Color Coated

[ Tangerines in a Ceramic Cook bowl ]

This past week was filled with lot's of unexpected color. Between bright orange tangerines picked up at the store and a trunk show for Gregory Parkinson's vibrant Spring/Summer collection at Dressed, I couldn't help but smile a little more. After chatting with Gregory about woman dismissing color in their wardrobes for sexier black pieces I couldn't help but realize how much black I actually own as well. Not that I don't appreciate the closet essential but his creations made me suddenly crave artful prints, which I dismiss most of the time. Here are a few things currently bringing a little color to my springtime days. 

[ Gregory Parkinson Spring/Summer pieces ]

 [ A colorful menu from Easter at the beau's parents ] 

 [ Goat cheese cheesecake with strawberries ]

[ Shades of blue from the collection ]

Like a Feather

[ Vintage Armani dress, Madewell Necklace, Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff, Vintage Striped Bag, J.Crew Hat, Revlon Love That Pink Lip Color seen here ]

I love wearing maxi dresses around this time of year, they're the perfect option for days that are warm in the sun yet cold in the shade. I recently found this one at a thrift store and couldn't wait to wear it on a warm day. I love the slightly gathered empire waist, cross back lace straps and sheer chiffon fabric. I felt guilty wearing solid black on such a sunny, perfect spring day so I put on my new favorite fuschia pink lipstick I recently discovered at CVS—if you're in need of a cheap thrill I highly recommend trying it out, it truly is the perfect hot pink. 

Skin Secrets

Finding the right facial products seems to be a never ending trial and error process. There are so many factors that can irritate my skin or cause a breakout—too much sugar, weather, hormones and makeup—so I'm constantly trying new potions and lotions recommended by friends or favorite brands. I do sometimes splurge on certain products that aren't cheap but I figure it's worth it in the long run. Here's a look at what I'm currently using and loving... 

1. Arcona Herbal Compound—I put this on irritated skin or problem areas before going to bed. It has natural ingredients that kill bacteria without being to drying.

2. Arcona Reozone 40—I finally found a sunscreen that doesn't give me odd breakouts. I wear this one almost daily and it never causes problems. 

3. Arcona Triad Pads—These are perfect for a post-workout. They leave my skin extra soft and clean. 

4. Natura Bisse Diamond Cream—Incredibly moisturizing and luxurious. I savor this jar!

5. Arcona Night Worker—I use this the night before a special occasion and it makes my skin  look fresh and dewy.  

6. Natura Bisse The Cure Pure Serum—Magic in a bottle. I use this serum in the morning because it's extra moisturizing yet not too greasy. 

7. Russell Organics Argan Oil—I've been told this is the best anti-aging ingredient around. Three times a week I put this on all over my face and neck at night. 

8. Arcona Magic White Ice—Since my skin tends to be on the dry side, sometimes I double up on my moisturizer. This is another great option I use for daily moisturizing. 

9. Arcona Berry Fruit Bar—A trick I recently discovered for dry skin, only wash your face at night with a cleanser and rinse with warm water in the morning. And, use a gentle cleanser like this one. 

10. Caudalie Eye Cream—Bye bye dark circles. Pricey, but so worth it. 

11. Olay Total Effects Eye Brush—I love putting this on in the mornings, it's anti-aging and tinted. Easy on the wallet and works wonders. 

12. Bobbi Brown Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover—I got this mini sample as a GWP recently and I'm crazy about it. 

A few other tips I try to live by when it comes to skin care... 

• Drink lot's of water 
• Load up on fatty acids: almonds, salmon, eggs, leafy greens
• Rest
• Exfoliating 2-3 times a week
• Also include your neck and chest in daily routines
• Avoid refined sugars (this one is the hardest for me, and it affects me the most)
• Always wear sunscreen and have a hat handy

Braid Away

Braiding hair has never been my forte. Every time I attempt a fancy braided do, I usually end up with tired arms and a lopsided mess. But like most things, practice makes perfect so I've been gathering inspiration to help ease the learning curve. Lately I've been loving thick side braids, fishtail ponies and french braided buns that look effortlessly thrown together. There's just something about springtime that begs for feminine outfits and a little (or big) braid thrown into the mix. Here are a few hair styles I'm hoping to imitate for sunny days ahead. 

Black Floral

[ Joie Dress, Stewart+Brown Sweater, Alexander Wang Bra, J.Crew Panama Hat, Vintage Belt, Target Boots, Vintage Bracelets ]

Once in a while, the perfect sweater presents itself and quickly becomes a can't-leave-the-house-without-it staple. I recently found a Stewart+Brown cashmere sweater that I love for so many reasons I literally can't go a day without throwing it on. With handy buttons at each shoulder you can wrap yourself up in it for extra warmth, which is totally genius for this oversized style. I have to say, the one thing I can't seem to live without is my cashmere cozies. It's the perfect extra layer for a mild California day or cold night. What is one thing you can't live without in your wardrobe? 

Lipstick Jungle

It wasn't too long ago that I was a lip gloss only kind of girl. The thought of wearing a bold lip color was something I was too timid to pull off. Last spring I started with a light pink, then moved to corals/reds by summer and now I've acquired quite the collection along with a little confidence to pull them off. I have fallen in love with some pricey finds and affordable ones (most recently a Fuschia, Love That Pink by Revlon) so here's a look at my current favorites. Side note: Still on the hunt for a neon-ish coral/orange, if you have a favorite let me know! 

Revlon Stormy Pink, Maybelline Coral Crush, Revlon Love That Pink

Chanel Rouge Allure, Tom Ford Blush Nude, Tom Ford True Coral, Bobbi Brown Vixen Red

Here's a little description of each color.

Revlon Stormy Pink—a light barbie pink that stands out just enough. 

Maybelline Coral Crush—an orangey coral seen on me here and here

Revlon Love That Pink—bright, fuschia pink. My most recent find. 

Chanel Rouge Allure—my Mad Men lipstick. It's the perfect bright red. 

Tom Ford Blush Nude—I can't live without this pale nude, see it here. 

Tom Ford True Coral—(the best) bright coral out there, seen here. 

Bobbi Brown Vixen Red—A good classic rich red.

Heat of the Moment

Maybe it was the bright red French poppies I picked up at the farmer's market (seen here) or the coral colored Celine bag that I've been lusting over, but lately I've been in the mood for toasty hues. Tangerine, salmon pinks, orangey corals, you name it I'm craving it. Here are a few things that I'm currently excited about. 

1. Topshop Orange Cutaway Halter Dress $76

2. Marni Two-Tone Woven Bangle $200

3. Nars Heat Wave Lipstick $24

4. Newbark Small Canvas Pouch $435

5. Loomstate Reef Top $185

6. Super Sunglasses Ciccio Red $150

7. J.Crew Perforated Suede Ballerina flats $150

8. Vanessa Bruno Tapered Crepe Pants $425

9. Deborah Lippmann Girls Just Want To Have Fun $16

10. Jil Sander Market Acetate Bag $135

11. Brian Atwood Power Patent-leather Pumps $570

Strawberry Shortcake

One of the many fresh ingredients I picked up from the Farmer's Market over the weekend was a carton full of bright red strawberries. I didn't even make it home before eating a few and they were so perfectly sweet and tasty I immediately started craving strawberry shortcake. Since one of my favorite pizza stops in Ojai (Boccali's, seen here) serves up the best-ever strawberry shortcake, I knew I had to do some research to top it. I came across this recipe by Donna Hay and it fulfilled all my expectations. I did however make my own shortbread cookies using this recipe, which is better than any store bought version. It was the perfect sunny day dessert. 

[ The top of a water glass doubles as a cookie cutter ] 

[ Making extra is always the best idea]

[ I added a touch of vanilla in the whipped cream ]

[ Fresh strawberries cooked in sugar and vanilla ]

[ I used tea cups to serve each one, which was the perfect amount since it was a post-lunchtime treat ]

Weekend Recap

[ French Poppies from the Farmers Market ]

This weekend was utter perfection. With nothing on the agenda and hot, summer-like weather we relished in a little R&R. From being lazy in the a.m. hours to soaking up some rays at the beach I was a happy clam both days, or lobster since I missed a few spots with the sunscreen. The best part was the warm air that lasted well into the night. It almost felt like a crime to be inside even at 9 pm so I spent as much time outside as I could. 

Here's a few simple things that made my weekend a blissful one. Tell me what makes your weekend a happy one... 

[ A trip to Hammonds Beach ]

[ Mint chip Ice Cream from Here's the Scoop in Montecito]

[ Fresh veggies at the Farmer's Market ]

[ Colorful Sweet Peas ]

[ Every morning started with an over-easy egg ]

[ Except Saturday... a cinnamon roll got involved ]

Mission Rose Garden

Warm, sunny Spring days beg for the picnic basket to be brought out and filled with goodies. Yesterday couldn't have been a more perfect day to sit back and relax in the late afternoon light with some wine, cheese and appetizers. On a whim, the beau and I met some friends at one of our favorite picnic spots, the Mission rose gardens. You can't get a more scenic place to throw down a blanket than thousands of roses with one of California's oldest Missions as a backdrop. Needless to say it was the ultimate way to unwind. Here are a few snaps from the evening. 

[ Champagne and cheese ] 

[ No breeze and a warm sun = bliss ]

 [ The Santa Barbara Mission ]

 [ Lindsey and me ]

 [ Quinoa salad ]

 [ A row of historic Spanish colonial homes - could i have that? ]

[ A necessity—tunes ]