Coco Mademoiselle

Flipping through my newest Glamour, I was smelling all the little tear-out fragrances and I stumbled upon Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. How have I never smelled this before? I rubbed some on my wrists and was instantly in la-la land. I kept sniffing for a good few hours- this stuff did not budge.

Usually when I find a scent I love, I wear it and it alone (save a couple switcharoos to throwbacks). Currently, it's Dolce and Gabbana 3 L'Imperatrice (gor.ge.ous), which I get a lot of compliments on, but maybe there's room for one more.

What are your favorite scents to feel pretty?

xo,
L

Steals & Deals

While putting together our new pub table (!) last night, our lovely neighbor Erin came over and we started discussing buying items new vs Craigslist, finding bargains, where to find the best sales, etc. Always one for a deal (my mom and I think we must have lived our past life during the Great Depression), one of my favorite things is telling others where to get a deal. Even on payday, I can not bring myself to pay full price on most anything (except, for some reason, items at Francesca's & fancy schmancy lipgloss...hmmm).

So, every now and then, I will be posting my most recent Steals & Deals I've come across- happy bargain hunting! (Note: If you see me posting full-body mirror shots of my (albeit well priced) outfits- please stop me.)

This week's finds (so far):

Deep plum colored pointelle sweater, Kelley Green lace boy shorts, and sheer purple thong- Gap. Total price for all three= $20 (Regular price for all three=$87)

Black pub table + four saddle stools (Ashley Furniture)- nice Craigslist couple. Price=$100 (Regular price= around $250 plus tax)

Tall 10' decorative hourglass with light aqua colored sand- Ross (the store not the boyfriend). Price= $8.99 (Regular price= $30)

Archeology Mango Reed Diffuser- Nordstrom Rack. Price=$15 (Regular price=Don't know but it seemed like a good deal.)


...and here is something I would pay full price for:

Steven Pembrook boots in Cognac Suede, Price=$129. I want.


Happy shopping!

xo,
L

Things Olive Right Now

1. Revlon Nail Color, Kiss Me Coral

The quintessential pick-me-up shade. I'm wearing it on my nails and toes right now to remind me that even during these gloomy days, summer is still only a couple months away.

2. Kettlebell Classes, Ambition Athletics

Thanks to Max and Brian at the Encinitas fitness studio, my butt (and arms, core, shoulders, etc) has been whipped into shape. Max, the owner of the very personal and private gym, makes everyone feel like a pro-athlete- even if you can't do a pull up to save your life. Brian, our instructor, may as well be a personal trainer for the celeb crowd- always pushing everyone to do their best and keeping constant pump up tunes on the stereo.

3. Jessica Simpson, Kowloon Espadrille

I have been living in these wedges since I bought them last week. They are comfy (great for daytime), but also dressy enough to wear out with a sundress. If you're going to buy one new pair of shoes for spring/summer- these are it.

4. East Coast family trips

Planning a spur of the moment trip to Washington, DC next week with the beau's family. Ross' brother, Collin, does the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and we are so excited to go see him in action. Another city getting a pit-stop on the way out there? NYC!

5. Fun weekends

Between Meg's b-day party last weekend in Manhattan Beach, and Emily's wine tasting suaree last Sunday, I have been digging all of the fun events taking place! On the table this weekend? Family time and a little bowling tonight, and a curry date with Ross on Sunday. 

Bernardo Winery, Rancho Bernardo

Have a fun weekend everyone!

xo,
L

The Loft

Exposed brick walls, edgy accents, and Snickerdoodle coffee were just three of the things I adored about trying out this new salon today. Plus, I got a sweet new haircut (just a trim) from Erin, and ran into a friend from high school (hey Morgan!). Not bad for a Tuesday morning Loft visit!

The best part was the [included!] "sensory experience"- basically a fancy way of saying "neck and shoulder massage with heavenly smelling aromatherapy oils"....ahhh.

Seriously though folks, if you're contemplating a new 'do or new salon please do yourself a favor and head to The Loft on Grand (between Broadway and Kalmia). There are $10 off coupons online for new clients too. It's also been said that they serve beer on tap and wine (probably for those later afternoon appointments) so grab a brew, a mag, and prepare to be pampered for forty minutes.

xo,
L

Here Comes The Bride

I'm so excited to be helping Ross' beautiful sister Bree, plan her upcoming December wedding. The Anthony gals and I went over the first wedding planning checklist this afternoon and threw out ideas left and right. So many style ideas, inspiration boards, and color schemes to consider for her winter nuptials. Looking forward to a lot of DIY'ing, crafting, and planning in the upcoming months!

Another wedding that's been on my mind lately is one of my best friends', Keira, who is marrying her soulmate Jim, in July. Can't wait to stand up there with you K! And 9.10.11 is the big day for Miss Pearson- what a wonderful year 2011 is shaping up to be.

Fittingly, I wanted to give homage to some of my favorite wedding blogs for today's post.

(P.S. Even if you're not engaged, these sites are still beautiful to look at. Some of the photography and wedding stories are pure joy.)



Love the decorations from this Miami wedding.


Once Wed
Style Me Pretty
Snippet & Ink
100 Layer Cake
Green Wedding Shoes

What are your favorite wedding blogs? Any DIY projects as far as decor goes that you'd recommend?

Here's to L.O.V.E.!

xo,
L

Nature inspired.

After a lovely weekend in rustic Colorado this past weekend (more to come on that soon), I've been craving anything nature inspired. This home of creative genius duo Shauna Alterio and Stephen Loidolt radiates playfulness meets woodsy meets chic. I fell in love with their unique forest scene wallpaper and the kitschy deer book stands. Even the bathroom makes you feel like you're a part of the great outdoors.

(All photos found on Design Sponge.)

Where are some places you love to retreat to when you're needing a little bonding time with nature?

xo,
L

Things Olive Right Now

1. This living room, photo courtesy of Seesaw.
I love the blue rug, dark accent furniture, white couch, and especially that lovely standing candelabra.  So Beauty and the Beast. (Lumiere, is that you?)

    2. Francesca's Collections.
Never have I ever come across a strore where literally everything screams my name. Beaded coinpurses, my favorite Quoteables calendars and cards, and chic accessories are just a few of Francesca's girlie goods. (They have Carlsbad, Escondido, La Jolla, and two other San Diego locations.)

3. The blog, You Are My Fave.
I know it's in my daily reading list (see right sidebar), but this adorable and witty blog seriously is my fave right now. Love her.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita handbag
Wanted the Hillier hobo forever & now I'm onto this little number. Want it. Need. it. Need job first.

5. The Breslin by RAEN Optics
I'm obsessed. How fun are these cat eye retro shades? So funky and glam. (32 month anniversary gift babe?) The San Diego company has a plethora of stylish men's glasses as well- they're Ross' faves.

Rainbow Brite

I'm not one of those people who loves the rain. I do, however, enjoy rainy day activities (ie: games and reading). It is also kind of nice to not feel guilty for staying in on a Friday night to catch up on episodes of The Office and Modern Family. The one other thing I always try to look for after the rain is a rainbow (cheesy, I know). So, if this weekend is too grey and gloomy for you, and there's no real rainbow in sight, look to these six colorful things for a rainy day pick-me-up.

RED: Grandmother Paula's Red Velvet Cake

Paula Deen and cake recipes can do no wrong in my book. Get your umbrella, head to Albertson's to stock up on the essentials needed for this tasty treat, and get to baking! (This recipe yields 16-20 servings, so save some for family dinner on Sunday night.)

ORANGE: Orange and white home decor

I adore the look of fresh, crisp, orange pared with a neutral such as white or grey. Nothing says Spring quite like bright hues. For my next office, I want this look...It's such a refreshing space to complete your most un-creative tasks (ie: work reports or bill paying).

YELLOW: Lemons as a centerpiece

I have always loved the look of fruit in a clear vase as a bold, yet simple centerpiece on a kitchen table. Not only do lemons have a shelf life of 2 weeks, but their bright hue is a beautiful statement that doesn't command too much attention- your spaghetti and meatballs should take front runner there.

GREEN: Longchamp Bag

Ahh...I love you, Longchamp. So nice for everyday (I wear my black one literally anywhere and everywhere) but is also stylish to wear out at night. I also adore green bags more than any other bright color because they punch up any outfit much more than your basic black or camel, but don't scream "LOOK AT ME!" like some other hues.

BLUE: Victoria's Secret, The Lacie thong in Matisse Blue

Since these are the only type of undies I wear (ultra stretchy+comfy+still sexy) I'm figuring it's time to add a new pair to the drawer. A girl can never have too many pretty underthings, right?

PURPLE: Essie, Foot Loose nail polish

This purple polish will take you right through these last dull days of winter and right through to a sunnier spring. (Click above to get it on Amazon for only $4!) Pretty and thrifty.

I hope everyone enjoys their weekend- if it's sunny where you are then relish it! If not, enjoy your red velvet cake under a blanket.

xo,
L

V-Day Cravings

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I'm off to Palm Springs with my sweetie to bask in the sun, go on a hike, loll by the pool, and drink some bubbly tonight. In my absence, I wanted to write a quick sendoff to all of you out there. Whether you're happily single or cozily coupled up, any one of you can enjoy these current cravings of mine. Drop a hint to your man, or treat yourself to one of these 5 goodies.

1. Pottery Barn: Pocket Watch Clock- various sizes, $29-$59
2. fresh: Sugar Lip Treatment, $22.50
3. Erin Condren: Life Planner, $50 $37.50
4. Banana Republic: Peacock Earrings, $49.50
5. Betsey Johnson: Tea Party swimsuit, $228













*Image credit goes to my valentine.

Have a love filled day!

xo,
L

Gettin Pretty

While my weekend in Seattle has been wonderful thus far, it has been a little rainy. And what better way to spend the time when it's dreary outdoors than shopping indoors.

Today's shopping adventure took us to Bellevue Square where Colette and I stocked up on Sephora goodies.

My picks: Benefit's Big Beautiful Eyes palette and NARS lipstick in Roman holiday. I love picking up new pretty, everyday essentials to spruce up my standard repertoire.

The perfect pink: not too bubblegum or too Barbie.

This combo is perfect for workday or date night.

Have a splendid Saturday evening everyone!

xo,

L