Heart You

 Equipment Blouse.  Old Navy Tee.  Current / Elliot Jeans (similar).  Target Cap.  
Miu Miu Pumps.  gifted Brahmin Bag.  J.Crew and Dannijo Bracelets.

I have so many happy memories spent wearing this blouse (is that cheesy?!) as it has been my go to on numerous occasions. This perfectly quirky print is the obvious choice when grabbing sushi with girlfriends, is always ideal for Starbucks runs (like yesterday) and let's be honest, everything else in between. 

Mini Moments

Since going from a brunette to a redhead I've enjoyed experimenting with various color combinations in both my closet and makeup bag to see what works best with my new locks. I quickly realized what closet staples of mine (like this rust colored fedora) unfortunately just look better in contrast with my brown curls - but on the other hand, I've also been embracing new hues that have made the color change all the more fun! Pink, both bright and pale, is a color I've found to be quite universal... there really is an ideal pink hue for everyone.

I blame my guy for chatting my ear off on the plane rides to and from North Carolina last week and therefore I have yet to get through this rather large stack of March and now, April magazines (although I'm not complaining).

These tulips make our apartment feel one step closer to spring, despite the chilly weather we've been experiencing over the past couple of days. 

Revlon Lipgloss "Coral Reef" + ILIA "Shell Shock" = My ideal bright pink lip combination.

His (Orange Candy Slices) & Her (Chocolate Milk) afternoon sweets.

Another {Floral} Day

J.Crew Cardigan and Bag.  Parker Blouse.  Current / Elliot Denim.  

Zara Heels.  Norma Kamali Sunglasses.  Vintage Belt.

Oh, you know, just another floral denim wearing day... Happy Monday!

Floral Rock

Helmut Lang Blazer (similar).  Equipment Blouse.  BCBG Skirt.  

gifted DVF Booties.  The Row Sunglasses.  Alexander Wang Bag.

After spending a week in tees and flip flops I was excited to throw on heels, even if just to run errands. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love a relaxing beachside vacation but after a week or so I'm ready to get dressed up again (it's the city girl in me). I've been on quite the floral print mixing kick (paired them with stripes here).

A short tale re: this blazer... I cornered a girl wearing this Helmut Lang beauty in Magnolia Bakery (naturally) a couple months back, only to find that it was last season and she had bought it in Paris, le sigh! Obviously, and luckily for me, I was able to track it down and I'm so glad I did as I'd have to say it's my all time dream blazer. The sleek look with leather sleeves gives any outfit an edgy cool factor and I know I will be wearing it for years to come. I can't find it online anymore but this white and black version (currently at the top of my wish list as I mentioned here) is beyond perfect for spring / summer - wouldn't you agree? 

Bald Head Island

We've been spring breakin' it up with friends in Bald Head Island, North Carolina this week. Our only decisions to make over the past few days have been whether to lounge beachside or on the deck at the house (overlooking the beach). We couldn't have lucked out with better weather (it almost feels more summer-like than spring) and one of my favorite parts about this sleepy island is the fact that cars aren't allowed (we've been cruising around in oversized golf carts and on beach cruiser bikes). Afternoon bocce ball, gourmet bbq's, experimenting with various cocktail concoctions (my new favorite is pictured below) and beach bonfires make it tough to leave.  

J.Crew Top.  Current / Elliot Shorts.

Cocktail of the day: Pineapple flavored Coconut Water + Whiskey + Lime Wedge.

Currently Craving

Tibi Maxi Dress.  Helmut Lang Blazer.  Tibi Maxi Skirt.  DVF Clutch.  Maje Top.  

Elizabeth and James Dress.  Current / Elliot Shorts.  Zara Heels.  

With warmer temperatures come various party invites and impromptu weekend soirees. I am currently crushing on pleated maxi dresses and skirts as well as peplum blouses (recently worn here) in a mix of pastel hues. Not only are they fresh for spring but all of the above can easily be transitioned from day to night. And to top off the look as the sun goes down, throw on this Helmut Lang white and black leather sleeved jacket. 

Spring Breakin'

Crazy hair day cure: floral bow (from Target).

One of the (best) perks of having a husband in grad school has been his schedule. It's highly likely we won't ever have a month and a half off during the holidays like we did this past December or the chance to spend most Fridays together. At least not for a very long time, which is why we will be taking full advantage of his spring break this week. We are flying off to North Carolina this morning and are anxiously awaiting a low key week filled with nothing but beach side lounging and indulgent barbecues with close friends. 

And here are some "mini moments" from my unusually sunny weekend.

My spring break beauty essentials: Estee Lauder Bronzer, Nars Super Orgasm Illuminator, Chanel June (on my fingers) + Particuliere (on my toes) and ILIA Nobody's Baby Lip Conditioner.  

Parker Strapless Top.  J.Crew Blouse and Necklace.  Current / Elliot Jeans (similar).  The Row Sunglasses.

Heart ribbon makes this already adorable Laduree box (that I now keep earrings in) that much sweeter.

Picked up this pleated Old Navy Maxi dress in yellow (and pink!) this weekend.

Secrets Don't Make Friends

Gorgeous white flowers at the Erin Fetherston showroom. 

I popped into Manhattan on Wednesday for a leisurely play day. Eating and perusing my way through the West Village on a sunny afternoon (hello, bare arms + legs!) was the perfect mid-week treat. It turns out I won't be having to make this four hour bus ride to get my city fix for that much longer as we recently found out that we will be moving to New York City this summer after my husband graduates! As much as we miss our families and friends back home in Northern California I wasn't quite ready to move back to the west coast. The city will be an exciting change / move for us, one that I'm very much looking forward to sharing with you!

Vince Dress (similar).  gifted Brahmin Bag.  gifted Tory Burch Necklace.

I'm constantly looking for cutesy stationary and goodies to send to my little sister (who I miss terribly back in San Francisco) and was excited to find these adorably quirky note cards and vintage inspired coasters at Greenwich Letterpress. I also picked up a few notebooks and this sweet heart ribbon for myself.

Kim (Eat Sleep Wear) and I after a delicious lunch at Joseph Leonard.

Friday Find: ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioners (first seen here) $24 each. 

These natural and organic lip conditioners are my latest lip obsession. They offer the soothing chap-stick like quality I look for but with a hint of color. Nobody's Baby is my personal favorite as it's the perfect sheer nude. Plus these beauties get bonus points in my book for their sleek silver tubes. 

Spotted

Kate Spade Pumps (spotted on a model at the Kate Spade Presentation).

I've been on a much needed spring cleaning streak this week. From our apartment (which unfortunately our friend's witnessed the worst of it this past weekend), to my makeup and lastly the photos on my computer. Mid-computer clean up I ran across these that I snapped last month during New York Fashion Week and I wanted to share them with you because well, they obviously go with the cheetah theme... enjoy! 



Spotted this fabulous coat / woman at the Rebecca Taylor show. 

PS: I often get asked the difference between cheetah and leopard -- cheetah is solid black spots and leopard is a cluster of black and brown. This coat is a true cheetah print!

Color Combo {Mint + Orange}

Current / Elliot Jeans.  Equipment Blouse.  Acne Sweater.  J.Crew Bag.  

DIY Necklace (similar mixed metal chain necklace available on Etsy here).  Ash Shoes.

Color combination to try now: mint + orange.

Delicate Details

gifted Madison Marcus Dress (also crushing on 1, 2, 3).  Kate Spade Necklace.  
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Boots (similar).  gifted Brahmin Bag.  Miu Miu Sunglasses.

I can't get enough of the delicate details on this ultra feminine dress. The ruffles along the sleeves and hem make it feel extra whimsical and girlie. It reminds me of my favorite blouse seen here, here and here, (a blog repeater!) but in dress form. I would wear this dress to multiple occasions, a girlfriend's bridal shower, wine tasting with the family or a special date with my guy. Every girl needs a versatile little number like this in her closet!

Tip: Wear your spring / summer dresses now paired with fall and winter boots as the weather transitions. Belt a sweater around your waist (seen most recently here) if it's a particularly chilly day.

Revlon + Cheetah is the New Black

I'm excited and slightly nervous as I am terribly camera shy, to debut my first ever video blog posts. I've collaborated with Revlon® to bring you mini tutorials throughout the year and to kick things off I will be sharing two simple how-tos. The first is a natural everyday look and the second is an easy smoky eye. 



For a simple everyday look I typically wear a light foundation, mascara, and finish with a swipe of lipgloss. Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush™ Mousse Makeup is lightweight yet provides the coverage I need (goodbye blemishes and acne scars!). Apply where needed (for me that is my t-zone and around my eyes) with your fingertips or a brush for buildable coverage. Next I added a single coat of Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume™ Mascara and lipgloss (I like these Revlon glosses from this Friday Finds post). I was out the door in minutes and with a latte in hand.

A sultry smoky eye is something I have yet to master but I am able to achieve the look I want by simply layering the colors from the Revlon® ColorStay™ 16 Hour Eye Shadow palette. Start by priming your eyes with Revlon PhotoReady™ Eye Primer + Brightener. Next layer the shadows adding the deepest shade of charcoal as a finishing touch to contour the eyes. Complete the look with multiple coats of Revlon 3D Volume™ Mascara, which will really make your eyes pop. Throw on a leather jacket and you're evening ready.

I hope you liked my first video attempts (and for more beauty tips head right this way)!

A Neutral Palette

gifted Joie Dress.  Vince Sweater Coat.  Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Boots (similar).
gifted Brahmin Trina Tote.  Vintage Belt.

This sweet Joie dress has been hanging in my closet begging to be worn and yesterday it was finally warm enough (albeit with thigh high boots and a sweater coat, but still)! I'm looking forward to the day when I can wear this little lace number sans the sweater, but until then I'm just thankful for the delightful mid-week temperature spike.

Photos by Lizzie Brooks.

It's What's In The Bag

gifted Brahmin Trina Tote.  Row Sunglasses.  gifted Proenza Schouler Key Chain.  Louis Vuitton Wallet.  

Malin + Goetz Mojito Lipgloss.  ILIA 'Nobody's Baby' Lip Conditioner.  Mr. Dannijo iPhone Case.

Being the photo fanatic that I am, I snapped a few pictures while packing up my bag for the day. I enjoy capturing my "mini moments," and I hope you enjoy them too! 

A few things of note...

1. I'm completely smitten with my new snakeskin drawstring tote! It's especially roomy and has quickly proved to be my ideal everyday bag and beyond perfect for spring.  

2. Two current lip favorites include: Malin + Goetz mojito lip balm and the all natural ILIA lip conditioner in a pretty sheer nude.  

3. Random Fact: I always carry tea bags with me and mint green tea is my afternoon pick me up of choice.

Weekend Scenes

Sunday evening I surprised my guy with a batch of Lucky Charms Treats (aka Rice Krispies Treats made with Lucky Charms cereal). The marshmallow delights did not disappoint; he's enjoyed one or two with every meal for the past couple of days and has already requested that I make them on a regular basis (dangerous).

Target Turtleneck.  gifted Lucca Couture Sweater.  Current/Elliot Jeans (similar for less).  Zara Heels.

A casual Friday evening (pizza run) ensemble. 

My latest DIY'd necklace. You can make it yourself using these skull charms and this crystal necklace tutorial.

A grouping of my daily beauty favorites. Rodin olio lusso has definitely been my saving grace this winter. 

A new delightfully sweet yet not too strong smelling candle (Sugar Blossom) from a recent Target run.