Style & Life – Page 6 – the elegant edit on fashion, beauty, and home

5 Wardrobe Essentials

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5 Wardrobe Essentials

I usually feature new styles, colors and trends in my blog posts, so I wanted to stop and talk about the staples…the pieces I wear over and over again. They’re the items I lean on when I am not sure what to wear, am not feeling my best or want to look simple and elegant. If you invest in an assortment of items like this, you will find you will always have a few great looks on which you can rely.

Great Fitting Jeans

While I may try a new denim silhouette here and there, I know what style is the most flattering on me and always have several pairs in my closet. For me, the most flattering silhouette is a dark wash, barely bootcut jean. Since I am tall, it slims and elongates my frame. Plus, these are super soft and comfortable. Available at nordstrom.com.

A White Blouse
I love white blouses. So much so that I have banned myself from buying any more. They are easy to layer, accessorize and always look polished. This particular style is feminine with the knot styling. Available at nordstrom.com.

A Dramatic Blouse
For impromptu happy hours or date nights, it’s nice to have a statement blouse you can throw on with your great fitting jeans for an easy and stylish ensemble. Available at neimanmarcus.com.

A Little Black Dress (LBD)
We all have those times when we want to look a little sexy. Find a style you are comfortable wearing at a moment’s notice like this fitted lace dress. Available at shopbop.com.

A Black Jumpsuit

I like to wear jumpsuits when entertaining…they tend to be a bit more relaxed and a little easier to navigate than a dress. This classic style can be worn again and again…add your favorite jewelry and you are set. Available at revolve.com.

These items will work season after season…just add fun accessories and your favorite trends you should be set!

Bisous,
Rebecca
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f. 24.2018
Statement Coats

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Statement Coats

While I think it is essential to have classic coats in your wardrobe that you will wear for many years…I could not resist featuring these gorgeous statement coats! The colors, silhouettes and textures are out of this world. As a former outerwear buyer, I like to invest in high-quality pieces that will last season after season.

While these styles are not ideal for times when you will be facing elements like extreme cold, rain or snow, they are perfect for an evening out or a stylish brunch.

My favorite color is lavender so when I saw this fluffy coat, I could not resist! It is super soft and makes me feel as fabulous as Carrie Bradshaw. Available at neimanmarcus.com.

This beautiful coat is definitely the most versatile of the group…the quality is impeccable and it has a great weight that will keep you nice and warm. Available at clubmonaco.com.

Mixing leopard print with this gorgeous tapestry was a genius…this style is incredibly fashion forward. Available at neimanmarcus.com.

Dare to try one of these over-the-top statement coats this season!

Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 13.2018
Fall Evening Makeup Tutorial with Charlotte Tilbury

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Fall Evening Makeup Tutorial with Charlotte Tilbury

this post is sponsored by Charlotte Tilbury but all of the opinions expressed are my own

There have been a lot of “firsts” for Style & Life this year…first event, first personal appearance and now my first makeup tutorial. I created a video for this Fall evening look using Charlotte Tilbury makeup.

I realize that makeup can be intimidating for some so I hope you find this helpful…over the years, I have learned so much from my makeup artist, Aradia, and wanted to share with you.

In this video, I use The Dolce Vita eyeshadow palette which is perfect for Fall. The rich colors look sophisticated after all a summer of light pinks and neutrals. After contouring, highlighting and adding blush, I finish the look with Charlotte’s legendary Pillow Talk lip liner and lipstick.

Good luck creating this gorgeous look!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 12.2018
A Lovely Tradition…Daniel Boulud’s Madeline Recipe

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A Lovely Tradition…Daniel Boulud’s Madeline Recipe

I recently had dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant and, as we were leaving, the owner gave pressed a bag of biscotti into my hand. It was the perfect ending to a delicious meal and time spent with friends. We enjoyed it the next morning over tea and coffee.

I love incorporating details and traditions like this…thoughtful touches that elevate your experience. Since my husband is French I considered how we could incorporate for our guests and thought madelines would be perfect. They are light and delicious…you can enjoy them with everything from coffee to champagne. So I have been baking a batch of madelines and giving to guests as they leave. The gesture has been much appreciated.

When looking for a recipe, I discovered the renowned French chef’s Daniel Boulud’s recipe and was pleased with the results. The recipe is relatively easy to prepare and I like how you can make it a day in advance.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt

¾ cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

2 large eggs

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons finely grated lemon or orange zest

6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, melted, warm

Nonstick vegetable oil spray

Powdered sugar

12-cake regular madeleine pan

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk baking powder, salt, and flour in a small bowl.

Whisk eggs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, honey, and lemon zest in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in dry ingredients until just incorporated, then whisk in melted butter until smooth. Transfer batter to a pastry bag or resealable plastic bag and chill at least 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly coat madeleine pans with nonstick vegetable oil spray and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Snip end off pastry bag (or 1 corner of resealable bag) and pipe batter into each mold, filling two-thirds full (you may have a little batter left over).

Bake madeleines until edges are golden brown and centers are puffed and lightly spring back when gently pressed, about 5 minutes for mini and 8−10 minutes for regular cakes. Batter can be prepared one day in advance, keep chilled.Tap pan against counter to release madeleines. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm

Source: bonappetit.com

Start your own tradition or enjoy these sharing delicious madelines with your friend and family!

Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 7.2018
New Fall Florals

New Fall Florals

If you have been following me for any length of time, you know that florals are one of my favorite trends…which is why I am delighted they have been so prominent for the past few seasons. They always make me feel so pretty and feminine which is why I feature them season after season. The pieces I am featuring today are easy to style and add a lovely vibe to your casual and dressy ensembles.

I like styling this floral dress with my very old, very worn but very comfortable Rag and Bone boots to give it a boho vibe. I have had these boots for entirely too long but they are so comfortable I can’t let them go! Dress and similar boots available at bloomingdales.com.

My photographer and I were excited to find this fun pink wall as we were shooting one Saturday morning. This gorgeous Black Halo dress is the Bowery Sheath dress and one of the most universally flattering dresses. This floral print is rich, elegant and perfect for Fall and Holiday occasions and is available in other colors that are linked below. Available at neimanmarcus.com.

This floral printed blouse is the perfect piece for casual wear…relaxed but just polished enough to look classy. Available at zara.com.

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Hope you enjoyed these fun new floral finds…shop via the links below.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 3.2018
Trend Alert: Statement Earrings

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Trend Alert: Statement Earrings

This trend is a favorite of mine, simply because it is so easy to add into your existing wardrobe. It also works well with other fall trends like leopard prints or shades of rich red. Statement earrings are here and they are bigger than ever (literally and figuratively). They can dress up a pair of denim or be the finishing touch of drama with a cocktail dress. There is a wide range of options and prices range from economical to luxurious, which makes this trend easily accessible. From tassels to gemstones to feathers, the variety in these styles makes it difficult to choose. Have fun shopping this selection of earrings…I have linked these and some of my other favorites below!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 2.2018
Animal Instincts

Animal Instincts

As with our recent rich red feature, animal prints are another classic fall trend. Chic, versatile and timeless they are the pieces in your closet that you will reach for time and time again. This season, we have curated a selection of leopard print styles that will make you feel feminine, fierce and bring out those animal instincts.

I always enjoy fun finds like this little slip dress…elegant and economical. Just add these suede pumps and you are set for a night out. Available at bloomingdales.com.

This beautiful silk blouse will always make a statement. You will be surprised how versatile it is…dress it up with a pencil skirt, down with denim and try wearing it with white when you want to feel extra stylish. Available at intermixonline.com.

This leopard print cami is an ideal transition piece…wear it solo while temperatures are still warm and then layer with jackets and sweaters once the cooler temperatures prevail. Currently sold out, but I have linked a similar version here at netaporter.com.

I like dressing this skirt down a bit by pairing it with a cozy sweater…to keep it flattering, just pair with your black suede pumps. Sweater available at joie.com, skirt available at saks.com and pumps available at neimanmarcus.com.

Enjoy creating your own looks with these leopard print pieces!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 27.2018
Fall Footwear & Accessory Updates

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Fall Accessory and Footwear Updates

With each new season, it is fun to incorporate chic little updates into your footwear and accessory collections. It keeps you looking current and will instantly update classic pieces you already have in your wardrobe. I thought this edit would give you some ideas on what new trends to wear this fall. .

The yellow crossbody bag is an easy piece that will make any outfit interesting. You will be surprised how versatile the yellow color is…you can wear it with more colors than you may think. The loafer trend continues into fall and this pretty pair is decorated with stylish studs. A leopard printed scarf will instantly add some glamour to any ensemble.

Statement earrings are a must and this gorgeous pair looks beautiful when paired with a cozy sweater and denim or a cocktail dress. This fun lucite cuff is sure to be a conversation piece and I like the smoke and rose mirror lens on these tortoise sunglasses.

If you need a chic black flat, try these suede ones…I like the pointy toe and subtle studs. This fabulous necklace adds serious drama at an affordable price point. The print on these d’Orsay flats is polished and versatile…I love the small touches of color. Don’t hesitate to wear this antique white hobo through the fall season…white is totally appropriate after Labor Day.

Have fun shopping these fall footwear and accessory selections!

Bisous,

Rebecca

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f. 20.2018
A Classic Fall Trend…Rich Red

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A Classic Fall Trend…Rich Red

Every Fall, there are a handful of trends that are classics…camel colors, suede boots, leopard prints and this rich red color. I start seeing hints of this color in August collections and by the time September hits, it is everywhere. The warm tone to this hue starts getting me in the mood for the holidays. It looks beautiful on almost every skin type and there are countless options available. The bonus? You will be able to wear these pieces season after season.

This roll cuff, floral print blouse is a pretty style to wear while the weather is still warm. Add a suede jacket or faux fur vest when temperatures cool. Available at www.neimanmarcus.com.

Perfect for casual weekends, this knit dress works with your favorite ankle booties. Dress and bag available at www.nordstrom.com.

Chic and sophisticated, this blouse is an instant classic. Wear as I have here with distressed denim or pair with chic black pants for a dressier look. Blouse available at www.neimanmarcus.com, bag available at www.nordstrom.com.

An excellent work option, this side tie dress is pretty and professional. Available at www.anntaylor.com.

This rich velvet skirt pairs perfectly with this pleated sleeve bodysuit. I like to add the leopard for a fun pop of print. Skirt available at www.revolve.com, bodysuit available at www.bloomingdales.com, shoes available at www.shopbop.com.

Have fun incorporating these rich red pieces into your fall wardrobe!

Bisous,
Rebecca

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f. 18.2018
Mornings Made Easy with thinkThin Oatmeal!

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Mornings Made Easy with thinkThin Oatmeal

This post is sponsored by thinkThin but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Mornings are always a juggling act…my perfect weekday morning involves working out, taking time to plan my day, getting ready for work and spending some time with my daughter. Since those are my priorities, it is important to find solutions that help me achieve these goals. While lingering over breakfast is the perfect weekend morning, I want something quick, healthy and tasty during the week.

Enter thinkThin Probiotic and Protein oatmeal. These perfectly portioned oatmeal cups are a game changer. This oatmeal has 10g of protein, 9g of sugar and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. Plus, no cleanup required. Yes, please! There are several flavors available…my favorites being the Madagascar Vanilla with Pecans and Almonds and Cinnamon Almond.

Give these oatmeal cups a try…they are a convenient option for busy workdays! I also keep a few in my desk at work in the event I need a quick lunch option. I found them at my local Publix store and they are also available at Amazon, Wal Mart or shop.thinkproducts.com.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

f. 12.2018