The {WE}ekend

I'm not sure there are a sufficient amount of words in the English language to describe how magical last weekend was. An impromptu Hamptons getaway, breakfast on the beach, sipping Champagne on our private beachfront deck, shopping on Main St., an early dinner at Citta Nuova, and a long (trafficless) drive home at sunset...

 {a floor to ceiling bleach white room with crisp lavender scented sheets}

 {Zara linen tunic, Mossimo harem pant}

 {waves crashing along the shore-- a pleasant lullaby to fall asleep to}

 {Alice + Olivia sequin frock, featured here, gold Havaianas}

 {paper lanterns at a local flower shed}

 {best fries and gooey mozzarella}

{one day this set will serve as my breakfast table}

Velvet Reign

Looking for a way to glam-up your get-up? Look no further. While breaking preconceived barriers, Velvet is no longer relegated to evening wear and emerges fresh for any season. Incorporating hints of this regal fabric into your everyday wardrobe adds a luxurious touch, and takes your ensemble instantly from picnic in the park to Breakfast at Tiffany's.

{1. Roger Vivier velvet tassel flat, $745; 2. Eva Green in Tom Ford; 3. Manolo Blahnik pink bootie, $1,350; 4. Alexander Wang oversize velvet sunglasses, $365}

Met Ball Blunders

Opinions, please! As Tinseltown's finest walked the red carpet at the Costume Institute Gala on Monday night, some stars hit the mark, while others... Not so much. Here are some looks I'm on the fence about. What do you think: Love it or leave it?

 {the 1940's called and want their skirt suit back!}

 {From the front Beyonce looks incredible. I love the Ombre train. From the back, "Well, that's one way to show you've lost all the baby weight, B!" - People Mag}

 {The before shot for a Jergen's Lotion ad}

 {I love this dress... for an US Weekly party. Her accessories totally dress down the look. This is the fashion OSCARS!}

 {Maybe if it were long?}

 {L.O.V.E.}

 {Gift wrapping gone wrong}

 {Yikes!}

{Double Yikes!!}

Spotted

I'm going through a major Polka dot obsession. I love how seemlessly mixing patterns becomes; these stylish spots can be mixed with virtually any fabric, style, cut and color (see Anne Hathaway). Trying this trend is an instant way to glam up an outfit! Daring Divas: you get bonus points for pairing polka dots and animal print or stripes.

Sealed with a Kiss

 

My lips are on the larger side and with that much surface area it's no wonder I am constantly clutching for the chap-stick (especially in the drier, cooler months). I leave a lip balm in every bag, blazer, and pocket I have, just to be sure I wont go a minute without sealing in some hydration. With the amount of lip products I purchase I can definitely attest to the most effective and below par products.

Bag It:

I discovered Bag Balm many years ago and I still use the smooth salve. Originally intended to ease chapped utters while milking cows in Vermont, Bag Balm has evolved into a multi-purpose product ranging from lips to babies bottoms! My favorite thing is to rub some into the soles of my feet at night. I then wear a cozy pair of socks for maximum absorption, and when I wake up the next morning my skin feels baby soft.

My friend pulled a small tube of Aquaphor out of her bag to heal a cut I once had. I asked her what it was and she replied, "I dunno, something they use in my Dad's office." Being the renowned plastic surgeon that her father is, I knew this had to be serious stuff. Indeed, Aquaphor locks in moisture for hours, leaving lips silky smooth. And because it lasts so long, you are spared sifting through handbags to apply more and more.

Finally, I've saved the best for last-- Lucas' Papaw Ointment. After studying the Carica Papaya tree in 1906, T.P. Lucas discovered its natural healing properties, deeming the wondrous plant "one of the most outstanding trees in the world." He went on to develop many cures and remedies from the papaya extract found in the native Australian trees. Ever since my friend from down under brought me back a tube, I never board a flight without it! Thanks D :)

(Not So) Lazy Sunday

What began as a slow start this morning evolved into an uberly jam-packed afternoon. I was so grateful for my Rachel Roy studded gladiator sandals. With all the walking we did, the cushioned soles gave me the perfect amount of support to get through the day sans complaining of blisters and foot-aches (which was an unexpected and welcome change for my poor boyfriend). Our jaunt through the city included a Coffee Bean pit-stop-- to evoke the LA weather we're having-- eyeing the jewels and gems at my favorite flea markets, scoping out furniture at the Jonathan Adler store, and we even snuck in a 15 minute stint at the Met before its closing.

{Gap jean top, YSL leather skirt, Rachel Roy gladiators, Banana Republic necklace, Nordstrom cuff, Rebecca Minkoff bag, vintage trench coat}

Jetting Off on the Jitney

As summer in the city draws nearer (ever so slowly,  go away rain and 50 degrees!) the thought of long sunny days lounging on the beach-- sunnies, iced tea-lemonade and ipod on hand-- comes to mind. Just dreaming about the lazy strolls along Main Street makes me dream about the perfect weekend wardrobe to accompany it. Transitional items are a must for anyone looking to maximize wow-factor and minimize packing space. A few key pieces are all you need to look your East Hamptons best.

#1 Embellished Cuff
The rose gold and gems on this cuff are a fresh combo for summer, adding sophistication and glamour when paired with a billowing caftan. Wear it stacked or as a statement piece. Look for less, here.

#2 A Bit of Sparkle
Something about wearing white in the summer just feels right. I'd pair this dress with a crisp peach blazer and a cool clear plastic clutch (check out Chanel's Cassette Clutch) for a late lunch/ early dinner.

#3 Shoe Stoppers

I am of the camp "more is more" when it comes to shoes. The crazier the shoe gets the more I love it. Charlotte Olympia just does it right.  

#4 Sunnies
Shield your eyes from harsh sun rays in style with this gorgeous eye candy.

#5 Tye-Dye

Summer wouldn't be summer without tye-dye. It's like the 'something blue' at a wedding. The fabric is light and easy for those warmer climates. Added bonus: this top doubles as a cute beach cover-up!

Fame Chaser

The iconic photographer, Herb Ritts achieved his own notoriety by photographing other famous celebrities in the height of Hollywood Glamour. “Herb Ritts: L.A. Style” is now on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum and the wide array of portraits, editorials and nudes explain how the perfectly apt title proves Herb as the epitome of true LA style. Here is a sample of the black and white images flanking the exhibit walls. Be sure to check it out.