Category Archives: STYLE

10 Can’t-Live-Without’s

April 29, 2010

Filed Under : BEAUTY - EAT - STYLE

Everyone has certain things in their life that complete them.  Of course my family, boyfriend, and friends are at the very top of this “Can’t Live Without” list but I also have 10 other vitals that I’ve come to depend upon.

  1. Tea: I have tea, whether it be iced or hot, all day long.  Some of my favorite tea brands are Revolution, Tejava, Republic of Tea, Harney & Sons, and…well, I could go on forever but that’s a blog post within itself.
  2. Cupcakes:  Of course this one isn’t as vital, but cupcakes are one of my favorite things to indulge in.
  3. My iPod:  Yes, I said iPod.  You’re probably wondering if these old school contraptions actually still exist, what with all the iTouchs and Nanos and Shuffles, but they do!  My iPod has been so good to me over the years.
  4. Erin Condren Life Planner: Of course I went into detail about my day planner here and let me tell you, it keeps me so organized and together.
  5. Strawberry Chapstick: I’m talking about the actual Chapstick brand in strawberry flavor.  This chapstick is much more than a beauty essential to me.  I keep them well stocked too: 1 in every drawer of my nightstands, stashed in every purse, in the glove compartment of my car, in my desk at work, everywhere possible.
  6. Kiehl’s Crème de Corps: Kiehl’s is my absolute favorite brand for lotions, moisturizers, and body washes.  I’ve used Crème de Corps for years now and it’s the only body lotion that truly soaks into my skin and keeps it hydrated.  I use it everyday!
  7. Moleskine Notebook: For Christmas last year, Kyle gave me a Moleskine notebook so that I could write down all of my thoughts, ideas, inspirations, muses, and random notes.  Whenever I have something I need written down, my Moleskine is always there for me.
  8. Cadbury Mini Eggs: If you know me at all, then you’re fully aware of my unhealthy obsession with Cadbury mini eggs.  I have absolutely NO willpower when a bowl of cads are dangled in front of my face.  Just the fact that I know they’re available on Amazon (see link) during the off season should say enough.
  9. Monthly Mags: Whether it be an InStyle, Elle, or Cooking Light, I need a monthly fix of my mags.
  10. My blogs: Just as much as I need a monthly magazine fix, I also need a DAILY blog fix.  Blogs have become such an integral part of my life and reading them is the highlight of my days.  From personal style blogs to food blogs to my friends’ blogs to profesh blogs like Refinery 29, I need them every day (every hour is more like it).

[Image via weheartit]

10 Wardrobe Essentials

April 26, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Everyone has certain items in their closet that they grab on a near daily basis.  These are mine – my wardrobe essentials.  My uniform!  I wear at least 3 of these items every day.  Sometimes, I’ll wear it all at once!
  1. Slouchy, scoop neck tees: When I’m not working, I’m guaranteed to be wearing a slouchy tee.  My favorites are the pima cotton tees from Gap and I have them in literally every color.  Of course they all have holes in them but that only adds to their character, right?
  2. Dark wash skinny jeans: As I mentioned here, I’m a jeans girl through and through.  I need my jean to be skinny in the legs and a little looser in the waist (because of my chicken legs and buddha belly).  Let me tell you, it’s very hard to come by this kind of cut.  Luckily, I’ve found the most perfect pairs in Black Orchid and Madewell – these brands fit me the absolute best.
  3. Jade: There’s never a day that goes by where I’m not wearing a piece of jade – whether it be on a ring, bracelet, or necklace.  Besides the fact that I’m enthralled by the color, this particular stone is very special to me.  Both of my grandmothers have always worn jade (my Oma’s jade ring and my Nana’s many jade necklaces come to mind).  I guess their love for the stone has rubbed off on me!
  4. Ray Ban Wayfarers: I’ve had my wayfarers for years.  They’re classics, enough said!
  5. Black Havaianas: I wear these sandals with EVERYTHING, from flowy dresses to leggings.  They’re comfortable and easy.
  6. Chambray Shirts: I have 3 J. Crew button-up shirts in various hues of chambray, from a light wash to a medium dark.  I love chambray because you can dress it up or wear it super casual, depending on the weather and occasion.  They’re versatile, chic, and comfy.  The key to a great chambray button-up is purchasing a size up.  They’re not meant to be fitted and definitely look best when worn loose and disheveled.
  7. Black blazer: My love for blazers will never fade.  I have two different black blazers: a fitted one and an oversized boyfriend version.  Just as the chambray shirt, I wear blazers for any and all occasions.  They look just as good with a slouchy tee as they do with a silk blouse.
  8. Black boots: I wear my Madewell biker boots at least a few times a week.  They’re clunky, chunky, and perfect.  I love everything about them!
  9. Scarf: I’ve already divulged my love of scarves to you quite a few times, so the fact that they’re on my wardrobe essential list should come as no surprise.  In the winter, I prefer a cowl-neck wool version.  For the rest of the seasons, I turn to gauzy linens and pashminas.
  10. Long cardigans: Living in Southern California, I usually only need a light sweater when venturing outside.  That’s why long cardis are so prominent in my closet.  They’re the perfect thickness level.  On an average day, I wear them over a slouchy scoop neck tee and paired with skinny jeans, a scarf, and my Madewell boots…

What are your wardrobe essentials??  Your favorite items? Your go-to’s??  I love hearing everyones’ fave items in their closet!

[Images via J. Crew, Singer 22, Boutique To You, Madewell, Shopbop, Amazon, Etsy]

Eco Chic

April 22, 2010

Filed Under : BEAUTY - STYLE

In honor of Earth Day, I’ve picked out some of my favorite eco-friendly products.  Whether they’re organic, fair trade, 100% vegan, or simply take the place of forever-in-a-landfill plastic bottles, all of these items are sustainable in their own ways.  The fact that they’re super chic, well-made, and reasonably priced is just an added bonus.

  1. Skin & Threads Front Pocket Cardigan, $74
  2. Loomstate x Barneys NY V Neck Tee, $40
  3. People Tree Maui Mini Skirt, $40
  4. Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum, $30
  5. Tarte Natural Lip Stain, $24
  6. SIGG Water Bottle, $21.99
  7. Matt & Nat Vegan Leather Handbag, $245
  8. TOMS Olive Canvas Classics, $44
  9. Pacifica Soy Candle, $6

catbird nyc

April 17, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Back in February, I wrote about catbird nyc‘s heart ring here and ever since then, I’ve been dying for it.  Then a few weeks ago while lunching in Brooklyn (here) with Kyle, we started talking about that heart ring again (because it just so happened to be the FIFTH anniversary of our very first date and I love presents).  Knowing that the catbird nyc store was somewhere in the area, I looked up the address on my phone.  And what do you know?  It was 3 blocks away from where we were.  That delicate little heart was simply meant for my finger!

When we stepped into catbird nyc, I was enthralled with the beautifully whimsical trinkets displayed in the tiny storefront.  All the jewelry was delicate, feminine, and quirky – in my book, a recipe for perfection.

Of course, they had much more than jewelry.  The store was full of dainty confections, from perfumes to soaps, greeting cards to French cahiers, and a ton of miscellaneous home decor.  And the staff?  Just as sweet!

Catbird is a MUST VISIT if you’re strolling Bedford Street in Brooklyn.  Just beyond lovely and totally charming!  And, of course, I walked away with that darling little heart ring (thanks Kyle)!

Some of my favorites:

{catbird alphabet (and heart) rings, $88}

{Katrina Lapenne Old World Ring – green diamond, $600}

{Yayoi Forest Reminder String Ring, $100}

{Yayoi Forest Love Letter Necklace, $670}

{Iwona Ludyga Teeny Gold Key Necklace, $240 – AHHH I LOVE!!}

{Enormous Champion Tea Towels, $25}

{Saipua Mango Butter Soap, $8}

{NYC Notebook, $12}

[Images via catbird nyc]

Springtime Scarves, Continued

April 13, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

So in my last post, I showed you the best scarf fabrics to wear in the springtime: merino wool, linen, cashmere blends, and cotton.  One major problem: I never said what to wear them with!

Generally, I have 2 very simple guidelines for scarves in the springtime:

  • Pair bold-printed scarves with very simple pieces: tissue-thin tees, solid tanks, cardigans, stripes, solid-colored shorts, any type of jean, cotton dresses, shirtdresses, and blazers.  If you really want your printed scarf to stand out, make sure your outfit is a blank canvas.  Start with whites, nudes, pastels, and neutrals (black, navy, gray, tan) and layer your printed scarf over that.

Madewell Psychedelic Forest Print Scarf, Shopbop, $38
Tarnish ‘Wallpaper’ Scarf, Nordstrom, $48
Pins and Needles Forest Oblong Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $24

  • As for solid-colored scarves, anything goes! You can literally pair a solid-colored scarf with ANYTHING, from a floral romper to army green cargo pants.  As long as the color of your scarf is in harmony with your outfit as a whole, it will work.  Now that doesn’t necessarily mean the scarf must match!  Push boundaries, I always say.  If you want to wear a burgandy scarf with a floral skort, go for it.  Beige scarf with khaki shorts??  Test it out!  Don’t be afraid to play with solid-colored scarves.  The photos below are just three examples of the infinite possibilities you have with a solid scarf.  Like I said, anything goes.


Staring at Stars Mesh Square with Fringe, Urban Outfitters, $28
Essential Pash Wrap in Pale Green, Urban Outfitters, $18
Love Quotes in Moonbeam, Revolve, $95

[Just remember: these guidelines are for the springtime and don’t necessary apply in the winter when you’re bundling in scarves to stay warm.  That’s a whole different story.  And also, rules are meant to be broken so don’t be afraid to pair prints with prints!]