3.26.2014


It's hard to believe that it's been at least a couple of months since I last wrote a beauty post. After all, this is partly a beauty blog! Sorry guys, not sure why there's been a lack of makeup blabbing around here! The start of a season always has me itching to replenish my arsenal with pretty new things, so I promise to fill you in on any new discoveries. And there have been some new discoveries...




My friend Raeleen has been a makeup artist for years. She is the one who did my makeup for my wedding, as well as my gorgeous bridesmaids. She lives and breathes beauty! Well now she has started a new venture, and I couldn't be more thrilled for her as she is extremely talented, kind, and knowledgeable. She started her own Etsy shop called we keep it real, and it's centered around natural, organic beauty products that are not only good for your body, but really lovely to keep in your bathroom or vanity as well.

Raeleen was sweet enough to send over two of her organic lotion hearts for me to try out. It is love, my friends! I have sensitive, dry skin and I've always struggled with peeling, cracking, and itching. Especially my legs! Our desert climate is not conducive to nourished skin, so I'm constantly battling it. Her lotion hearts smell like lavender, and they are packed with essential oils such as coconut and cacao. As soon as I get out of the bath or shower, I place one of the cute little hearts in the palm of my hand and using circular motions, I rub it onto my arms and legs. The feeling is almost like using argan or moroccan oil, but less greasy. The moisture is immediate, and it really lasts throughout the day. I highly recommend them! They would make adorable bridesmaid gifts as well :) Her passion for natural homemade products truly shows in everything she does, so please take a look at her new Etsy.





If you love roses, then you need this new fragrance by Chloe. Need. It's like wearing a bouquet, and although that may be too much for some, it's sheer heaven for those of us who obsess over flowers. I do also enjoy the original scent, with all of its elegance and sophistication. It's one of those scents that you can wear happily year-round, whether in the cold or in the sun. And there's something to be said for that, right? 


Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Radiant Magenta & Dim Infusion

I must admit, I knew I wanted to try at least one Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush as soon as the hype started. I own the powder version in Dim, and absolutely love the finish it gives to my complexion. These blushes are gorgeous! Buttery, smooth, and blendable, they are also quite pigmented! Much more pigmented than they appear in the pan. My favorite of the two I have is Dim Infusion. It's the prettiest peachy coral that leaves such a glow to the cheeks. It's what I have on in my last few outfit pictures. Radiant Magenta is also very pretty, but I think I need a bit of a tan to pull it off the way I envision it and to really do it justice. It's extremely bright on my pale skin now, but I'm sure come Summer, that one will become my new favorite. All shades are swirled with a corresponding ambient lighting powder, so the effect is very dewy once applied. No glitter or shimmer either, just a soft sheen that's flattering on everyone. 


I'm so happy with all of my new beauty acquisitions, and I even have some more to share in the lip department. That post will have to wait until next week. See? I'm going to be a better beauty blogger again, promise. 


3.24.2014






Wearing: Zara lace dress (old) (similar)
Nordstrom jacket (love this one for petites) (similar)
Guess heels (old) (perfect for Spring!)
Oia Jules bracelet


Spring is in full force here in SoCal! My favorite time of year, since the warmth (and not heat) is a welcome comfort. Over the weekend, I was still battling my cold. In between sneezing and coughing, I still managed to make the most of things.  Of course, some medicine helped, but so did the beautiful weather. I haven't worn this lace dress in months, but it felt good to slip into a light as air palette for a day spent at the beach. 


How was your weekend? Good, I hope!

Linking up with Gina and Carylee today. 

3.19.2014



Wearing: Express skirt (old)



I've been joking with my best friend lately that I like a little "prep in my step". My friend and I have similar taste in fashion, but I'm definitely more into the J.Crew look and she's into looking more glammed up.  I've never thought of the term "preppy" to describe my style. Growing up, I loved extremely girly clothes. You could almost surely find me in pink (in many cases from head to toe) and florals. These days, I'm more into stripes, polka dots, and chambray because I finally found the quintessential chambray button up at Loft. It's made for petites (yay!) and the fabric is soft as can be. I know it's going to get a ton of wear, which means you guys will be seeing it a lot on the blog. For its first appearance, I decided to pair it with a short lace skirt and kitten heels. The heel is so tiny, they feel more like flats. When wearing such a short, tight skirt I like to keep the rest of the outfit more conservative for fear of looking too...well, you know.

How would you describe your style?

Linking up with Tara today!

3.17.2014





Wearing: American Eagle dress (similar here and here)
Loft cardigan (similar)
Olive and Piper necklace, waitlisted but love this and this too!


Happy St. Patty's day everyone! I wish I could say that my Monday is going well so far, but I woke up sick with a cold. Not exactly in the festive Irish mood I should be in. However, I had a wonderful weekend so I can't really complain. The weather was still insanely perfect, I spent time with my best girl, and the hubs and I went for another Sunday hike with a couple friends we haven't seen in awhile. As Summer draws closer, weekends will start to feel shorter and shorter. They are never long enough! 

I'm linking up today with Carylee and Gina! Have a great day, and don't get pinched ;)

3.13.2014





Wearing: Loft scarf
Express blouse (Forever 21 cami underneath)
Vince Camuto pumps
Saint Laurent ring (love this in silver and pink)


Here is a look featuring my new Kate Spade bag from yesterday's post. The weather has been unbelievably perfect here the last few days, and Spring is definitely in the air. I stepped outside our front door and instead of the usual dry plants hanging lifeless by the step, a few flowers are beginning to bloom. This time of year is the best, isn't it? Aside from the beginning of Fall, when that crisp feeling is in the air, I just love the start of Spring. There's a certain clean slate feeling about it, the promise of long balmy nights and BBQ's with friends. Not to mention a candy colored handbag and a floral scarf.

Linking up with Tara at Mix and Match Fashion today.

3.12.2014









The instant I saw this gorgeous pastel-hued bag on Pinterest, I added it to my Spring board. I immediately had a bad case of "grabby hands" as Chloe would say. My heart has been set on a mint or blush toned bag for this season, but with so many beautiful brands and options out there, how does a girl choose? I'm convinced that Kate Spade knows pretty. Her designs are feminine and whimsical. There's a certain charm about them, and it translates perfectly into what I've been wanting for my next bag. With my "buy less, choose well" motto in mind, I didn't feel an ounce of guilt about this one. I do own a cream quilted KS already, and I've loved it to death. The quality is superior, the design right on target between classic and modern. This bag, with all of its Tiffany blue goodness, is no exception. The color is just breathtaking! The removable strap is an added bonus, although I plan on carrying it without. I like to keep my handbags where I can see them, right on the crook of my elbow :) All I need now is a light floral dress, and I'm (fashion) ready for Spring.