Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Day79ATGFINAL

{Day 79: New seasons call for new sunnies.}

Happy Friday (the 13th – beware!) guys! A productive week here.

I finally put a big project to bed, feeling great about how I overcame a few obstacles along the way to see it through, while professionally satisfying my creative side to my delight. I somehow managed to also impress everyone with the results!

I also had the pleasure this week of learning just how out of shape I am when I accompanied a work colleague on a mid-day “hike” to enjoy the great outdoors for a class. Admittedly, I would say I’m not in the greatest shape at the moment; but I would say, fair, at best. What I thought was going to be a slightly rigorous hike, turned more into a boot-camp style class (at least that’s how it felt to me as we intermittently stopped for calisthenics and body resistance exercises along the way.) Suffice to say, I was NOT at all prepared for that aspect to things, or warned about them in advance.

I tend to go through spurts with fitness. Around this time of year up until the beginnings of fall when the sun is out until 8:00pm, I have such motivation and commitment to a firm workout schedule, because I’ve always been more of an evening person when it comes to workouts and taking classes. However, once the time changes and it’s dark around 5:00pm – the only motivation and commitment I have is to getting home as soon as possible…to my couch.

At this point, you might be asking: “Why don’t you just work out in the mornings then, Candice?” To which my response would be (as I roll my eyes and snort): “HA!”

(I’m NOT a morning person.)

The good news is that I saw it through (though I think part of me died on the side of that hill yesterday between lunges, to which I’m now waiting for that thigh-area soreness to kick-in). I made a mental note to myself that I really need to get back to the gym…that’s conveniently located less than 100 steps from my apartment…in the heart of my complex….provided by management…that’s already included in my rent. (I know, I know.)

Outside of putting the polishing touches on my work project and realizing it’s time to focus my energies on being more active – this week was rather uneventful. That being said, it’s time to look toward the weekend – which is coming down to time spent around that beautiful thing we call cinema. The LA Film Festival is in full effect, and it wouldn’t quite be a start to summer without spending some time there.

With that, I’m off to order a pizza…I mean, hit the gym!

Have a nice weekend. xx

Day74ATGFINAL

{Day 74: A homemade breakfast on a quiet Friday morning done right. SO excited it’s watermelon season!}

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{Day 77: Woke up with a clear case of the Monday Blues. I had to dig out my ol’ MJ CD on the way to work. Blues gone.}

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{Day 75: Just because Gerber Daises from the BF.}

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{Day 78: Perhaps we’re all more successful than what we’ve been taught to believe as success.}

11Jun2014

What I’m Lovin’ Right Now

Posted in Series by C.

Happy Wednesday! What’s inspiring me in a nutshell?

A new way to caffeinate. True and wise words that give me chills. Bright lips while perusing Target (when I was there for something much more practical, naturally). The “when should I?” of make-up tossing. Roasting veggies (so we can squeeze into that bikini). The must install sinks when living with the opposite sex….and still maintain good taste. This weekend’s must try french toast recipe. White skinny jeans for summer. And the most natural way to bring the spa home.

Here’s what I’m lovin’ right now…

Blend FINAL

Lavender iced coffees // Words to live by // Bright lips (Revlon’s Backstage)

When to toss make-up // Roasting veggies // Modern his & her bathroom sinks

Vanilla and Brown Sugar French Toast // White skinnies

The spa, at home

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6Jun2014

Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Day70ATGFINAL

{Day 70: Sweet peaches. Hello summer!}

I can’t believe it’s already June, and another week gone by! Where does the time go? I can’t say that this week was too eventful and I’m happy for it. There’s been enough drama as of late. I’d say the highlights of my week came after hours. In particular, making the “crazy” decision to drive down the sunset strip in rush hour traffic to the Sundance Theater to celebrate their new $5 Tuesday movie screenings to see Jim Mickle’s new film, Cold in July. I really liked it. It went on a journey you wouldn’t quite expect. I can’t say I’ve seen too many films that do a good job of mixing thriller-like intensity, with humor (à la Don Johnson…who was fantastic by the way).

Aside from that, I made it a point to head home most nights after a long day, be a loner, and relax solo. I think one of the best things about living alone is getting in, making homemade pasta for dinner (or grabbing Chinese take-out on the way home), vegging on the couch, watching whatever I damn well please. I’ll admit, I have an affinity for watching cheesy movies (I found True Lies on HBO Go one night and had a blast reliving that one!). And sometimes a gal just needs a good Sex and the City fix to unwind after a draining day.

Though summer doesn’t officially join us for another 2 weeks according to the calendar, it’s pretty much here if you ask me. I’ve had the best time devouring sweet fruit (hello peaches!), wearing dresses, rockin’ sandals and bright lips, smiling often as I step out into the temperate LA sunshine. My favorite time of year has arrived and I can’t wait to start planning my summer. I’m especially looking forward to those lazy Saturdays on the beaches of Malibu – followed by a fruity cocktail in a watermelon shell at Paradise Cove. Once I’ve made the trek there in the very near future – I’ll know I’ll be in that summer state of mind. From there, it’s only a matter of time before those 100° plus days make their way and you’ll start hearing me complain about HOT it is…and how my electricity bill has doubled because I run my A/C non-stop.

As far as the weekend goes, I’m undoubtedly most excited to FINALLY start John Green’s The Fault in our Stars. I’ve been on the waiting list for months at the library to download a copy on my Kindle. Though I hear it’s a tough read, it’s supposed to be pretty spectacular.

I made it to the final month of the 100 Happy Days Challenge – 26 more days to go…a few of my favorite moments posted.

Have a great weekend. xx

Day73ATFINAL

{Day 73: It’s summer. New sandals required. Especially, when on massive clearance!}

Day68ATGFINAL

{Day 68: Yeah, I’m pretty giddy about this. One week until Channing and I get to spend some quality time together. 🙂 }

Day71ATGFINAL

{Day 71: “Cold in July,” in June.}

Day69ATGFINAL

{Day 69: A mini cupcake surprise from my BF. (I’m noticing a pattern of me holding food…hmmm).}

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3Jun2014

Outdoor Living

Posted in Home Decor by C.

outdoor living ATG FINAL HEADER

{Popcorn, candles, pillows, subtle lighting, makeshift movie screen, & the great outdoors. Insert me here…NOW.}

I’m pretty blessed to live in one of the most enviable places when it comes to amazing weather. Well, in all honestly, we don’t really get much “weather” – it’s typically sunny and warm most days, though maybe we’ll get a total of 2 weeks of rain a year (if that), and a solid month or so of our version of “winter.” This is a-okay for a born and bred California girl – it’s on record that I don’t do well when the temperature drops below 75°.

Unfortunately, I, like millions of other Angelenos, live in a small apartment and don’t have the luxury of an outdoor patio space. When I was on the prowl for my now current apartment, at the time it was much more important that I have my own place, alone, than have all the amenities of California living. So I chose what was feasible given my tight budget and didn’t blink or entertain the thought about having an outdoor space. That was 2 years ago.

There’s a saying that no matter what you attain in life, somehow you outgrow what you once wanted and want more. I find myself, now 2 years into living in my apartment, still very happy, but dreaming of those amenities I gave up when my priorities were different. Isn’t it funny how that works?

So I’m going to take over the blog today and use it as a bit of a wishing well, if I may. You often start small and work your way up in nearly every facet of life. I suppose my desire to write this post means that my sights are now looking to that next facet, ready for the next step when the time comes. Though my next apartment will, at the very least, have an outdoor patio (and realistically will look nothing like many of the photos pictured below) – I’m thinking ahead to the day that I have a big backyard to throw BBQ’s, entertain guests, watch movies under the stars, or simply sit in a hammock with a good book. And when that day comes, I hope to look back at this post for inspiration, thinking of those days when I was a youngin’ working hard to make ends meet, happy to have her own place, but looking forward to the day I could expand to include outdoor living. I can’t wait.

Cheers to summer and the great outdoors! x

{A sophisticated and modern way to incorporate my favorite color. LOVE the lighting fixtures.}

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{My own private cabana… in the heart of my backyard. Yes, please.}

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{Wall-mounted, folding drink station. Perfect for freeing up space on your table during a party or when hanging in your back yard. Such a cool, easy, and affordable idea.}

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{Outdoor living room…because, naturally, we will all have plenty of space to actually build this.}

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{Stringed lighting ideas. I’m favoring those mini lanterns. An easy idea to use for my next place, no matter the patio size.}

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{Stone covered outdoor kitchen, steel appliances…(excuse the less than stellar photo quality. I just loved this, but couldn’t find a higher res image).}

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{The lighting scheme, the center fireplace, the pillar design and warm color palette, everything is perfection.}

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{Channeling all things rustic. If I were to have a covered deck with lakeside views – this would be the way to go. Classic!}

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{Bringing the inside, outside. Pitchers as flower vases. The perfect outdoor centerpiece.}

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{Outdoor BBQ’ing inspiration, times 3.}

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{A modern take on water fountains. A definite backyard staple and high on my list, despite the cost to run them.}

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{Outdoor sink/ bar area. The brick detailing is exquisite.}

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{Cool take on a hammock.}

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{DIY deck, with built-in side planters. I’d stain this to a darker finish though.}

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{It’s not at all practical in LA, but I think a huge center fire pit surrounded by big cozy chairs is a backyard must.}

7758f849e28b6acba448ccd6f155658d {My sentiments exactly. Signage for my dream patio.}

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*All images sourced from Pinterest. Nearly all links lead nowhere to state firm photo sources. If you happen to know, please share and I can update.

30May2014

Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Day65ATGFINAL

{Day 65: Tell everyone.}

As of late, my spirit has been craving a simpler time in life, at least my perception of things associated with a more carefree time in life. Then again, I can’t say I that I was ever the type to be totally carefree now that I think about it. It just wasn’t, nor has it ever been my personality.

I’m sure if I met my 17 year-old self, I’d still have a slew of concerns that all normal teens do that had me carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders, things that might even seem pretty trivial to my now adult self in certain instances.

I envy those to some extent who can channel a completely carefree attitude. But luckily, I still do recall a more simpler time that brings a lighter, happier feeling.

I won’t go into the particulars of what’s sparked this craving, because as I’ve now had a full week to process everything, it’s not about the incident itself so much as the wider context and meaning of it. So, let’s just leave it at:

I had a “set back” happen last week and it was a blow to me on many levels because I just couldn’t get past the whole “why?” and “is the universe just out to get me?” mentality.

Even as I type that last sentence it sounds slightly ridiculous (okay, more than slightly), but if I were to be completely honest with you it’s where I was for DAYS after said “set back.”

Perhaps my not-so-mature initial reaction was due to the building tension from everything that seems to be going on lately, that this was simply the final straw that really set me off. I mean, I was PISSED, then just flat out disappointed. Suffice to say, I immediately called my boyfriend and had a meltdown on the phone with him as I shifted from pissed-om to disappointment, going into what all Oprah fans adoringly know as “the ugly cry.” (Kudos to him for enduring that, by the way.)

Admittedly, this was fueled by the internal dialogue that went on in my head where I kept making the argument to myself that I’m a good person! In other words, I always make a conscious effort to be a good, kind, responsible human being and therefore, felt so cheated that the universe wasn’t rewarding me for that by placing me in said “set back.” Again, I can now see how ridiculous this sounds. The funny thing is that logically you know this, even as it’s happening, but emotion seems to override logic at times – especially when that emotion is so raw and fresh.

As I’ve stood back and taken some time to process things since said “set back”, which while it absolutely STILL SUCKS in my mind, I have to express gratitude that it’s ultimately very minor in the grand scheme of this thing we call life. More specifically, the question “will this matter a year from now?” is the best way to measure how unimportant this truly is. I have much to be grateful for and I need to keep my head to the sky and a smile on my face.

And so, the Highlights of this week came as I found solace during this experience by saturating myself in the nostalgic, wanting to cling to anything that made me feel happy and comforted. Fortuitously, I found it in the most basic of ways. Watching movies from the late 80s and 90s that brought me to a different time, to my younger self made me feel exactly that. Digging out my old CD collection and rockin’ out in the car to music that took me back to my high school and college years for some reason pushed me through and helped give me the distance I needed to really evaluate the situation. (I won’t embarrass myself any further by disclosing what that music was made up of, but let’s just say boy bands were very popular during those years and I just sat and laughed and laughed at how that type of music was considered so “cool” back then.)

The best advice I got from my boyfriend during the middle of that “ugly cry” phone call was when he said something to the effect of : “There isn’t a reason for it. You’re not being punished. Shit happens and the lesson here is just to learn how to deal with it and not destroy yourself in the process.” (He’s a wise guy, that one.)

So, this is what I’m choosing to do.

And I still went strong on the 100 Happy Days Challenge, photos posted as usual.

I’ll end the week with my favorite Dr. Maya Angelou poem that couldn’t be more appropriate right now. In fact, I had this very poem posted on my dorm room wall during my sophomore year of college and would look at it often. I was saddened to hear of her passing a few days ago. What a life to be celebrated as the purest epitome of the type of woman and human being we should all aspire to be. I don’t imagine her ever feeling cheated by the universe during set backs in her life, but welcoming them to push her higher.

Have a great weekend….and keep rising.

Still I Rise

Maya Angelou, 1928 – 2014

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I’ve got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Day63ATGINAL

{Day #63: Morning coffee and Jennie Garth’s memoir. Talk about returning to the nostalgic. I was a huge 90210 fan…mind you, I was also like 10.}

Day60ATGFINAL

{Day 60: Faux bling on the key chain. Always looking for ways to accessorize.}

Day62ATGFINAL

{Day 62: Breakfast in bed. }

Day64ATGFINAL

{Day 64: I scream, you scream. We all scream for ice cream…sandwiches!}

28May2014

Birchbox Review | May

Posted in Beauty by C.

2014-05-24 10 Ryan Suggestion

An account of how the latest and greatest in beauty and lifestyle products made my May feel a little bit more gorgeous…or not so much.

Here’s the breakdown…

#1. Perlier Body Cream | Isn’t there a saying that goes something to the effect of “Italians do it better?” Here’s living proof. Despite its nearly $30 price tag (yikes!), I very much enjoyed Perlier’s Body Cream. It gives more than adequate moisture, smells divine, and absorbs quickly without too much of that post-application greasiness that I’ve come to loathe about many lotions. You can tell much thought and care went into the development of this lotion, hence the steep price tag. Alas, unless I get a huge pay increase between now and then (or just hit the lottery), I can’t personally justify spending $30 on a 7 ounce full-sized product right now, particularly as a go-to that I’d have to constantly replenish due to its small size versus how much skin is on the human body. I’m also not thrilled that the full-sized version of this product comes in a pot – meaning it’s not quite as easy to tote around and I just generally don’t like sticking my fingers into a product anyway. I much prefer a pump or something I can squeeze. I intend to enjoy the heck out of my sample though. This stuff is great.

Overall: A do…if you can get behind the cost and the whole pot factor.

#2. Supergoop! Sunscreen | I’m officially a fan of Supergoop! This is the second product of theirs that I’ve received and it’s a brand that I continue to have a positive experience with. While I’m not a fan of the name (because who wants to say they use “goop” on their body?), it does get cool bonus points for originality. My biggest complaint with most sunscreens, particularly for the entire body, is that you feel like you’re wearing sunscreen. In other words, my skin often feels sticky after application and just makes me want to immediately wash it off. Given the fact that you have to re-apply after a few hours, mixed in with all that not so glamorous sweat because it’s 98° out – I often find sunscreen unpleasant to use (though necessary, of course). Interestingly, I don’t have this complaint with face moisturizers that have SPF in it and use these religiously. Admittedly, I’m only anal about sunscreen (for the body) when I’m going to the beach or know that I’ll be outdoors all day. Shame on me, I know I should be more anal about sunscreen application other than the face. And this would be the product I’d grab. It’s lightweight, not greasy, not sticky, has an SPF 30 factor, doesn’t smell bad, and comes in a very well-designed large bottle. It’s quite pricey, but given its size and how often I’d personally use it during those sunny days ahead – I can easily justify the cost here. It would totally inspire me to use an everyday sunscreen more often because I don’t actually feel like I’m wearing any. It’s time to cash out my Birchbox points girls, I think I’ve found a sunscreen winner.

Overall: A do.

#3. Noya Lip Gloss | Unfortunately, I can’t say I’m too stoked about Noya’s lip gloss. Where I will give it mad kudos is in the formula. The texture isn’t sticky and feels great on the lips – you can definitely feel the effects of the shea butter, jojoba and coconut oils working together for good. However, I didn’t care for the shade I received, summertime peach. It barely shows up on my lips and even adding a few extra coats (for impact) makes it look like I don’t have lips at all because it comes up so nude. It also doesn’t seem to stay put very long. Perhaps I’d feel more inspired by this product if I’d gotten it in another shade, but I’m okay not pursuing a full-time relationship with this lip gloss.

Overall: Eh.

#4. Cynthia Rowley Beauty Eyeliner | A case of an eyeliner done right. Its color is vibrant. The application is smooth. And it’s long-lasting. I received the silver liner, and though it’s not an everyday shade, it’s perfect for those days I just want to punch up my look. And even better, I can get behind the $16.00 price tag.

Overall: It’s a do.

#5. Kérastase Shampoo & Conditioner | Seriously, I just want to copy almost verbatim everything I said about another shampoo I reviewed in March, Keims Cleanshine Energizing Shampoo. So I will. Please see #2 and basically apply what I said there to here, minus a generous sample size (because this certainly wasn’t) and the lack of smell (because this did smell great). And don’t even get me started on the conditioner. Total disappointment.

Overall: Pass.

Join the Birchbox fun if you dare! Pick up your subscription here:

https://www.birchbox.com/invite/ATG

(I’m not affiliated with Birchbox outside of just being a fan…with an opinion.)

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23May2014

Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Day59ATGFINAL

{Day 59: Sometimes a girl just needs a Rice Krispies Treat in the sunshine.}

Things are finally starting to settle down in my life a bit and I’m glad for it. I’m over my most recent bout with the common cold, and have been busily crossing things off on my never-ending to-do list with much satisfaction. This month has been one of the most chaotic, exhausting, fun-filled, yet challenging months I’ve had in quite some time. As such, I’m welcoming the long holiday weekend with open arms (and lots of rest).

Tonight, we’re off to see X-Men: Days of Future Past (let us all take a moment and just say, Fassbender!), and will check out the new documentary film, Fed Up, that’s been on my must-see list for a while now at some point before the end of the weekend. I’m also excited about some much-needed girl time with a new friend over brunch. Crunchy Cornflake-encrusted french toast, a large vanilla latte, and lots of girl talk couldn’t sound any better at the moment. Otherwise, I look forward to a rather uneventful Memorial Day Weekend ahead…and that’s a-okay with me.

I won’t be posting this Monday due to the holiday. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming on Wednesday with the scoop on my May Birchbox. Until then, I hope the long weekend treats you and yours very well.

A few of my favorite 100 Happy Days Challenge photos/highlights of life lately for your viewing pleasure.

See you soon! xx

day52ATGFINAL

{Day 52: What LA does best on a clear day. It really doesn’t get any better than this!}

Day55ATGFINAL

{Day 55: Fresh pedi. New rug.}

day53ATG FINAL

{Day 53: Sunflowers as centerpieces. It just works.}

21May2014

Crushing on Coral

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Fashion by C.

Crushing on Coral ATG FINAL

It took nearly three decades, but I finally deduced that my favorite color is purple. For years, whenever someone would ask me what my favorite color is, I’d say, “I don’t really have a favorite color.” And though it’s not rocket science to figure it out, I started paying more attention to myself, putting two and two together when it seemed my eye was always drawn to any hue in the purple family.

Case and point: when I moved into my apartment, the first thing I did was decidedly paint my walls a soft lilac, with one big accent wall coated in a deep heather purple for dramatic effect. Many of the dishes in the kitchen are purple. My bedspread is lavender and the lampshades on my nightstand are orchid. The iPod I bought years ago (when you might call me more “color fickle” ) is purple. And the color of choice when it came time to purchase a case for my new Kindle is…you guessed it…purple. Let me preface that my apartment doesn’t look like Barney the Dinosaur’s crib, I do try to balance out all that purple love with lots of golds and browns to keep things from becoming too overwhelming.

Though I think I’ll stick with purple as my official favorite color (since it took so long to make up my mind), I’m currently crushing on corals as we gear up for summer at the moment. Last year, mint green was all the rage in the fashion world and though it has staying power, there’s something about coral that I find to be an equal competitor, if not taking a slight advantage. It’s a shade that looks uniformly amazing on the palest of skin tones, to the darkest of complexions. It represents all the things that I love about this time of year. Coral is fresh, bright and unbashfully playful.

Unlike those early days when I had a crush on a boy but could never quite bring myself to tell him so, I’m telling the world all about my new crush. I just hope my currently relationship with “the color purple” (pun intended) doesn’t get too jealous.

Sources/Links

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10. | 11. | 12. | 13. | 14. | 15. | 16.

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19May2014

Anatomy of a Do: The Overall Comeback

Posted in Fashion, Series by C.

{photo source: Viva Luxury}

I might lose cool points for this (depending on the person), but there’s nothing that I’m more excited about on the fashion-front than the return of overalls. Yes, you read that right. Overalls.

I practically lived in these during my late teens, and let’s just say we were well into the new millennium by that point to give you a frame of reference, likely making me one of the last people in LA, possibly the entire state of California (that wasn’t a farmer), to officially let them go. I remember proudly rockin’ overalls to my classes in film school, thinking I’d be extra “hip” and don a slightly off-centered baseball cap for added “style.” (Ah, the things we do when we’re young, broke, and trying to find our way in college.)

Admittedly, after many moves since those collegiate years, and multiple closet purges, I could never quite bring myself to throw them out and said overalls are STILL hanging in my closet (albeit deep in the back) as I write this.

Suffice to say, I have a lingering fondness for overalls, though I haven’t personally worn them in over 10 years now. My boyfriend has laughed at me more than once when I’ve mentioned that I’m thinking about buying a new pair and rekindling my secret love affair with that illustrious one-piece denim suit with the built-in denim-clad suspenders.

And I’ve found the perfect styling inspiration from Annabelle over at Viva Luxury on the right way to rock the return of overalls…and keep it 2014 appropriate.

What immediately makes this look very modern and fresh is that Annabelle chose a fitted pair of overalls in a dark wash, with just the right amount of distressing at the hip (as opposed to a baggy fit in a stone wash, channeling 1995). She keeps that momentum all the way through via the rolled pant legs, which produces a more relaxed feel – and highlights those amazing metallic Armani ankle strap heels, playfully contradicting the overall casualness of the ensemble by including a touch of polished high fashion.

When accessorizing, nothing screams “on-trend” at the moment so much as chunky statement jewelry and the dynamic layering of bracelets built of different styles and textures. Further, so as to not compete with our focal piece, Guess’ Classic Denim Overalls, she opts to carry a light clutch over a large satchel or cross-body to impeccably bring the look together.

What I adore about the styling here is the contrast of ultra glam against super casual, showcasing a creative approach for a piece that many might consider a trend best left in the last millennium. I can certainly see the argument for those in favor of and against its return. Overalls aren’t necessarily an easy thing to pull off. Despite how comfortable they can be, there’s a limit to how and where a gal might be able to wear them particularly, over the age of 10. However, I think Annabelle found the best inspiration I’ve seen yet. I think I might have to take the plunge and grab a pair before the window closes and overalls are, yet again, a thing of the past.

This is the anatomy of a do… and it’s the overall comeback.

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16May2014

Highlights

Posted in Life, Series by C.

Day50atgfinal

{Day 50: I read this quote years ago, wrote it on a post-it note and stuck it on my desk. It always makes me smile.}

Transitioning back to the real world is always slightly jarring after such an enjoyable vacation. In this case, I also happen to be fighting yet another cold as well (while in the middle of a big editing project at the moment). Aside from kicking this cold, my first week back to life was a good one overall. I made a consorted effort to try to ease back into things as much as possible, not losing the spirit of my time off, hanging on to as much of that relaxed state as I could muster. Unfortunately, all too soon you start to slowly lose that vibe – up until you feel the need for another vacation.

Though I had a pretty packed week originally planned, many of those plans were subsequently canceled in favor of a book and getting to bed early many nights to tackle my cold. I did make it out one night this week when I felt a little better and wasn’t contagious to meet with my book club gals to talk about Wally Lamb’s We Are Water. I can’t say it was better than the other book of his that I really like, She’s Come Undone, but it did spark an interesting conversation – what human beings go through, how we’re all connected, how every action has a consequence, and how we are constantly flowing with life and adapting simply because we have to.

With that, I’m looking on to my next read (aside from The Body Book, of course). The plan this weekend is to rest up and figure out what’s next on my Kindle. Hopefully, I’ll be feeling a bit more like myself to catch-up on the plans that I kept having to cancel this week.

Today is day #53 on the 100 Happy Days Challenge. I’m halfway there. It’s been awhile since we’ve caught up – here are some of my favorite moments.

Have a great weekend!

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