GOT IT FROM MY MAMA

Woah, it has been a while hasn't it? I guess life (cough, school, cough) sometimes just gets the best of us and time flies by without noticing its been two whole months... Ok, maybe that's just my problem, but I'm back now and with summer coming up I'll have the time to annoy all you with my ramblings! Woohoo! Now, I can tell you're super excited so I won't drag out the suspense any longer.

I'm easing back into things celebrating what everyone else in the world is blogging, tweeting, instagraming, tumbling, ect, ect, about. #MothersDay. Don't worry, I won't subject you to reading about how my mom is the "bestest mom in the whole, big, wide world!", but I will share 5 of the most important things she's taught me. If afterward you decided that makes her the best mom in the world universe? I won't argue with you :)

Five Lessons I Learned from Mom

1. Keep it Simple

My mother only wore make-up once in her life. On her wedding day. She uses soap to wash her face, doesn't need moisturizer, and has amazing skin. This external example of how simplicity sometimes yields the best results extends into the rest of her life. Growing up in the Middel East she only had access to the essentials (she didn't watch TV until college! the horror!) and without the distractions of everyday life she was able to appreciate the diversity of the world and focus on the important things in life. Now, I can't give up my Thursday night ritual of watching Scandal but I do unplug when I'm with family and friends so I can embrace the time I have with them.

(see, gorgeous, right?)

2. Its All About Fit

Obviously, I like fashion and my mother does harp about making sure my clothes fit me and my closet. "What are you going to wear that with?","Can you pick up a pencil?" (whilst checking skirt length. she doesn't like mini's as much as I do...). Common questions from the dressing room that have made me a more thoughtful shopper! But, this one is not just about physical fit. Mothers teach us the important thing is finding good friends, the right schools and jobs, and making decisions that are a good fit for you and help you grow as a person.

3. Be Different

I must have been four or five when my mom hung this poster above my bed. I know she thinks I forgot about it, but I haven't and my mother lives this motto everyday, especially with the quirky ditties she recites. She taught me being different not only makes you interesting, but invaluable, because since no one else can be you they can't offer the same things you can! Quite a poster, no? Also, I don't think its coincidence I love dalmatians now.

4. Live Your Passion

When my mother is excited about something she centers her world around it, consequently succeeding at basically everything she does. She wanted to share she love of science? She went and got a teaching degree. She taught me that if you fully embrace what you want, with hard work, you can make it happen. Maybe that's why I swam for seventeen years?... Woah, lightbulb.

(time to get schooled. she got brains too.)

5. Let Them Eat Cake
When all else fails...

Lots and lots of cake...

(me: total strung out on sugar)

Oh, almost forgot! If it seems like the blog is tweaking out like a cat on catnip, its because I'll be overhauling the layout in the coming week. Just like that crazy furball it will baseline soon!

FULL ON

trend watch spring '13

in the sea of body-conscious mini skirts that are a spring and summer staple, a fresh silhouette is making a full on comeback. full, a-line skirts and dresses that first became popular in the 1950's, and have made a few comebacks since, are cropping up again. the flattering style emphasizes the waist and can do double duty balancing out bootylicious hips, or giving less curvaceous girls more shape. you can easily dress these styles up with heeled sandals or wear them more casually, throwing a jean jacket on top. my personal favorite styles have a fit-and-flare feel (like the nude skirt below) but all of these fuller skirts will transition from spring to summer beautifully. bonus: a full skirt won't cling to you on a dinner date. hello, dessert!

SPOTLIGHT: ARYN K.

aryn k. caught my eye, literally, with an amazing pair of sequined pants a few months ago. at the time i had quite a bit of trouble finding not only that pair of pants (at first i could only locate them in asia), but anything else about their brand. quite frustrating since anyone who covers pants in gold sequins is someone i want to know about! although, last night, in my insomnia, a midnight miracle occurred.

i found more places carrying the line and their website! back when i was looking for those pants i could not find either of those things for the life of me, but you know the saying... you always find what you're looking for when you're not looking! if you are a fan of statement pieces, aryn k. may have the fun vibe you are itching for. their newest collection is full of simply cut designs in rich colors and patterns. give them a once over, just don't steal my pants ;)

shorts

 lurex blazer

 tweed jacket

zipper dress

sleeveless drapey dress

BEAUTY CRUSHED

my love of fashion started many years ago with an outrageous hot pink, glitter-infused, lipstick that had no right to be in the hands of a nine-year-old. nevertheless, that lipstick sparked an interest in makeup which grew into a passion for not only beauty but fashion as well.

today i'm going back my makeup roots and bringing you some of the beauty items i've been crushing on lately. maybe you'll find your own equivalent to my infamous lipstick... just go easier on the barbie glitter!

boscia detoxifying black cleanser

this cleanser heats up when it makes contact with your skin promoting deeper cleaning, with the extra indulgence of heat induced relaxation, and it doesn't irritate sensitive skin!

bobbi brown hydrating eye cream

the hype is true. the lightweight, yet super hydrating formula, is great during the day under makeup and at night when your skin needs extra moisture. plus, it's a godsend for sensitive/allergy-prone eyes!

becca shimmering skin perfector in opal

most perfect shade for a highlighter - ever. the rose gold undertones and fine shimmer make it look like you naturally glow from within, and don't you? ;) i won't tell, if you won't!

fresh sugar lip treatment spf 15 in rose

this is an everyday must-have in my bag! the moisturizing (and sun protecting, hey!) balm has a silky texture on your lips and the subtle tint will make people wonder if your lips just look that good naturally.

laura mercier eyebrow pencil in blonde

brows can change the way you look and fuller ones have the tendency to make people look more youthful and polished. this one has all-day staying power and comes in a variety of colors (including auburn for our fiery friends)! 

estee lauder sensuous nude

i happened upon this fragrance and am sure glad i did! i usually prefer bolder scents, but this feminine one has an unexpected touch of musk that balances its softer notes. also, surprisingly, i prefer the eau de toilette spray over the more concentrated eau de parfum; the lightness is very enjoyable and fresh!

photo credit to sephora, bobbi brown, and estee lauder

REPORT: OSCARS 2013

top 5 red carpet looks

 kerry washington in miu miu and christian louboutin

the unique color and detailed embellishments were gorgeous on the star. paired with her red shoes and prada clutch, the look was a hit!

naomi watts armani prive and neil lane

this is how cutouts should be done! asymmetry and sparkles keep the classy gown fresh, and subtle (very expensive) jewels balance out the dress without trying to steal the show.  

 zoe sandal in alexis mabille

a serious fashion risk with floral applique, color blocking, and a belt but i think the shape of the gown balances each element which is why it ended up being my personal favorite. plus the look stands out among safer dress choices!

catherine zeta-jones in zuhair murad

the actress and talented singer has never looked better! gold detailing and a form-fitting design do wonders in this look proving things really do get better with age. 

charlize theron in dior haute couture and harry winston

simple and significant. this white number is jaw-dropping on the mom and it even seems to complement her cropped hair too... that's a job well done!

superlatives:

 best after party dress: jennifer lawrance in calvin klein collection

while her red carpet dress was a stunning fashion risk her dress after the event takes the cake... or the oscar? because the metallic dress is reminiscent of the winning award and she pulls it off so well!

 best hair and make-up: amanda seyfried

 a romantic updo and purpley-pink smokey eyes compliment the actresses dress and green eyes beautifully. bonus because her make-up colors are perfect for the coming spring!

best accessory: quvenzhane wallis's purse

a 9-year-old and a puppy. adorable doesn't even begin to describe how great that pooch is.

photo credit to http://www.people.com/people/

INSPIRED SOLESss

sssnakeskin pumps

sam edelman vs ann taylor

earlier this week i went to a swim meet and was impressed that in a sea of swimsuits, school polos, and khaki pants one of the coaches was not only wearing a skirt, but high heels too. black, pointed-toe, snakeskin, high heels. now, that is my kind of team apparel!

black pumps are a versatile staple in any wardrobe but the added texture of a reptile print makes them sexier. they would subtly amp up the sass of a feminine, a-line skirt and billowy, tie-neck blouse. a classic trench gives you a little more freedom to carry a colorful bag and simple pearls tie everything together for a very ladylike look. just add chlorinated water and you're ready for the olympic deck! haha kidding. go to sunday brunch instead, it smells less chemically ;) 

happy (oscars) weekend!

COUNTDOWN

what are we counting down to you ask? the anniversary of chlorine to couture and, oh yeah, my birthday! before you roll your eyes, i am usually not this much of a hype about the day. most of the time i keep things pretty low-key. breakfast at my favorite local spot, spending the day hanging out with my family, and then celebrating with mom's cooking and a cake covered in sprinkles. lots and lots of sprinkles.

but 8.21.13 is special for many reasons and i enjoy giving my parents a good laugh so i came up with a fantasy birthday wish list. see it's funny because my dad will say, "i'll get you that, you just have to fall asleep... because it will be in your dreams!" haha. what a joker.

maybe you can find some inspiration in my color-specific dreaming.
can you guess my theme?


chanel classic flap bag

maison martin margiela open ring set

kate spade bar none hoop earring

jimmy choo mime pump

and dad, if you get me a goldfish and tell me it fits with my theme? we will be having fish for dinner. just kidding, i wouldn't do that. but seriously, no fish.

:)