{Style Files} Ladies Who Lunch

Earrings // Handbag // Dress // Heels // Sunglasses // Bracelet

A girlie frock, classic baubles and a nude pair of pumps make for the perfect outfit for an afternoon brunch. Maybe a meet up for coffee and cake or a delicious lunch? Whatever your day is filled with, this chic stylish outfit will surely turn some heads. Just throw on a cardigan and you're even ready for work!   

{Face of the Day} Shades of Coral

-The Inspiration-

Image via From Me to You

FACE

Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Serum

MAC Sutdio Finish Concealer

bareMinerals Original Foundation in Medium Beige

bareMinerals Well Rested Eye Brightener

bareMinerals Ready Compact Bronzer in The Skinny Dip

MAC Powder Blush in Cantaloupe (PRO)

e.l.f. Mineral Pigment in Natural (used as face highlight)

EYES

MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque

MAC Eyeshadow in Shroom

MAC Eyeshadow in Soft Brown

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara in Very Black

e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit in Medium

e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Mascara

LIPS

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Peach Passion

{Book Review} Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail Swatchbook

Image via Mrs. Lilien

If you haven't heard of Mrs. Lilien or visited her blog, I highly recommend you do so. Her playful spin on everyday life makes her the queen of turning the mundane to fabulous. I visit her blog often for creative inspiration and for a light, fun and girlie read. 

Her libation recipes have practically made her famous so I was ecstatic to hear that she was coming out with a book featuring her yummy drinks. I pre-ordered the Swatchbook two months ago and was giddy with excitement when it arrived at my doorstep this morning. I couldn't wait to sift through the quirky booze recipes. Just in time for the start of summer too! 

The fun and colorful Swatchbook features 50 cocktail recipes- one for just about any occasion! 

Each ingredient is listed along with coordinating serving ideas and proper garnishes to make any drink look like you ordered from a five-star hotel. There are even tips on the back of each card that go with every drink from frozen fruit ideas to a sugar rimmed glass. 

No bar cart is complete without the Cocktail Swatchbook! This is the essential drink book for summer and even makes a wonderful hostess gift. 

Order your copy of Mrs. Lilien's Cocktail swatchbook today at Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Indiebound.

Chin-Chin!

{Style Files} A Patriotic Twist

Blouse // Sunglasses // Earrings // Watch // Cuffs // Flats // Shorts

Who says red, white and blue has to be boring? Mix things up with a fresh, new take on patriotic wear. Fun prints and interesting cuts make for a stylish all-American look. Throw on some gilded bling, a sparkly pair of flats, and add a pair of classic aviators to complete the look. Now you're BBQ ready!

{Snapshots} Lately on Instagram...

Casual Outfit of the Day:

Tank- H & M // Shorts- J.Crew // Necklace- J.Crew // Sandals- Forever 21

New Sunnies:

Sunglasses- H & M // Card Case- Tiffany & Co.

Baubles:

Earrings- Loren Hope // Necklace- Spike the Punch

Relaxing:

I've been spending my days off laying out and soaking up some rays- I can almost feel summer!

Work Outfit of the Day:

Blazer, Skirt, Tank, Flower- all H & M // Heels- Target // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co.

New Baubles:

Necklace- J.Crew

Day Off:

Once again, taking it easy and throughly enjoying my day off with a little sun tanning and blog reading.

Sweet Treat:

I have been going bananas (literally!) for the Ben & Jerry's Green Banana Peanut Butter Frozen Yogurt. If you haven't tried it yet, you must. It's divine!

Shopping Haul:

Blouse- Image Boutique // Dress, Chambray Shirt, Navy Skirt, Bronze Pencil Skirt- all Forever 21

Splish Splash:

Gotta love sunny Southern California weather. Relaxing and taking a dip in the pool is the ultimate day off for me.

Work Outfit of the Day:

Top- Forever 21 // Pencil Skirt- H & M // Heels- Target // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co.

New Shades:

Baroque Sunglasses- eBay

Face of the Day:

Blush- MAC Sunbasque // Lipstick- YSL Rouge Volupte Peach Passion // Eyes- MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot

Work Outfit of the Day:

Blazer, Striped Top- H & M // Cropped Pants- J.Crew // Heels- Steve Madden

Date Outfit:

Chevron Blouse- Forever 21 // Pants- J.Crew // Heels- Christian Louboutin

Dishes:

I love the Privet Home Collection at Target right now and adored this tableware for every day. I had to pick up a bowl and plate to use at work (I'm not fond of sharing dishes) because of the fun pattern and colors.

Work Outfit of the day:

Cardigan- Nordstrom // Blouse- H & M // Cropped Pants- H & M // Flower- H & M // Heels- Target

Face of the Day:

Blush- NARS Orgasm // Lipstick- MAC Pink Nouveau

Puppy:

My sweet, goofy little fur ball, Buttons. Gotta love her.

Pink Taco:

Date night at Pink Taco in Los Angeles- amazing food. I take my boyfriend out to dinner every Friday night for finishing another week of Paramedic school. Celebrating minor feats in life is always a good thing- plus he deserves it!

You can follow me here to follow my daily Instagram posts!

Username: prettypetals

{Beauty Review} YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick

YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 in 13 Peach Passion

The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick with SPF 15 are a cult favorite among beauty lovers and I for one have been on the brink of trying the product out for several years now. The price is a bit steep at $34 a pop, but after hearing such amazing reviews and obsessing over its beautiful packaging for quite some time, I figured I'd give it a go.

YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 in 13 Peach Passion

The product is described on Sephora as "an extremely smooth and creamy lipstick with a formula that transforms into a fluid veil of radiant color when it touches the lips." I have to agree with the description as this lipstick is hands down one of the creamiest formulas I have ever used. It literally glides onto the lips with full, opaque color coverage. 

If you are prone to chapped lips, then this is definitely the lipstick for you. It is moisturizing and feels almost like you are wearing a gloss. And best of all, the color stays put and lasts for several hours despite its creamy formula.  

YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick 13 Peach Passion label

I picked out shade number 13 Peach Passion because it has a coral/peach hue making it perfect for summer. I'm pretty happy with my color choice as this is a great, subtle way to wear a bright lipstick color to work. It is a peachy neutral with just a small pop of color. I find it goes well with just about any look for this season.

Shade 13 Peach Passion on lips (this pic doesn't do it justice; it's a bit brighter in real life).

Full face wearing 13 Peach Passion

This is officially one of my new favorite lipsticks and I find myself reaching for it more often than my MAC lippies. I find the formula works better for an every day, no maintenance lip product and I am obsessed with the packaging. The gorgeous lipstick puts a smile on my face every time I use it. What can I say, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging.

And since I love this lipstick so much, I've already got my list started for the next shades to try out! Beige Ultimate, a mauve taupe; Opera Rose, a vibrant rose pink; and Provocative Pink, a bright magenta pink, are all striking an interest with me lately.

I definitely plan on trying out more shades and despite the heavy price tag of $34 each, I still find it to be worth the money since these are great every day lipsticks that I plan on getting a lot of use out of.

You can purchase the Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant SPF 15 Lipsticks at any Sephora or Nordstrom location.

{Obsessed} Arm Party Watches

Pink Peonies

Pinterest

Pinterest

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I've been obsessing over these watches lately and love the idea of being able to pair them with fun bracelets for a funky mix of accessories. This is an easy way to dress up any outfit that really kicks up the style notch. Shorts and a tee kind of day? Throw on a watch and a few bracelets to create the ultimate arm party and create a whole new look.

What accessories are you obsessing over?

{Beauty} Tanning 101

Tanning Mousse // Bronzer // Mitt // Illuminator // Dry Shimmer Oil // Face Moisturizer // Body Shimmer

While I love being tan in the summer, I don't like the idea of baking my skin. Luckily, there are plenty of options in beauty products to replicate a bronzed glow.

I start off with a good exfoliator and moisturizer before I tan to be sure I have clean, smooth skin to work with. Using the tanning mitt (Ulta has a great, affordable option), I use a pump or two for each body section (ie calf, thigh or bottom) and directly rub it into my skin starting with my legs and lightly going over my feet. St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse is my absolute favorite tanning product because it is easy to use, dries quickly and leaves a natural, even brown looking tan. No orange streaks here!

To keep my face looking tan and to match the rest of my body, I use Jergens Natural Glow for Face Gradual Self Tanning Moisturizer. It doubles as a face moisturizer before I use makeup and gradually creates a natural looking tan on my face. I love Estee Lauder's Bronzer Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer to give my face a sun-kissed look and use NARS Illuminator in Laguna for a bronzy sheen on my cheekbones. It even works great if I mix it in with foundation or tinted moisturizer for an all-over face glow. 

To give my body that Victoria Secret model sun-kissed glow look, The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer Shimmer Dry Oil is the perfect option. I rub it all over my arms and legs to make my skin glisten and then dust e.l.f.'s Body Glow for a sheer golden touch of radiance.

So there you have it, my fake golden just-from-the-beach fool proof tan without damaging your skin, and without looking like you "fake and bake" either! 

What are your favorite tanning products?

{Etsy Shop Love} Derng

Derng arm party

There are so many options for bracelets to wear this summer and although it is tempting to splurge on all the baubles available in stores to add to my arm party, I don't see the reason in spending big bucks on something I probably won't be wearing for long. Don't get me wrong, I have quite the collection of jewelry, but when it comes to costume jewelry I prefer the affordable option. 

That's where the Etsy jewelry shop Derng comes in! Derng sells gold, silver and rose gold chunky link bracelets and necklaces along with Pave encrusted pieces to add a little bling and at very reasonable prices.

Gold Pave Rhinestone Chain Link Bracelet

I've been lusting after a J.Crew bracelet for quite some time now, but the $118 price tag wasn't worth the splurge to me. This option from Derng is perfect. The Gold Pave Rhinestone Chain Link Bracelet has the same pave detailing for only $18. Sold! Perfectly compliments the rest of my arm party I've got going on for summer.

Matte Gold Chain Link Bracelet

Pave Delicate Tube Bracelets

The Gilles Necklace: Gunmetal Link with Pave 

Not only is Derng an affordable option for fun and funky jewelry options, but it is handmade. I am always happy to support a shop that sells handmade pieces before splurging on something made in a factory. I have personally purchased from Derng and the owner Emily is incredibly easy to work with. Plus, you can request special lengths for the bracelets, which is perfect for me because I have very small wrists. 

Check out Derng on Etsy for your next jewelry purchase and follow the shop's Twitter and Instagram for new listings in the shop! 

{Interiors} Bedroom Inspiration & Style Board

Headboard // Duvet Cover // Light // Table // Print // Pillows// Sheets

Plush, tufted headboards, modern geometric prints and mirrored furniture all lend itself to create the perfect glamourous bedroom. A calm neutral palette is balanced with a few fun pops of color and reflective surfaces add a bit of sophistication and sparkle. I'm thinking greys and pinks with hints of mint and aqua will turn my bedroom into the fun hollywood regency look I have always been fond of. 

Any rooms you plan on making over?

{Beauty} May 2012 Shopping List

Concealer // Liquid Tint // Self Tanner // Hair Brush // Eye Cream // Bronzer // Lipstick // Tinted Moisturizer // Shampoo // Conditioner

I tend to switch up my beauty products every season and in preparation for summer, these items have been striking my interest for beach-y, warm weather. 

A new creamy concealer and corrector is perfect for masking my dark under eye circles and the two color options allow for proper color matching when I get more tan. Tangerine Tango is the Pantone Color of the Year and I have been finding ways to incorporate it into my makeup routine. Benefit's Cha Cha Tint and Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Peach Passion are the perfect way to add some coral. 

And let's not forget about my hair! With all that sun damage, a proper de-frizzing shampoo and conditioner along with a smoothing brush is the perfect remedy. 

What products are striking your interest lately? 

{Style Files} Glamourous Lounging

Umbrella // Sunnies // Earrings // Towel // Bathing Suit // iPad Case // Bag

Lounging pool side, soaking up some rays, and sipping on a martini are all I seem to dream about these days. Fantasizing about glamourous relaxation puts a big ol' grin on my face. Palm Springs, Vegas or even my own backyard is calling my name and I thoroughly plan on taking advantage of my days off the warmer it gets. Luckily in sunny Southern California, it almost feels like summer has begun and I couldn't be happier. 

Where do you plan on spending the warmer days ahead? 

*Vintage images via Slim Aarons*

{Current Obsessions} 05.16.2012

Handbag // Bronzer // Polish // Dress // Eyelash Curler // Bracelet // Perfume // Sandals // Sunnies

This week I've been obsessing over these items, some of them lusting after since they clearly won't be fitting into my budget *ahem, Tory Burch sandals*. But many of these simple wardrobe staples have been calling my name and I could see working all of these items into my every day wear for the upcoming warmer months. I'm in need of a new bronzer and this Bobbi Brown one seems to be getting great reviews. The new Chloe perfume smells divine! I've gone through two samples already, I think it's time to bite the bullet and just purchase a full bottle haha. 

What have you been lusting after lately?

{Snapshots} Recent Outfits of the Day + New Ombre Hair

Cardigan- Nordstrom // Blouse- Forever 21 // Skirt- H & M // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co. // Heels- Target

Dress- Old Navy // Flower Pin- H & M // Leggings- Forever 21 // Boots- Prada // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co.

Dress- Nordstrom // Blazer- H & M // Heels- Steve Madden // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co.

Dress- H & M // Heels- Steve Madden // Jewelry- Tiffany & Co.

I was long, LONG overdue for a haircut and it had been over a year since I had dyed my hair. I wanted something lighter and beach-y for summer so I took the plunge... I went ombre! I left my natural hair color on top and had my ends lightened and weaved through to make more of an ombre effect and not so much of a blunt color change. I love it! Something different without going too drastic making it suitable for work. I also cut off about 3 inches and had more layers put in. Hopefully my hair will grow faster now that it is healthier!

{Style Files} Beach Chic

Blazer // Ring // Blouse // Earrings // Sandals // Cropped Trousers // Handbag // Bracelet

Coral, starfish and strappy sandals are the perfect combination for beach chic style. A straw tote and bright colored jewels add to the laid back vibe while still keeping that ultra chicness that translates from the beach to the concrete jungle. Gotta love the playful details for summer.