Wednesday, May 22, 2013

What I Wore : Henri Lou Jewelry

This may be the easiest outfit I own that is not a dress.
Bonus points for looking equally great with flats or a higher heel.
And even prettier when paired with celebrity coveted jewels.
Jumpsuit - Max Studio via TJ Maxx {similar here}
Earrings - local boutique
Bracelet and Ring - c/o Henri Lou Jewelry {find them here and here}
Shoes - Nine West {old, loving these}
All of Henri Lou's stunning jewelry and handbags are handcrafted in Los Angeles with only the finest materials. Owner Reagan is as sweet as she is creative.
No wonder Ms. Roberts can't get enough. 
Available at fine retailers including Fred Segal and Neiman Marcus.


The team at Henri Lou has graciously offered up a signature Henri bracelet to one of my readers.
Good Luck!



Linking up here and here.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

I am all about trying new beauty products but typically, always end up going back to my tried and true favorites.
Lately though, I have had the opportunity to try so many amazing new products; many of which I  have added to my rotation full-time. Namely this which was sent to me by an amazing reader and now friend.  

Summer Beauty Must-Haves

1. The Clarisonic Mia. I cannot tell you how long I have wanted this. In fact, my girlfriend got so tired of hearing me say it, she decided she would get it for me. Truth be told I've been trying to win one on other blogs forever! 
Well, the wait is over and it was worth it. I am loving this tool. Well worth the money.
Thank you again bestie. xo
Available at Sephor for $139.

2. My new favorite. I will never be without this. I have tried botox and while the results were great; it is just too costly and too time consuming for me to ever maintain. I have used this cream religiously since I received it and in just over a week, I swore I saw a difference. It does contain a lot of plant extracts and while I'm normally very sensitive, this caused no reaction at all. Other than to firm and tighten. 
Amen to that. 
It is available in Canada at Shoppers Drug Mart and retails for $36. 

3. Now, this product line is only available in the U.S. as far as I know. It retails for (are you ready for this?) $1. Yes, one dollar.
I love me some eyebrow gel and may or may not have bought a small luggage full. I kid. Sort of.
I have also tried a few of their glosses and am quite enjoying them.
Available at Target and Walmart. 

4. My very favorite BB cream bar none. Although I truly love Boscia's, this one is equally good and via ebay; less than half the price. A huge win in my book.
It is a Korean brand (the original makers of BB cream I believe) and literally takes less than a minute to apply. 
My skin has never looked better. Natural, nice coverage. 
If you only try one BB cream EVER, let this be the one.
The link to their site is here but as mentioned, check out ebay first. 

5. My mother.in.law turned me on this amazing self-tanner. As an extremely loyal Clarins user, I was hesitant. 
Again, this one is a third of the price at $15 and gave great results with no offensive odor. 
Available at Bath and Body Works exclusively. 
On a side note, the same scent/line makes a really impressive shampoo and conditioner. 
Give it a go!

6. Eden Allure Argan Oil. 
I received this (retails for $18) along with a couple of their natural soaps to try and must say, crazy good! I have used moroccan oil in my hair for some time but never knew that it is actually better for the skin than for your hair. Read more about it here
I can tell you that I had a couple of awful self-inflicted scratched on my lower leg that are completely healed since using. And that, for this terrible shaver, I have yet to try anything as soothing.  
Use code "FIRST TIME" for 15% off any purchase.
Available at Eden Allure

7. Bumble and Bumble surf-spray has been a long-time favorite of mine. I use it strictly in the summer and love the texture it gives my hair. 
Why mess with a good thing?
Available at Sephora. 

8. I received this cheek palette from a dear friend in Texas at the perfect time. I was completely out of both of my favorite powder blushes (both by MAC in case you're wondering!) so when this arrived, it was such a welcome and happy surprise. 
I find when I buy a "kit" I always have a favorite and likewise, dislike at least one.
Not the case here ladies, not the case at all. 
EVERY color is perfection. 
This used to be available at Sephora but I don't believe they carry the Tarina Tarantino line anymore. 
I found it here

9. Nars lip gloss.
Another long-time favorite and one that I just haven't found an equally good replacement for.
This is Ms. Kardashian's favorite shade and I see why. 
It is called Turkish Delight and is perfect layered on top of lipstick. (Kim uses MAC Angel and for dark haired gals, nothing's prettier)
Available via NARS website, Holt Renfrew and Sephora.
Have you entered the Curated by Kelly giveaway?
Open to the U.S. and Canada. 
$50 in jewels up for grabs.

Please note, this is NOT a sponsored posts. I am sharing products I truly enjoy and as always, all opinions are strictly my own. 

Friday, May 17, 2013

Friday Fancies : Striped

There are few things in life that I love more than stripes. 
Maybe gingham.
Just maybe. 
Striped
Details:
Balmain striped blazer - here (option)
Dorothy Perkins t-shirt - here
Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans - here (option)
J Crew necklace (exact - sold out) (also loving this and this)
Rick Owens wallet - here
Michael Kors iphone case -
here 

I am changing things up a little bit.
And although I would still love you to visit and follow along on polyvore; I will be including outfit details below collages alongside {ahem} less expensive options when necessary. Which is often since somehow, this girl always ends up using crazy expensive items like the Balmain blazer above.
Swoon.

The shoes, which need to find their way into my closet, are from my personal showroom via 
Shoedazzle. I have been looking for just the right white and these may just be them.
You can take your own personal style quiz here {and find out what Rachel Zoe thinks YOU should be wearing). 


Enter the Curated by Kelly jewelry giveaway here for your chance at a $50 credit! 
Winner of the Chicnova Giveaway is Despina Vnt. Congrats! I will email you today. 
Happy Weekend. 
 photo b3c55105-2875-4109-8016-a3e51c326004_zps36373d36.jpg
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ShoeDazzle. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

What that baby Wore : Messy Buns and Dandelions

Someone, and we won't name names, is full on terrified of bugs lately.
Ants particularly, but she doesn't like flies much either.
It has been tough to even get her outside.
I'm hoping this is just a phase?
anyone?anyone?
on Ava:
sequined fleece - DKNY Kids
leggings - Zara Kids
shoes - See Kai Run
Know that we lasted exactly 3 minutes at the park as witnessed by the above photo where she is probably pointing out a bug in the distance.
On a bug free note, enter our Curated By Kelly giveaway here
Open to the U.S. and Canada. 
$50 in jewels up for grabs.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

What I Wore : Curated by Kelly

I've decided that this summer, if it ever get's here, I'm going do wear more dresses.
I find I'm always saving them for an occasion that may never happen.
No more, I say. 
No more. 
maxi dress - Emma and Michele {loving this one also}
necklace - c/o Curated by Kelly
jean jacket - H and M
shoes - Marciano
clutch - Marciano
How pretty are the ombre pearls above? 
I'm wearing the Mila necklace in green by Curated by Kelly. Not only is her shop full of pretty things but she is just the sweetest gal ever.
Here are just a few of the other pieces I am loving:


Kelly is offering readers a $50 credit to her shop! 
Open to Canada and the U.S. 
Good luck.




Linking up here and here.
And for Monday Mingle here.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The King's Lair : The After featuring Urban Walls

I shared photos of Julian's old room here. I loved that sweet room but it was time.
Time for the teddy bears to be put away and for my little guy to get his own "big boy room". 
Here's a sneak peek {it's still a work in progress!}:
We decided to go with neutral colors with navy and red accents.
It happened quite by accident really when my husband brought home Julian's new bedspread and we realized how great the addition of navy was.
The large pillow I found at Costco. Isn't it fun? 
Still looking for a small accent pillow for the leather club chair we added to the corner and of course, lots of other goodies to brighten up his wrap-around shelf.
All in time. 

I was contacted by  Urban Walls {a Canadian (yay!) company based out of B.C.} at what might possibly have been the most perfect time. 
We were in the midst of deciding how we would spruce up the wall above his chest of drawers. The bed faces it so it had to be something he wouldn't tire of looking at. 
When I saw this, I knew I had found the perfect addition.
I know, I know, amazing right?
If I were an 11 year old boy, I would think this was quite possibly the coolest thing EVER.
And, in case you are wondering, yes, I did it myself. 
And yes, it was ridiculously easy.
Step 1: decide on placement of images. i started with the middle one.
Step 2: complete placement and mark outer edges with a pencil in a few key spots.
Step 3: gently remove backing and place image using pencil marks as guides. gently remove backing.
Step 4: be shocked and amazed that it is working so incredibly well!
Step 5: the completed image
Step 6: erase pencil marks
Step 7: complete. 
Here are just a few of my other favorites:




Aren't they amazing? Pricing is very reasonable and without the commitment of wallpaper {I have SO been there}.
The team at Urban Walls has graciously offered up a 20% discount code use on any purchase from the site. Use code AVAGRACE.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Introducing Nyopoly

It always amazes me when I hear of an organization that has an original idea.
A twist on a retail concept.
something I never thought of. sigh.
Enter Nyopoly.
This member's only site allows you to view a selection of hand-picked products and then choose YOUR price on anything that may strike your fancy. 
Make an offer.
And then wait (literally a few seconds) to see if it's been accepted.
You even get to haggle. 
How fun is that?

From the  Nyopoly STYLE site:
Nyopoly is a members-only shopping experience where every price is personal. With Nyopoly, you negotiate your price on fabulous and unique finds in fashion, getting coveted styles on your terms. Our marketplace is curated exclusively for our members, bringing you trendy, must-have accessories, jewelry, watches, handbags and more. Get the latest looks, all at a great price: your price.

Here are just a few of my current favorites (including an amazing wrap bracelet by Canadian designer Jenny Bird!) :

To learn more about Nyopoly visit the site and request an invite here. Sign up, leave me a comment below and earn an extra $5 credit to the shop! 
Please note that currently, Nyopoly is only shipping to the U.S.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nyopoly. All opinions expressed are strictly my own. 
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