Glitter and Pearls

Little Love Notes

Lexi — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:22:50 +0000

Dear Ashley Ella Design, thank you for these adorably awesome (and free) prints.

Dear girls who date douche bags, listen to this song on repeat. It’s called Everybody Knows {Your Boyfriend is a Douchebag}. Just be sure not to fall for the guy singing the ridiculously catchy song … he’s clearly a douchebag.

Dear readers, I am SO excited to announce that I am in my first ever ad unit thanks to Stylecaster and Lord & Taylor … talking my very favorite thing: shopping (Summer’s hottest trends, to be exact!) And yes, that IS my face in an advertisement. Oh my gawd.

Dear DIY aficionados, anyone brave enough (slash, talented enough) to recreate this neon tassel necklace put together by the genius, Grace, along with jewelry designers Holst & Lee? (And if so, I have a birthday coming up … in September.)

Dear shortbread blueberry bars, you’re speaking my baking language.

Dear Coach Legacy collection, is it just me or do you just keep getting better and better? This Coach Legacy Leather Mini Willis bag would make the perfect travel companion for my upcoming adventure.

Dear weekend, take your time. I still have loads of packing to do, plus a graduation party to go to. (And Monday morning we get the keys to our new place!)

And last but not least, dear everyone, I’m nominated for “Biggest Girl Crush” in The Indie Chicks 2013 Badass Blogger Awards! (Happy dance!) VOTE for me?

Get the origins of these sweet little love notes, here.

Street Style Files: All in Red

Lexi — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:52:09 +0000

I’ve re-introduced the color red into my life, and I can’t get enough. It started with this MinkPink maxi dress (first spotted on Kelli Murray), and now I want more. Red is such a striking color, and really works in every season. Next up on my shopping list: this red ASOS Drop-Waist Shift Dress, this tassel tribal necklace, the Madewell Odette Dress in red, and these red Wildfox Polarized Sunglasses ( … so cool).

Images via Stockholm Streetstyle: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7

shopbop red

White Denim

Lexi — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:57:58 +0000

I am admittedly terrified of white pants. I have hips and shorter legs, and I’ve always steered clear of the white pants section. But Old Navy lured me in with all of their pretty white denim ads, and those skinny boyfriend cut jeans, I knew I had to have them. So I went for it: white denim. And you know what? I kind of love them. I’ll admit I still darkened the look up. Shocker. I added stripes because I’m in love with stripes on all things, everywhere. And heels seemed necessary for my short frame. The piles of vintage necklaces and stacks of Old Navy rings, well that was the fun part.

If you haven’t tried the skinny boyfriend cut at Old Navy yet, do yourself a favor and snatch up at least two pairs during the sale. They fit so well – with just the right amount of bagginess that I want from a boyfriend pair of pants. The pair I chose also had subtle distressing which toughened up the crisp all-white look. Everyone swears by the Rockstar cut at Old Navy, but I am now a solid Boyfriend cut devotee.

Get the Look: Old Navy Skinny Boyfriend Jeans in Distressed White // ASOS Elbow Patch Cardigan In Stripe // One Teaspoon Tunic // Alexander Wang Rocco // Madewell Frankie Pump in Gold Glitter // Old Navy Rings // Vintage Necklaces

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

My Hair is Messy + I Spill Things

Lexi — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:15:52 +0000

In the next two-and-a-half weeks I have to move into a new apartment, get all of my work done and lined up for the two weeks I’ll be out of town after that, and then as a reward, I fly to Europe. I’m totally in a panic. Nothing is ready. My health has hit a bump in the road. Our house is only half (okay that’s a stretch, I’ll give myself one-third) in boxes. The goal is to have movers show up at our doorstep next Monday, but I am nowhere near ready for that. The movers may be at our doorstep, my hair in a messy ponytail, pillows scattered across the floor, boxes still needing heavy duty tape, no one to watch the dog, and forgive me, but likely the ugliest pair of sweatpants I own (i.e., the ones I vow to never pack, to wear only on moving day, to throw out immediately upon move-in at new place, only to throw them in a bin for their reemergence at our next move in day), a.k.a., my worst nightmare. And boy do we have plenty of moving to do. Not that I’m complaining; I dove in headfirst to the married life of an MD/PhD’s spouse (and he really is the best); from what I hear, we still have years of hospital hopping (and city hopping to go with that). And I planned the big apartment move just before our European Adventure – which was sort of unavoidable with hubs starting rotations two days after we get back from said vacation. I’m a masochist. What can I say?

But you know what — my organized-meets-disorganized chaos … it kind of works for me. Actually, it really works for me. I organize and plan and make lists, and then as the weeks and days to the events near, I run around like a crazy person, forgetting to put on mascara or match my pants to my top. But in the end, it all sort of falls into place. Obviously not without some hiccups, but life’s hiccups are what make us better, stronger, and a whole lot funnier. And I am sometimes a mess. And sometimes I don’t brush my hair. So far, so good.

How do you keep it all together? Especially when your “to do” list is miles long and all of your “planning” is not very helpful at all?

Dreaming of a Beach Day #NewFaceofHawaiianTropic

Lexi — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:54:51 +0000

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it’s been far too long since my last trip to the beach. I know that’s weird and all, given that we live in Miami, and I really have no excuse. Miami Beach tends to be a bit of a tourist destination. Most Miami natives know how to find the quieter local beaches, but we rarely visit during Fall and Winter. It’s totally nonsensical, because even on our coldest Winter day (we’re talking mid fifties here, people), most Miami-ans are bundled up in a coat and scarf, when the rest of the country would probably relish in that kind of weather.

And yes, I am that girl who paints her nails at the beach. I also over-pack on the snacks, cover myself in sunscreen, and snap a million photos. And I love every minute of it. Which is why, I’m seriously dreaming of the beach. I’m hoping to sneak a quick weekend getaway with hubby soon, preferably somewhere full of ocean, sand, and beach-side cocktails.

Get the Look: Gorjana Peace & Heart Studs // Pestemal Fouta Graphite Grey Turkish Cotton Beach Towel // Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Lotion Sunscreen // Dolce & Gabbana Bow-front Polka Dot Bikini // Tory Burch Selma Flat Slingback Sandal // 10 Crosby Derek Lam Boxer Short // Deborah Lippmann I’m Not Edible Glitter Nail Polish // Deborah Lippmann Polka Dots And Moon Beams // Jules Smith Star Ankle Bracelet // Karen Walker Harvest Sunglasses // Missoni Chevron Waves Turban // Marc by Marc Jacobs Take Me Embo Lizzie Dots Tablet Cover // Shopbop Bop Basics Straw Day Tote

Speaking of the beach, I wanted to take minute to get on my SPF train (because, of course, I’ve already professed my love for sunscreen). I’m always trying out new sunscreen formulas — I love a lightweight lotion that isn’t oily or greasy and packs a high SPF for my pale skin. And Hawaiian Tropic does just that!

Hawaiian Tropic has recently gone through a little reinvention of their own with a new modernized brand to better appeal to today’s Hawaiian Tropic women, who love how the sun and their beauty products make them feel, but also understand the importance of sun care in helping to keep their skin healthy (which I love!) And the famed brand is moving away from its Bikini Contest and searching for a new spokesperson through the “New Face” contest.

- On the Hawaiian Tropic Facebook page, women can enter to become the new face of the brand and/or vote for the person that they feel best represents the modern Hawaiian Tropic woman.
- Contest Entries will be accepted from 4/22 – 5/31.
- The new face will be revealed on July 19^th, and will be featured in new advertising, receive a complimentary tropical vacation and serve as an official brand spokesperson!

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hawaiian Tropic. All opinions are my own.

Drugstore Beauty Buys

Lexi — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:16:41 +0000

Here’s a big beauty secret of mine: I love drugstore beauty finds. And Walgreens stores now boast their own local Beauty Advisor (available for beauty questions, advice, and shopping help in the Walgreens Beauty department) … just like a well-versed representative behind a department store beauty counter. How’s that for awesome? This time I was on the hunt for Neutrogena products to help enhance my beauty/skin care for Spring and Summer. I’m set to travel in a few weeks, and I’d heard only good things about Neutrogena, so naturally the Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes were a must. (These handy wipes take it all off – seriously, they dissolve all traces of dirt, oil and makeup – even waterproof mascara – for clean, fresh skin in one easy step … perfect at the end of a travel-packed day). I also snagged a few Summer-ready nail polish shades, a handful of travel essentials, and the Neutrogena® Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 in Healthy Blush (the perfect pinky shade).

My Walgreens Beauty Buys: Neutrogena® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes // Plastic Travel Containers // Essie Nail Polish in Summer Shades (colors: Secret Story, Meet Me at Sunset, Hip-Anema) // Airplus Aloe Infused Moisturizing Socks // Neutrogena® Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20

And fun news: Night at the W at Walgreens is the ultimate in-store beauty event. It provides a forum for consumers to speak to Walgreens specially-trained Beauty Advisors about facial skin care and cosmetics. This event will also give consumers an opportunity to get great deals on Neutrogena Facial Skin Care and Towelettes and free samples (while supplies last). What’s more is that consumers will have an opportunity to enter the Night at the W “Expect the Unexpected” sweepstakes when they purchase participating Neutrogena products (qualifying products listed below).

ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE winner will receive a trip for two (2) to Arizona, five (5) nights’ accommodations at Amara Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa. This fabulous retreat includes breakfast at the hotel daily, ground transportation, a $1,000 allowance for spa treatments and dinner at Cucina Rustica. FIFTY (50) FIRST PRIZE winners will receive a $50 Walgreens gift card. TEN (10) SECOND PRIZE winners will receive A NEUTROGENA® gift basket

The Sweepstakes begins May 22, 2013 at 12:00AM Eastern Time and ends on May 29, 2013 at 11:59PM ET. Entrants only accepted at the Night at the W event.

Qualifying Neutrogena Products

1). NEUTROGENA® Rapid Wrinkle Repair™ Moisturizer with SPF 30

2). NEUTROGENA® Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

3). NEUTROGENA® Revitalizing Lip Balm sunscreen SPF 20

Walgreens Night at the W – Expect the Unexpected.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Walgreens via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Walgreens.

Pillow Talk

Lexi — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:19:34 +0000

I have high hopes for the look and feel of our new apartment ( … coming soon to a blog near you … err, this one). Mostly, in the last few years, hubby and I have been consumed with work, and never got the chance to design the way we really had in mind. His schedule probably won’t get much easier once he starts rotations, but I’m determined to give our new home’s look a truly “us” feel. And, dirty little secret: the last two sets of pillows we used to decorate our sofas were the kind you buy in two-packs, two sets from Ikea and two sets from Costco (a.k.a., no real thought at all). I’m loving all of these more unique pillow options, and want to mix-and-match in a really funky way. And though I normally design in clean colors, mostly neutrals, I love the idea of decorating with pillows full of color and pattern. Any favorites?

Get the Pillows: 1. Rebecca Atwood Ripple Shibori // 2. Urban Outiftters Magical Thinking Crewel Ikat Pillow // 3. John Robshaw Peak Decorative Pillow // 4. Fine Little Day Dotty Pillow // 5. Barneys New York Argento Spot Pillow // 6. Madeline Weinrib Stripe Ikat Pillow // 7. Nate Berkus™ for Target Euro Chenille Pillow // 8. Joss & Main Ikat Pillow // 9. Proud Mary Grey Dot Pillow

25 Casual Maxi Dress Picks

Lexi — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:36:40 +0000

I’ve already gone on about the more dramatic street-style versions of maxi dresses and skirts, but what about those everyday maxi dresses that we all live in in the hotter months? And, in just a few weeks hubby and I are headed on a two-week jaunt around Europe (sooo excited!), and I’m convinced that casual maxi dresses are the perfect outfit for day-to-night. [By the way, what would you pack for tourist-driven travel (a.k.a., sightseeing) in the hotter months?]

A Bright + Feminine Home

Lexi — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:30:49 +0000

From bold floral patterns on crisp white backgrounds, over-sized Chanel perfume bottle prints, to pops of fuchsia and Hermès orange in every room, Marlie Waks’s feminine bachelorette pad reflects her fabulous aesthetic along with the help of her sister and Style at Home’s design editor Jessica Waks. By the way, per Marlie, the Chanel posters were an awesome budget find scored on eBay from a seller in Paris. And the printed office wall: the graphic wallpaper was a splurge, but Jessica points out that covering only one wall in the gorgeous print helped to minimize costs. “It’s all about mixing in designer touches and not being afraid to customize big box items with your own special accents.” I love every inch of this colorful glam space.

Shop the glam bachelorette pad look:

Via Style at Home // Photography by Virginia MacDonald

Travel Must: The Weekender Bag

Lexi — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:17:20 +0000

This weekend, hubby and I are taking a really quick trip to Orlando to celebrate my very fabulous friend’s big birthday; in Disney World, to be exact (and I’m totally giddy!) But I am the world’s worst packer, particularly when it comes to shorter trips. Try as I might, I normally wind up packing a luggage, an actual full-sized luggage, for most one- or two-day getaways, even when the luggage is barely filled. This weekend, I’m determined to pack only the essentials in a throw-in-the-backseat carryall, more specifically: the weekender bag. I have an older version of the Deux Lux Sequin Weekender Bag, but it’s beginning to get a bit worse for wear … it’s a sad sad day when the sequins start to fall off … of anything, really. So I’m eying a few of these luxe new weekender bag styles — torn between a rich-looking leather duffel and something a bit more funky and colorful. Do you have a go-anywhere weekender or duffel bag that you swear by?

The Weekenders: 1. Deux Lux Sequin Berlin Weekender Bag // 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Pearl Weekender // 3. Deux Lux Striped Raleigh Weekender Bag // 4. Sole Society Cassidy Medium Weekender // 5. Sam Edelman Marais Alix Weekender Duffel Bag // 6. CLARE VIVIER Adam Weekender