As I was having lunch with a stylist friend of mine, one of the topics that came up for discussion was the idea of modern jewelry. If you think about it, in the past, there were quite a few rules in place in terms of what we wear, how, and when, especially in regards to jewelry. I vividly remember my grandmother’s jewelry box, where pieces were cautiously organized by occasion, and everyday sparkle was definitely kept separate from the evening, dressier jewels. Today, however, the rules are changing and as far as jewelry is concerned, it’s much more anything goes, and we are finally free to mix and match anyway we like and wear bigger, bolder prices for day and daintier ones for night.

Monica Vinader jewelry became a bit of a staple for me this year. I discovered it a little over a year ago, and since then, I seldom leave the house without a few layered bracelets and rings. I think what attracted me to this particular line in the first place is the fact that though each and every piece looks great on its own, Monica Vinader jewelry looks just as impressive layered, but also, and I hate to sound like a broken record, I’ve worn it with jeans and evening gowns alike, and it never fails to make a statement.

For today’s look, I chose to pair a few of my rose gold favorites with a soft, feminine-looking evening gown I wore to a friend’s engagement party recently. Normally, when it comes to jewelry, layering is what I opt for, and though I am not opposed to mixing metals, on this particular occasion I chose to stick with a single color, but combined pieces in various shapes and sizes, ranging from dainty little bracelets to bold, statement cuffs. Yet, and this goes back to what I have mentioned earlier, what makes Monica Vinader jewelry so special to me is the fact that I’ve worn this exact stack with much more casual looks and yet it never looks out of place and always manages to enhance an outfit in the most magical of ways.

What about you guys, what’s your idea of modern jewelry?

P.S. For 48 hours only, VivaLuxury readers can enjoy 20% OFF on MonicaVinader.com by simply entering VLMV20 at checkout.

Good morning, Everyone! I hope your week is going great so far! You may have noticed I’ve been wearing these cute Michael Kors frames quite a bit lately. In fact, I am so obsessed with them at the moment, I literally have to fight the urge to wear them with everything and everywhere. Truth is, I’ve worn contacts for years, but always struggled with finding something that would feel comfortable, I suppose I’ve always preferred glasses, but up until I came across this cute pair from Michael Kors, nothing really stuck with me.

What do I like about them so much? Well first, they are actually really comfortable. In fact, most of the time I forget I am wearing them at all. But also, I like the fact that they don’t really distract, but rather add a cute styling element, which looks equally relevant with just about everything from casual outfits to dressier ones. Love, love, love how polished, elegant, yet modern they are, and how effortlessly they pair with jeans to tailored pieces alike.

For today’s look, I opted to wear them with my other obsessions du jour, i.e. oversized tweed coat, comfy sneakers and skinny leather pants. Love the way these pieces work together because the end result is always polished and put together yet effortlessly cool and easy-going. The frames add the perfect finishing touch to the look, and if your read my blog on the regular you know that I always look for those perfect accessories that help transform and elevate casual outfits. Suppose what I am really trying to say here, is that there is a pretty good chance you’re going to be seeing a lot more of these frames on this blog, so I hope you don’t mind!

Happy Weekend Everyone! I’m super excited to be finally sharing these images with you! As you might have seen on my Instagram, Emil and I went up to Napa with ShopStyle last week, to spend a few days at the gorgeous Solage Resort. An all time favorite place, both Emil and I love to visit Napa, so this cozy getaway, complete with breakfasts in bed, wining and dining at our fave restaurants, and wine tours was exactly what we needed in the midst of the crazy Holiday season.

As part of this trip, we got to visit yet another favorite place – the Calistoga Ranch. We toured the massive property, got to check out their chicken coups, and learn about bee-keeping. Most of the food that they serve is raised right there on the ranch, so the lunch we had at The Lakehouse was absolutely delicious ( highly recommend trying the winter squash soup and roasted beets, also, if you happen to have a bit of a sweet tooth like me, spiced molten cake was absolutely phenomenal! )

Yet another highlight of this trip and the reason why I fell in love with Solage Resort is the fact that we got to stay in a one bedroom suite with a private outdoor patio perfect for lazy breakfasts and outdoor mini picnics. Obviously we simply couldn’t help taking advantage of both!

As I have mentioned before Napa has always been a very special place for Emil and I, and it seems like no matter how many times we visit, the end of each trip inevitably leads to planning our next visit. As of right now, we are aiming for this month ( fingers crossed ), so stay tuned for more Napa favorites!

Funny, but much as I talk about how much I love wearing new things, I’d say that in many ways, wearing my tried and true favorites is what I love the most. In fact, most of my truly prized possessions, the pieces I love the most, 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.

Enter today’s go-to casual look of the moment. I’ve had this Anine Bing trench coat for ages, yet never quite got over how casually elegant and versatile it is! The same goes for the mohair perfection of a sweater from Isabel Marant I picked up last year. Love the color because of the way it pairs with neutrals and soft blues, but it is the way it feels on that makes me reach for it again and again! Lightweight and cozy, it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all, yet keeps you warn even on the coldest LA days. Last but certainly not least are these slightly slouchy, straight-leg Grlfrnd jeans I got last summer. Tough I’ve tried to replicate this fit with other jeans ( honestly wouldn’t mind stocking up on the same fit in a few colors ), I’ve never quite found anything that fits the same. So good with sneakers because of the cropped length, they are also my go-to pair for when I opt for sock boots, cropped jeans look. Fact that they are also high waisted, which means that I can pair them with cropped tops ( I particularly like this look ) makes them probably my favorite pair of jeans ever!

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

Grlfrnd X Revolve Karolina High Rise Skinny Jean | Anine Bing Classic Trench Coat | | Valentino Suede Fly Crew Sneakers | Chanel Gabrielle Backpack in Silver | Isabel Marant Etoile Clifton Mohair Sweater in Green | Michele Deco Day Two-Tone Diamond Dial Watch

If you read my blog on the regular, you may already know that Emil and I are big believers in a quick getaway ( or a staycation if you will ) when life gets a little crazy and you feel tired, uninspired, exhausted and find yourself in a general state of meh. For us, a staycation is really a perfect way to disconnect and get away from the craziness  ( especially come Holiday season ) without spending too much time on actual travel, or when we simply don’t have the time to take a full blown vacation. Since we do these little trips pretty regularly, we’ve developed a road map of sorts to maximize the benefits of these mini getaways and make them as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.

For us, choosing the right hotel is really important, so we are always on a lookout for a new staycation favorite, and as of late, Hotel Indigo in Downtown Los Angeles has been it for us. Aside from the fact that we love this brand in general, when we opt for a city getaway, we tend to look at the surrounding area as well. We love being able to take a walk to a nearby cafe in the morning, or do a bit of shopping or simply exploring without having to drive, which is why the fact the Hotel Indigo is located in one of the most charming neighborhoods of Downtown LA is so important to us. Another reason is obviously the hotel itself – from food ( opt for eggs Benedict in the morning, I promise you won’t regret it ) and light and airy rooms, to the penthouse cocktail lounge which offers beautiful views of the Downtown Los Angeles we simply can’t get enough of this charming boutique hotel!

As far as my staycation essentials are concerned, I don’t think I could really enjoy these mini getaways properly without the following:

First – cozy and comfy loungewear or pjs. As much as we love exploring, sometimes, staying in, ordering room service ( Hello breakfast in bed! ), binge watching an entire season of something on Netflix, or even simply catching some z’s is exactly what the doctor ordered, so I always make sure to pack my favorite pajamas and slippers.

Second – my headphones! I love music, I am one of those people who can listen to their favorite song on repeat over and over again because it helps me to unwind and to clear my head of all the must-dos and simply enjoy the moment. So, when I have a bit of free time, I like to light my favorite candle, lay in bed, and listen to my favorite tune on repeat!

Third – a bit of pampering goes a long way! I always bring a few skincare or new make-up goodies to try out. I pack face masks, hair masks, body scrubs, lotions, oils, you name it! Because it’s a staycation, I don’t feel so guilty spending a little extra time on myself so I definitely take advantage of it.

What about you guys, what are your staycation essentials?

More staycation favorites by City:

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Washington, New York & also here, Montreal, Chicago, Las Vegas

Special thank you to ShopStyle & IHG for partnering with me on this post.

In a spirit of trying something new this year when it comes to gifts, I’ve been on a hunt for those classic pieces that everyone needs in their closet. The kind of staples, no wardrobe can be complete without because they wear well with just about everything, never go out of style, and make every outfit just a tad more special. Fact that I happen to pick up a few of those classics for myself along the way, is well…, not entirely that surprising.

White coat – for me is really a game changer! Honestly, as I am writing this post, I struggle to imagine an outfit that couldn’t benefit from a classic white coat. Perfect with every possible combination out there, a white coat adds a bit of polish and sophistication to everyday pairings like jeans and sweaters, yet also happens to be a perfect option to throw over a cocktail dress number for an evening out. The one from Express I am wearing in today’s post is a recent find and current obsession du jour. Aside from the fact that I’ve always been partial to a bit of texture on a coat, what I love about this articular one is the shape which tends to look great buttoned, unbuttoned, belted and everything in between! Oh, and oversized pockets… Never a bad thing in my opinion!

A pair of skinny black jeans – is probably the one denim style I tend to wear the most. Obviously a great casual option ( think cozy knit and sneakers or sleek leather jacket and boots combination ), yet I often opt for black skinnies when it comes to evening looks. Perfect with dressy tops, heels and clutches, personally, I’ve always been partial to black skinny jeans and tailored blazer combos. Essentially, the pairing possibilities are endless, and of course you know how much I love that! The mid-rise pair from Express I am sporting in today’s look has been happily residing in my closet for about a month now and we’ve been mostly inseparable from day one. Love the higher rise, love the distressing, love how they pair with ankle boots, sneakers, over-the-knee boots and pumps! Basically, just LOVE!

Silky layering cami is a an absolute must for me. Normally, I look for ones in neutral colors like white, cream, gray and taupe to layer under jackets, sweaters and coats alike! What I love about the one from Express I am wearing in this post, is the fact that although it works great as a layering option, I can also wear it on it’s on like a tank top. Circling back to that skinny black jeans for an evening out look, I often opt for a sleek cami, skinny denim and heels combo when cocktail dress option feels just a tad too much, and this one, paired with high waisted jeans is pure magic!

What about you guys, what are you can’t-live-without wardrobe staples?

Personally, I blame it on the Track Star trend ( think sweatshirts with jeans and heels, or sweatpants with blazer combos ), but I’ve been into sportswear a lot more than ever before as of late. Casually cool and comfortable, I think the look of sportswear has really changed over the last couple of years. Aside from having a very stylish moment right now, sportswear has gone beyond work out wear and has taken a firm position as a rather cool casual option to wear pretty much everywhere and with everything, which is probably the reason why I find it so appealing at the moment.

Take the sweatshirt I am wearing in today’s post for example. I’ve always been a fan of Nike when it came to sportswear because I could find stylish options which performed incredibly well and survived no matter whet kind of abuse I put them through, but this cropped baby-blue perfection of a pullover that has to be my favorite piece to date. Originally, I got it to wear when I go hiking. I start very early in the morning when it’s still quite chilly, so I wanted something cute and comfortable I can throw on when I need that extra layer, but it’s only recently that I realized it’s full potential.

Obviously a great option to wear to work out, I have since worn it with skinnies and heels ( love the combination of blue skinny denim, white heels and this sweatshirt in silver grey ), denim and leather minis, sequined midi skirts and high-waisted tailored trousers and it hasn’t failed to impress once. Personally, I think what makes it such a little statement maker is the cropped length but also the slightly oversized silhouette. Cute, comfortable but also just plain cool, to me, it’s one of the best examples of elevated sportswear I am so fond of at the moment!

What about you guys? Are you on board with the Track Star trend?

Special thank you to ShopStyle for partnering with me on this post.

If you read my blog on regular basis, you probably already know that I am a big believer in the importance of accessories! Aside from their ability to essentially define a look, for me, the right accessory or accessories can transform an ordinary outfit into an extraordinary one, and the one accessory that plays the most important part in this transformation, is jewelry. Why do I think that jewelry plays such an important part? Well…, mainly because I think that more than any other accessory, jewelry defines the feel of an outfit, but also creates that perfect finishing touch that gives an ensemble polish and sophistication.

Take today’s look for example, though when it comes to day wear my motto is: the more  – the merrier, for evening, I prefer a cleaner, less congested look. So, I often opt for a single statement piece ( or in this case two ), like a bracelet or ring.

I’ve discovered LAGOS jewelry a little over two years ago, and my collection just keeps on expanding. Aside from the fact that they are the quintessential layering pieces thanks to a variety of textures, shapes, colors and sizes, I am always a little more than partial to jewels that are feminine, modern and polished, and combine both glamour and edge. Perfect for day or night, I love the look and feel of a few stacked bracelets and rings with jeans and chunky knit for day, yet appreciate the statement-making power of a single piece ( like a bracelet or ring for example ) when paired with a glamorous evening gown or cocktail dress.

The pieces I am wearing in today’s post are a fairly recent addition and current obsession. I picked up these pretty jewels on a recent trip to Bloomingdales ( a favorite destination for LAGOS jewelry because they have unique pieces I can’t find anywhere else ) and we’ve been pretty inseparable ever since, which is probably the main reason I love LAGOS so much. Day or night, casual or dressy, they never fail to make an outfit shine a little brighter, and I don’t know about you guys, but come Holiday season, I can certainly appreciate that!

Special thank you to Bloomingdales and ShopStyle for partnering with me on this post.

Ending this year with one of my favorite dresses at the moment! Though I am rather fond of little black dresses in general, the one I’m wearing in today’s post is just on another level for me! Truly, I couldn’t tell you what is it that I love most about it: the one-shoulder neckline, the rich velvet fabric or the crystal embellishment, but combined together, all of the above sure make for one magical dress!

Yet another reason why this dress goes down in history as one of my all-time favorites is the shape. Though it is certainly decidedly feminine, it also has that distinct edgy and strong vibe that Saint Laurent does so well, and it is this particular quality that makes this velvet number a bit of a chameleon. So good with heels and a little clutch, I also love pairing it with over-the-knee boots or flats for cocktail hour.

Last but certainly not least are the pockets. I mean, you know how I feel about pockets on dresses in general, but pockets on cocktail dresses happen to be my particular weakness! Why the obsession? Well…, really it’s the kind of detail that adds that slight casual/edgy vibe to an otherwise very dressy number, and when it comes to clothing, I really love pieces that combine both dressy and casual elements.

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

Good morning everyone! I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy 2018 and also say goodbye to 2017 by posting a recap of some of my favorite moments and memories from 2017. It’s been a very busy, eventful and travel-heavy year for me ( all good things in my book ), so… 2017 you’ve been good and I can’t wait to see what 2018 will bring!

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had an amazing holiday season! For my first post of 2018 I wanted to share my go-to evening makeup looks at the moment. They’ve become a bit of a staple this past holiday season mainly because they work with pretty much any evening outfit imaginable, but also because of how easy and quick they are to achieve!

My first go-to look is a bright red lip with matching red nails. I usually go for a very nude/neutral lip for day, so wearing a bright red lip is something I do on special occasions. It instantly makes me feel more glamorous and sophisticated! Something about red lips is just so classic and timeless, and I feel the same about matching red nails. Typically I’m not one to match my nails to my lipstick, but when it comes down to the color red, I think the combination works so well! Of course when I go for such bold lip, I keep the rest of my face pretty neutral to keep the focus on the lips. This look is definitely my go-to when I’m short on time because throwing on red lipstick takes just a minute! My favorite red lip is by Dior, their new Rouge Dior Liquid Lip Stain in shade 999, it lasts so long and doesn’t dry out my lips like other liquid lipsticks. For my red nails I went with Dior Nail Lacquer in shade 754, which I think is a perfect shade of red for your nails.

My second go-to look is a bit of an opposite from the first one. Instead of going bold on the lips, I keep them neutral with Dior’s Lipstick in shade 219 and shift all the focus on the eyes. I go for my favorite cat-eye, except I make it a bit more dramatic than every day. However, the lower lash line is where all the drama happens. I first line it with Dior ‘Diorshow’ Waterproof Pro Liner (in shade 272) then take any smudging brush and use a few colors from the Dior Eyeshadow Palette (in shades 277) to smudge out the liner and add more dimension to the lower lash line. I love the cool blue tones of this particular palette and love that the metallic shades give just the right amount of shine and really make your eyes pop. This look takes me a few more minutes than the first one, but it’s still so easy and quick.

How about you guys, what do you normally like to play up? Your lips or your eyes?

Never not a fan of Isabel Marant anything, there is never really a time when I don’t want to add yet another piece to my Marant collection. Why? Well, aside from the fact that somehow they manage to look good with just about anything, feel good on, and make you feel darn good when you wear them, I think the biggest appeal for me is their longevity.

Unlike any other staple I have in my closet, Isabel Marant pieces are truly timeless, never go our of style, and always manage to look polished and casually cool. Take the coat I am wearing in today’s post for example. Love the fact that it looks great with just about any denim style imaginable, can be dressed down or up, and has that effortlessly chic appeal Isabel Marant is so known for.

Incredibly easy to wear, this is probably the one coat/jacket I reach for the most when I need to get ready quickly because it completes any outfit like no other. I’ve worn it with skinny blue jeans, cropped patent leather pants, and lacy slip dresses, and so far, it never failed to deliver, which is definitely the reason why it is one of my favorite staples at the moment.

What about you guys, what makes something a closet staple for you?

If you read my blog on the regular, you probably already know that I am a bit partial to wearing all my favorites at the same time, and today’s look is a great example of that. Some of the pieces I am sporting in this outfit are new, others have already established themselves as tried and true staples ( manically obsessed with these high-waisted Mother Denim jeans! I mean… hello ankle lace ), but all of them are the go-to faves du jour and  items I tend to wear the most at the moment.

Though I’ve never met an Isabel Marant jacket I didn’t like, this particular one I got on Net-a-Porter a few weeks ago, is a total game changer for me. Hello power plaid, hello oversized fit and pretty color combination, I think the main reason why I can’t seem to bring myself to wear anything else is because it is such a great “all day long” piece. I’ve worn it to the office and business meetings, casual outings with my husband, and cocktails with friends, and somehow it always looks perfect for the place.

Also, love the multitude of styling and restyling options it offers. So good with denim, I also really love the way it looks with leather and patent leather mini skirts, high-waisted trousers and crop tops, and lacy slip dresses and boots. Basically, as far as jackets are concerned, this one just does not disappoint! Love that!

My obsession with mules began last year with a pair of wear-with-anything gray suede high-heel mules from Marc Fisher ( also this style & this one ). Cool, sleek and sophisticated, somehow they managed to work with every outfit, add that perfect touch of edge, and be comfortable at the same time. Basically, a perfect shoe in every way!

This year, my love for mules continues and the pair of Proenza Schouler white mules I am sporting in today’s look is my go-to style at the moment. Practical and comfortable, I love the way they add just a touch of chic to a look, but also help elevate casual outfits and make them just a bit more sophisticated. Another reason is the fact that white accessories ( and shoes in particular ) are still  rather trendy this season, and I am definitely on board. Love the way a pair of white shoes adds a bright touch to a all-black look, or the way it acts as a neutral when you opt to wear color! Basically, never fail to impress kinda shoe style and I definitely love that!

What about you guys, are you on board with the mule trend?

Don’t know about you guys, but my summer and winter skin couldn’t be any more different! Dry, sallow, dull-looking would be the best words to describe what happens to my skin during winter, and that dewy, glowy complexion I tend to have during summer suddenly takes a bit of work to achieve! Yet, if like me, you are not ready to settle for that tired-looking complexion, putting in that extra work can make the world of difference. So, I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few favorite tips, tricks and products to get back to that luminous, glowy skin!

BODY EXFOLIATION: The most important trick to getting a beautiful, even-looking tan is having a good foundation to apply the tanning product on. Exfoliating is an absolute must in this case because it gets rid of dead skin cells that tanning products tend to cling to, which can leave you with an uneven-looking color. Another reason why exfoliating is a must is because it makes your tan last much longer. Committing to this step is absolutely essential! Though I must admit I change my body scrubs fairly regularly, the one I’m am using and loving at this point is LaLicious Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub. Love it because it makes my skin feel super soft and smells absolutely amazing!

FACE EXFOLIATION: Just as it is important to exfoliate the body, it is important to exfoliate the face for all the same reasons. My favorite products to use to exfoliate my face and prepare it for tanning are Sisley Buff and Wash Facial Gel and James Read Tan Perfecting Enzyme Peel Mask. Together, they really get rid of the dead skin cells, old tan, and smooth out the skin preparing it for the tan application.

BODY TAN APPLICATION: I think I’ve tried every self-tanning product out there! No, honestly! Some were complete disasters, others were ok, but it wasn’t until I tried James Read self tanners that I was really, truly smitten! Best color ( and by that I mean most natural looking one ) without a doubt, they do not stain your clothes or sheets, and they do not have that “tanning product” smell you typically get. The application is super easy too—I just apply the product with my hands, no brushes or application gloves are necessary. Most of the time I use James Read Sleep Mask Tan and when my skin gets particularly dry, as it often happens in the winter, I switch James Read Coconut Melting Tanning Balm Face & Body.

FACE TAN APPLICATION: Once again, I love to use James Read products. Aside from the benefits I mentioned above, I absolutely love that the products don’t cause any break outs. I had always been hesitant to apply self tanners on my face because so many clog up your pores and break you out, so I was happy to find the products that didn’t do that. I like to use the James Read Sleep Mask Tan Face overnight and Tantour Sculpting Duo as my bronzer on the daily basis. It’s a bronzer that also acts as a self tanner! So after a few days of using it, I noticed a “natural” contour appearing—perfect for the no-makeup days! I like to apply the mask with my hands and the bronzer with an angled brush.

BODY GLOW: Personally, I love using a moisturizer that gives me a subtle glow and makes my skin look just a little more luminous. My favorite one to use is the This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle. I use it on my legs and arms ( I know it’s designed specifically for legs, but honestly it works pretty much anywhere ), and it really brings out the tan and gives my skin that dewy look I love. What I like about this particular one is the fact that it creates a very subtle, lit-from-within” glow, I call it “the way my skin looks after a good vacation glow”, not the shimmery, shiny kind of look.

FACE GLOW: To lay down the base for a glowy skin, I start with the Sisley Instant Eclat Instant Glow Primer. It gives me that “glow from within” look I really like and my foundation goes perfectly over it. As far as highlighters go, I like a few. I like the Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator applied on my cheekbones as well as collar bone and high points on my shoulders. It’s a beautiful highlight, and I love the compact design that I can take with me anywhere for a quick and easy touch up. My favorite powder highlighters are Edward Bess Meta Powder and Guerlain Météorites Pearls. I sometimes use them on their own or to set a cream based highlighter (using a cream based highlighter and setting it with the powder one really intensifies the highlight).

I hope this post answers your questions and as always, please feel free to ask me questions in the comments. I’ll be happy to answer!

James Read Sleep Mask Tan – Body, Sleep Mask Tan – Face, Coconut Melting Tanning Balm Face & Body, Tantour Sculpting Duo, Tan Perfecting Enzyme Peel Mask | Sisley Paris Buff And Wash Facial Gel, Instant Eclat Instant Glow Primer | LaLicious Extraordinary Whipped Sugar Scrub | Guerlain Météorites Pearls | This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle | Edward Bess Meta Powder | Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator

Maybe LA is finally starting to rub off on me, or maybe it is the fact that sportswear is having such a big fashion moment, but lately, I find myself reaching for comfortable, easy-to-wear basics in lieu of my usual tailored tops, structured bottoms and high heeled combos.

Latest find and current favorite is this cropped sweatshirt from Rodarte I picked up from Forward the other week. Love it because it is truly one of those pieces that tends to work with most bottom options ( from high waisted jeans, to leather mini skirts and tailored slacks ) but also because as you well know, I have a bit of a weak spot for details and this one has those in abundance. First, there is the cropped length which yields versatility, and the slightly slouchy fit, and the white embroidery which makes for a stark contrast against the black fabric. Basically, win win on every level and definitely one of those wear-with-anything and anywhere pieces! Of course you know just how much I love those!

Rodarte Radarte LA Embroidery Cropped Sweatshirt | Balenciaga Cutout Glossed Leather Ankle Boots | Mother Denim The Swooner Dagger Ankle Fray Jeans | Dior Lady Dior Bag in Off-White Studded Calfskin

When it comes to outfits, color, or rather color combination is what speaks to me on the most profound level. I don’t know what it is really, but I’ve always had my favorites, like black and white, lavender and beige, camel and cream just to name a few, but the pairing of grey and white is definitely one of my favorite by far.

Love the stark contrast this particular combination creates, I also like the softness of this pairing, and so every season, I look for white and grey staples to add to my closet. Today’s look happens to showcase 2 of my newest acquisitions – the Marissa Webb belted coat and Off-White pumps! Love them both in equal measure, the coat specifically, has become a bit of a staple as of late since it’s such an easy piece to wear, yet it adds just a perfect touch of polish and sophistication to casual outfits.

Never not white shoe obsessed, it was love at first sight the moment I saw these Off-White pumps! Perfectly proportioned, I love the high-contrast, edgy detail “For Walking” side print yields to this otherwise rather classic stiletto pump. Personally, I prefer to pair them with slightly more casual bottoms, like raw-hem denim or track pants, but of course they work just as well with dressier pieces like tailored skirts, and slacks or even pretty cocktail numbers.

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

I’ll be the first to admit that my packing game was not always strong. In fact, up until very recently, sporadic would have been the best word to describe how I approached packing, which often resulted in me bringing way more things than I actually needed, and/or forgetting to take some of the things I would now consider my absolute beach getaway must haves. Well, practice does make perfect I suppose, because in time, I’ve learned that when it comes to packing smart, versatility is definitely the best way to go! So, without further ado, here is my absolute must-take, can’t do beach getaway right without, packing list.

Crop Top – so good with high-waisted shorts, maxi skirts and wraparounds, I love the fact that they can be easily styled and restyled for day or night. I often pair them with denim shorts or high-waisted bikini bottoms during the day, and switch to a dramatic maxi skirt for an evening out. Oh, and if I happens to be off-the-shoulder, well, that’s just icing on the cake!

Wear Anywhere Slides – comfort is key for me when it comes to vacation footwear, so a pair of cute flats is a must. Normally, I look for something with pretty little details, or embellishment to make them special enough for night, yet comfortable enough to run around during the day.

Cute Coverup – what I normally look for is something I can easily throw over a bikini during the day, yet something special enough I could wear to dinner at the beach at night.

Beach Bag – the right beach bag is an outfit maker for me. Since bags tend to take quite a bit of space in a suitcase, I try to limit how many I take to as few as possible, so I often opt for straw and rattan options in neutral colors which tend to work well with most of my beachy outfits!

White Maxi/Midi Dress – otherwise known as the dress I tend to live in during beach getaways. Pretty and practical, easy to wear and accessorize, I love a good white ( preferably eyelet ) dress because it looks equally relevant at dinner paired with dressier shoe and bag option, yet never fails to impress during the day thrown over a bikini and accessorized with a floppy hat and giant sunnies.

One Piece Wonder – aside from the fact that monokinis are having a bit of a moment right now, I love a one-piece suit because let’s face it, most of the time it doubles up as a top. So, yay to another top option! Never a fan of anything plain, when it comes to swimwear, fit is obviously a priority numero uno, but cut and special little details, tend to be a close second. Cute at the beach, cute for poolside cocktails paired with denim shorts and a floppy hat, basically cute all around, so what’s not to love.

Zimmermann Lumino Daisy Bodice (similar here), Meridian Circle Dress (similar here and here), Divinity Wheel Short | Hermes Oran Sandal (similar here and here) | Cult Gaia Bamboo Circle Bag (similar here and here) | Melissa Odabash Kate Guipure Lace Kaftan (similar here and here) | Norma Swimwear Artemia Swimsuit (similar here and here)

Although I love every aspect of my job, and feel very blessed to be doing what it is that I do for a living, one of the things that I enjoy the most, is being able to work with the brands that I truly love, respect and admire. My love affair with Cult Gaia began a little over 2 years ago and started with a single arc bag which became a staple that summer and “the bag” that accompanied me pretty much everywhere from cocktails to trips to Italy. With time, this love affair blossomed into a lasting relationship and an ongoing collaboration and today, I am very pleased to introduce some of my favorite pieces from Cult Gaia’s newly launched ready to wear line.

Why I love them? Esthetically speaking, you know I have a weakness for easy to wear separates that can be easily styled in an ensemble yet can hold their own when worn separately. The pieces I am wearing in today’s look are a great example of that. So good together, the cropped bra top looks just as fabulous worn with high-waisted denim, and I struggle to imagine a top that wouldn’t work well with this pretty white midi. But more than just versatility, what I love about these pieces is their sartorial appeal. Casually cool and easy to wear, yet undeniably chic and statement enough to make any look a little more special! Love that!

Cult Gaia Seashell Bra Top (similar here and here), Mar Bolero, Angie Paperbag Skirt (smilar here and here), Turband, Acrylic Ark Mini Clutch

I am obsessed with denim! I am obsessed with denim because of what it is and because of what it does! I love denim for it’s versatility but also for it’s incredible ability to make you look and feel comfortable and stylish at the same time, which is probably why, whenever I think of casual favorites, denim is always the first thing that comes to mind.

The pair of L’Agence jeans I am wearing in todays post holds the number one spot on my favorite jeans list at the moment. Aside from fit ( totally skinny, high-waisted denim obsessed right now ), I love the wash, the distressing throughout, and the raw, frayed hem, which adds a nice edgy touch to some of my girlier/dresier looks. Love that.

Though I’ve worn them with just about everything in my closet ( last appearance here ), for today’s look, I’ve paired them with some of my newest finds and obsessions. Never not a fan of a good beret ( no bad hair days + a beret yields a sophisticated touch to even the simplest of looks ), I’ve been looking for one in this particular warm shade of beige for a while now, and was over the moon when I finally got it from Free People. The top I am wearing in today’s post is also a Free People find and I just can’t seem to get enough of it at the moment! So good with anything high-waisted, I love wearing it with more casual bottom options like distressed jeans for example, because I love the way it adds a romantic touch to an outfit thanks to the sweetheart neckline and the fitted body. Basically, today’s look is a combination of all my current favorites in a single outfit. Love when that happens!

Click HERE to shop more of my current favorites!

Free People Sunrise Monaco Top, Du Jour Beret, That’s A Wrap Printed Neck Tie | Jeffrey Campbell Charlin Bow Mule | L’Agence Highline High Rise Skinny Jeans with Hem Destruction