Ava Grace's Closet: June 2013
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Friday, June 28, 2013

Friday Fancies : Beach Ready

This week's prompt couldn't be more timely since I am beach bound in exactly 19 days. 
I saw this suit on someone in April and have been smitten ever since. 
Isn't it perfect? It's perfect. 

Beach Ready
Sunglasses - River Island
Fedora - Eugenia Kim
Swimsuit - Tory Burch
Maxi Skirt - Roberto Cavalli
Flip Flops - Yosi Samra
Lip Gloss - Dolce + Gabbana in Coral Pink

I think this look could easily transcend to lunch on a pretty patio.
Obviously because the swimsuit is perfection.
Or did I mention that already?
Happy Friday! 

PS - my first instagram giveaway is up! Follow me there and enter to win a beautiful statement necklace from Accessory Mercado. 
 photo b3c55105-2875-4109-8016-a3e51c326004_zps36373d36.jpg









Thursday, June 27, 2013

Conversations with the Kid

I've shared some of the conversations Julian and I have had before but lately, I've taken to writing down some of what he says so that I never ever forget how darn clever he is. 
Especially in moments where he is testing my patience.
Which is basically every day. 
Many of them had me nodding in agreement. Or laughing out loud.
I mean, look at this face.
Julian: I just love my new boots. I stepped in so many puddles and I made everyone step on my feet and it didn't even hurt.
Me: Why would you do that?
Julian: So I could test my new boots.

Me: Julian, can you please fix Ava's little ride on car for me? 
Julian: Why, it's not broken?
Me: Yes, it is. The top fell off.
Julian: Mom! It's a convertible!!
Touche.

"Mom, come on, EVERYTHING tastes better when you melt cheese on it". 

"You know what I think? They make it hot in Ikea just so that we buy the frozen yogurt".

A dear friend recently got a job at Apple and I asked Julian if he might like to go and visit her. The conversation went like this:
Me: Do you want to go to the mall one night this week and visit B?
Julian: Why?
Me: Well, because she's working at your favorite store and I thought it might be fun.
Julian: Wha! Can she give us free stuff? 
Me: No.
Julian: Wha! Can she give us a discount?
Me: No.
Julian: {somewhat deflated} Well, too bad Steve Jobs died. He did store tours you know. At least she could have met him. 
Apparently, when there is no discount and no free stuff, a visit from Steve Jobs is the least she could get.

And lastly, just yesterday night I caught him singing at the top of his lungs {he also may have been dancing} in the family room.
Something along the lines of "I got the moves like JAGUAR. I got the moves like JAGUAR."

Me: Julian, what are you singing?
Julian : Moves like JAGUAR
Me: Like what?
Julian: JAGUAR!!!
Me: It's "Jagger" Julian. Moves like JAGGER. As in Mick Jagger.
Julian: {a look of confusion and obvious disbelief on his face} Whatever mom. 
read: no such a thing as a Jagger.

And just like that, Mick Jagger is no longer a legend. 
Boom.
source
Happy Thursday.


Wednesday, June 26, 2013

What I Wore : Blue Suede Shoes

I have always been a huge accessory girl. 
Clothing? I like the classics. The perfect trousers, a crisp white shirt and the little black dress are among my favorites. 
But accessories? 
That's where I like to play. 
And that perfect piece? 
Truly takes what is otherwise ordinary to a whole other level.
Sunglasses - Forever XXI {old, similar option here}
Dress - Top Shop {last season, option one + two}
Necklace - c/o Accessory Mercado
Shoes - Truth or Dare by Madonna {sold out, other color options here or options, one + two}
 Accessory Mercado is a new facebook-based, designer-inspired jewelry shopping experience like no other.
Register on their site and wait for their flash sales each Wednesday at 8pm. 
Like something? Comment "SOLD", provide your email address and it's yours! 
Shipping within the U.S. is free. And yes (!) they ship to Canada. 

Like my necklace? 
Follow me on instagram here to see details on how to win one of your own!

Linking this post up here and here.



Monday, June 24, 2013

Nivea Indulgence Challenge + A Giveaway

If you follow me on twitter + instagram, you may have seen some tweets and photos of me indulging in a little me time lately.
Moments that are far and few between being a busy mom of 3!
I was challenged by Nivea to slow down my morning shower routine for at least 2 weeks. 
Light a candle, take the time to exfoliate rough elbows and knees, moisturize and wrap myself in a luxurious robe.
And indulge I did.  
For me, indulgence comes in many forms. 
The biggest of these being time. An "alone" shower {read: no kids interrupting for an ENTIRE 10 mins} has quickly become a huge indulgence. In fact, I find more and more I'm switching to an evening shower and locking the door. that works.
As do pretty flowers in the washroom that leave their sweet, lingering scent.
A perfectly plush, cozy robe. And new fresh white towels. 

What does indulgence mean to you?
Leave me a comment below and enter to win a NIVEA indulgence kit of your very own.
kit includes:
- a 12 oz. bottle of NIVEA touch of renewal {my new favorite!}
- a 16.9 oz bottle of either NIVEA touch of cashmere, serenity or smoothness
- a relaxing scented candle
- THE coziest bathrobe you have ever owned
- a $50 gift card to Bed, Bath + Beyond

Open to U.S. readers only
Good Luck!



Friday, June 21, 2013

Friday Fancies : Summer Vacation Must-Haves

With our summer vacation just around the corner {24 more days but who is counting} I'm starting to reassess my summer wish list and plan out what to bring for our extended stay in South Florida.
Easy but put together with lots of mix and match basics always does the trick.

Summer Vacation

1. Maxi dresses. Yes, it's ridiculously hot but somehow, a light breezy maxi always feels right for dinner outside. 
Dress one, for day, and two, for evening.

2. Fun graphic and embellished t's that add a little bit of interest to an otherwise casual outfit. 
one and two

3. A good lip scrub, for dry sun-chapped lips and a pretty lipstick that goes with everything.
Scrub available via TrymblA new and innovative beauty site that lets you try before you buy. Yes, it's true.
Shop for beauty products for mama + babe, and if you're unsure about a particular item and would like to try it first, request a sample!
Check out Trymbl and request an invite. 
Lipstick by YSL available here

4. A couple of fedora's for what will inevitably be a month of bad hair days for me. Lazy days really. 
A darker and lighter version would be perfect.

5. Swimsuits.
Is it just me or does J Crew get it just right year after year? I am loving the retro feel of all of their suits and the support of their bikinis is superb.
The color of this {top + bottom} 2 piece is lovely and it also comes in a pretty peachy pink shade. 
And how sweet is this polka dot number?

6. The perfect denim cut off. I just picked this pair up at True Religion and find it's so tough to find shorts that are not cut ridiculously short. 
These are a nice length and will work dressed up or down. 
Find them here. Lots of fun and less pricey options available here as well. And 20% off right now.

7. Barely there shoes. I own these and they are my go-to's and definitely the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned. 
I have been on the hunt for a nice quality pair of flip flops and am hearing Tkees make the best ones. I love the contrast colors of these and the fact that a bright manicure will pop against the white top.

8. A fun bright cross body. I have a similar Kate Spade bag in an orange hue and plan to add this color to my collection this summer. if the price is right.

What's on your summer wish list?
Happy Friday!

Two fun giveaways happening! Jose Eber + Old Navy 

 photo b3c55105-2875-4109-8016-a3e51c326004_zps36373d36.jpg

Thursday, June 20, 2013

What Ava Wore : Old Navy + A Giveaway

I've always been a big fan of shopping Old Navy for my kiddos. 
I've always found their prices are very competitive and the quality is great, withstands the aggressive play of boys {read, no rips in the knees} and is always on trend. 
I was recently challenged to purchase looks for Ava with a $50 gift card from Old Navy using Old Navy coupon codes.
Here is what we chose:
Ava wears:
Look #1
sunglasses in both looks - {old, we also loved these

t-shirt 
denim shorts 
shoes
look #2
playsuit 
shoes 
As if two outfits along with cutie pie shoes wasn't enough, we were also able to get this dress {not pictured} and this tee! I used a coupon code for 20% off via coupons.com and received free shipping for spending over $50.
Score.

coupons.com is offering my readers a chance at a $50 e-gift card!
This one is open to the U.S. only. A huge apology to my Canadian readers! Why not enter this great giveaway?
Good Luck.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

What I Wore : Mellow Yellow

It's funny how certain colors can put you in a good mood.
Yellow does that for me. 
sunglasses - Forever XXI {old, loving this new style}
 eyelet top - Old Navy {also available in a pretty navy!}
bracelets - Rustic Cuff "poolside"
watch - Michael Kors {exact}
jeans - J Brand
shoes - Jeffrey Campbell {no longer available, loving these and these}
What color makes you feel happy?
Linking this post up here and here.



Monday, June 17, 2013

Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer + A Giveaway

I have had the privilege of collaborating with Jose Eber Hair once before {see our video review of the tri barrel clipless curling wand here} so I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to finally try their infrared blow dryer. 
It's been on my radar as a must-try for months now. 
As I've mentioned numerous times, my hair is a wee bit of a nightmare in that it's very coarse and there is LOTS of it. 
I make stylists cringe. And I wash my own hair as little as possible {read: I don't want to dry it} even though I have always owned a professional strength blow dryer. 

This blow dryer uses the science of infrared light to heat the hair from the inside of the hair cuticle vs the surface and in doing so, claims to decrease drying time by half while simultaneously being less damaging to your hair. 
Other product features include:
~ offered with both a wide + narrow nozzle attachment
~ ergonomic comfort grip for maximum control + easier handling
~ a blue, ultra violet light that provides antimicrobial properties that are said to prevent buildup, bacteria and be both deodorizing and refreshing for the hair
~ a lifetime warranty! 


I have been using the infrared blow dryer for just shy of a month now and can honestly say, it is by far the quickest drying hair dryer I have ever used.
I honestly can't say whether my hair is healthier but feel that it just makes sense that using a harsh dryer for longer is going to damage my hair more and since with this tool, I am very significantly reducing my drying time, I am sure it will make a huge difference.
I am excited to continue using this dryer and equally excited to have the chance to offer one of you a shot at your own {a.r.v. of $150} !
I assure you, this is a keeper and will very quickly become one of your favorite beauty tools.


Open to Canada + the U.S.

Winner of the Magnolia Boutique's $50 gc is Courtney Villari. Congrats! I will email you today. 
Disclosure: I received a Jose Eber Infrared Blow Dryer at no charge for the purpose of this review. As always, all opinions are strictly my own.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday Fancies : Wedding Season

I love a good wedding. 
Sadly, we have exactly none on the calendar this summer. 
I say there is still time to change that.
Best to be prepared.

Wedding Season

Look 1:
Daytime/Garden
dress - Little Mistress
clutch - Monsoon {only available in pink here}
shoes - Christian Louboutin 
earrings - Amrita Singh

Look 2:
Evening/Formal
dress - Alexander McQueen
clutch - Tory Burch Austin
shoes - Christian Louboutin {not current, loving these also}
earrings - Amrita Singh
bracelet - Amrita Singh

Which look is your favorite?
Happy Friday fashionistas!

winner of the Be Love giveaway is Christina Schergen from The Olive Tree . Congrats BD girl!! I will email you today. 
Linking up with Long Distance Lovin'
 photo b3c55105-2875-4109-8016-a3e51c326004_zps36373d36.jpg

Thursday, June 13, 2013

What She Wore : Pretty in Pink

If you visited the blog yesterday, you saw me in a few of the recent treasures I discovered in my mama's closet. 
It seems like they're never ending!
When I saw the dress in these photos, I almost cried. 
It's not a designer dress, in fact, it is a handmade piece made with love by my mother's sister, my beloved Aunt Zlata who is no longer with us. 
She was {as you can probably tell if you have an eye for sewing} incredibly talented. 
And in the days when there wasn't the selection {or the money quite frankly} available that there is today, she would make clothing for her sisters.
This was always a favorite of mine and brings so many memories with it. 







On Izzy:
Dress + headband - vintage fabric, handmade | studs - vintage | necklace - vintage
ballet slippers - H + M {no longer available, similar here}
The fabric is extremely thin and quite transparent.
Soft as can be.
I know this because I did try it on. Just long enough to tear the seam at the {ahem} chest area. 
Thankfully, Isabella is a good sport and stepped right in to take over.
She wears it incredibly well, non?
My beauty.
Love this girl.