Late Afternoon

a breath of fresh air

2013-06-19T12:03:00.003-07:00

I've been looking for a breath of fresh of inspiration and I found myself incredibly inspired by these two editorials this morning. Couldn't help but share them with you guys.

californication

2013-06-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

There's something hauntingly beautiful about the stretches of inland California.

It's a barren world bathed in fields of gold with small touches of life peaking through .

I find these types of places unexpectedly revealing, and the reason for my deep love of road trips.

a shimmering affair

2013-06-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

(dress-c/o BHLDN, shoes-c/o BHLDN, coat- vintage via The Fine Art of Design, sunglasses-Karen Walker, rings-Luv AJ, Asos, bracelets- Madewell)

This weekend Sam and I took another road trip up the coast for a wedding.

I love these types of mini escapes. I'm excited to have a summer packed with all kinds of adventures.

Instant Moments

2013-06-16T10:45:00.002-07:00

Just a quick Instagram wrap up - find me @LateAfternoon.

Happy Sunday!

Daytime Sparkle

2013-06-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

(top- Timo Weiland, pants-Madewell (similar here), shoes-Asos, bag-c/o Madeline Chadwick, ring-c/o Ippolita, bracelets-ShopRuche, c/o 7fam X Nikki Reed)

Found these sequined babies hiding in the back of closet and this outfit was born.

I love a little daytime sparkle to brighten up a long day of meetings and errands.

My Bridal Party

2013-06-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sam and I got engaged over a year ago and I've done more planning for all of the wedding shoots I've worked on than I have for my own event. I'm just kicking back, taking my time and planning my dream affair. One thing I have finally locked down are my bridesmaids, or lack thereof. All of my girlfriends are spread out from coast to coast, it just didn't make sense to force such an obligation on them. Plus knowing my friends, they all breathed a sigh of relief when I told them about my plans. Even though I decided not to have a bridal party, I did enlist 3 of my closest LA girls to be my honorary bridesmaids. Basically they get to watch me try on dresses while sipping on champs. Not a bad a job.

As a thank you to my honorary bridesmaids, I threw a little bridal party and Juicy Couture graciously provided us with monogrammed tracksuits for the occasion. The theme of the event was like your dream sleepover when you were growing up, complete with all of our favorite chick flicks, a desert bar, a flower crown making class, and a never ending supply of champagne. And I know this sounds crazy, but something magical happened when we put on those tracksuits. It's like wearing matching outfits instantly equates to 3 times the fun and laughter. I'm sure all the champs didn't hurt either.

You can see more pics and my guest post over at The Juicy and don't forget to enter this contest for a chance to win your very own monogrammed tracksuits.

Decorating with Color

2013-06-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

(via Vogue, Desire to Inspire)
Ever since I shared my House Tour, I've been getting a lot of questions about how to decorate with color. Today, I've decided to share a few home decorating ideas for using color in your home. Hop over to theFix to read the entire article.

Wedding Guest Attire

2013-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

(dress- Zimmermann, shoes-Asos, rings-Asos, Luv AJ, bracelets-8 Other Reasons, c/o 7fam X Nikki Reed, headpiece-St. Eve Jewelry)

How insanely perfect is this Zimmermann dress for pretty much any summer soiree?

Just perfect enough.

Wedding Shoot Teaser

2013-06-11T12:20:00.004-07:00

Just a few teaser from the wedding shoot I worked on lest week.

Shot by the talented Katie Shuler, modeled by Raych, styling/decor/flowers by me, dresses by BHLDN.
Enjoy!

mean reds

2013-06-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

(top-Tibi, pants-Rag & Bone, tank-Riller & Fount, shoes-Zara, bag-c/o Cole Haan, bracelets-c/o JewelMint, 8 Other Reasons, Madewell, sunglasses-Karen Walker. earrings- c/o 7fam X Nikki Reed, watch-c/o Kenneth Cole)

Took my mini me to LACMA this weekend for a day of "culturing" and twirling through museum halls. Also decided to wear my Tibi top as a summer jacket. I love finding new uses for old pieces.

Bright Eyes Beauty Trick

2013-06-09T11:14:00.001-07:00

I'm always trying to find products to help my eyes look bigger and brighter, and I've finally found 2 products that have helped me do just that.

The Caffeine Blast Serum is like a shot of expresso for the eyes, and the DiorShow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is by far the best mascara I've ever tried. Whenever I don't feel like doing my makeup, which is often, I just dab a little of the serum under my eyes and finish off with a few swipes of the mascara. It's by far the easiest and most effective beauty routine I've ever come up with.

What are your favorite beauty products?

A Day in the Life

2013-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

(romper-One Teaspoon, hat-vintage, shoes-Zara, necklace- c/o 7fam X Nikki Reed, sunglasses-Karen Walker)

Yesterday I directed my very first bridal shoot.

I came up with the concept, the art direction, the styling, set design, casting, and created all of the flower arrangements myself. The shoot came out better than I could have ever hoped thanks to my amazing friends and collaborators. Raych, Sam, and Katie, I couldn't have done it without you.

I'll be sharing the photos soon, but for now here's a little glimpse from behind the scenes.

Also hop over to my Instagram for exclusive teasers from the shoot.

Flower Friday

2013-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

(skirt- Show Me Your Mumu top- Show Me Your Mumu, shoes-c/o Loeffler Randall, necklace-8 Other Reasons, bracelets-c/o Vanessa Mooney, 7fam X Nikki Reed, Roman Luxe, ring-Luv AJ, bag-c/o GiGi)

Today's Flower Friday post is a little bit different than usual. As someone who spends so much of their time surrounded by and working with flowers, I can't help but get inspired by flowers when I get dressed.

This little number was inspired by a bouquet of fresh sunflowers Sam brought home the other day.

As soon as I saw them all I could think about was my little sunflower maxi and crop top combo.

P.S. I know that many of you have been wondering what it is that I've been up to these day, but I promise that all will be revealed in due time.

Be Inspired Dinner Party

2013-06-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

From over the top affairs to understated gatherings, I love hosting dinner parties.

This past Sunday I found myself organizing a causal little get together with a few friends in celebration of summer and our mutual love of Game of Thrones (which we screened on our projector later that evening).

I wanted this dinner to feel casual with a touch of whimsy, so I used a few charming details from BHLDN to achieve the look and feel. A few lace garlands, bubble vase placeholders and hanging votives really did the trick.

The biggest hit of the night was the Watermelon Sangria Bar I set up.

By the end of the night everyone was fishing the alcohol soaked watermelon bits out of their glasses and delivering them right into their mouths. And how lovely is that bow bottle stopper?

Here's hoping that this will inspire you to host your very own summer soiree.

meshed up

2013-06-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

(knit tee-Helmut Lang, skirt-Zara, bag-Alexander Wang, shoes-Proenza Schouler, necklace-8 Other Reasons, bracelet-8 Other Reasons, lucite cuff-c/o Tory Burch)

I've been obsessing over this Helmut Lang tee for what seems like ages.

I'm so happy it has finally found a home in my closet. I can see us becoming fast friends.

Pretty in Peonies

2013-06-04T12:55:00.001-07:00

Check out the DIY centerpiece I created for LEAFtv.

And come back on Friday for more of my Flower Fridays.

RSVP

2013-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

(skirt-Zara, top-Zara, shoes-c/o BHDLN, necklace-8 Other Reasons)

Just a little sneak peek from last night's dinner party I hosted to celebrate the arrival of June.

Come back Thursday for all the details!

Did you notice my friend's little pup photo bombing me with his butt?

Class act.

LBD to the Rescue

2013-06-02T12:46:00.002-07:00

(dress-Zara, shoes-Zara, clutch-Madeline Chadwick)

Wore this little LBD to a little soiree in honor of the new Beverly Hilton Pool.

It was a beautiful, star studded night, complete with mermaids!

I feel like having mermaids at pool parties needs to be a thing. Who needs a celebrity host when you have mermaids?

New In

2013-05-31T11:33:00.001-07:00

I've been taking full advantage of sale season. I snagged both of these babies from Net-A-Porter along with a few more pieces that are still making their way over to my doorstep.

> You can shop all of my picks on my Shop page. <

RED Valentino

KENZO

Flower Friday

2013-05-31T10:55:00.002-07:00

It's the season for Peonies! I encourage all of you to fill your space with as many of these darlings as possible. Peonies are never around for too long, so get the most of these lovelies while you can.

A few tips for getting your Peonies to last:

1. Pick the blooms that haven't yet opened. Notice how small my buds are in the individual shot.

2. Always cut stems at an angle as it helps the flowers absorb the water.

3. Keep out of direct sunlight and heat.

4. Change the water often

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Dont' forget to check the rest of my DIY flower arrangements, and come back next week for more.

Vegas Style

2013-05-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

A few quick snaps from my trip to Vegas over the weekend.

(crop top-Naven, pants-c/o Rachel Zoe, jumpsuit-BCBG Max Azria, sunglasses-Karen Walker, bag-c/o Coach, shoes-c/o Pour La Victoire)

Follow of my adventures on Instagram ~ @LateAfternoon

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Photos by Raych.

spring uniform

2013-05-28T11:11:00.001-07:00

(skirt-c/o Ann Taylor, crop top-Topshop, shoes-Pour La Victoire, necklace-Threadsence, sunglasses-Etsy)

Still loving my maxi skirt + crop top spring uniform.

What are your warm weather favorites?

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Photos by Raych.

DIY Rose Water Facial

2013-05-27T13:20:00.002-07:00

These DIY Rose Water Ice Cubes are a quick new addition to my beauty routine. I love this little trick so much that I had to share it.

It's a really simple way to freshen and tone your skin.

Start by gathering all of the petals from about a dozen of roses (I prefer pink or red roses for this).

You won't need the stems or leaves, just the petals.

Next give them a good rinse and transfer into a large pot. Add just enough water to cover all of the rose petals. I used about 3 cups. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the petals have lost all of their color. I like to let mine simmer for even longer so the petal start to almost brew.

Ladle the petals out of the rose water pot and transfer the remaining liquid into a jar. Pour over ice cube trays and stick them in the freezer.

When your skin needs a little pick-me-up just grab a rose water ice cube and glide over your face and neck.

And that's all there's to it. Your skin will feel fresh and extra soft.

ranch life

2013-05-25T10:23:00.001-07:00

(shorts-Cameo, top-Riot, shoes-Zara, bracelets-c/o 7fam X Nikki Reed, sunglasses-House of Harlow)

A few more snaps from our weekend in Santa Cruz last week. We stayed at Sam's family ranch and spent the time visiting old haunts like our favorite Strawberry Farm along the coast.

Flower Friday

2013-05-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it's best to take the less is more approach with flower arrangements. A few bougainvilleas branches bent over a sleek glass vase deliver a bold look with zero fuss.