We’ve got just under one month left until our Palm Springs vacation and I can hardly wait. I’m desperately in need of a little sun and relaxation. And maybe a new swimsuit. Lately I’ve gone for a little more coverage, but something about California makes me want a little bikini again. In a fun print. Maybe I’ll even get a teeny bit of tan on this Seattle skin!
Fashion
BirchBox #2
While my first BirchBox was fun, this one was quite the treat. A few new products from brands I know & love and a few complete surprises. I opened it up Saturday night after I had climbed into bed and sifted through all the excitement – and tried every single one on Sunday because I just couldn’t wait another second!
- Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Beautiful Color: I love Oribe. I’ve used their dry shampoo and volumizing shampoo & conditioner before, so I knew these would be great. The smell of Oribe products always makes me feel like I’m stepping out of a fancy salon and the texture is rich and lavish.
- This Skin&Co body gel is delicious. I love the light orange and slightly spicy scent. It smells like something I might have found on my honeymoon at a fabulous hotel. It left my skin feeling rather moisturizer and clean.
- Mirenesse Glossy Kiss is my new favorite lip product. I love the lipstick-like texture with a glossy finish, the bold color and how perfectly it mattes when blotted. The color I got is called Glossy Kiss and is the perfect orangey color. I’ll be buying more of this the second it’s back in stock.
- We already use the Supergoop sun block, so I was really excited to try this new eye cream. I wear SPF 15 every day, but I love the idea of wearing something a little more hefty around my eyes. SPF 37 sounds just about right. And it smoothed on just perfectly under my concealer. Hooray! I’ll be picking this up once my current eye cream runs out.
- I’m drinking the Kusmi Sweet Love Tea now and am pleasantly surprised. I love tea but can be rather picky. This has a lovely light but spicy flavor that I am really enjoying. They have two detox flavors that sound rather citrusy and delicious that I might have to try.
All in all this box was a complete win! I’ll be buying at least the lip product and eye cream… oh, and probably the body gel too. It’s such a lovely indulgence.
RocksBox
So you may have noticed I’m a little obsessed with subscription boxes right now, but I think I’ve found my favorite! RocksBox is a jewelry membership-based jewelry styling service. For $19 a month, you get three pieces sent you to, that you can keep and wear for up to 60 days. Want to keep it? Let them know and they’ll charge your account. Ready for something new? As soon as you send back your current items, you’ll get new ones! My first shipment was so fabulous, I can hardly wait for my second. Here’s what I got:
Viento White Rhino Necklace in Gold
The necklace is on it’s way back – I liked it but I didn’t love it. The gold was a little more yellow than I prefer and the chain was too long for my stubby little torso.
Sandy Hyun Beveled Mirror Earrings
The earrings are perfect! A really interesting shape, but go with everything. I wore them for the second time today. Keeping these!
Lucas Jack Snooker Ball Ring
The ring, oh the ring! Definitely my favorite. I must admit I squealed a little as I pulled it out of the box. A bit “Marni-esque,” as my dear friend pointed out. I think I’ve worn it 5 times already and I’ve only had it a week. Keeping this for sure!
Thank you RocksBox! xoxo
Birchbox
So… my newest obsession is Birchbox. New beauty samples delivered to me every month? Yes, please! Not just teeny little sample packets, these are lovely smaller sized bottles that allow for multiple uses before you dive into a full size purchase. I’m only a few days into my first box, but I already have some raves and rants.
Clockwise from top left corner: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream / Madewell for Birchbox Nail Emery Board / Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream / Juicy Couture Couture La La / Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo
- The Juice Beauty cream has a lovely texture and I love the SPF, but I like a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer. I’ll bet this is excellent as a light alternative in the summer. We’ll have to wait and see if the anti-aging benefits kick in!
- The Madewell Emery board is a cute version of your every day one. I pretty much love anything from Madewell. They make everything… adorable.
- Whish Shave Cream feels so luxurious after shaving with soap or shampoo for way too long, but the super sweet smell was a little much for my taste.
- The Juicy perfume was a bit of the same overly sweetness, but I don’t wear perfume too often to begin with. Just a little Chanel occasionally.
- I’ve been trying to jump on the dry shampoo bandwagon for a while now, but I can’t get out of the habit of washing my fine oily hair every day. I do like the texture of this spray a bit better than the others I’ve tried, but I’m still working up toward giving it a true test on unwashed hair!
I just can’t kick my love of beauty products after spending a few years working in cosmetics, and this is such a great way to try out fun new things each month without breaking the bank. I’m crossing my fingers for some hair volumizing product in one of the coming months, and maybe an amazingly moisturizing lip balm! Oh, and anything to help control my oily t-zone. Overall I was incredibly pleased with first shipment and am anxiously awaiting #2!
Happy Spring… Dresses!
Stacked Wrists
I’m not much of a jewelry wearer. Always earrings, sometimes a necklace and very occasionally a bracelet or two, but I’ve been coveting this stacked wrist look for a while now. Nordstrom launched a stacked wrist lookbook the other week and it has been calling to me. My collection is growing slowly, I’m even thinking about investing in a watch again. It’s been years since I’ve worn one, but suddenly I’m drooling over a kate spade beauty! Or maybe this one…
images via nordstrom
Dreaming of Palms
Home again with another sinus infection. What is it with this year?! Being all cooped up has me dreaming of vacationing. We’re so excited for the trip we have planned in Palm Springs for a dear friend’s wedding in May. I’m counting down the minutes!
Here are a few things I’ve bookmarked for the trip…
the sweetest bikini
a bright and tangy twist on the margarita
waterproofing my little iphone
a wide floppy classic sun hat
perfectly peachy wedding shoes
things to nibble on poolside
the very best sunscreen
image via coco kelley
Emerson Fry Spring ’13
The Emerson Fry Spring Collection launched yesterday and it is gorgeous!
It has me dreaming of spring, or maybe just a vacation…

images via emerson fry
Victoria Beckham Fall 2013
A co-worker asked today if I had been keeping up on Fashion Week and we practically shouted, “Victoria Beckham!” in unison. The clean structured looks, the flawless mix of neutrals and hints of jewel tones, soft and sharp at the same time; everything just oozes Victoria. I die for this collection.





images via vogue
DIY Heart Sequin Sweater
I’m in love with this DIY sequin top idea from Say Yes to Hoboken. So cute! So fun! And so easy.
Just iron-on transfer paper, a little sequin fabric and you’re ready to go! Might be time to bring a little sparkle to some of those old sweaters and tees.

click here for complete directions











