Category Archives: Tips

One Piece, Two Piece

30 Monday Jun 2014

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It’s almost embarrassing how excited I get when I discover a new way to style pieces I’ve had in my closet for a while. While this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent romper gets plenty of time off the hanger, this BCBG top hardly ever gets to venture out into the world.

I’m not sure why, it’s a cute piece, but it just never seems to be quite right. With blue jeans it feels too basic, with black it feels clashy. It’s just one of those things where you put it on with every intention of wearing it, but 10 pant-changes later you just end up scrapping it before you leave the house.

But, alas, I have found its match! Here’s how it happened: I was staring at my closet, trying to find a light coverup to wear over this sleeveless romper when suddenly this blue hue caught my eye. I noticed how complementary the colors are, so I slipped it on and voila! My one-piece romper became a new two-piece look, and my neglected top got some well-deserved wear time. All it took was a little creative styling.

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Top: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Romper: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. Sunnies: Balmain. Boots: Deena & Ozzy

Black & White + Pop of Pink

01 Sunday Jun 2014

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No matter what, black and white always looks good. Always. If you ever find yourself in the just-slept-through-your-alarm-and-have-to-rush-out-of-the-house panic, throw on something black and white and you’ll look runway worthy in no time.

If you really want some wow factor (that also happens to serve as an amazing distraction from your lack of morning mirror time), add a shot of boldly bright lip color. This one is MAC Candy Yum Yum, and I highly recommend it for an instant anytime pick-me-up.

Hope everyone is having a fab weekend!

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Jacket: Joe’s Jeans. Dress: Marciano. Sunglasses: Gucci. Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target.

Casual Friday

05 Thursday Sep 2013

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Everyone deserves a dress-down day once in a while. There’s no better way to ease into the weekend than with casual jeans and a tee. The key to looking fab when you do it? As always, it’s in the details.

Insider Tips:
1. Opt for an embellished tee or add a statement necklace to a plain one.
2. Instead of flats, try a pair of (reasonably) comfortable heels.
3. Lipstick. Always wear lipstick. Even if you skip everything else in the makeup department, you can always count on lipstick to make you look and feel glamorous.

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teeandjeans2 teeandjeans3 Top: GUESS. Jeans: Joe’s Jeans. Sunglasses: Balmain. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: BCBGMAXAZRIA.

On Balancing a Mini

21 Sunday Jul 2013

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One of my most important styling rules is balance. If you’re wearing something short and fitted on the bottom, opt for more coverage and a relaxed fit on top. Finding the right balance is key in creating looks that aren’t overly sexy or, on the other end of the spectrum, overly conservative.

When I pulled this studded mini out of my closet, I knew that I needed long sleeves to get the right look. I landed on this butterscotch-colored knit to bring out the golden tones in the embellishment and add a laid-back contrast to the skirt. My new (old) Marni wedges that I picked up from the designer resale mecca, Decades, finished the look with sharp lines and a touch of shine.

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DSC_0271 DSC_0279Sweater: Marciano. Skirt: English Rose. Clutch: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Shoes: Marni.

A Modern Christmas Carol

25 Tuesday Dec 2012

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I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely Christmas morning, wherever you are. We’re listening to Christmas music (obviously) and I was inspired to write a little carol of my own based on all the traveling we did this past 10 days. After bouncing around from LA to NYC to Phoenix to Tucson and back to LA, we definitely logged our fair share of holiday travel mileage. So here it is, set to the tune of “12 Days of Christmas” (final verse only). Go ahead, sing it out loud. It’s quite fun.

What I went through this past week of Christmas traveling:

12 yummy cookies
11 gifts for wrapping
10 cards addressing
9 vodka sodas
8 taxi cab rides
7 shopping trip runs
6 airport visits
5 pounds gained
4 baggage fees
3 Elf viewings
2 Christmas dinners
and a pair of dog-chewed black flats!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

santapuppiesCan you guess which one chewed my shoes?

7 Days of Gifts – Day 7: Significant Other

10 Monday Dec 2012

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 7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 7: Significant Other

Arguably the most important giftee, your other half deserves a well thought-out gift that suits his or her personality. I love trying to come up with something that he might not know he needs, but is obsessed with it once he has it. If you pay attention during the months leading up to the holidays, ideas for a perfect gift often come up in casual conversation. Above all else, effort counts. As long as you put some thought into it, your gift will be well received.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

FOR HER
Under $100
Canvas Print, $69 for 11″ x 14″
Choose a photo from a memorable trip or one of the two of you and turn it into wall art for a thoughtful gift she’ll always appreciate.
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Under $150
Michael Kors Peyton Aviators, $144
Instant chic: these sunnies look good on everyone and she’ll wear them year after year.
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Under $200
Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC bag, $195
A must-have bag to use for day or night.
Mini MAC - Sand

FOR HIM
Under $100
Tickets
Whether it’s a basketball game or a concert, tickets to an event he’ll love are always a great pick.
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Under $150
Nixon The Cruiser Watch, $150
Retro meets modern in this distinctive steel watch.
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Under $200
V-Moda Over the Ear Headphones, $199
Ideal for travel days, these headphones offer amazing comfort and superior sound.
Her inside tip: Check Amazon for possible sale price.
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As 7 Days of Gifts comes to an end, I hereby name you an expert in the art of gifting. Now get out there and start shopping.

Happy Holidays!

7 Days of Gifts – Day 6: BFF

08 Saturday Dec 2012

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 7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 6: BFF

There for you through the good, the bad and everything between, your BFF offers love, laughs and a shoulder to cry on all throughout the year. Show your thanks with a special something she or he will love long after the decorations are packed away.

FOR HER, $50 and Under

Kenneth Jay Lane Set of 9 Crystal Bangles, $50

Chic, timeless and they go with everything.giftsbangleset327664_in_xl

Kate Spade iPad Sleeve, $50

The perfect choice from her partner in crime.

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Garance Doré 11″x14″ Poster: Early Winter, $40

An undeniably cool symbol of you and your BFF from acclaimed photographer, illustrator and blogger, Garance Doré.

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FOR HIM, Under $50

Whiskey Stones, $21.95

Keep night caps chilled without watering them down.

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Zara Square Cufflinks, $35.90

Masculine, sleek and modern. James Bond would approve.

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STUFF Every Man Should Know book, $9.95

As his best bud, you’re in charge of looking our for him. Save him from embarrassment and protect his manly man-ness when with this little lifesaver. It shows you handy things like how to change a tire and how to open a beer when no one has an opener handy. You know, stuff guys should know how to do.

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Only one more day to go! Are you getting through your shopping list?

7 Days of Gifts – Day 5: Dad

06 Thursday Dec 2012

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 7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 5: DAD
Dad can often be the toughest person to shop for. He doesn’t drop many hints, and if he’s anything like mine, he already has nearly every tech gadget out there. Rest assured, I have a few ideas that will pleasantly surprise him.

Under $75
Personalized Return Address Embosser, starting at $69.99
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Under $100
Grill Light, $39.99 + Cuisineart Tools, $35.99 + Propane Gauge, $24.99
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Under $125
Kindle Paperwhite, $119

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Which picks have been your favorites so far? There’s still more to come!

7 Days of Gifts – Day 4: Mom

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

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 7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 4: MOM

Shopping for mom is one of my favorite holiday to-dos. Finding her just the right gift lets her know how important she is, and considering she brought you into the world and all, it’s the least you can do. With these three beautiful gifts at your price-point of choice, you can treat her to something special and thoughtful…she definitely deserves it.

Under $75
Kate Spade Crèmè de la Crèmè Pendant Necklace, $58
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Under $100
Alexis Bittar Crystal-Encrusted Rose Gold Earrings, $95

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Under $125
Rachel Zoe Extra-Long Signature Velvet Scarf, $115
available in 6 colors
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Only 3 days left this week! Have you started shopping yet?

7 Days of Gifts – Day 3: (Official & Unofficial) In-Laws

05 Wednesday Dec 2012

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7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 3: (Official & Unofficial) In-Laws
Under $50

Whether you’re in a new relationship or have already said your vows, getting something for your significant other’s parents is a must – especially if you plan on seeing them over the holidays. Avoid showing up embarrassed and empty handed by planning ahead and choosing a thoughtful gift for the home. These picks are guaranteed to prove how much of a catch you really are.

Maison 140 Set of 4 Agate Coasters, $36

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Set of 3 Winter Home Filled Candles, $49

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Crate & Barrel Mercury Glass Decorative Bowl, $39.95

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Crate & Barrel Chubby Ceramic Snowman Ornaments, $15.95 +
Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark, $26.95

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Who will tomorrow’s lucky recipient be? Come back to find out!