Sequins & Sparkles!

“You have to be unique, and different, and shine in your own way.” ― Lady Gaga

Some days just feel more sparkly than others, and those are the days sequins were made for! I've never been one for standing out in a crowd, however, I truly believe it is better to be overdressed than underwhelming. Although, I don't condone head to toe sparkle, I believe that the right amount of shine can be added to any outfit.

When it comes to the sequin trend I like to keep in mind that less is more, and keep my glitter maximum to one piece per outfit. But remember, whether it's a statement necklace, detailed collar or hem, a fab clutch, or a sparkly dress, OWN IT! Channel your inner shine and think Lady Gaga,

“And now, I'm just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time.”

1. Alice Olivia sequin dress

2. Sequin cocktail dress

3. Vince sequin shirt

4. Gryphon sequin tank

5. TopShop tall tee

6. Ambre Babzoe v neck shirt

7. Short skirt

8. Haute Hippie mini skirt

9. All Saints short skirt

Casual Friday!

Casual Friday! by heelsandsunkissedcurls featuring a chain necklace

Marni silk blouse
$805 - mytheresa.com

MiH flare jeans
$254 - my-wardrobe.com

Tory Burch high heels
$395 - bloomingdales.com

Balenciaga handbag
€1.150 - veryeickhoff.com

Allison Daniel cuff bangle
$78 - maxandchloe.com

Chain necklace
$2,280 - stylebop.com

Kenneth Jay Lane gold hoop earrings
$40 - intermixonline.com

French Connection leather belt
$98 - usa.frenchconnection.com

3-seat grey velvet sofa CHESTERFIELD - Sofas - Maisons du Monde
maisonsdumonde.com

Inspired by Love

Recently, I found myself losing focus from everyday stress and on a mental detour in the wrong direction. Falling off one's intended course can be overwhelming, especially when the next steps seem unclear. However, it's times like this when I am amazed by the ability to find inspiration out of the littlest things. Something as simple as reminiscing over a photograph, or tea time with an old friend can remind you of the support that is all around you.

These little things have the greatest impact and have the ability to instantly ground you; they can uplift your mood, motivate and inspire, and make you forget the constant chaos all around and focus on what’s important… you, and those you love.

I was moved when I found these images of Courtney Love in Vanity Fair which did just that. They made me think of the “little things” and how living in the moment can help to put everything back into perspective. Sometimes the best thing you can do is slow down, refocus and remind yourself just how far you’ve come.

Stay true to yourself, be present, enjoy life's little pleasures, and take time to get inspired. Happy Wednesday everyone!

Images via lookbooks.com

Photography and film by Jason Bell; for the full Vanity Fair interview with Courtney Love titled "Love in a Cold Climate" by Nancy Jo Sales, click here.

Purse-Sueded

When it comes to shopping I have two major weaknesses, bags and boots. In my opinion you can never have enough of either, however, my closet and budget might disagree... That being said I searched high and low of the perfect pair of fall boots for this season. I wanted something industrial yet feminine, with laces, darker in color and well... fabulous! I am very excited to be adding this new pair of Seychelles Suede booties to my collection (they can be found here).

Anthropologie jacket, UO dress, Hue tights, Seychells booties, Marc Jacobs bag, handmade necklace

Due to this crazy warm post-summer weather here in the Bay, my boots have found a comfortable spot in the closet, for now, but will be back in full swing when the fog rolls in. I have also fallen in love all over again with my favorite Marc Jacobs bag, and find that my new boots compliment it quite well.

As much as I love this lumberjack inspired jacket, sweater dress and wearing my new boots and favorite bag, and am VERY excited about the insanely warm weather this past week.  For now I will be sporting much cooler attire, but I have no doubt that all of these pieces will be popular favorites once fall hits and the heat disappears.

Happy weekend Everyone!

Foto & Film Friday!

Yesterday, I found this amazing piece by Erika Janunger, titled "Weightless." To say this film is beautifully done, is an understatement. The feelings it evokes change constantly throughout the piece; I felt a sense of curiosity, extreme intensity, seduction, strength, power, and passion, to name a few.



When you find a great piece of work it must be shared, especially when it is relatable and leaves you thinking, questioning. I love the way a short film, photograph or other art form can completely change my day and leave me feeling inspired to create. Hopefully this inspires some of you, and maybe even changes your day. Happy Friday everyone!

Also, in honor of Foto Friday, tonight I am going to attend a Photography Exhibit at Studio D in San Francisco with a few of my friends. I hope to come back with some great photos pf the event to share with everyone next week!

If you are in the city and love great photography, furniture, food, wine, entertainment and supporting a great cause the event details are listed below. Cheers!

Image c/o Studio D

We Walk by Christopher Hewitt

We Walk from Christopher Hewitt on Vimeo.

Commissioned by Creative Agency, DixonBaxi, We Walk is a short film which stumbles into the journey of a young girl desperate to leave the city in search of isolation and in turn, sleep. Shot in LA and Palm Springs, the film is based on a new poem by Writer, Brett Darling.

Ethereal beauty.

Speak to me

Sometimes all is takes is a little reminder... and why not put it on your wall!

Here are a few of my favorite places to find just the perfect thing to say in art form:
20 x 200, Made by Girl, Not on the High Street, Patina

20 x 200

20 x 200

20 x 200

20 x 200

The Holstee Manifesto

Not on the High Street.com

Madebygirl.com

Sun-days in the city

This last weekend was one of those amazing weekends that made me fall in love with San Francisco all over again! The sun was shining and air was warm and the energy level was filled to the brim with excitement for Fleet Week!

In October this is the place to be, and although I often long for my Midwestern fix I was perfectly content being in the Bay this Saturday and Sunday. I love the fact that I can finally pull out my summer dresses and frolic around the cit, pretending like it's July.

In the spirit of the warm weather I decided on a flowing maxi dress and sheer top cinched at the waist to channel my favorite feel of soft and feminine; just perfect for a relaxing and fun filled weekend! The best part about this outfit is that sans sheer top and heels you are ready for the beach, the park or wherever the day may take you. Just remember to pack your perfect flats, a floppy hat and some sunscreen and enjoy the beautiful day! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend!

Cheap Monday maxi dress, American Apparel top, BCBG belt, LAMB shoes, and vintage necklaces

Foto Friday: Mario Testino

With a photographer like Mario Testino it's difficult to narrow down my favorite images. The appeal to Mr. Testino's work, to me, lies in his range, the element of risk, composition, aesthetics, sex appeal, and raw beauty (to name a few). He is considered to be one of the most prominent fashion photographers of our day. His work spans the globe with editorials in Vogue, V, Vanity Fair, as well as his contributions to countless major fashion houses.

I often find myself inspired by the sheer simplicity of his imagery, and the emotions they evoke. Photographs with rarely smiling beauties such as Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Gisele Bündchen, Emma Watson, and many more, gives Testino's work an element of reality that is often lost when thinking of the lives lead by these celebrity women. Although the focus may very well be high fashion, there is so much more in each and very image. Whether it is the juxtaposition of the model to her dress, the look on her face or the suggested movement of her body, every thought out detail contributes to the overall success of the image.

Here is a very small collection of work in tribute to Mario Testino and his continuing career; that has no doubt changed the world of fashion photography forever.

Happy Friday everyone! Cheers to the weekend!

Kate Moss by Mario Testino for Vouge UK - October 2008

Lara Stone by Mario Testino

Mario Testino for British Vogue

Gisele by Mario Testino

Emma Watson by Mario Testino for Vogue UK

Emma Watson by Mario Testino

Angelina Jolie by Mario Testino

Claudia Schiffer by Mario Testino

Edita Vilkeviciute by Mario Testino

Kate Moss by Mario Testino

Mario Testio for Versace

A Burst of Color

Lipstick has never really been my thing. I've always been more of a chap-stick kind of girl; it's easy, low maintenance, and no mirror required. However, on a recent trip to the drug store I impulsively decided to stray from my boring chap-stick routine. I checked some reviews and found that Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss had received positive feedback, so I decided to give it a go. Generally, I am hesitant when it comes to buying things without being able to try them on... However, on this occasion I was surprisingly happy with the end result of this fairly low risk purchase.

I choose two very different shades; Bordeaux (dark plum) and Papaya (coral pink). Who would have guessed that between the two, this chap-stick junkie would prefer the darker shade! It's true, although, I am perfectly happy with both colors and have really been enjoying switching between the two.

My long overdue jump from your basic chap-stick shades to something a little more vibrant has been the perfect, relatively inexpensive way to liven up my wardrobe and daily routine. I will no doubt be experimenting with my lip-ware more in the future. What are your favorite go to brands and shades?