MCMC NOBLE

MCMC NOBLE / $45

After my run in with Jouer's perfume oil I immediately knew that I was, for sure, in love with these beautiful little roller balls. Conventional spray-ons are great and all but there's just something really sophisticated about perfume oils, ya know?

There's a little shop in the Mission called Voyager and every time we're in the neighborhood I stop by.  They just happen to carry the best clothes (+ The Gentlewoman) and now even some toiletries. Last time I was in there I spotted a row of perfumes and obviously had to investigate the gorgeous glass packaging. NOBLE was the first one I spotted as well as the one I left the store with — sometimes you just have that kind of luck.

The ingredients are simple: Organic Jojoba Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Essential Oils and Absolutes, Fragrance. I like simple. I also REALLY* adore florals lately which is totally weird but I'm just going with it. And NOBLE is essentially a bunch of my favorite scents packed into one gorgeous perfume. Jasmine, chai tea, amber, musk. I'm obsessed. It's such a sexy smell, but still light enough to wear every. single. day. It's the most wonderful fall/winter scent I've worn in a long time; such a perfect balance with little a hint of spice.

* like, really really

Blood Orange — Cupid Deluxe

I should probably preface this by saying: I am always listening to music and I am the pickiest person in the world.

I rarely write about just one album on here — actually other than playlists I rarely write about music at all. That said, I've been getting a few "what have you been listening to lately?" tweets and messages on tumblr so I figured that a post like this might be the start of something new.

Cupid Deluxe has been on repeat for about a straight week now. I tweeted about it. I got Richard hooked and he won't stop humming it.  Now, I'm blogging about it. I just cannot deny the absolute genius that is Blood Orange. I've loved Dev's work since the beginning but this new shit is just blowing my mind.

Queue the smoke and the smell of cigarettes.

It's almost funny how nostalgic this album feels. It's 80's but it's definitely not. The vocal range is incredible. Such a beautiful mix of highs ands lows that somehow seem to just come together — but I guess that's what you get when you're dealing with someone who writes, records, plays, produces, e v e r y t h i n g. I think what got me hooked is that clearly modern sound that seems to boarder on something a bit older, wiser, a bit classier. The added sax, the sensual, dreamy air of Chosen. It's essentially the soundtrack to some modern-day speakeasy; one that plays lost music from the 80's that never really made sense until now. It's all very empathetic.

full album on rdio + spotify

moodboard: quatre

“She quietly expected great things to happen to her, and no doubt that’s one of the reasons why they did.” 

Still loving mood-boarding. Always. I'm feeling pretty good this fall — kinda deep and very reflective. I'm diggin' it

I find myself dressing very 90's lately, whether I try to or not. I adore the over-the-knee plaid cutesy look and I'm not even sorry. I love chunky heels and brick red/brown/nude lips. I'm not here to confess my love to Cher Horowitz but let's be real. She is one of my all time favorite style icons like, ever.

Mansur Gavriel killin' it with their Bucket Bags. Richard likes to call it the "dominatrix bag", which kind of makes me want it just that little bit more. Buuuut, I'm holding out for the mini. This card case another major want right now. I mean it's essentially delectable; peachy colored leather with a minimal design? *swoon*

I'm obsessing over perfumes and candles. Oil burners. Everything. I was verrry intrigued by the Tarot Deck  solid perfume by Catbird — the scent sounds incredibly warm and sensual. I'm down. The Nova Chakra edp sounds right up the same alley and plus... that packaging is too perfect. Stila's Smudge Crayon in Umber is something I've been eyeing for a straight year (no joke). I'm thinking it's time to commit.

Pink Himalayan bath salts? Don't mind if I do. I've been enjoying a nice soak after the gym every morning. BEST. FEELING. EVER.  And I've finally come to realize I need the Tomboy in my life. I mean, the lusting is just starting to be a bit much...

ps. I am not sponsored by Catbird. I'm just obsessed with them.
/ quote by Zelda Fitzgerald
/ photos via Laurent Condominas + Benoît Decron + Marc Rivière

mixtape 02 · autumnal

Can I just say thank god this is getting posted because seriously?!?!?! this mix took me ages. I'm still kind of getting into the groove of what I'm into this ~season~ but this is basically it in a nutshell. An hour long nutshell. 

I'm into down to earth stuff lately; music with some kind of eerie earthy undertone (hello Misty Day). Not sure exactly what it is — maybe it's my pure and unadulterated love for the Coven. Maybe it's because all the clothes I've bought as of late are black, as if that's anything new. I feel slightly melancholic but still happy. It's weird.

Autumn reminds me of all of the music I've missed. The stuff I've forgotten with the tides of the summer. I'm loving revisiting my favorite soundtracks because god damn how good is New Order?! Maybe it was just that Mercury was in retrograde and so this all just seems right.

ps. always Phoenix
pps. new Duck Tails is fucking ace

Once again :

      

    

8tracks too.

Chanel Vitalumière Aqua

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in 10 Beige · $45

Once upon a time I heard that YSL was bringing out a new serum foundation. You guys know I love their Le Teint Touché Éclat foundation so duh, I obviously needed this new one in my life. For the most part I've stayed true to my beloved YSL, we're talking a whole year (2 bottles!!!). That foundation was my holy grail... so I mean, it only makes sense.

I read reviews, watched youtube videos and for some reason wasn't at all impressed with what I was seeing. Maybe it's because I'm partial to a more dewy look? But something about the basically-satin finish still intrigued me anyway. I hopped over to the Goddess of Makeup's youtube channel and was reminded just how much she loves Chanel. Fast forward to a week later and I was at the Chanel counter getting all matched and beautified. I left with my own little bottle of heaven and haven't looked back.

This foundation is still light enough for me to love it but definitely covers most of my redness and blemishes. It sets to a ridiculously natural coverage and it's just freaking flawless. It's like a second skin, no joke, which I guess seems creepy but I love it all the same. I've worn this on my (normal) skin for about a good 10 hours before the red bits around my nose started to show. I top up with a little and it all sets in together and looks so so so good.

This is the kind of foundation that gets you excited to do your makeup. It's the kind of thing that adds just a little something to natural beauty so well. I dunno, I've never been one for full coverage. I just want something that'll even me out and not add too much. So, ahhh, I've been obsessed since the day I bought it and will probably continue to do so for the rest of forever. Chanel, I salute you.

staycation

"Lovers are patient and know that the moon needs time to become full." — Rumi 

Two weeks spent exploring the beautiful state of California. Sometimes it's good to be reminded of all of the incredible places to see outside of the city. Nature is just so extraordinary and sometimes I can't wrap my head around the beauty of absolutely everything. It's nice feeling a little more grounded.

These are just a few of my favorite shots. You can find some more here.
taken at: golden gate park / ocean beach / big sur / muir woods

nails inc. Baker Street

hands are actually pretty creepy. sorry. 

I've had this little bottle of joy stashed around the house for like, two months now. Week by week, manicure after manicure, I contemplate applying the color that is so commonly known as Beyonce blue. Blue isn't really my thing so I (without contemplation) opt for the usual, Essie's Yogaga. Not this week. Maybe it's all the spooky ghosts getting to my head...

Honestly though, this color is just as amazing as everyone says it is. I'm slightly mesmerized by my own fingers while typing out this post; it's such a gorgeous royal blue. I really just don't understand how I could love this color on my nails, but I do. It's the kind of thing I normally despise but there's just something about the hue, the almost purple but not quite. It manages to have some sort of chic air to it, despite how flashy you think it'd be. It's pretty perfect as far as blue polishes go and I think I might actually be in love. Application was great — looks even better with Seche Vite (of course) AND if this wears as well as all the other nails inc. polishes, I'll have this baby on for a good 5 days. We'll seeeeeeeee. 

The second I run out of this sample I'll be repurchasing. Baker Street, you surely do live up to your own hype. <3

home

I've been away for what seems like forever (again). I'm back though, I swear. We moved into our new place almost exactly a month ago and have been super busy furnishing this once empty space, into a super badass lil apartment. I thought I'd pop in some photos so to show what we've done in the past month. I'm in love and can not wait to see what it looks like once everything is in place and all the artwork is up. We're so so lucky because we have the most amazing windows and therefore amazing light. Perfect for shooting photos, yeah? Oh yeah. We've also got a balcony that looks out on to the water / the Bay Bridge. It's so surreal walking out there at dusk, seeing the city, the sunset, e v e r y thing. Half the time I feel like pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. Still Always grateful.

I'm also currently working on an autumn playlist, similar to my summer one (yay)! <3

mixtape 01 · summer sunset

First order of business : virtual mixtape. Really it's just playlist but lets not get caught up in logistics yeah? Plus, doesn't "mixtape" just sound one thousand times more romantic? Welcome [back] to the 90's, ladies and gents. This one's called Summer Sunset.

I'm already getting nostalgic for summer's end and like let's be honest, who doesn't love a good mix.  I'm one of those people that is constantly listening to music. 24/7.  It's just one of the small things that  I enjoy immensely (and sorry that I like to pretend my life has it's own soundtrack because, you know, it does. Doesn't it?). This will probably be an ongoing thing — it'd be cool if I could do 1-2 of these babies per month. Look at me already getting ahead of myself, as if it didn't take me like two days to make this thing because I'm overly obsessive. I really wanted to make sure it had that perfect flow.  I don't even know if that makes sense but ahhh, I so hope someone really really enjoys this. Also you should take note that I have not yet let go of my infatuation with peach(es). I think this might be a life-long love. Not even gonna hide it. 

I made the mix on both Spotify, Rdio, and 8tracks (don't hate on my 4 year old username) just to make sure most people could have a listen. That said, Spotify didn't have the Lisztomania remix I wanted so I just popped in the original. Massive cockblock, thanks Spot! This is essentially just a complilation of all of the music I've been enamored/infatuated with this summer. All of those omg-i-can't-get-enough songs. You know what I mean.

Anyway, feel free to follow + subscribe. Oh and let me know what you think! 

             

ch-ch-changes

New logo. New nonsense. *gasp*

I haven't been around for a while. Almost a month, which seems so crazy, really. Like anything else in this world though there are totally some legit excuses reasons as to why. 

First and most important is: this stopped feeling like my space. I started this blog to write about what I like, what I enjoy, what I do. I started this blog to make relationships. Somewhere down the road it turned into a full on beauty blog which is great, but there really is so much more to my life than makeup. I started buying all of the things I wanted when I wanted them. There was less of wait, less of a chase, and it made them a lot less fun. I want to genuinely freak out over how much I love a brand new mascara again. Where the hell has the thrill gone?

Secondly, I got bored. I looked at my blog and it was like : product, product, product. There are bloggers and vloggers who are really good at this stuff. They write consistently about products and make it interesting and I drool and it just, it makes sense. I, personally, cannot keep doing the same thing all the time. I bore myself and get stuck in ruts and get frustrated. I need to flail around and let this blog just be whatever the hell it wants. Fashion. Beauty. Food. Lifestyle. Whatever whatever. Why set limits? What good comes from limits? (the answer is nothing, in case you were wondering)

I love taking photos. I love overdressing in San Francisco because people think (and look at me like) I am insane. I have a soft spot for succulents and I'm moving in 4 days. I can't wait to start doing yoga religiously again. I can't wait to not have a 100ºf fever because the delirium, while slightly hilarious, is actually doing my head in. Sometimes I listen to the Sims Buy Mode 1 song just for funsies. I am consistently compared to April Ludgate by people I know and some that I don't. I don't even know what this all says about me but what I do know that this blog doesn't encompass even half of this. And I want it to. So now, it's going to. 

I will still be beauty blogging, just less than I was before, and it'll be mixed in with a ton of other things.  I haven't stopped feeling thankful for everyone who has ever even read my blog in passing. Always grateful. Always. So without further ado — this blog has now been liberated and is free to be whatever the hell it wants.

Humidity Defying Hair Care

After quite a few conversations on Twitter about how I tame my mane, I've decided it's probably time to share my frizz-free secrets. Because I've lived with a curly mop on my head for  a good 24 years now, I figured I'd share some secrets and some of my favorite products to beat the ridiculous humidity.

· Use a good shampoo + conditioner. Something that is great for smoothing and hydrating, something that won't dry your hair out (so sulfate-free is your best be). Sulfates are even more awful for naturally dry and damaged hair and will leave your locks with less to be desired. The Pureology Hydrate range and the L'Oreal EverCreme range are two of my current favorites.

· Prep your hair! Seriously, this is important. What you put in your hair right after you wash it will determine how it's going to act. Aveda is the new love of my life. I've always liked their products but after switching to an Aveda salon I've been introduced to some seriously amazing things. Their Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother is 100% holy grail. It claims to protect against humidity for 12 hours (thanks to organic tapioca) but I've gotten easily 48 hours out of this stuff. It helps set your blow-out, especially when followed by a cool shot and it smells of that oh so lovely Aveda smell. It's also a heat protectant! Light Elements Smoothing Fluid helps tame any flyaways and adds a bit of shine. I sometimes mix this with my Smooth Infusion before drying my hair, but I also use it on dry hair, to protect from frizz even more.

· If/when you blow-dry, make sure your hair is completely dry. Any leftover damp areas (especially close to the root) can end up fluffing up a bit more than you'd like. Ending your blowout with a cool shot will help seal the cuticle, set the hair, and add a bit of shine.

· Style with products that will add a little texture or add a little more protection. Bumble and bumble Brilliantine is one of my all-time favorites. You can use it on wet hair to smooth your locks down or on dry hair to ruffle up a sexy bed head. For a little UV protection, conditioning, and dry action, Oribe's Soft Dry Conditioner spray* is what I've been reaching for. It's got argan oil and hydrolyzed silk to make your midshaft and ends chill out when the going gets a little tough. It's perfect on second and third day hair — freshening up and softening at all once.

· Treat it with care. It's a 10's Miracle Leave in Conditioner is my go-to at the moment. It's got heat protectant, helps control frizz, detangles, adds shine, conditions, the list goes on and on and on. I sometimes use this on wet hair but it's really awesome the night before I know I'm gonna wash my hair. I drench my ends, and in the morning when I wash it out my hair feels incredibly soft. I really do think this helps calm my curls a bit.

So basically this is what I've been doing for quite a while to keep that extra unwanted moisture + puffiness out of my hair. Most importantly I always prep, condition, and use the cool air when finishing off my hair. What seem like trivial little details are actually the biggest steps in my hair routine, especially in this 80% humidity.

Would you be interested in more haircare tips? What are some of your fail-proof frizz-proof steps?

*PR sample

1st Official Blog Birthday / Giveaway Winner

I've been waiting for today since I first blogged about my giveaway. I don't think I can explain how much I adore every person who reads this blog and takes the time to comment daily. And with that, the giveaway winners. Oh, wait, what? WinnerS? Yep! I decided to have a runner up and send them a little package as well. It won't be as special as the main giveaway, but it'll still be full of some products I love.

So without further ado, the winners:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'll be contacting you ladies for your info ASAP, so keep a look out! Thank you so much again to every single lovely person who entered and to all of you who keep coming back to my little space on the internet. The fact that this many people even read my blog is still crazy to me. Always thankful. Always.

Until next time... ♡

Where I've Been: July/August

Mini hiatus = over.

I'm a blogger. I love this little space of mine. I put everything I've got into it, I really do. BUT, I think it's healthy to get away. When I'm spending time with those I love I think it's good to leave the internet for a bit. Breathing space is nice — especially because it's so easy to get up in the blogging world. Now that I'm back I thought it'd be fun to explain where I've been...

· I turned 24 and spent the weekend with some of the most amazing people I know
· New addition to my ever-growing Catbird stack: Teensy Evil Eye ring c/o my love
· Got a sweet new haircut
· I flew to Jersey to spend some time with my family — here until Aug 21! Yay!
· Celebrated my Grandpa's 75th birthday... with about five courses of real New Jersey Italian goodness.
· Bought my sister her first few bits of real makeup (and gave her a makeover)

I'm happy to be blogging again after this little break and plus: tomorrow I'm announcing the winner of my giveaway. So exciting. ♡

Sunday Riley Charisma Créme Cleanser

Sunday Riley Charisma Créme Cleanser / $45

I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be the kind of person that spends $45 on a bottle of cleanser. As someone with very normal skin, it's easy to neglect the fact that you should still spend a decent chunk of time taking care of it. Two or so months back I had the chance to check out the Space NK up in Larkspur and I left with a hefty amount of samples. One that has stayed in my mind the whole time was this Sunday Riley cleanser. I used it and loved it until those little packets of product were no more. And then I contemplated buying and can I just say that justifying a $45 cleanser is a bit hard when you've been using ~$6 Cetaphil cleanser for ages. I also tried the Ceramic Slip cleanser that SR does but couldn't stand the smell and the finish just wasn't at nice. Can't win 'em all! 

Then last week, a few days before my birthday we headed over to Sephora and there is was: Sunday Riley in all it's glory. I contemplated for a good five minutes until Richard told me to just get it (and so I did). No regrets.

It's just as amazing as I remember. A milky white consistency that removes makeup like a dream and leaves your skin feeling so so moisturized. It's packed full of ingredients like lavender and chamomile for soothing, and green tea + cranberry extract for their antioxidant properties. Because I've been a bit sick and getting some frustrating hormonal breakouts, this is just doing exactly what I need it to right now. Calming, adding more moisture where I need it, and overall just making me feel super luxurious (and beautiful) while I cleanse.

It's funny to say a skincare product (let alone a cleanser) is gorgeous but this really truly is. I can see myself using this until the end of time. It just knocks any other product I've ever cleansed with out of the park. Sorry Cetaphil, but you're just not cutting it anymore.

What do you guys think of Sunday Riley? Have you tried this cleanser?

True&Co

True & Co

This post is a long time coming. Aside from the fact that I recently shot some photos for this company, I've been in love with them for quite a while. I figured that I should probably do a little post on them since I've just recently received my third box from them (since then end of April). Obsessed much? Yep.

True&Co is an online personalized delicates shop, if you will. They stock bras, panties, nighties and sleepwear. They even have some hand ties, you know, if you're into that. Basically you take their fit quiz (to determine your size), check out your handpicked shop full of bras and whatnot in your size, put together a box of pretty little things, put down a (refundable) deposit of $45, get the box, try it all on on, and send back what you don't want. Pretty great, right?

When I was growing up I was in love with Victoria's Secret, but as I got older, and ahem, bigger I had a hard time finding cuter pieces to wear. VS caters more towards small chested ladies which is fine, but sucks for everyone else. I WANT UNLINED BRAS AND BRALETTES TO SHOW OFF UNDER TANKS TOO, YOU KNOW. The thing about True&Co is they stock sizes AA-K (and 28-52) which is seriously impressive. If you've had a hard time finding lacy bits, this is the place to go. I've always had trouble finding bras that fit well, too. However since signing up I've gone from fully lined to completely unlined and no lace bras to six. I think I have an addiction. I don't mind spending the money though, especially for such gorgeous undergarments. My favorites so far are the Calipso by Valery and the Coquette by Montelle. $108 for a bra might seem excessive but I've missed out for like, 24 years so it's alright. Plus, they're just so ridiculously pretty.

Their panties are great too. You don't get to try them on, per se, but they come in a little clear baggie that you can hold up to yourself to check sizing. I haven't had any issues with fit on this front, even without actually trying them on. Their sizes are pretty much right on par. A+++++. Also, lacy shorts (which you can try on).

If you love bras as much as I do and have trouble finding a good fit, you should seriously check out the site. Even if you just take the fit quiz to see what they have to offer, it's so worth it. Their collection of sizes, colors, and fit is just so extensive so there's absolutely something for everyone. They've recently started stocking sports bras too, ah. As if I needed another reason to spend more money.

What do you guys think of True&Co? Let me know if you take the fit quiz — interested in what everyone else thinks!

Body Lovin'

Aveeno Positively Ageless Firming Body Lotion / LUSH Coco Lotion / LUSH Lovely Jubbiles* / c. Booth Honey Almost Nourishing Dry Oil Mist 

With the weather nearing 85º most days and a trip to NJ where it's been 90-105º as of late, a lot of my skin will be and has been showing. While I'm not a lotion-addict, I do have little spot in my heart for these few. Each do their part in making my body look and feel super nice, so I'm happy.

Aveeno isn't at all a brand that I frequent but when I spotted this lotion in Walgreens I figured why the hell not. It's not that I'm particularly fussed about firming anything but I wanted a nice lotion for my tummy area and this seemed to do the trick. I love the smell and texture of this stuff. Not too thick, not oily at all, and leaves you feeling moisturized and fresh. I mostly use this from my waist down to my thighs and it's just heavenly. Mmm.

Now you all know I love me some LUSH. I popped into the shop a few months back and picked up this big pot of Coco Lotion. I love that it's unscented and perfect for sensitive skins making it a winner for Richard (and me, obviously). This is my favorite thing to use all over my legs. You know when you get out of the shower, lotion up your limbs and can't get enough of that super smooth feeling? Yeah this lotion makes that 100x better. It sinks in with no problem and leaves the most amazing finish. Coconut Oil, I luv u.

Lovely Jubbiles is something I've been interested in for ages, so when LUSH offered to send me a pot I was ecstatic. I hope it's not weird that I've actually enjoyed rubbing a bit of this in after showers and before bed. There's something really lovely and feminine about the whole thing — maybe it's the scent?  Jasmine, rose, and orange blossom is a gorgeous little mix. As for it's firming power, well I haven't noticed anything tremendous but it seems to have helped just a teeny bit. Could be a total placebo though. Either way, my girls are left feeling incredibly soft. No complaints on that front.

Lastly, c. Booth. I haven't heard much about this brand but got I this little guy in last months Glossybox. After a shower I decided to try it out; I spritzed it all over my arms, rubbed it in, and fell in love. The scent is glorious and it leaves your skin feeling super smooth soft. Softness is key here for me, if you haven't noticed. It's not greasy whatsoever and sinks in really really well. This is going to be an instant purchase once I run out. What can I say? I'm a sucker for honey and almond. Also, that packaging.

So that's basically my little routine as of late. It is really nice to have a routine to stick to. Plus every day feels like a mini pamper session. Ain't nothin' wrong with that! Have you guys tried any of these?

True&Co · Wanderlust

A few weeks back a shot a lookbook for True&Co's newest launch: their Adventure Pack Panties. These are a few of my favorite shots. Now go get those cute little panties! 

If you want to see more, check my portfolio! 

A visit with Melissa Joy Manning

A month or so back I was invited to visit the studio of jewelry designer, Melissa Joy Manning. So I drove up to Berkeley and spent two glorious hours basking in the greatness that is her work.

Melissa makes sustainable hand-made pieces, and has done for 15 years now. Ethically sourced gems and stones, up-cycled and recycled metals and materials, what's not to love? You know when you meet someone who radiates passion for what they do and then it makes you want to go out and conquer the world? That's what meeting Melissa was like. Her store/studio was incredible; you walk into this stunning little shop full of antique wood boxes that are filled with gorgeous engagement rings. As you make your way to the back there's a door with glass windows and a peek inside showed her staff crafting some custom pieces.

I got to see an engagement ring being made, some earrings, and random other bits. She explained to me how she just couldn't have a conventional job, about how she needed to be creative, which is something that seriously resonated with me. If you're into jewelry or other little gifts and you're in the Bay Area, GO TO HER STUDIO. You will leave enlightened and inspired, I promise. Aaaand if you don't live in the Bay Area you can peruse the site for hours on end here.

There's something about being surrounded by people that are really passionate about what they do that makes you want to accomplish even more than you (currently) are. Especially those that are in a creative space, in my opinion. The fact that something like jewelry making, a handicraft if you will, is still around is amazing. I love the idea that things like this haven't been fully lost in the tech-age that we're currently in.

It's all very romantic to me.

p.s. sorry this is so photo heavy, I just love so many photos I took this day. If you'd like to see more I posted a ton of them here.