are having them on and off over here in SD. It'll be gloomy one minute and sunny the next. Fine by me though because I don't really want to unpack all my warm weather clothes just yet if I'm being totally honest 😬
PS: There are only a couple more days to enter the oNecklace giveaway so don't forget to get your entries in here!

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Casual To The Core | Cardigan + Tank + Ripped Jeans + Converse

Happy February! We've been having some unseasonably warm weather here in San Diego lately, but that hasn't stopped me from dressing like it's California winter (AKA jeans and a light sweater). If you couldn't tell by most of my outfit posts on this here blog, I like to dress casually. Like, it's who I am at the core. If you ever see me out and about, more than likely I'll be wearing something exactly like today's OOTD. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit - and comfort.


As I've mentioned before, I've been using Kenra hair products for years. They're a high-quality, cruelty-free brand that I've come to depend on. Most recently I've been using: the Moisturizing Shampoo, Moisturizing Conditioner, Perfect Blowout 5, Volume Mousse Extra 17, and Volume Dry Shampoo (all of which you can purchase at Ulta). The combination keeps my hair soft, more manageable, and lets it air dry into these waves.

Gray chunky knit cardigan (also seen here): Target

[similar]

Green and white striped mock turtleneck tank top: Anthropologie

[similar]

Light washed distressed skinny jeans (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star gray low top sneakers (also seen here, here & here): Journey's

[similar - on sale!]

Black oversized "Ruby" sunglasses (also seen here): DIFF Eyewear

Gold bar pendant necklace (also seen here & here): Nordstrom

[similar - on sale!]

Black crossbody bag (also seen here, here & here): Target

[similar]

I'm headed to Florida next week for a quick trip to see my family (and the expanded Harry Potter World)! I can't wait to spend time with them in the magical place that is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter... while wearing pretty much this exact outfit the entire time ;)
What are you up to this fine February?

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I was given Kenra products to try, powered by BrandBacker. All thoughts expressed are 100% my own opinions and text.