Style & Life – Page 21 – the elegant edit on fashion, beauty, and home

Spring Stripes

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Spring Stripes

When it comes to Spring trends, stripes are a staple every year. It is as if they go hand in hand with warm weather. When I start seeing resort collections in November, there are always striped items that remind me that Spring is around the corner. There are many different kinds of stripes…nautical, brightly colored, variegated, bold…my favorites tend to be softer versions. Beachy, a little boho and romantic are the styles I tend to gravitate toward. One of the benefits about investing in striped clothing is that you tend to wear them for many seasons…they do not become as dated as other trends. I have created three looks with some of my favorite Spring Stripes items.

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This casual and feminine off the shoulder LOVESHACKFANCY dress is perfect for a late afternoon lunch after sunning at the beach or pool. The light and airy cotton fabric will keep you cool and comfortable through the hottest days of Summer. Available at www.intermixonline.com

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This Caroline Constas top makes a serious fashion statement this Spring. With its off-the-shoulder silhouette, voluminous sleeves and cheery stripe pattern, you will let everyone know you know what is in vogue. When wearing statement pieces like this, I try to keep the rest of my look simple. I wore this top with a pair of slim dark denim to keep the emphasis on the top and not add volume on the bottom. This top is now on sale and available at www.intermixonline.com.

These See by Chloe striped trousers and Ella Moss top are a classy and chic way to wear stripes. These pants are so comfortable that they almost feel like you are wearing pajamas. The top also looks cute with denim shorts or crops. The top is available at www.shopbop.com. Pants available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

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Finding stripes you want to wear this Spring should be a breeze-the options are endless!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

Photography by Erica Dunhill Photography.

f. 3.2017
Oval Makeup Brush Review

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Oval Makeup Brush Review

I started seeing these oval makeup brushes all over Instagram and Pinterest awhile back. Like most new beauty products I see, these immediately peaked my curiosity. I added them to my Amazon shopping cart as a reminder to go back and research them at some point. I forgot they were in my cart one day and purchased them without realizing it. One day they just showed up. I was going to look at other brands and read more about them before purchasing but since these were inexpensive, I decided to try them and figured if I liked them, I could invest in a different set later.

These oval makeup brushes are incredibly soft…it feels a little relaxing when you are applying them. They are supposed to be more precise for applying powder based products like blush, eyeshadow and highlighter…so start with a small amount and build as needed. I found they were easy to use and the application looked good.

In conclusion, I have decided these are a nice addition to my existing makeup brushes, not a replacement. Outside of the eyeshadow brushes, I still like using my other brushes for application and using these to smooth, blend and finish. They really help keep your entire look natural and polished.

Hope this gives you a little insight into these makeup brushes!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 30.2017
Coola Suncare

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COOLA SUNCARE

Being a bit of a beauty product junkie…I am always trying new products, brands and tools. When I find a product I really like, I often purchase additional items from the line which is exactly happened when I discovered Coola suncare.

I stumbled upon Coola sunscreen one Saturday morning while taking a beachside walk. I popped into Jugofresh for a green juice and noticed this sunscreen spray that smelled just like a pina colada…I purchased it immediately and sprayed myself down, feeling happy I smelled nicely for my walk.

It does not matter where you live, sunscreen is a must if you want to take care of your skin. Living in Miami, it is an essential part of my beauty routine since the sun is strong here. After reviewing their extensive assortment, I ordered the Matte Tint Sunscreen. While my daytime facial cream has an SPF in it, on weekends, I like to add a layer of sunscreen for extra protection but I hate how it makes my face look shiny. This one was PERFECT! It has a creamy texture, smooth matte finish and layers nicely under a tinted moisturizer or regular foundation.

I also liked reading the label because I could pronounce almost everything in the list of ingredients. Coola suncare is made with natural and certified organic ingredients that protect, nourish and moisturize your skin. Since then, I have invested in the Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, Sport SPF 50 Moisturizer and SPF 30 Makeup Setting Spray and am happy with each of the products.

One tip-be sure to reapply every two hours. While every sunscreen lists this on the package, I used to ignore it and found myself getting too much sun even while wearing sunscreen. Reapplying prevents that so be sure to follow the directions.

This post is not sponsored, I am just sharing some of my favorite products. Keep your skin safe this spring and summer! Available at www.coolasuncare.com.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Photo by Erica Dunhill Photography

f. 28.2017
Chic Sneakers

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Chic Sneakers

When the athleisure trend took the clothing world by storm a few years back, it gave us a reason to buy new clothing that was not already in our closets. Clothing that is fashionable and comfortable? No one was going to stop buying that anytime soon and so, instead of athleisure being a trend that was in for a season or two, it is now a staple in our closets.

Just as we were impressed with the newness of this workout wear that was now stylish enough to wear for errands and brunches, it is only logical that the next thing to complement these looks would be fabulous footwear, which has come in the form of these uber chic sneakers.

While these sneaker inspired shoes cannot be worn for actual workouts, they are as comfortable as they are chic. Have fun styling them-the options are endless. You can wear them with casual dresses, skirts, shorts, pants as well as the obvious-leggings.

Stay stylish this spring and add a pair of chic sneakers into your wardrobe!

Bisous,

Rebecca

From left: Valentino Rockstud Sneaker, Roger Vivier Sneaky Viv Love Paris Sneaker, Saint Laurent Star Sneaker, Joie Huxley Mini Stud Sneaker, Buscemi Bow Quilted Sneaker.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com

Photo by Erica Dunhill

www.ericadunhillphotography.com

f. 23.2017
3 Spring Sorbet Recipes

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3 SPRING SORBET RECIPES

A few years back my husband and I hosted an elegant French themed dinner party. In an effort to wow our guests, we served a sorbet between courses. The sorbet recipe needed to be made with an ice cream maker. In an effort to be streamlined, I try to avoid purchases like these, however, I really wanted to prepare the sorbet so I bought a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. I was surprised to learn how easy it is to make sorbet and ice cream and have made some delicious recipes. If you are feeling the need for a little indulgence…try these delicious sorbet recipes. While they do have sugar, they are low in fat!

LEMON BASIL SORBET

Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 ½ cups of granulated sugar

1 ½ tablespoons lemon zest, divided

1 cup packed fresh basil (1 ½ cups if stronger basil flavor is desired)

pinch of sea salt

2 cups fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Combine the water, sugar and 1½ tablespoons of the lemon zest in a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat. Once the simple syrup is ready, add the basil and salt. Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 3 hours, or overnight. Strain the chilled mixture through a fine mesh strainer. Turn on the ice cream maker; pour the mixture into the frozen freezer bowl and let mix until thickened, about 15 to 20 minutes. When the sorbet is almost done, add the reserved zest through the opening on top of the ice cream maker and let churn until combined. The sorbet will have a soft, creamy texture. If a firmer consistency is desired, transfer the sorbet to an airtight container and place in freezer for about 2 hours. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with a single basil leaf for an elegant presentation.

Source: www.cuisinart.com

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RASPBERRY SORBET

Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients

2 cups water

1 ½ cups sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 cups fresh raspberries

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

Combine water and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve. Reduce heat to low and simmer, without stirring, to make a syrup, for 5 minutes. Pour the syrup into a medium bowl, stir in vanilla extract and transfer to freezer and chill for 15 minutes. Purée 4 cups of the raspberries with the syrup in a blender until smooth. Scrape the purée through a fine sieve into a bowl and discard the seeds. Stir lemon juice into the raspberry purée and pour into a 2 quart ice cream maker. Freeze until desired consistency is achieved, approximately 25 minutes. Add remaining raspberries and continue freezing in the ice cream maker for approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the sorbet to a plastic container and freeze until completely set, about one hour. Garnish with a little home made whipped cream for a luxurious finish.

Source: www.saveur.com

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CHOCOLATE SORBET

Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 cup granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (I like Ghiradelli)

1 cup cocoa (my favorite is Valharona)

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Heat water, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan, stir until sugar dissolves. Gradually mix sugar solution into cocoa using a whisk. While the mixture is still hot, add the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes before mixing with a whisk. Chill 2 hours or overnight and then freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturers’ directions. Garnish with raspberries and mint leaves or chocolate candy.

Source: www.chocolatechocolateandmore.com

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Hope you enjoy these sweet sorbets!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 21.2017
Five Tips for Spring Cleaning

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Five Tips for Spring Cleaning

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring, which means warm weather, vacations and summer holidays are around the corner. Like you, I am busy…working, mom-ing and blogging. Keeping things streamlined and organized is key to staying sane. I grew up in St. Louis where space was never an issue, but have spent most of my adult life in Florida. Alas, there are no basements in Florida, which means you have to get savvy really quickly because storage is minimal. We live in a condominium so space is even more limited. However, I like the challenge of trying to be minimal (shoes are not included in this minimality). It is amazing how many things you can truly live without. If you are not naturally organized, we are here to help. Here are my Five Tips for Spring Cleaning. I like to do a major cleaning for Spring and Fall and then a smaller cleaning for Summer and Winter…since I have a good foundation of organization, it really only requires some touching up and cleaning of containers and cabinets.

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1. SORT AND SEPARATE

As demonstrated above, keep things separate so you can see them. Previously, I kept all of my pasta in various bags and locations. I would constantly buy the same things over and over, forgetting I already had some. After sorting out what I had, it allows me to only buy what I need.

2. MAKE IT VISIBLE

If you have something, make sure you can see it. If you need to pack things away in a storage unit, then clearly label and organize them, so you can easily identify them when you need them. If you cannot see it or find it, it is probably best to trash it because you will forget you have it.

My kitchen cabinets are filled with the OXO Pop Up containers above and my refrigerator is filled with these Glasslock containers so that I can see exactly what is inside.

OXO Containers available at www.containerstore.com

Glasslock Containers available at www.amazon.com

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3. LABEL

I am certain my husband thinks I am 100% OCD when I get out the label maker, but he is glad when is is looking for something in our utility closet and instead of opening up all of the drawers, he can just go to “screwdrivers” or “batteries” to find whatever he needs quickly. For me, I might mix up “steel cut oats” with “quinoa” if I am in a rush and cooking. Labeling my containers saves time so that I can avoid mistakes.

Available at www.amazon.com.

4. DONATE

A good rule of thumb for cleaning your closet is if you have not worn it in a year, it should go. Find a reputable charity and donate your unused things…there may be someone in need who could use something that is just collecting dust in your home.

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5. STAY ON TOP OF IT

Now that everything has a place and is easy to find, all you need to do is maintain. When you are finished using something, return it to the proper place. It only takes a few extra seconds but saves minutes when you need to find it.

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Spend some time cleaning and organizing your home, I promise it will be worth it. We are all too busy to waste time! Best of luck.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 18.2017
Spring 2017 Trend Alert: Citrus Crush

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SPRING 2017 TREND ALERT:

CITRUS CRUSH

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Temperatures are warming everywhere which makes it the perfect time to discuss the warm color palette that is showing up in stores and online this spring. Citrus shades of yellow and orange feel fresh this season and add a cheery pop to Spring ensembles. Below are some of my favorite styles from this Spring trend.

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These Alexis floral pants make a major fashion statement AND are incredibly comfortable, which is something you can’t say very often. 😉 The L’Agence ivory cami works well with these pants and is just an awesome wardrobe staple that goes with a ton of different looks. This outfit is ideal for hosting friends for dinner or Sunday brunch. The pants are a bit long so a wedge or platform heel works best.

Available at www.intermixonline.com

This mesh mustard colored top from Fuzzi feels so updated this Spring. The easy to wear silhouette features a tie neck and feminine flutter sleeves. The rich mustard hue looks great with all shades of denim, cognac brown accessories and a pop of turquoise jewelry.

Available at www.shopbop.com.

This orange Boutique Moschino dress is a great daytime weekend option. The racerback design gives it a sporty flair and is flattering on most body types. I like styling this dress with either a natural wedge (straw, cork, espadrille) or a fashion forward sneaker. This dress looks will keep you polished on those marathon “on-the-go” days.

Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

Incorporate some citrus colored pieces into your Spring wardrobe for a bit of cheer!

Bisous,

Rebecca

Photos by Erica Dunhill at www.ericadunhillphotography.com.

f. 14.2017
Natural Deodorants…do they work?

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NATURAL DEODORANTS….DO THEY WORK?

By now, I am guessing most have heard there are studies that show a link between the aluminum compounds found in anti-perspirants and breast cancer. Some like to debate these findings, but I feel exactly like I do when people debate environmental issues which is,”Why risk it?” If we are uncertain, I prefer to err on the side of caution. I try to replace as many toxic products with healthier versions when possible. I still have a long way to go…especially in the beauty department.

While health is a major priority, this one was concerning. I live in Miami. It is almost always hot. During the summer, it is over 90 degrees every day. This “summer” to which I mention lasts through October so perspiration happens. Often. However, I had to ask myself if working in an air conditioned office creates a lot of perspiration? Dinner in an air conditioned restaurant? Living in an air conditioned condominium? So I decided to make the change. For good. I have tried a variety of brands over the past nine months and have highlighted my favorite options below. It has been much easier to make the switch than I anticipated.

While all of the below are effective, it takes your body a few days or even weeks to adjust to the change, so give yourself some time. One of my favorite things about these new deodorant options is that they all smell AMAZING.

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AGENT NATEUR

I love the sleek packaging of this one…Agent Nateur deodorant is a stick that glides on smoothly and smells deliciously of eucalyptus and lavender. The ingredients include coconut oil, avocado butter and honey so I have wondered if you could actually eat it.

FREEDOM

Freedom Stick Deodorant is a stick that is made from shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax and baking soda. It is available in multiple scents…peach, bergamot mint, lavender or unscented. Also available in a travel size. I like that it comes with some detox tips.

SOAPWALLA

Soapwalla is a vegetable and clay based deodorant cream that is made with lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils to prevent bacteria and absorb moisture. The consistency is similar to icing and is applied with your fingers.

DR. HAUSCHKA

Available in a sage mint or rose scent, this roll on deodorant uses witch hazel and sage to control odor and tapioca starch to help absorb moisture. The formulation is clear and keeps you fresh all day.

LAVANILA

This super soft solid deodorant stick won “Best Deodorant” in the 2016 Allure Best of Beauty Awards. I tried the Sport Luxe option for ultimate protection. This formula is made from essential oils, aloe and keeps you odor free all day.

All of the above are available at www.amazon.com. Give one of these a try and let me know what you think below! I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Bisous,
Rebecca

f. 13.2017
Spring 2017 Beauty Report

SPRING 2017 BEAUTY REPORT

sSince March is almost here, Spring is closer than ever and we are launching our Spring 2017 Beauty Report to celebrate. If you are feeling the urge to refresh your look, beauty and makeup trends are one of the quickest and most cost effective ways. Below find our favorite Spring beauty trends.

ROSY CHEEKS

Rosy cheeks were featured at the Chanel and Reem Acra Spring 2017 runway shows and gave the models a lovely, flushed appearance. This is an easy look to emulate and, for every day life, blending is key. I discovered this fantastic Hourglass Strobe Lighting Blush trio which makes it easy to achieve this trend. This set has ultra fine pearl particles which create a nice glow instead of going on flat. Simply continue to layer and blend for added depth. I usually only have one blush color so it is nice to have a variety of colors that work with different makeup looks.

Available at www.sephora.com.

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LET IT GLOW

Matte everything has been a beauty trend for the past few years…. foundations, nail polish and lips have dominated the beauty scene and so it was refreshing to see dewy, glowy skin featured at the Versace, Lanvin and Prada runway shows. The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector can be mixed with foundation or used alone as a highlighter. Another one of my favorite products to create a glow is the Nars Optimal Brightening Concentrate. The YSL Touch Eclat Blur Perfector is the best mid day update to maintain an all day glow.

Becca product available at www.ulta.com, Nars and YSL items available at www.saks.com.

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ALL THAT GLITTERS

We will be featuring more glitter posts since it is a major trend this Spring…in the beauty world, glitter is showing up in eyeshadows, lip gloss and nail polish to name a few. I like glitter that is more subtle…MAC has done a limited edition lip gloss to commemorate the Mexican singer Selena Quintanilla, it is a pretty pearlescent shade of pink. The Nails Inc polish featured above has chunky pastel glitter and can be layered or worn alone with this Nails Inc trio.

MAC lip gloss available at www.nordstrom.com and Nails Inc Trio at www.saks.com.

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BLACK LINED LIDS

Black eyeliner is my favorite so I was excited to see it at the Sonia Rykiel, Giorgio Armani and Rag and Bone shows. You can make it dramatic or soft depending on the type of liner and how you blend. My two favorite black eyeliners are the Bobbi Browns gel eyeliner and Edward Bess Defining Liner.

Available at www.netaporter.com.

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COOL COLORED EYES

Cobalt, amethyst and seafoam colored eyeshadows and eyeliners are everywhere this Spring. Since my eyes are a greenish-hazel color, purple complements them well and I have been wearing this lilac Givenchy eyeliner. I like how it looks softer than the usual grey, brown or black eyeliners I usually wear.

Available at www.netaporter.com.

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NUDE LIPS

I am an advocate of wearing one trend at a time. Whether it be a rosy cheek, dramatic eye or bold lip, my vote is to keep everything else subtle to stay looking sophisticated. Which means you probably will have a number of occasions when you want to wear a nude lip. For a matte option, try this Anastasia Beverley Hills liquid lipstick in Pure Hollywood. If you need the perfect nude gloss, this Smith and Cult color in Flesh Riot is an incredibly flattering shade for a number of skin tones.

Anastasia Beverley Hills gloss available at www.sephora.com, Smith and Cult gloss available at www.saks.com.

Feel free to share your favorite beauty trends below. Stay gorgeous, friends!

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 27.2017
Spring 2017 Accessory Report

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SPRING 2017 ACCESSORY REPORT

SWWhile there still may be a bit of winter left in most places, Spring has arrived in stores and online. Our Spring 2017 Accessory Report covers our favorite trends for the season.

FLORAL FOOTWEAR

As in clothing, floral prints and details are prominent in footwear this spring…to keep it from feeling contrived, pair with clean looks-like a white buttoned up shirt and soft pants…avoid floral detailed shoes with floral printed clothing…it will be too much of a good thing. These See by Chloe slides are a relaxed and romantic option perfect for weekend wear.

SLIDES

Chic and comfortable, slides are the must-have silhouette of the season. Flats and platforms alike, slides are everywhere. My favorite pair are these metallic gold Prada slides with bright pink soles.

KITTEN HEELS

Whenever I am wearing kitten heels, I feel as if I am Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. These sexy little heels look elegant when worn with slim pants or skirts. The black and nude Valentino pair featured above give a little edge while the Christian Louboutin pair are incredibly versatile and can be worn to the office or with evening ensembles.

STATEMENT SUNNIES

This season, it is not just about size with your sunglasses…yes, oversized sunglasses are the trend but so are colors and embellishments…I love the black dramatic Krewe style above. Go big and bold to make a statement this season.

MISMATCHED EARRINGS

Don’t like being matchy-matchy? This jewelry trend is for you. Make friends look twice when you sport a pair of mismatched earrings this Spring.

BACKPACKS

Finally! Function is first…backpacks are having their moment again and your back will thank you. While tempting to pack full of items, stay stylish by not overloading them. This taupe Rebecca Minkhoff is a fashionable everyday option.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Expect more to come on this Spring 2017 trend…glitter is everywhere this year. This fun Furla bag looks fresh when worn with distressed denim and a chic jacket…a perfect happy hour ensemble.

BLUSH AS A BASIC

Your options for basics have officially expanded. Blush is a beautiful shade that is just as basic as black, taupe or white. The studs on this Alexander Wang cross body bag give it the perfect amount of edge to keep your look current.

Keep these trends in mind as you start your Spring shopping!

Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 20.2017