Two loves

An unbelievably perfect skim latte + Britney playing on my new pink iPod nano. loves.

Chanel - Summer 2011 Beauty

Chanel's released their Summer 2011 collection, Les Fleurs d'Ete de Chanel. Most of the items are available now online from Chanel directly or Nordstrom, and if you like any of the Les Vernis (nail polish) you should act quickly, limited editions all around! I'm pretty excited for all three polishes and the Soleil Tan de Chanel in particular...update: I've ordered the Mimosa polish. Yellow is *it* for summer - if you're scared try it on your toes first :) 

Images from: Chanel website + Temptalia

Out Shopping...

I made time for a quick stop in Madewell this past weekend and just love the current collection they've got going! Lots of funky stripes, denim and bright colors for spring.

1. Shadow-stripe scarf + wayward jean shirt ($49.50 + $88) - Madewell offers a crazy-awesome selection of scarves year-round. I love the red detail bordering on this blue and white striped scarf. And if you don't have a jean / chambray shirt yet - what gives?!?
2. Striped drifter shorts ($69.50) - Love these, especially as styled in the photo above with a worn in brown belt.
3. Bright tees and shorts!! - a whole wall of the store was tricked out with reds, corals, and oranges. I love the way they mix these brights with basic whites, greys and soft pinks. Try these online pics in similar shades: silk intermission top in red hibiscus ($88), silk capulet tank in french terracotta (on sale: $69.99), and silk safari shorts in red hibiscus ($88)
4. Super cute pair-able bracelets ($8-12) - not offered online, so go to the B&M store to pick these up. I got a handful while I was there, so affordable!!
5. Grey silk crepe blouse ($88) - not available online but the somerset pocket top in raccoon ($78) is a similar silk crepe fabric. This is a great fabric for spring and summer - and versatile as a layering piece worn from work into the weekend.
6. Le minor® dip-dyed tee ($95) - they carry better colors in-store but I'm fond of the ecru anthracite offered online too!

luxe : less - The Beach Hair Edition

Beach hair is a great low-maintenance style for the warmer months. Bonus is it's also not as hard on your hair as heat-treated styles (as long as you condition regularly to help keep the salty products from drying out your tresses!)

Bumble and bumble offers the best known and most praised beach hair spray, called surf spray. This product is awesome - it smells like the beach and adds instant body. But at $23 for 4 oz I'm wary to make this luxe spray a product staple. 

Luckily, towards the end of last summer I found a fantastic less stand-in that works just as well. It's from Not Your Mother's and is only $6 for 8 oz -  only 13% the cost of b+b's per oz!!! The Beach Babe - texturizing sea salt spray smells eerily similar to Bumble's and works just as well. To use: spray it onto damp hair after a shower, comb through and tousle your hair with your fingers - done!

luxe lust

I'm obsessed with Tom Binns jewels. I'm not the only one, his designs have been worn by an interesting variety of fashionistas...from Cate Blanchett and Michelle Obama to Lady Gaga.


I think his pieces are simply put - stunning. They're works of art and admirable as standalone objects let alone as part of an ensemble. I've been lusting in particular for the top right Hand-painted Swarovski crystal necklace below ($715). It feels more realistically wearable for my everyday life. Though I dream of the days I have the lifestyle, shopping budget and appropriate event to wear his massive bunches of pearls and crystals, or the lower right Ethno Teknik necklace ($2,175).

For now I'm hoping he decides to collaborate with a mid-range brand to provide his beauty to the masses...thoughts on an interesting collaboration partner for Tom?

Tom himself describes his inspiration as follows "...creative inspiration was and remains the early twentieth century Dada movement, amongst whose themes were deliberate irrationality, anarchy, and the rejection of standard beauty and social organisation." Art from the Dada movement is often classified as nonsensical, rule breaking, and whimsical. The images below and the pieces on his website surely embody these characteristics.

Out Shopping...

With the weather getting warmer I have even more reasons to get out and...shop! Below, a few pics of pieces that caught my eye while out this past weekend...

1. The Baker's, The Chemist's and The Refracted Ambiance Jars @ Anthropologie ($18 - 28) - these look great on bathroom shelves stocked with beauty essentials

2. Alice + Olivia Pace Rhinestone Boxy Tee @ Saks ($495) - a picture can't do this 100% silk tee justice. The alternating rows of rhinestones and beads are gorgeous. Lusting after this tee - dreaming of it paired with my jeggings/slim jeans and flats

3. Amplified Stripes Blouse @ Anthropologie ($98) -  a nice blouse alternative vs. the overwhelming availability of striped t-shirts. Pair this with white jeans and sandals

4. Trench Motorcycle Jacket @ J.Crew ($168) - this cotton twill jacket with neon accent zippers is the perfect jacket to throw on with jeans and a tee. It would make any outfit look stylish without effort

5. Leopard Reusable Tote @ J.Crew ($15) - cute, eco-friendly, durable, multi-purpose. Enough said!

6. Society Taper Holders @ Anthropologie ($18-24) - I'm always game for a few crystal home accents - I love these pieces as standalone objects. They'd look great with a pastel colored taper for spring too

Signs of Spring

For the reasons illustrated below, I officially declare it Spring. Boots stored, spring handbags out...