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GRACE IN LACE

February 7, 2015, 9:48 am
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Good morning, Everyone! Hope you are all having a great weekend!

I've been saving this cute two-piece number from Love & Lemons for Valentine's Day, but as luck would have it, Emil and I got ourselves invited to a dinner party last night, so I just couldn't resist taking this lace wonder out for a walk. Not that I actually thought I would be able to resist wearing it before Valentine's Day, but I did manage to hold off for about 2 weeks and that has got to be a new record for me! Another positively wonderful outcome of this decision is that I am now going back to shopping for something else to wear on V-Day, and I don't know about you guys, but shopping for Valentine's Day dresses is one of my favorite things to do!:) 





For Love & Lemons Grace top and skirt { long dress option here, mini dress option here } | Michael Kors Adelina runway suede platform sandals in black | Samantha Wills Fate's Venture clutch | Gold Philosophy SS15 Collection Treble ring, Galaxias pearl ring, Pirouette ring & Shield ear cuff


Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle  
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5 SKINCARE COMMANDMENTS

February 9, 2015, 8:06 am
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Good morning, Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! As I have mentioned before, I take skincare very seriously. I am not a huge fan of foundation or wearing a lot of make up in general. My daily make up consists of blush and bronzer, liner, mascara and lipstick. Though I do wear concealer and cover up on rare occasions, I don't love the way they feel on and definitely prefer to sport a clean face. Naturally, I take great care to insure my skin is in the best possible shape so that I can go make up free as much as possible. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk to you a little bit about my 5 skincare commandments. 

1: Used once a week, a glycolic peel makes your skin look radiant and improves the texture and tone of your skin! As I have mentioned before, I haven't always been as diligent about using sun block as I should be. So in time, this complete and total disregard for sun block combined with my obsession with tanning, left a bit of sun damage on my cheeks and nose. Since I didn't want to wear foundation to cover up these sun spots, I decided to try a glycolic peel in order to erase the evidence of my sun worshiping ways. After trying a few different ones, I finally found StriVectin LABS 5-minute weekly glycolic peel. Reason why I like this one is because it contains the highest levels of glycolic and other AHA acids available for home use, it's gentle yet effective and it does a great job diminishing the look of not only sun spots but other skin imperfections as well. Super easy to use, I generally like to apply  it in the evening after I wash my face. I start with Step 1 to detox the skin and prepare it for exfoliating acids. Next, I apply Step 2 to exfoliate the skin, shrink pores and minimize the appearance of sun spots and other skin imperfections. 






2: Good skin starts from within! Every morning I start my day with a glass of water with lemon. At this point, I think everyone is well aware of the benefits of drinking water to keep your skin hydrated, but adding lemon helps to eliminate toxins from the body as well as prevent wrinkles and acne. 


3: Green tea ice cubes revive your skin in minutes! I am sure we've all had those tired skin days. You know, those days when maybe we've stayed up a little too late the night before, or just had one of those exhausting, super busy days which left our skin feeling and looking a little blah! Well, here is my remedy to combat those skin blues:) Start by brewing some green tea ( I prefer to use fresh, loose tea as apposed to tea bags, to maximize benefits ), once the tea cools down, pour the tea into the ice tray and  place in the freezer. Normally, it takes about 1.5 - 2 hours for ice cubes to freeze completely. To use, simply rub a green tea ice cube all over your face ( make sure your face is completely make up free ), paying special attention to the under eye area. Once you're done, allow  your skin to dry naturally. I use this trick all the time and seriously, it always leaves my skin looking fresh and glowing! 


4: Apricot Kernel Oil is the best moisturizer ever! I use it pretty much everywhere, from my hands and feet, to hair and of course face. I also find that it is one of the best ways to keep your lips naturally moisturized. Simply dab a little bit on your lips before you got to bed or in the morning, before you apply lipstick or lip gloss and you'll see, your lips will feel smooth for the rest of the day. 



5: Honey and Aloe Vera mask gets your skin glowing! This mask is super easy to make, simply mix 1 table spoon of Aloe Vera gel and two table spoons of honey in a glass bowl. Apply a thick layer to your face and leave on for about 20 - 30 minutes. Next wash your face with warm water and once again allow it to dry naturally. I use this mask at least once a week, to prevent break outs and inflammation, replenish moisture and improve the texture and overall appearance of my skin. 




So, these are my 5 skincare commandments. I hope you find these helpful! And of course as always, please feel free to email me with any questions! 


Thank you for reading
& keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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EXPLORING SPRING TRENDS WITH PEOPLE STYLEWATCH

February 11, 2015, 8:34 am
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Good morning, Everyone! Hope your week is going great so far! 

I am so excited to partner with PEOPLE StyleWatch for their March issue to explore a few of my favorite Spring trends. Though, there are more than a few trends coming in for Spring/Summer 2015 I am absolutely crazy about, I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the top 3 on my list, starting with the gorgeous ear cuff I am sporting in this post.

Ear cuff are my weakness, more than just earrings, ear cuffs make a statement and elevate even the simplest of looks to the next level. My favorite way to wear ear cuffs is by pairing them with casual pieces like jeans and leather jackets or tailored ones, like blazers and slacks. Though of course ear cuffs work great with dressier, evening pieces, adding an ear cuff to an everyday look, adds a bit of edge, polish and glamour, making any outfit look more polished and pulled together. 



Next on my list is a Kimono-style trench coat or a duster, if you will. Wear with everything and everywhere kinda piece, a duster is a fantastic topper for any casual look. For example, a pair of denim cut-offs and a simple tee or skinny jeans and an oversized shirt can look much more polished and pulled together layered with a duster. Yet, what I like about dusters the most is their versatility. Unlike other toppers, dusters work equally well with casual and dressy pieces and can look quite sophisticated worn with tailored items like slacks and culottes.



Finally, and I am sure the last item on this list comes as no surprise given that I am a complete shoeaholic, a pair of lace-up Summer booties. Sort of a hybrid between booties and sandals, this marvel of a shoe manages to add a bit of modernity even to the most traditionally feminine of looks. I love to wear these with flirty frocks and skirts, to add  bit f weight to the outfit. Take a fit-and-flare dress for example, paired with a strappy high-heel sandal it looks girly and pretty. Yet, if you add a pair of lace-up booties, the same dress instantly looks much edgier and definitely more modern.




P.S. To see more of my Spring picks, check out the March issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch available this Friday! 

Look 1: IRO PARIS Abrila blazer | J Crew belt | Torn by Ronny Kobo Rivi pants | Dolce & Gabbana Kate patent leather pumps { in black here } | BaubleBar ear cuff { similar options here } 

Look 2: Topshop Belted D-Ring duster { in black here, sleeveless option here } | A.P.C. beige nubuck bucket bag | Nasty Gal denim the ex boyfriend shorts | IRO Saresha sandals { also love this pair in black } | J Crew hat 

Look 3: Cynthia Rowley long sleeve flounce dress { in very pretty blue here } | Truth & Pride silk blazer { similar option here & here } | Marc Jacobs Suede Trouble bag | Schutz sandals { similar here&here} 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

February 14, 2015, 8:04 am
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Good morning and happy Valentine's Day, Everyone! I hope your day is filled with hugs and kisses, red lipstick and dresses, flowers and candy and most importantly love, joy and all the people who mean the world to you! 

Love you guys, always! 
Happy V-Day!!!





H&M A-line dress | Jennifer Behr voilette via ElodieK | Saint Laurent small Monogramme tassel chain bag | Cesare Paciotti studded pumps - sold out { more favoriteshere} | Elodie K diamond angel wing earrings& rings 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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GOING GRAY

February 16, 2015, 3:09 am
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Good morning, Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! 

I wanted to take this opportunity to say hello and share a few images of the cutest Editor pants I picked up at Express over the weekend. I've actually been shopping for a gray pant suit for some time now, but haven't been able to find exactly what I was looking for. Well, that changed very quickly once I tried this one on:) Aside from the fact that I absolutely adore this shade of gray, the suit jacket is a perfect combination of tailoring and the nonchalant slouchiness I am very fond of. But, I think one of the biggest reasons I fell in love with this suit is the fit of the pants. As I have mentioned before, when it comes to dress pants, I prefer a slightly less tapered fit and longer length. This particular fit insures I can dress them up with heels and a cute clutch or down, paired with flats and a tee. And as far as length is concerned, these ones happen to be just perfect! Long enough so that I can wear them with heels, yet not so long that my shoes are completely covered ( I mean what is the point of wearing cute shoes if no one can see them ). I also really like the way this length works with flats. I am a bit obsessed with cuffing my pants at the moment, as you may have noticed, and I find that rolling the edge twice tends to look the best. Any more than that sometimes looks a bit bulky and less just doesn't create the desired effect. 








Finally, since I am more than a little bit addicted to dress pants and wear them quite a bit, I find that a little stretch can go a long way:) Aside from the fact that it helps to create a more flattering fit, it also ensures that the pants retain their shape throughout the day. In other words, no stretchy knees or other parts which tend to stretch out after sitting down :) 

What about you guys, what do you look for in dress pants? 

EXPRESS 24 inch blazer, pants& wool felt fedora hat { in camel here } | Stuart Weitzman The Leman oxford | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Wanderlust & Co chevron double silver ring 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle  
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BACKSTAGE AT CAROLINA HERRERA FALL 2015 RTW WITH SK-II

February 19, 2015, 8:06 am
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Our day starts early. Up at 5:00 am, followed by a quick shower, hair, make up and some serious layering to avoid getting a frost bite on the way to the show. We walk into the backstage area at 7:15 and much to our surprise everything is calm. Few of the models are already here and getting their hair done. We indulge in some pastries and slowly sip our coffees, as the feeling finally returns to our fingers and frost bitten faces. The make up team arrives shortly thereafter and immediately starts prepping models for make up. 

Apparently I am not the only one whose skin didn't exactly react well to New York's harsh temperatures. Models are human too, after all. And since flawless skin is in, the make up team begins with SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, applied to the face for about 15 minutes to replenish moisture, improve texture and make the skin look radiant. 



By 8:00 am, the backstage area is positively buzzing. Most of the models are already here, getting their hair, nails and make up done. The media is setting up for interviews with Carolina Herrera and celebrity attendees, including Ivanka Trump, Dianna Agron and Olivia Palermo and the collection is finally out of the garment bags. I completely lose track of time and spend the next 20 or so minutes marveling at the beautiful dresses and separates. As I examine each and every piece, I struggle to select a favorite simply because they are all beyond gorgeous. Marbled patterns and rich textures, water-inspired hues of blue and grey and of course beautiful structures and tailoring. I am awakened from my dream because it's time for my skincare consultation. 








Since I have been pretty vocal about the fact that my skin turned into a completely dry and flaky mess after spending a few days in New York, I meet with Winnie Lui from SK-II to discuss what can be done to save face. Literally! The good news, the face can be saved! So, I smile happily and I await with eagerness to try a few of Winnie's recommendation, such as SK-II Facial Treatment Essence to gently exfoliate and refine the texture of the skin, SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Eye to lighten dark circles ( evidence of a few recent late nights ) and SK-II Facial Treatment Mask because I too want really radiant skin! 



After my consultation, I go back to backstage ( kinda fun to say... back to backstage ) and find absolutely beautiful craziness you expect to see before a show during Fashion Week. Cameras are flashing, interviews are in full swing, models are getting dressed, as make up and hair crew puts final touches on their looks. In a few minutes, the models start lining up and I proceed to the Theater to take my seat. 


















What comes next? Well, what comes next is my favorite part! The lights go down and the show begins! In complete contrast to the wonderfully crazy backstage, the show is immaculate and pristine. My beloved Karlie Kloss opens and ends the show, her last dress being my absolute favorite. 




As I exit the Theater, I find myself wishing I could linger backstage a little longer but of course I can't because Tommy Hilfiger is up next and I am already late! Oh, well! That's Fashion Week!:)

Photography by Lydia Hudgens. 


CH by Carolina Herrerapants& Samba Collection Maysa bag, sunglasses c/o | Stella McCartney black Britt shoes | Elodie Krings 


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NYFW FALL 2015 RECAP

February 21, 2015, 8:25 am
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So, New York was cold! I know, I know, you probably already heard about the bad weather! But I feel the need to vent a little and so... New York was cold! Oh, and I don't mean the kinda cozy cold when you put on your favorite coat, wrap yourself in a giant scarf and sip hot cocoa while admiring the scenery. I mean the kinda cold when you're contemplating putting on a second pair of wool tights and don't care if it makes you look huge because last time you ventured out in just the one pair, you couldn't feel your legs for half an hour! Phew, now that I got that out my system, despite the cold, the wind tunnels and the traffic, I wouldn't trade a second of it for the world. Fashion Week is my favorite kinda crazy and I'd like to take this opportunity to share a few favorite moments. 


Monique Lhuillier: 2 words - polished sophistication! The collection consisted of immaculately constructed, slightly masculine, tailored pieces as well as floaty, metallic dresses, the latter being my absolutely favorites. There was a particular emerald-hued stunner I decided I absolutely must have and will wear every day for the rest of my life. So, I hope you don't mind seeing the same dress over and over again. I promise to layer in interesting ways and change accessories! 



Off to a fitting before Monique Lhuillier, wearing: Sandro Paris coat | Laurence Dacade Merli meteorite fabric boots { also here } | Sensi Studio paint felted hat & Delphine Delafon small bucket bag & Elodie K Jewelry rings c/o Elodie K 

Herve Leger: 1 word - jackets! Though personally, I am a big fan of Herve Leger dresses and love the new flared silhouettes, this season I fell in love with the studded and fringed jackets they showed. In fact, I loved them so much, I decided to wear those along with that Monique Lhuillier dress I am planning to never take off. So, I hope you don't mind seeing them frequently. 








Before Herve Leger, wearing: MSGM colorblocked-paneled checked double-breasted coat | Current/Elliot The Prospect leather pants | Maison Michel Virginie double grosgrain fur felt fedora hat | Urania Gazelli Cancer clutch c/o Elodie K | Stella McCartney black Britt shoes 

Catch NYC: Since Ninel - my sister in law, constant travel companion and best gal were spending Valentine's Day in New York, we decided to celebrate this day in style and headed to Catch, a restaurant recommended to us by literally every NewYorker we know. And.... Catch did not disappoint! We ordered a desert appropriately entitled "Magic Apple" and sorry for being redundant here, but magical it was. Click HERE to view a little video we posted on Instagram. How magical, you ask? Well, we went back to Catch not twice but three more times! Yeah, I know, the "Magic Apple" left quite an impression! 

Central Park: Yes, it was freezing, yes we couldn't feel our faces but taking a walk in Central Park somehow never disappoints. In stark contrast to the busy and buzzing city, Central Park is an oasis amid the the city that never sleeps. A 30 minute walk makes me feel fresh, new and recharged! In other words, bright eyed, bushy tailed! 











Off to DVF show, wearing: DVF Casie woven pants { option in shorts here } & Teyona woven jacket c/o  | Vince leather trim wool-blend cape - sold out { similar options here } | Sensi Studio paint felted hat & Illesteva Leonard sunglasses c/o Elodie K

SK-II Skincare Goodies: As I mentioned before, my skin and New York weather are not friends. After spending the first day of Fashion Week running around outside, my skin rebelled in the most horrific kind of a way and so, next day I woke up with dry, flaky, red face. Basically, exactly the kind of face you don't want to show during Fashion Week. After my consultation with SK-II, I came back to my hotel to find a few skincare goodies waiting for me! Such a nice surprise! My face and I thank you  for helping me look like myself again! I especially loved SK-II Facial Treatment Mask, which I applied for 15 minutes before bedtime and followed with  SK-II Facial Treatment Essence & SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Eye. Next morning, I woke up to find that lizard skin was gone and the dry, flaky disaster that was my face the day before, was just a horrible distant memory. 





Coco Rocha backstage at Carolina Herrera: Though pretty much every moment backstage at Carolina Herrera was a favorite, meeting Coco was definitely a highlight! Lovely and so sweet, she was a head-to-toe perfection and I especially admired that emerald mixed media coat! That one, is definitely going into must-have-will-wear-for-ever pile! Of course, after New York that pile is getting pretty big but honestly, there is nothing I can do! Fashion Week brings out my inner shopaholic even more! 











Photography by Lydia Hudgens. 

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BUTTERFLIES

February 23, 2015, 8:02 am
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Good morning, Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! 

If you read my blog on regular basis, you may have noticed that lately, it's been all about floor-length gowns for me and the amazing, lace and sequined butterfly Via Della Perle number I am wearing in today's post is definitely one of my favorites so far. Couldn't decide what I love the most about it if I tried, but I have a feeling, it is the combination of elements rather than a particular detail. I think what attracted me to this dress in the first place was the beautiful gunmetal butterfly embroidery, but the open back combined with the sexy lace asymmetric hem made me fall in love! 









In terms of styling a floor length gown, though it can certainly look great paired with an up-do and demure, ladylike accessories, I prefer to go for a slightly nonchalant look and wear it with casual hair, edgier accessories like studded heels and  multi-finger rings and a bright lip. 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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SKINCARE TIPS :: HOW TO CARE FOR DRY SKIN

February 25, 2015, 8:11 am
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So, I've been pretty vocal about the fact that my recent trip to New York did quite a number on my skin. Not sure what it was in particular, the time change, which I dealt with by inhaling insane amounts of coffee, harsh New York weather, which left my face and hands looking flaky and red or the fact that my somewhat insane schedule played interference with my regular diet, water intake and nightly grooming rituals. Basically, by the end of the day I was too exhausted to take care of my skin properly, which of course I paid for later! By the time I got back to LA, I had ridiculously dry skin all over and elbows and knees that made me want to cry. 

Speaking from experience, when it comes to taking care of your skin, consistency is key. Essentially, if you're using the right product and are diligent about application, you're going to get good results. Since my regular lotions and oils were not exactly equipped to deal with the state my skin was in, I switched to Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum Advanced Relief, mainly because it works quickly to heal and calm my skin when it gets severely dry and also because it's really gentle on my skin. 



Because I suffer from dry skin periodically, I've developed somewhat of a routine to help eliminate this problem quickly. So, if you ever face the same problem, here are a few tips to get your skin in shape fast. 

1. Sorry to be redundant here, but consistency is key! So, when my skin gets really dry, I apply Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum Advanced Relief morning and night! No excuses:)! 

2. To improve circulation, I always start from my feet and make my way up. 

3. I always make sure to pay special attention to elbows, knees, hands and feet. Basically, all areas which are prone to dryness the most. 

4. I love doing dishes! I know, I am probably the only person on the planet who enjoys this activity  but for some reason it calms me down:) Of course the problem with this is that it always makes my hands feel really dry after. So, to combat the damage, I apply the serum right after, making sure to massage it all over my hands, wrists, nails and especially cuticles, to avoid potential peeling and dryness in the future. 

5. Finally, and this is probably the most important one, I really take my time to rub the serum in. Aside from the fact that massaging the skin improves circulation, it also helps the product to penetrate better and do what it is designed to do. So, don't rush, take the time to pamper yourself a little! :)

Hope you guys find these tips helpful! And as always, if you have any questions, shoot me an email! I'll be happy to answer! 







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PALM SPRINGS IN PINK

February 27, 2015, 9:36 am
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Though normally I associate Palm Springs with blazing heat, palm trees and unreasonably long dips in the pool, turns out Palm Springs has a lot to offer even if the temperatures are nowhere near what I would normally consider hot or warm for that matter:) 

As I have mentioned before, most of the time our trips to Palm Springs are the most glorious examples of procrastination, where Emil and I certainly make plans to venture outside of our hotel to explore, yet somehow always end up lingering by the pool, working on our tans and sipping drinks with little umbrellas in them. Both of us, I think at some point accepted the fact that these trips are not exactly productive or active, and allowed ourselves this time to be a bit lazy. Yet, I've always wanted to see more of Palm Springs.











Well, I certainly got my wish this time:)! Though, I have to admit that initially the cooler weather put a bit of damper on my mood, I soon discovered its full benefits. We were finally able to walk around Palm Springs, something we would never dare to do in the warmer months. Have breakfast, lunch and dinner outside without worrying about melting and take pictures of our adventures throughout the day while my hair and make up remained more or less in tact, which is, trust me, a big deal because normally my make up starts running down my face within 15 minutes and hair... well let's just say no amount of product can combat that frizzy mess. 

Nasty Gal trench coat { similar option here& here } | Lovers + Friends Jeremy boyfriend jeans | Marc Jacobs Suede Trouble bag | House of Harlow Chelsea sunglasses  { in orange & blue here } | Cameo crop top | Salvatore Ferragamo sandals { similar here& here } 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle
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THE 70s FLARE

March 2, 2015, 8:31 am
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I love skinny jeans! I love them a lot in fact, but after wearing skinnies pretty much non stop for the past few years, I am ready to add something different to my denim repertoire. 

Why flares, you ask? Why not straight leg or boyfriend, for example? Well, mainly because I think flare is probably one of the most flattering jean-shapes there is, provided of course they fit properly. Like any other girl who is 5.8 and has a penchant for sky-high heels, when I talk about the proper fit, it's all about the length!

I have a few pet peeves when it comes to clothing, but all of them pale in comparison to my hatred of short jeans and pants. When flares are long enough ( go all the way to the ground and cover your footwear completely), you look like you're 20 feet tall and the have the longest pair of legs in the universe, but when they're too short, well, let's just say the results aren't pretty :) 







So, after trying a million different pairs on, here is what I found :

Most jeans come in 32 or 34 length. I tried 34 on, and though they look alright at first ( not all the way to the floor but pretty darn close ), they tend to ride up as you walk and eventually end up looking way too short. 

35 length was definitely good but 36 was even better:) Unfortunately, I found only a few denim labels that make jeans this long. If I had to choose two favorites, I would go with Stella McCartney and FRAME Denim, the later being my particular obsession at the moment due to a few amazing styles and washes! 

What about you guys, how do you feel about the flare? 

Stella McCartney The 70th Flare jeans | Sandro sweater & Vega jacket { in cobalt blue here } | Free People school boy hat | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Wanderlust & Co chevron double silver ring 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle  
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NEW IN: MICHAEL KORS GREENWICH SATCHEL

March 5, 2015, 7:11 am
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Just couldn't resist the urge to share a few things that are making me very happy at the moment! By  a few things I am of course referring to bags, shoes and jewelry, but you already knew that, given my profound accessory obsession:) 

The thing that is not making me very happy at the moment is the weather. Yes, I know, considering that February in California tends to be warmer than pretty much everywhere else, I can hardly complain. And yet, .... here I am complaining:) After freezing in New York, I was kinda hoping LA would greet me with some warmth and sunshine, but instead it's been gloomy, rainy and cold. Essentially, we've been enjoying the kind of weather that in no way signifies that Spring is around the corner and I am oh so very ready for Spring! 

So, in an effort to chase away my February blues, I've been indulging in some serious Spring shopping and I have to say that the results have been most satisfying:)

This year, my Spring shopping started with an item that is always at the top of my Spring/Summer must have list, i.e. the white bag. Aside from color, what attracted me to this MICHAEL by Michael Kors Greenwich satchel is the contrast black interior and of course the shape! I love structured bags, but when they also happen to be a perfect combination of polish and laid back ease, I find them completely irresistible! In fact, I find them so irresistible, I am considering getting another one, since it comes in a few different colors... The only problem is that I can't decide between the raspberry and blue. What do you guys think? Raspberry, blue or both? :) 







MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS Greenwich large saffiano leather satchel in optic white & black, Edison leather brogue, pave gold-tone knuckle ring, gold-tone trip-stack ring, pave gold-tone arrow open cuff, pave gold-tone bangle& pave and logo gold-tone bracelet set 

Special thank you to my bfs at MK! Love, love, love my new Michael Kors swag! :)

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle
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JUST PEACHY

March 7, 2015, 8:57 am
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Just between us, of all the things I was supposed to wear to Fashion Week, this peachy perfection from Chloe was the one I was excited about the most. Mostly because I am some what familiar with New York weather in February and fur, even if it's faux, would offer the most protection from the cold (  I was very naive!!! Given what I know now, five layered fur coats wouldn't have been enough to keep me warm ) but also because well..., it's peach fur, and if that doesn't say Fashion Week, I really don't know what does:) 

Alas, United States Post Service, or as I like to call it, a company with a perfect track record for delivering things late or not at all, put an end to my dream of braving New York weather in my peachy fur. 

The coat arrived a few days after I came back from New York, on what was a particularly sunny and warm day. I mean of course it did, I always said that the universe has quite a sense of humor! And so I circled the box a few times, tried my new coat on, got a complement from Emil followed by a very pertinent question. The question of course was whether I would still be able to wear it or would I have to put it away until next year. Ha! Shows how much boys know about girls and fashion. Because quite frankly, the answer to the question is always yes! Yes, you can absolutely wear fur coats in LA if you really want to! And I really, really wanted to!






And so, I waited for a cold day! After a week or so, just as I was about ready to give up, my patience was rewarded and the cold day finally came! I mean, sure 60s probably doesn't quite qualify as fur coat weather per se but given that I am in LA, it was the closest thing to cold I was going to get:) 

After weeks and weeks of waiting, I finally got to take my peachy perfection out for a walk and... it was fantastic! Now, I find myself hoping for more cold days just so that my peachy friend and I can spend more time together! :) Of course, the temperatures seem to be climbing up, so now I am thinking that perhaps 70s could also qualify as peachy fur weather... 

See by Chloe faux fur coat via Coggles { also here } | Current/Elliot The Prospect leather pants | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Stella McCartney black Britt shoes | Crap Eyewear TV Eye shades via Nasty Gal

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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FRINGE

March 9, 2015, 8:48 am
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I realize the absurdity of going bare-legged in February and yet such is the nature of the weather in California. Though it does get cold enough to wear a coat from time to time, for the most part, it tends to be pretty warm, even in the middle of Winter. 

I am of course not complaining at all! I am especially not complaining in lieu of a phone conversation I had with my mom yesterday regarding all the marvels of Canadian winters, i.e. black ice, heavy snow fall and my personal favorite, gusting wind! Though, I left Toronto almost 10 years ago, the memories of Canadian winters are still fresh in my mind which is probably one of the reasons why I will never be able to take going bare-legged in February for granted:) 





Shoshanna Nicoletta sweater dress { also love this long-sleeve version } | IRO Paris Magic sweater { wearing a size M for a more relaxed fit } | Proenza Schouler patchwork medium bucket bag { also love this all white version here } | Isabel Marant Royston boots { 50% OFF here } | Rag & Bone leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora | Rue Gembon rings | OPInail polish in Birthday Babe  { 3 coats } 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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NOT SO SUBTLE STRIPES

March 11, 2015, 10:08 am
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I've always been one of those people who wear things they like to the point of obsession. Case in point, hats! At some point, having realized full benefits of wearing hats, I've developed a massive hat addiction. All of a sudden, bad hair days are but a distant memory, no outfit seems complete without it and my late-night online shopping inevitably leads to browsing accessory sections, looking for more hats in all imaginable and unimaginable colors. 

Of course like all my obsessions, bright colors or preoccupation with black for example, this too will pass. But for now, I remain completely and utterly addicted to wearing hats... Hope you can bear with me while I get it out of my system!:)







Marc by Marc Jacobs PAM stripe jersey long sleeve tee - sold out { similar option here& here } | Nasty Gal Denim The Ex Boyfriend shorts | Rag & Bone leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Movado Bold crystal accent watch | Isabel Marant Aleen Ankle boots { in brown here & here } 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE, 
Annabelle
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SPLASHY FLORAL

March 14, 2015, 12:59 pm
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So, I'll be the first to admit that head-to-toe floral print ( well almost heat-to-toe ) is probably a bit of a bold choice and surely, if this print was in color, I probably wouldn't have worn these two together. But, and call me crazy here, but I think the black and white color combo, actually makes this floral very wearable. To tone down this look a bit, I kept the rest of the outfit achromatic by adding black and white platforms and my go-to-black-bag for every occasion ( I am sure you are sick of seeing my Boy, but I love him and cannot bear to be without him ). Finally, I just couldn't resist the urge to introduce a little color to this look and since bright nails seemed like the right way to go, I painted my digits in the brightest, prettiest teal ever, or as I like to call it, the best nail color butter LONDON ever created!





Rebecca Taylor Splashy Flower culotte& top | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Stella McCartney black Britt shoes | DVF Haley studded sunglasses | Eddie Borgo cone earrings { in silver here } | butter LONDONnail polish in Slapper 


Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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TO A TEE

March 16, 2015, 6:37 am
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As far as current obsessions go, we recently covered my full-blown addiction to hats. I am still working on getting hats out of my system, as you can see, but I did manage to go out without a hat a few times this  week, so I guess we have progress:) 

In other news, I've officially abandoned all pretense that it's not Summer in LA ( acceptance settled in somewhere around 90 degrees ), and switched to my Summer wardrobe. This of course got me thinking I should probably mention a few of my Summer obsessions/addictions/must-haves, starting with t-shirts! 

T-SHIRTS: Love them, can't live without them, wear them obsessively. Of all my Summer favorites ( and there are quite a few, believe me) t-shirts are the one thing I can never get enough of. What makes a t-shirt great in my opinion? A combination of slouchy/sexy cut, great fabric ( supper-soft ones are always appreciated ) and of course, color! The one I am wearing in today's post is from the new EXPRESS One Eleven collection and certainly represents all of the above. The not so great news is that apparently I am not the only one who appreciates super-soft fabrics and sexy cuts, because the collection is selling out really quickly. So, if you a t-shirt fan like me, check it out HERE, and check back in June for more styles. 

Next, on my list of Summer staples and must-haves are cropped jeans and especially cropped white distressed jeans. Why white? Well, can you seriously imagine Summer without a pair of white jeans? Personally  I can't!!! And of course as far as cropped length goes, I feel that it's much more versatile and works well with anything from boots and flats to pumps and ankle wrap sandals ( in other words, I don't have to commit to wearing a particular type of shoe, which is always appreciated ). The ones I am sporting in today's post are also from Express and are one of my favorite pairs at the moment. Aside from color and length, I am partial to a bit of distressing on my jeans and these happen to have a perfect amount of ripping and distressing. 

Now, what about you guys? What are your Summer cravings and staples?





EXPRESS One Eleven Nep trapeze tank, EXPRESSmid rise cropped destroyed jean leggings& black wool felt fedora hat | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Isabel Marant Aleen Ankle boots { in brown here & here } | DYLANLEX Falkor necklace 

Thank you for reading
& keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 

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A POP OF RED

March 18, 2015, 7:40 am
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If I had to describe 3 items I cannot picture my wardrobe without, distressed jeans, leather jacket ( preferable studded and studded a lot ) and killer boots would be right at the top of that list. Though I certainly like to experiment with my style, because as we all know, trying something new feels refreshing, it's the combination of the three mentioned above, that makes me feel, well... like me the most. And of course, given mine, yours and everyone's propensity for wearing what we like over and over again, the jacket, jeans and boots combo is always in heavy rotation. Yet, as much as those three ingredients stay the same, what does change are the accessories. 

A huge accessory believer ( or basically a junky, if we're gonna be honest here ), I think that the right accessory like a pair of sunnies, a cute hat or an insanely cool looking evil eye scarf, can give an outfit a completely different feel, vibe and genre:). 









The scarf is a separate story. Since I am having a huge accessory moment ( Seriously, I am like an accessory monster right now! I just can't stop! ), I've been looking for a cute bright scarf I can wear to spice up my plain t-shirt and jean looks and add a bit of color to my denim-on-denim ensembles. Eventually, I came across T+C by Theodora & Callum's new collection of globally inspired treasures and the evil eye line struck a cord right away. Aside of course from the cool print, I am more than a bit partial to fringed scarfs ( something about denim and fringe looks so cool together ), not to mention bright colors! I kept going back and forth between the bright coral red I am wearing in today's post and this gorgeous blue HERE, but finally decided on the red once I came across the red and rhodium evil eye bangle which seemed to go so perfectly with the scarf. 

Of course now, I am thinking of getting the blue one as well, but I suppose that's a story for another post... 

T+C by Theodora & Callum Evil Eye square scarf in red& red/rhodium open evil eye bangle | A.L.C. studded leather motorcycle jacket | Rag & Bone The Skinny jeans & leather-trimmed wool-felt fedora | Chanel Boy flap bag in perforated leather | Isabel Marant Aleen Ankle boots { in brown here & here } 


Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE, 
Annabelle
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FASHION BIKING

March 21, 2015, 10:41 am
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Ok, so I wasn't really biking. In fact, what I am wearing, is pretty much the exact opposite of what proper biking attire should look like ( even if you are trying to look fashionable ) but I spotted this bike on the street and though it looked pretty cool with my outfit. Yes, I am fully aware I'm matching outfits to random bikes on the street but I figure since this was a rather happy coincidence and not a calculated move, I am allowed some leeway here... Right? 

Though perhaps, if this was in fact something I wore to go biking, trying to pedal in platform heels would have been punishment enough! :) 






MSGM colorblock raffia cotton miniskirt& tie front crop shirt | Michael Kors Adelina runway suede platform sandal | Westward Leaning Voyager 6 tahoe blue, black frame sunglasses | IRO PARIS bag 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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WEEKEND GETAWAY :: SUNNY SAN FRANCISCO

March 23, 2015, 7:36 am
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Though I will freely admit, both Emil and I could happily spend the rest of our lives traveling, most of the time, we find it quite difficult to get away for a proper vocation. After countless cancelled trips, we finally found a way to travel yet still keep up with our increasingly insane schedules. The answer was of course simple, weekend getaways! Though it may seem like 2-3 days can hardly make a difference, in our experience, being away from the madness even for a short periods of time allows for some well-needed down time!

Now, I will once again admit that up until recently I wasn't great at packing for these shorts trips! Since I find it very difficult to be away from my shoes even for short periods of time, I would  almost always overpack yet end up wearing less than 1/5 of what I brought. As a result, my poor boy would get stuck lugging around huge suitcases. Suffice to say, he was not a happy camper:) 

The good news is that I've learned my lesson. Now, I take my time to really plan my outfits, and pack only the absolute necessities, in other words, basically only what I will actually wear:) I've also made a switch from huge suitcases, to much more convenient luggage for short trips, a.k.a. the weekenders.

The one from Lo & Sons I am wearing in today's post is my current favorite! Aside from the fact that I am more than a little obsessed with the fact that it's made from a super lightweight pre-washed canvas, which is machine washable ( I am not exactly very careful with my luggage, so the fact that I can wash it and it looks new again is very much appreciated ), I just love that it's so soft and can be folded for convenient storage. But I think my favorite feature is the bottom zipper pocket! Such a smart design!!! I used to put all of my sunglasses and jewelry cases at the bottom of the bag, which of course made it ridiculously difficult to fish any of them out. Now, I just place them in the bottom pocket and they are always readily accessible! 

What about you guys? How do you pack for weekend getaways?




























Lo & Sons The Catalina weekender in Dove Grey | MADEWELL cotton kimono jacket | Chloe The Marcie mini textured leather shoulder bag | Seafarer Lord Jim New capri jeans | Gucci Candy ankle strap sandals 


Lo & Sons The Pearl leather crossbody bag | The Kooples destroyed jean jacket | A.P.C. girl plaid cotton-blend shirt | Zara leather skirt | Kenneth Cole Blaire leather and calf-hair espadrilles 

Thank you for reading
& Keep On Smiling,
LOVE,
Annabelle 
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