Summer to Fall

Its almost my favorite time of the year- fall!

We are about to break out the boots, tights, sweaters and scarves- but before that time comes, we have to transition out of summer. If you're like me, it can be hard to figure out how to make your summery clothes work for the times when its cool at night, but still hot in the day. Here is how I am transitioning my white jeans into the fall, with pictures shot by my lovely, patient boyfriend. (hehehe)

This is my favorite tank of all time. I have it in white, grey and black and I wear them weekly. They go with everything! Although my hair is covering my chest, I have on a Free People lace bralette underneath my tank so the lacy sides peek out. The one I'm wearing is a pale yellow.

 My jeans are DL1961- my new favorite denim brand thanks to my friend Mel and her team at Soca in Homewood! The only problem with these jeans is the self confidence blaster that happens when they tell you that the jeans don't stretch and you need to go up a size.... or two. But, other than that little number (and it's just a number) they are perfect.

OTBTs are everywhere right now, and I tried to resist the fad but I just couldn't. If you want a secret for getting them $50-75 cheaper than in stores, comment below!

After the photoshoot, we stopped next door at John's City Diner and I inhaled one of the best meals of my life. If you live in Birmingham and you haven't been to John's, you haven't lived. 

Show me how you're making your summer clothes work into the cooler weather!

(PS- My lipstick is Ruby Woo by MAC)

Summer Whites

Hey y'all- it is summertime! 

Which means it is time for white. White jeans, tops, and everyone's summer favorite... white dresses. I know how hard it can be to find the perfect LWD (little white dress) and to figure out how to style it without looking like you tried for three hours. So, look no further- here is your summer guide to finding your perfect LWD with some of my personal favorites! Everything pictured is my own, and I will include links for where to buy.
Be sure to let me know what you find!

An easy maxi is perfect for any occasion, from the farmers market to an outdoor concert. Pair with a felt hat to keep the sun off your face and a long necklace for a funky look.

Free People dress- This dress comes in eight colors, and I won't judge you if you get more than one. They are so comfy you will never take it off!
Topshop hat- Not the exact color that is pictured, because I have had mine forever.
Necklace- My mom made this necklace, along with all of my long necklaces.

This short dress and kimono outfit is a great dinner outfit and the dress doubles as a perfect bathing suit coverup! The dress has a criss cross/low back, so use a bandeau or a halter bra top. Its perfect for layering, so you could always sub a denim jacket or a military vest.

 Altar'd State dress- This is not the exact dress because mine is from last summer, but the only noticeable difference is the tie in the back.
Kimono- Mine is an old one from Free People that I don't think they sell anymore, but there are plenty of thin, flow kimonos out there that will work!

This long maxi is perfect for summer days. It is dressy enough for a dinner, fun enough for the farmers market, and you can even go out in it at night. I threw my turquoise earrings with it because a little pop of color does wonders to this dress, and really brings out the detail in the neckline.

Old Navy Dress- They sell this dress in black as well.

To be honest, I just bought this romper and haven't even worn it yet. But, it has such potential! I paired it with my denim shirt and a long necklace to draw the eye down. I have an actual denim vest, but it is more fitted and thick and I like the look of a loose vest with this short romper. Definitely a night-out look!

White romper- I couldn't find the exact Forever 21 romper, but this Charlotte Russe one is similar.

Denim vest- Again, not mine but this one is about the same color!

I have a slight obsession with cognac brown shoes. I don't think I own a pair of black shoes... Here are my two favorites- one heel and one sandal. Either of these will go great with all outfits!

These are Walmart sandals and Kenneth Cole heels from Nordstrom Rack... neither of which can be found online. But, here are some other options!
Sandals and heels!

Happy shopping!

Fitness Tips

Don't forget.... 

It's almost Memorial Day, meaning the unofficial start of summer is upon us. If you're wanting your perfect summer body (everyone's is different-and that's okay!) don't forget to check out my workout column on Quarter Life's website and tell me what you think! 

Have a good, safe weekend and don't forget to thank a veteran!

Summer Reading List

Hey y'all

Summer is coming, and that means that most of us will have some relaxation time coming as well. When I get a little spare time in the summer, my favorite thing to do is brew a pot of coffee, grab a book, and throw on my bikini. I love feeling the sun on my back while I get sucked into a good book. So, here are my picks for your summer reading list!

SHARP OBJECTS
This is by the same author who wrote Gone Girl, last year's it movie. This book focuses on a journalist trying to get a story out of a series of murders in her hometown, but she has to face her sister's death and her own mental state first. I was truly upset when I finished this book. Perfect for those who don't want a fluffy beach reading book!



CRAZY RICH ASIANS
I have never read anything by Kevin Kwan, or anything about Singapore, so it was hard for me to get sucked into this book at first. After trudging through the first few chapters, each page got better and better. The story revolves around a 20something couple from different sides of the (Asian) tracks. The story is timeless, but has never been told in the setting of Singapore or with the rich Asian culture. Definitely pool side reading for when you plan to be out there a while... you won't be able to put this down!



THE HELP
What can I say? The movie adaptation won an Academy Award. Now, it's time for you to read the hardcopy. Don't let the thickness scare you- you'll breeze through it in no time and maybe change your opinion about the deep south and its "help".



TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
The classic is now back in the news- the sequel comes out this summer! Go Set A Watchman is currently available for pre-sale at most booksellers and online. The first book details the life of Scout and her older brother growing up in the south with their dad, a prominent lawyer. Small town Alabama at its finest! If you want to review Harper Lee's first, and only, published book more quickly, go pick up a copy of the movie. Gregory Peck is worth it.

Happy reading!

Hairspray Review

I have an obsession with hairspray. Obsession. When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, Ma. When Ma got ready in the morning, she would spend an hour putting her short hair in curlers and then another half hour setting the curls with her Paul Mitchell hairspray. I thought she was so beautiful, and I get chills thinking about sitting on the bed and watching her spray her hair. It will be four years in October that she has been gone, and I still think about her everyday. I live in her old house, and use her old bathroom. That same bathroom, and same mirror. This brings us to my love of hairspray. So, like most women, I am always on the search for the perfect one. Not too sticky or hard, but that will hold my hair.
Now, I have a complete celebrity crush on Jessie James Decker. I think she is perfect. I watched her YouTube beauty videos one day, and I ended up searching for the hairspray that she used- Texture Takeover and Flex Reflect by Fave4. Every review I read online was AMAZING. I looked at every makeup and hair store in Birmingham, and could never find the hairsprays. Eventually, I found them online and ever since they arrived I have used them everyday. They are a gift from the gods.

I mean look at that hair! 

TEXTURE TAKEOVER
Texture Takeover is Fave4's volume hairspray. It is advertised as being a dry, texturizing spray that combines dry shampoo with hairspray. I was skeptical about it being all the website claimed, but I gave it a shot and I am so glad I did. I douse my hair in this, and it is never crunchy or hard. Also, the next day my curls are still in tact and I have the perfect messy look. I could babble all day about Texture Takeover, but it wouldn't do the product justice. You have to experience it for yourself.



Buy me!


FLEX REFLECT
Flex Reflect is the line's moveable spray. I usually use this on top of my Texture Takeover, so my hair has a pretty and shiny look. Let me warn you, DON'T use this on top of curls if you want them to stay. This is more of a spray to add sheen-not hold your hair all day. It works well if you want to tame flyaways or hold beachy waves. I love this spray for my days where I'm not curling my hair or if I want to have some movement. 

Buy me!




I thought I would link Jessie James Decker's link to her YouTube video that inspired me to buy these, and hopefully it will you too. Let me know your favorite hairsprays and how much you like these in the comments!
JJD Hair Tutorial!

As of lately...

Hey ya'll!
Between seven classes and an internship this semester, I barely had time to eat. Meaning, I didn't have a second to post anything! I am so sorry, and I want to say that now I am officially on summer vacation and will be posting 3 times a week. Yes, 3! I am aiming to also start posting videos, because a few of you have asked me to put up a makeup tutorial and I am looking forward to doing it! So, I want everyone to spare just a second and let me know more of what you would like to see on Hrynkiw & Co. Recipes? Fashion? Home Decor? Any suggestions are welcome. Please, give me some feedback and come back soon to a new, updated Hrynkiw & Co. 

New York at Christmas

It's almost Christmas!

Can you believe how fast time has gone by? Obviously, I have no sense of time right now, because I have not posted in weeks! Life has gotten in the way, as usual. Luckily, the fall semester is over and I am on a two week break from my internship so I have a little time to get my life together. To start my Christmas break, I took a little trip... to New York City! And let me tell you, it was unbelievable. The lights were brighter, the air crisper, and the crowds more abundant. After multiple NYC trips in the last few months, I wanted to share here a little guide to the city, in case you're planning a trip anytime soon! Now it would be impossible to list every great restaurant or store here, so please check out all of the tourist attractions that you want- Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, etc- but these are the hidden treasures of the city that you need to see, too. 

Happy travels! 

STELLA DALLAS

218 Thompson Street 

Greenwich Village

If you're on a hunt for an authentic vintage store, with furs and all, this is your haven. The store is small, but the walls are covered in 60's bell bottoms, 80's cheetah print pants, and fringe. Lots of fringe. I have to say, I was in love. 

(I was wayyyy to busy shopping for the pictures, sorry guys)

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Central Park West & 79th Street 

Upper West Side

An oldie, but a goodie. Let it be known, you will not be able to see every exhibit. You just cannot. The place is massive. But, what we were able to see before our legs quit working was beautiful. This is a pretty full afternoon activity, so don't make dinner reservations afterward. You will be late, and you will be exhausted. Totally worth it. 

DUET BRASSERIE

37 Barrow Street

West Village 

This was not my first choice. I came down to the West Village on an early Sunday morning, looking for a good breakfast, and absolutely nothing was open. It was ghost town material. I saw a movie being filmed outside of Duet, and so I walked in simply to be able to watch through the windows and be nosy. I knew from the first cup of coffee I was in love, because the cups they serve are big enough for a pint of coffee. Since many things on the menu were in French, I pointed to what looked to be an omelet, and it was incredible. I even ordered a danish after, just so I could hang out in the beautiful place and watch the photographers outside. Of course, the danish was delicious too. 

GREENFLEA

100 West 77th Street 

Upper West Side

Oh, the Greenflea. You did not do NYC without the Greenflea. Called "Manhattan's best flea market" (by themselves) it does not disappoint. The market is on Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. but the vendors typically get there early. My last visit to the Greenflea ended with 2 Persian rugs, 2 rings, 1 Beatles and 1 Springsteen record, and a homemade donut. I mean, what else does one need?

ISABELLA'S

359 Columbus Avenue

Upper West Side

After the Greenflea, you will be hungry and you will want to call everyone you know to tell them about the bartering you just did. The cafe across the street, Isabella's, is perfect for that and more. Their brunch is the best I've ever had in the city, and you get the first mimosa free. Same goes for coffee, tea, and orange juice. You're welcome.