Preppy Cool

Equipment Blouse, Slouchy Skinny Jeans c/o Item Denim, Sweater from Parker & Chapala, Givenchy Heels (similar), Jennifer Fisher Bone Cuff (I also love this one), Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Chain, Initialed Pouch c/o Graphic Image, Ray Ban Sunglasses

Jeans are a go-to for my lifestyle. I love that they can be easily dressed up with a pair of heels yet casual enough for a walk on the beach. My most recent favorite combo has been a slouchy pair of skinny jeans (a cool yet refined style I can't get enough of) paired with simple, pointy toe heels—à la Isabel Marant's Fall '10 collection. How are you wearing your jeans these days? 

What's In My Pouch

I realized one day after cleaning out my purse that I carry far too much "stuff" around with me. And I'm embarrassed to say there may have been some left over candy wrappers—guilty! So for quick daytime outings I've been grabbing just the essentials and throwing them in a pouch. It's a simplified and more organized way of accessorizing, plus it's that much easier to switch handbags, downsize or upsize since all your necessities are ready to go. Here's a peek at what's been living in one of my favorite Celine pouches. 


Clockwise from top left:
Raen Breslin sunglasses
A favorite pink pen
Monogramed Graphic Image pocket notebook 
Laure Mercier Mineral Powder
iPhone (J.Crew case)
Could I Have That cards
A vintage chain bracelet 
Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl 
Aquaphor
Celine Pouch
Hair pins (just two gets my hair in a bun) 
Keys (key chain by Calleen Cordero)
Tom Ford Blush Nude lipstick

Bits and Tips

A basic basil, cherry tomato and mozzarella salad.

Discovering new ways to incorporate stylish bits into your everyday routine always starts with a little experimenting. Between living in a new home and transitioning into a new season I've been finding myself constantly testing out new recipes, fashion trends, hair styles, home design attempts (and fails) and DIY projects. It seems the most creative moments are the spontaneous ones. 

 Tea cups filled with almonds for friends to snack on when they come over.

 Ocean inspired favorites—A Samudra shark pouch, a Sigal Gerber Jewelry shell necklace and a new Maya Bikini.

 Instead of keeping silverware in a drawer we displayed our forks, spoons and knives in mason jars arranged neatly on a vintage silver tray. 

Using ribbons in my hair. 

Spring Tease

Gifted Ace + Jig Turnaround dress, J.Crew Panama Hat, Ariel Gordon Rose Cut Stone Necklace, Maya Swimwear Bikini, Ray Ban Aviators

Over the weekend the beau and I beat the gloomy coastal fog by escaping to a house set high in the hillsides of Montecito. It was strangely 20 degrees warmer with bright blue skies at the house so we spent the day lounging by the pool with friends. Sadly our sunny day ended the second we drove back down the hill but we left with an impressive base tan and I got to slip on my new Ace + Jig dress—a line I'm completely obsessed with.

The view of the islands and the ocean completely covered in a blanket of fog.

How to Style a Sundress

Every so often I'll dig a little deeper into my closet and re-discover an old favorite that's been sadly neglected and forgotten about. It happens far too often than I'd like to admit. I recently styled this Patterson J. Kincaid dress (bought last Summer) for another KinCommunity video to show how you can update and accessorize a simple sundress. Plus breezy Springtime days are the best time to get creative with dresses and layering. 

shown in the video: Patterson J. Kincaid dress (similar), Ray Ban Wayfarers Sunglasses, Jennifer Fisher Spike Cuff (similar), Celine Pouch (similar), Forever 21 Jacket (similar), Ash Heels, Love Quotes Scarf, Tom Ford True Coral Lipstick. 

Opposites Attract

Gryphon Coat c/o Bib + Tuck Forward Fashion Project, Equipment Blouse (similar), Helmut Lang Jeans, Celine Pouch, Jennifer Fisher Spike Cuff and Necklace, Vintage Bracelets, Ariel Gordon Ring, Steve Madden Boots

Mixing patterns can be a tricky thing but unexpectedly chic when done right. I always start by looking at the colors involved to see if a.) do they compliment each other and b.) do I have another pattern in a similar color. Then I pair them both with neutral pieces. And keep in mind opposites attract like this vertical striped Equipment blouse and horizontal patterned Gryphon coat. 

At Home R&R

Sometimes I find myself in dire need of a little R&R. Whether it's a simple 20 minute cat nap or a week long getaway, nothing recharges the engines quite like some necessary "me" time. Of course, at the top of my list of ways to unwind is a day at the spa filled with head-to-toe treatments that leave me feeling like a glowing, calm goddess. But since extravagant spa days aren't always wallet-friendly, I rely on my own ways of rejuvenating my skin and overall being at home.

[ Darphin's Hydraskin Essential lotion and Hydrating Kiwi Mask, reading material and an eye mask for easy dozing ]

I'll start by taking a long, steamy shower, which I first sprinkle with either Eucalyptus or Lavender essential oil. The whole bathroom will start to smell like an actual spa—it's amazing. Afterwards I’ll put on my biggest and coziest robe and get to pampering my face with some of the most luxurious and effective products by Darphin.

[ Essential Eucalyptus and Lavender oils for a steam shower ]

Since my skin is on the dry side, I like to go for extra moisturizing products. Lately I’ve found the ultimate combination from Darphin that leaves my skin completely dewy and, well, perfectly moisturized. I start with the Hydrating Kiwi Mask which smells like heaven in a bottle and is all around soothing—perfect for a relaxing pick-me-up.

[ A favorite candle, Mor Belladonna ]

Then, I like to kick back with a hot cup of peppermint tea and some magazines while the mask does its job. This is one of my favorite parts of my at home spa experience—especially when I break out a favorite candle or two.

[ Darphin's Hydrating Kiwi Mask, Hydraskin Essential, Hydraskin Intensive Serum ]

After my Kiwi Mask I put on the Hydraskin Intensive Skin-Hydrating Serum. Sidenote: this is truly one of my can’t-live-without products. It goes on thin like water but can literally turn around my worst dry skin days in 24 hours. And it works as a protective layer that increases your glow—my kind of perk! Lastly I use the Hydraskin Essential lotion which contains Butterfly Lavender so it smells amazing. But my favorite part about this product is the fact that it boosts natural hydration within your skin, so it’s proactive in changing your skin.

[ Peppermint tea ]

Just 45-min is all it takes me to feel rejuvenated and radiant from the inside and out—with a lot of help from Darphin of course.
Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win a Darphin products valued at a minimum of $100! Just leave a comment telling me what Darphin product you would be interested in trying and why.
Plus, Darphin has a special offer (one of their best!) just for readers of this post: Get a free Age Defying Dermabrasion Deluxe Sample, Dark Circles and De-puffing Eye Serum Deluxe Sample and Spa Headband with any order at Darphin.com through 5/31/12. Use code BLOGGER at checkout.
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The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 4/23 – 5/24
Be sure to visit the Darphin brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Revlon + Could I Have That

videography by Raya Carlisle

A bold lip color can instantly transform any look. It's the easiest way to up the ante and turn some heads. Bright red lips are one of my favorite ways to add edge to any get-up wether it's a casual daytime look or a dressier evening ensemble. I recently partnered with Revlon® to share a handful of my favorite beauty trends. First up, red lips. Here's a look at 4 simple steps to creating the timeless beauty trend using Revlon PhotoReady™ Perfecting Primer, Revlon Super Lustrous™ Lipstick, Revlon ColorStay™ Lipliner and Revlon® ColorStay™ Longwear Nail Enamel in Bold Sangria. Click here for more beauty tips and inspiration!


Oh! And I'll also be giving away 10 of the Revlon® ColorStay™ Longwear Nail Enamels so make sure to like my facebook page (here) and leave a comment with your email for a chance to win. 

Royal Purple

H&M Leather Pants (similar pair here), Vintage Sweater (similar), Emily Rosendahl Sam Clutch, Raen Breslin Sunglasses, Low Luv by Erin Wasson Cuff, Theyskens' Theory Wedges, Tom Ford True Coral Lipstick.

A rich, royal purple is one of those colors that you think won't look good on you until you give it a whirl. I've recently grown to love this color for every season, especially because it goes particularly well with coral lipstick—sidenote: Tom Ford's True Coral is by far the best and brightest I've tried. For a date night with the beau I threw on this vintage sweater with leather pants and my eponymous clutch from Emily Rosendahl. I still can't get over that I have a bag named after me, too cool. 

How To: Clean Makeup Brushes

I recently noticed that my makeup brushes were looking a bit drab. And considering I use them everyday, they were overdue for a cleaning. A makeup artist once told me that all you need is a gentle shampoo and a little time to let them soak and dry. She also filled me in on how important it is to clean them every 6 weeks since they can collect bacteria and lose their ability to blend. After washing mine I'm even more motivated to do it more often—you'll be surprised how much makeup they hang on to and how much softer they are afterwards. 

I used a mason jar to soak the brushes for 1-2 minutes in lukewarm water with a dash of Pureology's hydrating shampoo. Then I used the sink to rinse and dab them clean. Tip: For larger brushes drop a pea size amount into the palm of your hand and rub in a circular motion with the brush so that it suds up. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

 After a quick soak and rinse, wipe the brushes on a towel and shape them so the hairs dry properly without any strays. 

Tip: display your brushes in a vase or jar face up so they avoid collecting dust and dirt in a drawer or makeup bag. Pictured above: Vintage tumbler from Maison K, Jennifer Fisher cuffs (similar) and West Elm tray. 

Sipped Snack

Yesterday the weather was so utterly perfect that I couldn't resist a quick 30 minutes of soaking in the Springtime sunshine. I had a stack of unread magazines but was out of my usual sweet guilty pleasures—faux macaroons and chocolate chip cookies. With plenty of fruit on hand I decided to whip up a healthy smoothie. Not only was it crazy delicious but I also had the chance to use one of my fancy new straws, which made it all the more fun. Check out my impromptu smoothie recipe below.

Lime & Tangerine Smoothie

1 - 1/2 cups of tangerine juice

1 - 2 limes (juiced)

1 cup of halved strawberries

1 1/2 bananas 

Combine, blend and taste. Add a little more of something if it needs it. 

Chill for 15 minutes and serve.

Neutrally Beneficial

Helmut Lang Blazer (also seen here), BCBGeneration Pants (similar pair here), Sigal Gerber Jewelry Sea Shell Necklaces, Equipment Top, Alexander Wang Bag, Theyskens' Theory Wedges (similar here), Raen Sunglasses, Jennifer Fisher Spike Cuff (similar), Vintage Chain Bracelet.

Whenever I fall into a wardrobe rut, I turn to my favorite neutral pieces. It's my way of starting over with a clean canvas. Then I'll gradually start adding colorful patterns and accessories back into the mix—almost like a mini fashion cleanse. Lately I've been loving monotone looks so I paired three of my favorite basics together. Check out how Alicia from Cheetah is the New Black styled this same Helmut Lang jacket—a Spring must-have if you ask me. See more Springtime jackets I'm craving below. 

Springtime jackets worth checking out:

Asos Aertex Jacket

Vince Linen Blazer 

Free People Tattered Boucle Jacket

Elizabeth and James New Samni Jacket

IRO Red Haven Blazer

Asos Boyfriend Denim Jacket

1 Trend 3 Ways: Brights!

Three years ago I had a very bland and colorless closet. There was always a part of me that thought with my hair and skin tone I couldn't pull off shockingly bright colors. But with the recent explosion of happier hues and playful color combinations I've found myself embracing new shades, proving myself wrong. Here's another fun video I did with KinCommunity on three ways to wear the trend. And don't knock it until you try it, chances are you will fall in love with brights one way or another.  

Muted Essentials

Zara Jeans (similar), Equipment Blouse, Samudra Shark Pouch, Ariel Gordon Pinky Ring, Target Boots, Michael Kors Watch, Vintage Chain and Brass Bracelet from Ava + Aliria. 

While I love that pastels are a hot commodity this Spring—especially after laying eyes on this collection from 3.1 Phillip Lim—I have been opting for a more subtle version of the sweet color palette. I spotted these pale and faded pink jeans at Zara and knew they would go with just about everything. I've been pairing bits of blue, coral, white and brown with them proving that it's not only an utterly pretty color but versatile too. 

Bits and Tips

Homemade meringue cookies at the beau's parents house.

A new season always feels like a fresh start, which I'm reminded every time how much I love. It gives reason to try new recipes, clean out a closet or freshen up your wardrobe. These past two weeks have really started to feel like Spring, which has put me on cloud 9. I've officially found my favorite spot in our house on a sunny morning, started checking off a never ending home to-do list and found a handful of new cookbooks I'm planning on trying out. 

 Jennifer Fisher pieces that have been in heavy rotation—wing cuff, spike cuff (similar) and bone ring. 

 Breakfast at a new favorite brunch spot in Santa Barbara—Scarlett Begonia. 

 I've been loving shades of aqua lately—totally want this car. 

Tiles from Tabarka that I'm dreaming about having in our new home.