september favorites

I realize I haven't done a favorites in a while-- but it's probably because there hasn't been anything I've been really loving enough to share with y'all. This past month was different. There have been a lot of good things I've been loving and not all of them new. Some of them have been re-discovered in my beauty stash, read on to find out!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and creamy concealer. Both I've had for and am really loving using both. I forgot how pretty the finish on the foundation is and how incredibly good the coverage is on this concealer, it covers like nobody's business and still looks very natural.

Can we first take a moment to give a nod to what this girl is doing with her makeup/hair/fashion game? It's hugely influencing a lot of the fashion world at the moment and it's no doubt she had a little influence on me. Because of this I had to pull out my Bobbi Brown lip color in Brown as well as my long-wear eye pencil in Mahogany to achieve a sort of Kylie Jenner inspired look. I added a mascara that I've had before and absolutely loved, but this time I got it in the waterproof version. I'll have you know my version is no where near as overdrawn and dramatic as hers, but a more wearable, simple version.

These cotton pads from Muji have made my nighttime routine much easier. Something about the square cotton pad is more absorbent (than a regular cotton ball) and makes removing my waterproof makeup that much easier.

I have been obsessed with this cami and would wear it every day if I didn't think my friends would look at me like I was disgusting.

The other item I've been practically living in is this hoodie from Mollusk Surf Shop. In my college days and even a couple years after I was all about wearing hoodies. Soon after that, I got rid of most all my hoodies and didn't go near one for a while, until this bad boy. The marled heather gray material, it's slightly loose, but not sloppy fit, and the sewn on captain steering wheel makes this the perfect throw-on cover up.

I've never been a huge fan of dresses, but immediately when I saw this one I knew it was love. I'm excited to keep wearing it through the colder months with tights and oversized cardigans.

I got the audiobook version of #GIRLBOSS and it was an entertaining book about how Sophia Amoruso, Founder and CEO of the ever popular Nasty Gal built her empire. With her unconventional approach to just about everything, she now owns one of the fastest growing women's retail companies and she started it all out of her love for finding and selling vintage items on Ebay. She's got a bad-ass attitude (which I think every entrepreneur should have a little bit of) and a lot of passion for the Nasty Gal brand. An inspiring and fun read that I'd recommend to anyone needing a little inspiration or motivation, not just in business, but in life.

rainy day light

Even though it's been raining pretty much non-stop the light has been beautiful for taking pictures. I couldn't help but want to snap a few photos in the rain. Dressed in almost everything from my most favorite store ever, Aritzia. If I could, I'd have an entire closet full of Aritzia (instead, it's only half full ;) hehe)

Babaton Henry Jacket, Wilfred Free tee, Aritzia belt, Bebe denim, Kamik rainboots

peek-a-boo

There are a few things about this top that I love besides the very obvious surprise in the back. I love it's minimalist shape and the fact that it's actually a wool blend so it keeps me surprisingly warmer than expected. I wore it with my high-waisted denim and is generally how I like wearing this top so it shows just a bit of skin.

Babaton Ashton shirt, Madewell denim, BCBG cardigan, Asics, Crushed Plum lipstick Bobbi Brown

in plain view

Brandy Melville tee, high waisted James Jeans, TNA sweater, Born Oxford shoes

These oxfords had been collecting dust in my closet for a while until I pulled them out a couple weeks ago. I knew that if I hadn't pulled them out they would be out-of-sight, out-of-mind and unworn. With them sitting in plain sight, I decided wear them this past weekend, and am so happy I did. I had forgotten how comfortable these shoes are! By looking at them alone, you wouldn't think I could, but I can last all day in these puppies without a complaint.

feelin' fall

Wilfred wool jacket, Wilfred Capucine tee, T. Babaton cashmere beanie

James high waisted jeans, Asics Onitsuka Tiger sneaks, Jcrew pineapple necklace

Fall is absolutely here, it literally hits you in the face with it's brisk, cool wind as soon as you open the door. And while I'm no doubt a warm weather person, I still welcome Fall with (somewhat) open arms only to trade my ripped, worn in shorts and light tanks and tees for something a little heavier, a little more cozy. I guess you could say it's a good thing I have an affinity for fashion, otherwise Fall and Winter, you would be in trouble.

taking stock

BCBG cashmere cardigan, Wilfred tank, and pants, Birkenstock sandals

I'm an avid reader of The Day Book blog, Sydney is too funny of a writer and her family is adorable. When I saw her do this post from another blogger I immediately wanted to do one as well. So, here's mine!

Making : plans to bake with a friend this week.
Cooking : Thai soup for dinner. Tom kha gai without the gai because I'm pescetarian, of course.
Drinking : water. So grateful that I have access to as much clean water as I want.
Reading: Seal Team Six.
Wanting: more people to care about the oceans and realize how easily we destroy them.
Looking: at Sephora's website to use the friends & family discount I got on my shampoo/conditioner.
Playing: Not Even the King by Alicia Keys on my iPhone.
Wasting: a $10 off coupon from Sur La Table-- anyone want it?
Sewing: A cushion cover for an ottoman I'm re-upholstering. Don't worry, it'll be done next year.
Wishing: I had a kendama so I could play.
Enjoying: the quiet in the house.
Waiting: for a friend to call me back.
Liking: that I won't have a car payment soon!
Wondering: what life will be like in 10 years.
Loving: neroli.
Hoping: plane tickets to Alaska go down.
Marvelling: at the shells I collected on the beach the other day. Each one is so amazingly unique.
Needing: to bring out a cozy blanket for Fall.
Smelling: my candle that's burning. If you must know, it's Aloha Orchid by Capri Blue.
Wearing: jammies and my everyday silver rings.
Following: my dreams and my gut.
Noticing: how cold it's gotten the past couple days.
Knowing: His love is comforting.
Thinking: about my plans for the remainder of the week.
Feeling: cold.
Bookmarking: places I want to travel to and recipes I want to make.
Opening: a new box of sugar cones to go with my gelato.
Giggling: is the best with my niece.
Feeling: good.

an indian summer

This past weekend was so warm all over the Bay Area, and for someone who is a heliophile, I absolutely loved it. I'm hoping the warm weather lasts for a little while longer before the Fall chill comes through.

A few weeks back I went through my entire wardrobe and purged. As I went through my closet I was disgusted with how much I had and didn't wear. I ended up with three garbage bags full of clothes and accessories. I'll be donating everything to those that need it and will appreciate it so much more than I have. Something so simple as purging made me realize and re-think how I shop. Since then, I've been out shopping with friends and purchased nothing. Absolutely nothing. Yeah, it's a new thing for me and I am loving it.

That being said, I still have a few garbage bags worth of clothes to wear so if I shop, I'll be shopping my existing closet. I've already re-discovered and fallen back in love with this pineapple necklace and have worn it for almost a week straight and counting.

San Diego Hat Company wool cap, TNA muscle tank, Paige destroyed denim, Birkenstock sandals, Jcrew pineapple necklace

fun with friends pt. 2

Wilfred dress, Nine West shoes, David Yurman ring, handmade silver bracelet, Zoya polish in Maura

Photos by Marie

As promised from last week's post, here is part two of my collaboration with Marie. Take a peek at her other interests aside from photography and makeup artistry at her blog over here and read on to get a little more personal with her.

What is the main inspiration behind your blog?

I wanted my own creative space. I wanted a a place to shared anything that inspired me. I always carry a notebook with me where I wrote notes about everything - fashion, beauty, travel, sketches, just about everything. My blog is a more refined extension of this. It incorporates all of the things that I love or am inspired by.

As summer is coming to an end and Fall is approaching, what are you going to miss most about summer and what are you looking forward to in the Fall?

Summer is my ultimate favorite so when it's gone I miss everything about it. I love being out in the sun. I think the beach is my favorite place to be. I love summer "no make-up" makeup, summer wardrobes and summer excursions. While I have a difficult time letting go of summer, I do enjoy the wardrobe transition into Fall. Fall clothes are always fun. 

What are the must-have beauty/makeup items you cannot live without in the Fall?

I can't live without mascara. Right now I'm wearing L'Oreal Paris False Fiber Lashes in Black Lacquer.

A strong lip is on trend for Fall so I would revert to my favorites for this - MAC Red and Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Lollipop.

I haven't worn black eyeliner all summer so for Fall I think I'll put it back into rotation. My favorite for this is Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Liner in Black Ink.

What do you think are three essential items every woman must own?

A black blazer. You can pretty much wear this with everything - shorts, jeans, slacks, dresses…..

A little black dress. I don't think this one needs much explaining. It's been a wardrobe staple forever.

An investment piece. I, personally, would choose a bag - something with classic lines and couture construction. Over the years I've moved away from feeling like I needed to stock pile hand bags to wanting to simplify and take it up a notch.

If I could add one more it would a perfect white tee, which I am still in search of.

fun with friends pt. 1

Wilfred Free jacket, Free People tank, Madewell denim, Converse

Having creative friends is a definite plus. I recently did a collaboration with Marie, who is photographer and makeup artist all wrapped up into one. It was fun getting my makeup done for a change (instead of doing it myself, like always) and afterward modeling for her. I wore a tank from Free People which has a unique cut and minimalist vibe; I love it so much that I have it in black too. I also finally captured this casual, sporty jacket that is sure to make more appearances throughout the Fall and Winter seasons. It's been the perfect lightweight coverup needed for summer nights and I envision it being ideal for layering in the cooler months ahead.

I asked Marie a series of questions related to photography so keep reading below, and stay tuned for next week when we get a little more personal with her. Or, if you can't wait, check out her blog.

Introduce yourself.

My name is Marie. I love fashion, make-up, travel, photography, my son and my beagle. You can read about all of those things on my blog.

What camera do you use?

I am a Canon diehard. I have owned 11 Canon cameras (films and digital - all different levels). My current camera is a Canon EOS 7D, but someday when I get the budget for it I would love to get my hands on a 5D mark III.

Name a place you would love to go for vacation and photograph.

I've always wanted to go to Spain. I'm not exactly sure where exactly in Spain, but I have great photos from various trips to other countries in Europe, and I always regret not taking more photos. I would go everywhere that I have already been to again and again to constantly discover and re-discover beauty. A few other places I haven't been to yet that would be on my list include Costa Rica, Belize, and Brazil.

What is your favorite thing about photography?

My favorite thing is to be able to capture a fleeting moment. With a camera you can do this and preserve the memory of something that happens one time. When my son was born, the importance of this took on a whole different meaning for me. Also, I feel grateful to my subjects who are giving me the gift of really allowing me to "see" them. The view through my lens is the way I share with others what I see.

Any tips you can give on photography to a beginner or the experienced?

Shoot all the time. It's the only way to learn and develop your eye.

so happy to have found you

I had a close call with losing my beloved beanie the other day. It's actually a beanie I purchased for my bf, but one that I often will borrow- to be honest, I probably wear it more than he does (okay, okay, so I hog it). I love everything about it. The cut, material, color, warmth it's provided, everything. It's pretty much sentimental to me now since I've had it for so long so you could only imagine how frazzled I was to have lost it. Long story short, I retraced my steps in my head and found dear beanie. So, so happy.

Wilfred Capucine t-shirt, Madewell denim, T. Babaton beanie, Kenzo sunnies, Converse