Insta-Beautiful

If you own an iPhone, I would be shocked and appalled if you haven't downloaded the Instagram app.  (that means run, don't walk, to the app store!)  You can create painfully beautiful retro-inspired photos with the flick of a finger.  It really is like stealing candy from a baby; way too easy and guilt-inducing.  The best part is, as if amazing pictures aren't reason enough, it lets you follow friends and keep informed when they upload new pictures.  I swear, why I am not on the Instagram advertising payroll is beyond me.  Whatevs...do it people!!!  Also, be sure to check out my fellow pearl Ali's amazing instagram-love post, too! 

NOLA on my mind.

Now, friends...I open up my heart to you on a place very near and dear to my heart.  New Orleans changed my life last year with its vibrant soul; a perfect combination of lively music, sultry steaminess, tantalizing food, and unforgettable people.  I always tell those whom I come across that New Orleans is like a guy I'm in love with who won't call me back.  It was beautiful while it lasted, but it's just not going to happen.  I will always reserve a space in my heart for this remarkable city, captured below in personal photos.

So in honor of my second favorite holiday taking place tomorrow, instead of making a random collage of plastic beads and shimmery masks, I decided to capture the essence of my favorite city in pieces inspired by the official Mardi Gras colors: gold, green, & purple.  Behold:

1. Nasty Gal Jade corset dress

2. The Chosen Fuchsia heel via ModCloth

3. Forever 21 sweater & shorts

4. ModCloth Perfect Photo Op flat

5. Showered in Compliments wedge via ModCloth

6. Professional Muse camera from ModCloth

HAPPY MARDI GRAS, Y'ALL!!!

Wine & Dine Sunday

Had to throw in an outfit post! (Sorry for the crappy quality)

Dad & the bf being hilarious, as usual

Photo op with the birthday girl!

'Nuff said.

Had to show some instagram love...watch out for an instagram-devoted post soon.

I cannot describe how lucky I am to live in the Bay Area.  While I do often catch myself daydreaming of starting a life in cities far, far away, I know that this little slice of northern California heaven will always be home.  With that said, I bring you evidence of said amazing-ness in the form of pictures from a recent trip to Napa.  I have no idea why the word "cliche" runs through my mind sometimes when Napa is brought up, because it is just so ridiculously beautiful, like SERIOUSLY.  

Good times were had by all, of course.  How could it be otherwise with 3 bottles worth of wine coursing through our veins?  Exactly.

Details

Mossimo legging pants

Forev sweater (green)

American rag fur jacket

Chinese Laundry over-the-knee boots

Scarf- ???

Sugar & Spice

...and everything nice!  Today's outfit was inspired by my incredibly girly side.  I love to dress up when I can, but since I'm more or less of a homebody these days, I don't get the opportunity often.  This outfit just screams, "spring date!"  Loving the subdued colors brought to life by a strong camel-colored shoe.  (That I've been rocking way too often these days.)  Simple, and still sweet.

Details

*Cotton On lace dress

*Forev suedette sweater & necklace

*Sam Edelman booties

DIY Awesomeness.

My cousin just recently turned me on to this nail stamping awesomeness called Konad.  Totally DIY nail art for everyone!  Since my cousins are nail gurus, they converted me to OPI-ism within the last few months, and more recently China Glaze Shatter.  While my Konad stamping set is floating around in FedEx limbo, I've been dreaming up the many, many amazing designs I'll come up with when it arrives.  I must give credit where it's due, so find these works of art here: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.

Here are my nails that my cousin helped me out with.  I'm not joking when I tell you EVERYONE has been asking me about them, and it was totally doable!  

Let's Be Real.

Since we all know who was best-dressed last night at the Oscars, despite a not-so-flattering hair color, (see below) let's get down to some honorable mentions. 

Emma Roberts worked it in Jenny Packham

 Though she attempted her fiercest fug-face, 
Mila Kunis was still radiant in Elie Saab

 love, love, LOVED Cate Blanchett in this daring Givenchy number

Emma Stone kept it fun and chic in Chanel Haute Couture

Mandy Moore is ravishing in Monique Lhuillier, though I wish 
the dress color didn't match her skin tone so perfectly.

Down to Business

I may be known to push the wardrobe envelope in the workplace, and perhaps garner a few judgmental sideways glances in the process, but I feel it's necessary to wear what makes you happy...especially at work.  I wore this outfit to work today, which is tame compared to other 'fits I've gotten away with in the past.  A good pair of high-waisted trousers is so hot right now, plus they're flattering on pretty much all body types.  This ensemble saw me through a lovely lakeside business lunch, as well as 2.5 hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic.  (Hey, it's not always glitz and glam, so you gotta be comfy!)  Simple, comortable, & fresh.


Details
Forever 21 tee & trousers
Pink Rose sweater
Michael Kors watch
thrifted belt
Sam Edelman booties