Author: styleand

Summer Hair Care Essentials

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Summer Hair Care Essentials

While summer is filled with fun activities…the sun, salt and chlorine can wreck havoc on my hair…since my hair is long and blonde, I have to be diligent in caring for it so that it does not become dry, brittle and faded. I have used a variety of products over the years and the ones featured here are my current summer hair care essentials.

To Style

I like to use Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray…unlike sea salt sprays, this spray gives your hair texture and shine without being overly stiff. I use it after washing my hair to create relaxed beach waves or spray it before I begin curling my hair with my Enzo Milano Curling Wand to give texture. The bonus is that it smells like you should be sunning in Capri or St. Tropez. Available at www.oribe.com.

To Brighten

To my fellow blondes…you know how it goes, if you are blonde, you only want to be blonder during the summer. I use the Oribe Bright Blonde Shampoo to keep my blonde highlights super blonde during summer months. I love pouring it out in the shower because it has a beautiful blue-violet hue that keeps my hair from becoming brassy. Available at www.oribe.com.

To Protect

After spending time in the pool or ocean, I like to shampoo with Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Wash because it is designed to remove chlorine and salt without fading your color. Available at www.aveda.com.

To Detangle

Post swimming or after I shower, I do not want to damage my hair by brushing it so I use the Oribe Run Through Detangling Primer. I love this detangler because it is so light…it does not leave my hair greasy or heavy and allows me to brush through easily. Available at www.oribe.com.

To Hydrate

After a weekend in the sun and water, I will often leave the Aveda Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque in overnight. I shampoo it out in the morning and my hair feels and smells amazing. Available at www.aveda.com.

To Heal

If I feel I need more repair than hydration I will use Aveda Damage Remedy to wash, condition or apply the masque to make my hair to feel healthy and soft again. The Damage Remedy collection is designed to repair and strengthen damaged hair. Available at www.aveda.com.

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Whatever hair ailment you may have, I hope you found something that helps!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 27.2017
Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

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Five Makeup Tips from Aradia Vive

We have all met those people with whom you have an instant connection and hope you will spend more time in the years to come. I had that experience when I met my wedding makeup artist, Aradia Vive. Long before Style & Life was even a thought, I had hoped our paths would cross along the years. Five years later, we are spending Saturday mornings together as she does my makeup for my photoshoots.

One of the best gifts I have received is from one of my friends…I threw her a bridal shower and as a thank you, she gave me a makeup lesson with Aradia. It was an incredible experience as we were able to learn about her recommended products, tips and techniques on how we should be applying our makeup. Although, there is no comparison between Aradia doing my makeup and doing it myself…I can create a smokey eye, contour and create other gorgeous looks. If you are in the Miami area, I highly recommend this experience as a gift for yourself of someone special as you will learn techniques that you can use forever.

For those who do not live in the Miami area, I am sharing five key tips that I have learned in my time working with Aradia. These are the foundation of elevating your makeup routine.

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Start with Skin

For your makeup to go on beautifully, you need to start with a great canvas. Keep yourself hydrated, exfoliate and moisturize before you being applying makeup.

Prime

I never believed the hype around primers but Aradia convinced me to try them…and now, my makeup lasts considerably longer and looks much smoother. Primer creates a smooth surface, reduces shine and minimizes pores. Stay tuned…I am working on a post that features my favorite primers.

Contour

Contouring is about highlighting your best features and creating shape and definition. When done correctly, it should be subtle and hardly noticeable. Use professional brushes and invest in a Beauty Blender to contour properly.

Clean Your Tools

During our makeup lesson, Aradia asked me to get my foundation brush…she must have been horrified as I had not cleaned it in a few weeks! Tools become dirty and if you do not clean them, you are putting bacteria directly onto your face. It only takes a minute or two to clean your brushes after application so take the time and clean them immediately!

Finishing Spray

If you are going to take the time and put the effort in…be sure your work will last and finish with Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray. Your makeup will stay fresh all day. Available at www.skindinavia.com.

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To schedule a makeup less or learn more visit www.bridalmakeovers.com.

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 24.2017
A Little Lip Love

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A Little Lip Love

Sometimes my lips need a little extra love…since I travel often and am frequently being photographed, I have realized that it is important lips are moisturized and smooth. I have three products I use consistently to ensure my lips are in tip top shape.

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French Girl Organics Rose Lip Scrub

This is the perfect lip scrub…it is not too harsh, does an excellent job of exfoliating and hydrates at the same time. Made from sugar, shea butter, rose geranium and coconut oil, this scrub keeps your lips soft and kissable. Available at www.revolve.com.

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Soveral Mandarin Kiss Lip Balm

Made from mango and coco butter, this ultra hydrating lip balm does just the trick for moisturizing…it also smells divine…which makes you want to taste it! Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

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Avene Ystheal Eye and Lip Contour Care

This contour cream is designed to hydrate, tone and smooth the delicate areas around your eyes and lips. I like to use this before a photoshoot so I look as youthful and rested as possible. Available at www.amazon.com.s

These tips will leave your lips smooth and moisturized for the perfect pout!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 20.2017
The Little Black Dress Edit

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The Little Black Dress Edit

Little Black Dresses (LBD’s) are a staple in my and most of our wardrobes. They are timeless, elegant and flattering. If you are unsure of what to wear…there is a strong chance you may reach for a LBD. I have a number of LBD’s because there are a variety of occasions on which I may need one and I like to be prepared for any event. I have decided there are four primary categories that will ensure you are prepared for almost any occasion. They are listed below in order from the most to the least dressy.

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A CHIC COCKTAIL DRESS

Cinq a Sept has a gorgeous collection of apparel and this Ellette Bustier Midi Dress is a perfect example. The scoop neck bustier design is feminine and flattering while the midi length is super trendy this season. The options are endless for how you can accessorize this…I kept it simple and understated with a J Crew rhinestone necklace and Prada clutch. Available at www.saks.com.

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PROFESSIONAL AND POLISHED

In case you receive the call to interview for your dream job…it is essential to have something ready to wear. In lieu of pants or skirts, dresses feel professional and stylish and the same time. I like this tailored Black Halo Jackie O dress because it feels exactly like the name describes…a throwback to something the incredibly fashionable Jackie Onassis would have worn. Available at www.saks.com.

DAYTIME ELEGANCE

Sometimes you need something to wear during the day that is a touch dressy while still showing your fashionable side…maybe a shower or birthday luncheon? This L’Agence Rihanna Crochet Dress is just the right choice. The crochet weave and tassel detail make this dress casual enough for day time while the fitted silhouette and black/nude color combination make it just the right amount of dressy. Available at www.saks.com.

RELAXED AND ROMANTIC

If you happen to receive an invitation for an evening birthday party on a boat or a relaxed garden dinner, a black maxi dress is an excellent choice. The black color makes it chic while the maxi style keeps it nice and relaxed. My favorite this season is the Flynn Skye Bella Maxi Dress…the off-the-shoulder styling and high slit give it a touch of sexiness. Available at www.shopbop.com.

These four categories of LBD’s will ensure you are ready for whatever impromptu event comes your way!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 17.2017
Delicious Summer Salad Recipes

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Delicious Summer Salad Recipes

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Salads are my favorite food category…they are healthy (mostly), flavorful and convenient. They can be an entire meal, the first course or, if you want to follow French tradition, served after the main course and before dessert. The three salads featured today are packed with flavor, texture and variety. If you have not yet tried making the Asparagus, Strawberry Gouda Spinach or Corsican Mint Salads previously featured in our posts, try those as well as the delicious summer salad recipes featured below.

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Peach Salad with Grilled Basil Chicken

Ingredients (approximately 5 servings)

Grilled Basil Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad

10 oz mixed greens

3 small peaches, sliced

2 ears corn, husked and kernels cut from cob

½ cup chopped pecans, toasted

½ small red onion, sliced thin (rinse with water to remove harsh bite)

4 oz goat cheese crumbled

Instructions:

For the chicken

In a small mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, basil, garlic, and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Using the back of a spoon, press basil against sides and bottom of bowl (to help extract flavor from basil). Place chicken in a resealable bag and pound thicker parts of chicken to even thickness with a meat mallet, then pour basil mixture over chicken and evenly distribute basil over chicken. Seal bag while pressing excess air out, rub marinade over chicken and transfer to refrigerator and marinate 2 – 5 hours.

Preheat a grill to 425 – 450 degrees over medium high heat. Brush grill grates lightly with olive oil then place chicken on grill. Grill until cooked through, rotating once halfway through cooking, about 4 – 5 minutes per side. You can also bake in the oven at 425 for 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, let rest 10 minutes and then slice into strips.

For the vinaigrette

Whisk together all ingredients until well blended and season with salt and pepper to taste. Store in refrigerator until ready to use, stir again before pouring over salad

For the salad

In a large salad bowl gently toss together lettuce, peaches, corn, pecans, onions, and grilled chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese over top and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Source: Cooking Classy

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Hydrating Salad

Ingredients (approximately 3-4 servings):

1 English Cucumber, diced

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 ¼ cups corn

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes (for added color, use half red and half yellow)

½ cup packed fresh cilantro, chopped

1 lime

1 avocado diced

salt and paper to taste

Instructions:

Place the cucumber, black beans, corn, red pepper, cherry tomatoes and cilantro in a bowl. Squeeze the fresh juice from the lime to onto the salad and mix well.

Mix in the avocado, season with salt and pepper.

Source: Popsugar

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Arugula Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing

Ingredients (approximately 2-3 servings):

1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

4 cups (packed) baby arugula

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (I like to use half red and half yellow)

Instructions:

Blend first 4 ingredients in food processor. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Cover; chill up to 3 days.

Combine arugula and tomatoes in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat. I like to top with a bit of shaved parmesan.

Source: Bon Appetit

I am excited for you to try these delicious summer salad recipes! Enjoy!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 12.2017
Boho Beach Style

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Boho Beach Style

The days are long and the temperatures high, which means it is the perfect time of year to wear the casual and relaxed styles that are made for the season. There is nothing that looks more fabulous than bold and bright embroidery for summer styling. Boho beach style is always a chic look for summer and we are featuring some of our favorite pieces below.

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The Beach Dress

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Perfect for an evening beach picnic or stroll, this dreamy Riptide Backless Maxi Dress has just the right vibe. The light fabric makes it cool and breezy for summer nights and the blue embroidery a boho chic vision. Available at www.revolve.com.

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A Statement Top

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This Parker Embroidered Off-the-Shoulder top showcases beautiful floral embroidery and dramatic tiered bell sleeves. I vary wearing it with either white or light colored denim. Available exclusively at www.saks.com.

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The Detailed Cover Up

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This Hemant & Nandita Embroidered Lace Dress is the perfect piece to throw over your swimsuit. The brightly colored elaborate embroidery and tassels makes it a truly unique piece that will last for seasons to come. Available at www.intermixonline.com.

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Hope these pieces inspire you to create your own boho beach style!

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 10.2017
Fresh Summer Fragrances

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Fresh Summer Fragrances

Each season brings different events, fashion and beauty products…including your fragrance “routine”. Scent is a powerful sense…it can change your mood or remind you of a friend or place. For summer, we have highlighted some of our favorite scents. From beach days to sultry nights, these fresh summer fragrances are sure to suit your mood.

Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk

Although I live in Miami and go to the beach often, I still crave this scent. This fragrance smells like the most perfect beach day you have ever had…blue skies, crashing waves and sandy toes. It is the perfect blend of bergamot, coconut milk, lemon, pink pepper, and musk. Available at www.sephora.com

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Atelier Cologne Clémentine California

This fun and fresh fragrance makes me happy with its citrus blend. citrus fruits. A mix of juniper, mandarin, star anise and a hint of pepper blends over a distinctively warm base of Haitian vetiver, sandalwood, and cypress. Atelier Cologne fragrances are concentrated at 15 percent pure perfume so that the last longer. There is something about this scent that puts me in a cheerful mood. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Tom Ford Mandarino Di Amalfi Acqua

Just as the name implies, wearing this fragrance makes me feel as if I should be soaking up the rays on the Amalfi Coast. Containing notes of mandarin, lemon, basil, spearmint, shiso leaf and jasmine, this is a perfect fragrance to take or make you feel like you are on vacation. Available at www.saks.com.

Nest Black Tulip

This is oh-so-sexy scent is the ideal fragrance for sultry summer nights. This floral perfume offers notes of black amber, plum, pink pepper and Japanese violet. Also available in a rollerball so you can carry it in your clutch for touch ups throughout the evening. Available at www.sephora.com.

Maison Francois Kurkdjian Petit Matin

Francois Kurkdjian started his career making fragrances for brands like YSL, Armani and the like. He started his own brand in 2009 and has a lovely assortment of fragrances. Petit Matin is no different and this fresh scent reminds me of summer mornings and contains notes of musk, lemon, lavandin and orange blossom. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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If you are in need of a fragrance pick me up, give one of these scents a try, I believe you will enjoy wearing them this summer!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 9.2017
The Summer Dress Edit

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The Summer Dress Edit

There is nothing prettier than a lovely summer dress on a hot day. Cool, breezy and chic, dresses are a summer wardrobe staple. They work for day or evening but you need a few different styles to ensure you have the right dress for each occasion. In the Summer Dress Edit, we focus on three different styles that will give you a tremendous amount of versatility so you get a lot of mileage out of these choices. Be sure to mix up your styling to increase the number of ways you can wear your dresses. You can completely change the look of a dress by wearing different shoes and accessories. Hope these styles give you some inspiration this summer!

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Long & Romantic

This lovely Karina Grimaldi floral dress is lovely, romantic and versatile. You can wear this dress with flat sandals, a wedge or strappy sandals, depending on the occasion. The sexy peep of leg keeps it from being too sweet.
Available at www.revolve.com

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Casual & Elegant

It can be your secret…while you may be in a hurry, if you throw on an elegant day dress like this See by Chloe poplin style, no one will even know you were in a rush. This dress features nice details like a drawstring waist and floral cut out that creates a relaxed and chic option. Add fabulous sunnies and you are set. This season it can be fun to pair a casual dress with sneakers (see post Chic Sneakers for ideas). Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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Fun & Flirty

This bright coral dress by Parker with ruffle detail is ideal for a night out with your girlfriends or a romantic date. The cold shoulder and ruffle detail are both trends this season so you will be perfectly in style with this dress. Available at www.revolve.com.

I wish you luck finding the perfect summer dresses!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 5.2017
Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

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Sun Kissed for Summer…my current bronzers

There is nothing like a healthy glow to make you feel vibrant and fresh for the summer season. In order to prevent sun damage, I like to use bronzers and self tanners since both can create natural looking color. For the best results, be sure to select a shade or two darker than your skin tone. I hope you stay sun kissed this summer…here are the current bronzers I am using.

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Bronzer

I love all things from Hourglass cosmetics…just like the blush featured in our Spring 17 Beauty Report, this bronzer is formulated with Photoluminescent Technology, featuring optically transparent particles that transform the look of skin and emphasize your best features. There are four gorgeous shades in this bronzer. Available at www.sephora.com.

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Eve Lom Golden Radiance Bronzing Powder
This Even Lom bronzer is ideal to keep in your handbag for mid-day touchups or your travel bag due to the convenient brush applicator. Formulated with their BerryFlux Vita™, the powder stimulates the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Available in two pretty shades at www.neimanmarcus.com

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Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
If powdered bronzers are not for you, then you may want to try the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation stick. This stick is creamy and lightweight and comes in 30 shades. Apply with a foundation brush and then buff with a beauty blender to achieve your desired shade. Available at www.sephora.com.

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NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer
An excellent everyday choice, this NARS bronzer creates a matte finish with a soft glow. It has a natural appearance and enhances your natural skin tone. It contains light diffusing properties that blur the skins imperfections. Available in 4 different colors at www.saks.com.

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Sephora Collection Bronzer Powder
This bronzer creates a radiant complexion with its matte or shimmer finishes. The powder goes on smoothly and is easy to blend to create a natural look. Available in 5 finishes at www.sephora.com.

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These should help you get a beautiful summer glow!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 30.2017
4th of July Style

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4th July Style

Summer is in full swing and to celebrate Independence Day, this week will be full of travel, fun and parties. It is fun to get in the holiday spirit and dress the part. We are featuring three fabulous looks that will convey 4th of July style for all of your occasions.

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CHIC AND SEXY DRESS

If your 4th of July plans involve something on the dressier side…this Parker Athens Silk Dress is perfect. The ruffle detail and bright red color will make you stand out in a crowd. The loose style is perfect for hot summer nights. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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DAYTIME DRESS

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This DVF sporty chic dress has fit and flare styling and is made in a crisp twill fabric. The cinched waist and racerback top make this an ultra flattering silhouette. Bonus: it even has pockets! This striped canvas cross body bag is by Tory Burch. Dress available at www.nordstrom.com. Bag available at www.shopbop.com

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RELAXED AND CASUAL

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Soft, casual and in the 4th of July spirit, this striped off-the-shoulder Splendid Venice top pairs well with denim or white bottoms. The off-the-shoulder styling is one of the season’s top trends and the fabric on this top is incredibly comfortable. Available at www.shopbop.com.

Hope you and yours have a wonderful 4th of July!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 27.2017