Los Angeles to Manhattan--Earmuffs.

Here is my first investment for my big move-- Burberry earmuffs. My bff reassures me that I definitely need earmuffs, and if I need earmuffs, they might as well be Burberry right?!

Image credit: http://michiganfashionista.blogspot.com/2008/11/christmas-gifts-part-3-little-luxuries.html

These are the pair I found at Nordy's, and I must say they are pretty adorable! Plus they'll go with my iconic Burberry scarf in khaki and my other Burberry scarf in baby pink! I am a little dissapointed they don't make the iconic checkered design on the earmuffs (maybe because it's out of season?) but at the same time, these are more wearable. 

At $125, it is a bit much for earmuffs...however, my ears will thank me for the soft cashmere keeping them warm, and adding more Burberry to my wardrobe makes me happy :)

Truth: I am a hair snob.

I guess my childhood haircuts got the best of me-- yes, I was one of those girls that had the bowl haircut. My mom was always really big on short hair, and a couple of times she cut my bangs herself (WORST IDEA EVER) and I suffered through my junior high years + ninth grade with absolutely dreadful hair. At that age, I never understood that curly hair should NOT be brushed a lot (hello, frizz) and how to style my hair appropriately--to say the least.

 

Image credit: http://greeensheeep.blogspot.com/2008/12/hairs-scoop.html

After that, I became obsessed with having nice hair. I would literally cry whenever I got a haircut and put TONS of products of my hair to make it look nice--I have now learned the error of my ways. In any case, going to reputable hair salons (even if it means paying more) is definitely one of the things I am anal about. I meet with my stylist in advance, discuss haircut/coloring/etc and describe exactly what I want to a T. Needless to say, I have become a hair snob. I mainly use Kerastase and Schwarzkopf hair products, a CHI turbo blow dryer,  and HAI flat irons (repurchased once).
About 8 months ago, I decided to take the plunge and find a new flat iron (I didn't absolutely LOVE my HAI one) so I decided to buy a Sedu Pro Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Flat Iron after seeing the amazing reviews on folica.com. It was definitely an upgrade from HAI; the Sedu left my hair incredibly shiny, straightened much faster than the HAI, did not pull at any of my hair, and was a bit lighter as well (the bigger plates were also a plus!). After talking to a friend about our flat irons, she showed me her GHD flat iron and I fell in looooove (this was like a month after buying my Sedu, of course). Ever since, I've been researching the GHD brand and heard NOTHING but good things about it, but just haven't been able to justify spending almost $300 after I just spent $120 on a perfectly good Sedu.
I received a 20% off coupon from folica.com (I love coupons) via e-mail and decided to impulsively buy the GHD Precious Limited Edition MKIV Styler. 

 

 (I got the one without the blow dryer--instead I got the GHD heat protection spray and conditioning spray. But everything else is the same!)

First off, the set is absolutely GORGEOUS--the flat iron itself is black with silver detailing with a carrying case to match! At $255, it was a bit steep but I can honestly say it has been one of the best hair investments I've made in a long time. This flat iron not only straightens, it can curl, create waves, and even crimp hair! Another Plus, it straightens my hair in literally 1/4 of the time it takes me with my Sedu (my hair is ridiculously shiny too)! GHD also has a youtube channel where they show you how to use your GHD flat iron to create different hairstyles. All in all, I LOVE this flat iron and the brand itself--they stand behind their product with a 2 year warranty which is hard to find with most flat irons.

Bottom line: If you're on the hunt for a new flat iron/curling iron and can splurge--I highly recommend the GHD-- you will not be disappointed! Just make sure wherever you purchase your GHD that it is authentic--I used folica.com. Plus, folica has discount codes every so often--what more can you ask for?!

Bloomingdales Friends and Family--now through March, 28th!

20% off on almost all regular priced AND sale purchases for Women, Men, Kids, and Home!
Use Promo Code: FFMARCH
at www.bloomingdales.com

So far, I've decided on a pair of Tory Burch reva ballet flats in patent leather (the normal leather would not go well in east coast weather)! I love designers on sale. It makes my shopping that much more exciting!

happy shopping!
xoxo

The Warehouse Sale is back in town!

When: 3/20-3/21, 10am-4pm
Where: Smash Box Studios Stage #1, 1011 N. Fuller Ave., West Hollywood 90046.
Why?: Save 50%-80% on designer jeans and apparel for both men and women! Brands seen previously at this sale: True Religion, Ed Hardy, Monarchy, Taverniti, BCBG, Kasil, Denim of Virtue, Citizens of Humanity, Junk Food.

Definitely one of my favorite sales--if you're in the area you should definitely check it out!

Plus, RSVP to get in FREE!
www.thewarehousesale.com

Natural Beauty: Do It Yourself

I remember last year, my roommate and I created a concoction out of yogurt, eggs, olive oil, mayonnaise, and whatever else we saw fit in our fridge for an at-home hair mask. It wasn't completely horrible, but we clearly had no idea what we were doing (we didn't even measure things out haha).

Here are some tried and true DIY hair care recipes, enjoy :)

Got split-ends? Try this:

• Combine 1 can coconut milk (it gives hair tons of shine!), 1 mashed avacado, and 1/4 cup honey in a bowl.
• Slather the mixture on dry hair, focusing on split and damaged ends. Top with a plastic shower cap.
• Blast your hair with heat from your blow-dryer for about 5 minutes. Then allow the mask to soak in for an additional 30 minutes.
• Rinse well but don't shampoo! Style as usual.

Dark colored hair? Try this:

Not only does coffee satisfy our much needed caffiene fix, it also intensifies darker shades to make hair really shine!

• Brew any type of plain nonflavored coffee and let it cool.
• Pour enough coffee over dry hair until hair is completely soaked, then comb through.
• Cover your head with a plastic shower cap and let the rinse set for about 20-30 minutes.
• Rinse well then shampoo. Give your hair a final rinse with cold water to maximize shine!

Frizzy hair, meet your match! :

• Mix 1 banana, 1/4 cantaloupe (without the rind), 2 tbsp yogurt, and 1 tbsp olive oil together in a blender.
• Apply mixture to damp unwashed hair, and comb through from roots to ends.
• Allow it to sink in for 15 to 20 minute, then rinse well. Shampoo and condition your hair, style as usual.

Enjoy!
xoxo

Los Angeles to Manhattan.

I'm moving to MANHATTAN! As excited as I was when I found out (and still am!) I am now equally as stressed and flustered. I live in LA, I think 60 degrees is cold and anything below 50 is when I just don't even go outside. Yeah, I'm screwed. Not only that--but do people in Manhattan even wear uggs?! I'm going to go ahead and assume not...now, I leave around mid August, and more than anything I'm worried about my wardrobe (of course).
So, what better way to organize my thoughts/rants/wants/needs than to start a series of posts of what I'm buying for the move?! Luckily I've always loved the New York chic look (hello Gossip Girl!) so a lot of my wardrobe is good to go! However, I'll probably turn into a popsicle since none of my pieces are actually for a real winter.
Things off the top of my head that I need:
1. Sleek leather jacket. I have a leather jacket--but it's more puffy (which is great for warmth so yay!) and I need something thin, sleek, and chic.
2. Trench coat. I need this ASAP. I have been looking around forever for the perfect trench (unfortunately I cannot bring myself to buy the Burberry one that I adore) and I just haven't been able to find one. When I do, definitely getting one in both khaki and black.
3. Plush fleece lined tights. I actually need everything from Plush. If I take my tights/leggings, I'll freeze the second I'm off the plane.
4. Leather gloves. I never really wear gloves, and when I do--they're cashmere. As much as I love my cashmere gloves, leather looks way more professional and I can actually keep them on while doing whatever I need to do.

This list will inevitably get longer--so much shopping, so little time.

MAC 'Give Me Liberty of London' Collection

First off, love love LOVE the packaging! Which was pretty much a given..but still, I felt it needed to be said.
Moving on...
The main reason I have been anticipating this collection (I normally don't wait around for make-up collections) is the Blue India nail polish. I fell in absolute LOVE upon seeing the color online and HAD to have it stat! The collection released today in-stores but was online at nordy's a couple of days ago. See one of my favorite nail polish bloggers swatch and talk about it here along with the Vestral White nail polish (which I wasn't a huge fan of). I just got Blue India on my nails and I am in tooootal LOVE (my boyfriend even loved it!) and am debating on buying another bottle already!

I also picked up a beauty powder in Shell Pearl which makes a great highlighter/blush, a tinted lipglass in Frankly Fresh and a lipstick in Peachstock.

The rest of the collection was a little too "trendy" (i.e colors I would rarely wear) so I tried to stay with things that I'll actually use on a normal basis--but the collection is definitely worth a peek! Check it out here or go to any MAC counters before they sell out!

My hate/LOVE/hate relationship with high heels

In my elementary school years, there was a teacher who exuded fabulous-ness. She was always well put together, incredibly gorgeous, and had the most amazing high heels (I should also mention that she played basketball in her heels--she was our coach). Not only was her wardrobe to die for (yes, I was incredibly impressionable at that age) she made everything seem so effortless! Running, walking, dancing, basketball, she did it ALL IN HEELS. Upon entering my teen years, I had high heels, but they ALWAYS hurt. I have always wanted to be that fabulous woman who did it all in heels--long work days, long nights out, lunch with the girls, etc. and yet now at the age of 23, I still have not become that woman. le sigh.
My boyfriend constantly pokes fun at me when I wear heels--he tells me that I walk like a chicken and that I walk incredibly slow (in his defense both of these comments are true). However I still adore high heels, and fling quite a bit of money in attaining them as well. I can't help it--legs look AMAZING in high heels and for nights out, they are basically a must. So what is a girl like me to do? Being the avid google-er that I am, I googled my query and came up with a few tips:

1. Start small and work your way up: instead of heading straight for the 4 inch stilletos, try thicker heels (i.e wedges) and smaller heel height--maybe 2-3 inches.

2. Inserts are your friend, use them. There's a reason there are so many heel inserts/cushions out on the market--because us women know heels hurt! I personally like the gel inserts (they massage your feet!) but it's all about personal preference, find what works for you!

3. Take smaller steps: try taking baby steps and walk heel to toe. Definitely don't fall onto the balls of your feet--keep control of your stride and ease gently from your heels to the balls of your feet.

4. Practice makes perfect: walking in your heels for a couple of days before the actual night/day you have to wear them is probably the best way to prepare.

5. Take a time-out: when you're wearing heels, take breaks and sit down every so often (esp. if your feet hurt) but whatever you do--don't take them off! Your feet swell, thus, getting them back in your heels will be an uphill battle. Plus, it'll probably hurt way more after.

Hopefully I can take my own advice and actually survive a night in all my pretty shoes. Mom was totally right, beauty is pain.

Have your cake, and beautify with it too!

Who doesn't love cake? Well now, with Cake Beauty, there's more to love about this sweet treat (minus the calories)!
What is Cake Beauty?

A pinch of innovation, a dash of creativity, and a generous serving of the world's finest quality ingredients are whipped into every Cake Beauty creation. Enjoy a truly guilt-free indulgence with 100% paraben-free formulas that help reveal your best skin ever. Shea butter, coconut oil, and even whole milk are some of the natural emollients used to nourish the skin, delivering spa-like results you can feel. With award-winning favorites like Satin Sugar Refreshing Hair & Body Powder, or Milk Made Velveteen Hand Creme, customers come back for extra helpings of Cake Beauty not only for the results, but for addicting scents like sweet vanilla frosting, or energizing spearmint. Unique textures, like their exfoliating hand oil, turns an at-home manicure into a downright indulgence. After all, you deserve the best. Treat yourself to Cake Beauty. (via Sephora's website)


My favorites from the line? The Milk Made Smoothing Hand & Cuticle Buffer ($16), it exfoliates and hydrates my hands in a matter of seconds and is perfect to use before at-home manicures or when your hands need some extra lovin'. Another plus? The scent is vanilla/raspberry which is absolutely amazing! Another note-worthy product, the Milk Made Hand Crème ($16) which smells delish as well (notes of vanilla and raspberry) and is not greasy at all! 


I can't wait to try more from the Cake Beauty line--so far I looooove!