To sweat or not to sweat, that is the question.

For the past couple of days, after my workout I've been sitting in the sauna since I have some extra time to kill. The first day-- within a minute, I thought I was going to die because it was so hot, and I felt like I was suffocating. The next day, I found myself relaxing and even dozing off for a bit. As soon as I got out, my skin looked fabulous! And now I even do some stretches/yoga while in the sauna. Needless to say, I have spoiled myself with the relaxing-ness and now I absolutely love it. I decided to look up some articles online to see what the deal is with a sauna--is what I'm experiencing actually supposed to happen, should I have concerns, etc. and here's what I found
Benefits:
1. The heat soothes the muscles and relaxes the body after a workout.
2. The sweating is not about loosing water weight, but about losing toxins in the body.
3. The heat opens your pores and the sweating pulls out dirt so you will have clearer skin.
4. Your body naturally will work harder to cool you down, including your heart. While not the same as a cardio workout, it does also benefit you this way.
5. Your body will produce more white blood cells and other sickness fighting cells because of the heat (similar to when you have a fever, but without the being sick first).

Be aware of:
Your heart rate
Time (Don't stay in too long!)
Drink water after your sauna, and cool down gradually.

Do you any of you hotbox yourselves?

source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/32367.php

heaven on earth: Le Petite Retreat Day Spa

Hello dolls! Hope you all are recovering from a fabulous weekend! As for me, this Saturday was absolutely blissful and fantastic. My bf took me out for our anniversary to Le Petite Retreat Day Spa (I'll go LPR Day Spa for short) for a day of total relaxation and bonding. So first off-- this spa is hidden quite well but the exterior is gorgeous. Classic and not too over the top, very understated, and calming music plays as you enter. The staff was incredibly sweet, leading us to our respective changing areas (stocked with intuition razors, hair combs, mouth wash, toothbrush/paste etc. nothing was left out!) with our amazingly soft robes and comfy sandals, and then had us wait for one another in the fireplace area (as pictured above, beautiful isn't it?!). In the waiting area, there was an assortment of teas, fruit (mainly apples), toasted coconut granola bars, and chilled water infused with lemon, lime, and cucumbers. We awaited til our first service of the day was ready: a bath for 2 "Luxuriate in our bubbling Coppertub surrounded by a canopy of flickering candlelights, as you and your soul mate sip champagne in Zen elegance" and I must say, the description hits this service spot on. The tube was more than big enough for us, there were bath pillows for our heads, and we were surrounded by candles and stones- which added to the ambiance.
After our delightful soak, we headed out to cabana for our couples massage with Jade stones! It was a Swedish-Deep combo massage while incorporating hot & cool stones that are massaged into your body. Heat helps to relax muscle tissue & coolness helps reduce inflammation & flushes out toxins through the lymphatic system (as per the website and our lovely therapists). Overall, the experience was amazing and I really believe that this one of the best spas in LA. Granted, it's pricey so I won't be going back too often--but rest assured me and the bf will return eventually.

Til next time,
xoxo

From the runway to streetway

So we all can't be fashion models and strut the catwalk at New York Fashion Week [insert sigh here] however, we can make those outrageous and over the top fashion statements wearable in our everyday lives. Sidewalks are just as good as catwalks in my opinion. This year was a pleasant surprise for me during NYFW--why? The makeup seemed to be simple, romantic, and soft. Think rose blush, pink gloss, concealed lids with maybe a hint of shadow, and curled lashes sans mascara. Rather than mascara, we saw a lot of fake individual lashes, which in my opinion, widens eyes and leads to a fresh face.
The minimalist look is in, ladies. Find a good concealer, eyelash curler, lip stain/gloss, & blush and rock the natural.
Watching the Emmy's though, I see a lot of bright colors (i.e- Kim Kardashian's eye makeup, hello blue!) which I love. I think I'll stick to the tried and true beauty rule: bold eyes = minimal lip, bold lip= minimal eyes.

My recommendations:
Concealer: MAKE UP FOREVER- HD Concealer
Disclaimer: I have horrible under eye circles and lines.
This concealer is FABULOUS. It was just recently launched and I am in loooove. Good coverage, dries to powder form so no creasing, and convenient pen case.

Blush: NARS blush in Orgasm
We have all heard this name time and time again. Why you may ask? Because it actually works on everyone. A universally flattering blush, who would have thought. Pair it with a deeper shade (like deep throat by NARS) for a more intense color.

Lips: MAC lipstick in Cherish
The understated lip color, soft muted peachy-beige with a satin finish. Just make sure to exfoliate lips with a toothbrush or sugar before applying! Chapped lips are never in.

A pop of color is always fun, maybe eyeliner? Or nails?

Stay primped fashionistas!
xoxo

Catch the wave?

I hope all you fashionistas are enjoying the beautiful gowns on the red carpet as I am! (Does anyone else absolutely adore Kim Kardashian's blue eyeshadow? Bold statement. Maybe I'll rock the blue eyes again, it has been a while..)
Before I get too side tracked, let me tell you all about the recent beauty product I tried out-- the Neutrogena Wave. While at Costco, I saw the full package (as pictured above) and decided to give it a whirl. The commercials all seemed SO promising and I was totally pumped when I first tried it out...yet this product (retailing at about $30.00) lead me to disappointment. It promises to clean deep into your pores and slough off dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant face. Let's stick to the basics here: it is a vibrating face cleanser, that being said we all figure that it will give us a different feeling of clean.
Honestly, I have been using the wave for the past week or so and the hype around the product is just hype--no substance. Scientifically speaking, I assume the wave increases blood circulation when used, but the vibration is not really good for much else. My hand felt more vibration than my actual face did...so ultimately this product proved to be pretty pointless. The perks of the product? It does actually feel good (even though it doesn't really clean), increases circulation, and it is easy to travel with--especially with the actual cleanser being on pads that you attach to the wave. Overall, I found the wave to be "cool and new" falling victim to the hype around the product and thus, was disappointed. If you do purchase the wave with high expectations (like myself) then you might be let down, however if you purchase it as just a regular face cleanser then you might be in for a nice surprise.

Finally, a wearable pair over the knee (OTK) boots!

I cannot tell you all how much time (and money) I have spent looking for the perfect, swoon worthy, sexy, semi-casual pair of boots--think Serena Van der Woodsen from Gossip Girl.

drumroll, please.

I FOUND THEM! Hello, Sam Edelman 'Sable' Tall Boot aka the absolute perfect splurge for my shoe closet! My bf will be the first to tell you, I do not wear shoes unless they are absolutely comfy (I live in my Tory Burch flats, they are my favorites!). I mean I adore heels, don't get me wrong, but sometimes they are SUCH a pain that it's not even worth it. Half the time I end up taking them off before my night out is over. However, Sam Edelman shoes are super comfortable! The sole and cushioning is to die for--especially if you have a semi wide feel, like moi! (side note: I'm an 8M)
Those of you unfamiliar with Sam Edelman, he's experimented with bright colored flats for summertime aka the "Carmen" ballet flat, took on the fringe movement in 2008 (once again with amazing jewel tone and bright colored hues), and has become one of the well known brands when it comes to shoes.
Why I love these boots? First of all, I find the color to be perfect for the boho-chic look I'm going for (the boots are also available in black). Second, you can wear these boots folded over, as pictured above, or you can wear them over the knee! And last, but not least, there is a buckle strap located at the back top of the foot to create a perfect fit.

Detailed description (thanks to www.nordstrom.com)

Wrapped heel lifts a supple leather boot fashioned with an oversized cuff that can be folded down or worn up over the knee. Adjustable buckle strap and elastic goring create a perfect fit at the back.

• Pull-on style with partial side zip closure.
• Approx. heel height: 3 1/2".
• Approx. boot shaft height: cuffed 14 1/2", uncuffed 19 1/2"; 14 3/4" calf circumference.
• Buffalo leather upper/polyurethane lining/crepe sole.

Now that I've fallen in love, I've decided to get them for myself if I stick to my intense workout regimen for the next week.

ps: I found these cute OTK flat boots-- MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Bromely' Over the Knee Boot, definitely more practical, still stylish, and I would wear them all the time...oh nordy's, why must you taunt me so?

Maybe I'll lump Christmas and my birthday together this year..

Are you dolls going for flat or tall this fall?

pss: if you go to nordy's between September 16th-20th you get triple reward points on your Nordstrom card! I love being rewarded to shop.

steal vs. splurge

The military trend has been around for a couple of months now, and it's still as hot as ever. I love the masculine twist on feminine pieces, and I am ecstatic that it's still going strong into fall fashion!
the splurge: bebe Funnel Neck Military Pea Coat
for $179.00 it is a bit pricey- but a splurge I would be willing to make. The funnel neck and cut of the coat are flattering, and the button detailing is gorgeous. I love the basic black- paired with grey skinny jeans and my favorite heels, but, the white is a little different--in a good way. The button detailing is more obvious and with some black skinny jeans and heels It would be perfect for a chilly night out-- I would opt for a colorful bag either way.


the steal: Forever 21 Military Buttoned Jacket
for $37.80, it is hard to say no to this jacket. It is only offered in charcoal- but I think the jacket in this color is perfect for fall! A 3/4 sleeve military-inspired jacket featuring a soft felt-blend exterior, 5-rows of double breasted buttons, buttoned arm cuffs, full satin lining, lightly padded shoulders for shape, and a finished bottom hem. Brushed metal buttons feature a shield with leaf trim on top. Not digging the 3/4 sleeves? Forever 21 has another jacket called the A-Ten-Hut Military Jacket which comes in black or olive green (loving the olive green, by the way): A military-inspired woven jacket featuring a subtle striped texture and a full hook-eye front placket with 5-rows of double breasted buttoned accents. Other features include shoulder-buttoned epaulets, buttoned arm cuffs, a 4.0" back flap, and a finished hem. Antique metal hardware. Fully lined. This is more true to the military style with the shoulder detailing as well.
I find the 3/4 option to be more casual, but both of the forever 21 options would look fabulous with a pair of tailored shorts! Black tailored shorts, maybe a pop of color in the shoes? Oh, and a bucket bag would top off the look perfectly.

ps: Forever 21 has free shipping on orders $75 or over!

And who says we can't do fashion on a budget? Take that, economy.

Happy shopping!

Til next time, fashionistas!
xoxo

One man's loss, a fashionista's gain! sale alert 9/10-9/12!

Good afternoon, fashionistas!

Besides falling behind on blogging--I know, total fail on my part--I have also been behind on reading my sale e-mails! Tragic, I know. I had a sunny weekend in Irvine and San Diego, and loved relaxing (and the shopping of course, South Coast Plaza is AMAZING.).

In any case, look at this amazing sale! It truly is one man's loss, resulting in a fashionista's gain! So excited.

Name: Zaz Designer Access

Why the sale?!: Rumor has it they lost their lease and have to liquidate all remaining women’s designer clothing ASAP! Which equals happy fashionistas on a budget! LOVE IT.

When?: Thursday, September 10th (9/10) through Saturday, September 12th (9/12) and the hours are 10am to 6pm everything is 80%-90% off!--or get this, you can MAKE AN OFFER. I have never seen this before!

Expect brands like: Nanette Lepore, St John, Sue Wong, Tory Burch, Theory, Jenny Han, Juicy Couture, Tahari, Anna Biagini, Diane Von Furstenberg, Maria Blanco Nero, Calvin Klein, Laundry, BCBG, Michael Kors, Maggy London, Guess, Rebecca Taylor and more.

The nitty gritty:

Zaz Designer Access,

19205 Parthenia St., #E,, Northridge, CA 91324.

818.885.1451. Cash/ CC only.

The phone number is a contact at the sale, in case you cannot find it etc.

I'll definitely post about the bebe magazine, plus some cheap chic accesories I've had my eye on by the end of this week :)

Until then, happy shopping fashionistas!

xoxo