Summer Essentials Series ~ Avery Bleu

Anyone else feeling the heat wave outside?  Oooh wee, close to 100 degrees in Century City!  I am loving the warmth that has finally arrived (I am sitting in an air conditioned office however). 

Today's summer essentials come from one of my FAVE peeps, and yes I am very partial and biased because it is of course my roomie Avery Bleu is sharing her summer must haves.  Miss Avery and I go way back, like drinking too much spiced rum freshmen year of college and blacking out back (but that's another story for another day).  Miss Avery is ALWAYS on top of the trends, whether she's sporting neon nails, bright pink lips, stripes, sequins, whatever.  If it is currently in season, she is currently sporting it.  She is also always on top of celeb gossip, good music and takes excellent care of our good friend Waldo!  So make sure to head over and check out Avery Bleu just as soon as you finish checking out her summer essentials.

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

Colorful nails!

Pink, green, orange, purple, yellow, glitter..the brighter and sparklier the better. I love it all, especially with a bit of a tan. Here are just a few of my faves from my massive collection.

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

 

LWDs - Little White Dresses

Whether chilling poolside, grabbing drinks with the girls or *sigh* working the day away, a light, feminine LWD is perfect for any occasion. I already own a few, but always have room for another.

 

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

"Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band featuring Jimmy Buffett

Many of my friends would be surprised by my selection of a country song, as I'm typically more of a hip-hop and altie gal, but this little ditty makes me want to ditch work and relax in the sun, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. "Wishing I was knee deep in the water somewhere. Got the blue sky breeze and it don't seem fair. Only worry in the world is the tide gonna reach my chair. Sunrise there's a fire in the sky. Never been so happy. Never felt so high. And I think I might have found me my own kind of paradise." You simply can't help but do a little knee bounce, toe tap, finger snap or hand clap when it's playing. The addition of Jimmy Buffett makes it even more appropriate for summer. 

AND their song, "Toes", is also good for summertime fun - "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand. Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand. Life is good today, life is good today." I mean, does that evoke the feelings of summertime goodness or what?

Thanks Avery for sharing your summer picks and nail polish collection with me!  You better believe I was shocked to see your summer selection song was country!!  I have to agree to both songs though, they are quite fantastic!  I am so happy to call you one of my best friends and thankful you share a love for beauty products, chardonnay and Waldo.  XOXO

Tomorrow, Andi from Saltwater Dreams shares her faves!

Summer Essentials Series ~ Dwelling & Telling

Today's summer essentials come from the stylish and gorgeous Linley over at Dwelling & Telling.  Linley is always sporting the latest fashion trends and might I add she sports them fabulously.  Her style, recipes, and Fab Five Fridays are my favorite items on her blog, but just about everything she posts is fantastic!  Make sure to head over and check out her latest Fab Five, but only after you see her summer essentials below:

*What one item can you not be without this summer?*

This summer I have found that every day I am reaching for my bronzer! I am addicted to Benefit's Hoola Bronzer! It's the perfect shade for me, and honestly, I think it would be complementary for just about anyone! It's a perfect bronze and it has a matte finish - which is what I need as a professional. Don't get me wrong, I love shimmer, but not when I'm at work. Moving on, I've been clinging to bronzer this summer mostly because I have been MIA at the pool - aka, it's the middle of summer and I am tanless. Sweeping the bronzer on the areas that would naturally be "kissed" by the sun is my go-to look before leaving the house!

*What are you craving for summer 2011?*

Neon and neutral combos! I'm not the biggest trend follower - I'll sometimes wear a look or two that's trendy each season, but otherwise, I'm just wearing whatever I want. However, this summer I cannot get enough of pairing neon and neutral. I did a post on some of my favorite neon/neutral picks, a How-To nails tutorial, and I wore my own version of neon and neutrals. I'm loving it!

*What is your essential summer song for 2011?*

Mac Miller - Knock Knock

I'm a big fan of hip-hop music. Not cheap "hip-hop", but classic, talent-filled hip-hop. I really like Mac Miller - he exudes talent and creates fun music. He doesn't take himself too seriously and his music just makes me want to dance. Sure, the song has nothing to do with summer, but it's been on repeat (along with this song) in my car all summer long.

Thank you so much Linley for sharing your marvelous selections!  I have never listened to Mac Miller but I am REALLY enjoying this Knock Knock tune!  Also the nail tutorial was such a great feature and I love your neon/neutral ideas!  Be sure to head over to Dwelling & Telling for a daily dose of goodness!

Next week I will have more summer essential goodness from awesome bloggers!  Ya'll come back now ya hear?

I'm Lovin' It

Last week I was ever so luckily invited to attend the private shopping event at Christian Louboutin store on Robertson by my gf Kristina (in the gorgeous coral number).  Unfortunately I was unable to do any shopping at all, but I did get to meet and be photographed with the amazing Brad Goreski! 

He couldn't have been any cute in person, and can we just say that he is as nice as can be.  He was sweet enough to answer a few questions I had, such as when will your show begin taping (soon), where will it be filmed (LA, NYC, all over) and what channel could we watch all the goodness (Bravo - SWEET).  I wished him the best of luck and then threw back a glass of Veuve to celebrate.  When I left he was waiting for valet and he actually waved and said goodbye to me and wished me luck. 

I am officially even more in love with him than before!

This Asos Boxy Flat Lock Clutch.  I want to wear it with white denim and a bright colored tank and some amazing wedges.  Love the bright pink and gold details.

I know we all love Atlantic Pacific's fashion choices, but this ensemble had me absolutely drooling on my keyboard at the straight up fabulous-ness of it.  Adding to my must purchase for summer necessities - blue and white gingham button up. 

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This weekend marks my girl Christy's 30th, and as a graduate of Wazzu, we don't know how to celebrate a little bit...only a lot of bit.  I have a feeling stuffing our purses/pockets with these napkins isn't the worst idea ever...

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Now that I am able to eat chocolate again, I find myself surprised that I haven't been gorging myself on any and everything chocolate.  That was until I tried my coworkers dark chocolate covered edamame and find that I am constantly wanting to sneak into the snack cupboard to grab another handful.  Dangerously good.

B.  He makes me smile, laugh and happy.  It's a pretty amazing feeling that I feel blessed to experience.

2011 MET Ball Fashion

The MET Ball was last night and while there were some gorgeous dresses, I wasn't overly impressed with any of the fashion choices sadly.  In fact, I feel there were more poor fashion choices then good ones.  But in an effort to keep things positive, let's focus on the winners from last night...

Sheer Nice Seeing You

Although I tend to appreciate the bright and bold dresses over the neutrals the combination of sheer fabric, and sparkle is always dynamic as these lovely ladies displayed to all.

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Ashley Greene was flawless in Donna Karan

The always incredible Diane Kruger threw a little drama to her sheerness in Jason Wu.

Although I am not loving her new red locks (i mean she is still drop dead - duh) I am loving every single thing about this Chanel Haute Couture gown.  She looks like a goddess!

Brilliant & Bold

Michael Kors has me crushing again with his neon pink designs, this time on Brooklyn Decker who is radiant in the simple gown.

My favorite look head to toe goes to Miss Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop.  The color is amazing and her accessorizing spot on.  Perfection.

I have thought Liv Tyler was drop dead gorgeous since the Crazy video and some 17 years later she is even more beautiful and I love lightness and springy feeling of this Givenchy Haute Couture gown.

Am I the only one who is loving Gwyenth recent reemergence into the spotlight?  I mean I know she has always been a fix in the fashion world, but the girl just keeps getting better with age and her fashion choices.  For example, clearly winning in this Stella McCartney gown. 

What in the World???

was Freida Pinto thinking when she selected this Chanel Haute Couture gown?  I mean I know she was thinking, it's CHANEL, but....

was Fergie trying to replicate the much loved royal wedding look of long sleeve lace?  If so, she should leave it to the Duchess of Cambridge to own that look because she looks like a hot mess in this Marchesa gown.

Mary Kate, we get it.  Your are a bohemian queen, but this vintage Givenchy is too big and a bohemian mess. 

Hey Rashida, you are a little late to prom.  I would have killed for this Stella McCartney dress for my prom in 1998.  However I am sure the attendees for prom 2011 will expect to see their mothers or chaperone's in this gown instead. 

What were your thoughts on the MET Ball?  Any looks that you were head over heels for?  Any that you found revolting?   

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Easter Style Under $50

Ditsy Floral Ruffle Dress, Open Side Suedette Heels, Haute Pink Nail Polish, Pressed & Faux Ivory Bangles

In case you are still trying to throw together a sweet little outfit for Easter or just a cute look for brunch with friends, all of the items above will cost you a grand total of $50.20!  They are all easily interchangeable with other items you already own and are perfectly flirty and sweet and just scream spring! 

Easter Best Dressed

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1 - Mon Cheri Dress

2 - Ruffle Dress

3 - Kelly Dress

4 - Ruffle Print Dress

5 - Ruffle Cami Dress

6 - Side Drape Jersey Sheath Dress

7 - Watercolor Dress

8 - Ruffle Dress

Ever since I was 11, Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays because of the bright colors, pretty prints and the fact that I almost always got a new dress for church on Sunday.  I just realized that I haven't even begun to think about what I will wear this coming Easter but I after browsing through a variety of dresses, I am leaning towards ruffles and bright colors. 

Now I just need which brunch spot to wear my Easter best.... 

buy this banner here

And a very special hug and a squeeze to my girl Karli and the healthy (quick) delivery of her new baby boy Liam!  So happy for The Konings! 

Now I am just waiting for the 22nd and the arrival of little RJR...

Flashing Brights

According to the calendar, spring sprung on Sunday...

According to my window, spring has yet to arrive in L.A.

The wind, rain and grey, leaves me craving anything and everything bright and sunny!

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1st Row: Scarf, Candle, Shimmer Tee, Pack Away Bag

2nd Row: Dress, Clutch, Books, Pumps

3rd Row: Bowls, Wedges, Sweater, Trench Motorcycle Jacket

4th Row: Undies, Lip Gloss, Thongs , Nail Polish

Has spring sprung at your location yet?  What do you have your eye one this spring?

Forever Frugal Friday

1) Sweet Lilac 2) Turquoise 3) Neon Coral

This summer I am veering away from natural light colors nails and heading straight for bright, bold nails that scream "notice me".  I am loving these cheap, fun options from Forever.  The Sweet Lilac reminds me of Essie's Lilacism, and the Turquoise reminds me a little of POP Beauty's turquoise and the Neon Coral is a cheaper version of MAC's Scorcher. 

Cheers to bright nails!

Essie Love

Back in college I used to have acrylic nails.  I loved going in ever three weeks to get a fill and a fresh coat of polish.  When I moved to California, I had to cut back on costs and get rid of the fakes and go au naturel.  I would occasionally get a mani/pedi here and there but otherwise my nails were pretty bare and colorless. 

Lately however, I cannot handle my nails bare. I always have to have polish on my nails.  Usually bright pink, sometimes red, and ever so rarely dark (favorite is OPI's Black Cherry Chutney).  My obsession has led me to always be on the lookout for the new collections from OPI and Essie. 

I must say that Essie's Resort Collection and Summer 2010 Collection have me excited to head into my local beauty supply and pick up a shade or two!

Essie 4pc Mini Resort Collection 9631 contains the fabulous Lapis of Luxury (Left) and Splash of Grenadine (Right)...I am thinking the Splash must definitely come home with me.

I also am really enjoying Turquoise & Caicos (Left) and Playa del Platinum (Right).

I saw an ad in for the Summer 2010 Collection available June 1, 2010 and think I may be purchasing the entire collection!

I am in love with them all but really want to add Haute as Hello, Knockout Pout and Demure Vixen to my collection.

What kind of polish girl are you?  French, Acrylic, Short, Long, Trendy, Nude, Pale, Neon?  What is the polish you absolutely cannot live without?

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Net-A-Porter Brights

Whenever I really want to torment myself with things that I cannot afford but would kill to own, I head over Net-A-Porter and browse away.  Lately I have been attracted to all things bright.  Perhaps it is all the gray in LA, or the rebellion against the nude and beige trend that looks awful on me.  Below are some pieces I would love to sport around town.

The pieces I want MOST is this hot ass Jimmy Choo Daphne Ponyskin Leather Clutch.  It is also available in pink, but as I have said before neon yellow is all I have eyes for.  This clutch is TDF!  It would be so hot with just a LBD or boyfriend jeans, a deep V-Neck and a blazer.  This statement piece is sure to get you noticed.  Major heart.

Oh Marc.  How you tempt me so.  This Marc Jacobs Jacquetta Stripe Dress is summer sherbet perfection. I want to belt it in the middle, pair it with some super high gold heels and head out on the town, I don't really care where.  Loves!

I scared to death of sharks, and cannot tell a lie that swimming in the ocean sometimes has me singing the theme song from Jaws in my head.  However, I think I would probably be okay wearing this Virginia Johnson Shark Print Merino Wool Scarf without any fear of being eaten alive. 

And if I were somehow lucky enough to go to a swanky party that required a swanky dress, this Versace Stretch Cotton Mini Dress is sure to get the job done.

What luxuries are you lusting for from Net-A-Porter?