I didn’t think it was possible that I could love a gown more than Lupita’s caped red gown at the Golden Globes, but girlfriend STOLE the show AGAIN in a STUNNING custom pale blue pleated dress by Prada. I’m telling you that this photo does not even do it justice. It was even more gorgeous live on the red carpet! During an interview, she shared that she chose the blue color because it reminded her of her hometown of Nairobi. So my friends…forget baby blue and pale blue…this color now goes by “Nairobi Blue”! Lupita hands down got my vote for best dressed of the evening.

And then there were the ladies in gold & white. Clearly I have a thing for caped gowns because I seriously die for Kelly Osbourne and Kate Hudson’s caped numbers. These two were a VERY close runner up for me as I LOVED them both. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen either of them looking more gorgeous. SO glamorous and old Hollywood! Angelina Jolie could probably show up in a paper bag and still look beyond beautiful, but she was radiant & glowing in her golden gown.

GET THE LOOK:

Clockwise: Giupure Lace Top, Structured Frill Mini Skirt, Mini City Bag w/ Zip Detail, Neoprene Dress, Leather Court Shoe w/ Bow, Long Sleeve Dress w/ Buttons, Blue/Gold Leather Sandal, Justfab “Takeout” Bucket Bag

Inspired by these lovely ladies, I rounded up a few pieces that I’d like to incorporate into my everyday wardrobe…in Nairobi blue & white, of course! In fact, I may have already scooped up one or two of these pieces! Also, be sure and check back later as I will be updating this post with my “red carpet inspired everyday look” using items from my own closet!

MY RED CARPET INSPIRED LOOK:

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As you might remember, I had my first facial in about ten years last month (read about it here). I didn’t want to change my skin cleansing routine but was open to trying any anti-aging treatments that Kimberly (my esthetician) recommended. I was very impressed that she suggested using “hydrating” products instead of the harsher/drying products that my dermatologist had recommended. I explained that the Retin-A that I had been using was drying my skin out WAY too much and almost making my wrinkles appear worse (at least in the short term). So after my fabulous facial, she sent me home with the following products to try:

Lotion Yon-Ka PS (Essentials): The phyto-aromatic healing water. More than just a toner, this healing mist is a true phyto-aromatic fountain of beauty, essential for re-balancing and preparing the skin for everyday beauty products. Alcohol-free, it refreshes, tones and sanitizes the skin, the energizing effects of its essential oils can be felt throughout the whole body. My thoughts: OK…this stuff smells like heaven. SERIOUSLY. I truly look forward to spritzing this all over my face & neck because it is so invigorating. It really wakes me up (yet, is calming at the same time) and is not drying AT ALL. I can see why this would be listed as an “essential” product.

Yon-Ka Alpha-Contour (Contours): The “2 in 1” eyes and lips rejuvenation contour. This renewing gel with fruit acids is very precisely formulated to gently smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and to hydrate the lip and eye contour while providing a pleasant feeling of freshness. My thoughts: TWO-FOR-ONE. You know how I feel about two for ones….YES and YES. I have been putting this on under my eyes every night and I use the residual for my lips. Again, not drying and softens fine lines.

Yon-Ka Phyto-Contour (Contours): The anti-fatigue answer for eyes contour, firming. This refined, aromatic cream with extracts of rosemary visibly reduces puffiness and dark circles. It restores firmness to the eye and lip contour and provides a feeling of freshness and relaxation to tired eyelids. My thoughts: This has a very strong scent and the scent alone makes my eyes sting a bit but it does not irritate my sensitive skin. I’m thinking this must do the same thing that preparation h does only this stuff is made for your eyes. =)

Yon-Ka Advanced Optimizer Duo (Age Correction): The ultimate tightening coaching program for your skin. A shock duo – serum boosting firmness and thickening cream – that reinforces the skins natural reconstruction process, slows destruction of supporting tissue, repairs and protects the epidermis. My thoughts: This duo is tied with the toner for my favorite products of all of these. I have to admit, I was TERRIFIED that putting an oil followed up with a  cream on my face right before bed would make me break out but thankfully it didn’t. In fact, I think my skin has been clearer than usual! It says that you can use this in the morning & at night, but I prefer to only use it at night since it is a little too heavy to wear under my makeup. BUT with that being said, I am AMAZED at how refreshed, smooth & soft my skin is in the morning. I will definitely repurchase this!

Yon-Ka Fruitelia PS (Age Correction): Anti-wrinkle resurfacing soft emulsion. Thanks to fruit extracts naturally rich in AHA, this fluid emulsion is quickly absorbed and gently renews, hydrates and revitalizes the skin. It stimulates the renewal of the epidermis, smooths wrinkles and fine lines, softens the complexion and restores its natural glow and freshness. My thoughts: I’ve been using this mainly only on my neck & decolletage because it made my face a bit too oily when used as a moisturizer.

Disclaimer: If you are local, I highly recommend scheduling a custom Yon-Ka facial with Kimberly at Headlines Salon (760-436-1812). She truly is amazing. While I was not compensated for this post, I was gifted these products for reviewing purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

Have you guys seen the movie “Enough Said“? The one with Elaine from Seinfeld (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and James Gandolfini? Almost every weekend, my husband and I look up movies on RedBox and then check to see how they ranked on RottonTomatoes.com before we rent them. We’ve made a bit of a pact that we will ONLY rent movies with over an 80% rating but sometimes we are like…”Well, maybe they’re wrong”. And then other times we are like “OK, seriously…HOW COULD THEY HAVE THOUGHT THIS WAS A GOOD MOVIE?”. This movie got a 96% positive rating from critics and we loved it. I think you probably have to be 30+ and/or a parent to really appreciate it but we laughed out loud more than once. But that was not even the point of my story. There was an actress in the movie who I was CERTAIN had to be related to Michelle Williams. Turns out it was Tavi Gevinson of The Style Rookie/Rookie Mag. Random.

Outfit Details:
Forever 21 Ponte Top
Zara Textured Zip Jacket
AG Stevie Cuffed Jeans
Vince Camuto Lace Up Jillie Booties
Necklace c/o t+j Designs
Icon Bag c/o Justfab

We are expecting rain for the next five days in a row. I know we need it but I’m really not looking forward to it. It’s fun for about one day to sit inside by a toasty fire but then I’m over it. I am, however, looking forward to THE OSCARS this weekend! I love Ellen Degeneres and am so happy she’s hosting!

P.S. I went on a little stroll on our property to take my pics today. This is about as crazy as I get with “scouting” locations to shoot pics. LOL.

Outfit Details:
Target Tee
Long Cardigan c/o Studio 1220
Current/Elliott Skinnies
Forever 21 Booties
Shopbop Link Necklace
Jcrew Felt Hat

Is it just me or am I channeling Jessica Lange today? I’m not sure if it’s the wild hair or what but as soon as I downloaded these pics, that was all I could think! LOL. Anywho…I was so excited when I came across this quilted sweatshirt at Target last week! I shared this short sleeve version on the blog last week but I think I actually prefer the long sleeve. You can’t really see the quilted texture in these pics, but it’s super comfy & cute in person. BTW, I’m totally digging this sporty trend. Stylish sweatshirts…yes, please.

Outfit Details:
Target Quilted Sweatshirt (also available in cream & blue)
Piperlime Skirt (similar here and here)
BCBGeneration Heels
Norah Necklace c/o Stella & Dot
DVF Cat Eye Sunglasses
Kooba Bag