STYLE | midnight flower

It took me a while to convince myself to buy florals (in general) since it's been so mainstream for some time now. So when I walked past these pants, I was a bit hesitant because a). wasn't sure I would love them and b). thought they would be too bold and "look at me" pants. However, in the words of my younger sister, "YES you have to buy them!" 

I'm so happy I did because they're different than what I normally wear and were such a hit. 

I loved this particular print because it combines so well with everything. The navy blue let's you mix it up as I did - A white crisp top, army green jacket and nude pumps which tone everything down.
Next time, I'll go for a denim top and flats for a fun casual look. 

XO,

LIFESTYLE | brushes

Start your week off fresh with this simple tip many of us forget: Clean your make-up brushes!

I had a girlfriend mention that she's gone a couple months without cleaning them and I cringed. Over time, your make-up brushes develop oil, dirt, bacteria and rubbing that on your face would be the equivalent of using a mop to apply your make-up. Right!? Cleaning your brushes also keeps your make-up from looking muddy. 

The best part is you don't have to spend money on expensive make-up cleaners... 

How to:
-In a jar, add Johnson's Baby Shampoo. It has to be a gentle shampoo so as not to ruin your brushes.
-Fill up the jar half way with warm water (remember, once you add the brushes the water rises). 
-Place the brushes facing down, inside the jar. 
-Wait about 1-2 hours while they really soak up. 
-Take them out and facing down, run them under warm water until you see the water clear.
-Lay them out to dry and voila!

I find it best to do in the evenings, so that they dry overnight and are ready to use in the morning. Do this at least every 2 weeks. 

Enjoy! Thank you for reading. 

XO,

ART | alexa meade

{Alexa Meade painting her "self portrait"}

My truly Mr. B, is obsessed with YouTube channel "Vsauce" and was blown away with what he saw, that he immediately sent it to me. My thoughts were.....

HOW!? How can someone possibly have enough talent to create this in 3 dimensional form you ask? People. That's how! Artist Alexa Meade completely blew my mind this week. It's arresting, powerful and supersedes anything we imagine as "original".  In her words, your body is her canvas. The images need no further explanation. 

What do you think? I'm sure you'll have the same reaction. 
Thanks for reading! Xo

 {Alexa painting her subject to then photograph}

{I love this one!}

{surreal}

XO,

LIFESTYLE | simple things

{hiking Stinson Beach during holiday break- sometimes we take the little things for granted}

I have been hit with the flu for the past 4 days which has caused some severe cabin fever. So much so, that I feel I should begin my Monday with the "Welcome Back Kotter" theme song. 

But, the nice thing about being home is it allows for some "me-time" and gave me time to write on my blog. 

Thank my gods for Mr B. who was great in nursing me back to  health. You realize how much you miss out on! 

Thank you for reading.

{conveniently...reading and ice cream was a must in my recovery}

{online shopping really is the best when you're sick}

{receiving a beautiful gift from my m.i.l.}

XO,

STYLE | noir

With shorter days and colder mornings, it becomes increasingly difficult to crawl out of my warm bed, despite Mr. B's attempt at bribing me with coffee. So I find that because I use up my getting-ready time, I'm forced to pull an outfit together quicker than my normal routine. Which is why I usually resort to black.

Noir makes up ninety percent of my closet, and despite its functional and versatile ways of making me look composed, it becomes challenging at times to get creative with it. But who knew my cold environment (relatively speaking of course) would force me to take to layers and therefore, inspired this awesome five piece "man suit".

XO,

STYLE | lbd

Yes we've all seen these shoes everywhere, but I'm sure like most of you, I can't get enough of them. They have so sexy and re-invent my little black dress by Geren Ford. 

It's the extra pizazz I need to take my look from ordinary to extraordinary.... and gives it that right amount of edge I need. 

Thank you for reading! 

XO,

STYLE | dugmore and millen

 {Karen Millen dress with Edward Dugmore painting behind me}

If my dress and this Edward Dugmore painting went on a blind date......it would be a match made in heaven. Truly a perfect pair. And not on purpose. Happy Accidents!

 

 

 

 

XO,