Yellow Floral Cami Midi Dress

April 15, 2019

WEARING: YELLOW FLORAL CAMI MIDI DRESS | LIME GREEN CARDIGAN | YELLOW O-RING BAG | WHITE SANDALS

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY EGO & NOBODY’S CHILD BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Can’t say mine was too sweet… had a terrible allergic reaction in one of my eyes where I’ve looked like Quasimodo for the past few days. It looks awful, I won’t even do stories. It’s been fun telling everyone my hubby clocked me. Ha ha! Kidding aside, it’s brought a little bit of stress on deadlines (especially beauty campaigns) but all will be well. One step at a time, and it’s okay to slow down when you are not well. Plus, GoT came back on so I’m complaining about that! I’m still on the mend - my theory is it’s either a bug bite or a very bad reaction to a questionable mascara. Other than that, you got me. So today’s post is light and simple - a beautiful airy yellow cami midi dress for spring/summer that’s a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. Plus, it’s under $50 and you can style it in so many ways for several seasons! Continue reading to see more of the dress and how I styled it for spring.

Refresh your wardrobe with casual cool essentials by London brand Nobody's Child. Think tomboy meets girly-girl, as seasonal styles – including crop tops, jumpsuits and day dresses - are revamped in punchy prints and new shapes. This plisse midi cami dress in ditsy floral can be found at ASOS for those that are in the U.S. You can get it for less than $50 here and here. I styled it with a long green cardigan and layer with a white shirt because it was still chilly when we shot this last week.

With a chunky cleated sole and bold buckle detail, these are the hottest sandals to be seen in this coming season. Pair with denim cutoffs and a cropped cami for beachy vibes or slip on with a floaty mini dress to toughen up your look. I thought it went really well with what I had on, keeping a nice juxtaposition of hard and soft feel here. And these white platform sandals are a dream to walk in - like clouds on your feet! I think they’ll look cute in socks for chillier days too, so I’m sure you’ll see these sandals make a reappearance at some point.

The classic and original design of the seamless O ring handle, this unique clutch is the representation of designer’s idea of style. A fun, quirky design with high quality material that you can use in your everyday life. The size is perfect for all the essentials you need. It is fashionable and can still easily match any of your style and fit in any occasion. Unfortunately it’s sold out, but I found one yellow o-ring bag on Etsy for sale! Hope you enjoyed this playful spring look on the blog today! Feel free to drop your thoughts down in the comment section below! Have a wonderful week. :)

LOVE & XX’S,

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5 WAYS TO WEAR YOUR HERMÈS SCARF

April 12, 2019

Happy Friday! For my birthday this year, my husband gifted me an accessory I’ve been wanting for quite sometime: An Hermès carre scarf. Timeless, classic, utter perfection. The story behind the scarf: Artist Pierre Marie pays tribute to the "Les Amoureux de Paris" scarf, designed by Maurice Tranchant in the 1950s, on which several famous couples silhouette against a map of the City of Light. A marriage proposal on the Right Bank, a couple dancing on the Left Bank, love is alive on both sides of the Seine in Paris, the most romantic of cities. A jogging couple head for the Tuileries Garden, two cyclists embrace near the Madeleine church, a pair of skateboarders meet up in the Quai de la Gare quarter. The new interpretation is illustrated by contemporary lovers, straight out of everyday life. It holds such a beautiful message on top of such a beautiful piece. And what I love most about this scarf is its versatile abilities when it comes to styling. The possibilities are endless. Which is why in today’s post, I’m really excited to be sharing 5 different ways to wear your Hermès scarf! I could have worn it in so many other ways with this particular piece, but I chose to go with styles that I’d wear often, are practical and chic. Continue reading to see how you can achieve the looks along with where to get this beautiful scarf!

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THE CLASSIC HEADSCARF

Head scarves can be dressy and classic - think Princess Grace of Monaco or Audrey Hepburn - or sporty and casual... and an excellent solution to 'bad hair' days! I tied it in the front under my chin here but you can also try crossing the ends of the scarf under your chin, then take them round to the back (or side) of your neck and tie them. Pair it with some sunnies for the French Riviera look!

THE HEAD WRAP

A street smart update on the classic headscarf. I actually refer this the pirate/painter way as these are the types of people wearing the scarf as such, lol. Fold your scarf into a triangle and drape it over your head with the long edge of the triangle across your forehead. Take the two ends back across the sides of your head and tie at the back in a square knot.

THE BELT WRAP

Tie the silk scarf around your waist, swap ends to the opposite hand, then tie at the back to secure. It instantly adds a pop of color and pattern and is an unexpected detail that can totally make a basic outfit look so much more polished and stylish. Wrap it through your belt loops and knot it in front, or wrap it around your waist to carve out your shape in a billowy dress or top. So easy, so chic.

THE PONYTAIL WRAP

A glamorous way to accessorize a simple ponytail. A ponytail is not just a ponytail when accented with a beautiful scarf! This style can employ either an along-the-length folded oblong scarf or a square scarf in a bias-band fold.Fold your scarf on the bias, then wrap it twice around your ponytail, finishing with a square knot. For a very dressy look for evening, tie the ends in a big bow!

STANDARD SCARF WRAP

I could have shown the Lady Lavallière - silk ties for the butterfly effect. (Looks like a huge bow) but I could not see myself wearing it this way as every day use. So I went with the standard scarf wrap, except I kept the triangle end unfolded to create a little more flair to something that is quite traditional. What do you think? You can also styles scarves around handbags, wrists, tops and so much more.

LOVE & XX’S,

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My 10 Favorite Elton John Songs

March 28, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY SNIDEL & BEATRICE B ITALIA, BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Last month as a very late Valentine’s Day present (since I was away in London for Fashion Week), my husband fulfilled one of my lifelong dreams: to see Elton John live in concert playing some of my all-time favorite songs. Needless to say, he played everyone of my favorites except for one, but something tells me that I’ll be able to gone on without it like that ;) It really was everything and more, nothing really compares to his magnetism on stage. Why do I love this artist so much? Well, what’s central to the brilliance of Elton John’s art are the contradictions within the man. (We also almost have the same birthday, mine’s the 24th of March and his the day after.) He can kill you with the beauty of a tender ballad, then switch over with an intense blast of filthy rock and roll. He can dedicate decades of work to defeating AIDS, then engage in a public catfights with other celebrities through the gossip columns. So without further ado, here are (in no particular order) my top 10 favorite Elton John songs!

1. THE BITCH IS BACK!

One of Elton John's best hard rock cuts, this song was banned on several radio stations, in the United States and elsewhere, due to the use of the word "bitch". “The Bitch Is Back” is a rousing rocker from John that doesn’t pull any punches with its feisty lyrics. The high-energy horns, female backup vocals and the clanging guitars are some of the best parts of the song. “The Bitch Is Back” (also from Caribou) was banned by some U.S. radio stations, but that didn’t stop the song from becoming a No. 4 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. CROCODILE ROCK

Sometimes it’s an artist’s slightest work that maintains the greatest staying power. Which is not to say "Crocodile Rock" isn’t a terrific tune; just that its aspirations are small. It’s a song from the '70s that’s a pastiche and homage to all the '50s rock, pop, and doo wop that Elton John and his peers grew up on. From that perspective, it’s a rung or two above Sha Na Na. Here the devil’s in the details, like the whirligig organ that floats above Elton’s central piano riff, or the ascending guitar lines that underpin the chorus. Roger Ebert said that great parody becomes that which it parodies, which is a high-falutin’ way of saying that on 'Crocodile Rock,' Elton didn’t just imitate his idols; he equaled them.

3. I’M STILL STANDING

Although it’s not quite fair, the eighties seem to be regarded as a “lost decade” for Elton John, at least when it comes to critical appreciation. Outside of his 1989 Sleeping With The Past album (the first produced after his recovery from drug addiction) and 1983’s Too Low For Zero, the decade yielded plenty of hits for Elton, but few of them memorable. (The less said about "Wrap Her Up," his campy duet with George Michael, the better.) Too Low, yielded our No. 9 Elton John song selection and this propulsive rocker, a staple of Elton’s live shows and another iconic song that has come to define the singer’s public persona. Weaving effortlessly between genres, "I’m Still Standing" is somehow both a full-out rocker and completely danceable, the wailing electric guitar and searing synth meshing with a bouncing bass line that’s almost disco-esque.

4. TINY DANCER

It may have been immortalized by writer/director Cameron Crowe in Almost Famous, but for Elton John fans, "Tiny Dancer" has always been an undisputed classic. It starts with that simple, beautiful opening piano riff, like the tinkling tune of a music box, and builds effortlessly into a full, warm sound – a chorus of voices, a relaxed acoustic guitar, Elton’s piano weaving its way around every note. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics for his girlfriend at the time, and surely her face is lost to the mists of history; it’s the unforgettable images in his words, her dancing in the sand and those Jesus freaks "handing tickets out for God" that will endure.

5. GOODBYE, YELLOW BRICK ROAD

You could write an entire separate piece ranking Elton John’s '70s albums, but one looms large above the others, if only by size and the weight of its many iconic songs: "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." If Elton John and Bernie Taupin have created a magnum opus, this may very well be it. While Elton and his band hopscotch through the entire history of American popular music, Bernie crafts evocative words that look ever backward with nostalgia, wit, and occasional anger. This title cut captures those themes perfectly with the tale of a green young farmboy who finds himself trapped in the orbit of a world weary, powerful figure. There’s something almost Spector-esque about the sound Elton and his band achieve on this track, adding an extra halo of wistful yearning to the song.

6. YOUR SONG

“Your Song” (from John’s 1970 self-titled second album) was his first breakthrough hit around the world, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Your Song” is a simple, beautiful ballad that can apply to all kinds of love. It’s no wonder that it’s still one of the most-covered Elton John songs of all-time. And yes, I get teary-eyed every time I listen to it! A true gem.

7. ROCKETMAN

Harry Nilsson did it with "Spaceman," David Bowie did it with "Space Oddity," and Elton John did it with "Rocket Man." Each song as about the new-at-the-time phenomenon of men actually climbing aboard giant machines and soaring upward beyond the veil. But while the other songs zero in on the strangeness of space travel, only Elton John and Bernie Taupin manage to capture the underlying sadness of drifting alone above Earth, so far from family and friends, looking back at a massive turquoise orb that just grows smaller as you float away. It’s that emotional undercurrent, that human element, that Elton and Bernie so often discover, and that makes their greatest songs so great.

8. DON’T LET THE SUN GO DOWN ON ME

It's mushy and a little maudlin -- but it's great, too, a dynamic gem that unfolds and builds to epic, horn-drenched proportions over its five and a half minutes. And it's hard to beat a backing vocal choir that includes Beach Boys Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston, Toni Tennille and Billy Hinsche.

9. I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT THE BLUES

Featuring guest harmonica from Stevie Wonder, "I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues" finds Elton John delivering a warm slice of '80s mid-tempo pop, aided and abetted by his own down and dirty piano skills. The man’s one of music’s greatest balladeers, but this is something different; this may be the closest he’s ever come to the straightforward soul music that’s one of his many influences.

10. I DON’T WANNA GO ON WITH YOU LIKE THAT

The lead single from 1988's Reg Strikes Back is taut, spare and propulsive, with some of the most inspired piano playing we'd heard from John in quite some time. The song describes someone ending a relationship due to not feeling exclusive and important to their partner. The song was regularly played by John in concert during the 1990s, before he retired it in 2000… which is why this is the only song I did not hear play at his concert! A great break-up song, all about remaining strong!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Magenta and White

March 12, 2019

Coming at you with a double blog post from yesterday and today! Feeling hella inspired, more than usual, as if things are finally coming full circle and it’s really starting to make a lot of sense! I'm cooking up a storm in terms of creative content - so please keep your eyes peeled for special projects coming up this year. I can’t wait! Today’s post is a casual chic pant suit with a sporty twist. I’m also playing on a mixture of fabrics along with a simple, yet uber cool and trendy hair style. Who else is a hair clip fanatic like myself? I have to refrain myself from entering stores supplying these because I’d be hoarding them around all over the city, ha ha! This outfit is perfect for Easter Sunday (if you’re slightly a rebel and aren’t a prissy gal) a brunch date with the girls, or even a museum date with your man. It’s screams spring, but not in a corny way. Come take a look! :)

Would you believe this flower hair clip was from 2010 and for one of my dear friend’s wedding? I was one of her bridesmaids and wore it for the occasion - and even after almost ten years after, I still like to wear it from time to time. It’s kind of bridal hair wear, but I kept my hair with unpolished, tousled curls to help balance the modern parts to it. I was going to style it with more bobby pins, but felt it did just fine all on its own. Of course, I can’t find the exact piece as they’re no longer in stock, but below are an assortment of hair accessories similar to this style!

I played on different fabrics when it came to the pant suit. Most pant suits come as a set, but I mixed and match the whites. The white blazer is texturized with pearl detail at the pocket. The white paper-bag pants are made of a cotton and linen blend. I could also totally wear these pants on the beach, but as you can see, they’re also quite practical for this casual pantsuit look. The other main color aside from white that went into this outfit is magenta, with the velvet top and athletic sneaker.

What’s your favorite part of this look? Are you a fan of mixing fabrics like myself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s post! For more spring outfits and beauty favorites, along with more editorial work geared up for the future, subscribe to my blog to stay up to date with everything! You can also follow me on Instagram, which I’m rather on frequently ;) Wishing you a great rest of the week! Happy (almost) Spring!

LOVE & XX’S,

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Stars and Stripes

February 21, 2019

WEARING: STRIPED MAXI SWEATER DRESS | TRIANGLE CLUTCH | BLACK SOCK BOOTS | STARS HAIR CLIP

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GEEGEEBAE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Happy Thursday, everyone! I’ve been back from London a couple of days ago, and it’s been nonstop work straight off the plane again, with a little sickness (respiratory infection of sorts w/ a ‘fun’ raspy voice) and complete exhaustion. But still trudging through and getting it done because that’s the way it is around here! Today’s post is dedicated to the teasing springlike weather, and as many of you I’m sure, just like myself, are itching to take those heavy winter coats off! But with transitional weather right now, it’s still not quite time for that, so our wardrobe needs something in between. How about a gorgeous striped maxi sweater dress? Continue reading to learn more about how I styled this particular piece, where to shop and more of what’s to come on M + S!

Who says you can’t wear your stars and stripes before the Fourth of July? And it doesn’t have to be in red, white and blue either. I love mixing prints, in which case, this is more about mixing materials and textures, but still falls in the category lines of it. I’ve been growing my bangs out since I grew tired of the maintenance it took with them. So with the latest hair trend, everything clips, barrettes, etc; I took the liberty in styling my hair with a single hair piece, amongst them the stars. I wore the stars hair clip the opposite way to have the dangling star on my upper face, to give it a ‘Rainbow Brite’ kind of vibe with the candy-colored striped maxi sweater dress.

The striped maxi sweater dress features an off-the-shoulder long bishop sleeves with ribbed cuffs, ribbed fold-over neckline, and double patch pockets. It’s the perfect dress for pre-spring. On warmer days you can wear it by itself (with perhaps some thermo wear underneath) and on those chillier days, top it with a trench or warmer oversized coat and you’ll look stylish both ways! I think it would pair nice with a powder blue or a khaki color, what kind of coat would you wear with this dress?

To elongate my height with the long maxi dress, I opted for black sock boots with a high heel. Other accessories with this look is the green triangle clutch and pink lippie. I’m not much of a pink girl, but it’s the most frequent color I’ve been wearing on my lips the past six months! I’ve been using Lime Crime’s lip liners and they’re absolutely the best I’ve ever tried in the business. They’re even smudge-proof, which is always a plus for someone like me who’s running around town and doesn’t like to touch up my makeup that much during the day. Because with good makeup, you won’t need to do much touch-ups!

I hope you guys enjoyed this outfit today! Still to come on the blog later this week, my recap of NYFW shows, LFW shows and LFW outfits. Not the mention my February beauty favorites which there are a ton this month (alas, the life behind a beauty product junkie ha ha!) We are also stirring the pot for more interesting content for this year, but these will take a lot of time so please be patient! I will announce more news as it comes sooner into the limelight. If you’re an avid reader of M + S, we’d love to hear from you! What would you like to see more of this year? Anything we’re not covering that you think we should? Drop those suggestions/comments down in the section below! See you guys soon. :)