beach

just returned from an incredibly fun, relaxing & sunny weekend at the beach.  there is nothing better than the sun, sand, cocktails and friends!  

thank goodness it's august and that means one more beach trip to round out one busy and hot summer.  headed down to Wrightsville for a week with the fam.

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color crushes

going through a rainbow of emotions...pink, orange, now RED.

craving these slick skinnies by DKNY

DKNY - Ankle Length Skinny Pant in Cherry

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make-up meltdown

a combination of the sweltering heat and slightly tan skin has made me lazy in the make-up department.  i have been rocking barely there make-up all summer long.  thinking about how i would like to pretty it up i turned to my make-up bin and realized quickly that the lack of make-up is the result of exactly that -- a lack of make-up.  

so i'm ready for a refresh...here's what i'm thinking:

currently owned staples:

NARS multiple in Orgasm -- the perfect flush of pink, with a hint of shimmer.  all around flattering.

Laura Mercier Eye Basics cream in Bone -- flawless eye base, creamy and in a perfect neutral

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - best concealer i've ever used, hands down. dark circles begone.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Medium -- light, but gives great sheer coverage. i apply it just like face lotion, no brushes or hassle.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Chunky Cherry - this stick has the texture of chapstick and adds that pop of color.

upgrades in my virtual cart:

Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil - defined brows instantly update & refine your make-up

Clinique Brush Collection -- was reading an article about dirty brushes and bacteria, i am ashamed to admit i may have had some of my make-up brushes since high shool.  high time for an upgrade.  i love the acryllic handles on these.

Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna -- i've used this before and i'm out.  provides a perfect tawny glow year-round.

CHANEL - Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadow : dying to add some Chanel make-up to my collection.  this just looks like it would provide the perfect smoky eye

Fresh - Pink Jasmine Eau de Parfum : since i'm currently using the last spritz of every bottle i've ever owned

"Cher's main thrill in life is a makeover, it gives her a sense of control in a world full of chaos." 

images via BlueMercury, Clinique, NeimanMarcus

orange crush

a pop of color refreshes any outfit and right now i'm craving juicy orange hues.

images via JCrew, NARS, Hermes, Zara, Net-a-Porter

happy friday

jack's boat house

i have been wanting to kayak on the potomac river since the summer i moved to DC, some 4 years ago.  this weekend, my dreams finally came true!

jack's boast house is a quaint little spot underneath the key bridge offering up kayak's & canoe's.  i loved the laid back vibe and ambiance of the adirondack chairs, wooden docks and colorful paper laterns - the perfect spot to spend a sunny summer afternoon.

i'll let instagram tell the story...

hope you all had a fab weekend!

janglin'

it has come to my attention that hoards of bracelets are "having a moment".  everywhere from magazines to blogs  arm adornment at it's finest has been spotted.  notably, the man repeller dubbed it the arm party - which is certainly a party indeed, i love that girl's style.

maybe more notably, my mother has always rocked a wrist full of jingle.  from as early as i can remember she has worn boku bracelets and i have fond memories of hearing her wrists "jangle" throughout the house.  i have always found this layering of metals extremely chic. her particular mix is composed of enviable classics (rolex datejust, gold link chains from venice, david yurman & a sapphire/diamond tennis bracelet)

i have been wanting to refresh my own wrists, keep them youthful, while staying professional and polished. i like a mix of metals (gold/silver), as well as textures (leather/metal, delicate/chunky), and then of course a fun detail (color, studs)

here's what i'm working with:

david yurman, rolex datejust, princess silly bandz left over from 4th festivities

here are some things that would make quite nice additions:

from top: Max & Chloe, Cartier LOVE, Hermes, JCrew, Gorjana