Au Naturale

In an effort to try to go a bit more natural with my skin care, I have been testing out some face washes with less chemicals and more plant based ingredients. I am not a person who obsesses over these things, but my skin has been in freak out mode for a few months now and I figure changing to something a bit closer to the earth could not hurt.


La Roche-Posey Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel ($22) has the most amazing foaming action. It is soft and really deep cleans. I like how it feels like it has tighten my pores a bit without the feeling of over drying.


Neutrogena Naturals Cleansing + Make Up Remover ($6) kind of feels like every other cleanser, but is the most plant based of all three. It scrubs the make up off my face really well and has a really nice fresh scent.


Fresh Umberian Clay Face Treatment ($48) is a two in one. It does not take off make up, but is great as a light cleanser. It can also be used as a mask. It seems to really calm my skin and get some of the red out when it is irritated.


I have all of these on rotation now. The La Roche-Posey is my favorite, but I think all of them are great additions to my daily routine.


What natural products have you discovered lately?


xo
Erin

Heavy Metal Sweater?

J. Crew has long been a Fall weather staple. Vivid memories of sweater shopping always come to mind as the temperatures start to slightly change and it is time for something a bit warmer. J. Crew has changed quite a bit since my first rugby shirt was purchased there in the late eighties. But, their sweater selection is just a vast come late August, yet the styles have gotten so much better. You can always find your favorite comfy pullover as well as some new styles that will keep you interested. 

I came across this metallic number and loved the heavy feel of it, yet it was not too warm. 

Metallics woven into sweaters is a great trend for Fall and a great way to elevate a look from frumpy sweater and jeans to something you could wear for drinks out. 

Luckily other designers have taken notice and you can find metallics everywhere. 

1. Vince at Barney's $335

2. Madewell $118

3. Express $60

4. Victoria's Secret $60

xo

Erin 

Some Good, Some Very Bad at the VMAs

I feel a bit silly watching the VMAs still. Some of the bands are completely foreign to me and the jokes a little tired, but there is always a surprise or two that makes it worth TiVo-ing. If you caught it, you know that all the performances were amazing and Beyonce revealed her new "bump" for the world to see. 

From a fashion perspective, this night is usually a train wreck. Lots of girls that forgot their pants and girls in sequined mini dresses trying to be edgy, but it comes off as just hoer-y. 

There is also a lot of this....

And while I appreciate that musicians are artists and there is some sort of expression in this that needs to be interpreted, somehow it all feels a bit forced. Like everyone is trying to push the envelope farther than Gaga (who came dressed as a man all night, in character) and it all comes off a bit sad.


Luckily, there were a few girls there that kept things classy and very chic. Thank god, because the Jersey Shore gang were seriously giving girls a bad name all night.

Zoe is nailing it left and right these days, and this Barbara Bui look is no exception. The shoes are amazing. Emma looks just enough rock in her Alice + Olivia with a lady-like red lip. And Beyonce, who normally I have issues with, looks fantastic in Fall's hottest shade of rust. A beautifully draped Lanvin is perfect for this mother-to-be and a great departure from the usual hard edged, sequin covered gowns she is in.


So you young starlets and reality-show queens out there... If you are listening, take a cue from these ladies and cover up a bit. And for those of you "expressing" yourselves on the red carpet, I just do not get it.


xo

Erin

Weekend Wish

Just a few things to wish for as I start my Fall shopping obsessions. 

I love love love the cuffs. Chunky cuffs need to make it to my wrists while the leaves start falling. I am also not a motorcycle boot person, but I spotted these Jimmy Choo boots and pictured how much cooler I would look in leggings if these were on my feet. 

Splashes of color and lots of comfort. Can't wait for Fall. 

All items from Net-a-Porter. 

What is on your wish list for Fall? 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Style Snapshot: Becky

This week we report from the West Coast. Where one fun-loving, gorgeous and chic Santa Barbara native shares with us her style and beauty secrets. Though this Southern Californian girl now lives in San Fran, she always has that beachy fresh look we love. 

'When it comes to my hair and skin, natural is what I always strive for. 


So let's start with my hair... When I first started highlighting my hair I would always tell the lady please make it look natural!  When it comes to highlights I like my hair to look as natural as possible.  One of my best friends, Sarah Hammel, happens to be a colorist for Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon in West Hollywood.  Unfortunately, I live in SF and cannot get my hair done by her.  So when I made the move from LA to SF she referred me to Monica West at Zip Zap salon.  I have been going to Monica now for 6 years and will be the first to say if you want a natural, sunkissed beachy look, balayage is the way to go. 

Sarah Hammel Adding the Finishing Touch

When it comes to lightening up, one of the most natural-looking and modern coloring techniques available right now is balayage. Essentially, balayage involves painting sections of the hair freehand, rather than using foils. The end result is a sexy “grown out” look that takes literally minutes to achieve, and requires less maintenance than traditional highlights. I love the grown out look, so I only get my hair done two to three times a year.

When it comes to my skin, I pretty much stick to what feels great. As someone who loves being outdoors, sunscreen is the most important product I use. Neutrogena Sunblock, Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 55 is the best and does the job it promises. 

I have used Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 forever.  I love it because it doesn’t apply like a thick foundation, smooths out your skin and has sunscreen in it.

Even though I love the Laura Mercier tinted sunscreen, I recently started using Skin Perfection Gel by Per-fekt Beauty and love it. It works as an antioxidant rich serum and improves the look of your skin. It is super lightweight, natural and water proof. I switch off between the two now.

For bronzer, which I always have on, I like Laura Mercier in Golden Bronze. It helps me get that bronzed look I love without having to sit in the sun. Nars Deep Throat is the perfect blush with it. It is a peach color with a hint of shimmer. Who doesn't love their blush!

As for eyes, I generally do not wear much makeup, but when I want to spice things up I love the smokey eye look. I have always used dark browns with a touch of brown shimmer.  Any brown really works for me but I like to stick to the MAC eye shadows.

As for eyeliner,  I use Lancôme in café.  When I apply eye liner I will put it under my top eye lid, then use the end of this eyeliner brush to smudge it and make for that smoky look.

 I love how a nude lip looks with a smokey eye. So if I am going for that look I use Nars Belle du Jour lipstick. It is a sheer nude-beige that works great with my skin tone and gives just enough color.

I have been using the same perfume since seventh grade. I love Acqua di Gio eau de toilette because it is a fresh, soft smell that is not too overpowering like most perfumes in my opinion. This has been my scent forever and I will never switch! 

When it comes to fashion, my jewelry is the finishing touch to every outfit. Over the past 5 years I have started collecting vintage jewelry.  I love the story behind each piece.  Everything is so unique and just gorgeous.

Current Favorite Find: Cuff & Earrings

A good family friend of mine, Holly Murphy, started Coast 2 Coast Vintage and sells her amazing pieces in Santa Barbara, CA.  When I go home to visit my family, I always visit her to shop her latest finds and never leave empty handed.

Blue Moon Dress 

I shop all over, but one of my favorites is Planet Blue. When I feel the need to online shop, this is where I turn to. I recently found my new favorite leopard maxi dress there by Blue Moon. I love dresses, but also cannot resist the perfect pair of jeans. J Brand is the greatest and the only brand that I will buy now. All the styles fit great and the selection is amazing.

Balenciaga Bag, Celine (top) & Ray Ban Sunglasses

Exercise has always been a huge part of my life.  I had been doing triathlons for the past 2 years until I unfortunately injured my hip last October.  Now that I am off crutches, I have started adding pilates, yoga and biking back into my weekly workouts.  San Francisco has a ton of pilates and yoga studios but my favorites are the The Pad and Aha Yoga on Union Street.  I train privately with Dina Ricken for pilates at the Pad and take group yoga classes at Aha Yoga. You are guaranteed to sweat no matter what.

If you are into biking, Breakaway Performance is fantastic. Joel Ramirez will whip you into biking shape in no time.  

All of my inspiration in everything I do comes from my family and friends! Without any of them I would not be who I am today.'

xo

Erin 

Etsy Find: PaintMeAPicture

As someone who has lived a few different places and believes that she belongs in a couple other countries, this Etsy shop had me charmed. If you are lucky to have lived or spent time in a place you no longer are, but you are always missing, this shop has something for you. The artist will hand paint the hearts wherever you request them on the country and state pieces. I could not help but love the mustache and camera print as well. With prices from ten to forty dollars, they would also make a great gift for someone coming or going.

xo
Erin

Gray, White and Yellow All Over

I saw these gorgeous earrings today and fell in love. Not only with the vintage glass, but the color combination. Gray, white and yellow is a fresh take for Fall and great inspiration for a some new looks. 

1. Gar de charcoal leather jacket from Bluefly $399

2. All Saints Datya Leather Jacket $490

3. LuLu Frost vintage glass drop earrings from Net-a-Porter $225

4. T by Alexander Wang classic jersey t-shirt from Net-a-Porter $76 

5. Rachel Roy crepe colored trouser $298

6. ASOS neoprene pleat skirt $54

xo

Erin 

A Bit of a Wake Up

I have to be honest and tell you that my short hiatus was purely because my creativity feels completely shot. Maybe it is the in-between fashion seasons, my lack of desire to finish projects at home or a much busier schedule that has contributed to the absence of inspiration.

Then behold, Kate steps out for some humanitarian work in this McQueen. Polished, classic and always appropriate, she brought me back to life.

While not everyone has the opportunity to wear this exact look, I thought that it made for some great  inspiration. For us non-royalty, I would shorten that skirt and have a little more fun with the shoes. Give it to Kate to not cross any lines, look completely chic and spring me back in love with fashion.


I even was able to use this inspiration in my own closet.

James Perse top, Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt, Christian Louboutin shoes, Nixon watch

And a few pieces for Fall.

Zara Blouse, DVF Skirt ($245) , Guess Shoes ($110)

Thanks for the wake up I needed, Kate.


xo
Erin

New Fall Crush

 Hello, Lover....

These Valentino studded booties with the cut out are my new shoe crush for Fall. The sleek, simple silhouette keeps them lady-like. The studs and cut out give them edge. They are also flattering with a short dress or cropped denim, which can be tough for a bootie. If you are like me, a long clean line for a leg is better then one chopped off mid-ankle. I am so very obsessed with them. Swoon.


I found this Sam Edelman pair that are quite similar with a smaller price tag. The suede is great and the studs keep the party going in the back.

Already moving on to Fall shopping. Hands down the best season to browse and purchase. What are some of your favorite Fall finds so far?


xo
Erin

Nighttime Regime

I have officially become a bit fussy when it comes to bedtime. My entire night time skin care regime is done in exact order, followed by brushing and flossing, lotion is slathered on with enough time to set in, hands are massaged with some serious hand cream, glass of cold water is placed bedside, alarm is set, Law & Order is playing on the Tivo, head is laid to rest on a Tempurpedic pillow and silk eye mask is pulled down to put me in complete darkness. 

This all sounds a bit over the top, but I know you have your own routine as well. The step I think is actually the most important of them all is the eye mask. It has honestly changed my skin and my sleep. As Julie pointed out in her profile, most people discover them out of necessity to sleep in a lighted room. But the beauty is that those nasty lines that used to appear around my eyes in the morning (you know the ones that take an hour or two to disappear, and longer as the years pass by) are no longer there. I also feel like it keeps my eye cream in place so it can get through its nightly duty. 

I love all the Mary Green styles and my husband still laughs at me every night for looking silly, even after a year of use. I go to bed smiling knowing that I get a great nights rest with no light to bother me and I wake up with a little less wrinkle. 

So what is your nighttime trick that you cannot live without? 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish

Since SATC went syndicated, I have been watching a whole lot more of it. It is fun to relive the memories with the girls and remember what the show was like before the movies. One of my favorites was on the other night, 'I Heart NY.' As a refresher, this is the episode where Big moves to Napa and Miranda gives birth to Brady. 

While my absolute favorite part of this episode is how Miranda asks for no cheerleading during the birth and even has to ask for help to stop Steve from crying, something else caught my eye this time around. 

The record player. While it seems like such a blast from the past, there is something really fun and romantic about it. Though my first albums were of the tape variety, I remember going through my parents' old vinyls at some point in my teens. 

My weekend wish is to possibly go back in time and pick up one of these turntables and order some of my favorite classic albums on Amazon. This Crosley is perfect since you can hide it as a small trunk when not in use.  

Happy weekend and may your days be filled with some of your favorite classics. 

xo

Erin 

Sunscreen with Staying Power (And Beauty)

While I should have shared this find earlier in the summer, it is never too late to find the perfect sunscreen. I have been a fan of Colorecience Sunforgettable SPF 30 brush for a few years now. What makes it great is that it is easy to apply, is a mineral powder and has insane staying power.

You simply work the powder onto the brush and buff all over your skin. It comes in a few colors and "clear" so you pick the coverage you want. If you choose a nude color, you will love the way it gives you a bit of coverage with no cakey effect.

When the package says "waterproof," it is usually followed by a laundry list of how it is really not. Honestly, the package says "very water resistant," and it is not lying. Water, sweat, heat, nothing will get this sunscreen to budge. It is a go-to for outdoor activities and comes in SPF 50 as well for all day exposure.

It does come with a hefty price tag, but a bottle lasts forever. I have had mine for two summers now. Colorescience also has other options for sunscreen mineral powder, including a loose powder you can use your own brush with.

Yet another way to keep the redness and wrinkles away. I love how products are getting smarter and actually make you look better when using them!

xo
Erin

Etsy Find: LaLaDesignStudio

I have to credit this find to Pinterest and my fellow blogger, Teri. It is always fun to find gift ideas on Etsy and with the low price ($15-$100) and adorable choices, this shop does not disappoint. 

LaLaDesignStudio makes personalized rings, bracelets and necklaces that would make any one's heart melt when they received it.  I am especially loving the 'oui' ring as a stacker to your wedding band or a temporary for a soon-to-be mom's growing ring finger. 

Which is your favorite?


xo
Erin

Minty Fresh Decorating

When it comes to paint, colors beyond neutrals can be hard to implement in a room for us decorating novices. While most of my accent wall painting has involved dark charcoals these days, I have been gravitating towards images of fresh and soothing mint. Whether soft or bold, I love the way the color brightens up a room. 

I found a lot of this inspiration on Pinterest. To follow my pins click here, and I would love to follow yours. 


xo
Erin 

Mah-jor Debut from Rachel Zoe

As we have seen chronicled on Bravo, Rachel Zoe has made a serious name for herself in the fashion world. Rachel has clearly worked very hard over the years to achieve her rank as Hollywood's most sought after stylist. She has shared stories of sneaking into fashion week, clawing her way in for face time with designers and the race backstage for first dibs on looks for her clients. Now she sits firmly in the front row and gets sneak peaks from her friends Marc, Karl and Oscar (yes, they are on a first name basis). 

Rachel has now taken her love and obsession for fashion and poured it into a beautiful new line. With her boho-seventies aesthetic with lots of glam thrown in, I think it is a great start to what will most likely be a very successful line. She kept it very neutral with camel, black, gold and cream with a few prints mixed in. You can shop the collection at Shopbop or Neiman Marcus. 

I am loving the belted cape and the caged wedge heels. Plus, that pony haired hand bag has Fall written all over it. The outerwear is really fantastic.


 What are your favorite pieces?


xo
Erin

Weekend Wish: Visit from McQueen

All those with even a sliver of appreciation for fashion are still mourning the lose of Alexander McQueen. Season after season he dazzled everyone with his artistry, innovation and drama. The Met in NYC has opened a beautiful exhibit showcasing his work and the slivers of it I have seen are spectacular. Garance Dore, one of my favorite bloggers/photographers/illustrators/stylists, was able to capture some of the exhibit, but you can also see more and get information here. My weekend wish is that this exhibit will travel to Chicago so we can experience it for ourselves. 

photos: Garance Dore

Happy Weekend!

xo

Erin

Beauty Secrets from Some Leading Ladies

Curious to what some of the world's most beautiful women (inside and out) had to say about beauty, I went searching for their secrets. What I wanted to find was their fitness regimes, diet,  and skin care routines. What I actually found was so much better than that. The ladies who we can truly call beautiful don't have any special creams or super food secrets. What they do have to share can help us all and should be included in our daily routines.

Elizabeth Taylor: "In the end, it really only matters what you think of your self." "You have to accept yourself for what you are. If what you are includes some gray hairs and a few wrinkles, so what! Remember, self-acceptance is essential to many things."

Catherine Deneuve: "I rest, I sleep, I do exercise very little. I don't run, that's for sure. I go out into the country regularly because I like it. When I'm not working, I try to do things I like with people I like. It's important to be in a nice environment in your own life. "

Meryl Streep: "My daughters had helped me to stop worrying about my appearance over the years. I wasted so many years thinking I wasn't pretty enough and why didn't I have Jessica Lange's body or somebody else's legs? What a waste of time."

Sophia Loren: "Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical."

Audrey Hepburn: "For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge you’ll never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anybody. Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you’ll find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!"

Although I will still search for the perfect creams and mascara, I think as I get older these quotes resonate with me more. Thanks for the advice, ladies! 

xo

Erin 

Wedding Dressing

Here we are in the thick of wedding season and I came across this lovely picture on FB of two gorgeous girls headed to a chic Chicago wedding. 

Christina (left) wears Halston Heritage dress, Vince Camuto shoes, Urban Outfitters earrings, and vintage watch. Marita (right) wears BCBG dress, nude heels from Guess, and earrings from Francesca's 

Christina (licensed professional counselor) and Marita (interior designer) are wearing two of my favorite styles for summer weddings, brights and prints. While we all love a little black dress, a bright or printed dress is so much more fun and a way to make a statement (not taking away from the bride, of course) when attending a summer soiree. 


Shopbop has to be the best place to go online to shop for dresses. With their vast selection, easy return policy, and current summer sale, they are the greatest. 


Their selection of prints is amazing, but as I have said before, prints are personal. The below prints spoke to me, but may not to you. I am also really into sleeves on dresses right now, so I was drawn to the shirt dress styles. 

When it comes to color, the brighter the better in my book. One solid bright can take a classic dress cut to something extraordinary. 

Four wedding invitations sit on my desk next to me and some of the above are in my future. 


What are you wearing to your summer weddings? 


Check out Christina's amazing work on Rare Bird Project. 


And Marita's fantastic blog Kipling House. 


xo
Erin 

Destination Burgundy, France: Abbaye de la Bussiere

Last year, this very week, I was at one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed. As a true fan of France (I know, not everyone is), I was excited to venture to Burgundy for the first time. Known as one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, it did not disappoint. If you are looking for a place to venture to on a trip to Europe, I can not say enough about this tranquil and gorgeous place. 

When researching a place to stay, this monastery dating back to 1113 seemed enchanting. Owned by the well renowned Relais & Chateaux hotel group and run by a very nice English couple, the Abbaye de la Bussiere is rich with history and high on luxury. 

The hotel itself has only 16 rooms of differing sizes and decor. We stayed in the Marcilly Superior Room, which had plenty of room and a large bathroom. The hotel has two restaurants, a more casual bistro and a fine dining restaurant. Both were delicious and offered traditional French food with a modern twist. The breakfast pastries still linger in my dreams.

When visiting the local wineries, the hotel set us up with a lovely guide who drove us to some of the regions most exclusive vineyards. No big crowds, just private tastings in some of France's oldest caves with some very snarky French wine makers. She was able to set up all the delivery of the wine we purchased and advise on what to buy from the particular vintages. Burgundy grapes produce mostly pinot noirs and light chardonnays, which makes for very fun wine tastings. 

The surrounding area is great for bike rides, motor sport driving (the hotel has some sport cars you can rent), exploring ancient villages, and general wine consumption. Beaune is the largest town nearby which is worth a trip and lunch. 

The Abbaye is located 124 miles Southeast of Paris. You can rent a car and drive or take a train from Paris to Dijon, then hire a car to take you to the Abbaye. All arrangements can be made through the hotel. 

If you are lucky enough to be venturing to Europe sometime soon, this could be the escape that will help you fall in love with France. That is if you were not already. 

xo

Erin