Good, Bad, and Fab | Los Angeles Working Mom's Everyday Style Blog

My Vivace Microneedling Experience

2022-01-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

In my never-ending quest to fight the laws of gravity, I recently discovered the anti-aging benefits of the Vivace Experience®.

Harnessing the dual powers of microneedling and radiofrequency, the Vivace Experience® is a powerful FDA cleared RF device designed to minimize fine lines, tone, lift, and stimulate collagen production. Each minimally invasive treatment lasts 40 minutes long and requires zero downtime.

I've always been a vocal proponent of utilizing natural and non-surgical skincare technology to maintain and prolong youthful skin so I knew I had to try the Vivace Experience®. At Enhance Medical Spa Beverly Hills, my esthetician applied a layer of numbing cream to prep my skin for a seamlessly painless experience. Once my face was completely numb, she started the treatment. I could barely feel anything, just a slight tickle and a zapping sound every time the device touched my face. The treatment took about 15 minutes followed by the application of a soothing and hydrating face mask. There truly was no downtime as my skin showed no signs of post-treatment redness or puffiness.

Nourishing My Skin With Rodan + Fields

2021-06-17T10:13:00.001-07:00

Sharing how I finally tackled my post maskne dry skin!

Thanks to Rodan + Fields for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Like a lot of people, I've had a complicated relationship with my skin this past year. Maskne reared its ugly head a few months into lockdown resulting in stubborn acne patches on my cheeks. With med spas shut down, I tried DIY facials and even purchased my very own chemical peel and extraction kit. Spoiler alert: they failed miserably and left me with skin drier than the Sahara. And the acne did not subside. My natural skin barrier was completely out of whack from the litany of drying acne products and peels!

In the past two months I've been able to get professional help (horray for reopening!) for my acne and I'm happy to report it has pretty much all but healed. However, the damage to my skin barrier has been done and my skin still felt extremely dry. None of my existing skincare products seemed to penetrate deep enough to quench the dryness and bring my skin back from the desert. Then I discovered Rodan + Fields.

Over the years I've heard about the brand from friends who swore it was a miracle worker for all sorts of skin concerns. So I thought I'd give two of their star products a try. The Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum is formulated with 30% glycerin and cross-linked hyaluronic acid to draw moisture from the atmosphere and lock it on the surface of the skin. Based on clinical studies, the serum delivers all-day hydration and boosts the performance of products layered on top. It raises skin’s hydration level by 200% after just one use and maintains continuous hydration for eight hours. For the past month I've incorporated the serum into my day and night skincare routine, applying a thin layer to my face and neck right after I've cleansed and applied toner. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and dewy all day. I love the consistency-it's so light, absorbs quickly into my skin, and doesn't leave an oily film. I like to layer it with a moisturizer and sunblock.

Another product that I'm absolutely loving is the Rodan + Fields Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum. It utilizes their proprietary Retinal-MD technology, a form of Vitamin A that's more potent than retinol but gentle enough for daily use, that works to reduce the appearance of wrinkles while minimizing potential for irritation or redness. I love that it comes in individual biodegradable capsules, helping to keep the product stabilized until use. It feels so light and is absorbed into my skin immediately upon application. I use it exclusively at night and wake up to skin that feels soft and hydrated.

Now that Rodan + Fields is in my skincare routine, it has visibly improved my dry skin and the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles. If you have dry skin, I highly recommend incorporating hydrating serums into your routine as it has made a huge difference for me.

Investing in Timeless Pieces

2021-05-28T11:48:00.002-07:00

Investing in diamond jewelry never goes out of style.

Dress: Reformation

Sandals: Andres Assous

Earrings: Bottega Veneta

Experiencing a year in lock down has really given me an opportunity (and time) to reflect on many things including my tendency to spend frivolously and mindlessly. I went through several closet purges in the last year throwing away clothing, shoes, and accessories that I never wore and were purchased on a whim or on sale. From now on I'm determined to shop with intention and to see every purchase as an investment. And I can't think of a better investment than diamond rings. On Mother's Day, I was gifted an Effy Jewelry emerald and diamond ring in a vintage style that screams heirloom jewelry. It's such a delicate piece and I've been wearing it alongside a few other favorites like my Gelin Gold Honeycomb Ring and my dainty Mejuri diamond pave band.

My purchases have certainly not been a flash in the pan as I can see myself wearing them for year to come fulfilling my intention of investing instead of buying wardrobe classics.

Black Friday 2020 Sales

2020-11-26T22:26:00.003-08:00

For the past nine months I've stayed pretty much in a shop-free cocoon because it's 2020 and what's the point? But there must come a time for the chrysalis to split and the wings to emerge. That time is now because now is Black Friday.

I'm focusing on accessories this year because I live in sweats so here is a round-up of all the shoes and purses I've got my eyes on.

Where I Shop Affordable and Chic Gold Jewelry

2020-10-12T12:17:00.005-07:00

Throughout quarantine, I've been laying low and curbing my shopping habits with the exception of investing in timeless gold jewelry that will stay relevant long after the pandemic is over.

AU-rate chain link rings, statement ring, ear cuff, and mini hoop earrings.

I've been gravitating towards elevated timeless luxury jewelry like diamond and gold hoop earrings, classic ear cuffs, and chain link gold rings that are easy to stack and pair with statement pieces. I like to wear jewelry even if I'm home in my sweats as it makes me feel put together and just a bit more chic.

Aside from the AU-rate pieces I'm wearing, I'm also loving these pearl adornment ear cuffs from shopbop, dainty chain link ring from gorjana, and surprisingly affordable mini diamond hoops from Saks Fifth Avenue.

{more affordable jewelry staples}

I Found The Most Comfortable Loungewear

2020-05-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sharing a list of my favorite loungewear pieces.

Sheltering in place has its perks. We're spending more quality time together as a family. My house has never looked more organized or clean. I'm no longer wasting hours of my day stuck in LA traffic. And loungewear is now my everyday uniform. Over the past few weeks I've been obsessively searching for the softest and most comfortable work from home/stay at home pieces and here are my favorites.

SKIMS bralettes are game-changers. The tonal hues and minimalist styles are made with the modern woman in mind. I especially love their ribbed high neck bralette and the stretch rib scoop bralette.

The SignatureSoft sweats from Lou & Grey are so buttery soft and come in a slew of neutral colors.

I love the instant classic matching set from Entire World

I bought a pair of tie dye shorts from Old Navy last week and haven't taken them off since.

I love wearing my PROUD ballet leggings on days I feel motivated to work out. I don't always do it, but at least I'm motivated.

If you're into tie dye everything, Urban Outfitters has a great selection.

I've had a lot of luck finding joggers and sweatpants from H&M. They're having a huge sale right now!

Stay healthy, stay safe!

I've Found The Perfect Cardigan

2020-02-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

Slightly obsessed with this cozy button-up winter staple!

& Other Stories cardigan | Level 99 pants | Ted Baker crossbody purse | Dior pumps

Lately, I've been purging my closet but holding onto all my cardigans (and maybe buying a few more). I'm particularly in love with my puff sleeve cardigan from & Other Stories. The pink sorbet hues adds to its soft vibes and makes every outfit look just a bit more feminine, more romantic.

{Shop Under $100 Cardigans}

How I'm Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss

2019-11-13T15:20:00.001-08:00

Currently dealing with major postpartum hair loss. So I got highlights and bangs.

Sanctuary dress | STAUD moon purse | Chloe ankle boots (old)

Postpartum hair loss is hitting hard and heavy so instead of dwelling on it, I decided to go to Loft 647 to get bangs and highlights. The salon has such a zen vibe and is quite the Weho hidden gem. For me, the worst part of the fallout isn't the actual hair loss but the endless strands of hair that end up all over my floor. My OCD kicks into overdrive and I'm literally walking around head down with my eyes scavenging for and picking up loose strands wishing they made tiny vacuum cleaners that could fit into my pocket.

When I see the clumps of hair circling my shower drain. I take comfort in knowing that this is just temporary and shall soon pass. That and maximum strength biotin.

{SHOP THE LOOK}

Mom Life | Snapshot

2019-11-04T14:22:00.005-08:00

I wrote this essay a few months ago while in the thick folds of newborn life. My postpartum journey is not unique and being a mom of two kids is not groundbreaking. Millions of us go through the trauma, pain, and anguish of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum hell to give life to our greatest joys. Here's a little snapshot.

The darkened room houses a scattering of half a dozen limp bodies occupying its nooks and crannies. Silence and the occasional muffled grunt echo from parts unknown. Familiar with the drill, I quickly find my nook, lay face down, and press my body into the fully reclined leather chair. A minute later, a set of footsteps shuffle in trailed by a barely audible "hi." She gets to work. She starts with my neck and rhythmically move her way down to my shoulders and upper back, kneading and rubbing with perk. If it were any other day, I would've appreciated the extra vigor but tonight the pressure presses my body deep into the chair sending waves of pain into my rock hard fully engorged breasts and bleeding nipples. They're so raw and beyond repair that no amount of lanolin makes a difference. I wonder if they'll ever heal or if they'll stay mutilated forever. My entire body tenses up as the pain spreads deep to my core and just as I'm about to tell her to stop, she lets out a tiny laugh and tells me to relax.

Relax. Relax? I gave birth to my second son three weeks ago. And since then, I haven't left the house, haven't slept more than two hours at a time, or gone more than three hours without a tear-inducing latch-challenged nursing session that inevitably ends with an agitated baby and me drenched in a mix of sweat and frustration. My nipples are sore, scabby, and so sensitive that silent screams escape my throat every time the slightest touch happens to graze its general vicinity. My neck and shoulders are stiff from hunching over and twisting in tensely unnatural ways (eight times a day, forty minutes each) to get a better latch. I'm not relaxed. I'm anything but relaxed.

Her hands work their way down to my lower spine and I wonder if she'd notice a small bump, remnants of where the epidural needle pierced my skin during labor. The labor itself was quick, five hours from the first contraction to the first skin to skin contact with my 7 pounds 13 ounce baby boy. He entered the world after a mere fifteen minutes of pushing but in dramatic fashion my placenta stubbornly refused to make its exit. No amount of massaging or pushing made a difference as it held on tightly to my womb. At the thirty minute mark, I was in danger of hemorrhaging so my doctor reached inside my body and forcefully pulled out the placenta. My body went into shock. I couldn't stop shaking while tidal waves of nausea made it impossible for me to continue holding my precious new baby. I passed him to my husband and took deep breaths to calm and stop my body from spinning out of control. Two hours and a round of medication later, I was finally cleared to hold him again.

She finishes massaging my body and moved on to my scalp and face. It feels nice but I'm self-conscious certain she'd notice my oily scalp and flaky skin. Hair washing and exfoliation are not at the top of the priority list these days and I'm not sure if they'll ever make it back on top. She notices I'm clutching my phone and casually suggests I put it away for a more relaxing experience. I nod but hold onto it anyway. This is the longest I've been away from the baby so I need to stay connected in case of an emergency. I already feel so guilty for leaving the house, for taking an hour to for self-care when an eight pound little helpless human is depending on me for around the clock care. I grip my phone a little tighter.

And then comes the foot massage, signaling the end of the hour. I don't realize my swollen feet are throbbing until she touches them. People love to dole out advice like, "Get plenty of rest during the first few weeks!" Or my personal favorite, "Sleep when the baby sleeps!" Those assholes are not moms. Or if they are, they've forgotten what newborn life is really like. I can't rest. My feet can't rest. I pace back and forth for hours rocking the baby to sleep. I'm constantly going up and down the stairs squeezing in pumping sessions to build up a little supply so that one of these days I can give him a bottle and let my poor nipples rest. When baby is sleeping, I'm playing with my three-year-old toddler who has become so clingy and tantrum-prone because there's a stranger in the house occupying all of mommy's time and he doesn't understand why I'm there but not really there.

She gives my feet one last soft squeeze before ending the session. I thank her, tip generously, and make my way out to the parking lot. It's late, it's quiet, and my car sits alone under the dimly lit pole. I get in and slumber follows me. I'm tempted to take a quick nap but is jolted out of my temptation with the anxiety inducing thought of "what if baby wakes up early?" I close my eyes for one last lingering second, turn on the ignition, and drive back to mom life.

Post Baby Style | The Linen Jumpsuit

2019-09-26T10:44:00.001-07:00

We're officially a family of four! It's been two months since we've welcomed little Pierce into our lives and I've been experiencing sheer bliss sprinkled with bouts of exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Although most days I'm in a t-shirt and bike shorts soaking up his delicious little face, once in a while I like to mix it up and put a little thought into what I'm wearing.

MagicLinen boiler suit | Anne Klein ankle boots | Clare Vivier backpack | Dior sunglasses

I'm not buying new clothes right now because my postpartum body is still in a state of flux. Plus, I'm not really a fan of milk stains on new clothes. So, I've been pulling outfits from my closet with a focus on functionality. Enter the jumpsuit. It's an outfit by itself which is great because my brain feels like mush these days, easy to get in and out of for my pumping sessions, and the style screams summer to fall transition. Mine happens to be linen which is even more amazing because let's face it, LA fall is pretty much just a low key summer.

{SHOP THE LOOK}

7 Surprising Ways My Second Pregnancy Is Different Than My First

2019-05-14T12:38:00.002-07:00

Spoiler alert: it's much more uncomfortable!

Pink Blush dress | old cardigan | andre assous sandals | By Far ball bag

{I Started Showing A Lot Earlier}

It's like muscle memory but with the opposite effect. The skin around my stomach is looser and stretchier now so it expands much more quickly. I stopped fitting into my jeans in the first trimester and by the middle of the second trimester, my belly had popped. It's been a struggle finding comfortable clothes without going into full-blown mumu territory so I've had to really dig hard and deep. I've been wearing a lot of comfortable and chic maternity dresses from Pink Blush and when I'm home, I live in Saint Haven loungewear. Their leggings feel like second skin!

{I'm Perpetually Tired}

During my first pregnancy, I was going on three hour hikes few days before giving birth. Not this time. I get winded easily and can't seem to ever shake the feeling of sleepiness. I know some people are wary of drinking coffee during pregnancy but I need all the boost I can get. So I reach for a cup when I'm truly in desperate need of a perk-me-up. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, drinking a 10 oz cup of brewed coffee a day is perfectly safe for the baby.

{Nothing Tastes Good}

During the first trimester every single food triggered a stubborn metallicky aftertaste. I couldn't enjoy anything at all which is really tragic because I love food. The nail on the coffin was when I reached for a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos and almost gagged because it tasted like chalk. Now that I'm in my third trimester, the aftertaste has gradually subsided but food still doesn't taste quite as good as it used to. I've found that chewing a piece of fruit gum or sucking on a jolly rancher after meals help to clear my palate.

{My Stomach Feels Like It's About To Rip Open After Every Meal}

If I have anything resembling a normal size meal, my stomach feels tight and full, like all the muscles are expanded to their maximum capacity. I think this might have to do with the position and placement of the placenta because I don't hear about this from other moms.

{People Keep Asking Me If I'm Going To Try For A Third}

During my first pregnancy, everyone was so excited when I told them I was having a boy. But now when they hear I'm having another boy, they skip over the congratulations and ask if I'm going to have a third probably because they all know how much I want a daughter. I have to be honest, I cried when I first found out I was having another boy. I guess I'd always expected and assumed I'd have a daughter-someone to go shopping with, to dress up as my mini-me, an heir apparent to my closet of shoes and purses.

{I Don't Take Any Bump Photos}

During the first pregnancy, M would take my bump photo every Sunday morning. Now our weekend mornings are spent snuggling and playing with Des, getting him dressed, cooking breakfast, and basically just being immersed in mom life.

{My Nose Is Always Stuffy}

This has been the weirdest and most unexpected pregnancy symptom! It's called pregnancy rhinitis and affects about 30% of pregnancies. The increase in estrogen thickens the inner membrane of the nose causing nasal congestion and other cold-like symptoms. Allergy medication doesn't help and I can't take any decongestants so there's really no cure until I push the baby out of me. Fun times!

{shop the post}

The Ultimate Glowy Skincare Routine For Dry Skin

2019-03-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've gotten so many compliments on my skin since switching to this morning skincare routine.

Now that I'm deep in my second trimester, I've been placing special emphasis on my skincare routine. After my first pregnancy, I noticed a significant difference in hydration level as my skin type changed from combination to dry. Almost everyday, I found myself reaching for a moisturizer in the afternoon to combat the feeling of the dryness and tightness. Hoping to avoid a deeper plunge into the desert abyss after this pregnancy, I've devised a new skincare regimen that's been working amazingly well.

The key lies in layering serums and replacing traditional cleansers with oils and balms. In the mornings, I cleanse with Shu Umuera cleansing oil. Then I layer on three different serums. Bioeffect EGF serum to increase skin thickness and density, LaClaireBeverly Hills Vitamin C serum for its anti-aging vitamins and hyaluronic acid, and Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution to treat and prevent hyperpigmentation. I wait a few minutes for the serums to be fully absorbed into my skin and then apply Arcona Eye Dew, Clarins Multi-Active Jour moisturizer, and Neutrogena Sheer Zinc sunblock. My skin has never felt so hydrated and I've stopped carrying around my moisturizer for the afternoon pick-me-up and I've completely stopped wearing foundation. I guess the transformation has been pretty dramatic as I'm now getting compliments from strangers on my glowing skin, a new and welcoming change.

{SHOP MY SKINCARE ROUTINE}

I've Lost My Identity To Motherhood

2019-03-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing some intimate thoughts on mom life and my current identity crisis.

Motherhood has been the single most rewarding experience of my life. There's no greater sense of responsibility than caring for a helpless little human whose livelihood depends on you. There's no greater joy than seeing the corners of Desmond's eyes curl up into a crescent line drawing out his big sunshine smile. There's no greater excitement than seeing your child take on his many firsts, first step, first word, first "I love you." Like many parents, I live for my son. On the weekends, I take Des to birthday parties, plan family adventures, go on playdates, and basically just stay by his side all day long because at 2.5 years old, he's still pretty needy. Although he's in school during the week, I'm constantly thinking about him or thinking about things he might need. What's he going to eat for dinner? When's his next doctor's appointment? Are we low on diapers?

I love being a mother. It's gifted me a heightened life purpose and provides a selfless compass to navigate through life. But I fear my personality, my self-identity, has completely folded into motherhood. So much of my day revolves around being a mom that I no longer see who I am anymore. I don't make time to pursue hobbies, I travel less, I go out less, and my social circle has tightened into core groups of mainly mom friends. If I remove "mom" from my profile, do I simply fade away? Sure, I'm a lawyer, I'm a blogger, but professional titles can't solely define my identity. I used to be passionate about a lot of things, have strong opinions, and have a self-proclaimed sense of humor. But now I just don't have the mental consumption or time or energy to dedicate focus on anything other than motherhood.

I'm not really sure what to do about my identity crisis. I can try to make time to pick up new hobbies, explore new interests. But let's be real. It's probably not going to happen. Perhaps I shouldn't see it as a loss. Perhaps I'm not losing myself to motherhood. Rather, I've gained an invaluable and life-changing identity. I'm now a Mom. And with that comes a beautifully layered life that's fulfilling on so many levels. And perhaps right now it's okay to be just really ridiculously passionate about being the best mom I can be to little Desmond.

The Most Stylish and Affordable Diaper Bag Backpacks

2019-02-26T12:10:00.002-08:00

Sharing how I stay organized and stylish with the chic diaper bag that gets all the compliments plus 20 more fabulous options!

Skip Hop Greenwich diaper bag | Boohoo camel coat | Roger Vivier heels

During the first year of motherhood, my diaper bag was essentially an extra limb. I never went anywhere without it and its content saved the day in more than a few sticky situations. And by sticky, I mean the glorious blowout kind. And of course, as a newbie mom, I overcompensated for not having a clue by overstuffing my diaper bag with everything in sight, from three extra milk bottles to twelve pairs of socks. Needless to say, it was unnecessarily heavy and impractical and became nearly impossible to lug around along with my ever-growing baby. I was perpetually lopsided, weighed down by fifty pound of unnecessaries. It was not a good look.

By month three, my shoulders couldn't take it anymore so I started looking for a smarter and more chic option. I quickly found it in the Skip Hop Greenwich diaper backpack. It has compartments, side and front pockets, thick straps, and comes in an array of neutral hues like tan, rose, olive green, and gray. It's caused a viral sensation in my life as no less than eight of my mom friends now have it too. Yeah, it's that good.

{SHOP UNDER $150 CHIC DIAPER BACKPACKS}

My Red Carpet Inspired Glam Look

2019-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sharing this month's babbleboxx beauty arsenal and my glam makeup look inspired by award season red carpet moments!

Though I'll be catching this Sunday's Academy Awards from the comfort of my bed, I will be attending a few pre-Oscars parties this week. So I'm sharing my nighttime makeup look inspired by the glamour of the red carpet along with a few beauty arsenals from babbleboxx to help prep my skin for my Tinseltown nights.

{The Gold Q topical relief cream and hand restoration cream} Made with cold extracted hemp oil, both the topical cream and hand cream have really rescued my skin from the uncharacteristically dry air. I use the hand cream liberally both morning and night to keep my hands hydrated. It's perfect to use pre-mani/pedi. Use code GOODASGOLD (expires 3/25/19) for 20% your first purchase!

{Dermalogica Biolum C from Hand & Stone) This vitamin C serum from one of my favorite spas is my secret weapon for bright skin. I love that it exfoliates while helping to fade my dark spots. It's just one of the many products offered at Hand & Stone. I'm going in next week to get the Glow & Go facial which uses red LED light therapy along with the NUFACE toning device to strengthen dermal layers while firming and toning the facial muscles. Use code “RedCarpet” for 50% off the spa's Red LED upgrade. Valid until 2/28/19.

{GrandeLash MD and GrandeLIPS Plumping Liquid Lipstick} The eyelash serum was made for my wimpy thin lashes! It's safe for contact wearers and the bottle lasts three months. I can't wait to see how the long term benefits for my lashes. I love the liquid lipstick as it's probably the first matte lipstick I've tried that hasn't chapped or flaked. Use code babbleboxx for 10% off your purchase!

{Perfect Formula Gel Coat Color} The brand has created a pioneer product in natural nail care as the keratin rich formula creates a thick, protein-rich coating that immediately strengthens, seals, and protects natural nails so they can grow into healthy nails. To remove, just use regular nail polish. Use code redcarpet for 20% off valid through 3/31/19

{Moda Metallics Total Face Flip Kit} This beautifully bold petite brush set has everything I need to create my nighttime glam look. I love that it's easy to travel with and the high quality fiber brushes can be used both wet and dry. Use code MODAXBABBLE for 20% off of order, one time use, valid through 3/30/19.

Good news! I'm giving away everything in my babblebox. To enter, click here.

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com.

A Red Carpet Inspired Short Wavy Hair Tutorial

2019-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Inspired by award season glam, I'm sharing a red carpet inspired short hair tutorial!

I must admit I'm a little sad that award season is coming to an end with the Oscars this weekend as I've had so much fun admiring the glam red carpet looks. Inspired by the wide range of red carpet hairstyles, particularly for short hair, I've decided to create my very first short hair tutorial! This is one of the first times I've curled my short hair and was pleasantly surprised by the ease of the process. Scroll down for a step-by-step look!

{step 1} Split hair into two sections and clip the top section. Day old hair works best for holding curls so try not to shampoo your hair that day. If you're worried about oily roots, use a dry shampoo. My favorite is from PYT as it soaks up the oil and provides added volume to my roots.

{step 2} Curl sections of hair away from face. I like using the PYT 25 mm digital curler wand as it's clip-free and creates natural looking wavy curls

{step 3} Repeat on the other side

{step 4} Don't forget the back! The PYT curling wand is super lightweight making it easy to reach and get to the back section

{step 5} For the front sections, curl towards your face

{step 6} Create a side part

{step 7} Tuck your hair behind your ears and clip one side with your favorite hair barrette. For a glossy finish, use a finishing gloss like the PYT selfie ready gloss serum.

To get your hair red carpet ready, here's a 25% discount code for your PYT purchase. Just use code JENNY25 during checkout!

A Valentine's Day Outfit You Can Wear To The Office

2019-02-11T14:45:00.001-08:00

A head to toe pink Valentine's Day outfit that doubles as a casual work outfit!

ella moss pullover | SWF pants | DVF mules

With Valentine's Day falling on a Thursday, it's going to be hard for many of us celebrating the holiday to have time to go home, change, and head back out. So I'm sharing a work outfit that can transition effortlessly from day to night for your romantic night out! To glam up the look, swipe out your daytime purse for a clutch and add some bling bling earrings to glam it up!

{SHOP PRETTY IN PINK PANTS}

How I'm Sharing My Chinese Roots With My Mixed Race Baby

2019-02-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Lunar New Year, I'm sharing my parenting style and how I'm passing on my Chinese heritage to my mixed baby.

With Lunar New Year celebrations taking place all over the city, I've been explaining to Des the significance of the holiday while reminding him that he's half-Chinese. At age 2, I highly doubt he can grasp the idea of biracial identity but I know as he gets older he'll be more curious and ask questions about what it means to be multiethnic. And I hope those questions will never end. Explaining one's ethnicity, its origin, its history, and its traditions can't be answered open-endedly. Plus I don't have all the answers for him. The explanation lies in passing on stories, living shared experiences, and providing him with a stream of constant exposure.

A lot of people ask me if I'll enroll Des in Chinese school. And usually it's formed as an advocacy rather than a question. Apparently language immersion preschool is super trendy right now. They tell me to speak to him in Chinese at home so that he can be bilingual at an early age. Nope, I'm not doing it. My husband is Caucasian. He doesn't speak Mandarin and I think it would be very exclusionary to speak it in front of him. Plus, my Chinese sucks and I don't want to teach my son butchered Chinese. Instead of focusing on his Chinese language skills, I'd rather expose him to the culture through storytelling and shared experiences so that he understand it and can then form his own thoughts on what it means to be Chinese. And if he's thoroughly interested and wants to learn the language, then I will be there to wholeheartedly and happily support his decision. Maybe I'll even go to Chinese school myself.

I think the reason I'm taking such a laid-back approach is because I was raised by the strictest of tiger moms and I hated it. It wasn't her fault. Being a strict disciplinarian was part of her cultural identity. She grew up in Communist China, where censorship, uniformity, and overachieving were part of the country's shared constitution. Plus, she'd just immigrated to the US and hardly had the time, money, or energy to explore alternative parenting styles. She simply didn't know any other way to parent. I was not allowed to go out with friends, couldn't watch TV, date boys, or talk back to her. So what did I do? I snuck out at night, had strings of boyfriends, would smoke at school during lunch with my hooligan friends, and muttered "bitch I hate you" under my breath every time she yelled at me, which was quite often because she was always yelling at me. Though my grades were okay, I was by no means a 4.3 GPA student. All that discipline and I didn't turn out to be the model cub. But it did greatly damage my relationship with her. I resented her throughout my adolescence and didn't like her until I was in my 20s.

At the end of the day, maintaining a loving relationship nurtured by mutual respect and open dialogue is really important to me. Because you know what, I want my son to always like me.

Winter Outfit In A Satin Slip Midi Skirt

2019-02-04T06:30:00.000-08:00

How I'm styling the satin slip midi skirt, one of winter's biggest fashion trends!

Margaret O'Leary sweater and skirt

I'm so happy it's finally February! January went by in the blink of an eye as it was spent detoxing from the holidays followed by a blissful weeklong trip to Hawaii with the fam. I'm back now and back to the swing of things. Much like the weather, of late I've been on a shopping freeze, uninspired by the cold while eagerly awaiting next season's new trends and finds. This has really encouraged me to work with and find new ideas to pair some of my favorite existing pieces.

Sick of perpetually wearing cozy sweaters with jeans, I decided to pair it with a satin slip skirt, a delicate and wispy way to style an everyday winter outfit. Satin skirts have been having their moment for a while and I anticipate we'll see much more of the feminine trend in the upcoming seasons. It's just too romantic not to fall in love with!

{SHOP SATIN SKIRTS}

How I'm Styling The Ballet Wrap Top

2019-01-14T14:08:00.001-08:00

A soft and feminine winter outfit to start the new year featuring fifteen of the most affordable and chic ballet wrap tops.

Tularosa ballet wrap top | old Zara skirt | Nina silver pumps

I've been stocking up on wrap tops for a few years now but lately I've been fixated on the sweater version as it's a cozy update to a classic feminine style. There's really no wrong way to wear a wrap top as they pair well with pants and skirts alike but my absolute fav way to style it is with a billowy satin skirt that exudes dainty ballet form.

{SHOP UNDER $100 BALLET WRAP TOPS}

The Best 2018 Holiday Gifts For Every Type Of Mom

2018-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

From the stay at home mom, the working mom, to the new mom, here's my Christmas gift guide featuring stylish, unique, and practical gifts that the mom (s) in your life will absolutely love-and actually use!

{The Working Mom}
{The Stay at Home Mom}

My All Seasons Effortless Work Outfit Formula

2018-12-05T14:11:00.000-08:00

Tee + Jeans + Blazer = Effortless Office Style.

There's no going wrong with a simple tee, jeans, and blazer combo for a chic work outfit that can take you easily from day to night, in and out of the office. I'm currently obsessed with snakeskin boots as the color is neutral enough to work into countless palettes while the edgy print can elevate even the most basic outfits.

{SHOP BEIGE BLAZERS}

Cute Winter Outfits: How I'm Wearing My Oversized Cardigan

2018-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sweater weather is definitely here so I'm giving my oversized puff sleeve pink cardigan a polished update. I'm definitely filing this look under cute winter outfits!

Repeat Cashmere sweater | pants (old but this is similar) | sole society "maleah" mules (on sale!) | old J.Crew belt

Everything's just a bit more polished when cinched with a belt, don't you think? Cozy cardigans are one my favorite winter staples as they emit the perfect warmth for the not so wintery LA winter and can easily transition from day the night. Wear it with a tee and jeans for a casual look or belt it and wear it over pencil skirts or trousers for a buttoned up work outfit!

{SHOP OVERSIZED CARDIGANS}

My 7 Favorite Shopbop Brands That Are Surprisingly Affordable

2018-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I can always depend on these stylish brands from Shopbop for chic and trendy pieces to incorporate into my everyday style. And on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, they're all on sale.
{ASTR The Label}
everyday edge with a feminine twist

{endless rose}

modern ladylike pieces with a nod to runway trends

{English Factory}

playful prints mixed with understated details

romantic slip dresses and affordable blazers

{STAUD}

fashion it girls' go to brand for nighttime glam

{The Fifth Label}

trendy frocks and romantic knits

mini dresses, floaty tops, and chic jumpsuits

2018 Black Friday Sales Cyber Monday Fashion Deals: Best Holiday Party Dresses

2018-11-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'm sharing my top picks of the best 2018 Black Friday Cyber Monday fashion sales so you can shop your holiday party outfits and cocktail dresses now!

{FASHION BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY DEALS}

AMAZON

Up to 50% off men and women styles

ANINE BING

Up to 70% off site wide

ASOS

20% off site wide

INTERMIX
30% off site wide

LA REDOUTE