Looking Tight in Shorts

¡Hola mi guapa amigas! I’ve been neglecting my blog for the last couple of weeks while I have been soaking up the beauty and culture of Spain, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do a quick post about the trip so far, so here you have it!

First and foremost we must cover the shopping and style this amazing country has to offer. I’m just about going out of my mind with all the great deals and trendy goods I have come across so far. Exhibit A — my “new” secondhand boots. I don’t know much about them since I found them at the Barcelona flea market for €15, but their quality says enough. They have a wooden sole, and they are real leather. Exhibit B — my new purse. Yet another product of the Barcelona flea market, which was only €8, and probably not real leather. I’m currently obsessed with this Cabernet color and might be getting a little out of hand with purchases in this shade!

I’m also digging this resourceful trend with the tights under shorts. I want to make the most of my wardrobe and since I’m not exactly “rollin’ in the dough” this kind of re-purposing  is the perfect solution! And I’ve been seeing this trend everywhere in Spain, so you know it’ll stick around. I love the way it looks and I’m excited to flaunt all my tights this winter!

 

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Interview with a Glitter Disaster

I spent my Tuesday afternoon with the lovely Sarah Boll of Glitter Disaster at a neighborhood cafe in the Mission to chat about her unique hand-made glitter bags. After gabbing about her her awesome Lego earnings and stunning red hair (inspired by Ariel from The Little Mermaid — an obsession we both share), we finally got to business.

Sarah has lived in San Francisco for the past eight years, coming from Boston where she studied Theater and Art at UMass Amherst. Her love for the theater lead her to design costumes over the years and has since mastered the craft of sewing. So much so that’s she’s on to designing these fantastic glitter filled bags!

Having traveled parts of Southeast Asia and Europe, Sarah has found inspiration from her time abroad. The idea for the bags surfaced when she came across a boutique in Berlin that carried vinyl covered wallets encasing collages of pictures and newspaper clippings. Sarah took this idea to a whole new degree, inserting her love for the 80′s and all things glittery. She is also inspired by Lisa Frank and Betsy Johnson, which is pretty apparent!

The clutches featured above are made with real leather, vinyl, and glitter of course! They even have a zipper compartment on the inside. She also carries make-up bags and wallets with feather and glittered tulle designs. She was kind enough to send me home with a make-up bag of my own, which I might have to turn into a clutch for New Years!

I am so excited to see where Glitter Disaster will go. An original idea like this carries so much potential, so I have high hopes for Sarah and her dreams. If you’re interested in buying a bag, all designs are sold on her Esty store right here!

 

 

 

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Help Me Get a Job at ModCloth

So I just applied to ModCloth today and I want to make sure my resume doesn’t get lost in the crowd. If you haven’t heard of ModCloth yet, they are an amazing online fashion and decor boutique. I have been wanting to work there for the past few years and finally the perfect opportunity has presented itself! So now I just need your help to get noticed. I’m excited to see the power of social media unfold before my eyes! Thank you to all who have already tweeted. You all are so great! Muah!

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Orange at Dusk

 

After watching Stuart Weitzman‘s “Walking After Midnight” video showcasing shoes from his latest collection, I was inspired to put together this little number and hit the town.

So I know Oxblood (otherwise known as Burgundy) is all the rage for Fall, but this color is definitely second in line. If we’re going to get all fancy with names, I’m going to call it Rust rather than Orange. I love everything about this dress, from the color to the drop waist and flowing hem. But, I love my dear friend Noel even more for letting me borrow it along with a heap of other clothes for my blog. She’s a better friend than anyone could ask for and I am so grateful to have her in addition to all the wonderful people I am surrounded by.

And the shoes… oh my Lord, the shoes. Now, these babies are mine. They are Frye wooden-pumps and I found them at a thrift store. I’m going to tell you for how much — but you might want to sit down first. Okay… Ready? — Only $40! Why would anyone ever give up these beauties and why would they sell them for so cheap? Although, I can’t say I’m not happy that both of these things happened!

Sweater Cape: Express; Dress, Forever 21; Shoes, Frye, Hat, Vintage.

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How to Get Glowing Skin – Friday Tip Off

 

You can have all the designer shoes and signature handbags on the planet, but one of the most invaluable assets to your look is your skin. Here are 5 simple steps to get that dewy look that leaves your skin glowing!

1. Exfoliate your skin on a weekly basis.

The only thing worse than having layers of dead skin and makeup residue on your face, is  looking like you have layers of dead skin and makeup residue on your face! So be sure to find an exfoliate that works just for you. I love Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator because they use actual Microderm crystals mixed in a cream-based cleanser. And I heard it’s supposed to work wonders when paired with a Clarisonic. Note: I would shy away from exfoliants that have large abrasive beads. These can end up doing more harm than good. 

2. Moisture is key.

If your skin is dry, it’s going to be hard to accomplish the glow you’re looking for. Seems to make sense, right? I’m sure most of you have found a great moisturizer that suits your skin type, and stick to it! But if you’re looking to up the ante try moisturizing with coconut oil. It’s natural, affordable and effective. It might take a few minutes to soak in, but once it does your skin will surely thank you. Note: I wouldn’t recommend putting anything on your face immediately after you exfoliate since your pores are open and stimulated. Including moisturizer. It could cause breakouts or a nasty reaction.

DOUBLE WAMMY: Try the Ultimate Multitasker, using equal parts baking soda to exfoliate and coconut oil to moisturize. Be sure to check out the rest of Nicole’s blog, Vanilla Extract, for more beauty and style tips. I promise it will not disappoint!

3. You must hydrate too.

Along with moisturizing and drinking plenty of water, you can also invest in a great mist to keep your skin hydrated. I absolutely endorse Jurilique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist (along with a number of their other products). It’s like dew in 3.3 oz bottle (which contains 9,000 rose petals) and each spritz takes your mind smack-dab in the middle of a beautiful rose garden. Note: Rose extracts are known to provide a number of benefits, like toned and shining skin for starters. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take it!

4. Even your skin tone.

Like most of us, I need to use some form of cover-up to even out my skin tone, but I don’t like anything too heavy or cakey. Laura Mercier has the most wonderful tinted moisturizer that does just the trick. First off, it’s a moisturizer, so you’re getting double moisture action (but it’s oil free so it’s not too greasy) AND it has SPF 20 protection. But, most importantly it makes your skin look flawless and dewy. Note: If you’re looking for more coverage,  her foundation is really great too and has a similar dewy effect. Or you can try dusting mineral foundation over the tinted moisturizer. I wouldn’t recommend powder all over because it takes away a lot of the shine we’re going for.

5. Highlight your face off… or on.

Last but, certainly not least is the greatest beauty trick known to man. I mean woman… or maybe both. Anyways, Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick is my greatest beauty secret and will do wonders for any make-up routine. Ever feel like something was just missing? I can guarantee this was it! Use the diagram below to bring out your bone structure and add the glow you’ve been searching for.

I hope you find these tips helpful and get the results you’re looking for. You might have to experiment with products, but you’ll get there! I’d love to hear if this worked for you and if it didn’t, what products are working. So do tell! And check back a week from now for the next Friday Tip Off!

One more thing! Don’t waist your time running around to get your beauty essentials. You can get most of these products and other great stuff at Sephora.

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Mad in Plaid

I am definitely the type of gal that dresses how she feels, so I put on some plaid. I’m not going to put up a front, I’m a little down and out at the moment being that I’m in between jobs and flat out broke! However, I know things will turn around and I’m extremely thankful of the support system I have keeping me afloat. But with that said, when I’m having a bad day I tend to dress accordingly. On this day, my “screw you world” outfit was kinda working for me so my #1 lady (that’s you Sam) and I grabbed the camera and did a quick shoot!

So I hadn’t even washed my face yet (let alone put on any makeup) wasn’t wearing a bra.. or socks (gross, I know) and this plaid flannel was about to be thrown away by my boyfriend before I snatched it and scolded him for doing so. Let’s be real, I look like a straight up scrub, but thanks to the hipster generation, I look kinda cool. Or at least I think so. And if you don’t think so, well then that makes it even cooler. That’s how it works right?

Plaid Shirt: Forever21 Beanie: Urban OutfittersBoots: Banana Republic, Jewelry: Sam’s Trunk

Posted in Boots, Hair Styles, Outfits, Style | 10 Comments

Vintage with Stripes

Last Friday I stopped in to make my weekly rounds at one my favorite vintage stores and saw the best thing a girl on a budget can see in a store window: “Everything 50% off!” Cha-ching! So I walk in, say my hellos to the owner and as we’re chatting I spot this stripped dress in my peripheral. So we’re gabbing away and all of a sudden some gorgeous girl in a boho-chic little number darts in and grabs the dress like that. I was just crushed! I start browsing around to take my mind off those beautiful stripes and finally she takes the dress, with another, into the fitting room. When she comes out, she asks the owner to hold one at the counter and walks to the racks to put one back. I’ll let you guess which one she put back!

One of my best friends, Sam, flew in to visit me the next day and we made a trip up to LA to visit our other bestie face, Chad. And of course I wore my newest find so I could brag about it, duh. On our way to his place, we came across a  second hand store and I was on a thrift high so the urge to stop was coursing through my veins. Needless to say, we gave in and ended up spending a good two hours at the Inglewood Goodwill. That would be where I found this stunning black-tiled wall in the background!

Glasses: Marc Jacobs, Crystal Necklace: Urban Outfitters, Dress: Rubber Soul Vintage, Shoes: ShoeMint

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It Takes Two

 

Before we start, I have to point out two things I wish I had done differently in these photos:

1. Wore white tube-socks with the boots. I just knew something was missing!

2. Not make the duck face in the first photo, which was unintentional I assure you. I was going for an It Takes Two, Amanda Lemmon look. I nailed the outfit, but failed at the “I’m a tough-tomboy-orphan” face. Darn it!

Okay, now enough rubbish on these slight mishaps — can we talk about how awesome these boots are and how much I want to steal them from my sister? They’re combat, but not over the top combat so you can wear them with so much more. And I just love the subtle stud detail around the back of the ankle. (Good find sis!) I paired them with the dress and topped it off with a baseball cap and the sparks just flew. “You know, that can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, over- the-fence, World Series kind of stuff.” This is my tribute to you, Mary-Kate and Ashley!

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Fall into Mod

So I wish I could say I had an occasion to get all dolled up, but the truth is — it was a lazy Sunday and I just felt like playing dress up damn it! And luckily my boyfriend rocks at taking photos so I asked him to capture the moment of chicness.

The first thing you might be wondering, is… How did she get that amazing bun? Well I’ll tell you. I took one of Anthony’s old socks, cut off the bottom of it, rolled it into a doughnut and then rolled it some more into my ponytail. (You’ve probably seen this trick floating around Pinterest via Wedding Chicks and as you can see it works! And it’s so easy. Try it!) When I put this outfit together, I actually started with the bun and built it out from there. I knew once it was up I had to keep it classy, but with a drag of mod. So I sucked in (not a pun on “drag of mod” — the waist was really friggin’ tight), stepped into a vintage skirt and accessorized accordingly.

Glasses: Urban Outfitters, Ruby Woo Lipstick: Mac Cosmetics, Gold Curb Necklace: Rubber Soul Vintage, Bodysuit: American Apparel, Skirt: Freestyle Clothing Exchange, Watch: Michael Kors, Red Bangle: J.Crew,  Beaded Cuff: Bali, Clutch: Brandy Melville, Shoes: Marc Fischer.

 

Posted in Hair Styles, Make Up, Outfits, Shoes, Vinatge | 8 Comments

Beach Glam

Well one thing you should know about me right off the bat is that I am obsessed with my pup, Pacha (aka: Pach, Pachi, Pacha-Pooch, Peecha-Pach, Pachito, Pacharito… I think you get it). Anyways, he’s a Mini Goldendoodle and he is my greatest accessory. Being that he’s the light of my life, (next to my boyfriend, Anthony) I pretty much take him everywhere with me. This weekend the boys and I took a trip the the beach in Coronado, CA.

I was feeling sassy, so I grabbed a snazzy head scarf and threw on some vibrant lipstick. That duo paired with my mint high-wasted shorts had me feeling a little, “Marilyn meets American Apparel” and… it felt good. Sass accomplished.

Head scarf and belt: Thrift Stores; Show Orchid Lipstick: Mac Cosmetics; Bikini Top & Shorts: American Apparel

Posted in Beach Wear, Hair Styles, Mint, Style | 1 Comment