Style Snapshot: Rachel

Today we are featuring Rachel, from San Diego, who perhaps is one of the most fun girls on the planet. I have known her since we met on our floor Freshman year at University of Arizona (Coronado to be exact). Though her style has changed throughout the years, she has always been a tried a true West Coast girl with a radiant positive spirit that is infectious. She got married to a handsome Aussie and had her baby boy almost two years ago and has since been making a home for herself and her family in Solana Beach. Her laid back style and approach to beauty pays off, as she needs very little to look gorgeous. Here is a glimpse into her closet, style, some homemade beauty products, and how she keeps balance in her life.  

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Style Snapshot: Ashley

As one of the founding partners of NEAT Method, Ashley Murphy has seen a lot of closets, a ton of products, and figured out ways to keep things simple and well... neat! I am still amazed at what she was able to do in my home. This chic Chicago mama-to-be shares with us her personal style and her favorite things. 

I am originally from Ohio, but have been a Chicago girl for quite some time now.  I actually left for a brief couple of years to live in San Francisco, but always knew I would be getting back to my Midwestern roots sooner or later.

Ashley & Molly

While in San Francisco I was lucky enough to meet Molly Graves, my now business partner and lifelong friend!  We successfully launched a professional organizing company, NEAT Method and are thrilled to be officially in the Windy City! We figured since San Francisco wasn’t enough, why not take on another city…possibly even two (Minneapolis is in the works…sshhh!!)

And…on top of getting settled back in Chicago and running NEAT, I should also probably mention I am expecting my first baby this October. Ahhhh!!! Luckily, Type A people do best with a full plate!

So given my current belly situation, I am fashionably inspired by anyone who can make                pregnancy look chic.  Unfortunately, the timing of my pregnancy has aligned with celebs such as Snooki. Sooo I’m trying my best to come up with outfits that don’t make me look like I’m giving birth to a full size human. I’ve always kept my style simple and might have a slight obsession with basics. I tend to purge things that I no longer wear, so therefore I hate buying things that are too trendy to last for more than a season. I guess it’s proof that I actually practice what I preach to our NEAT Method clients.

I can always find something to impulse buy at Roslyn and Krista K in Chicago. I never online shop, because why deal with the hassle of returns? I actually only own one pair of maternity clothes: a pair of J Brand 3411 Maternity Skinny Leg Jeans. I am just having the hardest time getting into the whole maternity clothes thing. However, I might be getting to the point that a size bigger isn’t going to work for my ever-expanding belly!

Like my wardrobe, I am also fairly simple in the makeup department. If you were to see what I sported in college, you would be thanking me for getting over the makeup obsession and going with a more “natural” look. I tend to typically throw on a little eye shadow and mascara, finished with some powder and blush and call it a day. For a night on the town, I will spice it up with some eyeliner and fun gloss.

My favorites are: Laura Mercier Buttercream eye shadow, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill mascara, custom mineral powder by Nicole Jacob (a Chicago makeup artist that you must try if you live here), and a blush by her as well. Oh and my favorite gloss is Channel #84. That’s pretty much it though!

Turns out my skincare routine isn’t quite as simple as my wardrobe.  This might be where some of my OCD tendencies shine through. It basically stems from the fact that when I moved to SF, my skin completely changed and I officially had adult acne (did I mention that I’m a bit of a drama queen??). I immediately went into panic mode thinking I would never make any new friends looking this way, which is when I discovered the most amazing medical Aesthetician in the world, Kim from Skin Salvation. I followed her advice and my skin cleared up immediately.  With a few modifications, here is what she taught me and I literally do it every morning and every night. And yes, my friends and family make fun of me…but hey, at least I have friends now!

p Use a clean washcloth to wash your face every morning and every night. No really…a new one every time.

p Rub an ice cube all over your face after every wash. Yep…I really do this too.  And in fact, I think it feels amazing.

p In the a.m. – apply eye cream and SPF

p In the p.m. – apply eye cream and a moisturizer

My favorites are: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanse, Elta MD spf 45, A Natural Difference Phyto-Pumpkin Moisturizer, SkinCeuticals Eye Balm.

As for my fitness regime? Oh gosh…do we have to talk about fitness these days!? Does standing all day on the job for NEAT count as exercise? I never thought I would be the pregnant girl that couldn’t keep up with her regular fitness routine, but as it turns out…I just can’t. Without a baby on board, I typically am a runner and Pilates girl. For now however, let’s just call exercise on a good day: working, followed by some walking and light stretching.

And…my other interesting life choices…I swear by the Whole Foods on North Ave in Chicago.  It is the size of a small city, and I can get anything I could ever want all while enjoying a glass of wine!  Well, except in my current state…do you think a girl can grocery shop, carry a crying child, and hold a glass of wine all at the same time?  Lets hope so cause I’m only a few months away from doing so!

I’m mostly a vegetarian, but also not afraid to take a bite out of a burger from time to time. I don’t drink milk, only almond milk. I’m a little weird about taking vitamins and will only do so with a glass of juice. I also hate taking medicine, and avoid it at all costs.

If you are still reading this…I should consider you a friend! So, thank you!

Feel free to check out NEAT’s blog to learn more OCD habits! 

Style Snapshot: Stephanie Cross

I met Stephanie in what seems like a lifetime ago when she was a freshman pledging Alpha Phi and I was a Junior at the University of Arizona. And though college is far behind us, the blogging world keeps us connected. She is a first-time mom, who writes an uplifting blog about the many hats of motherhood, Life as I know It. Stephanie is also a Marketing Manager for luxury hotels and resorts like St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection.  I love seeing the adorable pictures of her daughter and seeing how a fun, working mom juggles it all. 

She shares with us some of her favorite things and what she cannot live without. 

When I worked for Michael Kors I was immersed in style. This company taught me all about what was new and next in fashion. I adored living in this world. But, times have changed for me.

Today, I am a mom. I live in the suburbs with my husband and beautiful two-year old daughter; at the intersection where function and fashion meet. And even though I can fit all of my beauty essentials into one box, it doesn’t mean I have lost my edge completely.

I try to purchase timeless pieces. Pieces that aren’t ‘on trend’ but rather pieces that are trendless. Gold, black, silver, deep green – these are hues that do not go out the style window. As a mom, I don’t have time to hit the stores running for the latest and greatest; I need elegant classics that will take me from one stage in life to the other.

Timeless fashion items that I love:

Watch – Spend the money on a silver or gold watch that will dress up any outfit. 

Black dress (or top) – Black staple items will never (ever) let you down.

Gold accessories – Gold reminds me of riches and elegance. Paired with black, gold elevates your outfit to a more sophisticated look. 

Heels – Purchase a pair of heels and promise yourself you will take good care of them.

Under garments – Invest in a good bra. It will make every outfit fit and feel better. Once per quarter I try to visit the “Bra Specialists” at Nordstrom for a fitting.

Additionally, here are a few items I would be lost without.

Facial Cleaner – Purity by Philosophy

Lips – Vegas Volt lipstick by MAC

Perfume – Chance by Chanel (classic)

Powder – Bobbi Brown

 Eye Lashes – Maybelline, of course

Nails – OPI in nearly every shade of pink and red

    Hair – Biolage Shampoo and Conditioner

    Face Moisturizer – Hope in a Jar by Philosophy 

    Sunglasses – Kristina Aviators by Coach

    Accessories – (many) vintage pieces from my Great-Grandma and Nana

   Earrings – Marc by Marc Jacobs gold stud earrings (great gift idea!)

   Handbag – Large leather bag by Coach

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 

Style Snapshot: Kat

One Chicago girl that always seems to have that effortlessness we are striving for, Kat, shares with us her all around favorites. From fashion to beauty to jewelry, she loves trying new things and searching for  what works best for her.  

'I really like the Kate Somerville line of skin care products. Right now, I am using  the Detox Cleanser Wash to wash my face.  Then, Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion to follow by putting a thin layer over the areas of my face that tend to break out (Chin) morning and night.  At night I like to use the Clearing Mask as a spot treatment. I dab it on and sleep with it… it’s amazing for those times you start to feel a zit coming on – put some of this on and sleep in it and it’s crazy because that zit will never surface!

For facials I go to Chrissy Lee at Bliss Spa who works wonders on my face. I see her frequently for their Microdermabrasion and Crystal Clearing Facials. I never walk out with even the slightest bit red or irritation – she is my miracle worker!

I love lash treatments and have been trying a few things out. Arita at Exhale Spa is the only one I trust to tint and curl my lashes. I go before any big vacation and it lasts for 6 weeks. Although, recently, I tried Lashdip at Flutter Last Studio. It is an innovative cosmetic application where your lashes are "dipped" in a semi-permanent mascara and it lasts for up to six weeks. You are left with gorgeous, sculpted, painted lashes through any activity. This treatment makes my lashes super thick, the only downside is sometimes my lashes in the corners stick temporarily together and I have to blink a few times to unstick. Worth it! I have also been using Latisse now for 5 months and it is no joke. My lashes are super long. I sometimes have to take a few days off because they get too long! 

For my face, I cannot live without my La Mer. It is pricey, but it is the only moisturizer that makes my skin feel super soft and does not irritate. I use the the Gel Cream during the day as it is lighter and does not make me greasy. Then at night and winter time I use the Moisturizing Cream to really hydrate, as it is a lot heavier. For sunscreen I mix in La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra light Sunscreen Fluid with the La Mer Gel Cream. It is super light and non-whitening and is great for my super sensitive skin. And for my eyes I use Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Cream. I love this eye cream as I really feel it hydrating and soothing puffiness as well as my dark circles.

I am obsessed with the No! No! Skin. It literally erases any zit large or small in 24-36 hours. It comes away with me on every trip. It uses light and heat to remove acne and lives up to the hype.

I was the worst about using any form of sunscreen growing up… more like baby oil while at the beach. Now that I’m stepping into my 30s, I am starting to see why they say it’s so important to protect your skin. For light discoloration I’m honestly torn between two amazing products… I’ve had the same great results with each. SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator and Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector.

For fragrance I switch it up, but not too much. For a light, fresh scent during the day I use Fresh Sugar Lychee. Then at night I have two favorites I alternate between, Chloe by Chloe and Stella by Stella McCartney.

With my hair I like to mix it up. I love the Moroccan Oil shampoo and conditioner. I also use a bunch of the Keratase products. The Bain Volumactive Volumizing Shampoo  and Ciment Anti-Usure help treat damaged hair, but add volume as well. The Ciment Thermique Repair Leave In Conditioner keeps hair really healthy and protects from heat damage. And the Spray Volumactive Volumizing Hairspray creates fullness and shine while giving you some control. I don't like to wash my hair every day to I opt for Batiste Dry Shampoo - Tropical scent. I’ve tried them all and this works best for my light hair and smells super yummy. It totally gives great added texture and body and actually helps hide my roots when I’m in desperate need of a highlight.  The only Con is that you have to order online from Amazon so when in a bind I buy the TRESemme version from CVS or Walgreens. It works great and smells good too. To style my hair, I have been using the GHD Professional Straightener for 3 years and it is still amazing. It is the only styling tool I need to straighten, curl or make my hair wavy. 

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips are super quick, fun and easy to put on and did I mention they last up to 10 days no chipping! For someone like me who has zero patience to wait for my nails to dry these are a must have.

Favorite Flats: Lanvin

Some Favorite Summer Shoes

Herve Leger, a go-to for formal events

Latest Additions: McQueen and Louboutin

Latest finds from Lulu's for vintage jewelry

For clothes I love to shop online, maybe too much! Shopbop and Net-a-Porter have the best selection. I also like Revolve Clothing, Forward Forward,  and Singer 22. When shopping in the city, I love Intermix and visit Heidi Best at Neiman Marcus on Michigan Ave.  For great vintage jewelry finds, I go to Lulu's at the Belle Kay in Lakeview. E-Drop Off also has great designer pieces on consignment that you can shop or drop off to when cleaning your closet out.  

I like to keep organized and use clear boxes for all of my shoes and divided trays from the Container Store for my accessories. I also keep all my jewelry in one place so I can browse and pick out what might work easily. Another time saver is that I keep pictures of outfits I love so I can reference them when putting a look together. 

Running on the lake and through the Lincoln Park Zoo are my weekend workout staples. I always have to stop to say hi to my seals! When I take my workout indoors, I go to Shred 415, an indoor interval work out on a treadmill.  I also love the C2 and Sculpt classes at Corepower Yoga.  I like to wear Lululemon work out clothes and especially love their Run Energy Skirt, which is great for running on the lake or running errands. I had been waiting for Sketcher Shape Ups to release a pair that do not look so much like nursing shoes. I ordered this pair and have been living in them. I have to admit they make my legs and butt super sore - in a good way! I know they are working and I don't feel as guilty missing a workout session when I have worn these around all day.' 

Check out Kat's blog: Hip2Knees

Thanks Kat! 

xo

Erin