Skinny Cargos

Photo credit: Us Weekly

I'm crazy about these pants myself....the perfect alternative to denim

GHD Hair Straightener

I have super straight hair and sometimes, I just wanna have the wavy, beachy, victoria's secret hair. As you may have also noticed, I am currently obsessed with Olivia Palermo. She has the most amazing hair. I read somewhere that she uses the GHD hair straightener to achieve her perfect waves. It's kinda pricey but all the rave reviews and cult-like following make it seem like a wise investment. But....wait a minute?! Hair straightener for waves? ! Trust me! There IS a way!! The GHD makes it look so effortless. Check out the video below to see how. Available at Sephora for $185.00


Aargh! Darn you Olivia with your perfect hair, perfect skin, and perfect wardrobe!

Olivia Palermo's new Birkin

I'm not a big fan of Olivia P. on The City but I gotta give it to her though. Girl's got style. Great shoes, great bag, great hair.

Tees by James Perse
Athletic Shoes by Lanvin

Cocktail Rings

I have been obsessing about everything Olivia Palermo's been wearing lately. One thing I noticed that she wears a lot are statement rings. Ginormous cocktail rings! I want.

Rings by Alexander McQueen
Rings by Kenneth Jay Lane

J Brand Skinny Cargo Pants

Tanks by Splendid
Sandals by Tory Burch

Another one of my celebrity-inspired looks. This time I'm substituting Rachel's boyfriend jeans with J Brand's uber-popular skinny cargo pants. I don't have access to J Brand but I did find a pretty close knockoff at Mango....I haven't had any good experience with J Brand jeans in the past cuz they don't seem to work on my body - specifically my legs. I find the leg opening on the skinny jeans a little too skinny. They seem to accentuate my calves in an unflattering way. Each body type is different though so make sure you still give this a try cuz some peeps swear by them!

Breton Stripe

Tees by Alice + Olivia
Flats by Lanvin

I just can't get enough of Breton Stripe tops! They exude a certain je ne sais quois. Here's another take on the Alice + Olivia top. I think I have this whole outfit in my closet - must try this stat! I will be living in this top for awhile. I'm thinking of pairing this with a pair of Jbrand knockoff-skinny cargoes that I got at Mango. LOVE LOVE LOVE

LBD

Black Dresses by Black Halo
Sandals by Miu Miu

I'll be going to a wedding this weekend. The only dressy thing I have in my closet is this one Black Halo dress. I have a hard time spending on "dressy" formal outfits that I only see myself wearing once. So I'm gonna stick to a simple LBD and just accessorize......Make it work!

Olivia Palermo

Tees by Alice + Olivia
Platforms by Prada

Must try to rock this.

I think I have these in my closet.

Here are the important elements:

1. Proenza Schouler PS1 bag. I like the large version better. The medium seems to be an odd size even for my petite frame. Available at Barneys for $1995.00

2. Striped top from Alice + Olivia $385 at Shopbop. Jcrew has something similar for a fraction of the cost at $72.00. I love the sequins on this but I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there.

3. Shorts - I like the fit of Paige jeans. These ones are available at Shopbop for $129.00

4. Military Jacket - I love this. Jcrew for $98.00

5. Prada belt available at Yoox for $225.00

6. Bond No. 9 The Scent of Peace - I got a whiff of this at the airport and I just had to have it. Buy from Saks at $210.00

7. Star Earrings - These are just adorbs. Marc by Marc Jacobs $58.00

8. Ray-ban Wayfarers - Classic. Available for $120.00 at Saks

9. Shoes - I would seriously rob a bank for these Pradas. Available at Bluefly $556.00

Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra

During our trip to Spain, one of the cities we visited was Seville. I've always enjoyed architecture, and Seville definitely delivered. The place that left the biggest impression was the Alcazar with its Moorish aesthetic.
This is very similar to the Alhambra that can be found in Granada...
which from what I know, is the inspiration for Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection.
I know, I know, this necklace is eons of seasons ago but i still LOVE it! It's a classic and will never be out of style. Unfortunately, it is also ridiculously expensive. I think the one Reese is wearing retails somewhere upwards of $6k. I so need to have this.

On a side note, Heidi Klum for Mouawad used to have a collection quite similar to VC&A at a more reasonable price. It was also available at QVC at one point. However, VC&A has since sued them for copyright infringement. So I guess, we'll just have to opt for the real deal.

Skinny Boyfriend Jeans

I am seriously obsessed with this look. I just love the rolled cuff! It makes boyfriend jeans a lot easier to wear for shorter gals like me. I also think it makes for a more flattering cut all around. I would pair this with a skinny neon belt, grandma sweater, and a statement necklace for a quintessential jcrew look! Buy from jcrew $78.

Here's another thing I really need from jcrew's sister store (which I love even more). Gotta get a neon belt. It'll definitely add the extra oomph to any outfit. Available at Madewell for $32.00
On another note, during my trip to Spain, I noticed that harem jeans were really in.

I must've tried on over a dozen pairs but I couldn't for the life of me make this work. Unfortunately, my short stature hinders me from being more fashion forward. I just like these cuz they're cut so differently. Oh well, I guess I won't be channelling MC Hammer anytime soon.....

Beauty Essentials

Yesterday I posted a few of my travelling essentials. Today however, is all about what women can truly never leave home without....her beauty products!

Here are some of my favorites:

1. Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation - I've been using this for years. It's water-based, oil-free with a gel-like consistency. It's the only foundation I've found so far that matches my skintone perfectly and doesn't melt in our humid climate.
2. Chantecaille Aqua Blush - It feel cold on the skin when applied and gives skin a natural dewy look. Again, this is also oil-free and water based.
3. Obagi - If you've read my previous post, you'd know that I'm currently on the Obagi program. My favorite Obagi product is the cleanser. I love that it foams up and smells so good.
   
4. Prada cosmetics case - for storing all my make-up
5. Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush #2 - Its highly pigmented and gives just the right amount of blush.
6. La Roche Posay Anthelios - I wear sunblock everyday. It protects skin from premature aging and blocks both UVA and UVB rays like no other. I like that this doesn't break me out. It has a fluid-like consistency and doesn't feel mask-y on the skin like other sunblocks.
   
7. Laura Mercier Make-up Brush Set - I've had mine for almost 10 years and they're still in good shape. Invest in good brushes! They really make a difference when it comes to application.
8. Cover Girl Outlast Lipstain - I discovered this last year and instantly fell in love. You don't even feel like you're wearing it at all. It stays put the whole day and comes in 10 awesomely affordable shades!
   
9. Laura Mercier HydraTint Lip Balm SPF 15 - Another staple in my bag. The colors are universally flattering and they definitely nourish chapped lips. It also gets plus points for having sun protection.
10. Clean Provence Perfume - I think this may be an acquired smell for some people. People I know have either loved it or hated it....I personally love the fresh notes on this - I like the CLEAN smell I get from this. The only downside is that it doesn't last very long.
    
11. Laura Mercier Translucent Pressed Powder - A must for keeping the oilies at bay. It's also translucent so it won't alter the color of your foundation or appear cake-y on your skin. Another product I've been using for years...
12. Clarisonic - There is NOTHING that will clean your face better than this. The sonic technology ensures that it will eliminate all the dirt, make-up and product build-up from my face. I use this once a day and it keeps my skin free from whiteheads, blackheads, acne. For an extra $30.00, make sure you get the Clarisonic Plus so you'll be able to use the optional body brush head. It will really change the way you clean your face.
    

Vacation Time!

Today I leave for Madrid...I'm so excited to finally get away from this heat!

Some things I'm looking forward to:

Jamon


Churros con Chocolate....YUM!


Tapas

And finally....Spanish luxury brand......

I'll be visiting a few cities so I'll try to post more pics in the upcoming weeks!

Travel Essentials

Travelling basics that I can't leave home without....

1. Goyard St. Louis Tote - I love that it's so lightweight. I can easily toss my camera, wallet, etc. Only downside is that it's an open bag so you're stuff can easily fall, out or worse - easy for pickpockets to pick!
2. James Perse Tees - I love these tees. Soft and figure-flattering. I buy these in multiples.
3. Lightweight Scarf - This Missoni Scarf goes with everything.
4. Splendid Cardi - Perfect for layering and oh so versatile!
5. Tory Burch Sandals - Wear with your favorite shorts or dresses.
6. Paige Petite Laurel Canyon Jeans - The only pair I've found that fits my petite frame perfectly.
7. Louis Vuitton Pegase Carry-on - I always bring my carry-on in case my check-in luggage goes missing. Travel the world in style!
8. Diamond Solitaire Earrings - A girl's best friend....
9. Chanel Ballet Flats - Dresses up any look!
10. Prada Sneakers - I feel weird in Converse Chucks. I really feel too old for them. This one fits great, feels great and age- appropriate.
11. Hermes Pendant - Oh my gosh! Chicness overload!!! I just love love love this. It can always pull a look together. I just love accessories. I need to integrate this into my wardrobe more often.
12. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shorts - Boyfriend shorts are on trend at the moment...Taking fashion guru Jenna Lyons' advise, "borrow from the boys"
13. Ray-ban Aviators - Protect your eyes and block the UV's with these babies. Effortless chic.
14. Last but not least, Teva Ventura Thongs - I have bought the same pair three times! I love them THAT much. They are sooo comfortable you can literally walk for days in these.
    

There you have it, this is basically what's gonna be going into my suitcase. I like to pack light so I try to put a lot of thought into what I bring with me. Travelling made versatile, practical, and easy!

Look for Less

Hermes Medor Clutch

I love this clutch. I've had on eye on this for awhile now.....If only it weren't so pricey. Fortunately, Miu Miu has something similar at a fraction of the cost.

Much like the Hermes, this Miu Miu Clutch has the same belt thingy that wraps around the clutch. While the Medor retails upwards of 4k, the Miu Miu clutch is a steal at $770.00 thru net-a-porter.com. If you have some extra cash lying around, the Hermes is available at hermes.com (FYI: Even the dimensions are quite similar! the Large Medor and the Miu Miu are practically the same size!!! Score!)