I am officially obsessed with Matt Wisniewski’s prints thanks to Strawberry Koi. Matt Wisniewski creates digital collages, fusing two things that I love: fashion and nature. This unexpected combination results is beautiful, inspiring artwork.
The artist lives in Pennsylvania and graduated from New York’s Rochester Institute of Technology. There is a great interview about his creative process here.
How dreamy, right? The fashion prints are only $20 here.
Filed under Uncategorized
Sadly, we only have a few more days left in paradise. I am soaking up the last few rays of Hawaii sun and beautiful scenery while I can. I can’t wait to share some photos from the trip once I’m back.
These were taken before we left for vacation. This swing dress is feminine and fun with its pretty mint color, A-line cut and full skirt. I combined the 50s ladylike style with beach-y accessories and pops of red/hot pink. The straw fedora has been one of my go-to Hawaii staples.
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend! xx
Swing dress: H&M, satin heels: vintage Azzedine Alaia, belt: S.Y.L.K. boutique (Century City and Vegas), hat: F21, clutch: American Apparel in stone, bracelets: Banana Republic (leaves, love this one), vintage (triple stand) and Sheila Fajl (thin bangles), gold studs: H&M.
Filed under Uncategorized
I’m a bit of a germaphobe and one of my least favorite things is sharing my drink with someone, which usually happens unintentionally. Whenever I am out with friends or hosting people, I’m usually focused on the conversation and not on guarding my drinking glass. At some point in the night, I inevitably grab whatever glass is in front of me, take a drink and notice a guest/friend watching me. “Oh, is that your glass,” they ask. “I think so,” is my first response as I put it back down. Then, after further investigation, “no, this is definitely not mine,” followed by me apologizing profusely. Hence my new favorite DIY: personalized stemmed glasses using chalkboard paint.
Supplies:
Chalkboard paint $10
*I bought this small container of chalkboard paint from Amazon and it comes in several fun colors including hot pink, black, blue and green.
Stemmed wine glasses or goblets
Paint brush
Total cost – $10 – $15
Paint the base of the glass as far up on the stem as you want. Let the first coat dry fully. Repeat this step three or four times until you’ve reached the desired opacity.
Once the glasses are completely dry, finish by using white or colored chalk to write names on the paint.
My new glasses are in regular rotation and the paint has yet to chip or scratch. I have even washed them in the dishwasher multiple times.
Have a great weekend! xx
Filed under Uncategorized
I am on a plane to the Big Island for a real, week-long vacation! I waited until the last moment possible to pack (I hate packing for a trip) and just finished this morning. I threw in my last few essentials, hurriedly zipped up my suitcase (while sitting on it to keep it closed) and ran out the door to catch our ride. Luckily, I had my trusty packing list, categorized by electronics, accessories, clothing, beauty and miscellaneous, to make sure I wouldn’t forget anything.
Sun hats and a simple crossbody bag for running around during the day.
Packing for a warm, beach-y locale means lots of bikinis. I’m excited to wear these printed ones.
I can’t wait to wear this ombre outfit with my Hawaiian flower hair pin that I picked up on our last trip two years ago.
A plethora of flat sandals with unique details that are ideal for both casual days at the beach and fancy resort dinners at night.
Flowy, strapless dresses ideal for going from day to night during our Hawaii trip.
I will be posting while I am away, but for more current updates, follow me on Instagram and Twitter.
Sun hats: F21 (I love this one and this one), crossbody bag: Rebecca Minkoff, bikinis: Freya top and bottom (red) and Victoria Secret (blue, different prints available now), neon tank top and ombre shorts: F21 (similar here, here and here), sandals: Vince Camuto (embellished, similar here and here), H&M (black tassel, similar here and here) and Urban Outfitters (ankle wrap), strapless dresses: Target (brown floral) and Urban Outfitters (similar strapless colorblock and yellow dresses).
Filed under Uncategorized
At the moment, I have a serious thing for lilac and orange-y, coral lips. Both are bold, unexpected and so summer-y. On eyes, I’ve been playing with navy and eggplant hues, mainly as liners or in the eye crease with a taupe shade as the base. Dark blue and purple are close enough to black while still being noticeably different and equally flattering. Taupe shades are my go-to for base eye color as they work anytime and look good on everyone.
I usually go between playing up my eyes or lips, but never both. I like to focus on one feature and keep the rest neutral so that the makeup doesn’t compete or start looking like a clown’s. Do you have any go-to eye and lip colors?
Lavender lipstick: YSL Rouge in Celestial Mauve $34, lavender gloss: Nars Larger Than Life in Born This Way $26, coral lipstick: Estee Lauder Gloss Stick in Orange Poppy $23, orange lip pencil: Urban Decay in Punch Drunk $19, taupe shadow: Lancome Sensational Effects in Mochaccino $18, navy shadow: Make Up For Ever in Navy Blue $20, navy eyeliner: Sephora Smoky Kohl in Blue $5 (on sale), purple eyeliner: Smashbox Jet Set in Midnight Purple $22, purple shimmer shadow: Bare Minerals High Shine in Moonshine $16.
Filed under Uncategorized
We leave for Hawaii in three days and I could not be more excited. I picked up the last few supplies for our trip which included a few sun hats (a straw fedora and oversized floppy hat), a couple of pairs of shorts (I almost never wear them normally) and a huge tube of sunblock. I bought this dress for the trip, but couldn’t wait to wear it. It’s super comfy with flats and was ideal for walking around to nearby shops.
I used to think that only very tall, thin women could wear maxi dresses, but I have found that they are really flattering and elongating in the right fit and length. I adore them because they are not only comfortable, but they are also the easiest thing to throw on to look put together without trying too hard. This outfit incorporates some of the other things I am loving now: a paper-thin sweater for cool spring days and evenings, mixing bold, yet complementary prints, embellished sandals that I can wear dressy or casual and layered necklaces.
Besides running a few errands, my weekend included a fabulous, rooftop happy hour with blogger friends on Friday. Other than the two trips out, I tried to stay home. I felt like I might be coming down with a cold and just wanted to get better before our trip. We had friends over for two Laker game nights and cuddled up on the couch to watch TV. Sometimes, being forced to slow down and shut off is a good thing, even if it’s because of not feeling well.
P.s. I have reached 100 posts (this is actually number 102)! Thank you all for your support!! xx
Maxi dress: H&M, striped cardigan: Old Navy (old), embellished sandals: Vince Camuto (similar $98), belt: F21 (similar $28), necklaces: gift from best friend (nameplate, love this one) and unknown (gold pear shapes), clutch: American Apparel, bracelets: vintage (triple strand), leather and gold bracelet purchased in Italy years ago, Sheila Fajl (thin bangles).
Filed under Outfit Posts
One thing I love about living in L.A. is being able to see unique and beautiful architecture everyday. In my neighborhood alone there are homes that span from an East Coast-looking brick manor, to a spanish style villa, to a 1920s art deco abode, to an ultramodern loft – all within a few blocks. Judging by the other places I have lived and traveled to, this is quite exceptional.
L.A. spans diverse terrains (beaches, mountains, hills, valleys), has less strict residential building regulations and offers great weather making indoor/outdoor living possible almost year-round, all of which adds to architectural interest and diversity. I love seeing creativity flourish in this basic way, even when it means a rare, hideous home like this one (also in Hancock Park, just listed for 2.4 million…seriously?).
Hancock Park is one of my favorite neighborhoods and I adore the perfectly landscaped, big, brick manor above.
A bougainvillea archway creates a beautiful entrance.
Vines climb the side of a red brick home.
A jacaranda tree with blue sky above and a brick wall below. Jacarandas are one of my favorite plants and this time of the year they are full of blooming purple flowers.
A well-manicured succulent garden in front of a spanish style home.
The stairs and doorway of this villa are decorated with beautiful terra cotta spanish tiles. A bougainvillea and a grass-like plant in oversized pottery provide colorful curb appeal.
Happy Friday! What type of homes are your favorite?
Filed under Entertaining and Home
Last weekend I was invited to check out a new showroom and its clients’ offerings. Here are a few of the pieces that caught my eye. I love this sleek, modern dress. The color, double-breasted, button front and peplum details are perfect for the season.
I adore these super-saturated, hot pink cutoff shorts. They are fun and feminine. I am hoping to get a similar, brightly colored or floral print pair (which would be equally fun and feminine) before I leave for Hawaii next week.
I’ve wanted purple heels for a while now and I love this two-tone pair in a monochromatic palette.
These pale gray booties with a saw sole are so cool.
Details like a hot pink sole and back with spikes take these wedges from drab to exceptional.
I can never have too many platform peep toe heels. The classic style goes with everything. I love the unique twists on these, like a layered platform with four different materials and a bright blue platform on a blush heel.
What are you currently craving? Is nude, neon or just a fabulous pair of heels on your list too?
Nude dress: Black Halo, shorts: Jimmy Taverniti, purple heels and gray booties (similar booties and saw sole heels): Camilla Skovgaard, spiked wedges and peep toe pumps: Ruthie Davis (similar peep toe heels).
Filed under Fashion Musings
This weekend came and went in a flash. With our vacation just around the corner, I tried to catch up on work, get some things for the trip and see a few friends (plus, mom for Mother’s Day). There was too much to do with too little time.
I wore this outfit to dinner and drinks. I don’t normally go for printed jeans, especially in a skinny cut. I usually stick to dark washes and flared styles because they are most flattering, but decided to branch out after wearing these so often. The deep blue and green tones in this watercolor print caught my eye. I’m not sure if I love them quite yet, but they are definitely growing on me.
What do you think about printed denim? Have you tried printed jeans?
Peplum top: H&M, printed jeans: Paige Denim c/o, clutch: vintage Chanel, heels: Zara, necklace: gift from best friends, bracelets: Nordstrom (cuff, similar), vintage (triple strand), leather and gold bracelet purchased in Italy years ago, Sheila Fajl (thin bangles).
Beauty note: after some practice, I have become a big fan of nail polish strips (worn here). They offer amazing designs that would be nearly impossible with regular nail art. Also, I was inspired by the goth makeup looks at the Met Gala and wore dark maroon lips all weekend.
Filed under Uncategorized
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there! To my mom, my grandma and my older sister, who has raised the most incredible young woman (love my niece!), you are the strongest, most inspiring women I know. I love you!!
A mama at work. Also pictured here.
Hope you are all having a great weekend. I’m off to meet my mom (how cute is she?) for lunch. Did you do anything special for Mother’s Day?
Filed under Uncategorized
