Fall Fashion Inspo with wide leg denim and plaid

 

The Love Shack Fancy Boutique in Coconut Grove is a tiny floral enclave, packed to the gills with the line's signature dresses. This particular store also carries the mini kids' line. My friend, Gissi, was at the 3 year anniversary party. I swung by and she sketched me and my family. xx

Illustration by Gissi J 
The Architect of Style

Outfit details:

Jeans: We the Free Dawn on Me Wide Leg Jeans by Free People

Top: Express

Flats: Prada

Plaid: F21

Bag: Lysellel Kiss Heart Bag

Hard Candy Glosstopia Lip Gloss

Discover the Ultimate Shine with Hard Candy Glosstopia Lip Slide,  a must have addition to your makeup collection. 

Are you on the hunt for the perfect lip oil/gloss that gives you high shine without the stickiness? Look no further because Hard Candy Glosstopia Lip Slide is taking the beauty world by storm! Whether you’re a makeup lover, beauty guru or just someone looking to add an extra pop to your daily look, this lip gloss is it.  Espresso is the color of the season, but may be hard to get your hands on. Scroll to the bottom of this post for a list of nine Hard Candy Glosstopia Lip Slide dupes.

Melt Cosmetics x Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Town Collection (2023)

Wearing Pumpkin King Lipstick by Melt Cosmetics 

Wearing Pumpkin King Lipstick by Melt Cosmetics 

Melt Cosmetics, a makeup brand with a cult following is known for pushing beauty boundaries with their electric and vibrant shades.  In 2023, they debuted the Melt Cosmetics x Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween Town Collection.  The set includes a makeup case with 2 ultra-matte lipsticks (Lock, Stock and Barrel and Pumpkin King), Love Never Dies Digital Dust highlight, two gel liners, an eye shadow palette and a hand held mirror.  The collection itself sold out last year but items like the colorful shadow palette are still available on Sephora. The Melt website still carries the gel liners Terrible Vision and Master of Fright.

How to Style White Sunglasses

White sunglasses are more than just a summer accessory – they’re a year-round statement piece that adds a touch of effortless cool to any outfit.  You may think that they are too bold for you, but trust me, these work with every outfit, complexion and style. 

Whether you’re looking for chic, bold, or casual vibes, these standout shades are a must-have in your fashion arsenal. In this post, I show you how to style white sunglasses in 2024 and elevate your look. Let's dive in:

In the world of fashion, sunglasses are often the go-to accessory that completes any look. But why white? White sunglasses add a pop of brightness and contrast that black or tortoiseshell frames simply can’t compete with. They bring a modern, fresh vibe that’s both elegant and edgy, making them the perfect accessory for any occasion. Plus, they’re versatile and can be paired with almost any color, style or print. It's no wonder fashion influencers are raving about them this season.

White sunglasses are the perfect addition to any fashion-forward wardrobe. They can even help transition your summer wardrobe to Fall.

Loewe Greenhouse, Marbella Club Hotel

Tucked away through the lush gardens of the iconic Marbella Club Hotel, is the Loewe Greenhouse, a luxe, home accessories oasis which is an offshoot of the brand's popular leather goods line.  The structure is a literal greenhouse, filled with botanical plants, perfumes, home fragrances, candles, lotions, and bar soaps.  Two young salespersons are at the helm. They inform me that the marihuana scent is unsurprisingly the top seller.  This scent, like the others, can be found in all of the products sold here. With scents like Wasabi, Tomato Leaves, Incense, and Cypress Balls, there's something for everyone.  Can you guess what I picked up? 

Details: Shop Rodela Mare necklace, Abercrombie blue and white floral maxi skirt (similar), Chinese Laundry Alistair block heels (comfy), sunglasses are Gucci.

The Colony Hotel West Palm Beach & Swifty's Restaurant Review

We recently stopped by the iconic Colony Hotel in West Palm Beach to have brunch at Swifty's Restaurant, their on-site eatery, which offers great fare in a chic and relaxed pool-side setting.  Swifty's Palm Beach carries on in the spirit of the beloved New York, Upper East Side institution that closed in 2016.  

For breakfast, I recommend the Full Vegan Colony Breakfast or The Benedicts (sauce on the side, of course!) or The Colony Breakfast (photo below). If you're hungrier, start off with some Gazpacho, or go with the Bacon Wrapped Designer Meatloaf as an entree. 

After you've finished eating, stop in for some shopping at the Dolce & Gabbana boutique inside the hotel. 

Sunglasses are by Diff Eyewear 

Easy vacation outfit!

For brunch, I wore a cutout top from Tularosa which is a few year's old and a draped, loose sage green skirt from Zara (I found a similar one on Amazon and an almost identical one here.)

 Also, I'm bringing back the turban trend from 2012! This one is from Ulta. My metallici clutch bag is the only new item featured in these photos. I've linked similar items below.

There is not one square inch of this hotel that is not covered in something chic. From the wallpaper to light fixtures, upholstery and the accent plants - they thought of it all.  There's a Dolce & Gabbana boutique in the hotel lobby, monkey and flamingo wallpaper throughout. And talk to me about the beautiful pink marble interiors in the bathroom? Unique and beautiful.  Also, my outfit was unintentionally retro which matched the theme. 

The styling on this outfit is all about the loose pieces that drape in different ways.  I also feel like a boxy, lace cut-out top, like the one I'm wearing here, is a summer staple. You can style it in so many ways, such as with high 

Wallpaper inside the lobby of The Colony Hotel, West Palm Beach, FL

Swify's Menu, The Colony Hotel, West Palm Beach, FL

Easy Vacation Outfit featuring Farm Rio & Maria La Rosa

Here is an easy vacation outfit featuring the this blue and white maxi dress by Farm Rio. It's perfect, unique and great quality. 

The dress has minimal give and runs true to size. This dress has cutouts throughout at the waistline and zips up the back.  It's a versatile dress because it works for both day and night.  I paired the dress with some Stuart Weitzman pink sandals and a new bag by Maria La Rosa - the Game Clutch in the color Cielo.  

I am obsessed with how roomy this clutch is and how you can opt to use it with or without the chain strap. The inside has one tiny interior pocket which is credit card sized. It's got a ton of space, and you can easily fit your phone, camera along with all of the other essentials. 

Bag: Maria La Rosa Game Clutch in color Cielo

Holiday Outift Ideas for a Toddler

 

Holiday Outfit ideas for a Toddler girl:

• Opt for more unexpected colors, other than red. Try deep purples or forrest greens.
• Tartan plaid is a classic holiday pattern but can be updated by mixing in some navy and white stripes or adding a piece that's a solid color, like heather gray.
• Mary Janes paired with knee high socks are always beautiful and exude classic, little girl style. Her shoes are from Amazon, linked below. The Gap has a nice pair as well.
• A Peter Pan collar is a traditional and classic style that can be spruced up for the holidays by adding some fun Christmas pins (make sure they have a safety-back).  You can even try detachable collars in a plaid print. 

Wet N Wild x Little Twin Stars Collab

I'm such a sucker for all things Sanrio.  Something about all of that brings me back to my childhood; it's very nostalgic for me.  Now that I have a daughter, I like finding things for her that are Sanrio themed.  We have a lot of Hello Kitty stuff in our home, and we (I), also enjoy Little Twin Stars.  Way back in October of 2021, I found that Wet 'N Wild had an entire makeup collection being sold at Ulta, that was Little Twin Stars themed.  I couldn't help myself and bought all of it.  I've got some of the products from the box, below with some swatches. 

If interested, the entire Little Twins Stars x Wet N' Wild Collection is available directly on the Wet N' Wild site and is now on sale.  Amazon also has some items. 

Edit: Ulta only has two items from the entire collection left in stock.  The two lip products are The Star Dust Lip Mousse in the shades Candy Cloud 9 and Lost In a Cloud.

The entire collection, as shown above, includes two makeup sponges, a makeup sponge holder and cup, four lip products, a makeup bag, two lip masks, two face palettes, an eye shadow palette. makeup setting spray, four eye liners and two makeup brushes. 

Fun cosmetics pouch.

Little Twin Stars x Wet N' Wild Setting Spray

Two glosses and two satin finish lipsticks.  The swatches on the right are shades Lost In A Cloud and On Cloud Nine 

Blush brush and shadow brush.

Closeup of the makeup brush handles. So cute.

I recommend the blush, very pigmented but super powdery. Be gentle when you dip your brush. 

I will say that I did not enjoy the shadows from the palette.  They were not pigmented, and had almost no staying power. A shame because the colors are unique and you could get creative with them.  I get a lot of use out of the blush and highligther. I wore the glittery stars as a cheek highlight on Halloween. The most fun! The blending sponges were just OK, a little dense for my liking.  Overall, this was a fun makeup set, with cut packaging and some good products that will definitely liven your mood.

xx

Urban Decay Naked Mini 3 Palette Review

I know what you're thinking, "'Not another Naked pallette?!'" I know! I knew it! But seriously speaking, I love the new Urban Decay Naked Mini 3 Eyeshadow Palette for a beautifully blended, every day look.

At first glance, you may not think there's anything special here. True, you could probably find most of these shades in other palettes or stashed away in the drawer where you keep your singles. But let me tell you why it's awesome and you need it:

1. Travel Mate

It's tiny, portable size makes it the best travel companion. Tuck it away anywhere for on-the-go makeup. It has a quality standalone mirror, and although the case is not metal, the plastic seems sturdy. 

2. Quality 

The shades are high quality, which for a 'mini palette' seems hard to come by lately. They're soft, blend easily and really have minimal fallout. Prime your lids and the pigment will stay put all day. I especially love that they blend easily when applied with your fingers (my favorite way of applying the shimmers).

3. Shade Range

You may think that a neutral palette is boring. It's not. See below for swatches and my go-to look

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Swatches

Glassy

Public

Laced Up

Stolen

Right Time

Spiced 

Disclosure: I was not paid to write about this product; every now and then, Urban Decay shows me some love and mails me some products. This palette was received in PR.  xx

BEAUTY FILE: KERASTASE RESISTANCE HAIR MASK

I am floored. By a hair product. The Kerastase Resistance Masque is the stuff hair dreams are made of.

This is a hair mask, so I guess it's supposed to be reserved for those days where you're feeling indulgent but, I use it every time that I wash my hair.  I have been a fan of the Kerastase line since my high school days (you don't want to know how long ago that was.). For about the last 4 years I'd used the Reflections line and mask.  The Kerastase Reflection mask worked really well, made my hair soft and frizz free but was very strongly scented.  I dealt with the fragrance issue because it worked so well.   I thought it was my favorite Kerastase product until this gem.

The Kerastase Resistance Mask came into my life and when I first used it, it literally changed my hair texture - after one application.  My hair became really soft and smooth.   It works wonders, even in this Miami heat and humidity.  It's a little hair miracle, without the heavy fragrance.  You can get it at Ulta, Sephora but also sold at drugstores - my local CVS carries it. 

Buy it.

Disclosure: I was not paid to write about this product; every now and then, Kerastase shows me some love and mails me some products. xx

WANDER BEAUTY NEW FALL COLLECTION

If you've followed me for a while you know that Wander Beauty is one of my favorite makeup brands. They sent over some items from their new Fall collection so that I could test. The felt tip liner (High Line) is super precise - love! The Wanderess Rush eyeshadow palette has really creamy shades (both shimmers and mattes) that blend out well. I have it swatched below.

BEST FACIAL IN MIAMI- CAUDALIE, BRICKELL CITY CENTRE

I recently visited the Caudalie boutique at Brickell City Centre in Miami. The boutique, located on the second floor near Zara, has a quiet and zen treatment room.  The spa offers facials and body treatments by trained estheticians who exclusively use Caudalie products. This is an honest review of my experience getting what I consider to be one of the best facials in Miami. 

PREGNANCY FILE: CIRCUS THEMED BABY SHOWER

When I first sat down to write this post, we hadn't had our baby girl yet! We are happy to announce that Harper O was born on July 15th. Before her birth, we had no idea what her gender would be.  We were actually able to keep the surprise until the day-of! 

When it came time to select a baby shower theme, there were a few gender-neutral ideas I tossed around: night/stars, animals/zoo/jungle, and circus.  I ended up going with the circus themed baby shower - so happy I did!  With the help of Pinterest and Google, and a lot of early mornings, I planned what ended up being a really perfect day.  My best friend pitched in and came through with the Nostalgia Popcorn Machine which was the ultimate finishing touch. This took a lot of work, and a lot of help from family and friends. We are so thankful to my Dad and our parents and loved ones.

Read below for circus themed baby shower inspo and a breakdown of how we made it all happen.

Circus Themed Baby Shower: Cake by Paola's Creations + Candy Station by Judy of D'vine Creations

PREGNANCY FILE: AFFORDABLE MATERNITY DRESSES

We have a lot of new things to chat about - and no time to chat about them in! I'll try to give you a quick summary. I am in my third trimester now; turned 28 weeks on Saturday. We also just moved! In case anyone was wondering, I do not recommend moving while six months pregnant. Our home is still upside down. Things are still in boxes, and I have no idea where I'm going to stash all of this makeup that I've hoarded over the years. My feet are swollen, I wake up at all hours, work stress and schedule has not lightened up...oh, and where is my concealer?! I have so many broken capillaries and angiomas from throwing up that I can't live without it.

During my pregnancy, I've been fortunate in that I've not needed to invest in many pieces. I have a really kind co-worker who handed down a few pair of her maternity jeans - I've worn them daily. I purchased a pair from a brand called Angel Maternity jeans (also try this pair, or this pair of denim leggings) I've pretty much lived in them my entire pregnancy (even arguing an motion for summary judgment in a pair - shhh). As for dresses, I've mostly managed to stick with the same dresses I owned before; anything that has stretchy fabric is a 'go' (like this basic jersey dress by Leith).  

There is this option from Bumpsuit which is a maternity wear brand. It's a great Fall layering piece.

PREGNANCY FILE: PRE-NATAL MASSAGE - THE BILTMORE

I recently spent an afternoon at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Our best friend celebrated a surprise birthday, pool side, in a cabana. While we were on site I had my first pre-natal massage and snapped some photos of what I wore. For reference, I'm 22 weeks pregnant in these pictures. 

Click through for my outfit photos. This is look can be both a maternity look and non-maternity look. It's a fun poolside or beach look that is really easy. The outfit is built around a few layers of bright colors with a pop of really bright color from the shoes.  It's a bold color palette, layered over a solid yellow dress. Pretty easy and fun to wear. If you have kids and are going to be running around after them, change out the floor-length duster for something with a slightly shorter hem and keep the flats. I'm 22 weeks pregnant in these pictures.

22 weeks pregnant