Summer Essentials Series ~ Jamie of all Trades

Hola chicas!  Happy Monday to you all!  The sun is shining and I have a 2.5 day work week ahead of me before I enjoy 5 glorious days of vacay. 

Shame on me.  I promised to get Miss Jamie's essentials up on Friday, and was so swamped it just didn't happen.  However, to quote J.Lo, Ain't It Funny how I am posting her picks today, which just so happens to also be J.O.A.T two year blog anniversary?  So fitting I think. 

Jamie is a great girlfriend of mine that I met my freshman year of college at WSU (GO COUGS).  We may have been in different sororities but that didn't stop us from being friends (no matter what those Lifetime movies tell you).  Jamie and I went to numerous frat parties together and continued to have fun in So Cal years after graduation.  Jamie is always on point.  The girl has amazing style, creative as all get out, and have I mentioned she makes incredible cupcakes?  Well she does and if you are lucky enough to live in Seattle you can try them out yourself!  In case you can't tell Jamie is just so great and if you aren't already following her blog, you really should start!  Without further ado, I present to you Jamie of all Trades summer essentials...

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

:: I'm all about a fresh clean face this summer. I'm changing up my skin care routine and starting to wash with a new facial cleanser, Peter Thomas Roth. It cleans your face but it's too soapy. cheers to clear skin!

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

{tank}

:: I really wanted to say neon because I am, but I said that last year. My new obsession is anything tie-dye and I have to include a food item - pop chips salt + pepper.

Pop Chips

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

:: Goldfrapp's Rocket.  This song is going to take you back to the summer of 1984. It's a little bit disco and a little bit new wave pop. I even heard a mix of Christopher Cross' Ride Like The Wind (Album Version)and every song from Belinda Carlise's Summer Rain album.  I can see my girlfriends and myself listening to this song out on a boat in the afternoon and dancing at the disco on a hot summer night. Get your tube top ready.

Thank you so much Jamie for sharing with us all!  I am obsessed with POP chips, my favorite is the BBQ flavor with a scoop of cottage cheese on top.  Delish!  That Goldfrapp cover is gorgeous and I just realized I already have this song in my library - sweet!  A very happy blog-a-versiary to you my love!  I love checking in with your happenings and drooling on my mouse pad.  Be sure to pop over to Jamie of all Trades blog and leave her some lovin'!  XOXO

Tomorrow Jackie will clue us in to the "preggers" summer needs.

Summer Essentials Series ~ Saltwater Dreams

Woo-hoo!  I dodged being selected for jury duty yesterday!  Thank you everyone for the sympathetic comments and encouragement for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I am super excited to dig into this weekend (hopefully poolside). 

Today's essentials are courtesy of Andi from Saltwater Dreams.  I love reading Andi's blog for makeup tips, product reviews and her awesome taste in clothing.  Andi is always sharing and reviewing one of her purchases and often times it is exactly what I am craving to buy and I find her tips and reviews extremely helpful.  Be sure to check out Andi's blog and her "Summer Essentials" below...

*What beauty product will be with you at all times this summer 2010?*

Beauty Product =  The Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Mini-Stick will be traveling with me everywhere this Summer. I love how multi-functioning it is, I use it for everything from split ends to bug bites.

*What are you craving for summer 2010?*

The JCrew Coralie Cami. It can be worn with everything and is a great lightweight, flowy top, perfect for day or night.

*What is your essential summer song for summer 2010?*

Essential Summer Song = "Closer To The Sun" by Slightly Stoopid (not a new song, but it's perfect for Summer)

Thank you so much Andi for sharing your summer picks!  The Slightly Stoopid song may be old but it is the first time I have heard it!  And I am very interested in this oil stick you speak so highly of, and for $6 - you better believe this will be in my purse this summer as well. 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Kristen from Bon Bon Rose Girls  picks!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ World Cup Edition

The World Cup has officially begun this morning!  Cheers to watching games at crazy hours and getting your morning drink on really early! 

The first match I will be most likely watching is England vs. USA tomorrow at 11:30 AM (PST) here.

As for the proper attire during "June Gloom" and a sporting event, I am thinking this USA Athletic Top will work just dandy.

And even though I am totally biased towards the US, I won't leave out an option for you England fans, this darling Great Britain Love Tank is girlie and fun in every way.

Regardless of what team you are rooting for, I have to say that I am loving all the enthusiasm and "World Cup Fever" that I am surrounded by.  Be sure to check out a game wherever you live and experience the world's most popular sport!

Forever Frugal Friday ~ Review Time

Last Friday I ordered 4 items from Forever 21 that totaled under $50. Below are the items I purchased and my review of the fit and quality.

So I was the most excited/nervous for this piece. Mostly because I really wanted it to work so I could wear it this weekend. I read the measurements before I ordered to make sure that I didn't end up with a super short dress and I have to say that the measurements provided were very accurate because this baby reached exactly where I measured it would. I ordered a size small (risky) based on the measurements and am happy to report that it fits as it should and is even a little roomy. This dress is a keeper! Sadly, the dress is no longer available online, but you could check your local store if you like it.

A few weeks back I posted my craving for anything and everything neon yellow, more specifically that Splendid tank. Well I found this little guy for $8.80 and again was debating between ordering the small or the medium, but based off the provided measurements went for the small. I HEART this tank! I heart it so much that I am debating buying it in pink too! It's light weight, the colors are super vibrant, long and perfect with jeans and the summer days ahead. It may not be exactly like the Splendid tank but close enough.

I have been needing a simple necklace that I can wear to work and also use to dress up an otherwise super casual top. I had been eyeing this one at JCrew but couldn't commit to the $40 price tag. This Faceted Beaded Necklace arrived and I was pleasantly surprised by the color (the beads have a tint of purple to them) and quality. I mean it was $6.80, I wasn't really holding my breath for it to work out well. But it is quite lovely and exactly what I wanted. Yay!

My only unlucky purchase (and luckily returnable) was this Skinny Studded Leather Belt. I took a chance and ordered the size small (said it fit sizes 0-4) and I figured if it was too big I would just take it to my shoe guy and have an extra hole punched (wanted to use it at my true waist for dresses). Well the belt is too big and sadly there is no room for extra hole punches. So I will be returning this guy this weekend and replacing it hopefully with another belt. I will say that the belt looks very nice and not chintzy at all. It reminds me a bit of the JCrew Skinny Pyramid-Studded Belt that I adore so much. If I am unlucky this weekend with belts, that JCrew one may just have to come home with me.

All in all it was a very successful order, 3 out of 4 ain't bad! I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I received my package (standard shipping - cheap one), ordered Friday at my door waiting for me on Tuesday. It sure as hell beat the time I would have spent at the store browsing all the racks and trying on. I must say that their measurements and descriptions are pretty accurate which should ease your mind when ordering. Happy Shopping!

Forever Frugal Friday - Spring Basics

This weekend is supposed to get into the 80's here in LA and I couldn't be happier. However, I was browsing my wardrobe and noticed I need to start stocking up on some Spring basics. Here are the three items I am hoping to pick up this weekend.

This Braided Trim Knit Dress is a perfect swimsuit cover up or running errands around town. Throw a cardigan over it, some leggings and flats and you can easily stay warm once the sun goes down.

This Sleeveless Drawstring Top is a fantastic piece to add to wear with any denim bottom. It's a little fancier than a T-Shirt but still casual enough for that dive bar or bonfire party.

I love navy and green together and this Striped Slub Knit Top reminds me of that darling Splendid tank I have been wanting but at a much friendly price. I would pretty much wear this with any and everything!

What spring basic can you not live without?

Forever Frugal Friday: Cozy Fall

(click to enlarge)

Fall has officially arrived in LA and I have worn a long sleeve cardigan or shirt everyday this week! I have also officially switched over to hot bevies at Sbux (anyone else loving the VIA as much as I am). I have been craving an outfit that I could throw on and feel cozy, but still look cute and somewhat stylish when running Saturday errands and I think this little ensemble might just do the trick.

The leggings are a thicker, sweater material giving the wearer not only more coverage but also a little more warmth. The tank and cardigan offer layering abilities in case the sun peeps out. The bangle is just the accessory needed, since the cardigan is so bold and distracting. Last but not least, these flats provide comfort while looking cute at the same time.

Go on get cozy!!