Author: styleand

July 4th Outdoor Tablescape

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July 4th Outdoor Tablescape

The time for for family, friends and fireworks is almost upon us…if you are hosting this season, we have created a simple and patriotic July 4th outdoor tablescape for your gatherings.

I like to use “real” everything…plates, glasses, flatware. Sometimes that is not ideal while all of these are made of shatter proof materials (think acrylic and melamine), they are far more elegant than drinking from a plastic Solo cup.

This navy and white striped tablecloth has openings to accommodate umbrellas. The red napkins add a fun pop of color and the understated silver napkin rings finish off this table with the just the right detail. Finished but not fussy. The tablecloth, napkins, plates and serving dishes are available at www.crateandbarrel.com and are now on sale! The star napkin rings are available at www.amazon.com. I added gerbera daisies for some extra cheer.

If you are in need of recipes, try our Summer Sangria , Asparagus Salad or Sorbet recipes for your parties.

sHappy hosting!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 24.2017
Summer Accessory Essentials

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Summer Accessory Essentials

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My husband, daughter and I spent last weekend vacationing at Playa Largo with a group of friends and WOW did it feel good! There is nothing better than spending time with family, friends and a beautiful resort to get you in a vacation state of mind. I find dressing for summer to be a breeze…it is the season where creating stylish and elegant looks is simple. For summer, just a small selection of the right accessories can go a long way. I believe that having these summer accessory essentials will keep you in a carefree state of mind…you can worry less about what you are wearing and more about the fun you are having!

BEACH TOTE
Essential for carrying towels, water, reading materials and sunscreens (see post Coola Suncare for my favorite sunscreen)…this See by Chloe tote will fit all of your beach belongings. You will also see me wearing my Hat Attack Luxe beach tote..it is large enough for both my daughter’s and my belongings. See by Chloe tote is on sale at www.bloomingdales.com. Hat Attack Luxe Tote is available at www.shopbop.com.

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NOVELTY CLUTCH
You do not always want to carry your beach bag so a fun clutch is a must! Perfect for packing in your suit case or beach tote, this Mar Y Sol Mia clutch is ideal for après-beach dinner and drinks. Available at www.shopbop.com.

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CHIC HAT
Whether floppy, baseball or fedora…extra protection from the sun is important during summer months. This fedora is perfect for covering up messy beach hair and creating a stylish vibe. Available at www.shopbop.com.

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PRINTED HEADBAND
This versatile Missoni headband can be worn to push back your hair from your face or for a fashion forward look, wear around your head. Either way, the black and white adds a nice pop of print to your ensemble. Available at www.intermixonline.com.

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STATEMENT EARRINGS
Throw up your hair and get seriously stylish with these statement earrings. The Auden Mismatched Lemon Earrings are sure to be a conversation piece and the Lizzie Fortunato Duster Earrings create serious drama. Available at www.intermixonline.com.

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YOUR FAVORITE SUNNIES
It is important to protect your eyes from the sun so sunnies are a must. I always like a pair of aviators or big black ones. Whatever you prefer, be sure to pack in your bag. Available at www.saks.com.

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Incorporating these summer accessory essentials into your wardrobe is an easy way to update classic pieces like solid maxi dresses, rompers or swimsuits and give a bit of panache. Just add
sandals (see post Summer Sandal Edit for ideas…) and you are ready to go!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 21.2017
Tropical Inspired Prints

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Tropical Inspired Prints

SUMMER IS HERE! Time to soak up the long days, sunshine and glasses of rosé. Since I live in Florida, I try to not to wear anything that may seem touristy but, this season, I will be taking that risk. Tropical prints are a key trend this summer and I am showing a few of my favorites below. The versions I have selected below are pretty and sophisticated…even for a Florida girl. Hope you find some tropical inspired prints to wear this summer!

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This ruffle palm print tank is a summer staple…it pairs perfectly with denim, white pants or shorts. There is a short in the same print that would also be fun to try. Now on sale at www.nordstrom.com.

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This graceful Haute Hippie dress in the garden floral print is ideal for summer soirees. This relaxed style has an asymmetric hem that gives it a subtle sexiness and the easy fit silhouette makes it comfortable for warm weather. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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This silk off-the-shoulder Milly Eden Palm Print top is a fun take on a tropical print. The print is simple and sophisticated and instantly puts you in a vacation state of mind. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

Hope you are enjoying the start to summer!

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sBisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 18.2017
Refreshing Summer Sangria

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Refreshing Summer Sangria

Summer is here…and so are brunches, BBQs and sunny Saturday afternoons. Sangria is a perfect beverage for casual gatherings because it is easy to prepare in large batches and people can serve themselves. The sangria recipe I shared for Mother’s Day is a rosé sangria…this one is made with a dry white wine, and I like to use Sauvignon Blanc. My husband’s family loves this particular sangria and so I make it a few times in the summer…it is delicious, easy to prepare and is pretty in the pitcher. I am confident you and your guests will love this refreshing summer sangria.

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Sangria Ingredients:

2 bottles dry white wine, I often use Ferrari-Carano Fumé Blanc

1 cup triple sec

1/2 cup berry flavored vodka, I use Stoli Razberi

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup simple syrup (see recipe below)

1 cup fresh blueberries

1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1 cup fresh raspberries

1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

Simple Syrup:

To make 1/2 cup of simple syrup, boil 1/2 cup water and add 1/2 cup granulated white sugar. Reduce heat to simmer and stir until dissolved. Turn off heat and let cool.

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve well chilled with a large scoop of fruit in each glass.

source: www.recipegirl.com

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Pour and Enjoy.

Cheers!

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

f. 16.2017
Bright Summer Style

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Bright Summer Style

Normally, I am a girl who wears lots of neutrals…black, white, blush, ivory. They feel sophisticated and safe but as summer comes, they feel a tad bit bland. Living in Miami, color is every where and the brighter the better…I always admire these bold color choices but rarely wear them. However, I am determined to spice up my wardrobe and have resolved to give bright summer style a try!

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One of the original blogger extraordinaires, Emily Shuman, of Cupcakes & Cashmere now has her own clothing line. This beautiful Morena wrap dress comes in a gorgeous shade of coral that is flattering on most skin tones. It pairs perfectly with wedges. Now on sale at www.nordstrom.com.

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This bright and playful printed Devlin top works well with denim, white pants or shorts. The off-the-shoulder silhouette makes it cool and breezy for Summer days. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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While this bright red Bailey 44 Bay top is super comfortable in it’s modal blend, the dramatic sleeve and off-the-shoulder design make it dressy enough for a dinner date. The red and white combination feels fresh. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

Hope you are inspired to infuse your wardrobe with bright summer style this season!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 12.2017
Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

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Skin Refresh: My Current Facial Masks

Once or twice (if I can squeeze it in) a week, I like to take an evening to pamper myself. I make some tea (see my Tea Traditions post) a bath, exfoliate and do a series of facial masks. Life is busy and these moments of self care are essential to feeling my best. I like to try different masks and products. Right now, this is my current facial mask routine and after I complete it, my skin looks and feels amazing.

To start, I use the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear my pores. This mask gives a tight pulling sensation while it is drying on your face that I love. It cleans out dirt, debris and toxins and leaves your face clean and pores smaller. Available at www.sephora.com.

The second mask I use is the Soveral Volcano Ash mask. I use Soveral products for most of my daily skin care routine. This purifying mask detoxifies, nourishes and plumps the skin. It contains palmarosa which helps regulate sebum production and peppermint which heals and smooths. Upon the initial application, this mask seriously tingles but once you have it on for 2-3 minutes, the tingling stops. Available at www.alexandrasoveral.co.uk.

The third facial mask that I am using is the Biodara Coconut Matcha Brightening Mask. This mask nourishes and increases elasticity and skin radiance. It is a powder that you mix with water to create a mousse and then apply to your face. Available at www.biodara.com.

Next in the lineup is the Eve by Eves by Hyluronic Express Brush Mask. This mask contains seaweed, algae, hyluronic acid, jasmine and rose oils. After the cleansing masks, this one is light, moisturizing and leaves your skin incredibly smooth. The brush applicator is a fun bonus. Available at www.evestemptation.com.

The final step is a major dose of hydration…I either use one of the sheet masks covered in our Sheet Mask Review post or I use this Aveda Intense Hydrating Masque. The texture is a tad sticky but if you sleep in this mask…your face will be well hydrated when you wash it off in the morning. Available at www.aveda.com

Take some time for yourself and treat your skin to an evening of pampering. What masks do you use? I would love to hear your favorite masks in the comments below!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 10.2017
Eyelet Styles for Summer

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Eyelet Styles for Summer

No longer too sweet and just in white…this season, eyelet is everywhere and it is fresher than ever! Printed, colored and in every silhouette imaginable…it is tough to choose! I like eyelet because it is usually worn during the day but has so much detail in the handiwork that it still looks upscale. Here are three beautiful and unique eyelet styles for summer.

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The Romantic Dress

This Margheita Off-the-Shoulder Midi Dress by Sea is a dream. From the eyelet detail, flattering silhouette and dusty shade of pink…this dress is romantic perfection. While wearing this dress you will feel like you are having tapas and wine in Spain. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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Chic Culottes

These airy Alice & Olivia Eden Silk Culottes are a fun take on eyelet. To keep the look soft and bohemian, I paired them with the Misa Los Angeles Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Top. This ensemble looks best with wedges or heels to keep the pants flattering. Pants available at www.nordstrom.com, top available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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The Perfect Weekend Top

We all need one of these…a top that is versatile, comfortable and looks stylish and polished. That’s a tall order but look no further, friends…this Tory Burch Lace Trim Silk Georgette Top is just the right piece. The fun print makes it even more special. Available at www.nordstrom.com.

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Hope these looks have inspired you to create your own eyelet ensembles for summer!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

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A special thank you to Miami Design District for providing such a beautiful environment in which to shoot!

f. 6.2017
A Moment of Zen…Tea Traditions

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A Moment of Zen…Tea Traditions

For many, their day does not officially begin until they have their coffee…for me, mine does not start until I have my tea. Once I have my tea, I can officially start being productive. Most often, I drink loose leaf teas, and have a few different instruments to help me drink them. I have a mesh tea infuser (pictured below)…it is easy to use pop in a mug, I have the glass infuser and a classic tea pot (pictured above).

When I first started drinking tea, I used tea bags but, as time went on, I started trying a variety of teas…chai, white, black and red teas. There are so many different flavors in these teas and I am always on the hunt for new varieties. I cover some of my favorite loose leaf teas in my 3 French Teas to try in Paris post from when I first started Style & Life. These teas are still among my favorites. On one of our trips to Paris, my husband and I spent a gloomy, yet lovely, afternoon roaming the streets of Saint Germain and stumbled upon a delightful tea shop. They had a large selection of Japanese tea pots. There were some exquisite pieces with prices over $1000. That Christmas, he surprised me with this beautiful tea set that looked much like the ones we saw in Paris. (available at www.teavana.com)

Calorie free, yet full of flavor, tea can aid digestion and contains antioxidants. It has less caffeine than coffee which makes it perfect for serving guests after dinner. Be sure to offer some of the beautiful sugars featured in our Canasuc Sugar post.

I encourage you to give tea a try, it can be a moment of Zen in your busy day!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 5.2017
White Hot for Summer

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White Hot for Summer

There is nothing that says summer more than head-to-toe white ensembles. Cool, crisp and chic….white is a summer staple. To give you a few ideas, I have created three looks that will keep you white hot for summer.

This Cushnie Et Ochs One Shoulder Slim Fit Top looks pairs perfectly with my white L’Agence Flared Denim. If you want to try a look that is not monochromatic, wearing it with a pair of slim, ankle length, light colored denim. This top is an excellent fashion staple.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com

I am channeling my super hero powers in this sophisticated white Lena Jumpsuit from Black Halo. If you want to make a serious fashion statement, this piece will do the trick.

Available at www.shopbop.com

The Elizabeth and James Susannah Body Con Dress is a little white dress that is perfect for a sexy date. The classic and slimming silhouette is flattering on most body types.

Available at www.saks.com

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Have fun creating your own white style this summer!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography

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Location: Sunset Harbor, Miami Beach, Florida

f. 1.2017
My Five Favorite Foundations

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My Five Favorite Foundations

Sometimes a change of season makes you rethink your beauty routine. With summer’s official start date around the corner, make sure you have the right foundation for all of your summer soirees. Below, I highlight the features of my five favorite foundations.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Longwear

This Giorgio Armani foundation is a liquid foundation that is full coverage and lightweight at the same time. It also has SPF 25, so on days where I am just going to the office, this is all I wear. It leaves a nice velvet matte finish to your skin and will last all day.

It comes in 20 shades that suit all skin tones.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Gel Cream

This tinted moisturizer is a mineral based gel cream and feels super smooth as you are applying it to your skin. It gives sheer to medium coverage and, out of all of the foundations, I believe this one truly gives the appearance of not wearing makeup. It contains heart-leaf globe daisy, an antioxidant which aids in protecting against environmental stressors.

SPF 30. Available in 16 colors and there are 4 colors available in travel size!

Available at www.sephora.com

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NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

The name suits this foundation because it has definitely earned its lightweight name. You legitimately forget you are wearing foundation but actually have medium to full coverage. This formula contains Even Tone Technology which is designed to reduce the appearance of discoloration for more even, uniform skin. This foundation does not include sunscreen, so be sure to layer it before applying. It comes in 20 gorgeous shades.

Available at www.saks.com

Makeup Forever Ultra HD Invisible Cover

This 2015 Allure Beauty Award winning foundation is one I have been using for many years. Makeup Forever is a French line of cosmetics that is used by makeup artists all over the world. I heard their CEO speak at a conference a couple of years ago and she shared how their products are made of such high quality that they are used on many movie sets. While I usually use this foundation on days when I want more coverage, you can actually apply it to make it appear very light and natural. I always wear it when going out in the evening because it gives your skin good coverage and a luminous glow. If you are wearing it during the day, layer your sunscreen under it because it does not contain SPF. There are 40 shades available.

Available at www.sephora.com

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NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

This is a tinted moisturizer that gives a bright and natural glow. I like this for weekend days and sometimes wear it to work if I feel like a lighter makeup routine. This blend is formulated with kopara, a mineral from French Polynesia that works to combat age-accelerating pollutants re-mineralize skin for a softer, smoother complexion. Contains SPF 30. Available in 7 shades.

Available at www.nordstrom.com

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I would love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

I wouS s

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 30.2017