NEWEST OBSESSION: CLAIRE VIVIER DUFFLE

Recently, I fell in love with a co worker's slouchy, buttery leather handbag. It was perfect, beautiful leather, simple but quality hardware and no logos or obvious branding in sight! Very French, very chic and not thousands of dollars!I am a big believer in spending more money to get you a piece that will last for ages. She told me the bag was a Claire Vivier . 
I read more about the line I found it was made by a French woman and the line had been produced exclusively in Los Angeles since 2008. You can read more about the brand here
I am currently lusting over the duffle and they even do monograms too(!) in simple gold lettering. The problem is I cannot decide between the black croco , dark navy or red. What do you guys think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PETITE VIGNETTES

I have tried to fill my apartment with all of my favorite things because my home really is "my happy place". I feel that one's home can really reveal a lot about  one's personality as well as passions in life.
Here are a few pictures from around my place. You will see a strong emphasis on France, Art, and my love Henri ( my French Bulldog) oh and that fact that I am extremely sentimental!

Eiffel Tower Vase w/ my treasured Little Prince journal and Lucite holder of my favorite Art and fashion magazines

 

Anthroplogie Pottery. I received the right two pieces from my boo for Christmas! He knows I loves it! So pretty!

 A snippet of my bookshelf: note the eclectic combination of books( I read everything!), Laduree box and cat figurine that I got from Germany when I was 5.

 

 

 

Peacock feathers, and a picture I had framed from Le Monde. Oh and of course a dramatique photo of Henri!

 

Vintage blue candy dish! I always have candy on hand!

Sunday in Malibu

In the 'BU (Malibu)

Happy Sunday Ladies! The weather was unseasonably gorgeous this weekend in Los Angeles so my boyfriend and capped off this weekend with a beautiful hike on the Los Liones Trail in Malibu. We love to hike and one of our favorite hikes in Los Angeles is this trail. It has great views of the ocean and on a clear day you can see all the way out to Catalina! One of our traditions from last year that we have carried through into 2013 is to go on a long'ish hike every Sunday. It  really helps to clear the mind and to restart the week on a good, healthy note! On Sundays what to you do to recharge/ set the week off on a good note?
 

LIEBSTER AWARD

The Liebster Award is given to people who have less than 200 followers to help people get to know you & find new blogs to follow! I was nominated by Mary Claire from Les Cuisiniers. Not only is she a fellow francophile and foodie, but her posts are super thoughtful and engaging to boot! I was super flattered to be nominated by her:)

 

THE RULES:

• write 11 facts about yourself
• answer the 11 questions given to you
• create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award
• choose bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate
• go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award
• thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog

FACTS ABOUT ME:

 

1. I am a crazy about animals especially dogs! When I say crazy , I mean I cannot go past a 

    cute dog without running after them to try and pet them! I seriously cry when I see the

    ASPCA commercials and love going to the Zoo. It's true lol!

2. Similar to the above fact, I have a "furson" named Henri, who is a beautiful fawn French

    Bulldog and he makes me so happy on a daily basis.  

3. I am a total francophile , and have been for as long as I can remember. I studied abroad

    in college in Aix en Provence, France and the obsession only intensified

4. I think the best thing you can invest in is travel- I am always saving up for next

    experience!

5. I have lived in Los Angeles, CA for four years now and I love it! The weather is always

    awesome, and there is always something fun to do.(art, shows, shopping, hiking, etc)

6. Being independent, doing things that scare you and trusting yourself are words I try to live

    by

7. I am saving up for latest trip to Paris with a detour to Barcelona this year

8. I have always been fascinated by Russia and Iceland and they are next on my Travel List

9. I am obsessed with Art History and am happy as a clam spending HOURS exploring

    Art Museums, My favorite in the world? Musee D'Orsay in Paris

10. I love to cook with fresh, seasonal ingredients and love exploring Farmer's Markets to

     find the freshest , most interesting ingredients

11. I am obsessed with music and LOVE going to live shows- whether it be classical music

     at the Disney Center or small bands at The Echo

 

 

QUESTIONS FOR ME:

 

1. Why did you start your blog? I wanted something to nourish my ideas and creative thoughts that I felt were always pouring out- and I always loved reading other people's ideas through their blogs
2. What three characteristic best describe you? Independent, Romantic & Happy
3. What is one of your guilty pleasures? Watching Real Housewives on Bravo!
4. Are you an animal person? Why or why not? I am an animal person of the highest degree, I cannot go by a dog without trying to hug it, and animals really do mely my heart into warm caramel:)
5. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Night owl! 
6. What is your favorite book? Anna Karenina. I die!
7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Paris for at least a year!
8. Favorite vacation memory? Scuba diving in Tahiti with my family
9. What is your go-to comfort food? Brie cheese & Champagne!
10. What is your favorite color to wear & why? Blue or green because I think it brings out my eyes, which are highly reflective
11. Are you a socialite or do you prefer staying in? I prefer staying in , but once I get out there I end up having lots of fun. True Gemini.

MY NOMINEES

Lulu from Simply Lulu Style

Brooke from Sharpe's Serindipity

Marika from La Vie C'est Chic

 

QUESTIONS FOR NOMINEES

 

1. What is your favorite thing about blogging?

2. What is your favorite movie?

3. Where have you always wanted to visit outside the United States?

4. Favorite childhood memory?

5. Salty or sweet?

6. What is your star sign/ horoscope?

7. What is your favorite thing to cook or your signature dish?

8. What has been the happiest moment of your life thus far?

9. What has been the most challenging moment/ time of your life thus far?

10. Who is your celebrity crush?

11. Do you have any pets, or if not do you want one and what would it be?

 

 

Thanks ladies!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DECOR INSPIRATION

I have long been thinking about brightening up my apartment with some fresh , bright color.Here are a few decor images that are really inspiring me to infuse some more color into my apartment. I feel like a lot of this items can be created ( like the mirror above) by a trip to the flea market , paint, and a little DIY zest.  I am also a firm believer, displaying your most treasured possesions in an artful way makes the best decor ( as seen in the images below).

 

 



 

 

 



WEEKEND FUN!

Here are a few pictures from this last weekend - I feel like I had a pretty full weekend! I usually like to thoroughly CHILL during the weekend and recharge , but this weekend I felt like I was buzzing from place to place (in a good way!)
I ended the weekend seeing "Zero Dark Thirty" with my boy and my bestie and it was AMAZING! So much so I couldn't sleep last night because I was still excited and I kept thinking about it. I highly recommend it and I am so happy Jessica Chastain won the Best Actress Golden Globe for her role in it


I am not vegan, but the boyfriend suggested this Thai restaurant  for Friday night after eating there a couple of days ago. He is a burger guy - so if he liked it I was definitely up to try it! It was delicious and I felt great afterwords!

Display at my favorite bookstore for Art Books Skylight Books in Los Feliz



Kir Royale & Creme Brulee at Figaro Bistrot

On Saturday I went to Weins Vineyards in Temecula to meet a high school friend for wine tasting! My favorite was the citrus sparkling wine aptly named Amour a L'Orange

Drinks at the Dresden: like you stepped into a lounge from the 40's

Ending the weekend sunbathing indoors with Henri

 

LASH LOVER!!

Okay, lets be real - more like Lash ADDICT! I have always been obsessed with freakishly long and thick lashes- I mean you can never be too thick or too long!
However, being a Lash Lover/ ADDICT means that I am very particular about the nature of this length and thickness. It must be natural looking l- a beautiful fringe of lashes like a jet black curtain of loveliness. No clumpies, crazy false eyelashes, glitter, etc.
 My bestie has phenomenal natural lashes. -I  truly think she has a double layer ( like Liz Taylor) and sometimes I am surprised she can see through them! They are so gorgeous!
Below are my current favorite lash products - and I feel like I have tried EVERYTHING!

Loreal Carbon Black Voluminous Mascara: This is my "everyday" mascara of which I apply one light coat for work everyday. It is the perfect natural, yet super black mascara. It NEVER clumps no matter how old the tube gets which is so impressive for a drugstore mascara

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum: This is my favorite lash maximizer/ or primer for your lashes. When applied under mascara. it gives just the right amount of extra thickness and extends lashes as long as they will go putting product on the very tips that are sometimes missed by mascara. It is also said to nourish and condition lashes - which is always a good thing

Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner: This product has changed my life! It took my lashes from semi short to almost freakishly long territory.It took me about 3 months for me and everyone else to see the change, but it was worth the wait! I am so happy with the length of my lashes now! It doesn't really help with thickness- a little but not a dramatic difference. It was gift from a coworker , but it is a little expensive. However, the tube I have now has lasted me a year!

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes: This is my go to date, dress up mascara. It gives the perfect, truly doll- like lashes. It is light, (but buildable) and the blackest mascara I have ever used. I love how it holds a curl and makes lashes look "fluttery". I mini mascaras so I collect them- I feel like I can get into the corners and really apply mascara in meticulous detail.

Lancome Hypnose Star Show Stopping Volume Mascara: I like to add this mascara on the outer corners for thickness over the Doll for extra drama. It is a great, "non- clumpie thickening mascara. Again , a mini mascara that I just love for getting in the corners

What do lovelies use to get perfect lashes? Do you use false lashes? I love MAC false lashes!

INSTA-LIFE

My goodness! I love me some Instagram! Here are a few pics as of late of my "insta-life":)

My "furson" Henri snuggling into my lap this past weekend

Intelligientsia Coffee & Game of Thrones Book 3= Rainy Day Happiness
If you are looking for a new book I love the Game of Thrones series. Even better than the HBO Show!

Outfit for NYE
Zara blazer & shorts, American Apparel bodysuit, vintage clutch, Forever 21 earrings

Harmless Harvest Raw Coconut Water after a much needed workout!
So delicious! I just tried this variety and it's the best I've ever had!
It is sold at Whole Foods.

 

Trying to feed a squirrel outside my workplace!

In hindsight, this was pretty crazy of me!

 

 

NEW YEAR - NEW INSPIRATION!





I had not been on Pinterest for several months, I guess I got burned out on it from my obsessive days of past. However, I thought a way to start out 2013 with some fresh fashion, decor and beauty inspiration was to do some "pinning". I really wanted to find ways to incorporate what I already have in my closet or house - to reinvent them.  See below for a few pics I pinned: 

 

 

Miranda Kerr in her chiffon blouse (buttoned to the top) , skinnies, high top knot and leopard flats. Great way to interpret basics I already have!

 

 

Vintage Audrey: her make up still looks fresh today.
Love the strong brows and red lip.
This look inspires to wear red lips more often and to put Latisse on my brows(lol)

 

 

Grace Kelly on her Wedding Day
I really want a white or black lace high neck lace bodysuit or shirt

 

 

 

 

I love how this bright floral fabric totally gives a fresh new look to this antique chair.
I love scouring flea markets , and finding unique chairs.
 I think a class on covering furniture is in my future:)
 

 

Nude blouse(check) ~My grandma's vintage turquoise necklace(check)
Gold bracelets and delicate rings(check)
I can't wait to try this look myself!

 

 

 

 

 

PARIS OR BUST!

 

“When good Americans die, they go to Paris.”
― Oscar Wilde

 

 

I feel like I have been channelling my inner Parisian since birth...

I have truly been a francophile for as long as I can remember

I studied French and lived in the South of France (Aix en Provence) in college, a time that I regard as  one of the most life changing periods of my life

Although I do adore the South Of France , Paris is still hands down my favorite city in the world. The first time I saw the Eiffel Tower, (on a trip over from London) it was quite "dramatique"- my eyes immediately started welling up with tears!

This being said I realized last year, I had not been back to Paris for 4 years!

Thus, one of my most serious New Year's Resolutions is to save enough money to get back to my favorite city in the world. I truly feel there is no more rewarding way to spend your money than on travel. Have you guys been to Paris? If so, are you as passionate about as I am ? I feel like quite a bit of people are!

 

Below a few silly pics of me from last trip to Paris:)



   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS!

 

 

 

 

 

Who else is super excited that the GIRLS is coming back on January 13th? It quickly became one of my obsessions last spring along with Game of Thrones and I was so excited to find that it was already coming back on.
In order to be completely prepared for the upcoming season premiere, one of my besties and I are having a GIRLS marathon this Friday. The marathon will include pajama pants, champagne, and as many mini pizza's as we can eat! This as close as I have come to an girly adult sleepover in a long time and am quite excited:)
Have you ladies seen GIRLS? I highly recommend it!

STRUTTING FORWARD INTO 2013!

The Holiday Season seemed to pass in the magical blink of an eye! I hope everyone had a truly lovely New Year's Eve whatever was on the agenda.
In the past, I usually take a very laid back approach to NYE but this year it was really fun to have a night on the town with my beau.
I am all about setting resolutions for the New Year- I feel that anything that promotes self reflection and improvement is a good thing!

Here are my a few of my resolutions for 2013:

Post more frequently on this blog

Continue doing more of the things I just started doing this year but with even more frequency: concerts, theater, and long hikes on Sundays

Save for a trip to Europe

Become more organized and precise in my everyday life

Get back on my workout schedule - 3 to 4 times a week


What are some of your resolutions for 2013?