My Fall Wishlist

 

Striped Shirt - LL Bean,  Faux Leather Pencil Skirt - H&M, Black Suede Heels - Asos, Black Clutch - Clare V.  Gold Watch - Michael Kors, Cat Eye Sunglasses - Asos 

I'll admit my fall wish list is a lot longer than just these few items but this is a good place to start I think.  Living in California, actual fall weather doesn't really begin until about October or so. So it gets kinda hard to shop for actual fall clothing but a leather pencil skirt has been on my wish list for a long time now. It is the perfect piece for this awkward summer to fall transition period as it can be worn with plain t-shirts & loose blouses or chunky cable knit sweaters.  Also, who knew it was so hard to find the perfect black clutch? I've been looking and still no luck--at least with finding one under $50 bucks.  What are you guys shopping for this fall?
xoxo,
Grace

Best of French Skincare Products: Your Guide To Clear Glowing Skin

First Top Three Products - Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment & La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring 

Bottom Three Products - Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, Quelques Fleurs Eau de Parfum, Avene Thermal Water 

There has always been an interest in French beauty products but over the past couple of years it seems to have increased dramatically.  Before all this attention, these French skincare gems could only be found in French pharmacies and so people would stock up on all their fave products on a visit to Paris.  Luckily for the rest of us, we can now easily order the majority of these products over the internet through sites like Dermstore, Net-A-Porter and Amazon. The products mentioned above are my favorite and there's still more I need to try.  Here's a breakdown:

1. Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi Use Dry Oil - I really love it for my hair (just on the ends) and I also use it for my legs and shoulders when I'm showing a little skin for that subtle sheen.  It has the most divine scent that lingers throughout the day. I'm in love!

2. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo -  This beats any spot/acne treatment I've ever tried.  If you have any break outs or have those pesky little red zits that just sit there in the center of your forehead/cheek--this stuff will zap them away.  It literally decreases the redness and size overnight--say whaaat?! Amazing. 

3. La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water - I've been using this brand since my college days and this is one of my favorite products from them.  Its basically magic water in a can that you spritz on your face after cleansing and it not only refreshes your skin, but it softens, reduces redness & irritation and tones your skin with Selenium--a powerful antioxidant. And its cheap! 

4. Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - A classic favorite that's been mentioned time and time again by models and make up artists all around the world.  I'm on my 4th tube and I can't imagine not using this.  It is the perfect moisturizer and you can even use it as a makeup remover and as a makeup primer! So gentle and full of shea butter,vitamins and fatty acids that plump up your skin. 

5. Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs L'Original - Not really a skincare item but I wanted to include this is as it is a timeless symbol of French elegance.  The first formulation was created in 1912 (told you it was timeless!) and the name translates to "some flowers."  It is a truly floral scent which I'm not a huge fan of but this is floral done right. It has notes of orange blossom, carnation, bergamot, tuberose and jasmine to name a few.  In my opinion it is a master piece and I try to only wear it on special occasions. 

6. Avene Thermal Water - This is very similar to the La Roche-Posay thermal water but I still wanted to include it as it comes in mini sizes that are perfect for travel.  Also, Avene is brand I highly recommend as all their products are suitable for sensitive skin and are made with high quality ingredients. I'm also obsessed their soap-less cleanser, which I've run out of and need to buy more!

Hope you enjoyed this post and that you'll try some of these products for yourself.  They've made such a difference in my skin and I couldn't recommend them enough. 

xoxo,
Grace

Anniversary Dinner

 

Floral Blouse - Mango (on sale now!), Wrap Skirt - Zara (similar here), Wedges - Stradivarius, Bag - Mango (similar here) Sunglasses - Banana Republic (old)

This past Saturday was my husband's and mine 4 year wedding anniversary--4 years! I really can't believe how fast time flies and I know everyone says the same thing but it is truly crazy.  We were 21 when we got married, I was fresh out of college and he had just joined the military-- we were a couple of kids! So of course to celebrate, we went out to a nice dinner and I was having one of those "I don't have a single thing to wear-omg I need to go shopping like right now-what the hell do I wear" moments? We've all been there. So I kinda threw this casual look together.  We went to Novo in San Luis Obispo which was incredible, I whole-heartedly recommend it if you're ever in the area. They have a great selection of not just delicious food but healthy food too and they have the best Reisling I've tried so far. We had a great time listening to music, sipping wine, reminiscing about our early days and making inappropriate jokes about everything--I guess we still are a couple of kids. 

xoxo,

Grace

Stripes & Jeans

Jacket - Forever 21 (similar style here and here), Striped Blouse - American Eagle, Nude Heels - Lulu's, Bag - Roots Small School Bag 

In my opinion, there is nothing better than some skinny jeans and a striped blouse. I always gravitate towards stripes and am constantly in search of my next striped item.  I wear this kind of outfit to work a lot because it is casual but still put together.   Most of the time I'll opt for flats or some sandals/wedges because I'm not exactly the most graceful person in heels.  Like for reals I have some balance issues and if I fell at work I would never hear the end of it from my co-workers (we like to poke fun at each other--makes the day go faster, you know what I'm sayin? so they would seriously laugh their heads off if I fell in front of them--haha I would too so I can't really blame them). But I absolutely love high heeled shoes so I'm trying to get better about wearing them and I've made some improvements.  Do any of you have issues with walking in heels or am I the only clutz around here? 

xoxo,
Grace

Black & Blue

Top - Zara, Mini Skort - Zara (similar here and here), Heels - Mango SS 14 (similar style here), Bag - Mango (similar style on sale!), Watch - Michael Kors 

One of my all time favorite combinations is blue and black.  In fact, I think they are two of my most worn colors.  I find myself wearing these two colors all the time, to the point where I need to remind myself to wear something else.  Do you guys ever do that? This weekend flew by and I can't believe we're half way done with August.  I'm not ready for summer to end and I'm especially not ready for September to arrive.  I'll be starting school Sept. 9th and considering I graduated from college almost 4 years ago, I'm feeling a little rusty.  BUT it gives me an excuse to go "back to school" shopping...right? Not really.  However, I will be doing a little "Back-to-School" shopping list and pull together some looks that I think would be perfect for school (high school or college) so stay tuned for that. :)
xoxo,
Grace

Style Icon: Kate Middleton

*photo courtesy of Pinterest

I have admired Kate Middleton's sense of style since my early days in high school, long before she was a Duchess.  She epitomizes elegance, charm and grace.  Her sense of style embodies so many qualities that I not only admire but aspire to be in some ways. Some people think her style is too safe or "boring" but I mean she isn't just any other celebrity and I think the way she dresses says a lot about the level of respect she has for herself and for others as well. Her outfits are always so lady like and sophisticated and I think there is nothing boring about that.  The girl even looks chic in plain jeans, sneakers and a jacket--jealous much? I know I am.  I've put together a little collage of some of Kate's staple wardrobe pieces that I think every girl needs--princess or not. :)

Navy Blazer, Striped Long T-Shirt, L.K. Bennett Nude Pumps, Blue Dress, Nude Clutch

Casually Dressed Up

Blouse - Victoria's Secret (old), Knit Pencil Skirt - Target (similar here), Nude Heels - Lulu's, Bag - Roots Small School Bag

A knit pencil skirt is probably my favorite piece of clothing. They're stretchy, comfy, and can be dressed up or down.  I find myself struggling with what to wear to work even though I work in a pretty casual office environment.  Most days I'm running late so I wear a lot of the same things but in different combinations and I like to dress it up a bit.  I find that when I throw in a little more effort with what I wear I feel better throughout the day and am even more productive! That's something I learned from my high school English teacher.  She would make us dress up before big tests because she said it provided that extra boost of confidence that can make a pretty big difference in the way we feel and perform.  So even if its one of those days when you're feeling unmotivated and really don't want to go to work, throw on a skirt and some heels, maybe a swipe of bright lipstick and get to it! 

xoxo,

Grace

The White Jean

Tank top - Bershka, Jeans - J.Crew Toothpick Jean , Shoes - Mango SS 14 (similar here), Watch - Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, Michael Kors Medium Reese Satchel 

White jeans have always been a staple in my closet and if you're looking to buy a new pair or just add to your collection go with, J.Crew or Abercrombie.  They make some of the best jeans and at a reasonable price too.  Sometimes I'll try jeans on at a store and I think they're so amazing and fit so well but then I see the price tag... $200! Say what?? Ain't nobody got the money for that! Well I don't at least...even paying 100 bucks or so hurts my wallet. But I'm a jean girl through and through so I'm willing to pay a lil more on jeans but 200?! No thank you. Anyways, I think white jeans are so versatile and you can easily wear this outfit to work (add a blazer or light weight cardigan) and then transition to a night out to dinner or just drinks with the girls (I def. need a drink or two after work these days, you know what I'm saying?) Sooo, if you're unsure about white jeans, don't be. They really work in so many ways and its an easy way look a lil dressed up but still be comfortable. Oh! A side note, I have the most wonderful husband who surprised me with this gorgeous new Michael Kors bag for no reason at all! He always has the best surprises! :)

xoxo,

Grace

Culottes Shorts

Tank Top - American Eagle (similar here)- Shorts - Berskha (similar here), Belt - Old, Heels - Zara SS 14 (on sale here), Bag - Mango 

I am SO freaking glad it is FRIDAY. Just had to get that outta the way.  Right, now onto the outfit.  I kinda just threw all this together last minute and I think this would work really well for those summer night dinners/outings when you don't want to be too done up but you don't want to show up with your flip flops either.  This could also work for a date night! When my husband and I were dating I remember never knowing what to wear because I didn't know where he was taking me (he liked to improvise) and so I never knew if I should go really casual or get all glammed up.  This outfit is somewhere in the middle and can I just say, my shorts feel like pajama shorts, super comfy. They're technically called culottes shorts and they're everywhere lately! I'm not complaining because I'm all over anything that feels like you've got pajamas on.  Do you all have any weekend plans? (Mine involve drinking some wine and fully immersing myself in my new book!) 

xoxo, Grace

Nautical Stripes

Dress - Pac Sun (Similar styles here and  I LOVE this one here), Shoes - Stradivarius (Similar here) and (here), Bag - Roots Small School Bag (available here) 

Nautical stripes for summer--groundbreaking... (does this line ring a bell?)  What is my excuse for wearing a blue and white striped dress in the summer? Um, I kinda don't need one. I know its not up there with the most creative outfit compilations but it is such a timeless look that I had to give in and share it. Plus I'm all about comfortable, classic pieces--the kind that don't require a ton of fussing with and can just be thrown on so you're out the door.  I'm kinda lazy to be honest and as much as I love clothes and fashion I always go for comfort and "whatever is easiest."  I just have to be selective when I shop to make sure I don't purchase something that needs a million different accessories to look good. The less accessories the better in my opinion. So here's my take on the classic striped dress--albeit a little shorter and girlier but still a good solid piece for many summers to come. 

xoxo, Grace

At The Farmer's Market

 

Shirt - J. Crew (similar here), Shorts - Victoria's Secret (old) - Sandals - Purchased in Spain, Bag - Roots School Bag (available here) 

 My husband and I took these pictures last weekend when we stopped by the cutest little organic farmer's market off the 101 freeway (directions & info available here).  They had such a variety of vegetables including some things that I had never even heard of.  I make it a big priority to try and only eat organic veggies and fruits so this market was a little slice of heaven for me, not to mention it was completely adorable! And you can tell from the pictures how vibrant and fresh all the produce is. I kept my outfit simple and comfortable with my favorite shirt everrr (seriously I wear this at least twice a week) and some denim shorts.  Also, my sandals are the most comfortable shoes I own--I walked all over Spain's cobblestone streets in these babies and my feet were quite content.  I hope you enjoyed the pictures! Happy Monday! 

xoxo,

Grace