Fall Preview

{headband: Scunci, sunglasses: Ralph Lauren, lipstick: Chanel, blouse: Calvin Klein, v-neck: J.Crew, pleated skirt: vintage, argyle socks: stolen from fiance, heels: Dolce Vita, jewelry: J.Crew, Nikki B, Nordstrom}

Though we don't want to admit it, summer is sadly winding down, and fall is turning a new leaf. But on the bright side, changing temps, means changing wardrobes! With all the 90's revival looks gracing runways, a back-to-school look is a must this Fall-- and no one does this better than Cher Horowitz, in her signature plaid blazers, pleated skirts, and knee-highs to boot. Thus, I am all clad in my back-to-school gear, channeling my inner Cher, complete with knee-highs, headband, collared shirt and sweater. Now all I need is a step-brother boyfriend... AS IF!

Inspiration

These are a few things that have been inspiring me lately...

 {anyone who knows me will tell you this Tea tin isn't nearly big enough to hold the amount of tea I consume!}

 {a whimsical lighting display}

 {hand woven bin made from recycled sari's}

 { I love that the fabric covering the chairs is prints of other chairs}

 {a vintage tele}

 {assortment of intricately carved smoking pipes}

 {I love all the vibrant colors}

{if Chanel had a dragonfly it would look like this...}

Versatile Blogger Award

Thank you FallinLove and Blogo'sphere for this wonderful award! I am overwhelmed and humbled by your continued support. The best part of my day is getting to read all your lovely, funny and touching comments and emails! I read each one and it puts the biggest smile on my face! So thanks again. Love you all...

Xx, Effie

In keeping with the tradition, here are 7 facts to know about me:

1. I hate peanut butter, but love Reese's Pieces
2. I rearrange my furniture about once a month. I'm always experimenting with new looks and like to keep things fresh and exciting. My favorite covet piece right now is the Ghost Buster by Kartell
3. I always have a candle burning and when I travel it's my must-have item. My signature scent is Byredo's Bibliotheque (it means Library!)
4. I love dressing uniquely. It is the best feeling when people stop me in the street to compliment my outfits or ask for my advice in stores
5. I am THE BEST bargain finder. My greatest purchase was an Iisli skirt marked down from $365... I paid $5!
6. I am getting married in 163 days :)
7. My favorite activity is going to look at open-houses. I love getting inspired by others styles and basing outfits off of different patterns and home decor

Summer Lovin'

{Mimosa sipping, caftan donning, poolside lounging...}

Pineapple Mimosa with Strawberry Ice-Cubes:    

*  12 oz.  fresh pineapple juice

*  6 oz. lime juice 

*  2 cups ice cold water

*  6 cups pink champagne, chilled

*  1/2 cup sugar

*  strawberry ice cubes (recipe to follow)

Directions:

*  Combine pineapple juice, lime juice, and water. Chill well. Before serving, carefully pour in champagne. Add Strawberry Ice Cubes to each pitcher before serving. Makes about 3 quarts or 12 servings.

Strawberry Ice Cubes:

* Fill two ice cube trays with cleaned fresh strawberries (halve or quarter any larger berries if necessary). Add water. Freeze until firm.

Look of the Day: Ponytail

With temperatures on the rise, it is oft too hot to sport tresses sans any sort of updo, which is why the ponytail has become a summer essential for hair-care. From fishtails to braids, to twirls and twists, there are so many ways to prop up your pony in fresh and exciting ways. Go ultra-glam with a sleek sophisticated pulled back style or opt for whimsical wisps as seen above. Here are a few of my favorite looks this season...

Glam Gal

One my favorite activities is experimenting with different make-up looks. In general, my beauty routine is pretty simple: I start with a tinted spf moisturizer (which is super important-- wrinkles are never cute!) Next I swipe on some mascara and blush. I rotate between my Tarte cheek-stain in Flush-- when going for the dewy sun kissed look-- and Nars Desire when feeling more fun and flirty. I finish it off with a couple dabs of clear lip balm. Today though, I was feeling more glamourous so I let my beauty look follow suit by channeling Old Hollywood/Marilyn Monroe with cat eyes and a red lip. Here I am wearing Ecriture De Chanel (liquid liner), and Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in #41. 

 {I always feel that a liquid eye liner gives you more control when applying}

{kiss kiss!}

Hot Stepper

 {zara top, h+m skirt, zara sandals, michael kors bag}

I can hardly contain my compulsive need to wear an article of the clothing the second I buy it, and unless I find a bathroom nearby to swap my outfit for the latest purchase, I am sure to be caught red-handed in it the next day! Is that normal?? These leopard flats I found at Zara were no exception. I buckled the strap as soon as my credit card was swiped! I need help...

 {some sparkle for a little extra pizazz}

 {lunch at one of my fave spots... cafe rimon in jerusalem!}

 {enjoying the views from the old city}

 {extremely spicy hot sauce}

Lacey Lady

{BB Dakota lace top, Free People shorts, Michael Kors heels, Rebecca Minkoff bag, Nordstrom cuff}

One of the prettiest cities in Israel is Raanana, which has a landscape reminiscent of Beverly Hills. We spent the day wandering around and stumbled upon this beautiful park where patrons can go for a gondola ride in the pond and watch the wild birds splash around in the water. I had never seen a pelican in person before so when I nearly bumped into this one I was a bit startled to say the least! I liked the combination of a lace top and inlaid lace in the shorts. To me it felt like symmetry, which is always a good thing in fashion.

 {Essie nice is nice nail polish}

 {pink straps in homage to the Pink Series!}