Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

 

It has finally been cold and rainy here in Los Angeles and I couldn't be happier about it. I can finally sport my navy and black, color-blocked, wool coat from Barney's. I left my old umbrella in a restaurant in Paris ages ago, and it took me nearly a year to find one to replace it. I found this one this summer in Cape Cod at the Marc Jacobs store, but it hasn't really rained much. I love a fun, whimsical umbrella and Marc Jacobs really delivers. There are other great color combos of this design too. Check em out here. 

I was feeling very simple and basic today as you can see. I went for neutral colors and natural make up with a little swipe of eyeliner. It's nice to look bare and fresh. I added just a little edge with my hot pink bra showing through my paper thin tee.

Recently Benefit decided to discontinue my favorite blush ever. The 10 -a  two in one bronzer/highlighter, much to my dismay, to say the least. It took me three trips to Sephora to finally find a new one. So many blushes/bronzers have so much glitter in them and I am not a fan. After some assistance from a very helpful employee I have found my new blush, Hourglass Illume Cream-to-Powder Bronzer in Sunset. It took some getting used to but I have finally mastered applying it with my fingers. I think it really makes a beautiful, natural glow.

 

 // coat -Barney's New York // jeans-Paige // boots-Sam Edleman // tee - Style Mint

necklaces-H&M // bag-Vintage // umbrella-Marc Jacobs

DIY: Autumn Nail Art.

I love having polished finger nails and dabbling in some nail art. Especially during this time of year, where are there are lots festive gatherings. 

I call this The Double-Triple Zig-Zag since you need two sets of three colors and the pattern is in a zig-zag design. It's fairly simple and easy. Just follow my directions.

Start by picking out three base colors. 

I decided on Essie's Sable Collar, Shearling Darling and Mint Candy Apple.

 PREP:
 Always start with a clean, smooth nail. I use my seven sided nail file often, as you can tell by it's wear and tear. It's so important to start with a smooth, even surface. It also helps your nails grow and keeps them from breaking. So once your nails are clean and smooth you can begin...

 STEP 1:
  Apply Color #1, in my case it's Sable Collar, to the outer third of your nail on Hand #1.
Try to paint it thin but even.

**I always do my right hand first.  I am right handed, so painting with my left always is a little messier. This way I can use my left thumb nail to remove access polish from around my nails.**

 STEP 2:
Apply Color #2, for me it's Mint Candy apple, to the opposite third of your nail on 

Hand #1. 

It's okay if it's a little more then a third, just be sure there is a bare strip of nail in between Color #1 and Color #2.

 STEP 3:
Do a second coat of Color #1 and Color #2 on Hand #1.

 STEP 4:
Repeat steps 1-3 on Hand #2. 

**I like for the polish on my left hand to mirror the right hand.
So Color #1 is on the outer third of nail and Color #2 is on the inner third of the nail.**

Allow time for Color #1 and Color #2 to dry before beginning STEP 5.

 STEP 5:
 Apply Color #3 to the center of your nail on Hand #1 and then Hand #2.
Try to keep it as straight and even as possible.

 STEP 6:
Apply a second coat of Color #3 to each nail. Again try to make sure it's thin but even.

Be sure to allow a few minutes for your nails to dry before moving onto the zig-zags.

 STEP 7:
Pick three zig-zag colors.
 I used Kiss Nail Art Paint in Black, White and Lavender. They have thin brushes which makes it simple. You can use regular polish and apply with a toothpick or small paint brush.
Pick an outer edge to start the zig-zags. I chose the inner edge, I find it to be the easiest to start with for me.

STEP 8:
Paint four thin dashes angling up with Color #4 (black for me) only covering one of the thirds.
I chose to put it over Color #2 -Mint Candy Apple. Do both hands.

STEP 9: 

Using Color #5 (Lavender, for me), paint four more dashes in the center third of your nail.

- connecting them to the Color #4 dashes - 

and angling them down. 

 Do both hands.

STEP 10: 

Using Color #6 (White, for me), paint four more dashes in the remaining third of your nail.

- connecting them to the Color #5 dashes - and angling them up. 

 Do both hands.

STEP 11: 

Paint all nails with a top coat. This step is essential when using various polishes. 

It will give an overall finish. I like Essie's Good To Go. 

It gives a lot of shine and dries so fast.

STEP 12:  

Using a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover, 

go around each nail removing any unwanted mess.

FINISHED! 

Now go out in the world and show those claws off. My guess is you'll be getting a lot of compliments.

: )

The Craft.

 So these photos are back from Halloween. I had forgotten about them. No, I did not get my nose pierced. It's fake. It was Halloween, after all. I was going for a goth, witchy look, inspired by The Craft. I swear there is a tortured, goth girl living inside me somewhere, a la Wednesday Addams, Lydia Deetz and Daria Morgendorffer. Doesn't every girl who grew up in the nineties? She seems to come out a lot more in the fall and winter. Not to worry, though, she is well balanced by inner light-hearted, fun-loving flower child, which tends to be more how I am feeling in the spring and summer. But, as you can see in these photos, the two get along seamlessly, like the sun and the moon.

// shirt-vintage // skirt-Free People // boots-Free People X Jeffrey Campbell // sunnies-vintage //

Wild Honey Pie.

 Happy Monday people!  I feel as cuddly as a teddy bear in this toasty sweater. I love the color of it, it's like a honey, carmel, bourbon, toffee color. It makes me want to have a warm drink to sip on. It was love at first sight when my eyes befell this H&M necklace. It's silver and gold, and so simple yet packs so much punch. I have a feeling I'm going to be wearing it everyday. This is the best Monday outfit, it's simple, effortless, comfy and cozy. Only one more full week of work until Thanksgiving. I cannot wait to be on the East Coast!

// Sweater - H&M // Leggings - American Apparel // Boots - Vintage // Bag - Anthropologie //

// Sunnies - Ray Ban //

Castello Cavalcanti.

This is possibly the best ad I have ever seen. Wes Anderson does an homage to Fedrico Fellini in this PRADA sponsored short film. 

Jason Schwartzman plays an American race car driver who crashes in a race in Italy - in what turns out to be his ancestor's village. It's just so quirky, witty and visually enchanting.

I hope you enjoy it. 

Le Parisian Grunge.

 Parisian stripes? Check. Chic maxi? Check. Grungy beanie? Check. 

I am feeling like France's underground scene today in this classic but edgy ensemble. I love this creamy, cozy outfit it's so comfortable, it's like wearing pajamas. This maxi skirt is actually a maxi dress, so there's a little a layering but it's very breathable(ideal for L.A.'s warm autumn). But, I still feel wonderfully autumn-ish. This outfit is so simple and basic but still manages to have a healthy dose of attitude thanks to the crimson lips and beanie.

// Dress- Elizabeth & James // Sweater-byCORPUS // boots-DolceVita //

(all photos shot by Daniel, as usual)

"Style is a simple way of saying complicated things."

-Jean Cocteau