Dreaming of Paris

After my recent trip to the midwest (pictures to come soon!) I feel as though I have gotten bitten by the travel bug.  That paired with my recent viewing of "Midnight in Paris" is making me dream of taking a vacation to France. I have been to Paris twice, but I still feel like there is so much I want to do and see there. I would love to go to the museums, ect...but there is a large part of me that wants to stroll down the quiet side streets, eat at cafes that only locals are aware of, and paint a picture of a breathtaking view. 

{ Image found here }

Jumpsuit on the Red Carpet

Usually at award shows there are many dresses that stand out to me, but last nights SAG awards were a different story there were definitely some good and bad looks, but nothing that inspired me to do a favorite and least favorite list...

One look however that I was incredibly impressed with is the white jumpsuit that Rose Byrne wore.  Her legs look a mile long and I adore the shape of the neckline and the subtle embellishments.  I am slightly obsessed with her hair here and wish that I could pull off that haircut without resembling Dora the Explorer. I know that quite a few people are not a fan of this look, but I think that she looked amazing...I love when people take fashion risks and succeed. 

{ Image from here }

It's funny because it's true!

Lately I have seen people posting e-cards on facebook or twitter and I ran across these two that made me laugh out loud...they definitely both apply to me! Have a lovely Monday and I hope that you had a wonderful weekend! 

Test Tube Chandelier

Throughout my college career my "science" girlfriends and I loved all things nerdy as well as glamorous and luxurious. The other day I saw these test tube chandeliers on the blog "Design Sponge".  I love how the artist arranged the test tubes and then added colors and flowers to transform these glass vials into a beautiful chandelier.  I want to try to make a mini version of this to hang in my room! 

{ Images found here on one of my favorite blogs Design Sponge}

Pimp my...SHOES

Whenever I walk into a store and see elaborate colorful heels I always start to drool and immediately dream up outfits that I could wear to showcase them.  I usually walk away thinking that I should not invest in crazy shoes because I would not be able to wear them often enough.  Luckily for me I ran across these shoe accessories (this is what I am calling them since I am not a fan of their actual name...it's just not a girly name!). I wish that I could see what they look like in person, but from the images I am thinking that I may have to invest in a pair!  

{ Images from here }

Braided Bun

I have never been very good at doing hair...I basically know how to straighten it, let it air dry, throw it in a messy bun, or pony tail.  Usually I start the work day with my hair down and freshly blow dried.  It looks nice, but for some reason I prefer it up by mid-day. A pony tail and messy bun are too casual so I decided that I needed to adopt another signature hair-do.  And so I finally mastered this little number.  Its a french braid on one side of my head pulled back into a loose low ballerina bun.  Just braid the front section, then grab all the hair like you would for a low pony tail, and twist it around and place a hair tie around it. I highly recommend this hairstyle to anyone especially those who (like me) seem to be lacking in the hairstyle ability category. 

Map Wallpaper

For some reason I have always been enamored with maps...I think that they are so interesting as well as beautiful.  I love looking at large atlas books, so a room covered in maps is a dream come true! Lately I have run across images of people using large maps or combinations of small different maps to cover their walls.  I used to not be a fan of wallpaper, but I think that the map wallpaper is sophisticated, intellectual, and stunning. Someday I would love to have a small sitting room covered in maps. 

{ Images from: here, here, here }

Milwaukee for the Weekend

Began my journey very early Thursday morning to Milwaukee, WI to visit Marquette dental school with my dad.  I visited the school today and loved it! It was absolutely FREEZING when we arrived which was a shock to a California girl...but it snowed today which was beautiful since I haven't seen snow in at least 4 or 5 years. We are spending the rest of the weekend touring around the city, relaxing and eating delicious food! I hope that you all have a fabulous weekend planned and I will share pictures and stories about my trip next week! 

{ Image found here }

A Blustery Day at the Beach

This past Sunday Dan and I decided to spend a lazy afternoon at the beach. We picked up a few sandwiches and other picnic fixings then headed to our favorite beach in Montecito.  Although it was chilly it was beautiful... there is a calming effect that the ocean has in the winter.  This little outing was the perfect excuse to wear my J.Crew tissue turtleneck, oversized gap cream sweater, and "wintertime" hat. 

Happy Healthy Hair

After joining the professional world I had to reluctantly purchase my first hair drier.  I love clothes, accessories, and makeup but I have never been a fan of doing my own hair or spending any money on it.  I always have a vision for what I want that I never seem to be able to create in actuality. I have a lot of hair and blow drying it can be a major pain but my hair dresser recommended that I buy this "12 benefits" spray and I LOVE it! 

First of all it makes blow drying go sooo much faster (yes even for girls with long thick hair!) and secondly it protects my hair and lastly (and my favorite reason) it smells a little bit like watermelon. Here you can find out how to do the perfect blow out using this spray! 

{ Image found here }

Golden Globes Fashion... the fabulous and the faux pas...

Sunday evenings tend to be fairly low key and so last night I was enjoying the tail end of what was a wonderful weekend and decided to catch part of the Golden Globes.  Most of the time I watch award shows mainly for the fashion and soooo here are my three favorite looks of the night as well as my least favorites. 


FAVORITES! Top Three...

{ I absolutely LOVE this dress...the metallic color is amazing on her and I really like how she kept the rest of the look simple with a pulled back up-do and a green cocktail ring. }

{ Charlize Theron always look stunning but I really like the dress she chose for last night. I am usually a girl that loves color and shine but this blush pale pink colored gown is perfect for her.  The shape of the dress is unique and the shimmer on the headband and the belt adds the perfect amount of glamour. }

{ I would love to wear this dress.  The bodice of the dress is absolutely fabulous and the pleated black long sequin skirt is to die for! Plus I am completely envious of her ombre wavy hair and long golden earrings! }

LEAST FAVORITES: 

{ I have never been a big fan of neon colors especially neon colors and black.  The neckline of the dress and the skirt make this dress look very dated...and not in a good way. The only positive thing about this look in my opinion is her hair color with her blue eyes (and the tiny tuxes that she had painted on her nails). }

{ There is not much to say about this look other than I just really do not like it.  I think that I would have been OK with the dress without the red strip up on the neckline.  }

{ A straight across neckline with hot pink reminds me of a 90's prom dress....enough said... }

{ Images found here }

Friday Friday Friday! Happy Weekend!

This past week has been a wonderful (and crazy) week full of dinners with friends, running with my sister, tough yoga classes, and movie nights with my boyfriend.  I am looking forward to this weekend in Santa Barbara... I have a girls night planned, a potential bike ride by the ocean with Dan, and I need to start packing for my upcoming Milwaukee trip! Hope that you all have a lovely Friday afternoon and that you have fabulous plans for this beautiful weekend!

{ Image 1 found here, 

Image 2 found here }

Turban Time

I finally started wearing turbans like I had promised you all (as seen here)! I now have two of them and I love them both! The one I am wearing below is from Free People and the other one is from Anthropologie. I have been wearing them with my hair up in a high bun, pony tail, or my hair down. I have also decided that they dress up jeans and a t-shirt and spice up a sequin top and fur coat. Here I pair it with gold tassel earrings, a maroon pashmina, and my favorite cashmere comfy sweater. Turbans are an amazing accessory with the power to make me feel glamorous, stylish, and ultra chic! 

Turban: Free People

Earrings: Creative Brazil

Scarf (Pashmina): from Kitsch Couture in Los Gatos

Sweater: Aqua Cashmere from Bloomingdales

Fabulous Look of the Day!

I am a semi-crazy instyle.com addict.  One of my favorites parts of my morning routing, aside from drinking a cup of tea, running, and watching "Live with Kelly", is checking the InStyle "Look of the Day" segment.  I am not always impressed, but there are days when I come across an outfit and wish that I had every piece in my closet! Generally I am drooling over beautiful gowns with sequins and shine, but the other day I came across this picture of Rosie Huntington Whiteley in a casual ensemble and could not take my eyes off of it.  I have a leopard scarf like this one (that I LOVE!), but I am absolutely swooning over her leather jacket, black and white top, and Celine bag.  This is the perfect outfit for shopping or grabbing a mid-day coffee. 

{ Image found here }

2012 Resolutions!

I don't always make New Year's resolutions..but this year is the perfect time for new goals and self improvements. 2012 is a transition year for me.  I am out of college in the "real world", but I will be heading back to school in the fall (hopefully!). Sooo that being said here is what I have come up with so far. 

1) Always be in half marathon shape (I stole this one from my mom).

2) Cook (or bake) a new Recipe once a week.

3) Give more (time and money)

4) Do yoga more...also be able to reach my toes...

5) Take more time out of my schedule for crafts... and less time for TV.

6) Shop Less, but dress up more.

7) Call out of town friends more often. 

{ Image from here }

Cocktail Rings and Shiny Green Nails

I LOVE cocktail rings there is something so glamorous about them! They are an accessory that have stood the test of time and always look absolutely fabulous! There are many occasions that they are appropriate for... they look great with formal gowns, cocktail dresses, to work, and even with jeans and a plain t-shirt.  I have found my favorites at antique stores, free people, banana republic, and artisan fairs! My sister gave me this nail color for Christmas and I love it! It is called "Leaf him at the altar" by OPI. 

{ Side Note: Only wear one of the larger rings at a time or you might look silly! }

Hello 2012!

I hope that you all had an absolutely fabulous New Years weekend! I apologize for the lack of posts for this last week, I was busy being home with family.  The vacation week was perfectly relaxing! I worked out with my family, watched countless movies, played board games, ate amazing food, and laughed a lot! I am looking forward to this year and all that it will bring! Here is a video clip from New Years eve in New York! Westmont College students giving a shout out!!!