Lately Loving: Sand Tropez

You know I love my nail polish and you know I'm stoked for fall and the two go hand in hand. Literally. I'm not quite ready to abondon my polished bright nail colors, but I'm ready to slowly transition towards fall neutrals and eventually I'll ease into the darkest of colors. I found my perfect middle ground in Essie's Sand Tropez! It's definitely a neutral and with it's sandy tone it's perfect for transitioning from summer to fall. If you're brave, this would be the perfect color to use as a base with a bright french tip.

Sand Tropez

Do you have a favorite color as we tip toe closer to fall?

Lately Loving: Ms. & Mrs. Mini Emergency Kit

Over the holidays I did a little gift swap with a friend and I was the recipient of this Ms. & Mrs. Mini Emergency Kit. Little did I know how this little kit would save the day more times than I would like to admit.

Without the help of this kit I would live in a bubble of shame..seriously. Let me recount for you a recent story of how it saved the day. Humiliating Scene: Walking into work in a cute orange skirt and pink and white striped sweater, pleased with my preppy and peppy outfit choice and ready to take on the day. As I'm riding up the elevator to my office I catch a glimpse of my backside in the mirrored elevator walls. OH NO..what is that? Um..I think my skirt seam right above the slit has split. Shock horror! No sarcasm here, actual shock and actual horror. My bum is almost visible and maybe it was as skirts have a tendency to ride up on occasion. Who saw my butt? The possibilities of the hundreds of people who walk and drive by on Wilshire Blvd right before 8am flash through my mind. Want to crawl into a hole and not come out for the rest of the day, please! After several expletives said under hushed breath as I scurry from the elevator to my desk I remember that I have a sewing kit on me and I can salvage the situation. I break out my mini sewing kit and rushed to the bathroom, dropped trow, and stitched up the backside of my skirt while hiding in a stall. Alright, the day might be redeemable..or at least no one else is going to see me bare it all from this point forth! Had I not had this on me at work I probably would have had to change into my yoga pants at my desk, which sounds pretty nice, but wouldn't look too cute with the striped sweater.

Seriously, this kit saved my day! It also comes with breath freshener, nail file, nail polish, nail polish remover, hair spray, tampon, deodorant, stain remover, and a few other goodies. You like to think you won't be needing to rely on the contents of this kit any time soon, but you never really know. You might want to stock up on these for your pre-holiday shopping as they make a great gift and come in a variety of colors, oh, and treat yourself to one too. You never know when the world might see your butt if you don't have this on your person at all times!

Lately Loving: Robyn

This isn't a new obsession and my Robyn love isn't just lately..it's everlasting. I was turned onto this video a few months ago and I've been holding out on you. I'm sorry, I promise not to do it again. Lately what I've not been loving is this little funk I'm in. We all slip into them sometimes right? Where you just don't feel yourself and it's not a particularly enjoyable experience? Yep, I'm there. I'd like to shake this feeling and I can usually rely on this video of Robyn's Call Your Girlfriend set up alongside Taran Killam from SNL. Taran is pretty amazing and this can always get me dancing (maybe at my desk..) and I can't help but smile watching this. Not sure if it's melting away my mood, but it's a good effort. I highly recommend you put whatever you're doing on hold and watch this video. If you've already seen it, that's ok- you will enjoy the subsequent viewings as much if not more than you did before!

Anyone up to get together and practice this routine? How much fun would it be if we break it out at a party or wedding down the line? You know you want to!

Lately Loving: Pink Polka Pretties

 Maybe you remember when I blabbed on and on about my love of polka dots months ago, but that love is still burning strong! I tend to get a little obsessive when I really like something- my collection of striped shirts certainly backs that up. Polka dots are no exception and I recently came across this amazing polka dot top at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (ends this weekend, so you better get on it!) and it had to come home with me. I really have a hard time containing my excitement over such a good find, so of course I had to share with all of you lovelies!

I first saw it layered under a jacket when I got the Nordstrom catalog advertising their Anniversary Sale items and it immediately caught my eye. After I bought it I also saw it featured on one of the blogs I browse daily and was more and more excited about my purchase. I've already worn this to work, to dinner, and out around town. I can't get enough of it and it's quickly becoming a favorite in my wardrobe. The sheer sleeve is perfect for summer evenings as it keeps me just warm enough. The pink polkas are cheery and the fit is comfortable and classic. I might have to pair this with my new pink mini pom..or is that too much pink? Nah!

What has been your favorite find of summer?

Lately Loving: Mini Poms

Not a Mini Pom, but a super fabulous corsage

 I'm not exactly talking about Pomeranians, although I do have a soft spot for all things pooch. I'm talking about the mini poms from ban.do. These are fabulous little multi taskers- you can wear them in your hair, on your blouse, I suppose on your bag, or anywhere else you are clever enough to sport them.

THE Mini Pom

I have had my eyes on these little cuties for a solid year now and I finally took the plunge and treated myself. It came in the mail yesterday (with some cute packaging I might add) and I have so many plans of wearing this everywhere, starting with that bun that finds it's way on top of my head at some point almost everyday. I'm starting my collection off with a bright fuschia pink called Bougainvilla, but I'm sure I'll quickly add a coral or electric blue. I also have my heart set, literally, on one of these little cuties. If you're a bride looking to add a little pizzazz to your bridal style or have your bridesmaids don a little something special, check out their black label and bridal collections.

So many ban.do treats! Do you have a favorite??

Lately Loving: 50 Shades of Grey Dream Casting

The last time I talked about 50 Shades of Grey was like a coming out party for me. I had lifted my veil of 50 shades of shame and now I am out and proud of my 50 shades fever! Like actual fevers, it's highly contagious and the fever has spread rampant. Most of my friends have or are reading the books as well and frankly it's hard to not talk about Christian and Ana for hours and hours. As the movie is becoming a reality, women everywhere are fantasizing about who they want to play each and every character. Will we see Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey, will it be Ryan Gosling, Matt Bomer, or will it be a less likely choice?  What about Ana- who do you want to play Ms. Steele? Thoughts on Elliot and Mia Grey? What about the despicable Jack Hyde? What about Kate Kavanaugh and her brother Ethan?

Many a text have gone back and forth with friends about who we want to see in the movie and enough talk, it was time to take to Pinterest and see this come alive! My friend Shannon hit the ground running with her dream cast and we created a board with all our picks. Did we bring your image of Christian to life? Take a look at our picks here!

I'm dying to know who you want to see as Christian, Ana, and the entire 50 Shades gang. Please share all your 50 shades of thoughts!

Lately Loving: White Jeans

Once again, I'm late to this party! I finally just got white jeans a few months ago and let me just say- it's about time! I have wanted them for the past few summers, but held out for two crucial reasons. 1- Cleanliness. I mean, these are WHITE PANTS. How am I expected to keep them clean? That alone was a huge deterrent for me. 2- It's been engrained in my head my whole life that black is a slimming color. The are I want to emphasize least are my thighs and it seems counter intuitive to want to put a white tailored garment right at my problem area- like HELLLOOOO like at my thighs and my big butt. You know what- these fears still hold true, but I really do love a crisp white jean in the summer and it's a really nice break from the blue denim.

If you kiss enough frogs you will eventually find our prince (I don't actually recommend kissing frogs, but the saying rolls off the tongue so much better than "kiss enough losers"), and this holds true for finding a nice pair of good fitting jeans- and it really is QUITE the process. Literally every girl I know has an issue with finding pants that fit! For me the problem is that I'm short, but I have a butt. This combo doesn't always fair well with jean construction. The placement of the knee is often where my calf is and this causes an unacceptable gap-ing at my knees. Such a problem! I digress...I finally caved into buying a super flattering pair of Citizens with just a bit of a flare! HALLELUJAH! It was an arduous process to find white jeans that I loved and these have quickly become a staple of some of my favorite outfits. I had these jeans tailored (because even petite jeans for me are way too long) to wear them with heels, and then I realized- I want another pair to be worn more casually. So I set out to find a skinny jean in white and struck gold this weekend. So it's official- summer uniform- colorful top and white jeans. Perfect worn casually for day and dressed up for night.

I'm so happy I finally took the white jean plunge and would love to know- do you wear white jeans? AND-- what are some of your problems with finding pants that fit well. I know you all have this problem! They are too short, too long, don't fit well in the waist, they fit in the waist, and not in the thigh...oh and the list goes on!!!

Lately Loving: Tart Deco

Found it! Another new favorite summer nail polish cover (and surprise, it's Essie) Tart Deco! This borderline neon orangey peach has quickly worked its way into my heart. I was a little apprehensive about trying this color because it looked a little too bright for my comfort zone, but I'm really happy that I did. The more I wear it, the more I'm loving it.

Tart Deco

I'd love to hear what colors you are really into right now. Do you have a favorite go to nail polish for the summer months?

Lately Loving: A Good Mani & Pedi

Ladies- we all know it is hard work hunting for a great spot to get our nails done. It has to be clean, staff should be friendly, have a good color selection, be reasonably priced, and be able to squeeze you in when you're short on time. It's a hard job, but someone's gotta do it- and I'll happily take on the job of finding the perfect nail shop!

I live near Robertson Blvd and just north of Olympic there is a bevvy of nail shops. I've tried a few and have been disappointed (ahem...Contempo, JB Nails) time and time again. I got out of work early a few weeks ago and went to get my nails done with a friend. I found this shop next to my favorite place to get a massage (Touch Massage Boutique...go immediately!) and figured it looked nice enough. Enter Nature's Nails! It's definitely a step up from some of the other shops on Robertson, but it won me over and I'll definitely be back! Let's talk about what I liked- the staff was very friendly which immediately puts me at ease. They had a pretty great selection of nail polish and of course having Essie doesn't hurt in my opinion! The price was great and on par with other shops in the area, but I liked their more "spa" like adds on- like  really good smelling salt scrubs, paraffin wax, etc. What really sealed the deal for me are the traditional looking wooden barrels to soak your feet in with hot water, lemon slices, and rose petals- well hello relaxation! My mani lasted a few days longer than normal which could be due to any variable, but I'll throw it in there!

I'd love to hear where you go to get your nails done and if you have a favorite shop!

Lately Loving: Brow Tech

I think you get it by now that when I like a brand, I tend to stock up. You know I'm crazy in love with Fresh products, but I'm checking out some of Smashbox's best sellers (like their life changing BB Cream) and I'm not disappointed. Let me introduce you to Brow Tech- a combination of powders in 2 shades and a wax. Using an angled short bristled brush, you apply the darkest shade right at the base of your brow and then use the lighter shadow brushing upward in the same direction as your hair growth, essentially just filling it in, and then you use the same brush with the wax and also brush upward to keep your brows in place. I then use a brow brush and sweep them exactly as I want them. I have semi-problematic brows who can be unruly or can be easily over groomed and this little trick really helps put everything in its right place.

Brow Tech in Brunette

What other brow tricks do you have up your sleeves? Any favorite Smashbox products? Are there any products you couldn't live without?

Lately Loving: BB Cream

I feel like I've been hearing about BB Cream everywhere lately. On TV, in magazines, at the drugstore- it's BB Cream fever! But what IS this super popular cream everyone is buzzing about? I was determined to find out and I'm happy to share the spoils of my research with all of you! This weekend I stopped by Smashbox to get a crash course in all things BB Cream..and some other fun make up finds that I'll tell you about later! So here's the deal. BB Cream, which is short for Blemish Balm, was first created in Germany and originally used as a cream for post surgical and laser procedures. It was big in Asia and employed whitening properties and is now making it's way into the American market. It's pretty much an all in one product giving you primer, foundation, sun screen, oil control, and moisturizer. Kinda sounds like a miracle product right? Well, it kinda is!

Smashbox BB Cream

I typically moisturize my skin with Hope in a Jar before using any make up and then use Benefit's Pore-fessional and my usual make up routine and I'm out the door. I rarely use foundation because I don't like too much coverage, but what I am loving about Smashbox's BB Cream is that it covers like a tinter moisturizer. It's very light coverage, but just enough where it gives you a flawless base. A little goes a long way and a good tip I was given was to work in sections. So no dabbing spots all over your face and then blend. Squirt just a pea sized amount on the back of your hand and then use your fingers to apply and blend. I like to use a lightly dampened make up sponge to blend. BB Cream does hydrate, but I still like to use my moisturizer underneath and you could also use an additional primer if you have one you're partial to. This is really a great product and make up lasts on top of it throughout the day. Smashbox's BB Cream is priced at $39 which is actually a pretty great price considering how little you need and how long one tube will last. Pretty much every beauty brand is making a BB Cream and one of the selling points for me with Smashbox was the variations of shades available.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on BB Creams and if you've found one you like or feel free to ask any questions you might have as well.

Lately Loving: Essie's Spring Colors

You guys- I did not have a good day yesterday. It was one of those days that I woke up feeling like I wanted to cry for no reason, and then nothing went right and everything I did I felt like I didn't do it well, straight up did it wrong and had to do over, and well- yesterday was a fail! I came home and was completely exhausted. I should have gone for a pedicure or to get a massage. Instead I fell asleep on the couch for an early evening snooze. I woke up still a bit bummed out from my colossal wash of a day, watched some Pregnant in Heels (did you watch? What a nightmare that little girl was, huh!? And doesn't it seems so many of the husbands on the show seem gay? Have you noticed that? Anyway, I digress...), and looked at my lackluster nails and wish I really had gone for a mani and pedi. My new favorite shades would surely rescue this bad day, right? I think so. I might as well share my favorite colors with you- my favorites!

It's no secret that I love nail polish, Essie in particular.  I have searched high and low for the perfect coral color. Look no further friends- Mango Bango!

Mango Bango

I was also in search of a peach color and I have really been loving A Crewed Interest. Lately I've been into using Essie's Luxe Effects As Gold as it Gets top coat on top of this and I really like the effect.

A Crewed Interest

As Gold as it Gets

I also really love Clam Bake, but I haven't gotten around to buying it yet. I think I might need to treat myself to a new color or a manicure to test it out!

Clam Bake

What are your favorite nail polish shades right now? Also- what do you do for yourself to shake a really tough day? Or do you have those days that you just feel you could cry if anyone even looked at you slightly weird? How do you get rid of those?

Lately Loving: Vanille

A few weeks ago I was in Anthropologie (I know, I'm predictable!) and caught a whiff of something delicious. I was determined to track and down and go home with this amazing, sweet scent. I sniffed my way to a bottle of Vanille by Outremer. I mentioned I've been into vanilla lately when I bought some Pacifica perfumes recently (and the sweet Brown Sugar perfume by Fresh), but this scent was something really special and it had to be mine. To my delight, this magic spray was only $18- done deal! I've been wearing this a lot lately, so if you've been around me and think I smell like a cupcake bakery, now you know why. Another big plus for me with this perfume is that the scent actually lasts! It's so disappointing when you find a good fragrance but it disappears on you after an hour- won't happen with Vanille!

Have you smelled this? Are you obsessed??

Lately Loving: Sunny Days

I am seriously loving this weather! I wish I could head out to the beach or a big park with a picnic on a day like this. This is some major sit by the pool and drink a mojito weather.

ABBA

Sorry to cut this short today, but it's been one of those weeks. Hope you're all enjoying this gorgeous sunshiny day!

Lately Loving: Pacifica

I bought a Groupon a few weeks ago for Pacifica products. I hadn't used them before, but had seen them at Sephora and heard good things from girlfriends. After debating which products and scents for an obscene amount of time that probably puts me in a category of clinically insane with an inability to make decisions, I finally settled on 3 scents (but still wanting to try one of their vanilla scents): Mediterranean Fig, Indian Coconut Nectar, and Tuscan Blood Orange. I ordered 2 roll on perfumes and a spray. They also carry lotions, candles, diffusers, and lip balms.

The fig is pleasant and while I liked it, it didn't thrill me the way the other 2 scents did. I really like the Indian Coconut Nectar- it's got a whisper of vanilla in a not to sweet way and just the right amount of suntan lotion touch. The Tuscan Blood Orange is the star of this show. It smells nothing like orange juice, so don't make assumptions. It's just this incredible tangy and fresh scent. It's completely invigorating and blends nicely with the Indian Coconut Nectar on days when I can't make up my mind, which is clearly a problem.

Have you tried Pacifica fragrances? Any favorite scents or products?

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Lately Loving: Fresh Brown Sugar Perfume

Sense of smells is a pretty powerful thing and when we catch a whiff of something we like it's hard to shake it. Over the weekend I spritzed on some of Fresh's Brown Sugar Spray (or get a small bottle if that's too big for you) while passing the Fresh store and I fell in LOVE! I have to have this fragrance. It's all I want to wear right now!

 I love Fresh products- including their Rose Petal Mask, Brown Sugar Body Polish, and their Brown Sugar Lip Polish. The scent is sweet, but not cloyingly sweet and not overpowering like a blast of molasses to the face. Take my advice and you won't be disappointed with this one! What's your favorite smell or perfume?

Lately Loving: Dry Shampoo

Ladies- I know we are no stranger to the glory of dry shampoo, but finding a good one is not an easy task. I'm here to help! I got tired of my trustee bottle of baby powder and the drugstore brand I had tried was not cutting it. When I picked up my new bottle of It's a 10, I also grabbed a new dry shampoo Alterna Bamboo Style and it's been a delight! The edge this product has over other dry shampoos that I've tried is that this one is completely translucent, i.e- no white powdered scalp! It also doesn't leave any icky residue on your hair and absolutely absorbs oil and extends your blow dry. The only drawback is that this isn't a $5 bottle from Target, but will run you just over $20 at a beauty store, but you can get it here from Amazon for only $15- hard to pass this up, I know!

 

Do you have a favorite dry shampoo? I've heard great things about Klorane, but went with this one instead as I hear it's a lighter weight and of course, the colorless factor! I'd love to hear your about your dry shampoo preferences!

Lately Loving: Erase Paste

I've recently confessed my concern to conceal the things that happen to the delicate under eye area as we age. This is one area I'm most preoccupied with in the physical aging process so it should come as now surprise that I'm into trying creams, serums, concealers and the lot of products that are designed to both reverse the signs of aging and to merely hide them. I'm still in the market for a great eye cream and am planning to head to Kiehl's to help me with the task at hand, but in the meantime I am checking out Benefit's Erase Paste to keep that area looking fresh and young. I've always been pleased with Benefit products, especially their primer, the Pore-fessional.

 I've been pretty happy with this product. It does as it says- "conceals and brightens." I feel like my eyes instantly don't look tired when I put this on in the morning, which on some days this is really quite a feat! It doesn't gunk up look crepe-y by any means, but the only issue I'm having is that sometimes I will see the ever slight touch of a mascara flake (I could write a whole post on my mascara preferences, but I am absolutely opposed to using mascaras that flake, which is why I shy away from waterproof mascaras and the ones I use have never caused this issue for me in the past), or rather, a mascara "dust." Nonetheless, I'm pretty happy with this product.

I'd love to hear from you about what you use for under your eyes. Remember- one of the best parts of having secrets is sharing them!

Lately Loving: Cap Toes

My love of a cap toe shoe runs deep and isn't so new, but absolutely worth discussing. I've been into them for awhile, but now I am seeing them everywhere. I'm excited about this trend, especially because it is really a classic look and will sustain the test of time. Last week I went to lunch with a few coworkers and as we were walking out I looked down and the three of us were all in cap toe shoes. I couldn't resist talking a picture.

a trio of cap toes!

 If you're in the market for some new cap toes, here are a few to tickle your fancy!

Blake Brody Women's Violet Cap-Toe Ballerina Flat

Matt Bernson Waverly Cap Toe Pony Flat

Old Navy Women's Cap Toe Canvas Ballet Flats

Sam Edelman Spiked Cap-Toe Ballet Flat, Rose

Kate Spade Tabby Couture Round Toe Flats

Sam Edelman 'Baxton' Flat Camel/ Gold

Happy shopping ladies!!!

Lately Loving: It's a 10!

I want to say that I was not paid to write this about this product. I absolutely sing praises, but I wasn't paid to nor was I given a free sample or anything. I just tried something, loved it, and want to share it with you. 

I started using It's a 10 Miracle Leave in Conditioner about a year ago when I accidentally singed my hair with my blow dryer and a round brush- both are now in the trash! I walked into the beauty supply store and asked for the best thing to help soothe my hair and I was handed this small blue plastic bottle that looked kind of cheap that I had never heard of. He assured me it would help and would be a great product to add to my hair routine. I trusted him on his recommendation and took the leave in conditioning product home and doused the damaged area in conditioner and Moroccan Oil. The combination seemed to help relax the damaged hair, but I began to use It's a 10 after washing my hair and liked how it helped detangle my hair and add silkiness.

After running out (yes, about a year later, impressive, right?!) I went to pick up another bottle and noticed there's now an It's a 10 Leave in Conditioner plus Keratin and thought I would give that a try. OH MY GOOOOOODNESS! I'm really impressed, beyond any other hair product I've used in a long time! Immediately after spraying on my hair I noticed it felt smoother. My hair looks really shiny with this and feels amazingly silky. I'm super happy I stepped it up to the "plus keratin" level! It's called It's a 10 because it claims to do the following 10 things instantly:

1. Maintenance of keratin straightening treatments
2. Increase styling and manageability
3. Perfect for all hair types
4. Replaces lost protein
5. Protects the natural keratin in hair
6. Protects against heat
7. Restores hydration balance
8.Detangles, defrizzes, adds shine
9. Strengthens hair structure
10. Seals cuticles for extra silky hair

I have to say, it does do these things, and random other benefit- it seemed to also shorten my blow dry time and who doesn't want that? It's also not that expensive, so you should get on this. I bought a medium size bottle, but wishing I would bought the large one for how much I really love this!

What are your secret go to hair products that save your hair world on a daily basis? It's rude to keep secrets to yourself, share with us!