Books and Bikes

By Melanie

source: wastemylifepretending.onsugar.com

This is the last weekend of winter break before my graphic design classes start again. Spring semester starts this Monday. I'm excited! But I know I'm going to be so busy the next few months.

It looks like the rain will break for this weekend so I'm hoping to go on a nice bike ride on the boardwalk.

source: Davesbikeblog.com

Btw, can anyone recommend a good online printing company? I'm trying to print my card collection on recycled paper and I'm having trouble finding a company that offers a high quality selection of paper.

Have a great Friday! Any plans this weekend?

We interrupt this fashion post...

by Heather

Steve Jobs unveiled the highly anticipated ipad! I can't wait to blog stalk on it!



If you haven't heard Steve Jobs' Standford University commencement speech about pursuing dreams, check it out here -- very interesting and thought-provoking.

Check out this hilarious MadTV sketch which came before the real ipad.


And in other news, Howard Zinn, a historian and activist, passed away yesterday at the age of 87. I found his braveness to think freely and seek truth admirable, along with his ability to inspire people to improve the status quo. I've been reading bits and pieces of his book "People's History of the United States" -- very enlightening and eye-opening.


Fashion posting will resume next week :)

Battling the Winter Blues

By Melanie

source: Allure Magazine

My skin hasn't been cooperating lately. Ugh!

I've always had combo skin with a tendency to break out a little. Not any more (or at least not in the last few months). Now my skin is SUPER dry! How did this happen? I can't even image how my skin would be reacting if I actually lived in cold weather.

Luckily, I found two little secret weapons to help me fight my dry winter skin.


source: Allure.com

1. Cetaphil facial wash


source: Cetaphil.com

This face wash is so gentle yet does a great job at cleaning the skin. What I love about it is that it doesn't leave an oily residue like many face washes for dry skin do. Dermatologists are always recommending it. Plus it's inexepensive and found at the drugstore. Can't beat that!

2. Epicuren Ultra Rose Treat Enzyme moisturizer. I recently bought this and it's helped so much! It's pricey but so worth it. Although there is one thing I dont like about it . The smell. Since it's infused with Bulgarian Rose oil it smells perfumey. But luckily that disappears after a minute or two.

source: beautybazzar.com

Bye bye dry skin!

(Btw just as an FYI, this is strictly my personal recommendation. I was not paid from any of the above companies to promote their product).

If only I was Hilton, instead of a Budget Inn...

by Heather

...I'd be enjoying Melanie's destination wedding celebration in this ensemble, while sipping Sex on the [Mexican] Beach.


Zimmerman bikini

Seventh Wonder crochet dress

Botetega Veneta patterned sunglasses


PrettyFine starfish earrings
Oscar de la Renta's twisted metal headband


Tapeet chain T-bar sandals

Arriba Mexico!

By Melanie

We finally decided on our wedding details. Destination wedding late spring in Riviera Maya, Mexico!

source: blog.destinationweddings.com

I'm so excited! A tropical paradise with turquoise Mexican Caribbean water and white sand at a beautiful relaxed resort with family and close friends. This is my dream wedding. I couldn't ask for more.

I'll be having a beach ceremony and I need the advice of the UH click about my dress.

source: image.priceline.com

I've been in love with this Natalia Watters wedding dress since I came across it months ago. I'm thinking of ordering it.

Do you think this dress matches a beach wedding?

source: style hive

source: once wed

I know that for beach weddings, you're supposed to wear a more casual flowy dress but I think this one will work too. Lace is perfect for Mexico right?

The resort is gorgeous and I noticed while browsing their online photo gallery that other brides were more dressed up.

What do you think? Paired with cute flip flops?

Rain Drops

By Melanie

This week here in So Cal has been chilly, rainy and windy. The rain is crazy! I could barely see out of my car windshield when driving one day! We are not use to having weather!

AND...

source: Elle.com

my hair is a frizz ball! I've worn it back all week.

Rainy weather always makes me want to stay in and watch a movie or sit at a coffee shop with a good book drinking hot chocolate or coffee.

source: Black Book Magazine

Speaking of warm fuzzy drinks, I came across an article about Starbucks on Black Book magazine. The corporation recently announced that they more than tripled their profits in the last quarter of 2009. Hmmm..interesting in a recession. I guess I'm the only one that cut back on soy lattes :) (Actually the real reason is due to more than just coffee junkies but rather job cuts etc.- boo but I still love my starbucks!)

Keep warm, dry and frizz free this weekend!

........and now for the Real Winners.

By Melanie


There were some major style at the Golden Globes this year. I love watching the preview for the award shows and this year did not disappoint (although I have to admit that I never stay tuned for the show...shhh...just between you and me).

Some of the dresses and hairstyles were amazing. I hate to see a beautiful dress and then the hair is a flop. It's the whole package right?

Luckily the gals at the Globe paired some fabulous dresses with equally fabulous hair.

A few stunners:

Sandra Bullock.

I absolutely love the half up, half down hair style. It's just so pretty and stylish.




source: handbag.com

source: Just Jared

Ooh, and that dress! Simply gorgeous!

My second favorite was Penelope Cruz . Her hair looked so elegant and soft.

source: Just Jared

The sexy dress complimented her hair perfectly.

source: people style watch

Diane Kruger's hair was perfect for her dress. Girly and feminine.

source: Just Jared buzz net

source: people style watch

I love the color and style of that dress.

Emily Blunt looked so young and hip. I think this was my favorite dress and I liked how her hair was loose and wavy.

source: people style watch

For the updo's, Drew Barrymore sported a lovely frech twist. She looked so polished.

source: handbag.com

This traditional hair style really balanced her creative dress. What an interesting shoulder strap and waist accessory.

source: Just Jared

These women really kept it together. Even in the rain!

Show And Tell

By Melanie

I had a great birthday! Below are some of the highlights.


Little lamb slippers from my Mom. I first I thought they were little bunnies. So cute and warm! She gave me the some great gifts.


Cupcake galore from my bf! Such yummy flavors! I think the red velvet is my favorite!

Dinner out with my bf.

Unfortunately on Sunday (the day of my bday) I wasn't feeling that great so I didn't go to the movies. My sister came by to hang out and gave me the best present. She made me a beautiful neclace. The perks of having a talented jewelry designer as a sister! I'm going to take a photo of it when I wear it this week.

I hope you had a nice weekend too!

Can I get a Woo hoo!

By Melanie

It's my birthday on Sunday!

source: W Magazine

I'm looking forward to a nice dinner with my bf .... and maybe some cupcakes!

On Sunday, my sister and a few girlfriends are going to see the movie Leap Year. Can't wait! Has anyone seen it yet?

Have a great weekend!

Lookbook: Tree Hugger

by Heather
I spotted this incredible tree walking to the ocean over the weekend -- so much texture and character. And a perfect place for me to rest. My boyfriend and I ended up walking over 2 hours throughout Santa Monica. We had lunch at Amelia's on Main Street, walked barefoot on the sand, and played around on the pier. It was a beautiful day.

Of course I wasn't wearing this ensemble, we went back Sunday to shoot some photos.




(click on photos to enlarge)

Vintage sweater dress; Tassel necklace from PrettyFine Jewelry; Studded belt from some random shop on main street SM (also seen here); Italian boots from Loehmann's bought several years ago.

Sexy Fun Campaign

By Melanie

Since I was just in love with Sonia Rykiel's wedding dresses on Monday's post, I can't help but blog about her amazing debut for her lingerie line at H&M in France.

It's so unique and fun!

Love her wild hair with the little hair accessorie. Is that a hat? How cute!

photos source: daily mail uk

I love this chandelier!

The preview for the collection debuted under a specially made Eiffel Tower.

source: Mamas Rolling Stone

I just love the set. How creative!

So feminine

By Melanie

After going to my cousin's wedding, I caught the wedding bug again. I've been spending way too much time on wedding blogs! I'm in love with Sonia Rykiel's chiffon wedding dresses.

source: ilovelolliblog blog

source: A Brides Guide To Chic blog

Isn't it so ethereal?

source: ilovelolliblog

I love the butterflies in the model's hair (sorry I couldn't get the photo to appear bigger but you can see the large one on ilovelolliblog).

I could picture this dress for a daytime blush colored theme garden wedding. So pretty!

Happiness

By Melanie

source: manequin photo by Luxe

I've been reading a lot lately about what makes someone happy. I've always been intrigued by what makes people tick. I think I can sum up the answers I've found to "living life". Breaking out of your comfort zone, growing, cultivating relationships and staying active.

This totally makes sense because this past summer in Vegas (little weekend vacay) at the pool I decided to join my sister and cousin for a ride down the twirling water slide. Typically this is NOT me for fear of messing up my hair or lip gloss. I'm more of a relax on the lounge chair type. haha. But after I went down this slide, I felt so good. Not just because the slide was fun (it of course was such a blast), but rather because I tried something I normally don't do. This made me happy.

This weekend will bring lots of happiness. I have a birthday party to go to tonight, some hiking scheduled and excited to hang some new drapes living room/dining area. I bought them awhile ago but have been waiting until my bf can help put them up. I can't wait!

Weekly Looky Lou:

• Brazen Careerist by Penelope Trunk - Happiness post. She's right on about optimism. I am truly addicted to this blog. Such great insight and advice.

• Erin hearts court - Wedding post. This photographer posts the prettiest and most creative wedding photos ever! Even if you are not into weddings I swear you will enjoy these photos. Plus this couple is so gorgeous and cool.
  
• Dirty Blonde - A Tea Party post!

What makes you happy?

What Big Eyes You Have

By Melanie

The last day and night of our Miami vacay was spent at the Mondrian Hotel. My fiance booked this room as part of my Christmas present so we could enjoy a day relaxing and getting a tan at a posh pool. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate with this. Too cold! But we did enjoy our time there anyway.

The Mondrian is so stylish and glamorous. I loved the decor! But we didn't understand the theme of the girl's face everywhere. Kinda creeped us out.

Here she is on the lobby wall. Kinda cool looking though.

And again in the room.

We felt like she was watching us!

But other than that the room was so gorgeous!

I love white fluffy bedding and the wall paper is so hip.

Chandeliers are my favorite!

Bright yellow furniture. So fun!

There was a huge beautiful staircase in the lobby by the bar.

source: trip advisor

And the best part of the hotel of course was the pool!

source: trip advisor

So stylin!

Although we didn't get to enjoy it in our bikinis, we did lounge for awhile in our clothes.

Miami was such a fun place to visit. I recommend to go there at least once. But go when it's hot.