10 Beauty Basics: Skin Care

I take my skin care very seriously. Blame it on all the magazines I started reading in my early teens, having aunts that are dermatologists, and a mom that has porcelain perfect skin. While the products have changed slightly to adjust to my more mature skin -  cleansing, toning, and moisturizing have been my three steps to basic facial care since I was about 13. Most of the products on this list are drugstore finds. I like keeping things simple. When it comes to essentials I like sticking to items that are practical- i.e cost-effective and easy to find. I like knowing that when I travel, if I forget my facial wash the next drugstore will surely have it.

I've never had acne, but my skin is extremely sensitive to fragrance, oils, and some silicone based products. I make sure to cleanse and exfoliate with my Clarisonic brush (twice a day), tone at night with a salicylic acid based toner, moisturize day and night, and apply sunscreen whether I'll be indoors or out. I drink lots of water throughout the day, eat as healthy as I can, and never ever go to sleep without completing my night time regimen. My goal is to maintain my skin's health and prevent the signs of aging. These are my tried and true basics that work well for me. I am no beauty expert, but I do get a lot of compliments on my skin.

What skin care essentials do you use and swear by? I would love to know!

xoxo,

Therese

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Style File: Plaid

An ode to Dries Van Noten's sheer and sophisticated plaid collection for Spring 2013. 

Top: Zara  |   Denim: Forever 21  |  Coat: Zara  |  Shoes: Christian Louboutin  |  Purse: Chanel

S H O P   T H I S   L O O K:

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Lil' Style File: Gingham and Stripes

Our first mother-daughter outfit post! My little side kick and I were feeling very preppy chic over the weekend. She rocked the chambray and stripes look, while I went for gingham. It was one of those days comfort ruled over everything since I wasn't feeling too great. My JCrew top came straight out of the dryer and felt perfectly cozy-casual. On days I don't feel like dressing up, I try to add some oomph to my ensemble. A little dose of bling never fails in lifting an outfit's (and wearer's) mood. In this case, the sparkly deco- inspired necklace did just the trick. I'm wearing a cargo vest that is actually a jacket - it comes with leather sleeves that zip on and off. Can't tell you how perfect it is for Bay Area weather year-round.

Natalie is wearing her current closet faves. She pretty much dresses herself these days and I am always in awe with how she pulls her looks together. I tell her what kind of shoes she needs to wear, what kind of coat or jacket, and she does the rest.

I seriously love my Natalie more and more each day and I'm so honored to be her mom. She is the most lovable, comical, smart, fun-loving, generous, and big-hearted person I know. We are so blessed. I feel my heart bursting so often that I can't imagine anything else better. 

I ' M   W E A R I N G:

Gingham button-down: JCrew  //  Pants: Jcrew Pixie  //  Jacket-Vest: Zara  // Bluchers: Zara  // Sunglasses: Celine  // Purse:  Celine  // Necklace: Forever21

S H O P   M Y   L O O K:

N A T A L I E   I S   W E A R I N G:

Chambray button-down: Zara  //  Leggings: Target  // Striped Blazer: Old Navy  // Studded smoking slippers: Zara

S H O P   H E R   L O O K:

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Decor DIY: Brass Urchin

Brass Urchins (or starbursts), made popular by designers like Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler, are part of the retro glam trend. They are everywhere these days - invading coffee tables, book shelves, desks, tabletops and even hung up on walls or from the ceiling. I've had my eye on these from Furbish Studio, this from Williams Sonoma and these from Target but couldn't help experimenting on a DIY version. Last Christmas I crafted some urchins out of styrofoam balls and skewers, which worked perfectly as ornaments for the tree. But I wanted something more substantial, so I came up with this version that uses clay. I'm pretty happy with how ours turned out, and at less than $10 for two decorative urchins it was totally worth it! It was so easy - a quick project my four year old and I did together.  If you want to add a touch of glam in your space, get a kick out of making things yourself and enjoy saving a few bucks, give this a try!

M A T E R I A L S
 (MAKES 2 6" URCHINS):

1 Can gold or brass spray paint

2 packs mini wood dowels (I got mine at Michael's)

1 small square Sculpey oven-bake clay (any color)

T I P S

1. There are different tutorials online, but  most of them use either styrofoam or self-hardening clay. While both work just fine, they tend to crumble. My version requires baking the "sculpture" in the oven.
2. Toothpicks work as well, but I prefer the blunt ends of these wood dowels.
3. Follow the instructions on your clay's packaging, since temperatures and times can vary.

S T E P - B Y - S T E P   I N S T R U C T I O N S

M Y   D I Y   B R A S S   U R C H I N S

I can think of a million decorative uses for these little things! How great would they look on a place setting at your next dinner party or wedding? Or how about make a whole lot and turn them into an art installation in your living room wall? I would love to hear how you would use these to decorate your home. 

xoxo,

Therese

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Style File: Cozy Camo

In my teens, I dressed to be part of whatever was "cool". In my late teens, I dressed to impress the boys. In my early twenties, I dressed to get a job. Boy do I have a fair share of cringe-worthy fashion moments.  Constantly dressing with others in mind does that - coupled with the fact that style wisdom only really forms over time. It's only recently (in my mid to late twenties) I left all that behind and started wearing what I felt was me. All those phases and countless regrettable outfit choices are inevitable and I think, necessary evils in the path to self-discovery. I know who I am and what kind of fashion language I'm trying to communicate now. I've stopped dressing to be "in with it", I've stopped dressing for the boys, and I've stopped dressing too "safe". You can say that my fashion "sense of humor" has slowly evolved - I no longer take things too seriously.  I wear what I like, what's comfortable, and what makes me feel good. 

When it comes to trends, I tread cautiously. I will give anything a try, but will never force the issue. If I feel awkward in something or if it calls out too much attention in a way that I'm uncomfortable, I'll pass. I never thought I'd be able to rock camo pants. But on a random trip to Old Navy, there they were. Why not? Oh hello, cute badass little camo skinnies! You make me feel strong, confident, fun - I think I'll keep you. And on another trip to Target - spotted in the shoe aisle were these Marant-inspired kicks. Um, sneakers that cushion every inch of my foot and make my legs look a tad bit longer? Yes, please. So I've embraced these two trends. Paired with something simple like this cable knit sweater- and I still feel so very me. A tough-chic version of me. 

And if ten years from now I look back at these pictures and laugh at myself - at least I know there won't be regret. Just the happy memory of how good I felt taking a chance on a pair of camo pants. 

TGIF! Have a great weekend! 

Sweater: Gap (old)  //  Skinnies: Old Navy (no longer available)  //  Sneakers: Target  //  Purse: Celine  // Sunglasses: Celine //  Leather Cuff: CC Skye

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Style File: A Walk With August

 

 

 

Meet my niece August, aka Auggie Bear! She is my favorite canine - absolutely the sweetest, perfect and most adorable puppy ever. Her mum Jackielyn is my awesome BFF who so happily took on the role as hair stylist and photographer today. Isn't she talented?! We had some much needed girl time today over lunch and took Auggie out for a little walk. I am wearing my favorite leather pants by Milly, which was a Nordstrom Rack clearance score! They are made from the softest buttery leather and are the most comfortable pants I own. Today I paired it with a silky olive top (another sale score from HM) and simple heels - not recommended for dog walking!

Luv you Jack, I don't know what I'd do without you! xoxo

Top:  HM (on sale recently!), similar here  //  Leather pants: Milly, similar here  //  Heels:  Zara, similar here  //  Purse:  Celine, similar here  //  Sunnies: Celine, similar here

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Island Escape

Our mini getaway to Hawaii is over but I'm still in Islander mode! I never realized how much I really enjoy the tropics and its easy-going lifestyle. We had so much fun exploring Oahu and it's different beaches - indulging in local good eats, hiking up Diamond Head, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, trying new activities like paddle boarding and catching up with our relatives.  It was a good mix of relaxation and adventure. I'm lucky to have a hubby that loves to try new things and stay active - he pushes me to go beyond my comfort zone. I'm hoping we get to visit more of Hawaii soon, this time with our little one!

P.S. The underwater photos were taken with my iPhone 5! We love LifeProof cases! I was taking calls and instagramming in the middle of the Ocean.

Top: Marshalls (recent)  //  Shorts: Cotton On, similar here  //  Hat: Marshalls (old)  //  Flip Flops: Gap (old), similar here  //  Sunglasses: Forever21

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