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SUNDAY SNAPSHOT

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I realized recently that while I do share a good amount of myself on Instagram, on my blog I tend to write posts that focus on just one thing. A new pair of shoes, a trip I've taken, a single outfit. But what I really feel would be more interesting is sharing a quick snapshot of things in my life currently. Not just one thing, but sort of a mixed bag of maybe the shops that I'm loving, things I've got going on in my day-to-day, or even new products I'm trying out. I'm going to try to make this a weekly feature, so if you're into it, leave a comment below.





SPRING UPDATING
With Spring truly just around the corner here in LA, I've been doing a little rearranging in my house as of late. And while I'll be sharing a full blogpost on the new pieces of furniture and decor I've updated with, on here I thought it would be nice to show just one little corner. I've had this triangle shelf for a while now, and I love it as a display piece for the current things in my life. On it right now:


  • My PLFcandle // Did you know I designed my own candle that you can shop and have in your own home? I've gained some new faces around here, and maybe you don't know - but here it is!
  • Dried flowers from my wedding // my bouquet was all camomile which you can see in my wedding blog post here.
  • Incense Burner // I picked up this incense burner from Anthropologie last month and I love how it looks. Inside, I burn these incense pyres from Blackbird. The burner is sold out, but hopefully will come back in stock at some point!
  • A new haiku // I attended a BHLDN preview last week, and they had a lovely lady writing beautiful haikus at the event. She wrote me one about the ocean that reads : when the mist is thick / and before the endless sun / her eyes touch the sea.



NEW PRODUCTS
I've added a few new products into my repertoire, and while I didn't plan on it, I ended up shooting some photos of my current favorites while staying the night at The Nomad Hotel in downtown LA. Here's what I happened to pack along for the staycation:




TMI?
Another new product that has been gracing my bathroom vanity that I haven't been sure how to tell you about? Fur Oil. That's right - it's an oil specifically for your pubic hair. And if that sentence makes you uncomfortable, you're not alone. It's weird to talk about, but even weirder that this didn't exist sooner. The bottle is lovely to look at, the scent is incredible, and I gotta be honest - I'm a fan. Too much information? I used to think so, but I'd like to shake my hang-ups and stigma about talking about things like body hair. And if Emma Watson is a fan, that's good enough for me. PS: My new nail polish color is called Going My Way or Norway by OPI.



OUR BEDROOM
This is what our bedroom currently looks like. You might be asking - where on earth did your bed go? Well, we had a crummy IKEA frame that broke underneath us in the middle of a deep sleep. Easily the scariest way I've woken up as of late, but a nice excuse to shop for a better bed. I hunted around and found this frame that will be delivered this week. Until then, it's mattress-on-the-floor city here. Next up, I'll be searching for a headboard, which has proved rather tricky since I don't know quuuuite what I want. And since I know you'll ask - the quilt here is unfortunately vintage, but underneath is a lovely duvet from Buffy with a new linen cover from Sezane. I know you can't see it, but they're both quite cozy and we've been loving sleeping cocooned in them.



HAWAII
And just as another little snapshot - all this week I've been working on planning details for our upcoming trip to Hawaii. Specifically, Oahu. I haven't shared a ton about the trip just yet, mostly because it's a family vacation! Eric and I have been so lucky to travel a lot together, and we're realizing more and more how little those around us get to do the same. So we're going to be taking more family and friend trips - to get to experience things with the people we love. First up is our trip to Oahu with Eric's parents. We can't wait! I'm deep into swimsuit shopping online, my current favorites being this suit from Matteau and this one from Peony Swimwear. But, since I'm on a budget, I was happy to score this Lover Swimsuit secondhand for $40.





SUNDAY SNAPSHOT [March 25th]

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Sunday Snapshot is a weekly series on PrettyLittleFawn in which I share a little bit of everything in a 'slice of life' format. It's a mixed bag of what I'm up to, trips I'm planning, new purchases that I think you should know about (and direct links so you can shop too!), and the beauty products I'm adding to my routine. Instead of a blog post about just one thing, it's a little bit of a hodge podge for you to read through while sipping your Sunday coffee. Enjoy!



BED SWEET BED
Last week I shared the story behind our bed collapsing underneath us, and that we had hunted down this frame from West Elm. The bed arrived this week, and I gotta say - it feels so good to not be sleeping on the ground any longer. Next up, we'll try to find a cool headboard. Something I was still searching for last week and probably will spend the next few weeks tracking down. Why are headboards so hard to find?

WEDDING BLISS
And now we come to the biggest part of my week - my best friend got married just last night! This whole week was spent preparing for the big day, including Nalangu and Mehendi gatherings at her parents house on Thursday. I wore my first Sari, had my first henna put on (I love it), and then we all drove out to the desert. Dayanita and Michael were wed in Palm Springs with Eric in the audience and me standing alongside as a bridesmaid. I admit, I cried during their first dance, but only because I've never known two people to care for each other more. Watching your best friend of over 20 years tie the knot is something so special, and I'm so glad I got to take the time off to come out to the desert and be a part of it. 





RATE AND SUBSCRIBE
Some of you probably already know it, but I'm starting to delve into the weird and wonderful world of YouTube! I've posted a few videos (my Chloé video shot in Joshua Tree and this cute little video featuring Eileen Fisher and Mops), and this week I added another one to my channel. I want to start doing more vlog-type videos, and while I'm not sold on the idea of talking to the camera just yet, I am into the idea of using them as a recap of trips and big days. My latest video shows our whole Chloé Nomade experience that we had the honor of being a part of. Check it out below and - I can't believe I'm saying this - make sure to subscribe to my channel! I'm going to be posting a lot more soon.



200K
I cannot believe this, but I am crazy close to the 200k mark on Instagram. I try not to set too much stock by that number at the top of my page - mostly because I know that 10 engaged and active followers is worth more than a million people who don't care. I've been really lucky that from the start I've had followers who are really involved. You know my dog's name, what TV shows I binge on Sunday nights (with potstickers!), you ask questions when you see something you like, and you remember the smallest details. 

I have THE BEST followers and when I speak with other bloggers about it, I realize how incredibly lucky I am. I don't want to make a big fuss about the 200k mark, but I would like to host a giveaway on the day. What sort of things would you be interested in receiving in a giveaway? Would a big box of 'My Favs' be something you'd like? A Sezane giftcard, bath products, home goods, and maybe some beauty products? Let me know below! I want it to be a BIG prize as a thank you.




MAIL CALL
If you follow my IG stories, you might have caught that I had an insanely good mail day last week. I don't really like to post 'blogger mail' too often. It can feel a bit braggy and I know plenty of people that aren't interested in seeing it. But sometimes, when all the good stuff shows up on one day, I can't help myself. To be fair, I try to share products I've purchased as well as gifted product to keep things honest. The things I'm most excited about that arrived this week are :
  • Le Labo Shower Gel // I'm a huge fan of Le Labo. Eric and I both wear their fragrances and I'm hooked on this Charcoal Face Mask from them. This shower gel arrived in the mail as a total surprise, and while I'm a bath freak, it is making me want to take more showers to have just a quick indulgence. Le Labo products aren't cheap, but the quality is incredible, and it's a brand I always come back to.
  • Everlane // Not pictured because I've already worn everything that came in the box and it's currently in the washing machine. Eternally cool brand Everlane is launching a line of underwear and bras made with no BS. No frills, no bows, just comfortable cotton in cuts you'll actually love. I got to try the high rise brief and the bikini cut - and they're incredible. The line comes out March 26th, so get on it if you're looking for some coziness.
  • Hunter Boots // I'm also a loyal fan of Hunter rainboots, and am so excited to be partnering with them. I've worn them in the past (including on our trip to Scotland) so when they reached out to partner I was thrilled. Getting to work with a brand I already love is really so cool, and these short boots came just in time for the rain we had last week.
  • Dôen // Dôen is one of those brands that I totally geek out over. Every lookbook that comes out has me sat on my laptop or phone, just scrolling through the pictures. They launched a line of tees earlier this year that I pre-ordered and they finally arrived! I ordered the Brigitte top and the Romy top. The scoop on both of them is perfect and the colors are so flattering.
DÔEN DREAMING
Speaking of all things Dôen, this Friday I was driving out to Palm Springs for the wedding when I got a notification in my inbox that their latest collection had dropped. I was on the site for a few minutes before receiving a text from Stephanie of Honey&Silk saying that she too was feverishly adding things to her cart. We are both OBSESSED, and had to really cool it to avoid spending a small fortune on gauzy dresses and lacy tops. I ended up making one pre-order purchase for this dress in a pale blue color. It will arrive in mid May, so I'm calling it an early birthday present to myself. How perfect would it be in say, a meadowy field in the Cotswolds? Can you tell I'm trying to convince Eric to take me to the UK for my birthday / our anniversary?








PRINTEMPS

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While I am a self confessed diehard fan of all things Autumnal, even I have to admit - there's something special about being able to dress for Spring. No more worrying about how to layer this or that, or what shoes will keep my feet warm. And while I live in the pretty much eternally sunny city of LA, I still look forward to shedding my thin knits for breezy tops and simple sandals.




Just this past weekend I was in Palm Springs, enjoying even warmer temperatures. It gave me a chance to style some new pieces from Sezane's Spring collection that I am absolutely loving. For weekend trips I like to pack light - so having one pair of jeans to mix up with these tops was the natural choice for me.




There really is no combination quite like a white blouse and blue jeans. It's a style that fits just as perfectly in Paris as it does in the desert and somehow always feels timeless to me. I love the Anne Blouse from Sezane for a number of reasons, but this biggest one for me is that it buttons up the back. A small detail that really makes the look for me.


suzie top / vintage denim / marais sandals 

This top, the Suzie top, is so deceptively chic. I wore it for our walk to get breakfast at the Ace Hotel, and I ended up getting a compliment from our server when we sat down, so I'm going to call it a winner of a top. A simple little bow, and a perfectly 'tuckable' length for vintage denim. Plus, it's not skin tight so I still had room to breathe after inhaling my breakfast burrito.


SPRING PAIRINGS
A few pieces I didn't end up ordering from Sezane, but noteworthy nonetheless if you're looking to add some new styles for the season.


The Casey Jumper shown here in some of my favorite tones. It comes in another color that is equally dreamy, but as my sweater collection is OVERTAKING our closet at the moment, I refrained from ordering it. So far.


In the photos from PS, I'm wearing some lower heeled sandals that I've had for a while and absolutely love (link is above). However if you're wanting something a little bit higher-heeled to pair with dresses, might I suggest the Elise Sandals?

And last but certainly not least is this precious pompom basket purse that would be perfect for anyone headed to the beach. It's actually called the Honolulu Bag, which has me kicking myself for not buying it, given that my next destination is ... Honolulu. Oops!



The items styled on me were sent c/o Sezane, however all opinions expressed are my own because as you all know, I'm addicted to Sezane.


PS: A huge thank you to everyone who entered my last giveaway. If you don't know what I'm talking about, make sure you're watching my stories. At least once a week I will have a giveaway with very simple rules to enter! The winner of the wrap top featured on my stories is @_kylie_harris! Congratulations! Send me a DM on IG to get in touch.

EN FRANÇAIS

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This morning I woke up to check out a new French clothing line that launched, called Musier Paris. And once I was done drooling over their collection, I fell down a rabbit hole of shopping some of my favorite French labels. There is just something about their collections that speak to me, and I hope will to you as well. Scroll or click below to see more!






MUSIER PARIS : shoes / purse
The whole idea for this blog post started just an hour ago when I happened upon Musier Paris' newly launched site. Most of the items are available for pre-order, and while it is a small collection, each piece is perfectly curated and thoughtful. Since the shop only opened this morning, I would recommend getting your orders in now! I expect this will be a very popular label soon.

HOTEL MAGIQUE : madame print / je t'aime print
I actually discovered Hotel Magique via the collaboration they did with Sezane a few months ago (I ordered this sweatshirt). I absolutely love their prints and since we are still in the very slow process of decorating, am considering purchasing a few for the house. I just love how bold they are!


SEZANE : duvet / lamp
You all have heard me talk about Sezane (I'm obsessed), but what you may not know is that they have a home collection! Now I can sleep quite literally surrounded by all things Sezane. I chose both of these pieces to feature because I actually own them! The duvet cover has changed our life - it's insanely cozy, and the lamp is so cute. Be warned - it does come with a French plug, but we were able to swap it out using some supplies from the hardware store.

ROUJE : belt / sweatshirt
Oh Rouje! I only own one piece of their's, a chic little wrap skirt, but when I am feeling the itch to shop online, I usually stop by their site. Pieces tend to sell out fast, particularly their dresses and skirts, but I am actually such a fan of their simpler pieces! This belt is on my wishlist as is the sweatshirt, so perhaps a little early Birthday shopping will be in order soon?

OAHU PHOTO DIARY

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You guys know me - I'm not exactly the beachy type. Or at least, I didn't think I was. But when Hawaii calls, you answer. And I have to say, from the moment I landed, I think I understood the idea better than I ever have. To be able to see so many different landscapes on one small island, to be able to lounge in the sand with a book - it really is paradise - and has maybe, just maybe converted me into the beachy type. With lots of sunscreen of course.

How we got there // Our trip kicked off in the best way possible - first class plane tickets. I'm so happy we were able to partner with Alaska Air on this trip, because truly it was a once in a lifetime experience thanks to them. We were able to fly Eric's parents First Class for the first time in their life for their first trip to Hawaii. I honestly never imagined we could be so lucky, and it really was everything to be able to share one of our trips with family.

Alaska Air has been one of my favorite airlines for a while - mostly because of the amount of flights they offer from the West coast. We've flown them to NY, Alaska, Portland, Seattle, and more - and they always have so many choices. This time we left from San Diego, which is closer to Eric's parents, and the experience was beyond my dreams. The food was FAB on the plane (we had curry chicken noodles and this gelato that blew our minds), the service was great, and it was so much fun to feel pampered in flight, since that is such a rarity! So a huge thank you to Alaska Air for taking us somewhere we never thought we'd experience.





Where to stay // When we first started planning our trip, I already knew where I wanted to stay. Usually finding our hotel is one of the last things we do, but in this case we worked in reverse! I had seen the Laylow Hotel featured on Bando's Instagram, and knew it would be the perfect spot. The decor was dreamy of course, but the hotel itself was also crazy comfortable. Because we were taking this trip with Eric's parents, we didn't want to pick a party hotel or somewhere inconvenient. The Laylow was perfect in that it was walking distance to plenty of restaurants (and the beach!) but also had it's own incredible restaurant and bar on property. The salt water pool was also top notch, and I cannot recommend staying there enough!





What I packed // I like to build outfits from 'the bottom up' so often I will think about my shoes first. When I went to the UK that meant multiple rainboot options, but for Oahu, I knew sandals would be the shoe of choice. I own some cutesy leather sandals that are fine for a lunch out in LA, but for the amount of walking we had planned, plus being able to wear something in AND out of the water, Teva was the natural choice.

Eric and I packed somewhat matching shoes for the trip. I chose the Original Universal Sandal in a Sun and Moon print and he went with the Original Universal Sandal in Peaks Print. They were perfect for everything we had planned. Hiking to a waterfall and diving in (okay, I didn't but Eric did, with shoes on for foot protection), walking around the city, and even wearing them out to most dinners. They just look so cute with sundresses and still are comfortable enough to climb up the side of a crater in (which I actually DID do, thank you very much).




Some other honorable mentions for what I packed were :

BAGGAGE
Suitcase by Steamline Luggage // Got ENDLESS compliments on this number on and off the plane, and the color is so chic. Planning on taking it with me on my next two trips for sure.
Bartaile Backpack // The ultimate laptop purse because A - it's leather, and B - it actually protects my laptop. We use this every time we travel and keep the camera and our cables inside too.
Parisa Wang Backpack // Another slam dunk item for this trip was my Parisa Wang backpack! I only received it a few day before the trip, but I am now inseparable from it. The top strap can be used as a handle, but I used it mostly as the CUTEST backpack ever.
Bembien Rose Bag// I've had this little circle purse for over a year and still swoon for it every time I style it.




SWIMWEAR
Acacia Swimsuit // On the first day of the trip, I styled a swimsuit by Acacia with a matching skirt in my favorite rusty shade. And since the designer is from Hawaii it was a no-brainer.
J Crew Swimsuit // Gingham is my jam, and this suit felt v. chic to style with one of Eric's button-ups over it. I don't really have many photos of it, but it was a winner in my books.
Gap Swimsuit //  A simple black suit with a square neck will always be in style. Plus I was able to pair it with my skirt and wear it easily to dinner - totally passed as a bodysuit, and the price is incredible.



DRESSES
Reformation Dress // I loved the length of this piece, plus the lace-up detail on the bust made it feel so much more chic than just any old vacay dress.
Realization Par Dresses // I own about 4 pieces from them, but for this trip I packed the Violette dress and the Valentina Dress. Both are silky, easy to throw on, and make the look every time. I've never regretted a purchase from them, period.
Doen Dress // Sun protection in a maxi length plus an all too appropriate print for Oahu. It's just dreamy, like everything Doen does.
Lykke Wullf Dress// The cutest little 70s style sundress for an island vacation. 









BEAUTY
SuperGoop Sunscreen // I don't know how I lived without this spray sunscreen in my life, but it is perfect for re-upping your coverage throughout the day, even over makeup. This stays in my purse year-round and is my holy grail of beauty items.
Barbara Sturm Sundrops// I put these on my décolletage and under my makeup on days with heavy sun exposure. Never heavy and perfect for anyone afraid of sun damage.
KOSAS Lipstick in Rosewater// You guys have heard me talk endlessly about my love of their color Stardust, but for this trip I packed Rosewater. It's similar in tone, but for me a bit brighter which I loved for the island life.
By Terry Baum de Roses// My go-to lip treatment and favorite to travel with. Perfect for combatting the dry air on longer flights.



MISC
Marais Sandals // I packed both this flat red pair as well as my faux croc heeled sandals. Great for dressing up any warm weather outfit, and easy to slip on to head to the pool.
Doen Tee // I packed two of their Brigitte Scoopneck tees for the trip and love how they fit. I'm tee obsessed, so I tend to look at most tees with a critical eye to really debate if I need another. The scoop on these makes them feel a bit chicer than my normal crew necks.


Where to eat + drink // While in Honolulu we ate at Hideout at Laylow, got happy hour at Top of Waikiki (a very silly but fun rotating bar overlooking the whole city), had dinner at Tsukada Nojo,  had incredible udon and tempura veggies at Marukame (it's worth the wait and the line moves fast),  and had drinks + snacks at Surfjack. Sadly we didn't get to visit Leonards Bakery for their famous Malasadas, but I am vowing to return.





Outside of Honolulu we visited Hale'iwa Bottle Shop and sat out back on their really cute patio with beers and rosé. I love bottle shops for always having a huge selection and WAY better prices than visiting a bar or restaurant. Just next door were all of the famous North Shore Food Trucks (a whole parking lot of them), so we brought back plates of tacos, crepes, and poke to have with our drinks. Another honorable mention for cool spots outside of the city was Grace n Growlers for a fun 'pour your own beer experience'. Don't worry - they have wine too.


Where to visit // We drove all over and visited quite a few spots, but my favorites were the Dole Plantation for requisite Dole whips, Diamond Head to hike to the top of a crater and see the views, Makapu'u Lookout for the views, North Shore for the food trucks, waterfall hike, Moana Surfrider in Honolulu to see the gigantic Banyan tree, and Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace to learn more of Hawaii's past. Both felt very heavy in their own ways, as Hawaii has known some true tragedy, but I think it's a must visit to understand the culture on the island.




SUNDAY SNAPSHOT [April 15th]

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Welcome back to another edition of Sunday Snapshot. Sunday Snapshot is a weekly series on PrettyLittleFawn in which I share a little bit of everything in a 'slice of life' format. It's a mixed bag of what I'm up to, trips I'm planning, new purchases that I think you should know about (and direct links so you can shop too!), and just what is currently on my mind. Instead of a blog post about just one thing, it's a little bit of a hodge podge for you to read through while sipping your Sunday coffee. Enjoy!






Croc Print // First things first, let's talk about the amount of faux croc leather I currently have going on in my life. I don't want to use the word obsessed - mostly because I think as bloggers we have totally ruined that word, and for that I apologize. Instead, I'll simply say that croc has been popping up a lot in my own wardrobe thanks in large part to its current popularity. It's just a nice break from plain leather and the texture helps make it feel more durable. Case in point - I have worn both these mules and sandals TO DEATH over the last few months, and while they're definitely worn in, they're not as beat up as say suede would be in this situation. My latest addition to the croc collection is the Dean Bag from Sezane. So ladylike, so chic, and probably going to be worn to death as well.

Notable Mentions: ByFarShoes Sandals / NeedSupply PurseByFarShoes Slingback / French Connection Backpack




Sundress Season // It's official - sundress season has arrived here in LA. While I know many of you are still in the middle of cold weather, it may feel cruel to show bare legs and flowy dresses to you here. But I'm not trying to rub it in! Mostly just want to point out some options for you to start shopping now, in preparation for when the frost finally melts. It'll happen, I promise! And in the meantime, get ready to spend hours on Reformation's site, because their dresses right now are perfection. Some notable mentions below.



Notable Mentions // butterfly dress / persimmon dress / presley dress



Next stop : the UK // Last year in June, Eric and I traveled to Iceland and Barcelona to celebrate our anniversary and my birthday, respectively. Because both dates are only 3 days apart, it makes it easy to take one trip and celebrate two big days. So this year, we're continuing the very new tradition, by heading back to the UK for another road trip (see our last road trip here and here). We have been talking for a while about where to go for our anniversary trip, and when we sat down and thought about it, we both realized that to this day, one of the best trips we've ever taken, was our UK trip. My favorite part? Staying at the Artist Residence in Oxfordshire in the Cotswolds. It was just so romantic, the food was AMAZING, and it was actually a relaxing trip for us. So, we're going back! And even planning on spending a few days at the Artist Residence again. We'll be in the UK for a full 8 days, and while we don't have every detail locked down, we're just excited to be planning a trip together again. We're thinking this go around we'll stay more in the south, visit Bath, maybe even visit Wales? What are your recs?



Back to my roots // If you've followed me on social media or via blogging for a long time, you know that my earliest days on this journey were spent styling thrifted clothing and housewares. And while I have always had a place in my heart for secondhand shopping and thrifting, it's only been recently that I've devoted more time to this fun hobby of mine. I've been planning days like I used to, where I try to visit as many secondhand and thrift stores in one day, and come home with a car full of treasures on the cheap. My latest score? This DIOR (!!!) suitcase from Worship LA.


Opalhouse Collection // Okay, I know I said above that I was going to refrain from using the word obsessed, but with this new home collection that launched at Target, it's going to be pretty difficult. Let me just say, I am LIVING for this line. Rattan, florals, and all at a really good price. I've purchased quite a few pieces already and have some more on the way because, well, I'm obsessed. There. I said it.

Notable Mentions // pillow shams / plant stand / chair / rattan lamp


Hitting the Gym // I'll be the first to admit - I'm not great at going to the gym. I find every excuse not to go, and then feel guilty when I realize how many weeks span in between my visits. I've brushed it off in the past, argued that I get plenty of exercise from walking, but the truth is - I haven't felt great lately. One too many heavy meals, a lot of days spent indoors, and not nearly enough time focused on my health. So starting this week, I'm making it a point to start going back to the gym, and putting in more time there. I'm only at the beginning of this journey, but I know it will be worth it.

BEAUTY HAUL : EVERY PRODUCT I USED IN A WEEK

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In the past, I've shared my makeup and skincare routines on the blog. But I realized more and more that I tend to reach for different products on different days / nights. Sometimes I need more moisture, sometimes I'm battling an oncoming breakout, and sometimes I'm just looking for a simple routine at the end of a long day. So rather than break down my beauty routine night by night or day by day (as it shifts so much), I've decided to show you every product I reach for in an average week. I kept track over the past 7 days and logged every product used to give you a full picture of my beauty rotation. Enjoy!






THE CLEANSERS
BIOSSANCE SQUALANE CLEANSING OIL : This is my go-to, use-every-night cleanser. It dissolves makeup like nobody's business and doesn't leave my face feeling dry. 
JOANNA VARGAS CHARCOAL BAR : I used this charcoal bar when I was feeling a bit grimier, or in the shower to really deep clean my pores.
FOREO LUNA : I used the Foreo device with the charcoal bar to really get a deep clean, especially around my chin and nose (where I tend to read out).
BIOSSANCE SQUALANE CLEANSING CLOTH : I had a late night this week when I just had no energy to properly wash my face, so was thankful for these wipes I keep on the nightstand. They're my last-ditch effort before my face hits the pillow if I'm especially tired. Plus I keep them in my gym bag for a post workout wipe-down.

OILS OF ALL KINDS
RODIN OLIO LUSSO : I had a few days where my skin felt especially dry (I need to drink more water!) so I added this to my night time routine for a few days. Definitely woke up with plumper skin.
SISLEY ROSE OIL : It pains me to say this, but this week I used the last drop of this Rose Oil. I was using it day and night for a while, and when I started running low, I switched to just night. It sinks into skin like no other.
BIOSSANCE VITAMIN C ROSE OIL : Can you tell I like Biossance? I feel like this oil is so great for brightening my skin in the morning, especially if it's feeling dull.
FUR OIL : I've talked about this oil in the past, but had to bring it up again - this is for body hair, specifically pubic hair. If that's TMI for you, so be it, but I think it's a great product!



THE CREAMS
TATA HARPER EYE MASK : While technically not a cream, this eye mask is great for someone like me who deals with serious under eye circles. I recommend using this at night so it can sink in - during the day it will make your makeup slide right off.
LA MER GENAISSANCE EYE CREAM : This eye cream is not for the faint of heart - it is expensive. Just to be clear - I was lucky enough to receive this from the company as it's not in my price range, and I can say, it is incredible! But the price tag is a bit of a jaw dropper, so use your own judgement.
CLE DE PEU EYE CREAM: Another eye cream that I love, and the jar is just so lovely to look at. Be warned, this one is also a splurge, but it really does help plump the area under my eyes nicely.
BY TERRY LIP TREATMENT : Every night before I go to bed, I slather a serious amount of this on my lips. It's so moisturizing and a little bit goes a long way.

ACNE TREATMENTS
COSRX PIMPLE PATCHES : I had a rogue spot on my chin that I used one of these on. I love these patches, but they do seem to work better on spots that have already been popped. Gross, I know, but just my opinion!
ACZONE ACNE TREATMENT : I don't have a link to shop this product because it is a prescription acne treatment. I was prescribed it by my dermatologist at Facile Skin, and I use it a few nights out of the week on my chin and jawline where I tend to break out. I really like it, but as it is prescription, I would speak with your dermatologist.

OTHERS
SUPERGOOP SUNSCREEN SETTING SPRAY : Every single day, multiple times a day, I spray this sunscreen setting spray on my face and arms and chest. It is fine to go over makeup, and easy to reapply. And I do it ALL the time because sunburns are a huge fear of mine. Just make sure to keep your eyes closed!
SUNDAY RILEY GOOD GENES : I've mentioned this in the past, but I use this for resurfacing on my face one or two nights a week. It can be drying, but it has helped my uneven skin tone around my nose and on my cheeks. It does make my skin feel brand new, so I'm a fan.
CAUDALIE BEAUTY ELIXIR : This is more of an indulgence, but I keep this mist in the fridge for hot days or when I feel like my makeup is looking visible. It just sort of resets everything, smells amazing, and feels spa-like. I'm leaving on a flight tomorrow, and this is my in flight mist of choice. Planes are drying!



TONERS
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE LOTION P50 : Okay, I used to think toners were BS. Totally an unnecessary step designed to dry your skin out. Until I started using this holy grail product at night. The name is a bit misleading, because it's not a lotion, it's a liquid. And FYI - It smells AWFUL. It stings a bit sometimes. But I swear by it for being one of the best additions to my skin care. Put a little bit on a cotton pad and swipe your face post wash, pre oil. It's a little hard to track down in the US, but I buy mine here.
SISLEY FLORAL TONING LOTION : This is my day time toner that I use every morning, and after removing makeup. Even after washing my face, I always find that my cotton pad soaker in this comes back a little grey - so I know it's removing extra dirt. I swear by toners now, in thanks to this and the BR Lotion p50.

HAIR FAVORITES
THE OUAI ROSE OIL : This one is a bit of a 3-in-1. I used it as an oil on the ends of my hair after I washed my har, but I also mixed it into my bodylotion for a better scented and smoother finish on my skin. Plus, I put a few drops in the bath tub for a rose-y scent.
ORIBE TEXTURIZING SPRAY : There's a reason why every single person who blogs about hair talks about this spray. It's perfect. It's not a dry shampoo, but it is what I use to finish my hair after I curl it. It just gives the right amount of tousled-ness (is that a word?) and adds volume. I spray it around my roots and fluff it up. 
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PRET A POWDER : I love dry shampoo, but I hate constantly going through can after can of sprays. This is a great powder option that is easy to pack and not have to drag out when going through TSA at the airport. Definitely coming with me on my trip tomorrow.

SUNDAY SNAPSHOT [April 21st]

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Welcome back to another edition of Sunday Snapshot. Sunday Snapshot is a weekly series on PrettyLittleFawn in which I share a little bit of everything in a 'slice of life' format. It's a mixed bag of what I'm up to, trips I'm planning, new purchases that I think you should know about (and direct links so you can shop too!), and just what is currently on my mind. Instead of a blog post about just one thing, it's a little bit of a hodge podge for you to read through while relaxing at home.




Last year, on location for St Agatha. I wish I had better photos to share, but legally I cannot just yet!



ST. AGATHA
This week, I'll admit, I considered skipping writing this post. Not because I had nothing to recap or discuss, but mostly because I just flew home early this morning from New Orleans. I was in the city to celebrate the first screening of my film, St. Agatha. For those of you who don't know, this is a project I shot last year on location in Georgia. It's a dark thriller, set in the 1950s, and just this Friday I was able to watch it with an audience in NOLA. I was anxious about how the film would be received, but all of the early reviews back are fantastic! This is just the start of how a film is released, so now St. Agatha will make its way to several other large festivals.



My look for the screening was this dress from Reformation. It arrived just in time and was so fun to shoot!

NEW ORLEANS
Having the first screening in New Orleans was so much fun - mostly because the majority of the cast as well as our director and producer were able to fly in to have a bit of a reunion. We all stayed through the weekend and got a little bit of time to explore the city. I've been a few times before, but I always treasure being able to come back. Since it was such a quick trip, and one without Eric, I won't have a full blog post on where I went and what I did. I realized on this trip how much I rely on Eric and I being able to work as a team to shoot photos and create content, so I have a renewed appreciation of our little husband and wife duo. Plus, I just missed him on this one! Traveling without him was something that was giving me serious anxiety, but since it was so quick, I ended up having a great time and was able to leave my nerves behind for the most part.




So since there won't be a full blog post, I'll tell you here about where I went, and a few quick recommendations. First up - where I stayed. I stayed at this AirBnb (click this link first if you've never used Airbnb, and you'll get $20 off your first visit anywhere) with another cast member and it was great! Definitely well outside the French Quarter, but I prefer it that way. Very comfortable and a really good deal given that there were 3 beds. For food, I would recommend Seaworthy (even though I just popped in for oysters and drinks), Bearcat for some great breakfast (with gf and vegan choices too), Josephine Estelle for literally any meal (we did brunch this time), and Commander's Palace for some fun 25cent martinis. Blue Dream is a great vintage shop just outside the quarter, and the St. Charles Streetcar was surprisingly fun. Other than that? It was all a blur!





ROO
I spent all of last week running around LA before my flight to New Orleans, but made time for a new spot in town called Roo Coffee on Sunset. It's a cheeky little coffee shop featuring some distinctly Australian dishes and drinks. I had fairy bread (my fav!) and a perfect little cappuccino with my friend Celeste of the True Spoon. If you're in LA, or even passing through, it's a definite must-visit. I realized recently that I always have suggestions for places to go when I'm not at home, but it's about time I start sharing more of my hometown favs!




DATE NIGHT
Just last Tuesday, Eric and I decided to have an impromptu date night after the gym (which by the way, I'm doing well with my plans to go more regularly - more on that soon!). We had driven the van with us to the gym, and instead of heading home to cook, we stopped and picked up a bottle of wine and some pizza, parked at Barnsdale Park, and watched the sunset while we ate and listened to songs from our wedding playlist. The best dates are sometimes the most casual, and this was one of my favorites. Any one else have some inexpensive date night suggestions? I always love hearing ideas.



YOUTUBE
A lot of you know that I am slowly, slowly delving into the world of Youtube. And while thus far I've produced videos with no dialogue that feel a little more commercial, I'm hoping to now sink into doing some YT videos in which - gasp - I speak a bit. Eric and I decided last week that we are going to dive right in and try to make 3 videos a month. My dilemma? What on earth do I talk about! What would you be interested in seeing from me? Let me know below! And in the meantime, please subscribe to my channel here!

200k GIVEAWAY
I know, I know, I've been teasing about this for weeks, and I am now well past the 200k mark. However! It's only taking time because I am gathering some seriously good prizes for the winner, as well as finalizing the list of charities I would like to donate to simultaneously. Because, while it's cool to be able to give one of you some great prizes, I also want to focus on giving back in a more meaningful way. I had asked via IG stories for charity suggestions, and boy did you guys deliver. I have a list of over 40 charities, and while it will be hard to narrow it down, I will definitely be saving the list for future donation. I cannot thank you all enough for opening my eyes to worthy causes I didn't even know were out there. I've said it before - but you guys are the best.





MY NUMBER ONE SKINCARE FAV

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If you've ever struggled with your skin (and really, who hasn't??), you know that feeling of having a 'good skin day'. You wake up, and for whatever reason, you're just glowing. Your skin looks plump, that pimple you had last week is gone, the birds are singing - you get the picture. But when that 'good skin day' turns into a 'good skin week' and then a 'good skin month'? You know that you're onto something huge.






Lately, my skin has been looking and feeling the best it has in a long time. Sure, I've been drinking more water and avoiding sun exposure as much as possible, but my skin has been feeling especially glowy. And I can easily trace it to the face oil that you guys have heard me talk about more than any other face oil - Biossance's Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil. It's been my holy grail product for over a year now, and I have made my way through a few bottles during that time.



Recently I started using the Squalane and Vitamin C Rose Oil both at night and in the morning, and my skin has really honestly never looked better. You guys have heard me talk about Biossance a lot over the past year. And really, it's because I first fell in love with this oil before discovering the rest of their line. Whenever I get a direct message on Instagram asking about my skin, it's the first product I recommend, because for me it's made all the difference. My skin still has it's ups and downs, but lately I've felt so much more comfortable about skipping makeup and just letting my skin do its own thing.

One of the big reasons why I am a Biossance nut (I am, I admit it) is because they have such a high standard when it comes to clean beauty. They blacklist over 2,000 ingredients that are potentially harmful to humans or to the planet. Their Squalane that they use is 100% plant-derived, rather than being harvested from shark liver. And really, it's the Squalane in their products that my skin has responded to the most. I live for the stuff.


Another reason why I always recommend Biossance to you guys? Their sampling program. You can get free samples of some of their top products, including the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil for free (you just pay a small shipping fee). The samples are a good size (I keep the sample size in my gym bag or pack for longer flights to reapply) and a re a great way to be introduced to the brand without having to take the plunge on a larger purchase. They have three different sample options, but my favorite is of course the Brightening Sample Set which includes the aforementioned oil plus the Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer. I love how quickly it sinks into my skin, and there is a big reason why I always travel with it. It really does help brighten your skin and has saved me from more than one dull complexion skin day.

I really only like to partner with skin care brands that I believe in, and Biossance has consistently been at the top of my list for over a year. I know a lot of you have given them a try since I first started talking about them, but just in case you haven't - check out their Sampling Program. I'm betting you'll be hooked like I am too!


This post was sponsored by Biossance, however all opinions and words are by me.

SUNDAY SNAPSHOT [MAY 6TH]

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It's another edition of Sunday Snapshot - the weekly series on PrettyLittleFawn in which I share a little bit of everything in a 'slice of life' format. It's a mixed bag of what I'm up to, maybe trips I'm planning, new purchases that I think you should know about (and direct links so you can shop too!), and just what is currently on my mind. Instead of a blog post about just one thing, it's a little bit of a hodge podge for you to read through while relaxing at home.



SUNDAY MORNING
This morning, Eric and I slept in until 9am (which for me is very late) and then ran a few errands. I wore these new pants I received from The Dreslyn, and had fun styling them with a simple tee and my new Musier heels. I've wanted these Jesse Kamm pants for years and even briefly owned them in a navy shade, but always was searching for this brown tone. They're pricey for sure, but everyone I know who owns a pair raves about the quality and how long they last. I'm trying not to reach for them every single day, which has proved hard because they are just so chic.

We shot these photos outside of The Nomad hotel in downtown LA. I had this new Apolis tote* with me (that I custom designed) filled with some clothing that I took to Crossroads to sell. I love constantly rotating things out of my wardrobe, and finding what pieces truly make the cut and become real staples in my wardrobe. Once I find a piece that I really really love, I tend to wear it to death, but it can be a bit of a trial and error to find those pieces. Thank goodness for re-sell shops!

* If you like the bag, Apolis has generously provided a code for you to use for free shipping. It's lined, and can hold over 100lbs of things (!!) so it's great for shopping of all kind. You can make your bag to say whatever you like, so I went with Bon Matin. The code for free shipping is PLFAWNCUSTOM.

THRIFT HAUL
Speaking of resell shops and secondhand scores, this week I was super lucky in my finds (Eric was too!). As I mentioned, we went to Crossroads Trading (the one on Sunset on the east side) and made out like bandits. For once, Eric actually found more than I did! I snapped up a pair of vintage Levis and a wax-coated brown jacket (which I'm taking with me on a trip this weekend), and Eric found a cool jacket, a tee, and 2 Band of Outsiders shirts. After selling some things, we only had to pay $18, so it felt like less of a splurge and more of a trade. My favorite.


Earlier this week I hit up a few thrift stores with my sister and mom in Orange County. More often than not I walk away with nothing as I try not to acquire too much stuff for the house, but this time I had a real lucky streak. I found this stoneware dish set (salad bowls, plates, and shallow bowls) and a pair of leather slides that remind me of these Marais ones - the total cost of all of it was about $30, so I was ecstatic as I loaded my treasures into the car.




WEDDING SEASON
Weddings tend to come in seasons, it's true, with plenty of couples tying the knot in Spring and Summer. I've found that they also come in seasons of life, and it seems all of my friends have entered stages of their relationships where they're ready to get hitched at the same time. I've already attended a few weddings this year, and have another one later this month. I love weddings, mostly because I love love, but also because it's a great chance to get dressed up and romantic with my own husband - we're big fans of dancing at the reception.

I've been a fan of the LA based label KristinIt for a while - the dresses are just so thoughtfully designed and constructed. I think there's a knee-jerk reaction to buy a new dress every time there's a wedding to attend (I'm guilty of this!) but having a really great dress on hand that you can wear again and again is a much smarter move. This dress from KristinIt definitely fits the bill. It will be so pretty for upcoming Spring weddings, and just as chic for a fall ceremony. Make sure to also check out this dress and this beautiful jade one for further inspo.



WORKING OUT
A few weeks ago I mentioned that I was wanting to focus more on working out. I'm happy to report back that I've been going to the gym pretty regularly! It's still a struggle for someone like me who has never been particularly athletic, but I'm finding I enjoy it more and more each time I go. I've added in some new machines (including one for crunches) to focus on specific areas of my body, and I feel overall much healthier and toned since I started going. If you're like me, and really don't have a huge drive to go to the gym, I recommend splurging on an audiobook or just downloading a new podcast to give yourself something to occupy your mind while you work out. It's been a lifesaver for me to have something to look forward to at the gym, and a real motivator to get my butt there.

PS: My ultra high rise leggings are from Outdoor Voices, and they are my fav.


YOUTUBE
As promised, I officially launched my YouTube Channel this week! I posted this intro video below, so if you missed it, give it a watch, leave a comment, and subscribe! I'm so excited for this new endeavor and love your suggestions for video topics. My next one will be 3 Spring Looks I'm loving!


LULU & GEORGIA

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Eric and I moved into our house late last year, but have taken our time finding the right pieces to decorate and fill the space. Since we came from a small apartment, there were plenty of things we had never considered and now suddenly needed - like rugs! We had just one dingy rug in our last apartment, but since it was so small? No one could tell. But now, with a larger space and a more open layout, details like rugs and accent furniture really start to matter.





When we first started looking into filling out the space, I went to one of my favorite shops to gather inspiration - Lulu&Georgia. Not only is their IG filled with dreamy images of their pieces, but it seems like every person I know who has picked up something from them has found a way to make it uniquely their's. I was really hesitant to head to a site like Target or IKEA and end up with a space that felt either too bland and generic, or like someone else's vision of me.

So, thinking I maybe would just gather a little inso, I innocently started browsing their rug section, and oops, found not one, but TWO rugs that worked perfectly for our living room / dining room. The Marceline Rug was something that jumped out at me almost at once - even though it's a bit of a departure from my usual neutral tone lifestyle. While I do love love love my brown tones, it's nice to have something to offset that, and if there's anything our last apartment taught me, it's to avoid having a light colored rug in the room you'll spend the most time in.






And heck, while I was knee-deep in planning the rug for our living room, I thought it couldn't possibly hurt to look at some accent furniture. Enter the Chavela Chair in Navy - something so uniquely mid-century and fun, and YET also something that perfectly matches our couch that we've had for years. The size is what sold me initially, and while I do have to fight Mops for it (it's her fav seat in the house), it is the most amazing size for curling up with either a book or my laptop. I added the Massey Pillow to brighten it up a touch and bring a more neutral element to the space.



Now, remember when I said I was onlyyyy going to look for one rug? Yeah, no, I knew I was lying on that one, because the Nonnie Rug stole my heart pretty fast too. As I said, we lived in a small space before, so we've never ever had a dining room table. So once we did suddenly find ourselves with not only a table but SIX chairs (see the details for both in this post) I quickly learned that you simply must have a rug to go underneath all of that. It just means less scraping chairs and it helped to separate the wood floor from said wood table. I love the pattern of this rug for a lot of reasons, but most of all because I know it's not going to show signs of wear right away - it will grow with the space without ratting me out for spilling food here and there. Score.




The last piece (okay two pieces) I picked up from Lulu&Georgia were the Brigid Lounge Chair + Footstool - but since they're sold together, I'm counting it as one piece. I was looking for a more loungey and relaxed chair for in my office, to give myself a break from times spent behind my desk. At first I wasn't sure if I would need something like this in the office, but once we set it up, I've found it to be one of my favorite spots in the house. It feels like my own little retreat away from work, and is an amazing spot to take breaks in - plus, it gives Mops a spot to lay when she 'visits me at work'.

The items featured in this story were sent c/o Lulu&Georgia, however all opinions expressed are my own.

MONTANA PHOTO DIARY

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This past weekend, I took a bit of a different trip - for me at least. Usually, Eric and I travel solo. We've gotten good at it, and typically spend days on end in just each other's company. But sometimes you want to share those experiences, especially with your loved ones. So last Friday, Eric and I headed out to the Paws Up Resort in Montana with my parents, my sister, and my niece. A full-on family vacation, and our first one together since I was a teenager.






When we first started talking about taking a family trip, we knew it would need to be somewhere with things to do. My niece is 9 years old, so going to a busy city with a bar scene and such wasn't gonna cut it. Plus, moving around in a group of 6 on crowded city streets is my idea of a nightmare, and I think it would have been my whole family's to be honest. So we started looking at more rural locations, and fortunately stumbled upon Paws Up. To be honest, I've known about them for a while, through a few friends who ride horses. I'd been told the place is nothing short of dreamy, so I started researching, and passed along the site to my parents. I got an immediate YES back from them.

My mom has always loved horses (she was the 'horse girl' in grade school) so I knew we would have to do some riding. Paws Up is situated on 37,000 acres (!!!) so there's plenty of space to roam. No crowded trail ride, jammed up with a group of 25+ tourists. We were able to hop on horses and ride the morning after we arrived, and it was amazing. It was the first thing I wanted to do when I was there, and I'm so glad we all got to ride together.

Some other activities that didn't make the photos? They have a go-kart track (I swear) and archery lessons as well that my niece tried out. I tried to keep these photos of myself since I don't want to really share our personal family photos, but let me tell you, we had an amazing time together.








Another thing that drew me to Paws Up, is the accommodations. Rather than ending up with 3 separate hotel rooms (probably on different floors) somewhere else, we were able to all stay together in a 3-bedroom Wilderness Estate on their property. Which meant we could all get together in the morning and leave at the same time, or else have a fire in the fireplace at night. It was nice being under one roof while still each having our own space.



Normally in my trip photo diaries, I'll rattle off a list of restaurants that we hopped around to in whatever city we're staying in. Paws Up is a bit different, because once you're on the large property, there is no need to leave. They have their daytime restaurant, Trough, which is where we had our breakfast and lunch every day. It was fantastic, and actually appealed to everyone's different diets. At night we dined at Pomp, with this gorgeous view of the property. Being able to have a family meal together nightly is such a luxury, and getting to do that with the sun setting just beyond the porch was even more of a luxury. And again, the food? AMAZING. My sister found vegan options, and Eric and I ended up falling madly in love with this carrot and ginger soup that we tried to order at every meal. Yum.


Another thing about Paws Up that made the trip for me was the amount of animals on the property. Bison, cattle, horses, deer, elk, eagles, squirrels, and more - we saw all of it. I got to meet a mustang that is new to the property and currently being trained. He was lovely and I couldn't get enough of spending time with him. My mom got to have some time with the horses too, so it was a bit of an animal-lover's dream come true. And, did I mention that there were seven (that we counted) baby bison roaming the landscape? They're so fuzzy and cute, I was desperate to pet one, but I have a feeling their mothers would have NOT allowed it, so I didn't hop the fence.




For this trip, I kept my outfits fairly simple, mostly because I wanted pieces I could mix and match easily. I also love dressing just a little on-theme, so I wanted pieces that felt a little 'cowgirl-esque'. I went to The Frilly's website and customized a full outfit for the trip. If you're not familiar with The Frilly (I wore several of their jackets in the UK last year), let me tell you a little about them. When you visit their site, you'll see that every single piece is customizable. So click on each item, because you can change just about everything about it. The length, the fabric, the finish - everything can be made to match what you want.

I 'designed'this suede jacket and had originally planned on styling it maybe once or twice. When it arrived, I was IN LOVE. I wore it every single day of the trip and on the plane on the way there and the way home. I just love the length of it, and how it works with my high-rise pants just as well as it did with my The Frilly Dress (which I also customized). It's probably one of my favorite jackets I've ever owned, and I love that it looks so vintage.



SUNDAY SNAPSHOT [MAY 20TH]

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It's another edition of Sunday Snapshot - the weekly series on PrettyLittleFawn in which I share a little bit of everything in a 'slice of life' format. It's a mixed bag of what I'm up to, maybe trips I'm planning, new purchases that I think you should know about (and direct links so you can shop too!), and just what is currently on my mind. Instead of a blog post about just one thing, it's a little bit of a hodge podge for you to read through while relaxing at home.








WEDDING SEASON CONTINUES
On my last Sunday Snapshot, I mentioned that it's very much Wedding season for Eric and I's friend group. It seems like we have a wedding every other weekend - which I don't mind because I absolutely love love love weddings. If you followed my Instagram stories over the weekend, you saw that we attended a wedding just outside of LA county - and you also probably saw Eric and I dancing a LOT. We like to spend a good amount of time on the dance floor.

For this latest wedding, I really wanted to embrace a 'California look' given the location. I wore this Doên Tansy Dress in a gorgeous turmeric shade along with my newest piece of jewelry, the Bondeye Josie Ring. You guys have heard me talk about Doên repeatedly (I'm obsessed, I know, I know) but Bondeye is a newer label to me.

I wish I had discovered them under happier circumstances, but I first became aware of Bondeye when I read an IG post about how their design had been copied by a well-known blogger. I was so disappointed to hear that an 'influencer' had stolen a design (along with a few other jewelry brands) so I went to check out Bondeye's IG page.

I was so surprised to see that not only were they keeping their chin up during such a rough time, but also using it as an opportunity to give back. During the week that they were dealing with their design being stolen, they posted a photo of their Josie ring with the caption 'Any proceeds made from purchases of the Josie ring between now and Mother’s Day will go directly to Breast Cancer Research and Treatment through donations to the Basser center, a world renowned research and treatment center that is near and dear to my family’s heart.' They are absolutely class-acts, so when I was contacted asking if I would like to receive a Josie Ring of my own to help spread the word, I of course said yes. I'm honored to wear it, and will treasure it forever.





LONDON PLANNING
I've mentioned it before, but I'm just too dang excited about my upcoming trip to England to stop talking about it. Eric and I will be spending 9 days in England - 5 days in the Cotswolds (driving all over) and 4 day in London. The last time we were in London (other than a brief visit in Nov for dinner - we were in the city for a total of 2 house) was back in 2016. We had the best time, but unfortunately, I lost ALL of my saved locations from that visit.

I know we will be having tea at Sketch on my birthday (I'm ecstatic to go back) but beyond that we will have a lot of time to roam and explore. As I've lost all of my favorite locations, please please please feel free to leave any and all suggestions below in a comment. I will be mapping and saving everything, and your recommendations are really what makes our trips special!

Also, fun fact, I decided to chop my hair while I was in London the last time, so these are some of the last photo of me with long hair. I made up my mind while we were seated for tea at Hoi Polloi, and now when I look at these pictures, I can't stop thinking about having long hair again (which is why I'm in the process of growing it out). The grass really is always greener!



VACATION SHOPPING
Bet you didn't think I was going to mention Doên twice in one blog post, but looky here, I'm going to.  As I'm so vacation-focused at the moment, I've been having a great time shopping for pieces for the trip. It's sort of my favorite way to shop - thinking of a location and what I'd like to wear while there.

Since we will be in the Cotswolds for our 2-year wedding anniversary, I know I'd like to do it up a bit. Hence why I picked these two pieces from Doên :  the sol dress  and the palma blouse. I just love how dreamy they both are, and since they're a bit bridal I know they'll fit the bill for the occasion.

I also know that while I do love these pieces, the price point is steep, so I wanted to share some more budget-friendly pieces I'm looking at for the trip as well. Mango has some amazing clothing and accessories, and they are really crushing the whole linen-y summery vibe I'm chasing after. Scroll down to see my 4 picks with links!







CALIFORNIA CLEMENTINE

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I'm a California born and raised girl, through and through. And while I may have a special fondness for knits and coats, there is nothing in the world quite like Springtime in California. The days get longer and warmer, and what was once green begins to turn honey-colored. It never fails to remind me of being young, and waiting for the school year to end.






I grew up in Orange County, and while there have been countless TV shows about my hometown, the reality is far simpler and sleepier (at least where I was raised). Orange County gets its name from the amount of orange groves that once blanketed the landscape. And while there are still some left now, there were even more citrus groves when I was a kid. The smell of citrus and an unmistakable earthy scent are the fragrance of Summer to me.

When I was gifted Atelier Cologne's Clementine California from Sephora, I spritzed it and immediately was transported to that time in my life - when Spring is ending and Summer feels as though it is just around the corner. Clementine California captures that feeling, along with a bit of a darker tone underneath, something much more sensual than just light citrus scents. I love being able to spritz this scent not just on my skin, but also in my hair, to capture that feeling of the wind blowing through the citrus groves and carrying their fragrance far and wide. It really is Summer captured in a bottle, and I know it will be a scent I travel with in the coming months, to help remind me of home.






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IN MY JEWELRY BOX

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I used to say that I just wasn't that into jewelry. I would wear necklaces occasionally, and aside from my wedding rings, I really didn't think that much about rings at all. But in the last year, I've started to develop a real taste for jewelry - even prompting me to get my first jewelry box to house it all in. I never thought I'd be one to turn into a magpie, but lately I'm finding myself drawn to all kinds of baubles and rings. Read on to see my current collection.


Okay, so I'm fairly late to the game when it comes to layering necklaces, but since I've been adding to my collection, I've found myself stacking a few up with outfits and liking the look. My current favorites are:

MISSOMA GOLD ARC COIN NECKLACE // This was my first piece from the Lucy Williams x Missoma Collection and I love the quality. The necklace is a heavier weight and the chain is more substantial too. I love layering this necklace but it looks great on its own too.

MISSOMA GOLD OCTAGON MEDALLION // Because I fell so hard for my first Missoma necklace, it was inevitable that I would have to get a second. When I fall for a brand I tend to go all in (hello Sezane / Doên / Musier obsession) and this piece layers just as well as the first necklace. It's a bit longer so hits lower and works really well with some of my more revealing wrap dresses.

CHLOÉ FEMININITIES NECKLACE // I received this brass necklace from Chloé during my desert trip with the brand, and I have to admit, at first I thought it was a necklace I wouldn't wear. It's a bit different from my go-to coin necklaces, so I didn't plan on really incorporating it much into my daily life. But when I reached for it a few weeks ago, I found a new appreciation for the shape and the way it looks with those coin necklaces I can't get enough of. It's a real talking piece and I love that it reminds me of such a special trip - it's my own little reminder of how far I've come, that I am in fact a #ChloéGirl. 

WOLF CIRCUS ROSE NECKLACE // This gold necklace is also new to my collection, and despite its simplicity, has received a lot of compliments when I've worn it out and about. I love how classic it is, and I'm sure it will be a part of my rotation for a while.










As I said before, really, the only rings I owned up until recently were my wedding rings. I talked about them more in this post here, but other than those rings, I really didn't wear much jewelry on my hands until these two new pieces entered my life. I love that my wedding rings are all slim stacking rings, but have found myself drawn to larger signet-style pieces for my right hand - I think it just balances everything out nicely, and still matches the rose gold on my left hand.

BONDEYE JOSIE RING // I mentioned how I discovered this ring on my last Sunday Snapshot, and have since been wearing it quite a bit. I just love how victorian it looks while still being modern. 

MARROW FINE QUARTER MOON SIGNET // Of all the pieces in this post, this is the one that feels the most personal to me. I've worn a Marrow Fine ring on my left hand as part of my wedding stack since our anniversary last June, and was excited to add another MF piece to my collection. This ring has a Quarter Moon on it - the exact phase the moon was in on the night of our wedding. 

It's just so special (and sparkly) and I get excited every time the light catches it. It's definitely the biggest piece of jewelry I own, and I love that it is such a statement. Marrow Fine makes this ring in all the moon phases, so if there is a special night you want to remember, they have you covered. I'm also really excited to announce that I will be giving away one of these rings in the coming weeks, so definitely stay tuned for that announcement.





AN LA DATE WITH PELLEGRINO

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By Courtney Halverson in partnership with Bon Appétit
Sponsored by S.PELLEGRINO ® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

With all of my recent travel stories, I realized that I have completely been neglecting my hometown, Los Angeles. Every time I travel, I long for that moment of coming home, and whenever I land in L.A. I realize how thankful I am to live in this wonderful and busy city. It can feel crowded at times (too crowded in the summer!), but I love finding ways to steal little moments of quiet and make them special. My days are made up of driving around and running all over L.A., but making the time for something unique and creating a really special moment is what it’s all about.







Griffith Observatory has been a favorite date spot for Eric and me for years. Before I lived in L.A., we would meet here, walk around, hike a bit, and maybe have a picnic. The observatory itself is a wonderful museum, but I have always been more drawn to the outside spaces around it. The unique architecture of the building, the views—the fact that on a clear day you can see well past the buildings to the ocean itself.

Because it is such a tourist destination, it can be filled with crowds—except in the morning. So for our latest day-date, we decided to head there in the morning for a walk around the grounds. We packed some S.Pellegrino sparking mineral water to complete our picnic. Fresh fruit, cheese, and S.Pellegrino is always the perfect combination in my opinion.





We had decided that after we were done walking around the building, we would have a little late morning picnic. The parking lot at the top of the observatory grounds was slowly filling up with cars and busloads of tourists, so rather than hang around, we drove down into Griffith Park to have our own version of an afternoon date. Who says you can only go on dates at night?

Picnics have been a big part of my history with Eric, ever since we went on our first date eight years ago. When we were first getting to know each other, we would pack up a little basket and head to a park or the beach, and spend hours talking over a slow meal. I’ve always loved being able to create a little moment of romance with picnics, so I usually skip out on the paper plates and plastic forks, and bring some of my favorite serveware from home. It elevates the experience and can make it feel like a truly special date—especially when paired with some of my favorite cheeses, fresh fruit, and S.Pellegrino.

We ended up just sitting on the bumper of my car, snacking and sipping, talking about nothing and everything for a while. It felt like a special moment for just the two of us.



View my guide to creating a special L.A. moment with S.Pellegrino on sanpellegrino.com



ENGLISH HOLIDAY PHOTO DIARY

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Late last year, Eric and I embarked on a large road trip across the UK. We started in London, drove through the Cotswolds, to Liverpool, through the Lakes District, and up to Scotland before making our way back down. You can read more about that journey here and here. It was an amazing (and at times quite rainy) trip, and we fell completely in love with the English countryside when we passed through and knew we had to come back to experience it in a different season. So to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary and my birthday, we packed our bags and headed off.





We landed on a Saturday morning after a pretty lengthy travel day, but one in which we mercifully were able to get an hour or two of sleep on the plane due to an empty seat next to us (woo!). We've never flown anything other than Economy on international flights, and we're used to a decent amount of discomfort, so any little bonus is a complete win in our books. We flew into Heathrow airport, collected our bags, and headed to the Hertz counter to pick up our rental car.

I've written in the past about renting a car and driving in a foreign country, but it really is the best way to explore off the beaten path. Sure, if you're planning on staying in a major city with public transportation, you might not need one, but if you're wanting to see as much as possible, a car rental is the way to go! We always choose Hertz for our car rental in the US, and they are just as reliable and helpful in the UK. We were set up with a comfortable car, and despite how many times I tried to get in on the wrong side (oops), it really made our trip. There's no way we could have gotten where we needed to go without renting a car, and Hertz even provided a mobile hotspot so we could use our phones wherever we went without needing a cell signal. And if you're concerned about driving on 'the other side of the road' - don't be. Eric has only done it once before, and it came back to him so naturally. 10/10 - rent a car if you'd like to see the best corners of England.

zara dress (sold out) / musier paris heels

Our first stop on our journey was Barnsley House out in Cirencester. We made the drive out from the airport and soon left behind the highway for small country roads, before pulling up to what I can only describe as the most gorgeous house I've ever seen. Stone walls covered in creeping vines, flower bushes, immaculate gardens, and all dotted amongst it were little tables and benches to sit and take it all in. We were almost overwhelmed by how charming everything was, especially after being stuck on the plane for so long. I loved our last trip to the Cotswolds,  but seeing everything so green and in bloom was wonderful - especially with the sun peeking out behind the clouds to illuminate everything.

We settled into our room (with our own private garden) and then wandered the grounds. Barnsley House has this incredible spa on the property, just tucked away behind a winding road and some large trees. Eric and I couldn't stop smiling and exclaiming at every little corner, and even though the jet lag was making us tired, we decided to have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel, The Potager. I'm so glad we did, because it went down as one of our absolute favorite meals of the last few years - mainly because there was one dish that Eric and I agreed is the best thing we have ever eaten in our lives. That dish was their Vincigrassi - a wild mushroom and prosciutto lasagna. It absolutely blew our minds with just how deceptively simple it looked and how incredible it tasted, made with ingredients from the very gardens we had just walked through. I would come back just for that dish, let alone the amazing stay.


Because we were planning on seeing as much of the countryside and as many cities as possible, we planned to only spend one to two nights each location. And as much as we wanted to stay and stuff ourselves with another helping of Vincigrassi, we had to head out the next day for a day trip we had planned to Wells and to Bath. Both are locations that you guys have suggested to us in the past, and while we weren't able to make the time to stop on our last trip, this time we made the drive.

I didn't take as many photos in Bath as I had wanted, but as we have a Vlog planned that will show more of not only that city, but the whole journey in general, I'll just say that it was a great stop, and I know why it came so highly recommended. We saw the ancient Roman baths, walked through the city and along the river, and I somehow convinced Eric to go into Whistles so I could try and track down a swimsuit I wanted to order in the US.

After Bath, we headed to Wells to see the historic sites that I had saved on my map. We saw the large cathedral, and located this one street that I've seen multiple times in photos, but never was sure I'd see in person - Vicar's Close. It's the oldest residential street in Europe (built in the 1400s), and the absence of cars and mailboxes really transports you back in time. I was in awe of this street, and we admittedly lurked there for a long time, just gaping at the little houses.



Our next stop on the journey was The Rectory Hotel in Crudwell. It was originally the rectory to All Saints’ Church and in order to house the rector's 14 children (!!!), it was built with several levels and lots of bedrooms. We checked into our room on the top floor, and despite how many years the building has stood, it felt distinctly charming with modern touches - like a radio with soft music playing, and a gorgeous clawfoot tub that I took 2 baths in in less that 18 hours. I'm dedicated to that bath lifestyle, clearly.

We spent our night much like the night before, albeit with more sleep under our belts. We wandered the grounds, complete with a pool and little pond, and even passed through the gate at the back of the property to see the churchyard and cemetery on the same property. I can't say it enough, but there is nothing like this where we live. LA is far too new of a city to have anything quite so old, and so everything about the property was just captivating to us. I love how much history there is in a house like this, but the updates and the modern touches make it so fun.

We sipped cocktails, had a gorgeous dinner with the sun slowly setting, and just generally relaxed. So many of our trips involve taking tons of photos and trying to see as much of one city as possible, so this trip was set up to be the polar opposite. Yes, we took plenty of photos, but in many ways, this felt like the first genuine vacation for us, where relaxation placed higher on the list than checking off a large to-do list. We ended up staying up and talking for a long time, as the sky grew darker outside.


rouje skirt / secondhand silk tank / musier heels
The next day we woke late on the morning of our anniversary, and while I could blame jet lag, I could also blame a full belly, soft sheets in a cozy bed, and the relaxing bath I took right before I climbed into said bed. Either way, we had a slow start to the day, and eventually headed right across the street to have a pub lunch at The Potting Shed. I think I'd been talking about how badly I wanted fish & chips since for weeks before we even got on the plane, so when I saw a big plate at the neighboring table, my mind was set, and we had to order it. And yep - they were everything I wanted and more, just so perfectly crisp and delicious. Obviously we had to have a pint with it, because why not.

After that we made the drive to our next location, a hotel in which I spoke ad nauseam about last year, because it just really made our trip special. The Artist Residence hotel in Oxfordshire. We spent two nights here last year, and made a point to come back and do the same on this trip. After two nights at different hotels, being able to settle in somewhere for two nights felt right, and meant we could really relax on our Anniversary. Honestly, when we stayed last year on the first two nights of our trip, we both talked about it for the rest of the week we traveled around, and both agreed it was one of our favorite hotels we've ever stayed at. 

I think it's because it really feels like home when you stay. But like, a really really cool home. There's incredible art all over the common spaces, and when we checked in, we found that we were in one of their newest rooms, the Stable Suite. There's more of that coming in the Vlog, but oh my heavens, was it a lovely room, with our own large bathtub, a fireplaces, and even a little back porch to sit with a glass of rosé. When we planned our trip, we expected some rain, and maybe a little sun, but somehow, miraculously, England was showing off, and we didn't have rain once during the 9 days we spent exploring. 



For our anniversary, we decided to have a drink in the gardens just outside the pub on the bottom floor, The Mason Arms. We sat out there for a long time, and there were dogs running around and other people just enjoying the sunshine and drinks. I can honestly say we couldn't have picked a prettier place to spend our wedding anniversary. In the gardens we noticed a new shed that was not there the last time we visited, and when we asked we were allowed to go inside and snap a few photos of their newest room, the Shepherd's Hut! It was so cute inside, and looked like a perfect and cozy spot to stay for a few nights, with a great view of the surrounding garden and grounds.


Because we had two days at AR, we were able to have dinner and breakfast at the restaurant, and yet again we had incredible food. They even surprised us with a dessert for our Anniversary! It was a romantic and delicious night, followed by breakfast with lots of tea the next morning in the garden. At this point in the trip, I was obviously considering cancelling our return flight and just living a life in the countryside, because LA has nothing on this place.


We took a little day trip to Daylesford Farm in Gloucestershire to do a little shopping and ended up spending a few hours there, walking through the grocery and home goods shops, before having lunch in the garden. If I had had extra room in my suitcase I would have bought everything they sold, but as they have an online shop, I'll still be handing my wallet over to them. No joke, as I was writing this post, I ended up delayed by a few hours of browsing the housewares and have no less than 8 things in a shopping basket on their site.*

*update : went to check out, and realized they do not in fact ship to the US. I am CRUSHED.


I wish I could tell you more about our stay at AR, but in all hoensty, we spent much of the time relaxing and talking. We celebrated our Anniversary in a dream location, and I cannot wait for our next opportunity to stay either there or at another AR location, as they have quite a few. But at the end of our stay we checked out and headed west to stay at our last hotel in the countryside, The Fish Hotel.





The Fish was unlike any of the other hotels we had stayed in - mainly because we had stayed in more rustic and older properties, with plenty of history. The Fish definitely has a lot of the same charm as the other places, but with a decidedly more modern feel. Especially since we stayed in one of their newest rooms on the properties - the Treehouse. That's right, we slept in a treehouse. But like, a really lux and fancy treehouse, complete with it's own drawbridge to get across and large soaking tubs on our private deck. It honestly was SO much fun staying there, and we loved the property. We saw little lambs in the surrounding fields, and had a great seafood themed dinner at Hook, their new restaurant.


The next morning, I woke up for my birthday. In all honesty, I'm never been a fan of my own birthday, which is why I especially like to leave for the occasion. I tend to feel a bit down on the day, but waking up somewhere new really helps. It's become my new tradition, and has helped me really start to enjoy birthdays more!

We packed up, said farewell to The Fish, and started the drive to London, but not without making one more pub stop along the way, just for a last chance to sit in a garden before heading into the busy city. We stopped in at The Ebbrington Arms for some cheesy chips (because I am the picture of healthy eating, obvi), and then got back on the road to drive into London.


Once in London, we headed to our first hotel, located in Chelsea. We packed a little heavier for this trip than necessary, as we both brought rainboots that we never once needed, but otherwise we found that our luggage was perfect for the two of us. We brought this large Calpak suitcase, a carry-on Calpak, and this vanity case from Steamline for the trip. * Since I tend to repeat outfits a bit, we had more than enough room to bring back treasures we picked up along the way.

*not pictured; another small carryon suitcase taken up with rain boots and rain gear, and our laptop bag.




It should come as no surprise to you guys when I say that I LOVE London. I haven't spent a ton of time there, and as it's so large, there are plenty of neighborhoods that are new to me - like Chelsea. We decided for this trip we would stay somewhere on the west side and somewhere on the east side to be able to see as much as possible, so we found both hotels on Chic Retreats. They specialize in offering boutique and luxury hotels all over the world, each with a completely unique experience. Eric and I have never been fans of mega-hotels that feel impersonal, so finding Chic Retreats was really helpful in a city as large as London.

Our first hotel was 11 Cadogan Gardens, and after all of the time spent in the countryside, it felt like the ideal luxury hideaway in the city. The decor was gorgeous, the bed was massive, and they had even left a little birthday treat for us to have upon arrival! I was smitten with the place, and there are so many amazing places within walking distance. I honestly wouldn't have minded a few additional days there, but two days felt perfectly lux too.



After settling in and unpacking a bit, we headed to the most magical of places in London - sketch. Now if you're wondering just what sketch is, chances are you've probably already seen a photo of it somewhere. Sketch is an all pink, super fun, not too serious destination for the nicest tea you'll ever experience. I'm talking full service, caviar course, with finger sandwiches, champagne, scones, and desserts. It's not somewhere I would go every day, but for a birthday? Hell yes. If you get a chance to go, DO IT. You'll have the best time.







réalisation par violette dress / chanel heels (sold out)



Woke up and took it slow, did some exploring, mention dishoom and portrait gallery
The next morning we woke up at 11 Cadogan and had breakfast in bed. At home, I usually leap out of bed early to take Mops on a walk and to start the day. Eric makes us coffee while I check emails and catch up on various projects. But on trips, we get the chance to skip all of that, and in this case, room service felt SO nice. A lovely tray (with plenty of carbs) and tea and coffee to get us started.

Having never gone, we decided to explore the National Portrait Gallery. In short - the place is MASSIVE. Countless works of art to see from hundreds of different artists. I wanted to take more photos, because the space itself is so lovely, but instead enjoyed the quiet and the artwork. Afterwards we headed to Dishoom for a top notch Indian lunch and walked around pop into Eric's favorite restaurant, Chicken Shop (just for a picture, we were stuffed) and to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet St to re-visit the very old pub where Charles Dickens once sat.





The next morning we said farewell to the west side, and headed east into Shoreditch - our favorite London neighborhood. There's just so much to see walking around, and so many great shops and restaurants. We went to Labour and Wait and Henri London to do a bit of shopping, before popping into our favorite pub in the whole city - Commercial Tavern. The decor is so fun, the drinks are great, and it's just a wonderful spot to pull up a chair and sit for a while after lots of walking.




After our day in Shoreditch, we checked into the final (bittersweet!) hotel of the trip - Batty Langley's. This hotel was SO much fun and had some great unexpected details, like a darling courtyard, beautiful portraits on the walls, and really lux rooms. My favorite part of the hotel was obviously the bath tub - we stayed in a lot of hotels with baths on this trip, but this one was my favorite, hands down. I've always always wanted a clawfoot tub, and this one had the most amazing gold taps. HEART EYES.

The bathroom in our room also had, no joke, a THRONE TOILET. You have to stay here to believe it - every corner of the hotel had something new to see, and it really lived up to the unexpectedness and luxury that Chic Retreats offers. We loved it!

Eric and I both agreed, Batty Langley's bed was the most regal of the whole trip!

Another reason why we fell in love with Batty Langley's, aside from how comfortable the room was, is that it was in such close proximity to the best spots in Shoreditch. It's down this small street that feels very private and removed and cozy, but then you turn the corner and there are so many restaurants and shops to visit. We ended up spending a lot of the day running around, and then to have a lovely little haven to come back to at the end of the day was great. If you're looking to stay in Shoreditch, definitely pick Batty Langley's!



On our last day in London, we visited the famous Columbia Road flower market, watched a bit of the World Cup, and took it pretty easy. After 9 days, there wasn't much we felt like we needed to do, with the exception of seeing some friends in town. We met up with the lovely Carrie of WishWishWish and her husband Miguel for dinner and a walk around Hampstead Heath. There aren't a lot of bloggers that I know IRL, but Carrie is an absolute gem with an excellent sense of humor, and great taste in Podcasts. My only regret is that we didn't have more time together! Carrie, please come to LA soon, or else I'll promise to be back in London soon to hang out. 

After that we went to sleep, woke up early, and headed home to our pup and our real life. All in all, I think this trip will go down as one of my favorites. I had so much quality time with Eric, and I loved how much we were able to talk, laugh, and explore together.


This post was written in partnership with Hertz and Chic Retreats. All opinions and words are my own.



THE TRAVEL ESSENTIAL YOU'RE PROBABLY FORGETTING

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I travel a fair amount for my lifestyle - I think at last count I've been on over a dozen flights this year with no sign of slowing down. I love traveling, seeing new places, and taking plenty of pictures and videos along the way. But it can come with its fair share of concerns, especially when flying is involved. Airplanes are notoriously drying and while I've always been sure to pack plenty of lotions, face masks, and mists for my skin, there was one area I was really neglecting - my eyes - which is why I am so happy to be working with Bausch + Lomb this year.




When I schedule trips, it often means taking red eye flights to get into a new city and maximize my time there. I need as much daylight to shoot as possible, so a lot of the time I will land at 9am, and be shooting photos on the ground before lunch. Aside from needing to look alert and awake, I also need my eyes to look their best. Enter my new travel essential - LUMIFY™ redness reliever eye drops - a unique drop that reduces redness to help eyes appear whiter, brighter and more naturally radiant.

I had a trip just last month in which I was really able to test out LUMIFY. It’s a brand new product that really appealed to me when I heard about it. I packed the drops along for my trip to Montana, and right as the plane was getting close to our destination, I put them in as directed. My eyes were already looking a little red from just the last few hours of travel, and I could see a difference after about a minute. Just brighter, whiter, more radiant eyes - perfect for the upcoming day. The results last up to 8 hours, so I knew I would easily be able to start shooting photos when we landed.


It's so surprising to me that I never really considered how my eyes can affect how I look when shooting photos. Sure, I pack makeup and moisturizers to deal with my skin, but with LUMIFY, my eyes look refreshed. I noticed the difference, even afterwards when editing photos and video from the trip. LUMIFY really saved the day on the trip, and while it's not something I will use every day, it is absolutely going to be a part of my travel essentials from now on. LUMIFY retails for $14.99 USD (2.5 mL bottle or 75 drops) – $25.99 USD (7.5 mL bottle or 225 drops) at major retailers and online Individual results may vary - use as directed. For more information about LUMIFY, visit their website at www.LumifyDrops.com!


LUMIFY is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates. LUM.0088.USA.18 // This post was sponsored by Bausch + Lomb - all opinions expressed are my own // I am collaborating with Bausch + Lomb for one year.

5 JEWELRY BRANDS YOU NEED TO KNOW

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When layering sweaters and coats is no longer an option for me, thanks to a heatwave, I have to look for other ways to up my style game without adding clothing. So for me, Summer is really a great opportunity to rummage around my jewelry box for delicate little pieces to add to my sundresses and breezy linen looks. Today I'm sharing 5 jewelry brand I think you need to know about - the perfect pieces that you can leave on for days at a time to add a sparkle to your Summer wardrobe.






CHUPI : I'd Be Lost Without You Necklace
I've spoken about Chupi a number of times on the blog - I love their Zodiac themed necklaces so much. But for a more delicate choice, I like the I'd Be Lost Without You Necklace. It's perfect for layering, but I like it all on it's own for a warm night out.



FIVE AND TWO : Carmen Necklace / Brynn Necklace
Roses and stars play a big part in my jewelry collection. They have the ability to look both antique and entirely modern, which is why I love both of these pieces by Five and Two. They do a great job of making layering necklaces that are just one piece (no more tangled chains) and the designs are always so on trend.

I've actually got an extra necklace on hand to giveaway from Five and Two! The Valentina Necklace in gold is so chic, and perfect for the season. If you'd like to enter, just leave a comment below with your favorite piece from this post + your IG handle so I can contact you. Good luck!


VRAI&ORO : Fem Necklace / Vertical Bar Necklace
Of all the brands on this list, V&O is the one I've known for the longest. There's a lot to love about their brand. They utilize conflict free diamonds in all of their jewelry, they are owned and operated right here in LA, and the people behind the brand are some of the loveliest I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I don't know how to describe it, other than when you pick one of their pieces it feels personal, like a gift from a close friend.

I actually opted to not pack any jewelry on my last trip (small carryon) and to instead just wear the same necklaces every day. I've been wearing the Vertical Bar Necklace for almost two weeks straight and I adore it. Pair it with the Fem Necklace for a chic layered look.



EDGE OF EMBER : Hunter Charm Necklace
Edge of Ember is a completely new brand to me, and I'm so glad I found them. They have a new series of charm necklaces out, each one representing a different personality. I had a hard time choosing, but I picked the Hunter Charm Necklace. I absolutely love how vintage it looks and plan on styling it with some smaller chains this Summer.


WOLF CIRCUS : Fleur Necklace / Rose Signet Ring
Wolf Circus is another newer brand for me, and so far I've loved every collection I've seen so far. I really love the Fleur Necklace because it looks handmade - almost like a real flower was pressed into it to make the impression. It's so unique. And since I have a new found love of signet rings, the Rose Signet Ring is going to be on my hand a lot in the coming months.

MY EXPERIENCE WITH A LASH LIFT

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Some of you may have seen me share this on Instagram, but recently, I've started going to Iris+West to have a new treatment done - a Lash Lift. Now you may be asking, just what in the world is a lash lift? So I'm here today to explain it all, share some before/after pics, and tell you why I'm throwing out my lash curler and making the switch.







What is a Lash Lift?
First up, just what is a lash lift? A lash lift is a process that takes your natural lashes, and essentially perms them around a rod. It takes about an hour for the technician to separate out each lash hair, wrap it around the rod, and then a treatment is applied that allows it to keep that shape - just like if you were to perm the hair on your head. You can touch your lashes, get them wet, and basically treat them exactly like you would your natural lashes, because that's what they are. No extensions, no glue - just your own lashes, lifted and opened up. During the treatment you can also have your lashes tinted darker, so that it pretty much looks like you wake up with mascara on.

During the treatment with the rod on my lashes. Also, no makeup, be nice.
Immediately after the treatment.

Before/After
In order to really see what the Lash Lift looks like in action, here's a before and after. In the before picture, I'm wearing a full face of makeup, mascara, and I had curled my lashes with a lash curler that morning. In the picture you can see - it really doesn't look like I have full lashes. Just a sort of line of hairs sticking straight out. I could glob on a lot of mascara and maaaaybe give myself more of a fluffy look, but that comes with the problem of that very same mascara running down my cheeks as the day wears on.



Conversely, in the after picture, this is me right before boarding a plane. I've filled in my brows, put a little bit of concealer on, but really am wearing hardly any makeup. But my lashes? My lashes are dark, separated, and completely fanned out, with no effort on my part. It makes my eyes look larger and makes me look more awake, despite the early hour.

Is it worth it?
The treatment lasts up to 6 weeks, and allows you to completely ditch mascara and curling wands during that time. As someone who really doesn't enjoy putting makeup on (or sweating said makeup off in the heat) a Lash Lift is the ideal treatment. It's allowed me to have a just a 'wake-up and go' lifestyle, especially with travel. I can put a little concealer on, some blush, and ignore my eyes all together, because I know they already look 'done'. And while it costs more than buying some mascara and trying my best to curl my own lashes, I think it's absolutely worth it. I take a lot of photos, and having my eyes look open and bright is key. I've done extensions in the past, and while I did love them, I didn't love that they weren't my own lashes. I think the Lash Lift is a more natural result, and it's been easy for me to maintain. I've been in twice already and haven't touched a tube of mascara in months. For me - this is going to become a somewhat regular thing because I love the results, the ease, and the process is quick!

For more information, head to Iris+West's website to see their services and availability.

I was gifted the initial Lash Lift treatment, with no expectations to write a review. All opinions expressed here are my own genuine thoughts on the service. 
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