Run 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.

The Straw Bag

I haven’t purchased a straw bag yet. I can’t decide on a shoulder bag or a hand carry. The photos motivate me to get a shoulder bag, but the handle version is cute too.

I also marvel at these women, who manage to always look chic and pulled together, I wonder sometimes if I look like that, but then I am my own worst critic. One of my co-workers recently said that I would be fun to shop with, that my style inspires theirs and that made me happy. Why? Because I love spending money, but only on items that will stand the test of time.

I’m getting summer fever and can’t wait for my little upcoming adventure into Napa in a few weeks.

Here’s to the summer straw bag……

It’s All About The Skin

Jet Lag Mask $49 @SummerFridays.com; @Netaporter.com

I’ve been obsessed with my skin lately. I’ve been using my Vichy Peptide Ampoules, my Medik8 Peptide Oil, and I recently bought Skinceuticals’ Glycolic Cleanser. I tried my new Jet Lag Mask by Summer Fridays last night and love it. My skin woke up glowing, hydrated and I swear firmer too.

However, I splashed cold water on my skin and slathered on my CRÈME DE LA MER this morning and my skin is loving it. Oh and I almost forgot, my sister told me last night at dinner that my skin looked really good. She asked me what I was using and I told her, Peptides.

Going back to the office for two days begins on May 3rd. I feel like I am all set now, no need to shop anymore, unless it’s my birthday present or Christmas present, let’s cross our fingers.

Here’s to Happy Skin……

The Striped Sweater – Part 2

Looks like the striped sweater is here to stay, it has become a wardrobe staple for all seasons. I just found one that I feel I can wear without looking too commercial.

I kind of want the Navy and white striped sweater too, but I don’t have anything that would really go with it and the rule is that whatever I buy has to work with at least three items in my closet. If I found a long navy skirt, perhaps.

Here’s to the striped sweater……

What Women Are Wearing Now

All of these women are stylish, inspiration for the rest of us. Ladies, it’s time to shop my closet. I’ve spent the last two years updating myself, and I start going back into the office on May 3rd. Grant it I’ll only be going in two days a week, for starters, then after August to three days a week and two days at home.

I literally miss the days I used to plan what I was going to wear the night before, I don’t like rushing and prefer to take my time. I pulled out my Cuyana work tote for the occasion as it’s not flashy. I am glad that I am able to shower the night before and make myself look presentable the next morning, that was thanks to the pandemic.

Although I have everything I need, footwear, clothes, makeup, skincare and foundations. Not to forget fragrance and hair product. I’m all set, are you?

Here’s to running around chic…..