Bits and Tips

A BCBGeneration dress that has been in heavy rotation.

With June just days away I've been eagerly transitioning into Summer. I picked up two big bouquets of peonies, pulled out my favorite breezy dresses and have been living in my bikinis thanks to some extra warm weather. Fingers crossed it stays this way. Here's a look at a few things I've been loving lately. 

 Peonies displayed in a mason jar.

 Fresh baked banana bread using this recipe. 

 Raen's Squire sunglasses, a new favorite. 

Three new scents I've been loving and wearing: Jo Malone Blue Agave Cacao, Chloe Eau de Fleurs and Bobbi Brown Beach

The best neon yellow nail polish from American Apparel. 

Cocktail Hour

Nothing tops off a perfect day at the beach (or pool) quite like a cold margarita. I recently picked up a batch of Lychees that were so incredibly good I was instantly inspired to make something with them. And since the recent days have been so warm and summer-like I decided a round of margaritas was in order. The outcome? Crazy delicious and I highly recommend trying this recipe (see below).

Lychee Margaritas

1 cup of peeled and chopped lychees

1/2 cup lime juice

a little ice

1/3 cup Triple Sec

a shot or two of tequila

Blend the lychees, lime juice, ice and triple sec in a blender. Pour tequila over ice in glasses and pour the blended mixture over. Garnish with a lychee and coat the glass rims with lime and salt, something I regret not doing here but I was too eager to sip my concoction!

White Washed

Mikoh Swimwear dress, J.Crew Hat, Sunpocket Sunglasses, Maya Swimwear Bikini c/0, Jennifer Fisher Bone Ring and Cuff, American Apparel Neon Yellow Nail Polish, Ariel Gordon Pinky Ring

This past weekend felt like a dream. Instead of getting in line to rush out of town for the Holiday break, the beau and I decided to stick around home for some R&R. Lucky for us the weather was utterly perfect in Santa Barbara so we spent time at the beach, pool and in our yard with friends. It felt so good to get a slight tan I painted my nails the brightest neon yellow color I could find. 

Sunday

It's no secret that I'm crazy in love with my beau. We've been together for quite some time now and I can honestly say I'm even more enamored with him than I was the first night we met. And, I couldn't love his family more. We recently spent a long Sunday with the whole clan at his parents' house lounging, playing scrabble, walking through the orchards, cooking, riding the tractor and playing bocce ball. It's one of my most favorite places to be in this world and I fall in love a little more every time. 

DIY: Ombre Cut-Off Shorts

This time last year I went on a mission to find the perfect pair of cut-off denim shorts. I found a lot of almost-winners but not the exact style I was looking for. Then I decided to cut up an old pair of boyfriend jeans (before seen here after here) and they turned out exactly how I was envisioning that perfect fit—loose, low and short. And since so many of you inquired about my shorts, here's my mini tutorial with a new experiment thrown into the mix—DIY ombre wash. My biggest bit of advice... start with an oversized pair of boyfriend jeans. 

 The essentials: a good pair of scissors and fabric spray.

 I like cutting a little slit in the sides for a looser fit.

Start by covering the tops of the jean with paper and spray from the bottom.

 Magic. Ombre denim shorts. Let them dry for a day or two before washing.

The result—a subtle dark ombre effect.

Stay tuned for another denim experiment coming soon!

Keep It Simple

Helmut Lang Jeans, 3.1 Phillip Lim Top, Doma Jacket (similar) Givenchy Heels (similar), Emily Rosendahl Clutch, Jennifer Fisher Wing Cuff and Bone Cuff, Ariel Gordon Stacked Rings, Raen Squire Sunglasses c/o.

While I love trying out different trends and stepping outside the norm, keeping it simple will always be my fashion motto. My five mainstay essentials for every season are skinny jeans, pointy toe heels, a leather jacket, gold jewelry and a silky neutral top. I consistently rely on these simple necessities no matter what the latest trend is. 

Tiny Lines

BCBGeneration dress c/0, Sweater from Parker & Chapala, Jennifer Fisher Spike Cuff, Vintage Bracelets from Ava + Aliria, Celine Pouch, Target Boots (see a similar pair I'm coveting in black), Raen Sunglasses.

Simple, dainty patterns are something I'm constantly drawn to. I fell in love with this BCBGeneration dress because of the subtle, dreamy colors and it can easily be dressed up or worn for a casual outing. Another plus? The pattern and colors are so versatile they practically go with everything. Stay tuned for this little number styled in a whole new way for a dressier evening. 

Essie Pop Art Pink nail polish, a recent favorite.

Pucker Up

Remember the other day when I shared a how-to on one of my favorite beauty combos: smoky eyes + a pony tail? If you missed it check it out here. Two major essentials that I rely on for just a hint of lip color is a lip stain and balm (or gloss). Enter, Revlon® Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain, the perfect combo of moisture and color all wrapped up in one product. I'll be giving away 10 of these crayon-like sticks and all you have to do is "like" my facebook page here and leave a comment below with your email address. Good luck! 

Smoky Eyes + A Pony Tail

There's something undeniably sleek and sexy about a slicked back bun or pony tail. And my favorite way to compliment this hairdo? Smokey eyes and a hint of color and gloss on the lips. It's a perfect combo for a date night if you ask me. Here's a peek at how I get the look with some favorite Revlon® products: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush™ Mousse Makeup, Revlon® Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm and Revlon Luxurious Color™ Smoky Crayon. 

P.S. Stay tuned for a giveaway coming up tomorrow. I'll be giving away 10 Revlon® Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stains—one of my favorite Revlon® products! And don't forget to check out more beauty inspiration from some fellow bloggers here.

Cozy Camel

Gap Jeans (similar), Daryl K Wrap Sweater c/o Bib + Tuck, Raen Sunglasses, Jennifer Fisher Spike Cuff and Bone Ring, BCBGeneration Lucite Cuff, Theory Wedges, Maybelline Coral Lipstick, Emily Rosendahl Clutch.

There are some winter favorites that I never can part with when the sunny days roll around. And with the infamous June Gloom just around the corner I'll be relying on some cozier pieces for foggy mornings and nights. I always keep my favorite cashmere wrap (seen here) in my purse but I also love having a warm jacket and a few favorite cashmere sweaters handy no matter what the weather forecast is. 

Brunch Inspiration

Waffles + Chocolate Sauce

Lately I've been fantasizing about cooking up a giant brunch for some friends and having a lazy Sunday. The mornings have been perfectly sunny which have me antsy to put our patio and some hot pink place mats to use. Since I'm not a spontaneous type of chef, I always like to gather some inspiration when I come across it. Here are a few ideas I've been loving for an early Summer brunch from some of my favorite foodie blogs. What are you cooking in your kitchen these mornings? 

 Brie + Jam + French Bread

 Asparagus + Poached Eggs + Grits

Pecan Cinnamon Buns + Mascarpone Icing 

Strawberry Scones from Happyolks—be sure to check out the adorable video tutorial that goes along with it! 

Palm Springs : Poolside

Maya Swimwear bikini c/o, vintage cuffs, Heather Wright necklace from Upstairs Pierre Lafond, J.Crew hat, Ray Ban sunglasses. 

This past weekend I spent a majority of my time lounging by the pool with my mama and sister. It was an extra hot couple of days in Palm Springs so nothing else sounded good except staying cool in the water with a big glass of iced tea. We played a round of scrabble, caught up on some mags and got a little sun kissed. 

I was crazy about this white Maya bikini but loved it even more when paired with chunky silver cuffs and a bohemian-esque beaded necklace. 

My Samudra pouch held all of my poolside essentials—Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen, Field Notes, J.Crew Hat, iPhone (case from J.Crew) and sunnies. 

I love the ruffle detail on this swimsuit, which by-the-way fits so crazy well. I have yet to find a suit that makes my buns look better. 

An Arnold Palmer has never tasted so good. 

Too cute. My mom got the highest scored word by spelling her middle name. 

Boy was she excited. 

Hiding in the shade. 

I could have really used some more vowels on this round. P.S. that rad fabric is my new pair of Ace & Jig shorts (recently seen here). I practically lived in them the whole weekend.