FEELING FESTIVE

December 11, 2015, 7:39 am

Though I love Holiday season in general, dressing up is definitely one of my favorite parts! Yet, with so many different events, parties, get-togethers and mixers to attend, choosing what to wear, can get a bit frustrating! So, I though it would be fun do a post covering a few different functions like a casual work party or a family get-together for example, girls night out and finally, a dressier, date-night type occasion.

CASUAL PARTY:

For me, Holiday dressing doesn't automatically imply getting super dressed up! Take festive outerwear for example, a beautiful plaid jacket in a signature Holiday black and red color combo captures the spirit of the season without looking too formal! Perfect for any casual function, not only does it look great but it will also keep you warm and cozy for the rest of the season:) For today's look, I paired my red checked moto jacket with all black pieces and accessories to really make it the focal point of this look! Fun little finishing touch, an oversized plaid blanket scarf to make that red really pop!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT:

A little fun, a little edgy and sexy, a feathered skirt and a tailored blazer are a match made in fashion heaven and a great alternative to a little black dress! Aside from my general love of separates, what makes this particular feather mini & fitter blazer so great is their versatility. You can pair this mini with tailored pieces like I've done for today's look or wear it with a slouchy turtleneck sweater and boots for a slightly more casual vibe. And the same can be said about the blazer! Dress it up with tailored bottoms or down with a pair of jeans and cute loafers. Basically, the possibilities are endless! For today's outfit, I was going for a really dressy, polished look, so I added strappy heels, a fun gold clutch and some beautiful layered jewels in gold.

DATE NIGHT:

Dresses are my achilles heel, and fun, sequin number are my ultimate weakness, especially for the Holidays!:) Love the way sequins catches the light, sparkles and shines in a beautiful rainbow of colors! Once again, a great alternative to a little black dress, sequin dresses add that perfect dose of glitz and glamour and create a really strong impact. Because they are such a statement piece, I prefer to pair them with really simple accessories so that they don't take away from the dress. A cute pair of heels and a simple clutch is really all you need to shine! Finishing touch? A few layered rings, red lips and tousled waves! And voila! A perfect date-night look!

EXPRESS red checked moto jacket ( similar option here ), mid rise skinny jeans, ribbed turtleneck sweater, rhinestone embellished feather mini skirt, 22 inch Studio stretch peak lapel jacket, One Eleven caged back bralette, Aztec sequin embellished mini dress

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IF THE SHOE FITS

December 13, 2015, 9:18 am

≫ Next: FESTIVE FRINGE: DRESSY VS CASUAL

≪ Previous: FEELING FESTIVE

If you read my blog on regular basis, you know what a total shoeaholic I am! Now imagine my excitement when Nine West reached out and offered an opportunity to style one of my favorite shoe-styles ever, i.e. a classic black pump! Why do I love this particular style so much? Well, there are many reasons to love black pumps, but what makes this style truly special for me, is the fact that they work for any occasion and work equally well for day or night!

Though Nine West certainly has quite a few different black pumps to choose from, I went with the pointy-toe Jackpot pumps in black suede. Aside from being particularly partial to black suede pumps in general, what I like about this pair is the hight of the heel! Perfect for casual pairings, the heel is not too high for the office yet sexy enough to wear with after-hours ensembles. In short, the perfect shoe for day and night and everything in between!

Off-Duty Casual Vibes:

Jeans and blazers are my thing! If I had to chose a single outfit I am most comfortable in, this would be it! A great combination of casual and polished, jeans paired with jackets have an easy, nonchalant vibe without looking too simple! Though one could certainly opt for flats with this look, I am a high-heels girl through and through, so adding a pair of black suede pumps, for me, completes this look like no other shoe can:) Aside from the fact that skinny blue jeans and black suede pumps were made for each other, the reason why the Jackpot pumps work so well for this look is because they add texture and complement the color palette without being too matchy matchy. Love that!

Work-Mode:

This outfit is basically a dressier version of my beloved jeans and blazers combo, courtesy of skinny leather pants and velvet blazer. To create this almost all-black look, I played with deferent textures such as leather, suede and velvet and added a few pups of color with a striped white button-down shirt and a bright red tote! I suppose you can say that I am a bit of a traditionalist because I still love to wear blazers to work, but I think leather pants and a smoking jacket instead of a classic version of a blazer, help to give this look a bit of a modern vibe. Once again, I completed this look with my Jackpot suede pumps for a comfortable lift, polish and sophistication.

Night on the Town:

I love mini skirts! Sexy and girly, mini skirts are one of my favorite pieces to wear for a night on the town! Yet because I am not a fan of overly provocative ensembles, I like to balance the length of the skirt with tailored pieces on top. For this particular look, I opted for a velvet blazer and a simple turtleneck. Once again, to complete this look I went with my Jackpot suede pumps! Love the way the pointy toe elongates the silhouette while the medium heel height balances out the super short skirt and adds a dose of sophistication and polish to this otherwise very sexy look!

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FESTIVE FRINGE: DRESSY VS CASUAL

December 15, 2015, 7:35 am

≫ Next: EVE BY EVE'S BEAUTY FAVORITES

≪ Previous: IF THE SHOE FITS

I love fringe! Aside from the fact that fringe adds a beautiful texture and dimension to outfits, I absolutely love how twirl-worthy, playful and fun it is! Another reason I'm so fond of it, is because it's so versatile! I know, I know I talk about versatility a lot, but being able to wear my favorites in a variety of ways is really important to me and fringe happens to be one of those well-loved staples that can be dressed up or down depending on occasion!

Take today's looks for example! I've had my eye on these beautiful fringe pieces for some time now! Aside from the fact that I’m really partial to this particular shade of cream, I fell in love with the effortless movement they create with every single step you take! Rather than wearing them together, I decided to break these matching separates apart to create two very distinct looks!

The first look has a decidedly dressy appeal perfect for any Holiday party. Since this fringe skirt is such a statement piece, I opted to style it with an understated cotton lace blouse, pale pink bag and nude heels. I also opted for a somewhat monochromatic palette to play up the textures of this outfit, making the skirt the focal point of the look. Plus, playing around with different textures, like fringe and lace in this case, is so much fun!

The second outfit has a much more casual appeal. I wanted to create a really fun, effortless look so I paired my fringe top with ripped denim, a suede Moto jacket, and a pair of cute fringe heels to once again play up the textures! You guys know how much I love combining chic and casual pieces and this look was no exception. There’s just something so versatile about this pairing, because denim helps to downplay the dressiness of the top, making it totally day-time appropriate!

What about you guys, do you love fringe as much as I do?

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EVE BY EVE'S BEAUTY FAVORITES

December 16, 2015, 8:23 am

≫ Next: CAMEL COATED

≪ Previous: FESTIVE FRINGE: DRESSY VS CASUAL

What pulls a Holiday look together? Is it the right pair of heels, a sparkly clutch or maybe some cute jewelry? Well..., if I had to name that one key ingredient, that perfect finishing touch, I'd say that nothing completes a great Holiday look quite like the right make up! No, really! Does a smoking jacket paired with slim trousers and stiletto heels make the same impact without that perfect red pout? Or a little black dress sans the classic cat eyeliner... Cute and pretty? Possibly! But the cat eyes add that dose of drama and polish to the look and complete it unlike anything else!

Though I certainly have a few favorite Holiday make up looks, lately it's been all about a dramatic, over-exaggerated cat eyeliner and red lips for me! Aside from the fact that it works with pretty much any outfit imaginable, the overall look is incredibly dramatic and polished, yet takes very little time to do! Seriously, under 5 minutes start to finish!:)

To create today's look I used Eve by Eve's products, one of my latest discoveries! I've always been very conscious about product ingredients. As you may already know, when it comes to beauty, I opt for natural and pure whenever I can and constantly look for products made with natural ingredients that not only perform well but also won't harm my skin. What I like about Eve by Eve's products is the fact that they are not mass produced, but in fact made in small quantities to preserve the quality of the products and also the fact that they are made with natural ingredients from optimal locations, like water essence from Switzerland, algae from coast region of France and pigments from Italy. And finally, and this is perhaps one of the most important aspects for me, they perform absolutely beautifully!

Since the focus of this look is lips and eyes, I kept the rest of the face very simple and opted for just a bit of bronzer under the cheekbones. Next, I applied a coat of long-lasting matte Eve by Eve's lipstick in Poppy Red, which is one of my favorite vibrant shades of red at the moment and followed by two coats of volumizing, hydrating Eve by Eve's lip gloss in Eve Rouge for a beautiful glossy finish! To create that cat-eye look, I went with Eve by Eve's liquid eyeliner in black. What I really like about this particular one is the fact that it's waterproof, so it doesn't smudge but also how precise the application is. When it comes to eye liner, I feel like most people love either liquid or pencil. Personally, I am definitely a liquid liner girl! Sure, you need a steady hand, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually really simple to do and the impact is much more dramatic! Final step, and my favorite one actually! Mascara! I am OBSESSED with this one! To be honest with you, I've worn false eye lashes a few times, but no matter how much I love the way they look, I hate the way they feel on. They make my eyes itch and burn, and fall out at the most inappropriate times. Well, this Eve by Eve's mascara makes it look like I have really long eyelashes but feels amazing on! Basically a win, win kinda situation! I start by applying a primer, let it dry and apply two coats of lengthening mascara to create really long, full looking lashes!

And voila! All done! Pretty simple, huh? :)

P.S. As always, if you have any questions about products or application, email me any time! I'll be happy to answer!

EVE BY EVE'S Drama Luxe conditioning fiber gel mascara, Conditioning liquid liner, Luminous Shine volumizing lip luster, Drama Lux lip color, Radiant glow cream blush& face brushes

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CAMEL COATED

December 20, 2015, 10:20 am

≫ Next: FEARLESS

≪ Previous: EVE BY EVE'S BEAUTY FAVORITES

If I had to name 5 obsessions currently living in my closet, the belted Cosette perfection I am wearing in today's post would be right at the top of that list. Aside from the fact that camel coats happen to be a particular weakness of mine, I love how chic and elegant this coat is! Oh and the details... Slits at the sleeves, layered front and belted waist, I love it all! And though camel coats pair with pretty much every color imaginable, for today's look, I went with gray and black, adding a simple cozy turtleneck and over-the-knee boots to keep this look sleek and polished.

What about you guys, what are you currently obsessing with?

COSETTE CLOTHING Phoebe wool coat | TOMMY HILFIGER COLLECTION sweater | STUART WEITZMAN The ALLLEGS over-the-knee boots | CHLOE Hudson bag | ESTELLE DEVE ring set { similar here } | LARSSON & JENNINGS Lader suede & gold plated watch

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FEARLESS

December 21, 2015, 7:55 am

≫ Next: WINTER BLUES

≪ Previous: CAMEL COATED

Though I've been talking quite a bit about beauty recently, and especially the power make-up has to complete a given look, I haven't really addressed how important I feel fragrance is. For me, fragrance is like second skin! It's an integral part of who I am and unlike make-up, which changes depending on occasion or outfit, is a signature and a constant. Much more than a lingering trail of sweetness you leave behind, in a way, fragrance is an external representation of who you are, or even would like to be.

Now, I fully admit that I do change my signature scent from time to time. Yet, because my relationship with fragrance is so personal, it happens quite seldom and often represents a change or a significant event in my life. Recently, I've made a switch to a bolder, exotic floral scent from Eau So Love's collection, entitled Eau So Fearless. Inspired by courage and the aspiration to leave a positive and indelible mark on the world, I absolutely love how light and refreshing this vibrant, passionate and spirited fragrance of exotic flowers, luscious fruits and creamy woods is! I enjoy the Eau So Love's perfume collection in general. It consists of 6 beautiful fragrances ( Eau So Fearless, Eau So Adorable, Eau So Fabulous, Eau So Glamorous, Eau So Pretty and Eau So Spectacular ), each of which is inspired by the endurance of Love and the 1960's movement, which encouraged women to make their own choices, carve their own paths and make a personal statement about who they are and what it is exactly that they want out of life. However, something about Eau So Fearless in particular resonated with me. I don't know what it is really, but every time I put it on, I feel just a little stronger and bolder and even more powerful in a way! And that of course, is a good thing indeed!:)

At the moment I am using the entire Eau So FEARLESS collection because I am so enamored with this fragrance. Consisting of 4 products designed to work together to provide long lasting scent without being heavy or overpowering, I start my routine with Creamy Body Wash. I really like how gentle and moisturizing it is. As I have mentioned before, dry skin is a bit of concern for me, so it's really nice to find a product that leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and smelling amazing:) Next comes the Sheer Body Lotion which I absolutely love, because it delivers lightweight moisture without being greasy. It contains Vitamin E and I have to say that I can really see how soft and radiant my skin looks and feels after every application. Finishing touches: Fine Fragrance Mist which I love to spray all over for a really light, lingering scent followed by a few sprays of Eau So FEARLESS Eau de Parfum on my neck and inner wrists for a bold scent that lasts all day! And voila! All done and ready to face any challenges that may come my way!:)

What about you guys? Do you have a special relationship with fragrance as well?

EAU SO LOVE'S Eau So Fearless, Eau So Adorable, Eau So Fabulous, Eau So Glamorous, Eau So Pretty, Eau So Spectacular | THALE BLANC Tiffany Micro pearl bag | NHA KHANHdress

P.S. If you do happen to share my love of perfume, CLICK HERE to find your fragrance match at EauLoves.com

Thank you to Love's Fragrance for today's #sponsored post!

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WINTER BLUES

December 23, 2015, 9:16 am

≫ Next: NAPA VALLEY WINE TASTING

≪ Previous: FEARLESS

Be careful what you wish for... I'll be the first to admit that every fall/winter while the rest of the world switches to warmer gear, California weather remains very much Summer-like and warrants nothing resembling coats or boots. And so, I make a big fuss about it, complaining endlessly about not being able to wear my fluffy sweaters and coats. Well, not this year! This year, when I asked for coat weather, I actually got it! And so, be careful what you wish for because somehow, the reality never lives up to the picturesque hot cocoa-sipping, oversized-scarf wearing, sunny winter perfection you imagine! Am I glad I finally get to wear my coats? Sure! But the rainy, windy, cloudy, cold part, not so much! Not so much at all! :)

AYR The Atelier tailored coat | RAG & BONE Grosgrain band floppy brim fedora in pale blue | STUART WEITZMAN All Legs thigh high boots | BANANA REPUBLIC mixed-stitch turtleneck sweater | Celine bag

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NAPA VALLEY WINE TASTING

December 26, 2015, 1:23 pm

≫ Next: INTO THE BLUE

≪ Previous: WINTER BLUES

I often wonder why I don't like the rain... I suppose in some way, growing up in Latvia, where come September, it rained non-stop for weeks at a time, I've come to associate the rain with the beginning of autumn, and more specifically, the end of summer and sunshine and this is perhaps the most important one, the end of Summer holidays. Always temped to curl up in bed, rainy days made me feel blue, so I'd hide at home and venture out only if I absolutely had to!

Yet after spending the most wonderful weekend in rainy Napa Valley, I've come to realize that the rain isn't so bad at all when you find yourself in a wonderful place and in great company!:)

Though Liz, Sam, Emil and I ended up exploring a few different wineries that weekend, one stood out in particular. Charming rustic appeal, great wine and beautiful views, made Frog's Leap Winery one of our absolute favorites by far. So, if you happen to find yourself in Napa, I highly recommend you make a stop!

BANANA REPUBLIC coat { similar options here& here } | ANINE BING striped knit | AYR The hi-rise skinny pants | RAG & BONE Grosgrain band floppy brim fedora in pale blue | ALEXANDER WANG Gabi booties | JOCELYN bag charm | THALE BLANC Audrey pearl backpack

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INTO THE BLUE

December 28, 2015, 7:18 pm

≫ Next: GOODBYE 2015: ALL MY FAVORITE LOOKS, MOMENTS & TRAVELS

≪ Previous: NAPA VALLEY WINE TASTING

For the most part, I don't have allegiances to specific labels. I like a little bit of everything and my obsessions often vary from season to season. That is with one major exception! That exception is of course Isabel Marant. As of right now, I've loved every single piece from every collection since I've discovered the brand some years ago. Cool, chic, a little edgy and a little bohemian, if I had to wear nothing but Isabel Marant for the rest of my life, I'd be a happy girl indeed!:)

What about you guys, do you have a digester you're completely obsessed with?

ISABEL MARANT Haeza navy knit dress, Becky thigh high leather boots { also here } & Daria round-frame metal sunglasses | CHLOE Hudson bag | ESTELLE DEVE ring set { similar here } | LARSSON & JENNINGS Lader suede & gold plated watch

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GOODBYE 2015: ALL MY FAVORITE LOOKS, MOMENTS & TRAVELS

December 30, 2015, 10:46 am

≫ Next: HAPPY 2016!

≪ Previous: INTO THE BLUE

Time really does fly, doesn't it? I swear, it feels like yesterday that we were celebrating 2015! But alas, it's been a year!:) And since we'll be welcoming 2016 tomorrow, I though it would be fun to end the year with a recap of all my favorite looks, moments and travels! So, I hope you enjoy!:)

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HAPPY 2016!

January 1, 2016, 9:38 am

≫ Next: 70s FLAIR

≪ Previous: GOODBYE 2015: ALL MY FAVORITE LOOKS, MOMENTS & TRAVELS

Good morning, Everyone! I would like to start by wishing you all a very happy 2016! May all your dreams and wishes come true and may this year bring you nothing but happiness and joy!

Secondly, do you guys have that one item you totally obsess about? I mean you can see it quite clearly in your mind, but just can't seem to find it no matter how hard you look? Well, for me, the search for a perfect chunky winter white cardigan has been a very long one!

I envisioned something super slouchy, preferably made from thick yarn for that really cozy look. Yet, no matter how many times I put it right at the top of my must-have list, I never found quite what I was looking for. Either too fitted or not chunky enough, I found a lot of really close ones, just never the absolutely right one:)

That is until now! Because I have finally found my unicorn!:) Even better than I could have imagined, it's everything I could have hoped for and more! Because? Duh! Side pockets! Of course my perfect chunky cardigan should have pockets:)

My obsession with this sweater is out of control, because I seriously cannot imagine wearing anything but! Of course I realize the minor complications which may arise from me wearing the same thing over and over again seeing how this is a fashion blog and you probably wouldn't want to see it 3 times a week. But... I'm obsessed!:) So perhaps you wouldn't mind seeing it every once in a while? Would twice a week be too much?:)

MASON BY MICHELLE MASON chunky cardigan | L'AGENCE Jane top in ivory | AG Stevie ankle cords | RAYE Paige flat | CELINE bag | NIALAYA Skyfall horn necklace | ESTELLE DEVE ring set { similar here } | JOCELYN bag charm { similar here & here }

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70s FLAIR

January 4, 2016, 3:56 am

≫ Next: NAPA VALLEY TRIPPIN'

≪ Previous: HAPPY 2016!

Funny, as much as I talk about how much I love wearing something new, if I had to be really honest, I'd say that in many ways, wearing my tried and true favorites is what I love the most. In fact, most of the prized pieces I have in my closet, the ones I really enjoy putting on every time without exception have been with me for years. Like old friends you can always rely on, I can count on them to make an outfit and make me feel great while I wear them every time.

Well, today's outfit just happens to feature some of these pieces. I picked up this suede trench coat just before Paris Fashion Week, and haven't stopped wearing it since. Aside from the fact that I love trench coats in general, this particular one is basically a perfect combination of all the elements one could look for in a trench coat. Not afraid of using the word "perfect" too much when referring to this particular piece, everything about it is just, well... perfect from material and color to length and fit. I've worn it a million times, in a million ways, and I've yet to find something it doesn't work with, and of course you know how important versatility is to me.

The same logic applies to this Chloe bag. I honestly marvel at it's ability to make and complete outfits! Like magic, it has the most astonishing power to transform the most simplest of looks into polished outfits and add a perfect ( there I go using the word "perfect" again, but I struggle to describe it in any other way ) touch of drama! Basically there isn't a slouchy jean, plain t-shirt combo in the world this bag couldn't elevate to a guaranteed fabulousness of the highest degree:) And of course being a big fan of both, slouchy jeans and simple t-shirts, I truly appreciate this little super power!

What about you guys? Which do you prefer, new or tried and tested favorites?

FRAME Le Duster suede coat | HUDSON Taylor high waist flare jeans | CHLOE Hudson bag | ESTELLE DEVE ring set { similar here } | BARDOT denim shirt { similar here& here } | ISABEL MARANT pumps | NIALAYA Skyfall horn necklace | LARSSON & JENNINGS Lader suede & gold plated watch

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NAPA VALLEY TRIPPIN'

January 7, 2016, 1:00 pm

≫ Next: HIKING IN HOLLYWOOD HILLS

≪ Previous: 70s FLAIR

Good morning everyone! I just wanted to say a quick hello and share a few more images from our recent trip to Napa with Liz and Sam of Late Afternoon. As I have mentioned before, we spent a few very relaxing days wining, dining and and simply exploring the beautiful Napa Valley! So, I hope you enjoy!

AYR The hi-rise skinny pants | CHANEL Boy flap bag in perforated leather | GLAMOROUS coat | MINNA PARIKKA bunny sneakers | DVF sunglasses

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HIKING IN HOLLYWOOD HILLS

January 8, 2016, 3:33 am

≫ Next: POKER FACE

≪ Previous: NAPA VALLEY TRIPPIN'

When it comes to fitness, there is nothing I hate more than performing the same exercise day after day, mindlessly going through the motions, while counting down until it's all over and you can go home:) Been there, done that, and gave up after two months because well..., there is only so much mind-numbing boredom one can take! It's not that I think workouts should be nothing but fun, because I do believe in the "No Pain, No Gain" motto, but do they really have to be that dull? Well, I don't believe they should!

When it's all said and done, the key to getting or staying fit is consistency and from my experience, in order to be consistent with your workouts, you must find what works best for you and also think outside the box! You may not love spending an hour at the gym every day, but than again who said that's the only way to get in shape? There are all kinds of wonderful activities like hiking, biking, swimming and dancing which will not only get you fit but are also super fun to do!

Currently, to keep myself from falling into a workout rut, I alternate between hiking, biking, running and swimming. I try to do something everyday, generally aiming for about an hour to an hour and a half of physical activity a day.

Though I certainly enjoy all of the above activities, hiking is probably one of my favorites at the moment! I found a new hiking trail a few months ago and haven't looked back since! Serene and beautiful, it takes me about an hour and a half to complete and though I have to admit it was quite challenging at first, now that I've gotten used to it a bit, I can't imagine my mornings without it:)

Last but not least, fitness gear! Sure, a cute new workout outfit is a great motivator! But of course sartorial splendor is not the only benefit of the right workout clothes! My big three is comfort, breathability and movability. When I work out I want to forget what I'm wearing and concentrate on what it is I am actually doing!:) My all time favorite combo is cropped leggings, a good sports bra and a jacket I can easily slip on or off! Today I am sporting my new favorites from Express EXP Core collection. Don't suppose I have to explain why I am obsessed with these leggings... but if I must, love the balance between sexy and functional! Oh and the sports bra! How cute are those printed straps on the back! A little detail goes a long way, doesn't it? Last but not least is the jacket! I love mesh detail on workout clothing because as you know, I'm a big believer in cute details in general, but also because it functions so well to keep you nice and cool! Basically a win, win kinda situation!:)

What about you guys, what are some of your favorite workouts?

EXPRESS Black EXP Core sports bra with print straps, EXP Core mesh insert legging& piped EXP Core zip-up jacket | NIKE Free 5.0 TR mesh and neoprene sneakers

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POKER FACE

January 12, 2016, 10:12 am

≫ Next: POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE

≪ Previous: HIKING IN HOLLYWOOD HILLS

Don't you love it when all your current favorites just happen to go together? Cause you know me, when I love something, the urge to wear it over and over again is borderline obsessive! Seriously, I get so attached, I don't want to wear anything else and of course being able to combine all the things I currently love in a single outfit, is a cherry on top!

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POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE

January 14, 2016, 10:53 am

≫ Next: GETTING GRAMMY-READY WITH OLAY

≪ Previous: POKER FACE

Ever since I was little, I often dreamt about sailing around the world. As time went on, the dream started to take a more concrete shape and my husband and I began toying with an idea of taking a year off, wondering what it would be like to sail to all the places we always wanted to visit. Well, as they say "ask and you shall receive", because I couldn't help but feel that it was more than a mere coincidence when The Yacht Week approached me about the possibility of sailing around British Virgin Islands.

Funny, as excited as I was about making my dream a reality, I was also a bit anxious. Sure, I've sailed before ( and enjoyed it tremendously ), but never for a prolonged period of time. And so, I didn't know what to expect. Would a week on a boat make an even bigger sail enthusiast out of me, or would I crush and burn?

Well, it took me exactly a day to get my sea legs and realize that I never wanted to leave! If I could spend the rest of my life on a boat, I honestly would! There is nothing quite as exhilarating as waking up in a morning and seeing that beautiful turquoise water and blue, blue sky all around you!

Ah, and the British Virgin Islands! What a beautiful place! Amazingly clear waters, white sandy beaches, great food and weather. Don't know about you guys, but that's pretty much all I need to be happy!:) Honestly, I've been back for about a week now, yet I can't help but think and plan my next visit.

P.S. Special thank you to The Yacht Week and to our wonderful crew! Riley, Christine and Jake, you guys made this trip absolutely unforgettable! Thank you so much for making my dream a reality!:)

ST ROCHE Flora dress | AMINAH ABDUL JILLIL crystal sandal | ZIMMERMANN white cotton broderie dress { also love this one& this one } | KAYU DESIGNS St Tropez monogrammed tote | AMINAH ABDUL JILLIL Love sandal | MADEWELL & BILTMORE panama hat | CALYPSO ST BARTH Euron printed silk caftan | VICTORIA'S SECRET The Ruffle Itsy bottoms, the wrap halter, the strappy cheeky bottom& the getaway halter | NIALAYA necklaces& bangles

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GETTING GRAMMY-READY WITH OLAY

January 15, 2016, 7:51 am

≫ Next: PASTELS & POM POMs

≪ Previous: POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE

So, I have some really amazing news to share with you! Guess who will be attending the Grammys this year and partnering with Olay to get me looking my very best!:)

Can't tell you how excited I am! Obviously I love getting really dressed up and getting my hair and make up done, but hearing some of my favorite artists perform live is definitely icing on the cake!

My partnership with Olay began with a personalized skin consultation at an Olay Lab. The main purpose of this consultation was to check how my skin is doing and diagnose some of the areas that still need improvement! Though as I have mentioned before, I am pretty diligent about taking care of my skin, I still struggle with a few issues like dryness around my eye area and cheeks and redness around my nose and cheek area. Yet, I have not been able to find products that would address all of my concerns at once.

Honestly, when I found out that I was going to have a skin consultation at the Olay Lab, I did not know what to expect. I'm not going to lie, having my skin examined up close by the professionals was a bit scary too. I arrived at the Lab early in the morning ready to learn about how my skin was doing. I met the Olay scientists who were going to work with me, and we dived right into the testing. They took photos of my face with a special machine which then showed everything that was going on: from sun damage to amount of moisture in my skin. The good news, is that overall my skin appears to be in a pretty good shape, but of course there is always room for improvement! After my consultation, I've learned that some of the areas that needed help were the moisture levels, as well as my skin's ability to retain water.

To address these issues before they started to affect the way my skin looks the scientists at the Olay Lab recommend a regiment consisting of 3 products: Regenerist Regenerating Cream Cleanser, Regenerist Micro-Sculpting cream moisturizer and Regenerist micro-sculpting swirl eye cream.

At this point, I've been using these 3 products morning and night for about a month now. What I really like about this new routine is that it is really quick and simple, basically it takes me less than 5 minutes start to finish but also the fact that I am already seeing great improvements. Aside from the fact that my skin looks and feels much softer and smoother, one of my favorite changes actually happen to the under eye area. After using Regenerist micro-sculpting swirl eye cream, I've noticed that the area under my eyes looks much smoother and that the dark circles I am usually sporting thanks to staying up way past my bed-time, have started to diminish! YAY! Also, Regenerist Micro-Sculpting cream moisturizer is really helping with the redness. I knew that lack of moisture resulted in dry skin, but I didn't realize that the redness I was struggling with was also due to low moisture levels in those particular areas. So now that I started to moisturize day and night with Regenerist Micro-Sculpting cream moisturizer, those blotchy, red spots are virtually gone and my skin looks much more even!:) So, definitely super excited to see these changes!

P.S. I'm going to continue using my 3-step regiment and keep you guys posted on my progress! So stay tuned!:)

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PASTELS & POM POMs

January 18, 2016, 9:29 am

≫ Next: BURGUNDY SUEDE

≪ Previous: GETTING GRAMMY-READY WITH OLAY

Emil and I spent the weekend in Venice, California, wondering about Abbot Kinney, exploring our favorite shops, eating out and just enjoying the warm weather! Packing for our mini staycation got me thinking about how my favorite basics changed over the years. Though my fondness of high heels will never go away completely, lately, I find myself reaching for a pair of comfy sneakers whenever I put together a casual look. And the same philosophy extends to clothing. Sure, whenever I dress up, tailored, polished and embellished is still what I generally prefer. But on my days off, cozy comfort is what I crave, which believe it or not, is a big chance considering my old casual uniform consisted of jeans, blazers and heels:)

AG Stevie ankle cords | JOIE Kajetan turtleneck sweater { also love this one } | BANANA REPUBLIC Camel double-breasted coat | CELINE bag | JOCELYN bag charm { similar here & here } | URBAN OUTFITTERS Pom Pom hat { similar here& here } | GOLDEN GOOSE sneakers { also love these ones& these }

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BURGUNDY SUEDE

January 20, 2016, 9:51 am

≫ Next: BLACK & WHITE

≪ Previous: PASTELS & POM POMs

Yet another one of my outfits comprised entirely of all the things I am completely and totally obsessed with! Take this beautiful trench coat for example, sure, I am more than a little partial to trenches in general, but this suede perfection takes trench coats to the next level! As far as I'm concerned, suede is the ultimate leather of choice for pretty much everything. It adds just the right touch of texture and transforms even the simplest of pieces into statement makers. Yet, what I particularly adore about this trench, is the fact that it's made from light-as-air, buttery-soft suede that moves. And though I certainly appreciate a certain degree of stiffness for some suede items like jackets for example, in this case, the cut and soft suede work synergistically to create a piece that is both slightly casual and decidedly polished. Naturally, I absolutely love that!

REBECCA MINKOFF Amis suede trench coat { similar here& here } | CHLOE Patchwork knit Hudson bag | FRAME DENIM Le High flare jeans | LARSSON & JENNINGS Lader suede & gold plated watch | ISABEL MARANT Daria round-frame metal sunglasses

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BLACK & WHITE

January 23, 2016, 10:22 am

≫ Next: CAMEL COATED

≪ Previous: BURGUNDY SUEDE

After living in LA for more than 10 years, when it comes to weather, the one thing I still find difficult to adjust to is how quickly it changes. Just when you get used to wearing sweaters and coats, it plays a trick on you and sends one of those super warm days your way. Not that I mind the warmth and sunshine! Yet, trying to dress in a weather-appropriate manner can get a little tricky.

Take this week for example, it started off nice and cool. Basically, by Cali standards completely coat appropriate temperatures. Then 2 days ago, the weather decided that it had enough of winter, and took us into a full summer mode! Well, ... what is a girl to do but bust out her new spring wardrobe! The plus side, beside the gorgeous warm weather of course, is that I get to wear my new spring favorites a little early. Or, a lot early in this case! :)

IRO Shera jacket& Nicole skirt | B-LOW THE BELT Ana wrap belt | DIOR So Real 48mm sunglasses | SAINT LAURENT Embellished leather ankle boots | CHANEL bag

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