On the Turquoise Trail

Lately, I've been on the hunt for a fab turquoise ring to add to my Spring/Summer ensembles. While hardly a new trend, a bit of turquoise is a spring must for me.  It'll pair beautifully with whites, pinks/corals, yellows, nudes/tans, demim and of course black! Normally, my rings consist of $5 Forever 21 knockoffs, and honestly I couldn't be happier. I get more compliments on them! So, I actually started my search on the F21 site, and just wasn't loving anything. Somewhere along the way, I came across this little gem. Seriously, this ring has my heart!

Alexa Chung wearing "my" YSL ring

At $195, it's not a total bank-breaker, but thought I'd look into some more budget friendly options.

Here's what I found over at Shopbop:

1. Alexis Bittar Klimt Turquoise Ring $175

2. Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Cabochon Ring $132

3. Rachel Leigh Neon Gumball Ring $68

4. Alex and Ani Holly Vintage Bohemian Coctail Ring $58

Unusually Fine

Unusually Fine Photography is comprised of  Max & Margaret, who are both sought after artists in their own right. Together, they capture the most incredible images. Most recently, this team shot a beautiful wedding in Anguilla, and stayed to shoot "the day after" pictures. What a great idea, having professional photos taken of your 1st day of  marriage! You must check out the amazing-ness on their site.

As much as I adore their camera skills, I'm obsessed with the short films they make! They are so adorably charming! Check them out...

These videos make me want to brush up on my French!

Sunday Lilacs

Yesterday was such a gorgeous Sunday...perfect for Farmer's Market flower shopping! I love that every week there's an abundance of fresh blooms, at reasonable prices, making it easier to enjoy a bouquet more often. I was so excited when I remembered that it's Lilac season!

They only bloom once a year, but it's SO worth the wait. These delicate, tiny flowers produce the most amazing fragrance! ( which I think, is what this sign is trying to say...hahaha)

There were also a variety of mixed flowers, beautiful orchids, and some potted plants and rose trees.

Here are my lilacs after I clipped them down, pounded the stems with a hammer (so they'll drink water), and arranged them in a vase for my bedside table.

Don't you just love Spring?!

Happy { Sun-drenched } Weekend

After an exhausting work week, I'm planning on doing a whole lot of nothing this weekend. It's suppose to be in the 80's in LA, so a lazy day at the beach just may be in order.

Images {via}

I hope you all have a relaxing, sunny weekend!

There and Back

After doing this...

I now feel like this...

Sorry for the light post today, but I'll be back tomorrow when I feel human again.

xoxo,

Bren

Spring Cleaning

I’ve already been working on my closet, but Spring is also the perfect time to go through your makeup/skin care, and toss anything old or broken. We all know that makeup and skin care products don’t last forever, so it’s important to know their shelf life.

Here's a general guide:

• Skin Care: Anti-aging and acne treatments: Three months to a year. Antioxidants can oxidize, so be on the lookout for any changes in color.
• Body lotion: Two to three years, particularly if it’s in a pump container.
• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel: About three years.
• Bath oil: One year.
• Sunscreen: Check the package for an expiration date.
• Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Three to four months. Make sure you’re diligent about replacing these items to prevent contamination and infections.
• Eye and lip pencils: Three to five years. Pencils should be sharpened before each use as a way to preserve them and keep them clean.
• Lipstick and lip gloss: Two to three years.
• Foundation: About two years.
• Perfume: About two years. Resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity. It will last longer if stored in a cool, dark place.
• Nail polish: One year.
• Hairstyling products: Three to five years. Most are alcohol-based, which helps preserve the formula.

Some products may expire sooner depending on how they're stored, so use your best judgement. If it looks bad, and smells bad...it's probably bad. For more info on product expiration dates, check out this great article.

Frivolous or Frugal: Trench Coat

I'm about to head out of town for a quick work trip, and where I'm going isn't as warm and sunny as LA. I was thinking that a classic trench would be the perfect coat to take, except for one problem...I don't own one! Crazy I know! I won't have time to go shopping before I leave, but the second I get back it WILL be added to my wardrobe. With such a classic peice, I can easily justify spending the extra $$$ on the Burberry, but the Banana Republic version comes in petite sizes. Since I'm only 5'1, the later might be the best option.

What do you think - Frivolous or Frugal?

Song of the Day: The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

I completely fell in love with this song when I first heard it in (500) Days of Summer, and I adore it even more now that I've seen the video! I've posted before about roller skating here and here. You can imagine how giddy I was to see skating and The Temper Trap combined! Genius! Look for the skater at around the :55 mark. Enjoy!

Happy { Spring } Weekend

It's finally here and I couldn't be more excited! Tomorrow is the very first day, so let me start by saying....

Happy Spring!

This weekend I'll be putting away the rest of my Winter things for good, and making room for my Spring wardrobe. But, I'll also make some time to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. I hope you will too!

Have an amazing weekend!

Feeling Parched

My hair and skin are going through a major transition right now. My usually combination skin is now dry and peeling, and my hair seriously needs some added moisture. Lately, I find that I'm reaching for some of my heavier products that are working their magic to bring me back to life.

Currently in heavy rotation are:

Hair: MoroccanOil Intense Hydrating Mask $29

Face: La Mer Creme De La Mer $230

Body: Kiehl's Creme de Corps $27

 Lips: Laura Mercier Lip Silk $20

What are your go-to products when you're feeling a little parched?

The Luck of the Irish

Let's face it, everyone turns a little Irish on March 17th. (shhhh...I'm Swedish) Today, I'm making my famous Key-Lime cupcakes to celebrate "all things green" with my nephews. It's our tradition. Since I can't bake cupcakes for everyone, here's a virtual cupcake from me, to you!

{via}

And,  how about a little music? One of my favorite Irish singers, doing one of my favorite songs...Damien Rice singing The Blower's Daughter. Such an amazing song! The Blower's Daughter was featured in the trailer for the 2004 Mike Nichols film Closer, as well as in the film itself. You'll notice scenes from the movie are included in the official video.  

So, whether you celebrate with green beer, cornbeef and cabbage,  a shamrock shake or key-lime cupcakes...I wish you all a very lucky and festive St. Patrick's Day!

Seeing Green

Yesterday I was doing a little online shopping at Anthropologie, and came across some adorable peices that are begging to be worn on St. Patrick's Day! Incase you don't have your outfit all planned out, here are some fantastic options to keep you from getting pinched.

1. Blooming Lattice Cardigan - $168

2. Ridgeway Blouse - $88

3. Landing Field Skirt - $118

4. Cockadoodle Dress - $168

5. Dreaming in Green Skirt - $148

and...some green accessories to complete your ensemble.

1. Soaring Pistachio Platforms - $218

2. Necktie Tote - $168

3. Lucky Loop Flats - $158

4. Delicate Greens Posts - $24 

J'adore Green Decor

This typically "pink" girl is somehow being wooed by the color green. I'm not sure if it's the fact that St. Patrick's Day is this week, or just that Spring is in the air, but green feels right for the season. I'm thinking of adding a little green to freshen up my bedroom. Not a complete re-do, just a little pop of color to breathe new life into the space.  I went looking for some inspiration, and found so many drool worthy rooms, I had to share. I'm officially green with envy!

Images {via}

Happy { Spring Forward } Weekend

Can you believe it's time to turn the clocks forward? I LOVE having that extra daylight, though I'm not too happy about losing an hour of sleep. :( Still, the long days mean warmer weather is within reach. I'm SO ready! It's been a long week so I'm peacing out a little early today.  I hope you all have a relaxing, restorative weekend, and....

{ Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead }

Look, No Hands

I’m thinking that Spring/Summer is the perfect time to ditch my heavy handbags, and switch to a smaller, hands-free, cross-body satchel. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my large bags, and should since I’ve spent enough money on them.  But, there’s something liberating about not “kitchen sinking it” all the time. (carrying everything but the kitchen sink) These smaller bags are great when you only need the essentials like a phone, small wallet/credit cards and lipstick. Here are a few that I’m considering:

1.  Forever 21- $17.80

2.  Banana Republic - $150

3.  Anthropologie - $118

4.  Filson - $165

5.  Nordstrom - $298

Song of the Day: The XX - VCR

Oscar Roundup: Beauty

Oscars 2010 was all about romantic glamour, and Hollywood gave good face! (and hair) There were some definite beauty trends emerging from the red carpet...just in time for Spring!

Bold Lips:

From Left: Sandra Bullock, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Cameron Diaz

Sandra, Maggie and Cameron made a statement on the red carpet with their bold lips. Sandra wore a raspberry shade to add a pop of color to an otherwise classic look (Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Color in Paris), Maggie brightened up her pout with a fresh fuchsia tone (Nars in Schiap) and Cameron went with a warm tomato red (Chanel Lip Definer in Rouge and Chanel Rouge Coco Lip Color in Gabrielle).

Soft & Feminine:

From top left to right: Anna Kendrick, Kate Winslet, Rachel McAdams and Zoe Saldana

Soft, ethereal and romantic describe the makeup looks of Anna, Kate, Zoe and Rachel. All with slightly different versions of the same theme, they take "pretty" to a whole new level. Here's the breakdown:

  

Anna Kendrick (makeup by Sara Glick):

Cheeks:  tarte's natural cheek stain in eco-cheek on the apples of her cheeks.  Lips: tarte's LipSurgence natural lip stain in charmed (light pink) as a base, topped with tarte's double-ended lipgloss in samantha (used the samantha side-pale cotton candy pink) for added shine.

Kate Winslet (makeup by Jillian Dempsey):

Eyes: Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins (using the Raisin shade for definition), Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner in Black, Lancôme Brow Expert in Naturel, Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black. Face & Cheeks: Avon MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20, Lancôme Photôgenic Lumessence Foundation, Lancôme Dual Finish Powder Foundation, Shu Uemura Blush in Pink 30. Lips: Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge in Rich Cashmere, Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Hotness.

Zoe Saldana (makeup by Vera Steimberg for NARS Cosmetics):

Face & Cheeks: Orgasm Illuminator, Enchanted Cream Blush (Summer 2010), Lamu Multiple (Summer 2010). Eyes: Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base (Summer 2010), Brousse Duo Eyeshadow, Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo, Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara. Lips: Love Devotion Lipstick (Summer 2010), Ophelia Lip Gloss.

Rachel McAdams (makeup by Kayleen McAdams):

Eyes: CHANEL Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Fountain, rose gold shade in the CHANEL Quadra Eyeshadow in Spices, CHANEL Soft Touch Eye Shadow in Slate, CHANEL Inimitable Mascara in Noir. Lips: CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Rose Comete, CHANEL Glossimer in Futile

Modern Hollywood Glamour Hair:

From top left to right: Cameron Diaz, Anna Kendrick, Kate Winslet and Sandra Bullock

Cameron Diaz wore her hair in an updated version of a "Veronica Lake" style. She looked modern, sexy and glamorous. Great combo!

Anna Kendrick’s hair was young and modern. Her undone chignon was the perfect compliment to her romantic blush gown.

Kate Winslet also had "Veronica Lake" waves, but in a very polished, understated way. She was there to present, so this was the year to keep it classic and subdued. Kate always gets it right.

Best Actress winner, Sandra Bullock,  wore a sleek style with tons of shine. Her gorgeous brunette hair, had a barely there wave on the ends to soften the look. Perfect hair for her golden moment!

Honorable Mention:

Carey Mulligan and Kristen Stewart

What a differnce a little hair color makes! I'm loving Carey Mulligan's new blonde do. She looks so chic! Very Mia Farrow! 

Kristen Stewart had been rocking the dyed black-Joan Jett look, ever since filming The Runaways. It appears that she's lightened up her locks, going from drab to fab! The rich chestnut color compliments her pale skin, softening that rock-n-roll edginess. She looks like "Bella" again! 

All images via Getty Images or WireImage

Oscar Roundup: The Fashion

Romantic glamour ruled the red carpet at last night's Oscars, which personally I loved! Ruffles, frills, and trains took center stage, as Hollywood's A-List reminded us what movie stars should look like.
Here are my favorites:

Champagne:

 

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta, Kate Winslet in YSL, Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham

Ruffles:

Demi Moore in Atelier Versace, Elizabeth Banks in Atelier Versace

Edgy Glam:

Carey Mulligan in Prada, Kristen Stewart in Monique Lhullier

Prints:

Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten

and my favorite look of the night...

Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab

Red Carpet Kolour

This is a HUGE day, and I mean HUGE! Today is the day that my friend and mentor, celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip, is launching her very own line of body glow called Red Carpet Kolour or RCK. Just in time for the biggest red carpet event of the year!

I was one of the select, lucky few that got sample jars of the product, before being beautifully packaged in red. I mean the packaging alone is gorgeous! I can't even begin to say how A-M-A-Z-I-N-G the product is! I've been using it on all of my clients for months now, with unbelievable results everytime.

RCK is a luminous body lotion that provides coverage for blemishes, veins, cellulite, stretch marks, age spots and wrinkles. Who doesn't need that? And the best part...it DOES NOT transfer to your clothes! No more stains from body makeup, or bronzers containing self tanner. RCK comes in three shades; light, medium and dark, so there's a color for every skin tone.

"Red Carpet Kolour will be made available to the public for the first time exclusively on QVC’s The Buzz on the Red Carpet, Live from L.A. with host Lisa Robertson. Red Carpet Kolour designer Joanna Schlip will be featured along with Cindy Crawford, Isaac Mizrahi and Rachel Zoe!"

Friday, March 5, 2010

The Buzz on the Red ...Carpet, Live from L.A. – Joanna Schlip – Isaac Mizrahi – Cindy Crawford

6-9PM PST / 9-12PM EST

Be sure to order your bottle of RCK before they sell out!

   Happy { Oscars }Weekend! 

Two Month Anniversary

{via}

Chasing Beauty is Two Months Old Today!

Just want to say a big THANK YOU to all of my faithful readers, and ask that you please tell all of your friends about Chasing Beauty. I have big things in store for Spring! Also, if you have any feedback you'd like to share, or anything you like me to blog about, please feel free to comment. I'd love to hear what you think!

xoxo,

Bren