Style & Life – Page 18 – the elegant edit on fashion, beauty, and home

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
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