Category Archives: Accessories

Dressed in Mint

Posted in Accessories, Explore, Fashion, Fun, Shoes by

If you haven’t noticed, mint green is THE hot color of the season and I’m totally into this particular chroma trend. While I do like to keep an eye on all things fashion and indulge daily in fashion blogs (Wendy’s Lookbook is my addiction right now), I’m not one to go out and personally buy a lot of expensive stuff that lasts one season (but talk to me in a few years when I’m loaded). In fact, I have a love/hate relationship with shopping in general. In a nutshell, I love the idea of finding the perfect piece and adding it to your collection. I certainly adore fabulous clothes, handbags (my fav!), shoes, and jewels as much as the next girl; but if I were to be perfectly honestly with you, I hate the physical process of shopping. In particular, the trying things on in a fluorescent lit dressing room only to get frustrated that it looks better on the mannequin than you part. Ugh.

This doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate a good fashion trend. I can’t think of a more refreshing salute to spring than the subtle yet vibrant shade of mint. And since I don’t have anything in my collection representing this craze, I’ve been dreaming of fun, yet affordable ways to incorporate this beautiful color into my look. I have a feeling this color might last longer than a season. Perhaps it’ll inspire ways to find you dressed in mint as well.

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EARRINGS| Mineral Teardrop Earrings // Francesca’s Collections // $12.00

CROPS| Pilcro Stet Slim Crop Jeans // Anthropologie // $98.00

MANI/PEDI| Essie Turquoise & Caicos Nail Polish // Ulta // $8.00

SUNDRESS| Ribbed Dress with Metallic Belt // Forever 21 // $29.80

FLATS| Dolley 03 Mint D’Orsay Pointed Flats // Lulu’s // $21.00

SUNNIES| Hepcat Shades // Madewell // $55.00

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Travel, Treats by

There was a time when this week meant something more than work deadlines, trying to get to the gym, the grocery store, getting my laundry done, and a car wash. Spring break always sounded so exotic to me. In part, because I would hear the plans of my peers for their week of unadulterated freedom that included short road trips or jet-setting to Cabo for some fun in the sun.

In college, spring break was always the first week in March, but we would also get a few extra days off around Easter. I went to school with a lot of wealthy students whose parents paid their way for everything. Spring break for me was looking forward to some time off from my classes, but I would still work and might drive home to Orange County to see my family for a few days. Unfortunately, I never could afford to do much more than that.

I remember the times I used to watch T.R.L. on  MTV during spring break wondering what that experience would be like – where you pack your bags, hang out at a gorgeous resort, and live in a bikini for a whole week. In retrospect, I might have hated consistently being around a bunch of drunk people and would have much rather been at home taking naps, working, and reading (as was my typical experience). Then again, had I been able to afford those cliché spring break beach getaways, I imagine it would’ve been a lot of sleeping, partying, flirting with cute guys from different schools, lounging, and laughing mixed in with lots of unnecessary drunken drama. I’ll suppose I’ll never be 21 again to find out.

What I am looking forward to is the day that I can actually take myself on an extended vacation to an exotic resort and sip margaritas all day minus the annoying drunk college students. The best part will be that I paid for it all on my own and, as such, it would be a much richer and well-deserved experience.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| Vacay inspired accessories. ||

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|| Banishing doubt.||

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|| Strawberries & cream crepes // recipe here. ||

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|| Corner nightstands. ||

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|| Prada arm candy. ||

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|| A little Easter bunny humor. ||

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|| How to decorate a cupcake by Stephanie Franz, pastry chef at my favorite cupcake shop – Cupcakes Couture. ||

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Breakfast, Brunch, DIY, Fashion, Food, Fun, Inspiration, Lunch, Shoes, Treats by

I‘m a firm believer in spring cleaning. Being that I’m very slightly O.C.D., I’m more the type to try (and sometimes fail) to keep up on this throughout the year because I absolutely, with a passion, hate (HATE) clutter. This season, I’m committed to really doing a hardcore spring cleaning cycle. I have clothes in my closet that I need to part with for your typical reasons. Jewelry in my jewelry box that I bought at Forever 21 years ago that now looks like it’s from Forever 21 (cheap). And of course, there’s a storage closet and old paperwork that could use a good sift through. I‘m by no means a pack rat. I‘ve even been told that for a grown woman I don’t have much stuff, which is how I prefer to keep it during my younger years. It means I can pick-up and move with the flow of life or to Europe at any time. Either way, we can all use a good purge. It not only feels amazing when you let go, but makes room for what the new season brings. One week until Spring!

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

|| How to rock the statement necklace. ||

|| Steve Madden Rise Wedges in mint. ||

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|| Ice Cream Lab // The new liquid nitrogen futuristic ice cream parlor opening this Friday in the 90210 // Read more here. ||

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|| Decadent tree houses. ||

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|| Gratitude. ||

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|| D.I.Y. – From picture frame to table tray // Read more here. ||

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|| Lavender maxi dresses. ||

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|| Peanut butter, strawberries, bananas and granola wrap // Healthy options on the go // Recipe here. ||

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|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Explore, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes, Travel, Treats by

Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner! I can’t believe February has come and (almost) gone so quickly. Sadly, awards season is over. The Superbowl has come and gone. And Valentine’s Day now a memory. Despite all the events that the end of one calendar year so excitingly flows into the beginning of another, I’m excited for the changing of times. Spring brings sunlight until 8:00pm, blooming flowers, and fruit that subtly becomes all the sweeter as we make our way toward summer. Flip flops, dresses without leggings, iced lattes, and the need to be at the beach or outside as much as possible become the standard in my life. I can’t think of anything more exciting to look forward to.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Officially obsessed with Wendy’s Lookbook // my newest fashion blog addiction. She nails it every. single. time.}

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{The best laugh I’ve had all week = a funny satire of our growing hipster culture.}

{High standards.}

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{Jonathan Adler Universal Smartphone Dock.}

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{Like. Seriously.}

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{Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Rhinestone Thong Sandals…in either color.}

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{Where I want to be right now.}

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{Strawberry & chocolate nachos // recipe here.} 0afc9f89c157bbdd60941a8934219043

2013 Academy Awards: Fashion Hits and Misses

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Documentary, Fashion, Film, Handbags, Independent Cinema, Shoes by

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What a picture perfect day in L.A. this past Oscar Sunday! Clear skies and not too chilly temperatures set the tone for Hollywood’s biggest night. I spent the evening with a few gal pals over appetizers, Italian sodas, and lots of laughs; ready to see if my award predictions rang true and to stare enviously at all things fashion. I have to say that overall, I was pretty underwhelmed by the red carpet this past Oscar night. Sure, there were some stunning dresses, but the hair and makeup would ruin the look; or the accessories were great, but the dress just didn’t grab me.

My biggest complaint was a lot of blush colored gowns set against pale skin tones that oftentimes washed a starlet out on-camera. I’m sure many of these dresses looked gorgeous in person, but our ladies (and their expensive Stylists) need to consider how a look will come off on-camera. A billion people are watching from their living rooms, only a few lucky people see it in person.

As glamorous as it seems (and likely is), it can’t be easy getting ready to face the world on Oscar Sunday. The fashion has become as pivotal to the night as the actual awards presentation and ALL eyes are on YOU. I can’t imagine the amount of pressure it takes to get it right and even if you didn’t in my opinion, I respect the courage it must take to face the world knowing that everyone is watching your every move and you showed up in something that you are proud of, regardless of what others think.

Alas, here are my top 5 Oscar Night fashion hits and misses. See you on the red carpet next year!

The Hits

AMY ADAMS| Oscar de la Renta

The color is a daring choice, it’s almost (just almost) a touch too light for her skin tone, but she pulls it off. The hair, the jewels, the makeup are all flawless.

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JENNIFER ANISTON| Valentino

Love the color, love the cut, love that she didn’t rock a necklace with this show-stopping ensemble. I do wish Jen would get a bit more creative with her hair. It’s typically the same thing over and over, but it works. She nailed it.

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JESSICA CHASTAIN| Armani Prive

A gorgeous gown that fits her so perfectly. The classic Veronica Lake hairstyle. A bold lip and a great smile. She looks like a walking Oscar statue. This look is timeless. She’s stunning!

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CHARLIZE THERON| Dior Couture

Long hair, short hair – this beauty can do no wrong and was a breath of fresh air in this white dress by Dior. I loved that she kept her accessories minimal and let that gorgeous face, body, and gown speak for themselves. Sexy sophistication at its best.

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NAOMI WATTS| Armani Prive

Naomi Watts was an instant standout on the red carpet in this silver shimmery number by Armani Prive. I love the cut-out on the upper portion of the gown, her hair and not too fussy, but just right makeup, made her look beyond elegant and a bit more fashion forward than anyone else. Best dressed of the night!

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This Misses

ANNE HATHAWAY| Prada

Rumor had it that Anne was expected to accept her first Oscar in Valentino…until she showed up on the red carpet in this blush Prada number at the last-minute. Unfortunately, the cut of the halter shaped bust and Anne’s “excitement” of the night got one distracting “wardrobe malfunction” that ruined an otherwise elegant, but safe, look. By far, she had on my favorite set of jewels in that striking necklace.

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NICOLE KIDMAN| L’Wren Scott

Perhaps this was one of those gowns that looked better in person, but Nicole Kidman missed the mark with this ensemble. The sequined gown sported an ombre feel on the top, into that random Batman-looking patch at the waist, to an even more random set of gold curls on the bottom. The dress is too busy. I adore Nicole Kidman, she’s hands down one of the finest actresses out there, but this didn’t do it for me at all and I heard through the grapevine her husband picked this dress!?! Hmm…

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KRISTEN STEWART| Reem Acra

The dress isn’t exactly horrible and I know that K-Stew was on crutches most of the night (poor thing!), but I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew she was coming to the Academy Awards, right? Her hair and makeup are way too casual; so casual, in fact, it looked like she didn’t even take the time to wash her hair…or run a comb through it for that matter. I realize red carpets and her don’t mix, and she’s completely uncomfortable in front of photographers, but this screams no effort outside of an expensive dress that deserved to be taken more seriously and styled to the nines.

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ZOE SALDANA| Alex Mabille Couture

Zoe Saldana is such a beautiful woman, but this dress doesn’t do her any justice. Between the detailed bodice, the crooked bow on the hip, the belt, and the multi-colored flowing hem, it’s just too much. I suspect I would have loved this dress without any of the adornments on the upper half, simply leading down to the gown’s big color reveal at the bottom. I also wished her make-up was a bit brighter overall. It’s too dark and doesn’t accentuate her features. A bold lip would’ve done wonders.

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RENEE ZELLWEGER| Carolina Herrera

I don’t quite understand what happened here. Carolina Herrera is a high-end designer, but this dress looks so uninspired to me. Renee’s lack of attention to impeccable hair and makeup,  gave off such an un-glamorous, blah feeling when she turned up in front of the cameras. The Oscars are THE night to show off and Renee didn’t. Not in the least.

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**Disclaimer: Since it’s obvious I wasn’t at this year’s ceremonies snapping high res photos, all pictures are courtesy of Yahoo.com! Photo sources are noted below:
Amy Adams
Jennifer Aniston
Jessica Chastain
Charlize Theron
Naomi Watts
Anne Hathaway
Nicole Kidman
Zoe Saldana
Kristen Stewart
Renee Zellweger

D.I.Y. Glass Bead Necklace Repair

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Fun by

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I have this great necklace that I bought several years ago that wasn’t at all expensive, but it was something that I universally loved because you could wear it with anything to instantly dress up a look. Until I broke it. I took it in for repair. Was bummed at the terrible job they did. It lasted for one wear. And broke again. It’s been sitting with my other functioning necklaces broken for at least 6 months and I’ve been on the search for that exact necklace ever since. Enough! Sometimes a girl has to take matters into her own hands, especially when said girl happens to dabble in jewelry making. A hobby of mine that I seriously need to get back into and with the success of giving new life to my necklace, I feel completely empowered to push myself to test my mad skills. 🙂

D.I.Y. // Glass Bead Necklace Repair

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{Tools: Crimp tubes, glass beads, silver coated wire, crimping pliers, cutters, bead stopper clip, and a bead board.}

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{Use the bead stopper to accurately place crimp tube and thread bead. Use crimp pliers to close the crimp tube shut above and below the bead. Repeat as necessary.}

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{Measure evenly spaced bead placement using a bead board for accuracy.}

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{Once you’re ready to add your clasp (I went with a toggle clasp because it’s what I had) create a loop, add a crimp tube to it and use your crimp pliers to close the crimp tube shut. Open the toggle clasp ring and secure inside the newly created loop on both ends of necklace.}

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{Finished toggle clasp.}

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{After completing this project using the materials I already had on hand, I’ll likely update my wire choice to something sturdier and darker (like the wire choice in the “before” picture above), but this will do for the time being!}

|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Breakfast, Fashion, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Shoes, Television, Travel, Treats by

It’s been a roller coaster on the weather front here in L.A. Eighty degrees one day, rainy and cold the next. I‘ve often wondered the affect an environment has on its inhabitants. If you think about it: can it be pure luck that this city, known for its fickle nature, from the weather down to the very people that walk the city streets (myself included) is all happenstance? This might be a bit too deep for a Wednesday. Luckily, there are things that you come across that stick the moment you come into contact with them. Things that you know that you’re not at all fickle about. For me it usually involves cupcakes, a ridiculously expensive handbag, a large bag of Hot Tamales, when you have a good book in your hands, hear a new song or see a new film for the first time and know that you’ve just experienced something special. Here’s to finding those things that stick. And…

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Chunky necklaces over buttoned shirts // Full skirts as day wear // Badgley Mischka Provence One Piece Swimsuit.}

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{French Toast with Homemade Fresh Strawberry Butter // recipe here.}

{Best video EVER: 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 minutes.}

{Oscar De La Renta’s fun, wise words.}

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{I heart Mindy Kaling. The Mindy Project has been on the air for awhile now, but I took a short hiatus and returned to it recently, catching up on missed episodes and it’s been a welcome source of comic relief. I was also uber excited about Mark Duplass joining in on the fun for a few episodes. No spoilers! Did I mention that I heart Mindy Kaling?}

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{Mind wandering.}

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{Wine 101 for dummies // full article here.}

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{Dreaming big.}20121230-061429

{Insert me here…with a tropical drink…in a pineapple shell…with an umbrella in it…thx.}

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|| What I’m Lovin’ Right Now ||

Posted in Accessories, DIY, Fashion, Film, Food, Fun, Handbags, Inspiration, Treats by

We’re in the midst of the week of love! I know Valentine’s Day can be a bittersweet experience for many of us. Either you’re madly in love and totally buy into the tradition, single and fabulous, single and not very happy about it, attached but wonder where your relationship is going on this milestone day, or totally reject the idea that love should only be celebrated on holidays. I, for one, identify with the category that believes love should be a festive experience all year long. Sure, I don’t mind being treated extra special on Valentine’s Day, but would much rather prefer those flowers, to be taken out to a nice dinner, “I love you’s” or a thoughtful handwritten card to come at surprise random times just because it’s Monday or I’m having a rough day. Regardless of what your relationship status says on your Facebook timeline, know that there is always something to love, at any time of the year, for any reason. And if by chance you still can’t get over the fact that Valentine’s Day sucks after that sentiment, sit tight – it’ll all be over after tomorrow.

here’s what i’m lovin’ right now

{Look at this face! Tell me you’re not smiling right now?}

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{Michael Kors // Hamilton Large North South Tote. W.A.N.T.}

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{The Fast 6 extended trailer and my brown eyes met recently and it was love at first sight. Yes, I’m proudly OBSESSED with the F&F series! Eye candy, how I wish I could really drive on the 405, witty dialogue, high octane action, stylized film-making, and Paul Walker? Umm…yes, please!}

{Soul.}

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{Perfume bottles as vases.}

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{D.I.Y. glitter mouse pads // How to = here.}

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{Words of wisdom.}

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{Mara Hoffman // Beaded Chiffon Dashiki Maxi Dress.}

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{Gold sparkle french tips.}

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{Skinny Chocolate Parfaits // recipe.}skinny-chocolate-parfait

2013 Grammy Awards: Fashion Hits and Misses

Posted in Accessories, Beauty, Fashion, Handbags, Music, Shoes by

Okay team, admittedly I totally dissed the Grammy’s broadcast this year by not watching any of the red carpet or the actual awards presentation. AND I have good reason! I spent most of the weekend sucked into the vapor of early British 1900’s life by indulging in the delicious mischievousness, and as a gal pal so rightly put it “20th century passive aggressive awesomeness!” with those crazy characters residing at Downton Abbey. After incessantly hearing about this show, I grabbed the first season and got to work on seeing what all the buzz about. Within 10 minutes, I knew I would dig it…and where I would be for most of the weekend.

Alas, the beauty of life these days is that you can catch all the re-caps the next day online minus all the commercials and boring speeches. So in salute to all things fashion, here are my top 5 hits and misses from the biggest night in music.

THE HITS

RHIANNA
LOVE everything about her look, super classy, a little showy and what a stunning color on her.
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TAYLOR SWIFT
Such a unique dress and she pulls the look together with a braided headband and dramatic cat eyes. Very 21st century Cleopatra.
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KELLY ROWLAND
This was a VERY daring choice and if you look closely, might be borderline too much, but she pulls it off and takes center stage because of it. Move over, Bey!
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 ROSCI DIAZ
Admittedly, I didn’t put two and two together when I first saw this picture (who is this?), but everything about her look is one of my absolute favorites of the night. Simple, sexy, classy!
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ALLISON WILLIAMS
Simply put, this is just a great dress. No muss, no fuss and she looks flawless.

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THE MISSES

ADELE
LOVE her, but the print on this dress and those shoes…
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FLORENCE WELCH
Again LOVE her, but those green turtle/alligator/scary spikes….
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Jennifer Lopez
The leg is distracting and the cut of the gown looks messy to me. I love a good top bun, but the pointy ones, I just can’t get into. Sorry J-Lo!
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KAT DENNINGS
Not a fan of the color, the fit on her chest (though she has a great one!), or her harsh makeup.
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TAMIA
The head cover, deep-plunging strangely shaped dress and it’s color, don’t make me love it. The clutch is cute!
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**Disclaimer: Since it’s obvious I wasn’t at this year’s ceremonies snapping high res photos, all pictures are courtesy of Yahoo.com! Photo sources are noted below:
Rhianna
Taylor Swift
Kelly Rowland
Rocsi Diaz
Allison Williams
Adele
Florence Welch
Jennifer Lopez
Kat Dennings
Tamia

Highlights

Posted in Accessories, Explore, Fashion, Film, Fun, Handbags by

Hello Friday! Very happy to see you. It’s been a week of exploring, trying something new on the blog-front, and a bit of splurging. I finally joined the legions of gals who’ve been raving about the Birchbox and treated myself to a new handbag I’ve been eyeing for weeks. Details below. I’ll be anxiously stalking FedEx.com tracking where my new goodies are in the world until they hit my doorstep. So excited!

Here are this week’s happy highlights. Have a beautiful weekend…

EXPLORE| chemosphere

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On a dreary Saturday afternoon we headed up to the Chemosphere house to see the L.A. landmark perched in the Hollywood Hills. I first saw this unique octagonal home in Brian De Palma’s Body Double (1984) and was struck by how unusual and cool the architecture was and wanted to see it for myself.

FASHION| superbowl sunday

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Sporting 49ers jerseys to a Superbowl Party for added festiveness. Since they lost, I’ll just leave it at that.

BEAUTY| birchbox

I’ve heard several girlfriends rave about the Birchbox and this week I joined in. For a $10 subscription fee and after completing a short profile, each month you’ll receive the best in beauty and lifestyle in sample size right at your front door to try out a range of new products. If you love your sample, you can head to the Birchbox Shop to purchase a full size version of your fav new product. The best part? Each box is customized to you. I’m excited to see what comes in a few short weeks. If you’re interested, check out the video above and register to join their wait list. It took me about 3 weeks to receive an invitation. Looking forward to my monthly surprise and exploring new products! I’ll keep you posted.

BAG| urban expressions

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My handbag splurge from Urban Expressions, this Sinclair Woven Hobo. I went with the cognac color. It’s perfect for all seasons and looks oh so chic on the shoulder.