The Non-Definitive Guide To Life

If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with rain" - Dolly Parton

Posts for BEAUTY & STYLE Category

Add To Cart: Anine Bing, Marc Jacobs, and House of Harlow

BEAUTY & STYLE - April 17, 2021

Sarah Connor, Trinity, Laura Croft, Buffy Summers – I have a thing for badass women who are unapologetic and lethal. It might be my Mars in Aries placement or watching Terminator 2 at an incredibly impressionable age, but I desperately wish I could snap my fingers and automatically be able to know how to take someone down in hand-to-hand combat and hit a target while somersaulting into my getaway vehicle. However, the truth of the matter is, I’m more Jessica Day than Jessica Jones. Despite thinking that my final form is that of a tortured female heroine with trust issues and the stamina to run for miles in chunky boots with a slight heel, the reality is those characters are a fantasy. And if my destiny was meant to be that of a true ass-kicker, I’d be writing case reports for the FBI instead of Facebook analytics. So the next best thing in embodying that boss energy is through my fashion choices. Leather pants have always been a part of my mental closet, yet I’ve never purchased any, and it’s an item I frequently window shop. The latest pair of leather pants I’ve set my heart on is from Anine Bing, which then lead to me perusing the rest of her site and finding more items that inform my heroine’s day to night transformation.

One day I’ll have leather pants. I have a signature leather jacket that needs an upgrade as it was purchased from Forever 21 over 15 years ago and is finally starting to show that it’s from Forever 21. But until I’m able to have the full leather pant and jacket combo, I’ll abandon my add-to carts until I can justify the extravagant purchase

Here are some recent add to carts (didn’t buy):

  1. Tourmaline Double Crystal Ring (House of Harlow 1960) – $75.00
  2. The Vanity Leather Crossbody Bag (Marc Jacobs) – $495.00
  3. Rey Top (Anine Bing) – $399.00
  4. Eleanor Trouser (Anine Bing) – $349.00
  5. Jagger Pant (Anine Bing) – $899.00
  6. Carla Pant (Anine Bing) – $249.00
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Love the Looks in ‘The Parent Trap’ (1961)

BEAUTY & STYLE, WATCH - May 17, 2020

One of my favorite podcasts, Fishnet Flix, dissects the fashion looks of different films and taking a page out of their book, I’d like to start sharing the looks I love from various movies I enjoy too — whenever the mood may strike.

Yesterday, I was in the mood for watching a film that had a dreamy stylized aesthetic and an uplifting storyline. Surprisingly, I find that combination is hard to come by unless you watch movies from the sixties or fifties. And that is how I landed on re-watching the 1961 classic ‘The Parent Trap’ on Disney+. I remember loving the looks in the film as a kid and always liked the original better than the Lindsay Lohan remake.

So without further ado, here are ripped copyrighted moments from ‘The Parent Trap’ all rights reserved to Buena Vista Films and Disney. Hopefully, this post will land in the realm of educational use.

Can we all agree that vintage bathing suits are just SO MUCH more stylish than today’s scantily clad looks!? I love this gingham print suit on Sharon, and although it’s a look for a modest teen, this modest thirty-something would rock it in a heartbeat.

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My 2018 Trash

BEAUTY & STYLE, HOME + LIFESTYLE - January 19, 2019

Over this past year, I collected my trash in a large bag in my closet. Explore my $750 worth of trash.

Over this past year, I collected my trash in a large bag in my closet. The following is the results of said collection, with the exclusion of a few products, because I was getting tired of filming.

I am a loyalist when it comes to my favorite products, it is hard to get me to deviate from what I know works for me. So, I don’t think I will ever do an empties video again, because of this – I made my ultimate empties video.

Not shown is the amount of toothpaste my husband and I went through in 2018. We brushed our teeth. Trust me when I say a lot of Sensodyne toothpaste was used. not sponsored, but open to it

🧡 Below is a list of Amazon affiliate links to my Ride or Die Products 🧡

First Aid Beauty Ultra Hydrating Cream: https://amzn.to/2RXovRo
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser: https://amzn.to/2sCvcKA
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: https://amzn.to/2APPd4I
Philosophy Purity Cleanser: https://amzn.to/2szjGzl
Rosehip Oil: lhttps://amzn.to/2T8kBml
Serge Normant Dry Shampoo: https://amzn.to/2sCxf1b
Oribe Texturizing Spray: https://amzn.to/2AVfH4P

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DREAM CASTING: SOMEDAY CLOSET – VINTAGE INSPIRATION

BEAUTY & STYLE - November 6, 2017

I have expensive taste. I always have. Ever since I was a child and didn’t understand what monetary value was, I would go straight for the most expensive item on the menu or want the fanciest toy in the store. My instincts point to the finer things in life; so I really enjoy looking at Net-a-Porter.  This habit of mine is one part dream casting/manifesting and one part just plain window shopping – here are a few of the items I’ve saved for my someday closet.

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 1
Dodo Bar Or | Metallic fil coupé organza maxi dress | $455

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 7

Vilshenko | Anais floral-print silk-georgette maxi dress | $601.50

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 3

GUCCI | Pleated printed silk crepe de chine midi dress | $3,200

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 6

GUCCI | Printed silk crepe de chine midi dress | $3,900

DREAM CASTING - someday closet 2

GUCCI | Lace and plissé-georgette dress | $5,150

 

I love the vintage look of all these dresses. One of my goals for 2018 is the wear a vintage dress at every Thinkspace Gallery opening for a year. It’s a fun creative way to express my style, and I have somewhere to go to rock my finds. Obviously, these dresses aren’t vintage, but they inspire what I’ll be on the hunt for.

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PROGRESS REPORT: WEEK 23

BEAUTY & STYLE, WATCH - June 9, 2017

It’s been a really gloomy gray week in Southern California. But this morning the sun is out, and golden rays are flooding my office. I love the crisp cold air of the morning and the unique glow only fresh sun rays bestow on the earth. I feel like a sunflower waking up. Oh, no more floral metaphors. Anyways, this new day is invigorating, and as I watched May Favorite YouTube videos while eating some homemade granola, I really wanted to share some of my own favorites or just stuff I came across recently. This lead me to go “F* it,” it’s time to do weekly check-in’s / progress reports. So if you’re down, here are a few things I’ve been loving, liking, thinking about, and generally want to share.

SHOW & TELL

I have four different colors as my primary color inspiration for my wedding. Each bridesmaid get’s to choose her own color, fuchsia pink, turquoise, marigold, or poppy orange. My sister has been designated with poppy orange, but as she has three kids, a full-time job, and our writing project – I decided to do some bridesmaid dress research for her. I didn’t find the dress, but I did find these, that I’m in love with!! ONE TWO

 

Recently a friend posed the question how someone can still choose to be Catholic after she’d watched The Keepers. I engaged in the conversation slightly, but Facebook really isn’t the place to have an in-depth theological discussion. Since I wanted to know where she was coming from, I watched the docuseries sooner than I had anticipated. It’s heartbreaking and the retelling of the acts of a truly EVIL man. It was disturbing, and my heart breaks for all the victims involved in this story. This also led me to watch Spotlight. The acts of the Archdiocese is appalling and inexcusable, and I pray that the church is exorcising its demons. I still feel the internet is not the best place for that conversation, but my position is that you can have faith in Catholicism and still oppose the acts of the Catholic Church, they are not one in the same. It’s spirituality versus a system. Anywho, The Keepers and Spotlight are both fantastic watches, and I commend the work of the Bulldogs exposing the corruption in the church. [[and you have every right to disagree with my thought process, and think I’m deplorable – whatevs. oh, and watching these films was NOT the first time i learned of the church’s corruption. ]]

Lighter note! Music – I discovered Rubblebucket this week and their EP “If U C My Enemies” makes me so damn happy.

Jessica Murnane of “One Part Plant” is my favorite human this week. I’ve been listening to her podcast, One Part Podcast for the last month and love her interview style. I also just finished her second podcast, The Cookbook Deal where she documented the process of creating a cookbook during the weirdest year of her life. And it was an intense year, basically, after listening to it all, I was like here have all my money and immediately bought her book on Amazon. Yesterday I made the granola from the book, it was super easy and with a few of my favorite spices (cinnamon & cardamom) super delicious. Definitely, listen to her podcast, here are a few of my favorite episode.

Episode 62: Creating Your Wellness Toolbox + Understanding Lyme Disease With Ally Hilfiger
Episode 53: Turning A Dead End Into A U-turn With Jensen Karp Of Kanye West Owes Me Three Hundred Dollars
Episode 52: Why Healthy Eating Doesn’t Solve All Your Problems + Being An Introvert + Hustling Hard With Laura Miller Of Raw. Vegan. Not Gross.

Hope you enjoyed my progress report & have a wonderous weekend!

Share your progress report in the comments, what’s something you’ve been watching, liking, or loving this week?

LOVE & LIGHT

 

 

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COACHELLA MINI SURVIVAL KIT // WHAT’S IN MY BAG

ADVENTURES, BEAUTY & STYLE - April 11, 2017

I’ve attended Coachella once as a festival goer, and have been working at the festival in the merch department for the last 3 years. That totals up to 4 years of Coachella experience. So let me share my insight with you!  The desert elements can be brutal and I keep a few essential items in my purse while going between my shifts at the record store and favorite band sets. My camping guide is even more comprehensive and hopefully, I can put that together between now and Thursday, but none-the-less here is what I keep in my purse.

Coachella Festival Whats In My Bag

  1. My cell phone/camera. Instead of carrying around an extra camera, I will just be filming and taking photos on my cell. I also keep my phone on airplane mode most of the time to save its battery. The first time I went to Coachella as a festival goer, I challenged myself to unplug and not be on my phone to distract myself from my awkward social anxiety. There are so many friendly people in the world, open yourself up to meeting a few by just saying hello!
  2. External battery charger. Fortunately, there are dozens of charging stations inside the festival. But do you really want to be attached to an electrical box instead of discovering a new band? No, no you do not. Bring an extrenal battery charger and you’ll be safe from experiencing FOMO.
  3. Tissues. There is a lot of dirt and dust. Tissues keep me from driving myself crazy with the sniffles.
  4. Cottonelle Flushable Wipes. A few years ago flushable toilettes were installed at the Empire Polo fields that helped provide alternative options to the porta potties. But regardless you are using the same bathroom as hundreds of other people, and in case you happen to go in one when there is no toilet paper – now you have a backup. (the tissues are good for this too obviously)
  5. Wet Ones. A lot of the food inside the festival is finger food and after touching money, grass, dirt, just everything… my hands feel gross. Before eating I like to wipe my hands with wet wipes to keep things clean. Instead of just using regular gel antibacterial, the wet wipes actually remove the dirt instead of turning into sanitized mud.
  6. Face Mask / Bandana. It gets really windy in the desert causing dirt to fly into the air and get lodged in your lungs. Even if it’s not a windy day/ night, upon exiting the festival dirt is kicked up into the air by everyone walking around you. Stay healthy by protecting your lungs, keep a face mask on you. Don’t get the Coachella cough – it’s not cute.
  7. Sunscreen. Pretty self-explanatory. Skin cancer, also not cute.
  8. Band-aids. Blisters happen. If you’re not used to being on your feet for 12+ hours while dancing and walking about 5 miles over the course of the day, then just have some band-aids on hand. Better safe than sorry.
  9. Allergy Medicine (Zyrtec).  You technically can’t bring allergy meds into the festival, so take some before going in. I get pretty bad allergies since there is so much grass and dirt in the air. I take a little Zyrtec and I’m good to go for the day.
  10. Cash Diet. I like to bring cash to the festival because it helps me manage my spending. The food is amazing, the beer garden is on point. So instead of using my card, I like to use cash. Plus then I’m able to tip the vendors. It’s physically exhausting working the festival, especially for the food vendors working in hot tents cooking yummy eats for everyone. Tips can be super encouraging.
  11. Sunglasses. I bought my first pair of prescription sunglasses in 2012 for my first Coachella experience. I knew I’d be in the sun all day and I wanted to protect my eyes. It’s been one of the best investments I’ve ever made. I recommend for those who do not need prescription sunnies, to bring cheap sunglasses so they don’t get lost. But for those that wear glasses like me, treat yo’ self.

I seriously have so many tip, tricks, and hacks for navigating Coachella.

If you have a question, feel free to leave it below! 

Happy festival season my fellow music lovers.

LOVE & LIGHT

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FRIDAY FAVORITES | WK 5 2017

ART, BEAUTY & STYLE, HOME + LIFESTYLE - February 3, 2017

Today I’m going wedding dress shopping! Yay. You can peek into my wedding style inspiration on Pinterest, but I doubt I will actually find a dress like any of the ones I’ve selected. My taste exceeds my budget. I’m approaching wedding dress shopping with an open mind and a desire to capture a sense of glamor and sophistication with a twist.

But here is a quick list of my favorites from the week, as it’s going to be a very busy day! 

Friday Favorites

New Art Vlog: If you’re in Los Angeles try and check out the exhibition at Gabba Gallery. It closes tomorrow, February 4th but I loved the work of L.Croskey and Carly Ealey.

Taiko Drumming: I’ve had a busy and inspiring work week and to help me focus I’ve been listening to a lot of Taiko Drumming. Taiko is a traditional Japanese form of drumming. Whenever I’ve seen a Taiko performance live, the energy is intoxicating, I never want the performance to end. I highly recommend listening to and seeing Taiko drumming.

Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque: Dan gave me this mask for Christmas. I had been wanting this mask for months and it has not disappointed me. It really helps to soften my skin with the cranberry seed exfoliation and adds a vibrancy to it. I’ve noticed how my sleeping and eating patterns can affect the quality of my skin and turn it sallow; this mask makes me look like a raw foodist.

Happy Friday! 

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Black Friday Deals Cheat Sheet

BEAUTY & STYLE - November 24, 2016

This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through links marked with an asterisk. 

Black Friday deals are no longer reserved for just the day after Thanksgiving, but now with the internet, it’s a week-long celebration of savings up to Cyber Monday.

Every year I tell myself that I will create a Black Friday shopping budget and go crazy on all the fantastic sales and deals. But every year I forget and come Black Friday I never have that miraculous and pre-planned windfall dedicated only to shopping. Yet, I still find myself scrolling my favorite websites in my pajamas with an over-stuffed belly from the day before. So what does this internal struggle mean for you? I’ve decided to create a Black Friday deals cheat sheet. I’ve pulled the codes you need or simply the sales that are taking place. I’ll be updating this list come Friday morning, but get a taste of what’s going on now.

LAST UPDATE – 11/24/2016 at 12:30pm / Levis, Urban Outfitters, Bando, *Society 6,

LAST UPDATE – 11/24/2016 at 11:30pm / ASOS, Anthropologie

LAST UPDATE – 11/25/2016 at 9:30am / Fresh Skincare, Origins, Urban Decay, Kiehls, Erin Condren

Beauty Black Friday Deals

Beauty 

Ulta :  Update: Black Friday deals are live and selling out fast! No code necessary.  There are so many different deals for different brands it’s crazy! The items will automatically be priced for Black Friday – no code needed.

Sephora: Update: A collection of Black Friday gift sets that are already discounted. The sets start at $10 and go up from there! No code necessary.  I love the beauty gift set options provided by Sephora.

Urban Decay : Update: Use code BLACKER for 20% off and free shipping. 

Tarte Cosmetics: Use code FRIYAY for 25% off your entire order + free shipping when you spend $25 or more. I  swoon for Tarte packaging and I’m a huge fan of their Amazonian Clay Foundation, so this is a code I use every year.

*Julep: Black Friday is already kicking on Julep.com and they have a ton of polishes and makeup on sale. Use code MIRRORMIRROR on a $30 purchase and receive a free compact mirror. I’m lusting after their major nail polish collections.

Origins: UPDATE: Use code FRIYAY for 25% off everything. Plus with a purchase of $75 or more you’ll receive a free 10 piece skincare set. I love that Origins skincare is a plant driven line with enough science to be effective.

Fresh: Update: Gift with purchase – used code SWEETTREAT at checkout for a Free Soy Face Cleanser (50ml) with $65 purchase, Free Soy Face Cleanser (50ml) and free deluxe sample of Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum with $80 purchase, Free Soy Face Cleanser (50ml), free deluxe sample of Black Tea Age-Delay Firming Serum, and free Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream with Super 7 Complex (15ml) with $120 purchase.  I’m obsessed with the Fresh Rose Mask and their products make me feel delicate and chic. Currently, they don’t have any Black Friday deals but I’ll keep you posted.

Khiels: Update: Code BFRIDAY will get you 4 deluxe samples + free shipping on all orders of $25 or more. I’ve been eyeing the Tumeric Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Masque for months now, and am waiting for a solid holiday deal.

Black Friday Deals Fashion

Fashion

Levis: Use the code HOLIDAY40 to receive 40% off everything + free shipping (today only). I seriously might bust out my credit card for this sale as I desperately need jeans and I am a loyal Levis lover.

ASOS: 30% off everything – code THANKFUL30

*Modcloth: The vintage inspired looks, endless accessory options, and the smart home decor available on Modcloth makes it a one stop shop for me, plus they are super good to their customers too. Check out these stellar Black Friday deals that run from  11/23 until 11/26.  Use the following codes for awesome savings…

FRIDAY20 – 20% off entire order
FRIDAY30 – 30% off entire order of $100 or more
FRIDAY40 – 40% off entire order of $200 or more

Nordstrom: They have some great deals on winter staples and amazing boots up to 40% off. No code needed.

Urban Outfitters: Update: BOGO | Buy one item get one item 50% off on all apparel. No code needed. Ends 11/25 I’ve worked a few Black Fridays at Urban Outfitters, so for the poor souls working this week, I beg you on their behalf to shop online. There are no special savings on the website right now, so I’ll be waiting for a Black Friday newsletter to update you with some deals.

Anthropologie: Update: 30% Off with the code LETGO. Even Dan loves to wander around Anthropologie with me. Yes, I’m a basic chick that wants an Anthro lifestyle, but I only shop the sale section. Currently, there are no deals on the site, but I’ll update you soon.

Kate Spade: Is having a 75% off surprise sale that I spotted on their Twitter. Make sure to enter through a portal by clicking here. It will ask you for your email and zip code. Then you will be sent to the sales page with SUPER CUTE bags, wallets, jewelry. It’s pretty magical. Sale Ends 11/26

Nasty Gal: Everyone loves the color black and now you can stock up on the classic hue via Nasty Gal. Currently, they have 30% off black items. I love the pieces with a great sixties feel a’la Francoise Hardy.

Lifestyle Black Friday Deals

Lifestyle/ Stationary

Bando: Can’t believe I forgot to include ban.do on my first round of deals. It a fun site filled with great gifts for any sassy chickita. Use code BFISMYBF for 25% of everything! 

*Society 6: Update: 20% off entire site + free shipping. No code needed. As an art nerd, I love Society 6 as a platform to provide artists a way to monetize their work by putting it one fun everyday items. You can easily fill your home and t-shirt collection with work from photographers, designers, painters, and creatives.  Their deals are changing daily this week, so jump over to their site and see what’s on sale today!

Paper Source: When I worked next to a Paper Source I’d spend my lunch breaks picking out cards for Dan and looking at all the cute quirky gifts. You can receive 20% off your purchase with code CHEER4YOU.

Erin Condren: Update: 30% off sitewide. No code necessary. I received my first Erin Condren notebook this year and I love the quality. Great paper, fantastic weight, and even comes with stickers! The journals and planners aren’t cheap, so I’m hoping for a Black Friday code to come in a newsletter.

And if you’re not excited by my cheat sheet, well there is always Amazon -*Shop Amazon’s Black Friday Deals Week!

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Interview with Little Mousie Creations : Bohemian Minimalism

BEAUTY & STYLE, INTERVIEWS - June 12, 2016