My Bag Obsession

I cannot wait to get my little paws on one of these cross- body, messenger bags. I love them. So easy and so casual cute. Sarah Shaw had the best one from Rebecca Minkoff called the "mini beloved", although it's gone now, (tear) but I have seen some other cute ones at urbanoutfitters.com or shopbop has a whole bag section dedicated to the cross over bag. However, SS still has a whole selection of other cute Rebecca bags...

And speaking of Rebecca Minkoff, I think she just may be my new favorite mid-price bag designer right now. I am loving all her new fall colors and different shapes and styles.

Mind Your P's & Q's, Please

Are ladies in the house?? Well, I would hope so!

We live in a world today where we wait by the phone for that new cute boys text-not a call anymore, a 3 word text! (And then we have to go off analyzing those 3 words...but that's for another time...) We find it easy to email to say "thank you" for the dinner party, we even catch up on our friend's lives through their 357 Facebook pics, guilty as charged. While I am no stranger to doing the above, and by no means am I Sandra Lee, however, I do think remembering those little touches of grace, and minding our manners are a nice thing to brush up on!

A couple books I think every girl should own, flip through, and refresh how we ought to mind our manners:

-The Girls Guide to Social Savvy, Jodi R.R. Smith

-Manners, Kate Spade

-Puttin' on the Grits, A Guide to Southern Entertaining, Deborah Ford

Here, from Puttin' on the Grits:

5 Ways to Share Our Famous Hospitality

1. Welcome new neighbors with a home-baked something. If they're still unpacking from the move, supply paper plates and forks, as well.

2. Keep a few appetizers in your freezer for quick heating, so that when drop-in guests arrive, you can welcome them like you cooked all day.

3. Stock your guest room like the finest hotel. Supply travel-size soaps, shampoo, and mouthwash, bottled water, local maps, and light snacks. Your guests will feel pampered and welcome.

4. On holidays, don't forget the people who work to make your life easier. Give a little something to your mail carrier your garbage collector to let them know you value their hard work.

5. Smile, smile, smile! That fabulous pearl girl smile will bring brightness into someone else's day (and you'll look a whole lot prettier).

Ahh- now that wasn't that hard now was it?!

Just Bumpit!

You've seen the infomercial, you've probably laughed with a girlfriend about how silly it is, and you may have even noticed the Bumpits while perusing the aisles of your local Walgreens. Well, I was there with you, until I took the plunge to walk up to that counter and hide it from the boy behind me so he couldn't see that I was purchasing the $10 Bumpits.

I'm so tired of either throwing my hair up in a pony, or having it just hang there limp- I thought a new-do could make things a tad more exciting. And that's just what it did! The Bumpits come in 3 different sizes, mini, medium, and large. They have a whole how-to guide inside with different hair styles to try. So it's totally cheesy, but why not let your inner 1960's Bridget Bardot come out this summer?

New ''Edition''

Need a cheap instant gratification, thrill? Who doesn't? Well, if your one us lucky ones that lives in the city by the bay, go check out Banana Republic's new line, Edition at the Westfield Shopping Center in SF. Picture over-sized cocktail rings in every color and any stone, pearl and diamond hair clips, brightly colored, funky, geometric, large necklaces, gold plated coral necklaces,Bottega-looking purses, sandals, aviator shades, long scarves, I mean, just about every accessory you could throw on yourself, and believe me, I wanted to, is there. Edition is classic, feminine and clean, and most importantly, cheap! Yes, I said it- and not cheap looking either. Everything is priced under $100. I may have indulged in a pair of faux diamond earrings, okay maybe I bought 4 little baubles... it was easy to get carried away. Everything is displayed in a sophisticated manner, your treated like your in an upscale boutique right down to the check out where they have you sit down with them at their desk. I had a fun 20 minutes playing dress up with the cute girl working there, and would definitely recommend it!

Sorry to those who are not in SF, as we are the test market, but hopefully they'll continue to do well and start popping up to a mall near you!

Edition- 2nd floor of Westfield ( across from JCrew)

Some New Tunes...

Hope these tunes will keep you rocking for your workout, drives, or just new downloads on your ipod!

Sixth Figure feat. DEW- Patience (cool wave mix)

Ashley Tisdale - He Said She Said

BoA- I Did it for Love (feat. Sean Garrett)

Carla Bruni-quelqu'un m' a dit

Lilly Allen- The Fear (stonebridge remix)

Darude- I Ran

Ercola- Every Word

Hilary Duff- Reach Out

Hilary Duff- Come Clean (remix)

Lykkee- Little Bit

Metro Station- Shake It ( Lindbergh Palace remix)

Lady GaGa- Love Game

Kanye West- Flashing Lights

Beyonce- Halo

Help! Survival of Wedding Season

The kick off to summer weddings has arrived and let's be honest, you don't feel like buying a new dress for every wedding you have booked, and thanks to Facebook, you dare not wear the same threads to two weddings. So, what's a gal to do?

First, freshen up those organizational skills of yours. Write down all the weddings you have rsvped "yes". Under each keep track of travel, renting a car, gifts, dinners- whatever you think you will be spending.

Now that you have a clear image of just how much you will be shelling out, cut back on the home-front. Take one less trip to Whole Foods, or just say no to those jeans on sale, because I'm sure you have ten pairs in the closet that look exactly the same, at least I do!

Get a group together and do one big gift. Purchasing gift after gift can get $$, so find something fabulous on the registry, and split it all up. Also, get to that registry early so you can be choosy (and perhaps thrifty) with your buy.

Have a wedding swap- have girlfriends over to swap dresses and shoes even, or get a pair of cheap heels that go with everything in gold or silver. You can also purchase a great basic dress in a color that looks great on you, and mix and match accessories to add variation.

Don't be afraid to say no. If it's just not in the budget, the bride and groom will have to understand; of course do bow out gracefully.

And most importantly, don't rain on anyone's parade. Keep disgruntled comments inside your own head. You wouldn't want anyone grumbling about your special day now would you?

Cheers!

A Little Thought on Fashion and Glamour

Don't have the extra $$ to spend on new summer threads and accessories? Who needs it anyway- think "excess" (okay, maybe easier said than actually done) However, here are 5 things that you probably already have, or can all be found for under $50.

1. Red Lipstick- Don't be afraid of color, go play at the makeup counter til you find one that fits your coloring. MAC in Debutante is one of my favorites.

2. Black Mascara- This is an instant eye-opener, literally. I don't know what I would do without mascara. Try YSL and MAC, those are my two favorite brands for mascara. Both have max length and thickness.

3. Great Heels- So, okay, yes, you can go out and get a great pair of pumps from Nine West. But, my friend Amanda once told me, if you get a pair of Christian Louboutin black pumps, it will be the best investment piece you will ever make! Okay, so maybe not the Best I will ever make, but my feet are pretty happy in them. So comfortable and have had them forever. Either way, cheap, or overpriced, heels are a must.

4. Leopard! raar- My mom used to always push me toward animal print. I used to think what was she thinking? and tacky. But, I love a little flash of leopard or zebra print. I have a pair of leopard pumps from Nine West, and I love them dearly. How fun is a leopard jacket, a shrug in animal print?! Because, why not? Look at second hand stores for animal print, they tend to have lots.

5. The Clutch- Metallic, black, leather, canvas- It's easy, it's chic, it's so versatile. It can go business to dinner, coffee-run to luncheon. J Crew has an adorable straw bag clutch now for $49. For a slightly higher price, Lauren Merkin clutches are a staple in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes.

Get Summer Fresh With Prints

Get cute with these new printed tennis racket bags, pillow covers, makeup cases and suitcases with beach inspired icons such as crabs, seahorses and fish. It's laid back, and yet a bit retro, a preppy, coastal look that is so adorable. The native Californian has a store in Newport Beach, as well as carries her products in boutiques. Check her out at http://www.halsea.com/

Another favorite designer, Roberta Roller Rabbit who carries the best tunics, pillow case cover, sarongs, bedding, everything in happy fabrics and bright colors. I stumbled upon her store with my sister in Brentwood, she also carries in her flagship store on the Upper East Side in NY, and is coming online soon.

Great things to give as gifts, have little accent pieces around the house in her fabric, or grab one of her huge printed bags and tote it to the farmers market. I have received something from her as a gift and I absolutely love it!

Dodging Out of the City

Ever get the feeling of being stuck in city life? You hear the noisy garbage truck drive by at 5 a.m. , your new neighbors upstairs are up all night stomping around, the tiring route of driving around looking for parking, or better yet, finding your car with a happy note from DPT that you owe them $60. I know that feeling all too well- That's why I decided to pack my day bag and head across the Golden Gate Bridge to Cavallo Point. I waved goodbye to the thick SF fog in my rear view mirror and winded down the road to a little slice of sunny heaven, Cavallo Point (right near Fort Baker).

I did not have the leisure of having one of their Bamboo Scrubs, Herbal Stone Massage, or Cavallo Eco Facials, nor their acupuncture or hypnotherapy sessions, however, I did purchase a $40 day pass. I was pleasantly greeted, I had free access to the spa, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, free lunch (a delish salad), and sat outside by the heated pool. It was just divine!! I had a shot of an oxygen, re-hydrating, liquid of some sort, and felt quite pampered...and all for $40. It was so worth it.

So next time you feel like busting out of the city limits, head over to Cavallo Point for a day at the spa. Have your honey or go with girlfriends, and stay for their raved about dinner, or just have a cocktail on their gorgeous grounds overlooking the Bay.

Fashonistas Going Bargain Hunting...

So, you've heard of these online websites that offer sample sale prices, and you may get bombarded by the emails daily- but do you really check them out? And if not, I'm thinking that you should. Case in point: I get daily emails to Giltgroup.com and Hautelook.com- So far, I have purchased some great Elizabeth and James tanks for about $30, when they go for $130- and my latest thrill was on Gilt, where I ordered (okay fine I ordered 2) Tibi dresses that are still on shopbop or revolve for $400, and I got them for $100, guilt-free!! It pays to check these little sales out!! It can get frustrating when they open their "doors" at 9 am, and everyone from San Francisco to New York is on their computer trying to put the same size 2 or size 8.5 shoe or what have you in their cart too, so get on that computer immediately to get your sizes and exactly what you want if possible-

Some others that I am signing up for and have heard about are:

ruelala.com
giltgroup.com
hautelook.com
editorscloset.com
billiondollarbabes.com
outnet.com
thetopsecret.com
shopittome.com
and don't forget about ebay.com

Also, if you don't want all the mass shopping email in your main email, make another yahoo or hotmail account for this type of email. Register for shopbop or revolveclothing, bloomingales or neimans to get online discounts via email, and sign up at your local boutiques in their book for special insider sales as well, I know Sarah Shaw just had an amazing Mother's Day 20% off sale everything in the store! It pays to shop around!

Happy sale shopping!!

Bikini Season is Right Around the Corner...

Oh summer is on it's fine way at last! Unfortunately, let's be honest, the thought of shimmying into a bikini probably doesn't sound like the most exciting idea ever. So the 2 things to do about that: watching what you put in your mouth, AND working out. Tired of the same old-same old workouts? I know I was, so I signed up for a TRX class. It looked a little intimidating with these big black and yellow straps anchored to the ceiling, but with the timer on the wall for a full 55 minutes class of cardio, sweat and using all your core, I left feeling like I just got my moneys worth, and felt like I got a really, really great workout in. They are relatively new to the scene; their moto is "fitness anywhere." So you really can strap these things to a tree, or wherever to get an all over workout using the strap) Right now you can get a package of 3 classes for $45. They have 3 different types: Body Blast, strength, flexibility, non-stop work on the TRX, Circuit Training which is a combo between the TRX and cardio drills like jump roping in between, or jumping jacks, etc. and then there's AD-Vanced, if you've taken over 20 classes.

Check it out: trxtrainingcenter.com for class schedule Anybody who wants to try, I'll go with you!

1650 Pacific (between Van Ness and Polk)

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade

A crisp, floral, green scent, with notes of Spring Water, Green Mandarin, White Peony, Nasturtium, Pear Tree Flower, Jasmine Petals, Fresh Pistachio, White Woods, Musk.

Summer is approaching rapidly...my favorite beauty products right now are all about looking fresh, light, not heavy, not a lot of maintenance and natural- Too start off, I just smelled the new Bvlgari fragrance...love it, clean and feminine...not overbearing or too much, just perfect for warm days and cool summer nights!

Darphin Skin Bronze Self Tanning Face Tinted gel for the face($50). Put it on at night before bed, and wake up honestly feeling like you just took a mini vacation to Hawaii in all of 8 hours. It goes on evenly, makes you glow all day, and makes your skin looking bronzed and sun-kissed, at no cost of wrinkles. It has lots of vitamin E in it, skin really feels ultra moisturized and fuller the next day. (Available at Neimans or Sephora). I recommend this tanner to everyone, I really think it is the best out there, and since you only need a tiny pea size, it is so worth the extra $$!

Cover Girl's new lip stain pen: I was wandering down the aisles of Walgreen's the other day in hopes of a fun little pick-me up color to throw in the basket, and thought I'd try this colorful pen lipstick (something different than the usual glosses) and I love it! It stays on for longer than the usual 10 minutes, it's pen applicator makes it easy to define lips- put some gloss over it, or wear it alone, and with your faux-tan, little mascara(am really into MAC's Zoom Lash) and maybe a little Nars shimmer powder in Sertao on the upper cheeks, and you are good to go for a low-maintenance, yet chic look. (However, do buy a shade lighter than the one you picked up, they can be very colorful if you are not used to lots of brights on your pout).

My favorite skin care line right now (and has been now for about a year) Kate Somerville. Kate is Los Angeles' first medi-spa ever. She has treatments that are supposed to look like you just had a face-lift, The Titan, a lift that uses hot and cold lasers to tighten and boost sagging spots (chin, arms, stomach, neck) in just two hours. Her services, and products don't come cheap by any means, the Titan runs a cool $2,000. However, you can achieve a daily routine with her cleansers, $20, ExfoliKate $85, Micro Glycolic Polisher $90, Total Vitamin Antioxidant Face Serum, $65. She has a couple different lines to match your skin type- But a universal product of hers for everyone is the ExfoliKate- This exfoliant is better than any other I've tried- I feel like my skin has just shed that unwanted, dull layer, and looks immediately fresher and squeaky clean. Now we too can get that Hollywood looking skin that has fans like Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba and Debra Messing knocking at her door. Check her out at http://www.katesomerville.com/ or if you happen to be in the LA area, 8428 Melrose Place, between Orlando Avenue and La Cienega Boulevard, suites E and F, West Hollywood (323-655-7546

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYyh-ax6Qnk

My New Favorite Person...

Soo, I may have been known to bust this dvd out in my little shoebox of a studio- not just one dvd, I had to get all 3, the mat video, post baby (I know, but is such a great ab workout) and the dance video (which I did about 2 minutes of). I mean who wouldn't try this video if Tracy says you will be "tiny, tiny and tight," and if she trains Madonna and Gwenny, and they look fab, try these videos and maybe we can too look like them!! I'm so not a video work out person, but honestly, it is such a great workout. My sister is taking her class in LA next week, will in interested to see how it is in person.

Another one of her little tips I love, is her Think Thin bars (Peanut Butter is the best one) they have no glucose, no sugar, and are starting to make them in little bite size...

They are perfect for little nibbles here and there.