A few weeks ago I had a photoshoot with Z Bella Photography. On our quest for cute locations for backdrops, we decided to stop by the Pannikin Coffee Shop in Leucadia. We got lucky because there is usually a line wrapped around the building and we somehow had the place pretty much to ourselves! I love all of the pops of yellow in these photos.

In other news, Shopbop just announced their “Buy More, Save More” Sale. You can save up to 25% off your purchase with code GOBIG18. Some exclusions apply so visit Shopbop for full details (sale ends March 3rd, 11:59pm). I scored this dress from Shopbop a few months ago and it is definitely coming with me to Palm Springs in March. I can’t wait! Fun fact…I’ve had these heels (they remind me of the old school Candies) for over 12 years. This is why I can’t do the whole “if you haven’t worn them in a year, get rid of them” rule. I may not have worn them in YEARS, but I still love them.

Outfit Details:
Faithfull the Brand Dress
Blank NYC Faux Leather Jacket (available in other colors)
Nine West Heels (SO OLD)
Brixton Fidler Cap

SHOP MORE OF MY FAVORITES FROM SHOPBOP BELOW:

 

So I wore my tank backwards on purpose. The front is actually v neck and ruffled, but I liked the strappy look in front even better! You can see it worn the right way here. In other news, my son had all of last week off of school for “family week”. I never remember having a week off for no reason when I was little, but we sure did enjoy it. But now tomorrow is going to be the Monday-est Tuesday EVER. Back to making lunches and setting alarms. I guess I better stop procrastinating and go get dinner started so we can all get to bed at a decent hour tonight. Hope you all have a great week!

Outfit Details:
Flutter Top c/o cabi
Flamenco Jacket c/o cabi
Madewell Jeans
Tiptoe Sandals c/o cabi
Madewell Round Purse (similar)
Helen Ficalora Initial Necklace
Bracelet & Ring c/o LAGOS

A couple of weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of doing a photoshoot with Zemina of Z Bella Photography. I had seen her work over the years through several mutual friends but we had never officially met in person. We decided to meet at a local popular coffee shop and as soon as we found each other (apparently there are two locations across the street from each other), we both laughed and said it felt like we were going on a first date! Social media is funny because you feel like you know someone even though all we see are glimpses into people’s lives. To be completely honest, I don’t usually enjoy having my photograph taken by anyone other than myself (tripod/remote) because my smile is never natural, my poses are stiff and I am extremely picky about lighting/angles. But Zemina immediately made me feel at ease and four hours later, I didn’t want the photo shoot to end. Yes, we spent FOUR HOURS shooting all over Encinitas. It was actually the best day ever. And I hadn’t even seen the photos yet. I am blown away by her talent. And not to sound in love with myself, but I am IN LOVE with how the photos turned out!

We actually shot several different outfits but as I mentioned last month, I have partnered with Fabletics again to share some of their newest styles with you. I am wearing the “Corinna” outfit that is/was available in the February options. For the record, I NEVER wear just a sports bra to work out. Like, ever. But this sports bra was just TOO pretty not to share. It is also double layered so it really holds you up & in. The matching leggings have the same lace detailing & zippers (love!) and I adore the soft peachy/pink color. If it works on my pale skin, I can only imagine how great it looks on olive tone/tan skin!

SIZING INFO: I’m wearing an XS in both the sports bra & pants and a size small in the jacket. I am 5’6 and 120lbs for reference. I have hips and wear a size 27 in jeans. I personally feel they offer vanity sizing and recommend you size down if you like your pants to really suck you in like I do. I’m loving this powerhold material. To learn more about how Fabletics works or to purchase the look I’m wearing, click here. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments!

Disclaimer: Outfit is c/o Fabletics. All opinions are my own.

Last month I attended cabi’s bi-annual scoop event and was kindly gifted this Ricardo Beverly Hills luggage & tote. My first inclination was to go with a basic grey or black but I was just drawn to the rich violet & cognac combo! It was actually the perfect size for my overnight getaway and will be coming with me to Catalina in April! The tote is fabulous because it has a padded laptop compartment and plenty of room for any items that you need quick and easy access to while traveling. Bonus that it’s cute enough to carry even when your not traveling. I added my own gold tassel keychain to give it a personal touch. And the suitcase has tons of compartments, a TSA compliant combination lock and even more fabulous is the snap in/out TSA-friendly pouch that can easily be thrown in your carry-on luggage for on-board access. I am down for any & all things that make traveling more convenient!

P.S. I was not asked to review this luggage but I love it so much and know you will too so had to share. It’s truly that great. In my opinion, of course.

Outfit Details:
by the way. Wrap Dress (sold out)
Low-top Old Skool Vans
Forever 21 Hat (similar)
Luggage & Tote c/o Ricardo Beverly Hills
Erin Fader Double Medallion Necklace

I recently had a reader email me asking me how I do my makeup & what products I use. So Diane…this one is for you!

I am a Taurus. Which might have something to do with the fact that I am a TOTAL creature of habit. Or maybe one has nothing to do with the other (which is probably more likely). But I digress. My point is that I like to keep things consistent and I don’t care much for change. So it’s probably no shock that I wear the exact same natural makeup look every.single.day. And for date night, all I do is add a little contour/highlight. If I’m feeling REALLY crazy, I might do a little liner. But even that is very rare. Oh, and I’ve been wearing the same lipstick color since high school. It did get discontinued a few times over the years but I always found a dupe.

Before I apply my makeup, I always use Elizabeth Arden’s Visible Difference Eye Cream and CeraVe AM lotion w/ SPF. It only has SPF30 in it, but my foundation has SPF50 so I feel ok about my coverage although if you have a good recommendation for a stand alone SPF that works well under makeup, I am all ears!

It Cosmetics CC Cream (in Light): I use one full pump (for full coverage) and use my fingers to apply it all over my face. I prefer using my fingers over a brush/sponge because it just applies so much smoother and you waste less product.

It Cosmetics Eyelift in a Tube Concealer (in Light): I just dab concealer in the inner corner of my eyes with a brush and then I dab it with my ring finger to blend it in even more.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Powder (in Translucent): I dust this all over my face…especially my t-zone and upper eye lids. I have droopy upper lids so they always seem to stick (ugh) and this helps.

Chanel Foundation Powder (in 22 Beige Rose): I apply a light dusting of this all over my face but to be honest, I am looking to change my powder. And the only reason is because Chanel DISCONTINUES products like nobody’s business. LITERALLY. EVERY SINGLE TIME I find a powder in a color and formula I like…they change the color and name, etc. and it makes me crazy. LOL.

Nars Blush (in Orgasm): I like a natural blush and from what I’ve seen, this blush looks great on all skin tones.

L’Oreal Voluminous Eyelash Primer: I don’t know how I lived without mascara primer before I found this. It REALLY thickens your lashes. I don’t know if you are supposed to curl your lashes before or after using it but I always curl first.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara (original): HANDS DOWN…the best drug store mascara. It is the only mascara I use.

Lancome Liner (in Bronzelle): I’ve been wearing this liner since high school. It is THE BEST nude color ever.

L’Oreal Lipstick (in Fairest Nude): I’ve been wearing this color for years.

Benefit Sugarbomb Lip Gloss (sold out or discontinued) : Every time I fall in love with a gloss, they discontinue it! So my gloss is always changing. But the MOST important thing is that it isn’t sticky. I despise sticky gloss. This one is very smooth.

Urban Decay Brow Box Eye Brow Powder (in Honey Pot): I am not good at doing my brows and am pretty much stuck with the shape I was born with. So I just use a powder to fill them in a bit.

So that’s it, folks! One of these days, maybe I’ll be brave enough to shoot a tutorial video. But I’ve been saying that for 8 years so I wouldn’t hold my breath. Ha!