glamourmash

Find of the Week

2014-03-10T23:10:00.001-07:00

How charmingly cute is this Mini Storage Rack from Urban Outfitters. It's my new must-have. As in, must have it now. Buy it for less than $40 HERE.

Ok, one more must-have just because!

Corner Store Record Rack from Urban Outfitters

7 Best Shopping Sites That Offer No Holds Barred Free Shipping

2014-03-05T20:28:00.004-08:00

1 | Zara
Yes, THAT Zara that we know and love offers free shipping! This one was a shocker for me. I would have been much poorer had I known this little fact sooner.

2 | Asos
Your sweet swag will arrive in your mailbox within 6 business days if you select "US Standard Shipping" during checkout. If you decide red is definitely not your color, return your swag for a full refund within 28 days. Red only looks good on redheads anyways, right!

3 | Shopbop
So let me see if I've got this right: 3 day (or less) ground shipping is totally on the house? Yes please! And returns are prepaid within 15 days of purchase if you decide that dress is too slooty.

4 | Zappos
Don't know what size shoe you need, order both! That's the awesomeness that is Zappos. Oh and clothing orders placed before 1pm PST are delivered overnight… for free! Fo shizzle my nizzle.

5 | Nordstrom

Your math lesson for the day: Save money so you can spend more money! Free shipping and returns at this one-stop-shop. Hawaii and Alaska included. Can I get a what what!

6 | Piperlime
Free shipping. Free returns. Free exchanges. Need I say more?

7 | Kate Spade
No charge for delivery or returns for this fabulously addicting shop. So yeah, you do need both of those iPhone covers. Sister company, Saturday, offers the same sweet deal!

1 | Zara | Open Face Black Dress

2 | Asos | Mono Floral Lace Top

3 | Shopbop | Venessa Arizaga Gidget Necklace

4 | Zappos | Nicole Miller Blue Eden Dress

5 | Nordstrom | SJB Lady Pump

6 | Piperlime | Citicens of Humanity Rocket High Rise Crop Skinny

7 | Kate Spade | Marit Skirt

Neiman Marcus 2014 Spring Trends Presentation

2014-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

I was very honored to be invited to the Neiman Marcus 2014 Spring Trends Presentation last week. About two dozen bloggers and media contact were treated to a delicious breakfast at Zodiac restaurant while style advisor, Alex Yanez, walked us through the spring trends of 2014. I was so impressed by the presentation and think that Neiman Marcus nailed all of the trends that I was hoping to see as the weather warms up.

Neiman Marcus 2014 Spring Trends

Artistic Prints, Florals

Pinks

The Pink Lip (Lip Color)

Summer Booties- straps and cutouts

Short Stories- tops and bottoms cropped

White with Black

Layered Bracelets

Shirt Chic- layered collars

Denim on Denim

Backpacks

Here are some of my favorite looks from the show:

If you would like to preview these same trends for yourself, Neiman Marcus will be hosting Project Beauty on February 18th where you can do just that! The preview times are 10:30am and 3:30pm (reservations are $25). Those who attend will receive a $25 Neiman Marcus gift card to use on any beauty purchase the day of the event so there's no reason not to attend!

Furthermore, if you spend $125 on beauty items you will receive a beauty swag bag filled with luxe samples from Neiman Marcus. I received one at the blogger event and it is amazing! For more information, call 619-542-4416.

I would like to thank Neiman Marcus for the amazing fashion show and preview breakfast. I had an absolute blast. I can't wait to work these looks into my own wardrobe!

Designer Spotlight // Kerrie Hess

2014-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Aren't these illustrations just SO SO pretty! They are by Australian illustrator Kerrie Hess. She has done work for Chanel, Kate Spade and Net-a-Porter to name a few. Her work is just so pretty and ultimately feminine.

Follow her on Insta for her latest stunners via @kerriehessillustrations or check out her website HERE

My Recipes // Donut Cookies (Just in Time for Valentine's Day!)

2014-02-11T22:16:00.001-08:00

Every year, I bake Valentine's Day themed cookies or cupcakes and send them out to my

family and friends with little love notes. It's been a favorite tradition of mine and this year

was no exception. Whilst cruising Pinterest for inspiration, I came across a recipe for donut

shaped cookies. Are you kidding me!? As if normal cookies aren't cute enough, they came

up with DONUT SHAPED COOKIES! Radical.

So, last night I baked and frosted almost 50 cookies while drinking wine and listening to

Billy Holiday. It was my own little version of therapy without the shrink. Seriously, I love

laying out the ingredients, rolling the dough into perfect little balls and then baking and icing them

into sweet, delicious perfection. Yes, I may have burnt my prized ham and bean soup while

cooking the cookies, but it was worth it cause these things were GOOD!

Ingredients:

1 Box Krusteak sugar cookie mix (yeah, I cheated. Sandra Semi-Homemade Cooking right hurr!)

I Cup Betty Crocker Whipped Strawberry Frosting

1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

Sprinkles or sugar crystals to decorate

Directions:

Bake cookies according to package. Let cool completely. Stamp out the middle with a round object hollow object. I used the cap from the sprinkled bottle because… necessity is the mother of invention. A round cookie cutter would have worked better but oh well! Whip together frosting and powdered sugar with a spoon. Ladle icing into a piping bag or Ziploc and pipe onto cookies. Smooth frosting into desired shape with a spoon and to with toppings of your choice. Yeah, it's that easy.

Movie Review // Her

2014-02-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, Clint and I saw "Her," a science fiction romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Spike Jonze. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved this movie, especially considering the premise of the movie is a man falling in love with the operating system of his computer. Weird sounding, I know, but it was such a beautiful story. The emotions that the main character goes through are so relatable. It makes you think about how we communicate with one another, relationships and the ever evolving technological front.

I encourage everyone to go see this gem of a movie! Plus, Joaquin Phoenix is easy on the eyes and Scarlett Johansson's voice is easy on the ears. AND bonus points for the film score, which was composed largely in part by Arcade Fire.

Book Review // Other People's Love Letters

2014-01-30T16:29:00.001-08:00

It's still over two weeks away but one of my favorite days of the year is almost here... You guessed it: Valentine's Day! I will take every excuse to devote an entire day to love. Love of my fiance, love for my family and love for my friends.

Last year, Clint and I took the extended weekend and stayed at the Riviera in Palm Springs. It was a time to relax and just enjoy each other's company. That, and drink cocktails and lay by the pool all day. This year, we have no plans, which actually sounds just as lovely. We might go somewhere or go on a stay-cation at a local hotel just for fun. What are you guys planning on doing for Valentine's Day?

I wanted to share one of my all time favorite books with you called "Other People's Love Letters." The book is a collection of sweet notes scribbled on napkins, deeply romantic handwritten love letters, text messages that will make you blush and sweet little nothings that will melt your heart. I recommend that everyone buy this book and curl up with a big glass of wine. If you've gotten away from doing romantic things for your loved one, this book will surely put the fire back in your relationship.

Buy it HERE

Home Tour // Kourtney Kardashian

2014-01-22T10:56:00.001-08:00

I hate to admit it, but the Kardashian's have great style. Maybe not in men, but definitely in interior decor. Kourtney Kardashian's home was recently featured in Domaine Home and I was blown away by the color and texture of the space. It's truly a romantic, playful and seductive home that I would just kill to live in! Yes, this space seduced me :)

The always pompous douchebag that is Scott Disick described the home as "Alice in Wonderland meets Beetlejuice," which I would have to agree with.

Are you loving it too? Too much! Can't get enough? Spill.

Photos by Grey Crawford for Jeff Andrews Design via Domaine Home

Island Prime’s SDRW Dinner Menu

2014-01-17T08:12:00.000-08:00

Attention friends and foodies! It's that time of year again… San Diego Restaurant Week returns this Sunday, January 19th to Friday, January 24th to kick off 2014 with delectable appetizers, scrumptious entrees and tasty desserts!

Like many others, I L-O-V-E San Diego Restaurant Week. It's an excuse to try new places, flavors and neighborhoods and at an excellent price. So when SDRW invited me to preview San Diego Restaurant Week at a restaurant of my choice, I immediately thought of Island Prime. Resting on stilts atop San Diego bay and offering romantic views of the downtown skyline, Island Prime is really something special. The restaurant itself is so gorgeous and the food… well, let's get right to it, shall we?

We kicked things off with the Lobster Bisque and BLT Wedge Salad. It was hands down the best lobster bisque I've ever had. Creamy and indulgent with generous chucks of lobster. The BLT Salad was so good that it was hard to share with my date- I wanted it all to myself. Next we enjoyed the Cedar Planked Roasted Salmon and the "Cab" Filet Mignon. Both were cooked to perfection and the presentation was gorgeous!

After our entrees, we moved onto dessert, or shall I say desserts. We devoured a selection of Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée, Chocolate Pistachio Torte and Blood Orange Cheesecake. Each was insanely delectable but I think my favorite was the Blood Orange Cheesecake. The cheesecake itself was so creamy and the blood orange drizzle was deliciously reminiscent of a particular breakfast cereal of the "silly rabbit, Trix are for kids" sort. I know it's a strange comparison but the flavor was truly out of this world. It just made my mouth happy. Again, it was hard to share with my date. Oh, and did I mention we had a wine pairing for each course… delicious and perfectly complimentary to every bite.

All during SDRW, restaurants will be offering three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for just $25, $35 or $45 per person, and the perfect lunch pairings at prix-fixe menus for just $10, $15 or $20 per person depending on the dining destination. Over 180 restaurants are participating in SDRW and all have something different and delicious to offer!

Click HERE to view Island Prime's decadent prix-fixe dinner menu and click HERE to see a list of all of the restaurants participating in SDRW. A special thanks to Island Prime for having us as your guests. We plan to come back soon. Very soon. Like tomorrow soon!

Office Dream Space Almost Complete

2014-01-09T15:58:00.002-08:00

I'm so excited because my partner and I just assembled the last piece of furniture for our office space! I put together a collab board below of all of the pieces we went with. We were on a tight $3,000 budget but we got all of the pieces we needed UNDER our budget!

We went with a mix of high-end and inexpensive pieces throughout. We wanted to stick with an ultra modern look using neutral colors of silvers, greys and whites and I think we definitely stuck to that. Now we just need to put on the final touches of art, plants, flowers and some more decor and our space will feel just like home!

1. Rudolpho Convertible Couch

2. CB2 Triumph Lounge Chair

3. CB2 Smart Marble Round Coffee Table

4. Wayfair Safavieh Rug

5. Fiddle Fig Leaf Plant

6. Overstock Duerte Modern Leatherette Dining Chairs

7. Ikea Besta Storage Unit

8. Art

9. WayFair New Spec Cafe Dining Table

THIS YEAR I RESOLVE TO....

2014-01-07T12:38:00.002-08:00

Some people get annoyed with New Year's Resolutionists. And I get it. It's understandable to be annoyed by those who make empty promises to themselves that they should have been pursuing all along. But I look at New Year's as a time to reflect on what matters again and redirect your energy into those things. It's a wake-up call to remember those things that matter most to you.

I like New Year's. In fact, I love it. So, as many of you have already done (hey, I'm only 6 days late, right?), I've mapped out my New Year's resolutions. Check it.

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THIS YEAR I RESOLVE TO....

Health...

I resolve to work out. There is a gym 2 minutes from my office and there is no excuse not to break a sweat for 3-4 times a week.

Wellness...

drink more water and less soda. Me loves me diet dr. peppers!

Kindness...

perform an act of kindness once a week. Something truly nice.

Create...

dedicate more time to being creative. Turn off the TV and let my mind wander! More DIY!

Travel...

take a weekend trip to Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Julian, San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Big Sur. All drivable and all in CA. I need to explore my own backyard more!

Plan...

our wedding! And our kick-ass honeymoon. Boom!

Write...

more handwritten letters to friends and family to let them know I love them.

Cook...

I bought myself a crockpot yesterday and by God, I am going to use it! Pinterest has my mouth watering from all the amazing looking recipes!

Love...

take more time to ask questions, listen thoughtfully and give more love and affection. Cause who wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of that, I ask you?!

The End.

Wish me luck and good luck with all of your New Year's Resolutions! Speaking of which, what are some of yours?

Best Of Design Love Fest "Make It" Series

2014-01-06T09:56:00.000-08:00

Bri Emery of Design Love Fest has the best DIY's around. Her "Make It" blog series is always original, inspiring and creative. I can't wait to try out her newest Coffee Cup Holder display DIY. It reminds me of puffy little clouds. I've rounded up some of my favorite pieces from her series for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Geometric Camera Straps

The Sprouted Kitchen

2013-12-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

I am just your typical New Year's Resolutionist. I overeat like crazy during the holidays and find every excuse in the book to avoid working up a sweat. Then, on January 1st, the guilt kicks in and I resolve myself to get my life back on track.

I've been searching the interwebs for healthy recipes and came across the Sprouted Kitchen. The Sprouted Kitchen is a blog that focuses on eating seasonally and cooking with natural ingredients. You know... whole grains, healthy fats, natural sugar and all that jazz.

Sara Forte cooks up these appetizing dishes and her husband, Hugh, photographs them. This is a hubby/wife dream team if you ask me! They also have a cookbook that you can buy HERE. I'm so excited to give some of her recipes a whirl. Here are some of my favorites from her blog. Enjoy!

Home Tour - Dallas Shaw

2013-12-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

I would love to take you on a little home tour of one of my favorite illustrators, Dallas Shaw. The Scalamandre's zebras wallpaper in her dining room is what struck me first, but I quickly learned that Dallas' home has so much more to offer in the way of visual fun! here it is all decked out for Christmas!

Merry Christmas - a Day Late

2013-12-26T08:31:00.003-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas spent with family and friends and good food and drinks! I took a little breakie from the blog world to spend time with my family and friends and let my brain have a rest. Though I only technically got one day off from work, I was still able to spend the weekend and 2 extra days with my family straight, which was so needed and so wonderful.

Today is back to work, thought it's only a short work week, so another thing to be grateful for! Hope everyone has a great day and I'll be back soon with some fun things to share!

Fizz56 Dream Room Makeover with The Everygirl

2013-12-19T10:15:00.001-08:00

Danielle Moss and Alaina Kaczmarski of the Everygirl have impeccable style. It's clean, feminine and modern. Over the summer, the Everygirl gals teamed up with Fizz56 to bring two winners a $5k dream room makeover. They are featuring one of the room makeovers today and I have an extreme case of the jellys i.e. jealousy.

The apartment is SO fabulous! Lots of gold and white and pink colors surrounded by acrylic, bold patterns and fresh flowers. A dream home it truly is!

P.S. Did you hear that Emily Henderson had her baby! Check out her honest and beautiful birth story HERE. Congrats Emily!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Stoffer Photography

STYLING BY

The Everygirl

Designer Spotlight // Ryan Korban

2013-12-11T12:32:00.001-08:00

Known for his decadent mix of old-world aesthetics and decadent patterns and textures, interior designer Ryan Korban sure knows how to blow me away. The part that kills me is that Ryan is self-trained, self-made and still in his twenties. Someone pinch me. Is this real life?

Ryan works in both commercial and residential space and is a true genius at his work. Black and white set the backdrop for an interesting use of patterns and textures like ostrich and fur along with the ever-present middle finger art piece and bright pop of color.

Known as a star within New York City’s design community, Ryan boasts a client roster that includes residences for Vanessa Traina and Jessica Stam as well as commercial design for Barneys, Opening Ceremony and Alexander Wang. Here are some of my design faves.

Kimono Mania

2013-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

So you may remember THIS post a few weeks ago where I spoke of wanting to reinvent my wardrobe and perhaps THIS post of my birthday wish list… where I included a few fab kimonos?

Well, I bit the bullet and ordered two new kimonos from Forever 21. I received them yesterday and they are beyond amazing. They are such fab prints, super affordable and perfect for almost any weather.

// Free Spirit Floral Kimono

// Down to Earth Kimono

Seriously, if you are thinking about buying a kimono, get these! Keep in mind they run a little large so buy a size down. I am typically a medium/large at Forever 21 and I went with a medium for a perfect fit. Plus, Forever 21 offers free shipping for orders over $50… which is exactly what these two kimonos add up to… just saying!

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for the Host

2013-12-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

1// zebra dish
2 // anthropologie hello iPhone case
3 // owl mug
4 // chalet hollow vase
5 // bergamo cookware

6 // poppy ring rolling pin

7 // bkr kvtech heart water bottle

8 // cheese knife set

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for the Pet Lover

2013-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

1// miniature pup tent
2 // squeeki tiki chew toy
3 // mouse dog toy
4 // bowtie dog collar
5 // cat scratch toy

6 // dogzilla costume

7 // wire and dine food and water bowl

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for the Gents

2013-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

1 // guide to urban moonshining

2 // very sexy for him cologne

3 // cheddar money clip

4 // pill speaker

5 // bike seat

6 // star wars target shooting prints

2013 Holiday Gift Guide for the Ladies

2013-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

1 // diptyque eau de perfume

2 // gold resin buffalo

3 // kate spade light up the room candle

4 // claire vivier clutch

5 // reiko kaneko drip tease tea set

6 // jonathan adler ottoman

7 // z gallérie marquee sign

Cyber Monday Sale Roundup

2013-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

I'll be honest... I do not lot Black Friday. I stay away from the malls because I think it is a madhouse and I'd rather pay the extra 10% to avoid the long lines, the utter chaos that is the mall parking lot and the gunfire. Seriously, someone got shot in the leg over a TV at a Walmart in Las Vegas on Black Friday. Count me O-U-T.

That being said, I am a HUGE fan of Cyber Monday. You mean, I can sit in my pajamas and go shopping from the comfort of my own home and still get the same deals that people are fist fighting for over in the mall? Count me I-N!

Here are some of the Cyber Monday deals that I will definitely be shopping:

J. Crew // 30% off your online or in-store purchase with code "HOLIDAY"

Madewell // 25% off your online or in-store purchase with code "FEAST25"

House of Harlow // 25% off site wide with code "BLACKHOH"

Paper Crown // 25% off site wide with code "EXTRA25"

Alice + Olivia 25% off everything through Cyber Monday.

Don't Forget to Enter the Hpnotiq SparkleLouder Shine To Win Contest!

2013-12-01T20:44:00.002-08:00

A few weeks ago, I told you all about the Hpnotiq's SparkleLouder contest. The deadline to enter the contest is on December 8, 2013 so if you haven't entered already, get on it!

Every entry in the contest gives you weekly chances to win one of 20 Effy Diamond & Blue Topaz Rings Sweepstakes Prizes (four each week)! Trust me, you want one of these Effy Rings.

The entry that "Sparkles the Loudest" will win the Grand Prize: A New Year's Eve trip for you and three girlfriends to New York City for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the ball drop in Times Square! You heard right… a trip to NYC!

All you have to do to enter is upload a pic showing how you plan to Sparkle Louder on New Year’s Eve - whether it’s a glam outfit, you with your girlfriends or a selfie. Then use Hpnotiq’s “SparkleLouder” app to make your photo shine! When you share your posts on social media be sure to use the official hashtag: #SparkleLouder. Here's my entry:

The app and contest entry can be found HERE.

I can't even begin to imagine what I'd do if I won! I think that my perfect New Year's eve in NYC would involve a limo, all of my girlfriends and lots of Hpnotiq Dazzler cocktails. You can check out the yummy recipe HERE. I would love to watch the ball drop from a rooftop bar right in Times Square. It's never too early to start planning and, obviously, I already am!

*Please note, this is a sponsored post. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Feminine Wiles

2013-11-26T13:29:00.001-08:00

I think that we all know who Emily is from Cupcakes and Cashmere. I have always been a fan of her style and mouthwatering recipes. She seems to have it all: great style, a handsome hubs and perfect highlights.

This is such a soft feminine look and almost have a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" vibe. I think it's a perfect date night outfit or meet the parents outfit. And it's reinvigorated my love for peter pan collars and headbands. Now, I need to shopping.

It's been such a busy week but I hope everyone is having a wonderful few days before this relaxing and gluttonous holiday we call Thanksgiving.