Run Around Chic

Getting Healthy

I’ve been ill all year, my doctor says it’s longterm Covid, meaning a flare up of an existing autoimmune disease has roared it’s ugly head. My body is achy, my muscles hurt and my hands and feet get swolled beyound recognition. I’ve been on steriods and am now on a protocol to get off of using them. I have moon-face, like serious moon-face.

However getting off the steriod is noticable on my face, my muscles and body can feel it. I am on new medication that is supposed to nip the flare-up in the bud, still waiting for that to kick in.

Anyway, I am working on my overall health and started investing in vitamins and this wonderful elixir from R.S Koso, it’s a bit expensive, but my stomach is always happy.

I also started adding the Gut Microbiome Superpowder to my smoothies, although I feel it’s best taken in 16oz of water. It’s been working and I feel less bloated.

I am also adding this Metabolism Bosting Superpowder to either my smoothie or coffee in the mornings, I just ordered my 2nd box too. I am trying to make better decisions when it comes to my health.

Here’s to feeling better!!

Beauty Replenishment

Honestly I don’t use enough beauty products to have to replenish, but in this instance I did. I re-added to my beauty arsenal the Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray, it thickens your hair whether you blowdry it or not and thickens your hair over time. I also recently discovered a new way to blowdry, simply hold the brush closer to your crown and blowdry at closer range. I just don’t know when I will be blowdrying my hair next.

Sadly, I still haven’t recovered from the pandemic, I am more of a wash-wear gal now and I dont see an end in sight. I need help.

Another item I re-bought is the VB x Augustinus Bader Cell Rejuvenating Priming Moisturizer in Golden. I found this liquid gold helpful in bringing life to my skin, since I have not been wanting a full makeup look like I did before the pandemic.

Here’s to getting more of a permanent routine!

Additions

Lately I’ve been hankering for silver jewlery. So many women are wearing it stylishly and it has me intrigued. I tend to only wear it when traveling to Mexico, it’s low-key and versatile. My question is, how do you choose what jewelry to wear in the mornings?

I love Kumi’s style, and how she is wearing her silver. I am also lamenting the departure of winter. It’s 83 degrees here today and tomorrow in the city it will be 69. I am still wrestling with myself over wardrobe. Do I wear my clothes that will need to be dry-cleaned or not? Do I break out my new pink sneakers? Do I wear my boots with a dress-shirt dress? Do I wear linen pants, a dress shirt and sneakers? I know, first world problems. Trust me, there are other issues at play but I choose to focus on the wardrobe ones, it’s saner.

There are other earrings I want, I bought the Anine Bing AB X MVB Rope Link Earrings ($130) you see above, they are a good size and I can wear them with my silver Tane ring that I picked up in DF several years ago.

What’s so funny is that I was at the Cuyana shop over the weekend and saw a necklace and I now can’t stop thinking about it. I think it’s best to just not leave the house somtimes, everytime I leave I spend money.

Here’s to Silver or Gold!

Transitioning into Spring

It’s not easy getting into Spring, the weather in SF is still windy, verging on cold. Just the other day I skipped wearing a sweater and coat and regretted it when I saw a lovely woman wearing a camel turtleneck and long coat. I lamented my wardrobe choice, as usual I did get a bit lazy and just don’t feel inspired enough to wear my other pieces and then spend money on dry cleaning.

I don’t go out enough to be able to shop my closet, and tend to wear the same things over and over again. I know, first world problems and for that I apologize.

Instagram for me is a source of inspiration, where I save photos of a life I want for myself, alhtough I know that most Instagram photos are not proof of a life well-lived, they still inspire. I just want to have the best life possible, for me.

The other day I was scrolling as usual and stumbeled upon this photo and all of the sudden I had the urge to buy a pink pair of sneakers.

And I did, I knew Net-a-Porter would have something fun and within my budget. I ended up buying the Air Jordan 1 Low velvet sneakers, they arrived and I am-in-love with them. Now I am looking for ideas on how to wear them with my existing wardrobe.

They are confortable and super pretty. I bought hoseiry already that I can wear with them and have the right pair of jeans – I just need to try it all on, as we learn that somethings are only good in theory and not in real-life.

However I like them so much I am tempted to get another pair. The velvet sneakers I am considering are the Jordan Series .05 velour sneakers, they can also be found on Net-a-Porter.

Velvet sneakers in a bright hue are the perfect way to transition into Spring, here’s to running around chic!

Can’t Get Into Spring

I know it’s Spring, but I can’t seem to get into it. California has experienced lot’s of rain and extreme colder conditions. I literally just pulled out my vintage YSL Patent leather tote, it wears well in the rain. I have been buying coats. Oversized coats to wear over all of my sweaters and sweats. I haven’t worn the Zara Fleece Coat yet, but I have been wearing my grey and black coats often.

I also discovered Dorsey, a jewelry brand that designs beautiful classic jewelry, I bought a Kate Round Cut Riviere necklace. Lab grown sapphires seems to be the way to go. I’ve been wearing it to bed and even pulled out my diamond studs.

I broke down and bought my Vejas – I can wear these with dresses and sweats, and they wear well in the rain.

Since the rain is showing no signs of stopping, I had to add an oversized raincoat to my wardrobe. I have two other black one’s, but they are sportier, and shorter.

One of my favorite presents this past Christmas was my new lip-balm, it literally is the best lip-balm ever, a little pricey but worth it.

There has been more sweaters from H&M and Zara that I ordered a month ago, their cashmere is nice and so far no pills.

Here’s to a continued Winter in the City!

Reproductions

Leave it to Zara to pay homage to an iconic piece of jewelry . Maria Felix, Mexico’s most iconic actress walked into Cartier and pulled out of her bag her pet baby crocodile and asked Cartier to make her a necklace, brooch, bracelet, etc. Which has become coveted like the iconic Verdura cuffs worn by Coco Chanel.

As everyone knows, that even if you have the budget for pieces like that, it would still be difficult to find.

Crocodile Brooch $$27.90 @Zara.com — Crocodile Brooch $27.90 @Zara.com

I bought the necklace and my sister Wendy insisted I purchase the matching brooch. I was tempted to get the bracelet, but that would be too much. All can be found @Zara.com.

Here’s to running around chic!

Paris Dispatch

Birkenstocks have been around for decades, popular among the surfers, skaters and deadheads. I personally associated them with the Haight Ashbury, a part of SF I hardly visited. Mind you not because I didn’t want to, just the places I frequented were in South Beach, the Mission, Soma, and the Marina.

I finally made my purchase, I made it right after I saw this photo. I hesitated because I have narrow feet and I’ve made many mistakes, example is the Donald Pliner version I bought many years ago, that I still own. I had to get Mr. Santos, the best cobbler in SF to pad them for me.

It wasn’t until the 1990’s that the fashion set finally joined the bandwagon, all thanks to Kate Moss, the ultimate ‘It Girl” about town. I always felt they were too granola for me, but I’ve changed my mind. I just wish I could wear them to the office.

Now, I just hope they fit so that I can purchase the other two colors and then maybe get creative with my choices.

Here’s to running around chic…..

Preparing for Summer Vacation

Balloon Sleeve Dress $99 @H&M.com; Espadrilles Castaner Carina 60 $145.00 @Net-a-Porter.com; Sunglasses Les Specs $45.00 @Net-a-Porter.com

I know I said I didn’t need anything for summer vacation, it’s more like a three-day weekend in Mexico City. We are going to my cousins wedding at the end of October and the weather is supposed to be just like summer. So, I am calling it summer vacation. Since I collect kaftans and dresses, I ordered this higher-price point dress from H&M. I plan on wearing it with my Cuyana leggings and the Castaner Carina 60 espadrilles.

I also realized that I couldn’t really bring along my daily sunglasses, so I ordered two pairs of sunglasses from Les Specs, they were on sale at Net-a-Porter.

Here’s to planning Summer Vacations……

Health and Wellness

I haven’t been feeling well lately, too many issues to count. There are a few things I have control over at the moment and that’s what I choose to put into my body. I’ve been taking so many vitamins on an empty stomach for better absorption, that my body is starting to hate me. I decided I need to simplify the vitamin intake and start with basics that will get my stomach issues under control.

I heard that collagen is good for you, it helps with your skin, hair and nails, plus other things depending on the brand you buy. I also heard that a liquid form is best, easier to digest.

I also felt it was a good idea to drink a detox drink first thing in the morning before taking my probiotic and smoothie.

Since I am apparently lacking in vitamins and heard that lacking Vitamin D affects everything, I chose a vitamin d spray, just one spray and I’m all done. I can squeeze in my iron and vitamin c afterwards.

I once read an article were the doctor mentioned that if one is experiencing gut issues, that one should take as many probiotics as one could. Basically, taking more than 1 or 2 a day isn’t going to hurt you, but only help you. However, like in everything in life, moderation is key.

I invested in the Gut Microbiome Superpowder that I can add to my morning smoothie. This will help me clear out anything in my body I don’t need.

Another rule, I have to finish 16 oz of water first thing in the morning before indulging in anything coffee related or my smoothie.

I also chose to shop at Goop.com, because I trust Gweneth and Jean Godfrey-June.

Here’s to better health…..

Affordable Summer Kaftans & Dresses

Most people who know me know that I’ve never been into wearing dresses or kaftans. But something happened to me last September on my trip to Maui. I think because it was so hot that I finally bought kaftan’s from BlueGinger. They are under $200 and colorful, one reason why I hesitated was the colorful part, I tend to wear black, like a lot. I felt so comfortable wearing kaftans that now I collect them, I collect all kinds, from all brands and price-points.

I especially like the ones I can wash/wear, now that it’s summer I pulled them out and rotate them. I either wear them with Cuyana soft pants underneath or boy shorts. I like sitting anyway I want without being a source of entertainment.

I love buying summer dresses and kaftans from H&M, they are under $60 and wash/wear.

You can wear them around the house or run errands. Now I just have to keep my pedicure maintained and I can wear whatever shoes I want.

Here’s to Summer dressing…….

Summer In Europe

I’m wistful for being able to sit out on a patio sipping an Aperol Spritz. Wearing a summer dress and comfortable shoes, without a care in the world. Alas, nothing is planned yet, perhaps a trip into Santa Cruz would help, they do have wine tasting and whiskey tasting venues. I could order a sparkling wine mixed with a refreshing summer fruit.

Hopefully, soon I’ll find myself at Cafe de Flore, sitting outside for a whole afternoon and have all of my meals there……

What about you? Any summer plans?

What’s New in Beauty Now

Mandarin Melt Cleansing Balm $57 @Inyourfaceskincare.com

I am so tempted to make additional beauty purchases, but they say that if you buy things, you don’t need that you are stealing from yourself. However, the temptation is great.

I love In Your Face Skincare; the ingredients are the finest natural ingredients and botanical oils anyone can use to create healthy skincare. They just launched the newest item on the menu, a cleansing balm that is supposed to melt away the buildup of the day. It’s a nourishing emollient that removes dirt from pores and stubborn makeup. It sounds amazing.

Reflect Highlighter Stick $42 @Victoriabeckham.com

Another item I am tempted to buy is Victoria Beckham’s Reflect Highlighting stick. I love, love highlighters, especially in gold casing. This could go on my wish list, if someone asks me what I want for my birthday.

Here’s to healthy and beautiful skin…..

Replenishing The Beauty Cabinet

Beauty Elixir $88; Bright Spot Brightening Solution Set $79 @Caudalie.com

I honestly wasn’t planning on purchasing more Caudalie, until I saw the email for the new summer canvas tote. I immediately placed an order and secured the tote. I bought another larger bottle of the Beauty Elixer, I started using my travel bottles and decided that wasn’t a good idea. Especially since it seems that lately we have been going into Napa more often, it’s easier, eating outdoors and not being closed inside of confined spaces. I also added a giftset that includes the Vino Perfect, it’s for dark spots and radiant skin. The canvas tote is a gift with any $100 purchase.

Cain & Austin Miracle Pad+ $88 @Cainandaustin.com

I then placed an order for what I really needed, the Cain & Austin Miracle Pad+. Now this is genius, it helps with keeping acne away, it also brightens and reveals healthier skin. Right now, if you are a first-time buyer, you do receive 20% off. I usually purchase on other websites but went directly to Cain & Austin for this purchase.

Here’s to healthy summer skin……

Style Inspiration

Never has there been an Instagram account I’ve enjoyed so much; I literally love every photo and get inspired every day to plan my next ensemble for the next outing. Tamera @feelingfrench is a woman after my own heart, she’s not afraid to mix high-and-low and makes everything look très chic.

Jute Tote Bag $75 @Zara.com; Carina Canvas Wedge Espadrilles by Castaner @Net-a-Porter.com $145.00

Dior – Wildior S3U square-frame acetate $330 @Net-a-Porter.com

I plan on wearing my jute bag with my Chanel wallet on a chain and of course sneakers or my Anine Bing Lizzie slides. I am still debating on whether or not to buy a T-shirt dress, but I prefer looser fitting clothing.

Here’s to a Summer re-fresh and hooray for style inspiration……

The Tried & True

I recently discovered a little dark spot on the side of my left temple and it scared me. I know I’m older, but come on, I’ve been taking care of my skin since I was 15 years old. I decided to change my routine and began using my Caudalie again. Sometimes it pays to go back to basics. I invested in the VinoPerfect serum, the glycolic night cream and day cream. Plus I love misting my skin with the beauty elixir.

I also noticed that my eyelashes don’t look as thick and long, so I went back to using my Talika Lipocils, I apply that to my lashes and eyebrows twice a day. I am sure my dark spot was because I was poking at something, it’s not a sun spot but a trauma spot that will go away faster than an actual sun spot.

It pays to go back to the Tried & True, here’s to glowing skin this summer.