xoxo
Aritzia dress (similar); Urban Outfitters fur stole; DV Dolce Vita heels (old); clutch via T.J.Maxx I can't believe it's already New Year's Eve. We're headed to a friend's to ring in the new year, and although I love a heavy dose of sparkle for the evening, sometimes you just can't beat a well-cut LBD. I picked up this one in New York and have been waiting for a fun night to put it on. (What's better than a new dress that you kind of forgot that you had?) Today I can't help but reflect a bit on the past year, and even more, I can't help but feel so blessed and grateful. Thank you so much for all the love and support in 2013, and here's to an even better 2014! So cheers to you, my fabulous readers, and cheers to party dresses, bold lips, high heels, and even higher spirits. Happy New Year, everyone! xoxo
2 Comments
Looking back on all my posts from 2013, I can't believe how much this little blog has grown. Over the past year it's given me the chance to meet so many amazing people, travel a bit, and genuinely do what I love to do. I am so very thankful for all the brands and campaigns that have made My Style Diaries possible and mostly for you, the readers. Through your clicks, Tweets, "Likes", and votes (and votes and votes and more votes), you've helped me to grow so much, and I'm so excited for what's ahead in 2014. So cheers to you, and wishing you all a fabulous New Year!
xoxo P.S. - For full outfit details, click on any picture for the full post. True Religion jeans; BDG shirt; H&M sweater; Trouve cape; Chinese Laundry flats (c/o); Forever 21 clutch; Baublebar necklace (c/o); Ray-Ban sunglasses; Henri Bendel and C.Wonder bracelets Well it was a warm and beautiful Christmas at the beach, and I couldn't have asked for a better time with family and friends. In the mornings and evenings it's still cold enough for a few winter layers, so I decided to throw on three Christmas gifts at once (the shirt, sweater, and cape) yesterday for dinner and a little shopping. I love the plaid paired with the fuzzy (and ultra-cozy) sweater, and I figured I'd go monochromatic by topping the oxblood skinnies with the similarly-hued cape. Hope you had a great holiday week, and happy Friday, everyone!
xoxo It's no secret that I've got a thing for accessories. Jewels and gems, scarves, sunglasses, and hats, I love them all. For me there's no better way to top off an outfit than with an accessory or five. That said, I'm pretty excited to team up with Wantable as their accessories expert for January. (Expert. Has a nice little ring to it, no?) If you're not familiar with Wantable, it's time to get in the know. Wantable is a subscription-based or one-time box of goodies in three different categories: makeup, accessories, and intimates. Once you choose your category (accessories for me, although I've tried out the makeup box as well and found a couple of new favorites for my beauty routine), you answer a series of short questions so that the in-house stylists get a feel for your preferences. The questions are quick and painless, and they help to make sure that your box contains your favorites. For me, I love scarves and statement jewelry, but I can't wear earrings and don't really like oversized sunglasses on my face. My Wantable box will never contain the items that I don't want, and they'll always include something that I really like.
Overall I'm super impressed with the site and the selection of goodies I've received so far. My first box contained the yummiest infinity scarf (above) that is just perfect for the holidays, a pair of sunglasses that I love, and a fun mixed-metals necklace. If you're looking to amp up your accessories collection for the new year or maybe just searching for that last minute gift, a subscription to Wantable may be just the thing. Check out the site, and take the quiz - a world of new accessories are just a few clicks away. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas Eve! xoxo I've always been a fan of one-shoulder dresses, and this silk little shift version from VAULT is no exception. It's a simple, no-fuss design, and I love the classic pleating at the shoulder. Paired with sleek nude heels, it's the perfect little number for a dressed-up Christmas or New Year's Eve. A couple of sparkly accessories (also scored from VAULT), a basic black clutch, and a red lip complete the look for an elegant, party-perfect feel. If you've got New Year's Eve plans and nothing to wear, VAULT has a ton of options, from basic LBD's to all-out sparkle (loving these skirts, here and here). And don't forget about accessories! The jewelry section of VAULT seriously has something for everyone, and for an affordable dose of holiday sparkle, you can't go wrong with Kristin Perry Accessories. Well the holidays are upon us, so hoping everyone has a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family and friends. xoxo P.S. - Don't forget to enter the Winter Glow Giveaway! Disclosure: This post is sponsored by VAULT, but all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make My Style Diaries possible.
With all the shopping and shindigs and general hustle and bustle of the holidays, the winter weather and stress can really take a toll on your skin. Above are a few of my favorite products to fight the winter blues beauty blues and get back your glowing skin, just in time for the new year. Plus, one lucky reader will win three of the products, so don't forget to enter below! Happy Friday! xoxo Get Glowing! 1. mum + bub soothing ointment $16 - This naturally-derived ointment from trusted baby brand aden + anais is the end-all cure for skin problems from chapped lips to cracked feet (and diaper rash, for the babies in your life). During the winter months, my lips are constantly dry and chapped, so I use this ointment every night before bed to soothe and protect my pout. (Enter to win below!) 2. Kathleen Neilson Ultimate Scrub $32 - Created by a Newport Beach-based aesthetician, this scrub is a gentle and effective way to buff away dead skin and general garbage that has settled on your face. Kathleen and her clientele have some of the best skin that I've ever seen. Seriously, she knows what she's doing. (And her facials are pretty much to-die-for if you're in the Orange County areas.) (Enter to win below!) 3. Manna Kadar Sheer Glow $29 - This one I received as part of my last Wantable box, and I'm hooked. (If you aren't familiar with Wantable, it's a really great subscription or one-time beauty, accessories, or lingerie box. You take a quick quiz, and they send you a box with only the things you're interested in. It's a great way to discover new favorites, like I did.) One little pump of this stuff is all you need for cheeks, the bridge of your nose, eyelids, and brows for an allover glow. 4. Kathleen Neilson Radiance Boost $32 - Use this topical exfoliator on its own or in combination with the Ultimate Scrub. This solution contains fruit acids to help lift skin discolorations, minimize pores, and reveal clearer, more radiant skin. (Enter to win below!) 5. Intelligent Nutrients Anti-Aging Total Body Elixir $52 - (Because your face isn't the only skin that needs a little love.) I was never one to use oils on my face or body, but this one changed my mind. It's pretty thick and doesn't leave me greasy. I use it as an amazing body moisturizer right when I get out of the shower, and the smell is amazing. Enter to Win These! Enter to win the products above using the prompts below. Don't forget to leave a comment! Good luck!
H&M sweater dress and over-the-knee socks; Sam Edelman boots; Zara scarf (serious favorite); Nordstrom hat; Calvin Klein sunglasses This week I've been on a bit of a cleaning spree, and I've realized that...I own a scarf or two...too many. Now I'm never one to admit too much of a good thing, but a scarf overload in our little beach house has happened. So I'm on a bit of a purge as of late, but the point of this little rant is that I have a thing for scarves. And I have a big thing for this one. It feels like one of those Christmas tablecloths my mom used when I was little, and it's warmer than all get-out (something that has actually been a negative lately during our 70 degree days, but just go with it). I've convinced myself that it goes with everything, and I'm suddenly one of those "plaid people". It's the perfect way to liven up a basic grey sweater dress (that I scored for $10 and am currently kicking myself for not buying the navy version as well but we'll save that for another day...). It's been a bit gloomy here, but you can't keep me down - it's five days until Christmas Eve, and this elf is feeling jolly. Hope everyone else is having a great week! xoxo Sometimes the best gifts are the ones you don't really want to spoil yourself with. As someone who loves clothes (and accessories...and shoes...and makeup...), I don't often treat myself to those wear-at-home pieces that don't make it out of the house. That said, I always enjoy getting those nice little at-home luxuries as gifts. A nice candle, cozy blanket, or toasty pair of slippers, and I'm one happy camper. Above are just a few indulgences that I think are perfect for the girl who could probably use a night in or lazy day anyway. (And for the record, I would totally buy these cute sweatpants, wear them with the awesome white tee and scarf, add a leather jacket and booties, and call it a day. Voila, house clothes out on the town.) So what hard-to-buy-for friends and family are still on your list? xoxo Shop These Gifts! 1. Zara Grey Velour Trousers $36
2. H&M Faux Fur Blanket $80 3. Six Twenty Long-Sleeved Round Neck Tee $30 4. Juicy Couture Sleep Essential Robe $88 5. Aritzia Flambee Scarf $80 6. Voluspa French Bourbon Vanille Candle $20 7. Ugg Ansley Slipper $100 Holiday season is in full swing, and so is my obsession with all things holiday style. I always kick off the season with a little jeweled this or a little sequined that, and by mid-December, jewels, studs, and sequins (oh, my!) are all I can think about. They're everywhere, and it seems that every dress, skirt, and clutch is better than the next. Recently while scrolling around the dress selection on VAULT, I spotted this studded sweater dress by Yuka Paris and immediately knew it was holiday perfection. While I don't need any help creating curves (especially during the holiday season), I think this dress would be perfect for the girl that does. The studs emphasize (or create) an hourglass and definitely dress up a basic black sweater dress. The sweater material itself is ultra-soft and so cozy. For colder weather, I'd love pairing this sweater dress with a simple coat (in pretty much any color), but unfortunately we've had a little warm spell lately. Basic black heels, a small leather bag, and a bold red lip are all you need to finish the holiday style. Hope everyone is having a great week and an even better holiday season!
xoxo P.S. - Head over to the VAULT Blog to check out other great holiday style and gift ideas! Trouve leggings; BCBGeneration sweater; Margaret O'Leary coat (c/o); Franco Sarto booties (similar); Nordstrom hat; Baublebar necklace (c/o); Ray-Ban sunglasses When it comes to getting warm, I'm all about a little sweater on sweater action, and this sweater coat from Margaret O'Leary is the perfect fit and length for layering. Paired with leather-front leggings and a cozy tunic sweater, it beats a stiff coat when temperatures are above freezing. (And here, freezing temps are pretty rare. It's December 16th, and the high for today is 81 degrees. Seriously. You can find me at the beach.) A favorite hat, dark cherry booties, a statement necklace, and a carry-with-everything black clutch completed the look. Hope everyone had a great weekend and is staying warm wherever you are!
xoxo |