Rebecca Minkoff M.A.B. Tote

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There's no single shopping experience that satisfies my little heart more than a handbag. I can't even explain why. You put stuff into it, and carry it on your arm or shoulder. Um, okay. I do however understand that I am interested in quality over quantity. I'd rather have beautiful staples that I will carry for years to come instead of a giant collection. If I'm going to drop any amount of money on one, it's a well-thought out and researched purchase. I usually think about it for months before taking the plunge. 

This bag was no different. Over the Summer, I was thinking about getting either a shoulder bag or a tote but I also couldn't decide on the color. Red? Cognac? Hunter green? I really couldn't make up my mind until I saw this Rebecca Minkoff tote in "Fatigue". In trying to review the M.A.B, I decided to create a list of pros and cons. Let's start with the 

Pros:

1) It's the medium size, which I think is perfect for someone my height (5'2). I think the large would be too overwhelming for me. 

2) The color. It's the perfect shade of tan, which also means it goes with absolutely everything. It comes in a multitude of gorgeous colors though!

3) The hardware is durable. The saffiano leather is the same as my Micheal Kors Selma satchel, so it's practically impossible to destruct. It has little metal feet on the bottom, which I think is such a great touch. I can see it keeping its shape and structure throughout time. The handles are also very sturdy.

Cons:

1) The handles are a little too stiff and sturdy, if that makes sense. They feel a bit rigid when worn on the shoulder, so I feel more comfortable carrying the bag on my arm. 

2) I really wish it had a crossbody strap for convenience. It's not a shopping bag, let's just put it that way. Great for work, and also as a weekender if you crave the polished look like I normally do.

Overall, I would recommend it and am happy with my Winter purchase. I can easily see myself carrying it through Spring and Summer as well. 

If you have any specific questions, let me know in the comments below!

Oh, and happy New Years! This is my last post of the year, and it feels surreal! Have a great night and be safe :)

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2014 in Outfits

Good morning and happy Monday! I just wanted to share some of my favorite outfits and details from over the past year today. 2014 has been an interesting one, and as far as my style went, I think I stayed true to what I like - feminine shapes and silhouettes, but with a casual California feel. I did glean inspiration from you of course! I'm hoping next year features more of the same, but maybe with a little risk taking. Style is personal, and I hope some of these looks have inspired yours in some small way. 

Linking up with Gina and Caryl today. 

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Cranberry and a New Bag

Wearing //

Nordstrom cardigan

Stella & Dot rebel pendant (another fun option)

Baublebar necklace

Express stretch bracelet, still in stores

Loft jeans

Express cami

Rebecca Minkoff medium MAB (love it in Black Cherry too)

Zara kitten heels, similar here but a bit higher in heel height

When I saw this Rebecca Minkoff a couple of months ago, I waited for it to go on sale. As soon as it did, I jumped. It is gorgeous, you guys. Saffiano leather, a rich tan color, and durable features makes this RM a great investment. I plan on doing a formal review soon. I'm very happy with it, so that's all you really need to know for now.

Speaking of happiness, I met up with two of my favorite bloggers on Monday night. I can't even refer to them as that, more like I met with dear friends I hadn't seen in ages. We clicked right off the bat! I had met Gina before at a RewardStyle event, but it was my first time meeting Caryl. Both ladies are warm, down to earth, and as sweet as can be. Not to mention their fun senses of humor! Husbands came along as well, and they hit it off too. Can I just say, it is so amazing to meet people that exceed your expectations. I often wonder what bloggers are like in "real" life. I try to be as authentic as possible through my writing and my photos, but there is so much we really don't know about one another on the internet. Monday night confirmed that there are genuinely great people who are a part of this community, and I hope to have get togethers more often!

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Plaid Ruffles

Wearing //

Plaid coat (old) but similar

Loft jeans

Sole Society Pumps

MK bag

This coat was first seen on the blog way back in 2010, which is honestly the last time I pulled it out of my closet. I wore the heck out of it until some of the buttons fell off. Then I went to my tailor a few weeks ago when I got my trench coat hemmed, and now it's like wearing a brand new coat! I love the ruffles offset by the dark grey plaid. It's so incredibly soft and cozy, it's darn near like wearing a blanket. I came home to some chilly California weather after my Oahu trip. I was saddened at first because I missed the warm beach, but now I'm fully embracing it. When else do I get to pull out a plush coat? It's December after all, so I'm going to get in as much outerwear time as I possibly can. Happy Monday friends!

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Oahu

I'm back! I think I forgot I had a blog. Okay, that's a total lie. How could I forget you guys? But when you go on vacation, it's a little difficult to get into the swing of things again and so this is my first post in almost a week. I need to plan for my blog better next year. That's one resolution for my list.

My time in Oahu was spectacular. Although I prefer the low key atmosphere of Maui, Oahu has so much to offer in terms of activities, shopping, and nightlife. It truly was one of the most eventful vacations I've had to date. I already posted quite a few pictures on Instagram, so I'm only going to show you my favorites or what you didn't see (otherwise this would be a mile long). My best friend invited me to a wedding, and we met up with all of our old college friends. It's such a different experience going on a trip with multiple people than it is with just your husband or boyfriend. We really didn't sleep the entire time because we wanted to get everything in before our six days were up. I think we did!

The view from our hotel balcony was unreal.

North Shore

There's nothing like drinking from a real coconut!

We were there for Pipe Masters! How cool is that? 

The Pearl Harbor Memorial had me in tears. It was powerful, and an honor to see it in person.

My girl for life. 

Quick little video from a night out for dinner :)

I hope you're having a great week and are looking forward to the weekend. The countdown is on until Christmas! As usual, I'm ill prepared. 

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Haircare

I've recently received a couple reader emails about my current hair routine. To say these types of emails are incredibly sweet and flattering are an understatement, because I really don't do much and I HATE doing my own hair! I really think a lot of it has to do with genes. Mine is as frizzy and unruly as my dad's (thank you for that Mr. man)

I haven't changed things up too much, but I do want to let you know the products I swear by. First, let me say that my hair is naturally wavy, but not the "pretty mermaid" kind. I have a ton of it, but the actual texture is very soft and fine. I wash it every two days, and can't go any longer because that's just a personal preference. I have friends who wash theirs every day, and I have some that can go up to four. I think it depends on your hair's texture. It also depends on your lifestyle. Every two days is perfect for me. So that's the back story. You ladies know I chopped it early this year after frying it during and after my wedding and honeymoon. I felt a new sense of self after getting married, and I wanted my outer appearance to reflect that, however slight the change might have seemed.

                                                                                 Before:

After:

So as you can see, the color is still the same. My hair is naturally pretty dark, but I do darken it up with all-over color about two or three times per year to keep it rich. If it ever looks lighter, it's either the sunlight or it's faded a bit. My color holds a lot of red.

Products I use:

 Clear Total Care shampoo/conditioner. 

You can buy it at any drugstore, it smells amazing, and it's really whipped my dry scalp into shape. It does contain sulfates, which was something I was against for a long time, but now that I don't color my hair very often, I really don't mind. It's also super affordable. 

Macadamia Deep Repair Masque 

I use this about once per week for extra moisture. It really helps to soften my ends and eliminate extra frizz. Don't get me wrong, my hair is still frizzy as Hell even after using this, but it's less so.

I mentioned the Aveda Volumizing Tonic a few weeks back, and it really is the lightest but most effective volumizer I've ever tried. 

It really adds some natural body to my fine hair without weighing it down too much. 

TRESemme Keratin Smooth Treatment

I only use this when I want super straight locks. It really works, to my own surprise! It sounded like a gimmick to me, but I tried it using a coupon and I really enjoy it. It works with the heat of your straightener. I use a GHD by the way, and have for years now. Before that, I loved my Chi. Both are great if you're in the market for one. I don't curl my hair very often, maybe just a couple times per month. I have a Hot Tools for that. And I'm laughing because I just realized that my hair is all curls in the pictures above!

Fekkai Glossing Cream

My all-time favorite for shine and smoothing after I finish styling my hair. If you haven't tried it, you need to.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

My friend introduced me to this, as well as many of you beauty bloggers who convinced me I needed it. There's a wonderful salon in my area that sells it exclusively, so it's quite convenient (albeit expensive). It's really pricey, but worth the volume it provides. Nothing makes my hair bigger than this. Not that I have big hair at all, but it does reach the ceiling until I smooth it down with a brush!

So this seems like a lot, doesn't it? I don't feel it in my routine though, probably because I don't use these on a daily basis. I hope this helps any of you who are interested in new products. I can attest to the quality of them all. 

As you read this, I'm looking like a boho queen in Hawaii. Or at least I hope I am! I didn't pack really any of these products. Nope, just random minis I found at CVS. I like to go au natural when I'm by the beach :)

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